The third booke of Amadis de Gaule Containing the discords and warres which befell in Great Brittaine, and there about, occasioned by the bad counsell, which King Lisuart receiued from Gandandell and Brocadan, against Amadis and his followers: whereby many good knights (afterward on either side) cruelly concluded their liues. VVritten in French by the Lord of Essars, Nicholas de Herberay ... Translated into English by A.M.

CHAP. VIII. (Book 8)

How King Lisuart hunting in the Forrest, where hee had left the La∣dies, accidentally met with a young Damosell, who shewed him the way to the Hermitage, where the good Hermite Nascian made his a∣byding: And how the infant (long time after) was knowne to bee the Sonne of Amadis and Oriana.

IN the gay season of Mayes flourishing mo∣neth, King Lisuart ha∣uing long soiourned in one place, was entrea∣ted by the Ladies, that hee would guide them forth on hunting: wher∣to he very willingly condiscended, and presently commaunded his huntsmen, to prepare their toyles in the next adioyning Forrest, and to erect their Tents by the Fountaine of the seauen Beech trees, which was the most pleasing place in all the wood, and best agreeing with the time. Not farre off thence was the Hermitage, where Nascian the holy man nourished Esplandian, as already hath beene declared to yee.

It happened on the same day, when the King had left the Ladies in their Pauilions, hee so long pur∣sued a Hart, sore hunted and esca∣ped from the toyles, that he was en∣forced to take vp into the highest of the Forrest, all along the side of a great hill, very well couered with brakes and bushes. So soone as he had attayned to the toppe there-of, on the other side he espied a young Gentleman descending ha∣stily, aged (as it might bee) about fiue or sixe yeeres, leading a Lyon∣nesse in a leashe; who seeing the Hart so hotly chased, hee let her loose after him, and shee pursued with such speed, that she tooke him downe before the King. The young youth, glad of so good successe, ran a pace to the fall of the Deere, and a∣nother childe that was his compa∣nion, where seazing on the veneson, hee tooke out a knife to cut his throate.

Then winding a horne very loud, two little Bratches, which ordinari∣ly vsed to follow him, came pre∣sently to him, and both they and the Lyonnesse, had their fees of the game. This done, hee tooke and coupled them in a leashe; and ha∣uing

done the like to the Lyon∣nesse, crossed again ouerthwart the wood.

The King, seeing them make haste away from him, was very de∣sirous to know what they were, and comming forth of the place, where he had hid himselfe, to note the be∣hauiour of these children, called to the young Gentleman, who in∣stantly stayed, vntill such time as the King came to him, vsing these words. Prettie childe, I pray thee tell me what thou art, and where is thy dwelling.

Sir knight (answered the youth, Nascian the Hermite hath hitherto nursed me, and (as I thinke) is fa∣ther both to me, and this my com∣panion. This answere made the King very pensiue, for he could not comprehend in his thoughts, that Nascian (being aged and decrepit, as also reputed for a man of most sanctified life) should or could haue a childe so young and goodly: wherefore, as one couetous of fur∣ther information, hee demaunded where the Hermitage stood. It stands (quoth the youth) on the top of this Rocke, and shewing him a littly path, lest him, saying. If it shall please yee to follow this tract, it will guide yee thither: for I must needs after my fellow to the Foun∣taine, where wee must dresse the ve∣nison, which wee haue gotten this morning.

Then the King left him, and as∣cending vp the Rocke, espied on the height thereof, the poore dwel∣ling of Nascian, so enuironed with great bushes, as well witnessed the wonderfull solitude of the good Hermite. Alighting from his horse, he entred into the first room, where hee found the holy man vpon his knees, clothed in a religious habit, and reading in a Booke of deuoti∣on, which hee gaue not ouer at his arriuall: but hauing finished his prayers, hee arose, demaunding of the King what he sought for. Fa∣ther, quoth he, not long since, as I crossed the Forrest, I met with a goodly childe, leading a Lyonnesse in a leashe, I pray ye (for courtesies sake) to tell me what he is: for, at the very first sight of him, my minde gaue me, that he is issued from some good place.

While the King continued on this speech, the Hermite so heed∣fully obserued him, that hee knew him: as being the man to whom he had done many seruices, during the time that he followed Armes. In regard whereof, falling down hum∣bly vpon his knees, hee craued par∣don for his error, in not giuing him such entertainment, as beseemed so great a Maiestie. But the King raysing him vp, tooke him by the hand, saying. Good Father, will you not resolue me concerning the young childe which I mentioned to ye? Assure your selfe (vpon my faith) that the knowledge you may giue me of him, cannot but redound to his great benefit. Sir, answered the Hermite, our Lord hath hither∣to shewen great signes of loue to that childe; and seeing hee hath so carefully kept him, as I shall relate vnto ye, it stands with good reason, that you (as a King) should loue & defend him in such sort, as no harme or displeasure should bee offered him.

You haue (as appeareth by your speeches) an carnest desire to know what he is. In trueth Sir, during the time that I haue nourished him, he may be tearmed mine: albeit, it is not yet fully sixe yeares, since I tooke him from the teeth of a Ly∣onnesse, that was carrying him to her whelpes. Wherein our Lord ap∣parantly

declared, that hee is the preseruer of all his creatures, be∣cause the beast neuer did him harme, but onely suckled it among her yong ones, so that by the milke of her, and of a little Ewe, which then I had, I compassed the meanes of fostring him for more then a mo∣neth: In expectation still of mine owne Sister, Mother to the other yong Lad that keepes him compa∣nie, who afterward comming to me, she became so good a Nurse and Gouernesse to him, that (thankes be giuen to our Lord for it) I am perswaded, he is one of the goodliest creatures this day li∣uing.

And one thing (more strange then all the rest) I am to tell yee: vnderstand Sir, that as I was about to baptize him, my Sister hauing taken off very rich clothes, wherein he was swadled, shee shewed me a letter vnder his right pappe as white as snow, contayning the word Esplandian; and on the other side, (directly against his heart) were other carracters as redde as blood, which I could neuer vnder∣stand, because they are neither La∣tine, nor of our language. Now in regard of that name, which at his birth (it seemes) he brought with him into the world, I haue euer-more since, caused him to be called Esplandian, accordingly.

In good faith Father, saide the King, you haue tolde me wonders: but seeing you found him in such fort as you say, it is to be presuppo∣sed verily, that he was borne not far off from this Countrie. That know not I, answered Nascian, neither co∣uet I to vnderstand more, then what our Lord hath permitted. Well then, quoth the King, to morrow good Father, I pray you meete me at the Fountaine of the seauen Beeches, where I shall be with my Queene, and a goodly company of Ladies. Bring Esplandian, the Ly∣onnesse, and your young Nephew with you, to whom I intend some good, for his Father Sergils sake, whom I somtime knew to be a good knight. Sir, replyed the holy man, I am bound to doe what you haue enioyned mee, and desire of God, that all may be to his honour and glory.

The King giuing him the good morrow, rode thence, and arriued at his Tents about midday. Now, because none there knew what was become of him, each man was dili∣gent in enquiry after him: and (al∣though his most intimate familiars desired to know where hee had bin, yet would he reueale nothing, but commaunded to couer for dinner. As he was ready to sit downe at the Table, Grumedan came to tell him, that the Queene entreated him to see her Tent before dinner, about some nouell occurrences lately hap∣pening. Whereupon hee went thence to her, and being alone by themselues, shee told him, that as they came ryding from the Citty, a very beautifull Damosell, moun∣ted vpon a light ambling Hobbie, and conducted onely by a Dwarfe, presented her selfe before her. And she being very sumptuous in her apparell, rode by all my Ladies, and women, (••quoth the Queene,) not vouchsafing one word to them, vntil such time as she came before mee: when she gaue me this Letter, tel∣ling me, that you and I must reade it this day before dinner, because thereby wee should bee acquainted with admirable matters. And no sooner had shee spoken that word, but she rode away from me so fast as her horse could gallop, without per∣mitting me the least leysure of any

answere. So she gaue the King the Letter, sealed with an Emerauld chased in golde, with these words engrauen about it; This is the Seale of Vrganda the vnknowne. Then opening the Letter, the King read the contents following.

The Letter of Vrganda the vn∣knowne to the mightie King Lisuart.

MOst high and powerfull Prince, Vrganda the vnknowne, who loues and desires to doe you any seruice, doth aduise and councell you to your great benefit: that at such time as a Gentleman (nourishea by three diuers Nurses) shall appeare before your Maiestie; you would embrace, enter∣taine, loue and dearely respect him; for he is the cause of your quiet, by de∣liuering you from the greatest danger wherein euer you were. He is deriued from blood royall on both sides, and partaketh (somewhat) in the natures of those creatures that gaue him sucke. By the first of them, he shall be so strong and magnanimous, as hee will darken all the valour of the very best Knights that haue gone before: being (neuer∣thelesse) so milde and gentle, that hee will be loued and esteemed of all men, occasioned by the nourishment receiued from his second Nurse. As for the third, beleeue it Sir, that neuer was Gentleman of better spirit, more Ca∣tholique, and compleate in all good con∣ditions: so that he shall addict himself to actions pleasing to God, auoyding all vaine affaires, wherein the most of other Knights doe commonly spend their time. And that which excee∣deth all the rest; he will prooue the one∣ly cause, of planting immortall peace betweene you, Amadis, and all his Linage. Therefore good King accept my counsell, and you wall finde it for the best.

Yours in all seruices, Vrganda the vnknowne.

These newes droue the King to no little admiration, and but for the high esteeme hee made of Vrganda the vnknowen, he should haue giuen slender credite thereto. But pre∣sently he called to minde, that this might be the childe which he found with the Lyonnesse: wherevpon he sayd to the Queene; I dare assure ye Madam, that this day I haue spoken with him, of whom Vrganda writes vnto vs: and to morrow he will be heere with the good Hermit Nas∣cian, who hath reuealed strange mat∣ters to me.

Then he reported, in what man∣ner he met him, and all that he had heard of the Hermit: whereof the good Queene was not a little ioy∣full, as well because shee should see the childe; as to haue some confe∣rence with the holy man, in cases of Conscience, and to be confessed by him. Neuerthelesse Madame, (quoth the King) I desire that you would not disclose this to any one, vntill such time as hee bee in our presence.

Afterward, they went and sate downe to dinner, talking of nothing all that while, but what goodly Harts and Hindes they had seene in the Forrest. Then came Galaor and Norandell with their venison, per∣swading the King to be earely stur∣ring the next morning: for they had fayled in the pursuit of a wilde Boare, the most huge and strangest that euer they had seene. But hee made them answere, that he had re∣ceiued certaine letters from Vrgan∣da, which he would impart to them the day following, and prayed them

therfore in the meane space to che∣rish well the Houndes, till all were perfourmed as he had determined. Then rising from the Table, the King went and conuersed with the Ladies, so spending all the rest of the day, vntill the houre of repose approached, when each one with-drew to their lodgings: and on the next morning, hauing heard Masse, each saluted other with the good morrow.

The day beganne to grow on a∣pace, and the weather was so extra∣ordinary warme, that the Queene commaunded the sides of her tents to bee turned vp, for better recei∣uing the fresh coole ayre. Then could she discerne a goodly com∣pany of Ladies, flocking together beneath the toyles; in whose pre∣sence the King being arriued (the Ladies and knights conferring on what they best affected) he drewe Vrgandaes Letter forth of his sleeue, which hee had receiued the day be∣fore, thus speaking to Galaor and the rest. Now will I shew you an ad∣uertisement, that was sent vnto mee yesterday, whereat (I thinke) you will no lesse wonder, then I my selfe already haue done. Then he read it out so loud among them, that eue∣ry one might easily heare it. Neuer∣thelesse, they could not presume what this happy childe should bee, to whom destiny had promised such gracious blessings: onely the Prin∣cesse Oriana excepted, whom it tou∣ched neerer then any of the rest, not hauing (in so long time) heard of her lost Sonne. This was a no∣tice to raise suspition in her, that this might be her child; wherupon, such an biguous perswasions ouer-tooke her thoughts, that aboue ten times she changed colour: yet vn∣discerned of any there present; for they were all attentiue to the Let∣ters reading, as also to the Kings speeches, who demanded of Galaor, to know his opinion.

Sir, (said he) seeing that Vrganda hath sent it to yee, we may well be∣leeue that it will fall out so, conside∣ring the trueth of those things, which so many times heeretofore she hath foretold, and no doubt but God will so permit it; for it wold be the greatest to mee, that euer can happen in all my life-time, to 〈…〉〈…〉 faire a peace betweene you, my Lord Amadis, and all the rest of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 friends and kindred. Welcome be it, (quoth the King,) and as the will of our Lord is, so let all bee done. As he ended these words, afarre off he espied the good Hermite com∣ming, the two young Laddes Es∣plandian and Sergil, with two vanas∣sours, kinsemen to olde Nascian, in such order as I shall describe vn∣to ye. Esplandian had a great Hare, and two Partridges hanging on his shoulder, which he had •…•…in with his Bowe by the way as hee came. Sergil led the Lyonnesse in a leashe, fastened with a little cord, and these followed Nascian, and the two other: the one of them carry∣ing the Hart, which the Lyonnesse had kilde the day before; as for∣merly hath bin related, and the other ledde the two Braches (be∣longing to Esplandian) coupled to∣gether.

When the Ladies saw the Lyon∣nesse so slenderly guarded, they were so afraid, that they came all & sate about the king: who for their more assurance, said. Let none be dismayed; for he that is maister ouer this Lyonnes in power, will defend vs from a more daungerous beast then this is. I know not, said Gala∣or, who hath most commaund o∣uer the beast: but if shee once waxe displeased, the Huntsman

that leades her, will finde those reines ouer weake, to rule and con∣troule her at his pleasure. Why, (quoth the King,) she is in the con∣duct of the holy man Nascian, ther∣fore boldly let vs goe meete him. So each one arose, and the King went and embraced the Hermite, saying, hee was most heartily wel-come. Then taking the olde man by the one hand, and Esplandian by the other, hee presented them both to the Queene. Beholde Madame, the very goodliest Gentleman that euer you saw. Then Esplandian (e∣•…•… as faire forwardnesse, as if all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 life-time he had bin brought vp in the Court) made her a very gra∣c•…•…s reuerence, and presenting her his owne carriage, said. See heere Madame, what hunting sport wee haue had by the way, which you may dispose as best you please. Pretty youth, said the King, that power re∣maines in you onely. No Sir, an∣swered Esplandian, rather in you, or this Lady, to whom I haue already giuen it. Nay, quoth the King, she had much rather, that you wold diuide it among her Ladies, accor∣ding to your owne vnderstanding; then, if any remaine, we will expect our part.

As the King spake these wordes, the Hermite cast his eye vpon the childe; who fearing that hee had committed some errour in his tal∣king, blushed so sweetly, that very pleasingly it became him to behold, and pointing to the Hart, c••a••••ng pardon of the King for his offence, said. My Lord, I humbly beseech you, to accept this Hart as your owne, and my Lady shall haue this Hare: but these Partridges are for the tother Lady standing by her. This hee spake of Oriana his Mo∣ther, who darted such a louing look at him, as is easier for you to ima∣gine, then me to vtter. How pret∣ty Sir? said the King, will you giue nothing to these Gentlemen? I haue no more to giue, replyed the childe, but if I come hither againe tomorrow, I will bring them thus, such as I can get: in the mean while if you be so pleased, you may let them bee partakers of your veni∣son.

All this young discourse was de∣liuered with so good a grace, and such pleasing life of gesture by Esp∣landian, that it procured much loue and admiration enterchanged with smiles and amiable regardes. In good sadnesse, said the King, his gentle nature is not to be wondered at: for, by that which hath bin de∣clared to me, by him who hitherto was his foster-father, faire destiny hath made large promises to him. Therefore good Father quoth he to Nascian, to the end that euery one heere present, may vnderstand the trueth of his rare fortune: I pray you once more to discourse, that wherewith you acquainted me yesterday. Sir, answered the Her∣mite, it is now more then fiue years, since I found the childe in the mouth of this Lyonnesse, carrying it to her young ones newly whelpt: and I am verily perswaded, that hee was not then fully a naturall day old. Then hee declared the man∣ner of his swadling clothes; what countenance the Lyonnesse ex∣pressed, when she first gaue him sucke, and the care hee had all the while of his thus nourishing, in ex∣pectation of his Sisters comming.

All this discourse was diligently listened vnto by Oriana, Mabtla, and the Damosell of Denmarke, well knowing (by the Hermites rela∣tion) that Elplandian was (vn∣doubtedly) the Son to Amadis & the Princesse; which caused such

pleasing contentment in them all, that they knew not well how to dis∣semble it. Old Father, (quoth the King to the Hermite) you told me yesterday, that seeing our Lord had hitherto so graciously preserued the childe, I ought to haue care of him in his following-dayes: where∣fore, if it like you to leaue him with me, and his young companion like∣wise, I will cause them to bee so commendably educated, that (if God be so pleased) they shall both proue worthy men, & good knights; and I desire that I may preuaile with you in this request. Sir (answered the Hermite) they are yours, seeing you are so desirous to haue them: and I will heartily pray vnto our Lord God, to endue them with such grace, as they may hereafter do you some acceptable seruice.

Then he gaue them his blessing, with these words. My Sonnes, see∣ing the King hath done ye so much honour, to allow yee entertainment in his Court, take paines to be o∣bedient and pleasing to him. The good olde man shed teares in great abundance, during the time of this short sweete counsell: when the King said vnto him: Graue Father, make no doubt but I wil so gouerne them, that they shall become such men as I haue promised ye. Then I beseech ye Sir, (said the Queene to the King) that you would referre them to my direction, till they bee more fitting for your seruice: and your Daughter shall haue Esplandi∣an, and my selfe will haue care of Sergil. Bee it as you please Ma∣dame (answered the King) I com∣mit them both to your disposition.

Thus the childe was deliuered into his owne mothers gouerning, who accepted him more gladly, then any gift in the world that else could haue beene giuen her: and long time hee continued with her, vn∣knowen to any, but those Ladies that were best acquainted with her most priuate occasions. Now, be∣fore Nascian departed thence, she would needes be confessed by him: wherupon (vnder shrift) she gaue him to vnderstand, that Esplandian was sonne to her and Amadis, and in what manner hee was lost, by his carriage to nurse. Beleeue mee Daughter (answered the Hermite) our Lord must needes be offended with you, in offering such iniury to your owne soule, thorow an inordi∣nate and volupruous desire: especi∣ally you being borne of so great parents, and ought to be a mi•…•… and example to all the other peo∣ple, aboue whom it hath pleased him to aduance yee. Deare Father, (quoth she,) I know wel, that I haue most grieuously sinned: notwith∣standing, that which I haue done, was as a woman to her husband; for at the instant, we affianced our souls mutually together. Heereupon she reported how Archalaus had led her away, and how shee was after suc∣coured by Amadis, according as already hath beene related, in the precedent History.

Then the Hermit was reasonably well satisfied, accounting the of∣fence so much the lesse, being vn∣dergone with so good a condition: for after this confession, the effect followed, because by this meanes, (though some long while before) Nascian made peace with the King and Amadis, being on the very point of entring into a sharpe and cruell battaile, as you shall vnder∣stand more at large in the fourth Book following. But Oriana hauing done pennance, according as Nas∣cian had appointed her: he tooke leaue of the King and the whole Court, to returne home to his

Hermitage, taking the Lyonnesse along with him, and the King went back to the Citty, to take order there for his further affaires.