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. IX. (Book 9)

How the knight of the greene Sword, being departed from King Tafi∣nor of Bohemia, came into the marches of Romania, where hee met with Grasinda in the fieldes, accompanied with many Gentle-men, Ladies and Damosels: Especially with a Knight named Bran∣dasi dell, who would compell him (by force of Armes) to come speake with the Ladie Grasinda, and of the Combate they fought together.

YOu haue heeretofore heard how the knight of the greene Sword, departing from King Tafinor, tooke his way towardes the parts of Romania, where hee made his abode no long time, but had perfourmed so many worthy deedes of Armes, that euery Prouince was filde with his praises. But it was not with∣out mighty sufferance of me∣lancholy, by continuall thin∣king on his Princesse Oriana. It happened vpon one day among others, that crossing the Coun∣try, hee ariued at a Port or Hauen of the Sea, whereupon was plan∣ted a Towne, in the most plea∣sing manner of situation that euer hee had seene, it being called Sar∣•…•….

And because the houres of the day were not sufficiently spent, he would not (as yet) make entrance: but turned his course on euery side, to make the better disco∣uery at his owne best aduantage; where obseruing the Sea coaste, hee beganne to remember Gaule, from whence it was now aboue two yeares, since he parted; which proued such an encreasing of his ••••rrowes, that the ••••••res trickled downe his cheekes amaine.

As hee continued in this pen∣siue humour, he espyed a troupe of knights, Ladies and Gentle-women comming towardes him: among whom there was one more beautifull and goodly, (as it see∣med to him) then any of the rest: for ouer her head was borne a Ca∣nopie of white taffata, fastened to foure roddes of yron, to keepe her from the heate of the Sun, which was then very piercing and vio∣lent.

But because hee tooke no de∣light at that time, to bee seene in such companie, being so deuout∣ly addicted to solitude: he kept off so farre as hee could from all resort, that hee might (with better dispo∣sition) thinke on the former fa∣uours he had receiued in Great Bri∣taine.

Beholding this troupe to draw neerer and neerer, hee wandred a∣loofe off: yet was he not strayed so ••••••re; but hee perceiued a comely Damosell comming after him, ac∣companied with a knight, that held a great Launce in his hand, which he shaked so rudely, as if hee intended to breake it. The Damo∣sell being hard at hand, made her palfray get before him, leauing

the other knight her guide, behind, vsing these words to the knight of the Dwarfe. Sir knight, yonder Lady, whom I imagine you haue taken little note of, hath sent me to yee, desiring that you would come speake with her, for your owne good.

God defend her from al harmes, (replyed our sad knight,) albeit I haue no further knowledge of her. But tell me Lady I pray yee, what would this knight haue that came hither with you? Sir, (quoth she) let him no way procure your dis∣taste: onely doe what I haue desi∣red, and well will come of it. Assu∣redly, (said he) if you will not tell me, I shall faile in fulfilling what you would haue. Seeing you are so earnest Sir, (quoih shee) you shal be satisfied, although it is much a∣gainst my minde. Vnderstand then Sir, that when my Lady had espyed you, and this Dwarfe attending on you; because it hath beene told her, that there was a straunge knight in this Country, who performed such actions of Armes, as no man possi∣bly can doe more, and goes alwaies accompanied as now you are: shee is halfe perswaded that you are the man. In which respect, she would gladly doe you all honorable serui∣ces she can deuise, and discouer an especiall secret to ye, which (as yet) she hath not reuealed to any person liuing.

Now Sir, as concerning this knight, when hee heard my Ladies motion, he made her answere, that he would cause you to come to her by force or faire meanes, which is very easie for him to doe, in regard of the high chiualry remaining in him; for his equal is not to be found in all these Countries: wherefore I would counsell you to credit me, & goe along with me.

Friendly Damosell, answered Amadis, I would gladly doe more for your Mistresse then this: but I must first trye, whether this knight can accomplish his promise, or no. By my faith Sir, quoth she, I am the more sorry for ye; because, so farre as my weake iudgment can reache, you appeare to bee a most courte∣ous knight. So she turned her pal∣fray, and the knight of the dwarfe followed on his way, as before hee had done.

When the other knight saw that, he cryed out so loud as hee could. Cowardly and faint-harted knight, alight from thy horse, and lead him backward, vsing his taile in stead of a bridle. Then come so, and pre∣sent thy selfe to my Lady, humbly crauing her mercy, because thou didst not follow her Damosell; o∣therwise, I shall smite off thy head from thy shoulders; therefore make choice of these two offers, which thou doest imagine most honoura∣ble for thee.

Beleeue me Sir, answered the knight of the Dwarse, such seruice is better beseeming you, then mee; fall to it therefore, when you please. Is it euen so Sir? (said the other;) then Ile make yee doe it, whether you will or no. So placing his Launce in his rest, hee made no doubt of foyling him, as hee had done many before. Neuerthe∣lesse, our knight of the dwarfe, omit∣ting not the least moment of readi∣nesse to receiue him, gaue the spurs to his horse, and met the other (who was named Brandasidel) so full in the carriere, that he cast him quite out of his saddle, and hee lay in a trance vpon the ground; but him-selfe was hurt a little in the throate, and finishing his course, he turned bridle againe for a fresh encoun∣ter.

When hee saw Brandasidel lye so long vpon the earth, he said to Gan∣dalin. Alight, and looke if he bee dead or not, and take from him his Shield and Helmet. So Gandalin came to him; and as hee was disar∣ming him, Brandasidel recouered from his traunce; whereupon the knight of the Dwarfe called to him, saying. Villaine, thou art dead, except thou performe that which thou wouldst haue compelled mee to done, a man vtterly vnknowen to thee: for, seeing thy selfe wouldst make such a Law, it is conuenient that thou shouldst keepeit. As Bran∣d•…•…l opened his eyes, hee behelde the knight of the Dwarfe, holding his drawen weapon against his throate, looking stedfastly on him, and not vttering one word. How? quoth our knight, hast thou not the heart to speake? By the faith I beare to God, thy head then shall giue me a better reason. So dismoun∣ting from his horse, and lifting vp his Sword to strike; Brandasidel cry∣ed vnto him. Hold your hand Sir knight, for I will accomplish your command, rather then dye in this vile maner. Rise then, replyed the knight of the Dwarfe, and let mee haue it done immediatly. Then Brandasidel arose, and called his Squires to helpe him vp on horse-backe, according as the knight of the Dwarfe had appoin∣ted him, sitting with his face backward, and holding his horse taile in steed of a bridle, turning his Shield also the in side outward. In this maner rode he to Grasinda, who seeing him come so honourably, could not refraine from laughing, not any in her company, to see him thus worthily corrected with his owne rodde. In which regard he was so ashamed of himselfe, that he du•…•… not look vp; but holding down his head like a micher, rode thence away into the Towne.

Now, the Damosell that was sent from this Lady to our knight of the Dwarfe, heard the wordes which passed betweene the two knights, and obserued the manner of their encounter, whereof as shee was ma∣king report to her Mistresse, the knight of the Dwarfe came thither, where humbly saluting Grasinda, he thus spake.

Madame, by that which one of your women told mee, you haue a desire to speake with mee. Indeed Sir knight, (quoth shee) shee told you nothing but trueth; and seeing it hath pleased you to doe mee so much honour, you are most respe∣ctiuely welcome. For, ouer and beside those miracles of manhood, which I haue heard (for trueth) per∣formed by you in these our mar∣ches: I was made acquainted (not long since) with the extraordinarie fauour, which King Tafinor of Bohe∣mia (my Cousin) receiued by your meanes. In which respect, I must confesse my selfe to stand obliged to you, and doe therefore entreate you (so farre as my poore power may preuaile with you) to accept a lodging in my Palace, where your hurt may bee diligently attended: thus assuring your selfe, that to no place you can be better welcome, nor receiue speedier cure. Madame, (said he) perceiuing in what kinde manner you haue entreated me, let me perswade you to rest resolued, that I will make no spare of my selfe in all perils of the world, to doe you any seruice: and therefore, reason strictly bindeth me, not to refuse your most gracious offer, mine owne necessity so much requiring it.

Thus rode they on towardes the Towne, conferring very kindly to∣gether:

and Grasinda seeing him to be so goodly and compleate a per∣son, instantly fell into amorous af∣fection. And let me tell ye, shee was a Lady of most exquisite beau∣ty, young, delicate, well-spoken, affable, in the gayetic of her time, worthy of the chiefest liking, as any Lady else could be, hauing liued in marriage not fully a yeare, being now a widow, and without any childe. But the knight of the Dwarfe had his thoughts else-where busied, the Idea of his Oria∣na being continually before his eyes, by whose absence he endured extreame passions: and yet not∣withstanding, he knew so well how to conceale them, as the cunningst eye could hardly make any disco∣uery.

As they entred into the Towne, the inhabitants (who had already heard of the successe betweene him and Brandasidel, who before had bin reputed the toughest knight in all that Countrie,) thronged thorow the streetes to see him, saying to one another as hee passed along: This were a happy fortune to our Lady, if shee might haue this man to bee her husband; for a more good∣ly person is no where to bee found, nor of greater valour. Being come to the Palace, and conducted into a very sumptuous Chamber, he was there vnarmed.

Then came Maister Elisabet, a ve∣ry excellent Chirurgion, who ha∣uing seene the wound which he had receiued in his throate, saide vnto him. Sir, you are wounded in a very dangerous place, and haue need of long rest: otherwise, your person will be in great hazard. Very sorry was our knight to heare these words, and said to Maister Elisabet. I will doe whatsoeuer you will haue me, prouided, that you promise me, (vpon your faith to God, and your Mistresse,) that so soone as you shal see me in disposition, to endure tra∣uaile, you will not faile to tell mee, because whatsoeuer I doe, it is im∣possible for me to rest in any quiet∣nes, vntill it please our Lord to per∣mit, that I may bee where my heart desireth to soiourne. Thus spea∣king, he fell into such a melancholy fitte, as teares issued abundantly out of his eyes, whereof he was much a∣shamed: neuerthelesse, restrayning them so couertly as he could, hee shewed a more chearefull counte∣nance then before. And Maister Elisabet said vnto him: I pray you Sir, vse as little sadnesse as possibly you may, and I trust in God, in ve∣ry short while to see you safely cu∣red.

Then were the Tables comman∣ded to be couered, and Grasinda her selfe serued in person, perswading him very earnestly to be merry: and supper being ended, they betooke themselues seuerally to rest; but in steed of sleeping, he (according to his wonted manner) beganne to re∣member his Oriana, in whom was his sole delight and pleasure, enter∣mixing (notwithstanding) those co∣gitations with extreame torments and passions, which combatted continually one against another, so that in the midst of this trauaile, at length he fell asleepe. But if loue preuayled so powerfully in him, hee was of no lesse might in our new Loue Grasinda, who being with-drawen into her Chamber, soone after, betooke her selfe to bed: when (suddenly) the comely graces and feature of our knight of the greene Sword, in liuely conceit presented themselues before her, which helde so strict a commaund ouer her affe∣ctions, as she had no ability to con∣tradict those impressions, so that

she fell to this conference with her selfe.

Alas, whence should proceede this ydle fancie? The death of my late husband, did so farre estraunge mee from this behauiour, as I haue many times solemnely purposed, neuer more to come in subiection to any man liuing. Neuerthelesse, this newe come stranger who per∣haps, makes no account of me•• hath made such stealth of my former freedome that I seele my selfe to be more his, then mine owne. And yet notwithstanding, if so faire a felici∣ty might befall me, that hee would 〈…〉〈…〉 himselfe Lord of mee and my 〈…〉〈…〉 neuer was woman more 〈…〉〈…〉 to Fortune; the ••are chi∣•…•… and rich vertues remaining in him, considered. But what know I, whether his affections haue ano∣ther obiect, or no? Let come whatsoeuer may happen, I will tell him my loues intention, and then (it may be) he will take pitty on mee. But whence might ensue that extra∣ordinary sadnesse, which enforced teares from his eyes so abundantly, wh••n Maister Elisabet told him, that his hurt would cause his long aby∣ding heere? If I could so compasse it, his Squire would therein resolue me: and (perhaps) proue the means, that the more discreetly I may reach the •…•…hth of my purpose. To 〈…〉〈…〉 I will attempt it, if I can •…•…de him at conuenient l••y∣••••re.

Thus spent she the nigh•…•… with∣out any other resting. But when day came, shee sent one of her wo∣men, to know how her new Guest fared, and whether he had taken good rest, or no: word being retur∣ned her, that hee 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 awake. Whereupon, she went to his cham∣ber, and hauing giuen him the bon∣•…•…, demaunded, how & in what e∣state he found himselfe? Well Madame, I thanke God and you, (quoth he.) In troth Sir, (said she) this night haue I taken the worst rest, that euer I did. How Lady, (replyed our knight,) haue you bin so ill?

Now, as she purposed to disclose her hearts oppressions, feare and shame, inter-mixed with that mo∣dest bashfulnesse, which euermore held soueraigne dominion ouer her, had so closely lockt vp her lips, that she sate vnable to make him a∣ny answere. But she sent him such a heart-speaking looke, as made her •…•…re complexion to alter; which our knight of the Dwarfe wel obserued, but imagining this weakenesse to proceed from some other occasion, he thus spake. Madame, seeing your disposition hath bin so displea∣sing to yee, me thinkes I should not miscounsell yee, to goe and lye downe againe, and sleep may come vpon ye better, then before. Let me tell ye Sir (answered Grasinda,) this disease is too frequent with me, and will passe away (by Gods leaue) as sudd•…•…ly, as he sent it.

She spake this, to preuent all oc∣casion of leauing his company, wherein shee spent the whole day, taking such delight in looking on him, as shee had almost forgot her selfe, that it was now a due houre to command her absence. Wherefore, giuing him the good night, she re∣turned to her bed, where, if the pre∣cedent night shee tooke little rest, this that ensued, was much more in∣iurious to her, because incessantly she turned from one side to ano∣ther, by reason of this fiery loue tor∣ment in her. So that, setting aside all other cares, she concluded (with∣out any further delaying) the very next morning, to let the knight vn∣derstand her martyrdome. And

questionlesse, had he not bin woun∣ded, so violent was her extreamity; that instantly shee would haue gone to his bed. For, those delights and solaces, which (for lesse then a yeares space) shee had with her late husband, added fresh fuell to her flame, and was as tinder to her op∣pressing passions: which at length so ouer wearied her, as shee fell a∣sleepe, and so continued till it was broad day.

Being vp and ready; according to her vsuall custome, shee went to see how her knight did, more feare∣full then euer before ••shee had bin; and whereas in her night fittes, shee had resolued to acquaint him with her disquiet, Day had put her on such a Robe of shame, as quite alte∣red her determination. Thus for more then a moneths space shee continued in these agonies, till one day among other, meeting with Gandalin at apt leysure, she thus be∣spake him.

Friendly Squire, in the loue that you beare to God & your Maister, let me entreate to mooue one que∣stion to ye, concerning him, which cannot but returne to his great ho∣nour and profit, and by mee shall not bee discouered to any liuing. Madame (quoth Gandalin) if your motion be within the compasse of my capacity, assure your selfe that I will resolue ye. Tell me then, sweet Friend, (said Grasinda,) doe you know of his affection to any wo∣man, that may contradict his loue to another, if it should grow to such a purpose? Madame (quoth he) it is but a little while as yet, since the Dwaife and I became his seruants; whereto nothing more incited vs, then his admired vertues and re∣nowne: And he hath expressely for∣bid vs, to enquire either of his name, or any of his affaires: but to declare the fidelitie of our duty, in knowing no more then he thinkes fit for vs. But thus much I dare tell yee, that wee haue already seene such valour in him, as you may well credit with∣out all question, that he is the best knight in the world.

Now, as Gandalin made a more ample relation of his Maisters for∣tunes, she held her eyes fixed on the ground, and (in sighing) shewed her selfe so pensiue, that hee easily perceiued the loue shee bare to his Lord. But tell me then Sir, I pray ye, (quoth she,) why did hee fall a∣weeping the other day in our pre∣sence. Truely Madame, said he, it is a matter continually happening to him, and so often doth hee sighe both by day and night, that I mar∣uaile much how he can liue. Yet I know him to be such a man, and of so great spirit, that this proceedeth not from any dread of peril, or from any hazardous enterprise he can vn∣dertake: whereby it may bee easily presumed, that it is entire loue and affection, which he beareth to some Lady that I know not. So God help me, (replyed Grasinda) I do beleeue as much, and highly thanke yee for this courtesie. Now, you may go to him, when you please, and heauen send him as speedie a remedie for his hurts, as I could willingly wish to mine.

Hauing thus spoken, shee with-drew thence into her Chamber, per∣swading her selfe assuredly, that she was preuented in her hopes: where-upon, she promised by all discreete meanes, to quenche the fire already too much kindled. Neuerthelesse, Loue still gaue a maine opposition, and fed her imaginations with idle conceit, that (in time) shee should hit the marke she aymed at. But it fell out otherwise; for so soone as our knight felt himselfe able for

Armes, he commaunded Gandalin to make all things ready, because he meant to ride away the next mor∣ning.

At that very instant Grasinda came into his Chamber, where talking together as they were wont to doe, and falling from one discourse to a∣nother, the knight of the Dwarse at last spake thus. Madame, I feele my selfe so exceedingly well reco∣uered (thankes be to God and you) as I am purposed, so you bee not therewith displeased, to part from hence very earely to morrow mor∣ning: coueting nothing more in my defi••es, then to study how I may (during my life-time) best acknow∣ledge the good and honor you haue done me. Therefore Madame, I most humbly entreate you, to con∣sider with your selfe, if there be any seruice that you shal please to com∣mand me, my imployment therein shall stretch so farre as my lifes ex∣treamity.

When Grasinda heard these wordes, she fell into such a heaui∣nesse, as she could not returne him any answere: neuerthelesse, at length she thus replyed. Knight of the greene Sword, I make no doubt, but that your heart and tongue are relatiues, the one agreeing with the others intention, as well for the good which you say, you haue re∣ceiued in my house, as for a matter of farre higher moment, which nei∣ther the time, nor your forward in∣tent, will now permit to be discoue∣red.

Therfore, when the happy houre shall come best fitting mee to vrge my recompence, assure your selfe, I will demaund it so secretly of you, (without either blushing, feare or shame) as you shall well perceiue it to be a matter, which I haue hither∣to kept concealed in my heart, and neuer reuealed to any one liuing. In the meane while, let me entreate you to tell me, which way you pur∣pose to direct your trauaile? Be∣leeue me Madame, answered our knight, I hope in short time to bee in Greece, as well to see the country, as the Emperour, of whom I haue heard many good reports.

Truely Sir, (replyed Grasinda,) I wishe all happy successe to attend yee; and I meane to prouide a Ship for ye, and to furnish ye in such sort, as your voyage shall be the easier perfourmed. Moreouer, I will giue ye Maister Elisabet for your health and welfare, when any disa∣ster or inconuenience shall befall ye: with this promise, that if you finde your body apt and able, you shall come againe hither to mee within a yeares compasse. Our knight had small reason to refuse so great kindnes; but in returning Grasinda most harty thankes, said. Madame, I were the most abiect wretch in the world, and no way worthy the name of knight, if I should not endeauour to acknow∣ledge so many gracious fauours, as you haue bestowed vpon me; and I should think the wearing of Armes farre vnfit for me, if either by dread of death, or any other accident whatsoeuer, I should deferre the fulfilling of what you haue inioy∣ned me. What I desire (quoth she) to haue you doe for me, shalbe respitted till your backe returne, and it is no other thing, but what shalbe for your honor and aduantage. Ma∣dame (said he) such is my confidence in your true appearing vertues, that you will not vse me in any other ser∣uice. No, vpon my faith, (quoth she.)

Then she sent for Maister Elisa∣bet, to whom she gaue charge for prouiding a good Ship in readines,

and all necessaries else fit for tra∣uaile, during the knights voyage to Constantinople. Which he accom∣plished with such care and dili∣gence, as (the fift day following) our knight taking leaue of Grasinda, went aboord with Maister Elisabet. Hoysing their sayles, they passed many Islands of Romania, in the more part whereof he performed such rare deedes of prowesse; that his fame flew (in short while) through the whole Country. But by reason he had no more then a yeares limitation, for his returne to Grasinda, the Mariners importuned him to more speedines: giuing him to vnderstand, that it was impossi∣ble for him (making so many de∣layes by the way) to finish the voy∣age so soone: Whereupon he con∣cluded, to land no more till he came into Greece; and therefore launched forth into the maine: where (for this time) wee will leaue him to speake of matters happening in Great Brittaine, during the long voyage of Amadis.

It hath bin tolde yee in the se∣cond Booke, that Patin, being then no more then a meane knight, with∣out any great estate or possession, liued onely in hope; to bee heereaf∣ter Emperour of Rome, when the death of his brother happened, who had no procreated heire of his bo∣dy. This perswasion, in respect of his loue to the Queene Sardami∣ra, whom he most intirely affected, made him vndertake the voyage of Great Brittaine, where he was most honourably entertained by King Lisuart, especially after he knew him to be the Emperors brother. There he grew forgetfull of his first loue, beholding the beauty and comely graces of the Princesse Oriana, whom he requested in mariage of the King her Father. Vpon the an∣swere made him, he determined to shewe himselfe among the most va∣liant spirits, in searche of straunge aduentures, and combatting all er∣rant knights he should meet with∣all. Crossing through the Forrest, whereas then Amadis was, despai∣ring of euer seeing his Oriana any more (in regard of his banishment, signified to him by Durin, brother to the Damosell of Denmarke) he be∣ganne to sing the praises of the Princesse, and to glorifie himselfe in the loue she bare him in his opi∣nion. At which time, Amadis and he fought together, where Patin was conquered, and sore wounded in the head: in regard whereof, he returned to Rome, without going backe to King Lisuarts Court, lea∣uing his marriage in suspence till some other time.

But it fell out so well for him, that so soone as he was there arri∣ued, the Emperour his brother left his life, leauing him sole heire to the Empire. Whereupon, he had far greater desire then before, to fi∣nish the affection he had begunne: hoping, by reason of the great dig∣nity whereto he was now aduan∣ced, he should the more easily com∣passe his long-desired marriage. Which, the sooner to effect, he sent Ambassadours to King Lisuart, with a new request of his daughter in marriage: heereto were appointed Saluste Quide, Prince of Calabria, Brondariel de Roce, the great Maister, the Archbishop of Tarente, and the Queene Sardamira, accompani∣ed with a gallant troupe of knights, Ladies and Gentlewomen, to bring home the Princesse Oriana, as they hoped. But matters happened to another end, as heereafter more at large shall be related to you.