amadis of gaul

7/25/2019 Amadis of Gaul

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Amadis of Gaul,

by

VASCO LOBEIRA.

IN FOUR VOLUMES.

VOL. II.

LONDON:

!i"#$d by N. Bi%%s, C!a"$&'ou!#, Fl$$#&s#!$$#,

FOR (. N. LONGMAN AND O. REES, A(ERNOS(ER

RO).

*+-.


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AMADIS of GAUL.

Book the First.

CHAPTER 36.

Amadis and Galaor were within two leagues of London when they saw Ardian

the Dwarf coming towards them as fast as horse could gallop. Never trust me,quoth Amadis, if he comes not with the news of some great mishap to seek us.

Presently the Dwarf came up and related all his tidings, and how riana was

carried away. !oly "ary, help me# cried Amadis$ which way did they take her%&

'y the city is the nearest road. Amadis immediately spurred his horse, and

gallopped amain towards London, so confounded with the terror of this news that

he never spoke word to Galaor, who followed him full speed. (hey passed close )y

the town without stopping a minute, only Amadis enquired of all he saw which way

the Princess had )een taken* )ut as Gandalin passed under the windows where the

+ueen and -her Ladies were, the +ueen called him, and threw the /ing0s sword to

him, which was the )est sword that ever /night girded on* take it to your "aster,

quoth she, and God speed him with it# and tell Galaor that the /ing went from

hence with a Damsel this morning, and is not yet returned, and we know not where

she has led him. Gandalin took the sword and rode as fast as he could after Amadis,

who coming to a )rook missed the )ridge in his hurry, and forcing the horse to leap

the tired animal fell short into the mud* then Gandalin came up to him and gave

him the sword, and the horse which he himself rode. Presently they turned aside

from the road to follow the track of horsemen, and there they saw some woodmen,who asked them if they came from London, for if a /night and a Damsel )e

missing there, said they, we have seen an adventure* and then they told them what

they had )eheld. 1ho is it that has taken them% quoth Amadis* for he knew it was

Lisuarte )y the description. (hey answered, the Damsel who led the /night here

called loudly for Arcalaus. Lord God# quoth Amadis$ let me )ut find that traitor#&

(he woodmen then told them how the party had separated, and said that one of the

five /nights who went with the Damsel was the )iggest /night they had ever seen.

Amadis knew that that was 2Arcalaus* and )idding Galaor follow where the /ingwent, he spurred on after riana. 'y sunset the horse could carry him no farther,


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and he )eing greatly distressed, saw a little to the right of the road a /night lying

dead, and a 3quire )y him holding his horse. 1ho slew that /night% cried Amadis.

A traitor that passed )y, carrying the fairest Damsel in the world )y force, and he

slew my master only for asking who they were, and here is no one to help me to

remove the )ody.&"y 3quire shall help you$ give me your master0s horse$ 4promise to give you two )etter in return. !e told Gandalin to follow him after the

)ody was disposed of, and gallopped on. (owards day5)reak he came to a

hermitage in a valley, and asked the !ermit if he had seen five /nights pass

carrying with them two Damsels% Do you see yonder castle% he replied$ my

nephew tells me that Arcalaus the 6nchanter is lodged there, and with him two fair

Damsels whom he hath taken )y violence. 'y God the very villain whom 4 seek#&

!e hath done much evil in this land, replied the !ermit. God remove him, or mend

him#&(hen Amadis asked him if he had any )arley for his horse* and, while thehorse was feeding, enquired who was the Lord of the castle. Grumen, said the good

man, cousin to Dardan who was slain in Lisuarte0s 7court, and therefore the /ing0s

enemies put up there. Now God )e with you, father# quoth Amadis* 4 )eseech you

remem)er me in your prayers# which way to the castle%&Amadis followed the path

which the good man had pointed out, and came up to it, and saw that the wall was

high and the towers strong. !e listened and could hear no sound within, and that

pleased him, for he knew that Arcalaus was not gone forth* and he rode round, and

saw that it had only one issue. (hen he retired among some crags, and,

dismounting, stood holding the )ridle, and with his eyes fi8ed upon the gate, like

one who had no will to sleep. 'y this the morning )roke, and he removed farther

across a valley to a hill that was well wooded, for he feared that if those of the

castle saw him they would suspect there were others at hand, and therefore not

come out. Presently the gate opened, and a /night came out, and went to a high

eminence and looked all round* then returned into the castle. 4t was not long )efore

he saw Arcalaus and his four companions come out, all well armed, and among

them riana. Ah, God# quoth he, now and for ever help me in her defence# (hey

drew near him, and he heard riana say, Dear friend, 4 shall never see thee more,for 4 go to my death. (he tears came 9into his eyes* he descended the hill as fast as

he could, and came after them into a great plain, and then cried, Arcalaus# traitor# it

)ecomes not one like thee to carry away so e8cellent a Lady# riana knew the

voice, and shook all over* )ut Arcalaus and the others ran at him. !e took his aim at

Arcalaus, and )ore him right over the crupper* then turned his horse and smote at

Grumen, so that the point and part of the stave of the spear came out at his )ack,

and he fell down dead, and the spear )roke in him. (hen he drew the /ing0s sword,

and laid a)out with such rage and violence, and felt such strength in himself, thathe thought if the whole plain were full of /nights they could not stand )efore him.


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1e are succoured# quoth the Damsel of Denmark$ it is the fortunate /night# look at

the wonders he performeth# Ah God protect thee, dear friend# cried riana$ none

other in the world can save us. (he 3quire who had her in his keeping seeing what

had passed, cried out, :ertes 4 shall not wait till those )lows come upon my head

which shields and helmets cannot resist# and he put the princess down, and rode offfull speed. 'y this Amadis had cut thro0 the arm of another, and sent him away

howling with the agony of death* and he cleft a third down to the neck. (he fourth

)egan to fly, and ;Amadis was after him, when he heard his Lady cry* and looking

round, saw that Arcalaus had mounted again, and was dragging her up )y the arm.

Amadis soon came up to them, and lifting up his sword dared not put forth his

strength lest he should slay )oth, )ut with a half5)low he smote him on the

shoulder, and cut away part of the cuirass and the skin* then Arcalaus let riana

fall, that he might escape the )etter. (urn, Arcalaus, cried Amadis, and see if 4 )edead as thou hast reported# )ut he in fear of death spurred on, and threw his shield

from off his neck for speed. (he )low made at him


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coming on very hot, let us sleep here till it )e cooler, and meantime Gandalin shall

go )ring us food from the >town. !e may go, replied riana, )ut who will give

him food%&(hey will give it him for his horse, which he may leave in pledge, and

return on foot. No$ said riana, let him take my ring, which was never )efore so

useful$ and she gave it to Gandalin, who, as he went )y Amadis, said to him, hewho loses a good opportunity, 3ir, must wait long )efore he find another. riana

laid herself down upon the Damsel0s cloak, while Amadis disarmed, of which he

had great need, and the Damsel retired farther among the trees to sleep. (hen was

his Lady in his power, nothing loth* and the fairest Damsel in the world )ecame a

1oman. ?et was their love encreased there)y, as pure and true love alway is.

1hen Galaor returned, the Damsel prepared the food* and, though they had

neither many serving5men, nor vessels of gold and silver, yet was that a sweet meal

upon the green grass in the forest.

@

CHAPTER 37.

Galaor rode on after the /ing so fast as his horse could carry him* still following

the track of the horsemen. A)out vespers he met a /night who cried out to him,

whither so fast% stop and tell me# 4 have no time, quoth he.&'y 3t. "ary, you pass

not so# tell me, or fight me# 'ut Galaor still rode on.&:ertes, /night, cried the

stranger, you have committed some villainy that you fly so fast$ defend yourself#

Galaor turned as if to meet him in his career, )ut de8terously moved aside, so that

the /night0s horse in his speed carried him a good way on. Ah, coward# cried the

/night, when at last he turned, thou shalt answer me or die# and he ran at him again

full tilt. Again Galaor avoided the encounter, and rode on as fast as he could. 1hen

the /night saw him far )efore, he said, as God shall help me, he shall not escape

so# and knowing the country well, heBstruck across )y a nearer way, and took

possession of a pass. Caint5hearted coward# quoth he, chuse now of three things$

fight, or turn )ack, or answer me# 4 like neither, replied Galaor, and you are

discourteous$ if you want to know why 4 go so fast, follow me and see* 4 should

lose time in telling you, and you would not )elieve me, it is for so great an evil. (he

/night answered, 4n God0s name then go on, and 4 will follow thee though for thesethree days.


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4n a)out half a league0s time they saw one /night running after his horse, and

another gallopping away from him. !e who was with Galaor knew him on foot, for

he was his cousin, and he caught the horse for him, and asked him, how is this% !e

replied, 4 was riding along thinking upon you know what, when that /night yonder

gave me such a thrust on my shield that the horse fell upon his knees and threw me.4 drew my sword, and called to him to do )attle* )ut he only cried out, remem)er to

answer another time when you are spoken to# and so he rode away. 'y my faith in

God, let us follow him, and see you how 4 will avenge myself. 4 cannot, said his

cousin, now, for 4 must keep this /night company for three days* and then he

related what had )efallen him with Galaor. +uoth the other, certes either he is

the greatest coward in the world, or he goes upon some great adventure$ 4 will

forego my own vengeance to see the end of this. 'y this Galaor was far )efore

them, for he did not tarry a whit, and they rode after him. 4t was now drawingtowards night. Galaor entered a forest, and soon lost the track, for it was dark, so

that he knew not which way to take. (hen he )egan to pray to God to guide him

that he might )e the first to succour the /ing* and thinking that those horsemen

might have led the /ing apart from the road to rest themselves, he went along the

)ottoms listening every where if he might hear them. (he /nights thinking he had

kept the road, rode straight forward a)out a league till they came through the forest,

and not seeing him there they imagined he had hidden himself, and they turned

aside to lodge in the house of a Dame hard )y.

1hen Galaor had searched the forest throughout, and found nothing, he resolved

to proceed, and ascend some eminence the ne8t day to look a)out. 3o recovering

the road, he went on till he came into the open country, and there he saw )efore him

in a valley a little fire. (hither he went* it was some forgemen, and they seeing him

come -among them in arms, took up lances and hatchets to defend themselves*

)ut he )idding them not fear, )esought them to give him some )arley for his horse.

(he which they did, and he gave the )east his supper. (hey would have given him

also to eat, )ut he would not* only he lay down to sleep, requesting them to wakehim )efore day5)reak. (he night was two parts gone, and Galaor lay down )y the

fire, completely armed. At dawn he rose, for he had not slept much for pure

ve8ation, and, commending them to God, he took his leave. !is 3quire had not

)een a)le to keep pace with him, and thenceforth he vowed if God prospered him,

to give his 3quire the )etter horse. 3o he rode to a high hill, and from thence )egan

to look all round him.

(he two cousins had now left the Lady0s house, and it )eing now day they saw

Galaor on the eminence, and knowing him )y his shield rode towards him. As they


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drew nigh they saw him descend the hill as fast as horse could carry him. :ertes,

quoth the one, he is flying and concealing himself for some mischief$ if 4 come up

with him, God never help me if 4 do not learn from him what he hath deserved. 'ut

Galaor, thinking nothing of them, had


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what had happened* and they took off their helmets, and knelt )efore him. !e

raised them up, saying, 'y my God, friends, you have succoured me in time# great

wrong, Don Guilan, hath your mistress done me in withdrawing you from my

company, and for your sake 4 lose Ladasin also. Guilan was ashamed at these

words, and his cheeks crimsoned, for he loved the Dutchess of 'ristol and sheloved him, and the Duke always suspected it was he who had entered his castle

when Galaor was there.

Galaor had now taken the chain from Lisuarte, and fastened it round the cousin

of Arcalaus* they took the horses of the dead, one for the /ing, and one for Galaor,

and rode towards London. (hey halted at the dwelling of Ladasin, and there found

Galaor0s 3quire and Ardian the Dwarf, who thought his master had taken that way.

A 3quire was sent forthwith to inform the +ueen of Lisuarte0s safety. (hey rested

that night* and, as they set forth on ;the morning, their prisoners confessed how

all that had passed had )een concerted with 'arsinan, that he might make himself

/ing of Great 'ritain* which, when Lisuarte heard, he spurred on in greater haste.

=

CHAPTER 38.

(he woodmen had carried the news of Lisuarte0s imprisonment to London*

immediately there was a great stir in the city$ the /nights all ran to horse, and

gallopped to his rescue, so that the whole plain seemed full of them. /ing Ar)an of

North 1ales was talking with the +ueen, when his 3quires )rought him horse and

arms, and a Page said to him, arm yourself, 3ir# what are you doing% there is not a

/night of all the /ing0s company, e8cept yourself, who is not gone full speed to the

forest. And why% quoth Ar)an.&'ecause they say ten /nights are carrying away

the /ing prisoner. !oly "ary# e8claimed the +ueen* 4 always feared this# and she

fell down in a swoon. Ar)an left her to the care of her Ladies, all making loud

lamentation, and armed himself. As he was mounting, he heard a great cry that the

(ower was taken. !oly "ary# >quoth he, we are all )etrayed# and then he knew

he must not leave the +ueen. 'y this time there was such an uproar in the town, as

if all the people of the world were there. Ar)an drew up his two hundred /nights

)efore the +ueen0s palace, and sent two of them to discover the cause of the tumult.(hey went to the (ower, and saw that 'arsinan had got possession of it, and was


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killing some and throwing others from the walls, for he had si8 hundred /nights

with him, )esides footmen, and the /ing0s /nights suspecting nothing had all gone

to their master0s rescue. (he townsmen hearing this, ran all armed as they could in

haste to the +ueen0s palace, and there also 'arsinan went that he might take her,

and get possession of the crown and throne. 1hen he arrived he found Ar)an readyfor defence. Ar)an, quoth he, you have hitherto )een the wisest /night of a young

man that has )een known$ see now that you lose not your wisdom. 1hy do you say

this% cried Ar)an.&'ecause )efore five days end Lisuarte0s head will )e sent me,

and there is no other in this land who can and ought to )e /ing e8cept myself, and

/ing 4 will )e# 4 give you the kingdom of North 1ales which you now hold,

)ecause you are a good /night and wise$ so retire now, and let me take the crown

and throne, for whosoever @opposes me shall lose his head. illain and (raitor#

quoth Ar)an* and then )egan a sharp conflict, wherein many were slain, whichlasted till night, for the streets )eing narrow 'arsinan could not avail himself of his

num)ers, and /ing Ar)an so )ehaved himself that he that day saved the +ueen.

At night )oth parties retired$ the +ueen then sent for Ar)an* he went to her

armed as he was, and wounded in many places, and, when he came )efore her, took

off his )attered helmet. (here were five wounds in his face and neck, and his

countenance was all )loody* )ut it seemed a )eautiful face to those who, under

God, thought him their protector. 'ut the +ueen seeing him, wept aloud with great

pity$ Ah, good nephew, God defend thee# what will )ecome of the /ing% and what

will )ecome of us% f him, quoth Ar)an, we shall have good news* for ourselves,

fear nothing from these traitors$ your vassals who are with me can defend

themselves in their great loyalty.&'ut, Nephew, you are not in a state to )ear arms,

and what can the others do without you%&Cear not, Lady, so long as life is in me 4

shall not forsake my arms.

-B

'arsinan, who found his people had need of rest, took twenty /nights with him

in the morning, and went to a post which Ar)an0s !igh 3teward kept. (hey at the

)arrier took their arms to defend themselves, )ut 'arsinan cried out that he came to

speak with them, and make a truce till noon* to which Ar)an, )eing advised thereof,

assented willingly, for the most part of his company had )een so hardly handled

that they could not )ear arms. 'arsinan then went to Ar)an, and said he would

make a truce for five days. Agreed, said Ar)an, )ut provided that you shall not

attempt to take any thing in the town* and that if the /ing comes, we immediately

act as he may order us. 4 grant all this, said 'arsinan, that there may )e no more)attling, for 4 value my own /nights, and 4 value you who will )e mine sooner than


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you think. 4 will tell you how$ the /ing is dead, and 4 have his daughter and will

make her my wife. God forsake me then, quoth Ar)an, if ever thou shalt have truce

with me, since thou art a partaker in the treason against my liege Lord# go and do

thy worst# And )efore night 'arsinan made three attacks upon him, and was

repulsed.

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CHAPTER 39.

"eantime Amadis asked riana what Arcalaus had said to her. !e told me not to

grieve, said she, for within fifteen days he would make me +ueen of London, and

give me 'arsinan for my hus)and, to whom he was to give me and my father0s

head, and )e made his !igh 3teward in return. !oly "ary# quoth Amadis$

'arsinan, who seemed such a friend# 4 fear lest he do in


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kneeling )efore 'risena, said, Lady, this 3quire has left Lisuarte safe and well, and

4 have left riana with your fosterer -2Grumedan* they will soon )e here, )ut 4

must go look after 'arsinan. !e then changed his shield and helmet that he might

not )e known, and )ade Ar)an throw down the )arriers, that the traitors might come

freely on, for )y God0s help they shall pay dearly for their treason# (he )arrierswere thrown down, and 'arsinan prest on at the head of his people, thinking that all

would now )e his, for his own men were many and his enemies few, and he was

eager to seiEe the +ueen. (he /ing0s party gave )ack )eing overpowered, then

Amadis went forth* he had on a rusty helmet, and a plain shield hanging from his

neck* )ut he was soon


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tell you their pleasure was e8ceeding great, and the old man told him how Amadis

was gone to the +ueen0s succour. Presently they heard news what 'arsinan had

done, and how /ing Ar)an had defended the city, and how )y the coming of

Amadis all had )een ended and the traitor taken. 'y the time the /ing reached

London, there were in his company more than two thousand /nights. 1hen hecame to the palace, who can tell the


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/nights have fairly acquitted themselves of a promise so treacherously o)tained,

and


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standeth )efore you, 3ir, hath slain my :ousin5german, who never )y word or deed

gave him occasion of offence$ 4 therefore accuse him as a traitor for this, and will

either make him confess it, or kill him, or force him out of the lists. (he Duke told

him he lied, and that he was ready to acquit himself. (he com)at was fi8ed for the

ne8t day, for the Duke0s two nephews who were to fight on his side were not yetarrived.

(hey came that evening* the Duke made such account of them that he thought

livas could not 2produce their peers. (hey went )efore the /ing. livas defied

the Duke, who demanded )attle, three to three. (hen Don Galvanes, who was at the

feet of the /ing, rose, and called his nephew Agrayes, and said to livas, Criend,

we promised to )e on your side if need was$ now then let the )attle )e. 1hen the

Duke saw them, he remem)ered how they had rescued the Damsel whom he would

have )urnt, and he was somewhat a)ashed. (hey armed themselves, and entered the

place appointed for such trials* one party through the one gate, the other on the

opposite side. Crom the +ueen0s window linda overlooked the lists, and seeing

Agrayes a)out to fight her heart failed her* and "a)ilia and riana were greatly

grieved for the love they )ore to him and Galvanes. (he lists were cleared$ the /ing

withdrew from them, and the champions ran their encounter. Agrayes and his Fncle

dismounted their enemies, and )roke )oth their lances. livas made the Duke fall

on his horse0s neck, )ut received a deep wound himself, and the Duke recovered his

seat. Agrayes rode at him, and laid on him a heavy load of )lows, heartily hating

him for his great discourtesy and falsehood* )ut one of the dismounted /nights

struck at the Prince0s horse, and )uried the sword in his flank$ the horse fell, and the

Duke and his 2-Nephew )oth assailed Agrayes as he lay upon the ground. Don

Galvanes, closely )usied with his antagonist, saw nothing of this. At that hour all

who loved Agrayes were in great consternation* Amadis yearned to )e among them,

for he greatly feared his cousin0s death* the three Damsels a)ove were well nigh

desperate, and it was pitiful to )ehold linda, what she suffered. !ow)eit, Agrayes

got on his feet, and with the good sword of Amadis, which he wielded, laid lustilya)out him. Ah, God, cried Galaor aloud, what is livas a)out this while# )etter that

he had never )orne arms, if he fails at a time like this# 'ut Galaor knew not what

sore agony livas suffered* for he had such a wound, and )led so fast, that it was a

wonder how he kept his seat. !e saw the peril of Agrayes, and heaving a deep sigh,

as one whose heart did not fail him though his strength was failing, he cried, h

God, let me help my good friend )efore my soul depart# and then, fee)ly as he

could, he laid hand to sword and turned upon the Duke, and his spirit kept him up.

Agrayes was now left man to man, and he remem)ered that his Lady saw him, and

he laid on so furiously that his friends trem)led lest his strength and )reath should


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fail him* )ut this was his custom, and if his strength had )een equal to his

great22courage, he would have )een one of the )est /nights in the world* )ut

even as it was he was right good, and of great prowess. Anon he had cut through

armour and flesh in sundry places, and left his foe quivering with death, at the same

moment when livas, fainting for loss of )lood, fell from his horse. (he Duke notseeing how Agrayes had fared, turned upon Galvanes* Agrayes leaped upon

livas0s horse, and rode to his Fncle0s assistance$ he smote the Duke0s Nephew

upon the helmet, so that the sword stuck there* and plucking it away, he )urst the

lacings, and left him )areheaded to the wrath of Galvanes, while he turned upon the

Duke. Presently Galvanes having finished his enemy, attacked the Duke on the

other side, )ut his horse )eing wounded fell and )ruised him, so that man to man

were left. 3till were all the )eholders right glad* )ut a)ove all Don Guilan, who

hoped to see the Duke slain, for the love he )ore to his wife. (he Duke was flying,Agrayes reached the rim of his shield, the sword went in, the Duke threw off the

shield from his neck, and still fled* then turned, while Agrayes was recovering his

sword, and struck twice at him. (he Prince, as soon as his weapon was free,

requited him with a )low on the left shoulder that went through harness and flesh

and )one, down to the 27ri)s. (he Duke fell, )ut hung in the stirrup, and the horse

dragged him out of the lists, and when he was picked up his head was found dashed

to pieces )y the horse0s heels. Agrayes forthwith alighted, and ran to his uncle, and

asked how he fared. 'ravely, quoth Galvanes, God )e thanked# )ut 4 am right sorry

for livas, for methinks he is dead. (hey then cast the two nephews out of the lists*

then went to livas, and found that he had


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2;

CHAPTER 41.

(his history has related to you how Amadis promised 'riolania to revenge her

father0s death, and how she gave him a sword, and that when in his com)at with

Gasinan he )roke the sword, he gave the pieces to Gandalin0s care$ ?ou shall now

hear how the )attle was performed, and what great danger he underwent )ecause of

that )roken sword, not from any fault of his own, )ut for the ignorance of his dwarf

Ardian.

Amadis, now recollecting that the time was come to perform his promise,

acquainted riana, and requested her leave, though to him it was like dividing his

heart from his )osom to leave her* and she granted it, al)eit with many tears, and a

sorrow that seemed to presage what evil was a)out to happen. Amadis took the

+ueen0s leave for form0s sake, and departed with Galaor and Agrayes. (hey 2=had

gone a)out half a league, when he asked Gandalin if he had )rought the three

pieces of the sword which 'riolania had given him, and finding he had not, )ade

him return and fetch them. (he Dwarf said he would go, for he had nothing to delay

him* and this was the means where)y Amadis and riana were )oth )rought into

e8treme misery, neither they nor the Dwarf himself )eing culpa)le.

(he Dwarf rode )ack to his master0s lodging, found the pieces of the sword, put

them in his skirt, and was retiring, when, as he passed the palace, he heard himself

called. Looking up, he saw riana and "a)ilia, who asked him why he had not

gone with his master. 4 set out with him, said he, )ut returned for this* and he

showed her the )roken sword. 1hat can your master want a )roken sword for%quoth riana. 'ecause, said the Dwarf, he values it more than the two )est whole

ones, for her sake who gave it him.&And who is she&(he Lady for whom he

undertakes this com)at, and though you are daughter to the )est /ing in the world,

yet, fair as you are, you would rather win what she has won, than possess all your

father0s lands.&1hat gain so precious hath she made% perchance she hath gained

your 2>master%&?es, she has, his whole heart# and he remains her /night to

serve her# (hen, giving his horse the lash, he gallopped away, little thinking the

wrong he had done. riana remained pale as death* she )urst into )itter reproaches

against the falsehood of Amadis, and wrung her hands, and her heart was so


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agitated that not a tear did she shed. 4t was in vain that "a)ilia and the Damsel of

Denmark strove to allay her rage with reasona)le words$ as passionate women will

do, she followed her own will, which led her to commit so great an error, that God0s

mercy was necessary to repair it.

(he Dwarf re


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yourself when you can# said the other$ 4 am )ound no farther, as 4 sent to tell you#

and then he gallopped away through the forest.

Amadis leapt upon Gandalin0s horse, and told his companions to follow him as

fast as they could to find that /night, for they were all greatly a)ashed. +uoth theDamsel, it will )e a foolish quest$ all the /nights of /ing Lisuarte0s household

would fail to find him without a guide. "y friend, said Galaor, )elike you know

who he is, and where to )e found% 4f 4 do, quoth she, 4 mean not to tell 7you, for

4 would )ring no harm to so good a man. Ah, Damsel, said Galaor, )y the faith you

owe to God, and )y the thing in the world which you love )est, tell me what you

know of him. 3he answered, 4 care not for these con


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72

CHAPTER 42.

Cour days Galaor rode with the Damsel, and so wrathful was he for this fall that

whatever /night encountered him in that time felt the effects, and many were slain

for the act of another. At length they saw a fair fortress, )uilt a)ove a vale* the

Damsel told him there was no other place near where he could lodge that night, and

they made up to it. At the gate they found many men and Dames and Damsels, so

that it seemed to )e the house of a good man, and among them was a /night of

seventy years, with a cloak of scarlet skin, who courteously )ade him welcome. 3ir,

quoth Galaor, you welcome us so well, that, tho0 we found another host, we would

not leave your hospitality. (hen were they led into a hall, and supper was giventhem right honoura)ly* and, when the cloths were removed, the old /night went to

Galaor and asked him if the Damsel was 77to )e his )edfellow. !e replied, no* and

two Damsels then conducted her to her cham)er, while he was shewn a rich )ed for

himself. !ere rest yourself, said his host$ God knows the pleasure 4 have in

entertaining you, and all 6rrant /nights, for 4 myself have )een one, and have two

sons who are the like, )ut )oth now are )adly wounded, for there came )y a /night

who dismounted them )oth, and they greatly ashamed of their foil rode after him,

and came up to him )y a river as he was a)out to cross it in a )oat* and they wouldhave made him do )attle with the sword, since they knew how he could


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for)ear the attempt, for as for what my sons have suffered they )rought it on

themselves* and then he )ade him good night.

(he ne8t morning Galaor and his guide departed* they crossed the river in the

)oat, and proceeding a)out five leagues came to a fortress. 1ait for me a little, saidthe Damsel* 4 will )e here presently$ and she entered the castle. Presently she

returned, )ringing with her another Damsel and ten /nights on horse)ack* and that

other Damsel, who was passing fair, said to Galaor, 3ir, my :ousin tells me you are

in quest of the /night who )ears two grey lions in a vermilion shield, that you

may 7;know who he is* )ut 4 tell you that you cannot learn )y force, for there is

no /night like him in all the islands, and he will neither tell you nor any other for

three years, unless it )e forced from him. Damsel, said Galaor, 4 shall not cease my

enquiry, and would rather learn his name )y force than )y other means. 3ince that

)e so, said she, within three days 4 will )ring you to him, at my :ousin0s request.

(hey set forth, and )y vespers time came to an arm of the sea that clipped round an

island, so that there was full three leagues of water to cross* a )ark was ready at the

har)our, )ut )efore they entered it an oath was demanded, that there was only one

/night in company. 1hy is this oath required% said Galaor. (he Damsel replied, the

Lady of the island will have it so* when one /night has crost over, no other is

suffered to come till the first return, or is slain.&1ho is it that kills or conquers

them%&(he /night whom you are seeking* he has )een here half a year, and )y

this occasion$ a turney was held here )y the Lady of the island, and another Dame

of great )eauty* this /night came hither from a foreign land, and )eing on her side

won the victory. 1hereat she was so pleased, that she never rested till she had won

him for her paramour* )ut )ecause he is desirous of seeking adventures,

the 7=Lady, to detain him with her, invites /nights to


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curious that one of such worth in arms should so conceal himself. Presently they

saw a castle on a height, surrounded for a league on all sides )y a rich plain. 4n that

castle, quoth the Damsel, is he whom you seek. !aving advanced farther, they

found a stone 7>pillar curiously wrought, and a horn upon it. 3ound that horn, said

she, and you shall presently see the /night. Galaor )lew the horn, and forthwiththere came certain men from the castle, and pitched a tent in the meadow )efore the

gate, and then there issued out ten Dames and Damsels, and in the midst of them

one richly clad, who was the Lady of the rest. 1hy does the /night tarry% quoth

Galaor, who saw all this. (he Damsel answered, he will not come till the Lady send

for him. 4 )eseech you then, said he, go to her and request her to summon him, for 4

have much to do elsewhere and cannot tarry. 1hen the Lady heard this errand,

what# cried she, holds he our /night so cheap that he already thinks of doing ought

elsewhere% he will depart sooner than he thinks, and more to his cost. (hen sheturned to her man$ go, call the strange /night. Anon he came from the castle, armed

and afoot* his men led his horse, and carried his shield and lance and helmet, and he

went straight to his mistress. ?ou see a foolish /night yonder, said she, who thinks

lightly to take his leave of you$ 4 desire you would make him know his foolishness#

and then she em)raced, and kissed him. All this made Galaor the more angry.

7@

(he /night mounted, and slowly rode down the height. Galaor was ready assoon as he saw him in the level, and )ade him defend himself$ they ran at each

other* )oth lances were )roken, )oth shields pierced, )oth /nights deeply wounded.

Don Galaor drew his sword$ the stranger said to him, /night, )y the faith you owe

to God, and to the thing you love )est, let us


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(he Ladies, seeing how gallantly they had


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will know what 4 ask, or one of us, or )oth, shall die. 4 am not averse to that, quoth

his enemy. (hen they renewed the com)at with full fury* )ut the stranger wa8ed

weaker, his armour was 92every where laid open and streaming with )lood, till at

last the Lady of the 4sland ran like one frantic to Galaor, and cried, hold, /night#

would the )ark had )een sunk that )rought thee hither# Lady, said he, if it offendsyou that 4 am avenging myself, and one who is )etter than myself, the fault is not

mine. ffer him no more harm, quoth she, or you shall die )y the hands of one who

will have no mercy. !e answered, 4 know not how that may turn out, )ut 4 will not

leave him till 4 know what 4 have asked.&And what is that%&!is name, and why

he conceals it% and who the two /nights are whom he esteems a)ove the rest of the

world. 3he answered, A curse upon him who taught you to strike, and upon you

who have learnt so well# 4 will tell you$ his name is Don Clorestan* he conceals

himself )ecause he hath two )rothers in this land of such passing worth in arms,that, al)eit you have proved his prowess, he dares not make himself known to them,

till, )y his fame, he is worthy to


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FOO(NO(ES:

9B$A:ortando de los yelmos los arcos de aEero con parte de las faldas dellos, assi qui las espadas

descendian a los almofares, y las sentian en las ca)eHas.

99

CHAPTER 43.

(his valiant and hardy /night, Don Clorestan, you should know how and in what

land he was )egotten, and )y whom. /now then that when /ing Perion, )eing a

young man and of good heart, sought adventures, he passed two years in Germany,

doing great deeds in arms, and as he was returning with great glory to his own land,

he lodged one day with the :ount of 3elandia, where he was right worshipfully

entertained, and at night he was shewn to a rich )ed, and there )eing weary with his


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3he, so long as she could, concealed her situation, and when the time drew nigh

contrived to go visit 9=her Aunt, with one Damsel* )ut as she was passing through

a forest her pains came on her, and she alighted from her palfrey, and there )rought

forth a son. (he Damsel seeing her in this plight, put the )a)y to her )reast. Now,

Lady, said she, the same courage that you showed in sinning, show now insupporting yourself till 4 return* and then she mounted her palfrey, and rode on as

fast as she could to the Aunt0s castle, and told her all that had happened. (he Dame

was greatly trou)led, yet delayed not for that to succour her, )ut went forthwith

with a litter, wherein she used to visit her )rother to shade her from the sun* and

when she saw her niece she alighted, and wept with her, and had her placed with

the infant in the litter, and taken )y night into the castle, and ensecret of his )irth, and said

that he ought to go seek his father and make himself known to him. :ertes, Lady,

quoth he, 4 have often heard of /ing Perion, )ut never thought he was my father*

)ut )y the faith 4 owe to God, and to you who have )rought me up, neither he nor

any one else shall know who 4 am, till they can say that 4 am worthy to )e the son

of so good a man. (hen taking his leave, he went with two 3quires to

:onstantinople, where he heard there was a cruel war* there he remained four

years, and did such deeds in arms as never /night had wrought )efore in those

parts, so that at the end of that time he determined to go and discover himself to his

father. 'ut as he drew nearer Crance, he heard the fame of Amadis and Galaor, who

were now )eginning to work wonders, so that he changed his first intention, and

resolved to gain more honour in Great 'ritain, where there were more good/nights than in any part of the world, and that he would not make himself known

till his prowess had given him sufficient renown$ in which mind he continued till

his com)at with Galaor, as you have heard.

Amadis and Agrayes remained five days at the castle of (orin* then all things

)eing prepared, 9@they set forward with 'riolania and her aunt, who took with

them two damsels and five serving5men, on horse)ack, and three palfreys laden

with apparel, for 'riolania went in )lack, and would wear nothing else till her

father0s death was avenged. As they )egan their


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of Amadis, and her Aunt another of Agrayes* the which they granted, without

knowing what it might )e$ they then demanded, that, let what would happen, the

/nights should not leave the road, that so their present quest might not )e

interrupted. "uch did they repent their promise, and great shame did they endure

there)y, for in many places was their succour needed, and rightly might they have)estirred themselves if they had )een at li)erty. (hus they travelled twelve days

)efore they entered the kingdom of 3o)radisa* it was night when they reached it$

they left the high road, and struck )y a )y5way for three leagues* and then, great

part of the night )eing past, they came to a little castle, where a Lady dwelt named

Galum)a, who had served in the court of the /ing 'riolania0s father. 3he right


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God secretly that he would no longer suffer so great a treason to remain

unpunished. Give your errand, quoth the /ing. 3ir /ing, said the Damsel, it is true

that you killed the father of 'riolania, and have disherited her of her kingdom* and

you have often declared, that you and your sons would


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have pity on me, since you know my father0s murder, and my wrongs$ my trust is in

God and in you. Amadis, whose heart was su)miss to virtue and all gentleness,

moved with pity for that fair Damsel, answered, if God )e so pleased, Lady, 4 ween

that ere to5morrow night your sorrow will )e turned into


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answered, say what thou wilt now# presently 4 will send thy tongue without thy

)ody to /ing Lisuarte0s court, as a warning to all such fools# (hen they armed

themselves* and Amadis and Agrayes laced on their helmets, and took their shields

and spears, and entered the place which had )een of yore marked out for such trials.

Dramis, the second son, who was so good a /night that no two /nights of thatcountry could keep the field against him, said to his father, 3ir, where you and my

)rother are present, 4 might well )e e8cused from speaking* )ut now 4 have to act

with that strength ;=which 4 have received from God and you. Leave that /night

who has reviled you to me$ if 4 do not slay him with the first lance5thrust, may 4

never again )ear arms# or if it )e his good fortune that the spear does not strike

right, the first )low with the sword shall do it. (here were many who heard this

speech, and did not think it vain )oasting, he was of such e8ceeding strength.

Darasion looked round the lists$ how is this% quoth he* ye are )ut two# hath theheart of the third failed him% call him to come directly, for we will not tarry.

(rou)le not yourself a)out the third, said Amadis, you will presently wish the

second away$ now look to your defence#

(hey placed their shields )efore them, and gave their horses the rein. Dramis ran

right at Amadis, and pierced his shield and )roke his lance against his side* )ut

Amadis smote him so roughly, that the spear went through his shield, and, without

piercing his )reast5plate, )urst his heart within him, and he fell like the fall of a

tower. 4n God0s name, cried Ardian the Dwarf, my "aster0s deed is )etter than his

word# (he other twain ran at Agrayes$ he and Darasion )roke their lances upon

each other, and )oth kept their seats. A)iseos failed in his course* he saw Dramis

on ;>the ground, and in great grief, al)eit he did not suppose him to )e dead, ran

full at Amadis, and pierced his shield, and )roke the lance in his arm, so that all

thought he could not continue the )attle. 1ell may you think how 'riolania felt at

that* her heart sunk, and the sight of her eyes failed her, and without support she

would have fallen from her palfrey. 'ut he, who was not to )e dismayed )y such

wounds, graspt well that good sword which he had so lately recovered fromArcalaus, and struck A)iseos upon the helm* through helm it went, and slanted

down the head, and pierced into the shoulder* a slant wound, )ut so staggering that

A)iseos tottered on his seat, and fell, half senseless. (hen he of Gaul rode up to

Darasion, who was close engaged with Agrayes$&now Darasion, you had rather

the second were a)sent, than that the third were come# Agrayes cried out to him to

hold$&:ousin, you have done enough, leave me this man who has threatened to

cut out my tongue. Amadis did not hear him* he had made a )low which sliced off a

part of the shield, and came through the pummel of the saddle to the horse0s neck*

)ut Darasion, as he past, ran his sword into the )elly of Amadis0s horse* the horse


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instantly ran away* the reins )roke in the rider0s hand, and Amadis seeing ;@that

he had no remedy, and that he should )e carried out of the lists, struck the )east

)etween the ears with his sword, and split his head* the fall )ruised him sorely, )ut

he arose, and turned to A)iseos.

At this time Agrayes had driven his sword into Darasion0s helmet, so that he

could not recover it. Darasion had forced it from his hand, and was driving at him.

Agrayes grappled him* they fell together and struggled on the ground. A)iseos

came up, and was lifting the skirts of his armour to thrust his sword into him.

Amadis came up in time. (he /ing was compelled to look to his own safety* he

lifted his shield, the )low dashed shield against helmet, and made him reel. Agrayes

and Darasion had loosed each other$ Agrayes caught up Darasion0s sword* Darasion

plucked the other from his helm, and ran towards his father. Amadis saw that

Agrayes was all )loody from a wound in his neck, and fearing it was mortal, he

cried, leave them to me, good cousin, and rest yourself# 4 have no wound, quoth

Agrayes, to keep me from aiding you$ see if it )e so# !ave at them, then# cried

Amadis* )ut the fear he felt for his cousin gave him such anger, that presently his

enemies, their armour all hacked, and their flesh =Btoo, )egan to turn here and

there disorderly, and with the fear of death. 3o it continued till the hour of tierce,

when A)iseos, seeing death )efore him, lifted his sword in )oth hands, and ran

desperately at Amadis, and gave him a )low, such as might not )e looked for from a

man so wounded$ it cut away the )rim of the helmet, and the shoulder mail and a

part of the flesh with it. Amadis felt it sorely, and did not delay to give him his

wages$ he struck his shoulder, and lopt off that arm with which he had murdered his

own king and )rother* arm and shoulder he lopt off, and cried, that arm )rought

thee )y treason to the throne, and it now )rings thee to death and the depth of hell#

(he /ing had fallen in the pangs of death. Amadis looked round him, and saw that

Agrayes had smitten off the head of Darasion. (hen the people of the land went


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under the care of a skilful man, who suffered none to approach him, that he might

not speak, for the wound was in his throat.


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FOO(NO(ES:

;9$AQuitole los antifazes.3he was muffled in the "oorish manner, not veiled.

=B$A(here follows in the original a page of advice to all wicked kings and rulers.

=-

CHAPTER 44.

Don Galaor and Clorestan remained in the castle of :orisanda till their wounds

were well healed, then took they their departure* )ut :orisanda made such sorrow

that it was pitiful to see her, al)eit Clorestan comforted her, and assured her of his

speedy return. (hey crossed to the mainland, and proceeded towards 3o)radisa,

hoping to arrive there )efore the )attle. 'rother, quoth Clorestan, as they rode

along, grant me a )oon for courtesy. 3ir, and good )rother, cried Galaor, is it a thing

that 4 shall repent% ?ou will not repent it, said Clorestan.&Ask it then* for what 4

can grant without shame, 4 shall grant with good will.&4 ask then, that you willattempt no com)at in this


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(hree 6lms, for there were three great and lofty 6lm5trees a)ove the fountain.

(hree fair Damsels and well apparelled, were )y the fountain, and there =7was a

Dwarf aloft in the trees. Clorestan went first and saluted them gently, as a courteous

man, and one who had )een gently )red. God save you, 3ir /night, quoth the one*

if you are as )rave as you are handsome, God hath gifted you well. Damsel, hereplied, if my )eauty pleaseth you, my courage would please you more if it were

put to proof. ?ou answer well, quoth she$ see now, if your courage )e enough to

carry me from hence.&:ertes, quoth Clorestan, little goodness is enough for that*

since it is your pleasure, 4 will do it.&!e then )ade his 3quires place her upon a

palfrey which was tied to one of the 6lms$ when the Dwarf, who was sitting up in

the tree, cried out aloud, :ome forth, /nights, come forth# they are carrying away

your mistress# At these words a /night, well armed and on a great horse, came up

from the valley, and cried out to Clorestan, /night# who )id you lay your handsupon that Damsel% 4 do not think she can )e yours, replied Clorestan, seeing of her

own will she desired me to carry her hence. (he /night answered, though she

consent, 4 do not* and 4 have defended her against )etter than you.&4 know not

how that may )e, )ut unless you act up to your words, carry her away 4 will#&

Learn first what the /nights of the alley are, and how they defend their

mistresses# =91ith that they ran at each other, and Clorestan smote his shield so

strongly against his helmet that the laces )rake, and the helmet came off. (he

/night could not keep his seat* he fell upon his sword, and )roke it in two.

Clorestan turned his horse and pointed his lance at him$&you are dead, unless you

yield the Damsel# 4 yield her, quoth he, and cursed )e she, and the day wherein 4

first )eheld her, for she made me commit so many follies that at last 4 have

destroyed myself. Clorestan left him, and went to the Damsel, saying, you are mine#

?ou have well won me, quoth she, and may do with me as you please. Let us go

then# said he* )ut one of the other Damsels then said to him, 3ir /night, you are

parting good company* we have )een a year together, and it grieves us to )e

separated. 3aid Clorestan, if you chuse to go in my company 4 will take you also,

otherwise you must )e separated, for 4 will not leave so fair a Damsel as this. And ifshe )e fair, quoth the Damsel, neither do 4 esteem myself so ugly, )ut that /night

should venture something for me also* )ut 4 )elieve you are not of that temper.

1hat# cried he, think you that 4 would leave you here for fear% so help me as 4

would have done so only to respect your free will, )ut you shall see. !e )ade the

3quires place her also on her =;palfrey, and the Dwarf, who sate up aloft, cried

out again for help.

Presently there came another /night from the valley, and said to Clorestan, Don

:avalier, you have won one Damsel, and, not content with her, you would carry off


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another* you must, therefore, lose )oth, and your head too* for it is not fit that a

/night of such degree as you should have in your keeping a Damsel of such rank.

?ou praise yourself )ountifully, quoth Clorestan* yet had 4 rather have two /nights

of my kin for my helpers than thee# 4 neither regard thee nor them, said the /night$

you have won this Damsel from him who could not defend her* if 4 conquer thee,she shall )e mine* if the victory is yours, you shall take the other whom 4 defend.

:ontent, quoth Clorestan. Defend yourself now, if you can# said he of the valley*

and they ran their encounter. (he /night pierced through Clorestan0s shield, and

)roke his lance against the strong mail. Clorestan failed in the race* ashamed at that,

when the /night had taken from his 3quire another lance, he ran again, and pierced

the shield of his antagonist and the arm that held it, and drove him )ack upon the

crupper of his horse* the horse reared and threw him, and, the ground )eing

hard, ==he neither moved hand nor foot. Damsel, said Clorestan, you are mine* formethinks your friend can neither help you nor himself. 3o it seems, quoth she.

Clorestan looked at the other Damsel, who now remained alone )y the fountain,

and saw that she was very sad. Damsel, said he, if it please you, 4 will not leave you

here alone. 3he did not answer him, )ut said to his host, Go from hence, 4 counsel

you# you know that these /nights are not enough to protect you from him who will

presently )e here, and, if he take you, you are sure to die. 4 will see what may

happen, he answered, my horse is swift, and my (ower at hand. Ah, said she, take

care of yourself* ye are )ut three, and you unarmed, and you well know that is

nothing against him. 1hen Clorestan heard this, he )ecame more desirous to carry

away that Damsel, and see him whom she praised so greatly. 3o he had her also

placed on her palfrey* and the Dwarf, who sate up aloft, said, Don :avalier, in an ill

hour are you so )old$ here comes one who shall take vengeance for all# and then he

shouted out, help# help, 3ir# you linger too long# Presently there came another

/night from the same valley* his armour was inlaid with gold, and he =>rode upon

a )ay horse, )ig enough for a giant. (wo 3quires came after him, armed with

corselets and morions like serving men, and each carried a huge )attle5a8e in hishand, in the use of which weapon their master prided himself. !e cried out to

Clorestan, stay, /night, and seek not to fly, for it will not save you$ die you must,

and it is )etter die like a )rave man, than like a coward# 1hen Clorestan heard

himself threatened, he wa8ed wonderous angry, and cried out, come on, wretch and

rascal, and clumsy=>$Afool# 3o help me God, as 4 fear thee no more than a great

cowardly )east. Ah, quoth the /night, how it grieves me that 4 cannot wreak

sufficient vengeance upon thee# would that the )est four of thy lineage were here,

that 4 might cut off their heads with thine# Protect yourself from one, cried

Clorestan, you may dispense with the rest. (hen, )eing )oth greatly incensed, they
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/51099/51099-h/51099-h.htm#Footnote_78:A_4https://www.gutenberg.org/files/51099/51099-h/51099-h.htm#Footnote_78:A_4


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ran at each other, and the shields and the mails of )oth were pierced with the

violence of the encounter$ the large /night lost =@)oth his stirrups, and was fain to

save himself )y clinging round his horse0s neck. Clorestan, as he past on, caught at

one of the )attle5a8es, and plucked it with such force from the 3quire who held it,

that )oth the man and his horse were )rought to the ground. (he /night of thealley had recovered his seat, and was ready with the other )attle5a8e, and

Clorestan made at him with equal arms$ )oth struck at once, each on the helmet of

his enemy* the a8es went in three fingers0 depth. Clorestan )owed his face upon his

)reast with the weight of the )low$ the /night fell upon the neck of his horse, and

the a8e, )eing fast in the other0s helmet, slipt from his hand* )efore he could raise

himself, Clorestan smote him as he lay )etween the helm and gorget, so that his

head fell at the horse0s feet. (his done, he turned to the Damsels. :ertes, good

/night, quoth the first of them, 4 once thought that not ten such as you could havewon us.

(he young /night, their host, then came up to Clorestan, and said, 3ir, 4 love this

Damsel dearly, and she loves me. 4t is a year since this /night whom you have slain

hath forci)ly detained her, so that 4 could not see her$ now, that 4 may receive her

from your hands, 4 )eseech you refuse >Bme not. "y host, quoth Clorestan, of a

truth 4 will right gladly aid you, if it )e as you say* )ut against her will 4 will yield

her to none. Ah, 3ir, cried the Damsel, this is with my will# 4 )eseech you give me

to him$ he is my true love. Clorestan answered, in God0s name, dispose of yourself

as you like )est# and she went friends, we have a long


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/nights. 3he answered, that great /night who was slain loved the Damsel who

went with your host, )ut she hated him. !e took her )y force, for he was the )est

/night in all these parts, and none could gainsay him, yet would she never yield

him her love* and he, for the affection he )ore her, withheld from offering her any

wrong* and he said to her, "y fair friend, great reason is it that 4 should )e loved )yyou, )eing the )est /night in the world. Now 4 will do this for your sake$ there is a

/night who is called the )est that ever was, Amadis of Gaul )y name, and he slew

my cousin Dardan, in /ing Lisuarte0s court* 4 will find him, and cut off his head,

and then shall 4 inherit all his renown. (ill 4 do this, 4 will give you two of the

fairest Damsels in all this land for your companions, and they shall have the two

)est /nights of my lineage for their friends* and you shall every day )e taken to the

fountain of the (hree >-6lms, where many 6rrant /nights pass, that you may see

)rave


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Here endeth the First Book of the noble and virtuous

Knight, Amadis of Gaul.


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FOO(NO(ES:

=>$Aen cativa cosa, y mala, y fuera de raEon, sin talle. (he language of vituperation is not easily

translata)le.

>7

AMADIS of GAUL.Book the

Second.

CHAPTER 1.

(here was a /ing in Greece married to the sister of the 6mperor of:onstantinople, )y whom he had two fair sons, especially the elder, named

Apolidon, who in his days had no equal for strength of )ody and courage of heart.

!e having a su)tle genius, which is so seldom found with valour, gave himself to

the study of the sciences and of all arts, so that he shone among those of his own

time like the "oon among the stars* especially he e8celled in necromancy, where)y

things that appear impossi)le are done. (he /ing his father was very rich in

treasure, )ut poor in life, )y reason of his great age* and seeing himself at the point

of death, he commanded that the kingdom should )e given to Apolidon, as hiseldest son, and his )ooks and treasures to the other. (he younger was not contented

with this, and told his father so with tears, and complained that he was

disherited* >9)ut the old man, not knowing what to do, wrung his hands for pure

sorrow. (hen that famous Apolidon, seeing his father0s grief and the littleness of his

)rother, )ade him take comfort, for he would accept the )ooks and treasure, and

relinquish the kingdom to his )rother. 1hereat the father gave him his )lessing

with many tears. 3o Apolidon took his inheritance, and fitted out certain ships,

manning them with chosen /nights, and set forth into the sea, trusting himself to

Cortune, who seeing his great o)edience to his father, and how he had thrown
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himself upon her mercy, resolved to requite him with glory and greatness. A fair

wind carried him to the empire of ome, where 3iudan was then 6mperor, at whose

court he a)ode some time, doing great feats in arms, till there grew a true affection

)etween him and the 6mperor0s sister, Grimanesa, who then flourished among all

other women for )eauty. 3o it was that as he was loving, even so was he loved, andas their loves might no other ways )e indulged, they left ome together, and set sail

in Apolidon0s fleet, and sailed till they came to the Cirm 4sland. (here Apolidon

landed, not knowing what country it was, and pitched a tent upon the shore, and

placed a couch there for his Lady, who was weary of the sea. Presently there came

down a fierce Giant, >;who was Lord of the island, with whom, according to the

custom of the place, Apolidon was to do )attle for the preservation of his Lady and

himself, and his company. 4t ended in such sort that the Giant lay dead on the field,

and Apolidon remained master of the island. 1hen he had seen its strength, heneither feared the 6mperor of ome, whom he had offended, nor all the world

)esides* and there he and Grimanesa, )eing greatly )eloved )y the islanders, whom

he had delivered from their oppressor, dwelt in all happiness for si8teen years.

During that time many rich edifices were made, as well with his great treasures, as

with his surpassing wisdom, such as it would have )een difficult for any 6mperor

or /ing, how rich soever, to have completed. At the end of that time the 6mperor of

Greece died without an heir, and the Greeks, knowing the great worth of Apolidon,

and that )y his mother0s side he was of the )lood and lineage of the 6mperors,

elected him with one common consent to rule over them. !e, al)eit he was

en>dreadful a )last with smoke and flames of fire,
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that they shall )e stunned and cast out as dead. 'ut if /night, or Dame, or Damsel

come, worthy )y virtue of true loyalty to finish this adventure, they shall enter

without let, and the 4mage shall make a sound so sweet that it shall )e delightful to

hear, and they shall see our images, and )ehold their own name written in the


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FOO(NO(ES:

>=$APadronis the 3panish word$ the 6nglish version renders it pillar, )ut the word means more*

there must )e a roof and a flooring. ur market5crosses would )e called padrones.Perronis used in

the 6nglish Amadis of Greece.

@

CHAPTER 2.

1hile Amadis remained with his comrades at the court of 3o)radisa, his

thoughts were perpetually fi8ed upon his Lady riana* and, so thoughtful was he,

and so often, )oth sleeping and waking, was he in tears, that all saw how he was

trou)led, yet knew they not the cause, for he kept his love silent, as a man who had

all virtues in his heart. At length, not )eing a)le to support a longer a)sence, he

asked permission of the fair young +ueen to depart, which she not without

reluctance having granted, loving him )etter than herself, he and his )rethren and

their cousin Agrayes took the road towards /ing Lisuarte. 3ome days had theytravelled when they came to a little church, and entering there to say their prayers,

they saw a fair Damsel, accompanied )y two others, and )y four 3quires, who

guarded her, coming from the door. 3he asked them whither they went.

Amadis @-answered, Damsel, we go to the court of /ing Lisuarte, where, if it

please you to go, we will accompany you. (hank you, quoth the Damsel, )ut 4 am

faring elsewhere. 4 waited, )ecause 4 saw you were armed like 6rrant /nights, to

know if any of you would go and see the wonders of the Cirm 4sland, for 4 am the

Governor0s daughter, and am returning there. !oly "ary# cried Amadis, 4 have

often heard of the wonders of that island, and should account myself happy if 4

might prove them, yet till now have 4 never prepared to go# Good 3ir, quoth she, do

not repent of your delay* many have gone there with the same wish, and returned

not so


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this Damsel, and see these wonderful things. 4f you are so true a lover, said she, as

to pass the enchanted Arch, you will see the likenesses of Apolidon and Grimanesa,

and )ehold @2your own name written upon a stone, where you will find only two

names written )esides, though the spell hath )een made an hundred years. 4n God0s

name let us go, quoth Agrayes, and 4 will try whether 4 can )e third. 1ith that,Amadis, who in his heart had no less desire and faith to prove the adventure, said to

his )rethren, we are not enamoured, )ut we should keep our cousin company who

is, and whose heart is so )old. (hereto they all consented, and set forth with the

Damsel. 1hat is this island% said Clorestan to Amadis, tell me, 3ir, for you seem to

know. A young /night whom 4 greatly esteem, replied Amadis, told me all 4 know*

/ing Ar)an of North 1ales$ he was there four days, )ut could accomplish none of

the adventures, and so departed with shame. (he Damsel then related the history of

the enchantments, which greatly incited Galaor and Clorestan to the proof.

3o they rode on till sunset, and then entering a valley, they saw many tents

pitched in a meadow, and people sporting a)out them, and one /night, richly

apparelled, who seemed to )e the chief. 3irs, quoth the Damsel, that is my father$ 4

will go advertise him of your coming, that he may do you honour. 1hen he heard

of their desire to @7try the enchantment, he went on foot with all his company to

welcome them, and they were honoura)ly feasted and lodged that night. At

morning they accompanied the Governor to his castle, which commanded the

whole island, for at the entrance there was a neck of land, only a )ow5shot over,

connected with the main land, all the rest was surrounded )y the sea* seven leagues

in length it was, and five )road, and )ecause it was all surrounded )y the sea,

e8cept where that neck of land connected it with the continent, it was called the

Cirm 4sland. !aving entered, they saw a great palace, the gates whereof were open,

and many shields hung upon the wall* a)out an hundred were in one row, and a)ove

them were ten, and a)ove the ten were two, )ut one of them was in a higher niche

than the other. (hen Amadis asked why they were thus ranked. (he Governor

answered, according to the prowess of those who would have entered the Cor)idden:ham)er* the shields of those who could not enter the perron of copper, are near

the ground* the ten a)ove them are of those who reached it* the lowest of the two

passed that perron, and the one a)ove all reached to the mar)le perron, )ut could

pass no farther. (hen Amadis approached the shields to see if he knew them, for

each had its owner0s @9name inscri)ed* the one which was the highest of the ten

)ore a sa)le lion, with argent teeth and nails, and a )loody mouth, in a field sa)le$

this he knew to )e the shield of Arcalaus. (hen he )eheld the two uppermost* the

lower )ore, in a field aEure, a /night cutting off the head of a Giant* this was the

shield of /ing A)ies of 4reland, who had )een there two years )efore his com)at


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with Amadis$ the highest had three golden flowers in a field aEure$ this he knew

not, )ut he read the inscription, (his is the shield of Don +uadragante, )rother to

/ing A)ies of 4reland. !e had proved the adventure twelve days ago, and had

reached the mar)le perron, which was more than any /night )efore him had done,

and he was now gone to Great 'ritain to com)at Amadis, in revenge for his)rother0s death. 1hen Amadis saw all these shields, he dou)ted the adventure

much, seeing that such /nights had failed.

(hey went out from the palace towards the Arch of (rue Lovers. 1hen they

came near, Agrayes alighted and commended himself to God, and cried, Love, if 4

have )een true to thee, remem)er me# and he past the spell* and, when he came

under the arch, the 4mage )lew forth sweet sounds, and he came to the palace, and

saw the likeness of @;Apolidon and Grimanesa, and saw also the


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threw his shield )efore him, and proceeded sword in hand. 1hen he entered the

spell, he felt himself attacked on all sides with lances and swords, such )lows and

so many that it might )e thought never man could endure them* yet, for he was

strong and of good heart, he ceased not to make his way, striking manfully on all

sides, and it felt in his hand as though he were striking armed men, and the sworddid not cut. (hus struggling, he passed the copper @>perron, and advanced as far

as the mar)le one, )ut there his strength failed him, and he fell like one dead, and

was cast out )eyond the line of the spell. 1hen Galaor saw this he was displeased,

and said, however little 4 like these things, 4 must take my share in the danger# and

)idding the 3quires and the Dwarf to stay )y Clorestan, and throw cold water in his

face, he took his arms and commended himself to God, and advanced towards the

Cor)idden :ham)er. 4mmediately the unseen )lows fell upon him, )ut he went on,

and forced his way up to the mar)le perron, and there he stood* )ut, when headvanced another step )eyond, the )lows came on him so heavy a load, that he fell

senseless, and was cast out like Clorestan.

Amadis and Agrayes were reading the new inscription in the


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reached the door of the cham)er, and a hand came forth and took him )y the hand

to draw him in, and he heard a voice which said, 1elcome is the /night who shall

)e Lord here, )ecause he passeth in prowess him who made the enchantment, and

who had no peer in his time. (he hand that led him was large, and hard, like the

hand of an old man, and the arm was sleeved with green sattin. As soon as he waswithin the cham)er it let go his hold, and was seen no more, and Amadis remained

fresh, and with all his strength recovered* he took the shield from his neck and the

helmet from his head, and sheathed his sword, and gave thanks to his Lady riana

for this honour, which for her sake he had won. At this time they of the castle who

had heard the voices resign the lordship, and seen Amadis enter, )egan to cry out,

God )e praised, we see accomplished what we have so long desired. 1hen his

)rethren saw that he had atchieved that wherein they had failed, they were

e8ceedingly


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displeasure, even at a distance, )eing alone in her cham)er, she took ink and

parchment from her coffer, and wrote thus$

"y frantic grief, accompanied )y so great a reason, causes my weak hand to

declare what my sad heart cannot conceal against you, the false and disloyal/night, Amadis of Gaul* for the disloyalty and faithlessness are known which you

have committed against me, the most ill5fortuned and unhappy of all in the world,

since you have changed your affection for me, who loved you a)ove all things, and

have placed your love upon B2one who )y her years cannot have discretion to

know and love you. 3ince then 4 have no other vengeance in my power, 4 withdraw

all that e8ceeding and misplaced love which 4 )ore towards you* for great error

would it )e to love him who has forsaken me, when in requital for my sighs and

passion 4 am deceived and deserted. (herefore, as the wrong is manifest, never

appear )efore me# for )e sure the great love 4 felt is turned into raging anger. Go,

and deceive some other poor woman as you deceived me with your treacherous

words, for which no e8cuse will )e received, while 4 lament with tears my own

wretchedness, and so put an end to my life and unhappiness.

!aving thus written, she sealed the letter with the seal of Amadis, and wrote on

the superscription, 4 am the Damsel wounded through the heart with a sword, and

you are he who wounded me. 3he then secretly called a 3quire, who was named

Durin, and was )rother to the Damsel of Denmark, and )ade him not rest till he hadreached the kingdom of 3o)radisa, where he would find Amadis* and she )ade him

mark the countenance B7of Amadis while he was reading the letter, and stay with

him that day, )ut receive no answer from him, if he wished to give one.


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FOO(NO(ES:

B$A(he 3panish 1riter moraliEes here a little upon the muta)ility of fortune.

B9

CHAPTER 3.

Durin, in o)edience to the command of riana, presently departed, and hasted sowell that on the tenth day he arrived at 3o)radisa, where he found the new +ueen

'riolania, whom he thought the fairest woman, e8cept riana, that ever he had

seen* and learning from her that Amadis had departed two days )efore, he followed

him, and reached the Cirm 4sland


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not having deserved it# and then again, Ah, truth, an ill guerdon dost thou give him

who never failed thee# (hen he took the letter again, saying, you are the cause of

my unhappy end* come here, that it may )e sooner# and he placed it in his )osom.

!e asked Durin if he had aught else to say* and hearing that he had not, replied,

well then thou shalt take my answer. 3ir, quoth he, 4 am for)idden to receive any.&Did neither "a)ilia nor thy sister )id thee say any thing%&(hey knew not my

coming$ my Lady commanded me to conceal it from them.&!oly "ary help me# 4

see now my wretchedness is without remedy. !e then went to a stream that

proceeded from a fountain, and washed his face and eyes, and )ade Durin call

Gandalin, and )id him )ring ?san


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mercy on my soul in these my last days, for other thing than death 4 do not hope.

!e then called ?san


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stream of water, and proceeded upward to find a place so deep that he could drink

thereat. (he )ranches struck Amadis in the face, and so -recalled him to

himself, and he looked round, and seeing nothing )ut thickets, re


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Amadis had risen and was seeking his horse* and seeing Gandalin dimly in the

night, he cried out, who goes there% tell me, 4 )eseech thee%&Gandalin,

3ir# 9who is going to )ring you your horse.&1ho )ade thee follow me against

my command% you have displeased me$ give me my horse and go thy way, and

tarry not here, unless thou wouldst have me slay thee and myself. 3ir, criedGandalin, for God0s sake no more of this# did you hear the foolish words of a

/night hard )y% And this he said to make him angry, that he might forget his

displeasure for a while. Amadis answered, 4 heard him, and therefore want my

horse to depart.&!ow# is this all you will do%&1hat wouldst thou more%&(hat

you should fight with him, and make him know his folly.&Cool that thou art# 4

have neither heart, nor strength, nor spirit# having lost all in losing her from whom

all came$ she gave me courage, and hath taken it away$ the most caitiff /night in

Great 'ritain might slay me now. 3ir, said Gandalin, for God0s sake speak lower,that Durin may not hear this, for he has heard all that the /night said.&1hat# is

Durin here%&1e came together$ 4 think he tarries to see what you will do, that he

may report it to her who sent him. 4 am ve8ed at what you tell me, quoth Amadis*

)ut his spirit arose, knowing that Durin was there, and he said, give me my horse

then, and guide me to the /night. !e mounted and took his arms, and Gandalin led

him where ;the /night sate under a tree, holding his horse )y the )ridle. ?ou

3ir /night, quoth Amadis, who are en


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helmet and the skin of his head, and the sword held on and came upon the neck of

the horse, so that he fell dead, and the rider senseless. Amadis waited a minute,

thinking that he had slain him* then seeing him recover, he said, /night, what Love

has gained in you, and you in him, you may )oth en


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do not do this* for, if that Princess )e fair, it impaireth not the )eauty which God

hath )estowed upon me, if )eauty there )e* and, methinks, you might with more

reason and less pride prove your prowess in some other cause, for this enterpriEe is

not )ecoming a man of so high a rank, and moreover it is unreasona)le and

arrogant, and you cannot e8pect it to come to a good end. :ome what will, quothhe, 4 will do it, to prove that you, who are the fairest Lady in the world, have the

)est /night for your servant. 3o he took his leave, and with rich arms and ten

3quires passed over into Great 'ritain, and went directly to where /ing Lisuarte

was, who seeing him so accompanied thought him to )e some great personage, and

courteously welcomed him. 1hen he was disarmed, all that saw his great stature


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thinking it folly, had said nothing to riana. (hen 6l Patin asked the /ing how the

)usiness went on. !e answered, 4 do what 4 can, )ut it is necessary that you should

speak to my daughter, and request her to o)ey my commands. 6l Patin went to the

Princess, and said, Lady riana, 4 wish to ask a -2thing of you which will )e

much to your honour and profit. 1hat thing is that% quoth she.&(hat you will dothe will of your father. 3he knowing not for what reason he spake, replied, that shall

4 right willingly, )eing sure it will )e as you say. (hen Patin was full


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FOO(NO(ES:

@$A(he article is uniformly prefi8ed to his name, e8cept where he is first mentioned. 4n our

language it is only used where the name is a family or clan appellation$ (he Plantagenet, the Douglas,

the Graham.

-;

CHAPTER 6.

?san


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a field or., and the 3quire was lamenting also. (hat is he# cried they* and they

pushed on with great speed till they came out of ->the forest upon a great plain,

where there were many roads in every direction, so that they knew not which way

to take* therefore they agreed to separate, and meet at the court of Lisuarte upon 3t.

Iohn0s day, that if )y then they had )een unsuccessful in their search, they mightconsult anew how to find him. (here then they em)raced and separated, each

earnestly )ent on his quest, )ut in vain* for, when Amadis reached the open country,

he took none of those roads, )ut struck aside along a glen, and thence made into the

mountain.

!e rode on lost in thought, suffering his horse to chuse the path. A)out noon the

horse came to some trees that grew )eside a mountain5stream, and then stopt, )eing

weary with the heat and with the toil of last night. !ere Amadis recollected himself

and looked round, and was pleased to see no signs of a ha)itation$ he alighted and

drank of the )rook. Gandalin came up, and turning the horses to feed came to his

"aster, whom he found more dead than alive* and, not daring to distur) him, he lay

down )efore him. Amadis continued in this mood till sunset, then rising, he struck

his foot against Gandalin$ art thou sleeping% quoth he. No, replied Gandalin, )ut 4

am thinking upon two things which concern you, the which, if -@it please you to

hear, 4 will speak$ if not, 4 will )e silent. Amadis answered, go saddle the horses,

and let us )egone$ 4 do not chuse to )e found )y those who seek me. 3ir, said

Gandalin, you are in a solitary place, and your horse is so weary that, unless you

allow him some rest, he cannot carry you. Amadis replied, weeping, do what you

think )est$ whether 4 stay or go, there is no rest for me# (hen Gandalin looked after

the horses, and returned to his "aster, and )egged him to eat of a pasty which he

had )rought, )ut he would not. 3ir, said he, shall 4 say the two things whereon 4

have )een thinking% 3ay what you will, quoth Amadis* 4 care nothing now for any

thing that may )e said or done, and wish to live no longer than till 4 can confess.&

(hen 4 pray you hear me, 3ir$ 4 have thought much upon that letter which riana

sent you, and upon the words of the /night with whom you fought* and seeing howlight is the faith of many women, it may )e that she hath changed her affections,

and so has feigned anger against you, )efore you discover it. (he other thing is, that

4 )elieve her to )e so good and loyal that she could not have )een thus moved,

unless some great falsehood had )een spoken of you, which she )elieves and feels

in her heart* and, since you know that you have never )een 2Bfalse, you should

make the truth known, where)y she will repent of what she hath done, and intreat

your forgiveness for the wrong, and you will en


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God0s sake# quoth Amadis, for such foolishness and lies as thou hast uttered, are

enough to provoke the whole world. riana, my Lady, has never done wrong* and,

if 4 perish, it is )ut reasona)le, not for my deserving, )ut to accomplish her will and

command$ if 4 did not know that thou hast said this to comfort me, 4 would cut off

thy head# you have greatly displeased me$ never say the like to me again# !e thenturned away in anger, and walked along the side of the stream.

'ut Gandalin, who for two days and a night had not slept, was overcome with

heaviness, and at length fell asleep. 1hen Amadis saw this, he saddled his horse,

and hid Gandalin0s saddle and )ridle among the )ushes, that he might not )e a)le to

find them* and, taking his arms, he struck into the wildest part of the mountain. All

night he went* and the ne8t day till vespers, then he came to a plain at the foot of a

mountain$ there 2were two high trees there that grew over a fountain, and there

he went to give his horse drink, for they had found no water all that day. 1hen he

came up to the fountain, he saw an old man in a religious ha)it, who was giving his

ass water* his )eard and hair were grey, and his ha)it was very poor, )eing made of

goat0s hair. Amadis saluted him, and asked him if he was a Priest. (he good man

answered, he had )een one forty years. God )e praised# quoth Amadis$ 4 )eseech

you for the love of God stay here to5night, and hear my confession, of which 4 am

in great need. 4n God0s name# said the old man. (hen Amadis alighted, laid his arms

upon the ground, and took the saddle from his horse and let him feed* and he

disarmed, and knelt )efore the good man, and )egan to kiss his feet. (he good man

took him )y the hand and raised him, and made him sit )y him, and, )eholding him

well, he thought him the goodliest /night that ever he saw, )ut he was pale, and his

face and neck were stained with tears, so that the old man had great pity, and said,

3ir /night, it seems that you are in great affliction$ if it )e for any sin that you have

committed, and these tears spring from repentance, in a happy hour came you here#

)ut if it )e for any worldly concerns, from which )y your 2-youth and

comeliness it seems you cannot )e removed, remem)er God, and )eseech him of

his mercy to )ring you to his service. !e then raised his hand and )lessed him, and)ade him relate all the sins he could call to mind. !ereon Amadis )egan the whole

discourse of his life, without letting any thing pass. (he good man then said, seeing

that you are of such understanding, and of so high a lineage, you ought not to

despair and cast yourself away for any thing that may )efall you, much less for the

action of a woman, for they are as easily won as lightly lost. 4 counsel you to lay

aside such folly, for the love of God, to whom it is displeasing, and even for

worldly reason, for man ought not to love where he is not )eloved. Good 3ir,

replied Amadis, 4 am now in such e8tremity that 4 cannot live any long time$ 4

)eseech you, )y that God whose faith you hold, take me with you for the little


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while 4 have to live, that 4 may have comfort for my soul. "y horse and arms 4 need

no longer$ 4 will leave them here, and go with you on foot, and perform whatever

penitence you en


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saying, :ome forth, 3ir, to this great palace. And he thought that he was right


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1hen Gandalin awoke in the mountain, he looked round him, and seeing only

his own horse, started up, misdou)ting what had happened* he called aloud, and

searched among the shru)s in vain, he could find neither Amadis nor his horse.

(hen, knowing that Amadis was departed, he turned to his horse to ride after him,

)ut the saddle and )ridle were gone# upon that he cursed himself and his evilfortune, and the day wherein he was )orn, going from one place to another, till at

length he espied the harness, and immediately set out on pursuit. Cive days he rode

on, sleeping in desert places, enquiring at every ha)itation for his "aster. n the

si8th, chance led him to the fountain where Amadis had left his armour. !ere he

)eheld a tent, in which were two Damsels$ he 2>alighted, and asked them if they

had seen a /night who )ore two lions aEure in a golden field. (hey answered that

they had not seen him, )ut such a shield and the whole harness of a /night, they

had found )eside that fountain. 1hen Gandalin heard this, he tore his hair, ande8claimed, !oly "ary, help me# my "aster, the )est /night in the world, is dead or

lost# how )adly have 4 served you, my Lord# and now with reason ought 4 to )e

hated )y all men, and the earth ought not to suffer me upon her, since 4 have left

you at such a time# ?ou were he who succoured all, and now all have forsaken you#

the world and all in it have a)andoned you# and 4, caitiff wretch, and more

wretched than all that ever were )orn, have left you in your death# And with that,

for e8cess of passion, he fell down. (he Damsels shrieked out, !oly "ary, help#

the 3quire is dead# and they ran to him, and flung water in his face, )ut it was long

)efore they could recal him to his senses. Good 3quire, they cried, )e not desperate

for a thi

amadis of gaul

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