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. X. (Book 10)

How within some while after the Knight of the greene Sword had hoy∣sed saile into the maine Sea, and had quite left the Islands of Ro∣mania: By hard fortune, he was cast vpon the Deuils Island, where he fought with a Monster, named Endriagus.

THe Mariners hauing set their sayles, with full intent for Constan∣tinople; so soone as they had lost sight of the Isles of Romania, the Sea exal∣ted it selfe in such sort, and grew to such a dreadfull tempest, that, not∣withstanding all paines the Mari∣ners could take, for best guiding and gouerning the Ship, it was so tost with contrary windes and waues, as very many times they were in manifest peril of shipwrack. And being out of all further hope, safety not appearing so much as in a glimpse of assurance: they atten∣ded onely the mercy of God, and continued in this extreamity the space of 8, dayes, without knowing where, or in what part they were. For the tempest of winde, haile and raine, was so thick and continuall, as it seemed that heauen and earth and the Sea would meete together. But at length, the Ship was throwen on Shoare about two houres before day, and with such violence, as they feared it would be split; for it was driuen out of the Sea on drye land.

Notwithstanding, they sustayned no harme at all, which gaue them better hope then formerly they had, so that when bright day appea∣red, they knew themselues to bee in the deuils Island, which by reason of a straunge Monster there aby∣ding, was so dispeopled, as no li∣uing creature repayred thither. Then a new feare seazed on them, and now they despaired of their liues more then before, so that they were euen ready to throw them-selues into the deepe: when the knight of the greene Sword deman∣ded of them, what might be the rea∣son of this terror?

Alas Sir, (quoth they,) where doe you imagine wee are landed? what gulfe, what shipwrack could haue beene worse to vs then this? Now wee are in compasse of the Deuils power, who in the forme of a cruell Monster, ruinates all this Country. How? said the knight, I see nothing yet that should thus a∣maze ye: therefore tell me I pray ye, what deuill or Monster is it, that workes this great despaire in ye?

Then Maister Elisabet (lesse dis∣mayed then any of the rest) spake for them al, saying. Vnderstand Sir, that this Island, wheron our disaster hath brought vs, was not long since in the possession of a Giant, the most bloo∣dy Tyrant that liued in all the Isles. he had to wife an honourable Lady, as wise, milde and vertuous, as hee was wicked and cruell: of whom he begot a daughter, named Bran∣daginda, that was (in her time) one of the goodliest Ladies in the world: And although many great Lords, and men of high merite, would gladly haue enioyed her in marriage: yet notwithstanding, the rigour of the Giant was so extreme, as he still kept them off, because by no meanes hee would haue her to marry. In regard where-of, this Mayden encreasing in yeares, and those desires that would faine experiment, what hap∣pinesse it was to liue with a man,

knowing withall, that her father had set downe his resolution, neuer to bestow her as a wife on any man: preuailed so much by insinuating blandishments, and incestuous de∣monstrances, that she drew him to affect her, and had his company car∣nally. But that which was much worse, shee machinated the death of her owne mother, that the more boldly, and without feare, she might liue still in this horrid incest, wherto the Giant gaue quick consent. This Mayde that was, perceiuing her selfe to grow great with childe: one day, as her mother and shee walked together in an Orchard, passing by a deepe Well, she thrust her there∣in so rudely, as she brake her neck in the fall.

Now, because the people began to murmure, the Giant told them, that he vnderstood by three of his gods (one in the likenesse of a Grif∣fon, the other as a Lyon, and the third in the shape of a man) that of him and his daughter, should bee borne a creature, so much to be re∣spected and feared through all the Countrie, that none of his neigh∣bours should dare to attempt any harme against him. And vnder this colour, he openly married his wic∣ked daughter, who within no long time after, was deliuered of a Monster, in such manner as I shall shew vnto ye. It was so full of haire on the face, feete and hands, as it ap∣peared to be a Beare, all the rest of the body was couered ouer with scailes, so hard and strong, as no ar∣ro•…•…ot from a Bow could pierce them▪ beside, they were so broad & great, that they extended quite o∣uer the backe, defending it like so many Shields, so that no instrument of yron could enter thorow them. From vnder them came forth arms, hands, legs & feete, with nailes and clawes so piercing, like to them of a mighty strong Lyon. His eyes see∣med properly like two burning coales, or brands, so red and spark∣ling, that in the night season they seemed like two shining starres. And, that which was much more, his teeth were so huge & sharp, that they would bite through & breake the best made Armour of steele.

By all these meanes, he did so many harmes and mischiefes, that he brought this Isle to be disinhabi∣table; especially because he could mount, leape and run so speedily, as the very nimblest Hart in the world. And if at any time he grew angry or offended (as it happened very often) in fighting with Beares, Lyons and wilde Boares, he would send foorth such a dreadfull smoake from his nostrils, as plainly appeared to be a duskie flame of fire, so loathsomly stinking, as no liuing creature could escape infection therby, which cau∣sed euery one to flye & shunne him. When he yelled or howled, hemade such a fearefull cry or noyse, grating his teeth in so strange manner, and clapping his wings so hideously; as, to the very boldest courage, nothing could be more dauntable. The peo∣ple of this Sea, commonly called him Endriagus; as being held and re∣puted by them, to be rather a de∣uill, then any beast produced by nature.

Much amazed was our knight of the greene Sword, to heare Maister Elisabet make this strange descripti∣on; nor being able to comprehend any possibility, that so horrid a thing could be engendred betweene man & woman. Except the ponderous weight of a sinne so monstrous, had in such sort alienated naturall disposition: that the soule fiend tooke the place of a reasonable soule, and so caused this hellish

procreation. Whereupon hee de∣maunded, why he was suffred to liue so long, and whether (as yet) he breathed there or no? I will tell yee Sir, answered Master Elisabet, all such as haue attempted his destru∣ction, haue fayled and finished theirliues most cruelly, Further-more, you must know, that the Em∣perour of Constantinople, vnder whose subiection this Island alwaies hath bin, hath sent hither the grea∣ter part of his power, but all hath proued to no purpose. I maruaile, (said our knight) why they did not kill him so soone as he was borne?

Vnderstand Sir, (replyed Maister Elisabet, that Brandaginda percei∣uing her self to be great with child, the Giant her Father was not a litle proud thereof, as hoping to haue such issue as his gods had promised him. And heereupon, he caused three or foure Nurses to be dili∣gently sought for; conceiuing with himselfe, that seeing the infant should be so strong; reason requi∣red, that his nourishing should be answerable thereto. But the mo∣thers time of deliuering growing neere, shee began to feele the most bitter anguishes in the world. Not∣withstanding, the Giant and shee tooke all in good part, perswading themselues that those paines pro∣ceeded onely from vigour of the childe: who at the time appointed) came so dreadfully forth of the mo∣thers wombe, as all the women then present were amazed thereat. Neuerthelesse, standing in feare of the Giant, they swadled it vp in rich clothes, and gaue it to one of the Nurses to sucke: at whose brest it drew so strongly, and without a∣ny intermission, as, notwitstanding all her loud cryes, he sucked the very heart blood out of her body, so that shee fell downe dead on the floore. The like did the second, & the third, all of the Nurses instantly dying, not only by the poyson issuing frō him, but also by the violence he did vnto them. These tydings being sent to the Giant, in no little amazement, he went to his gods, and hauing of∣fered sacrifice according to his cu∣stome, he demaunded of them, why they had giuen him such a mon∣strous linage? He that carried the resemblance of a man, answered. It is necessary he should be such a one, that as my workes are straunge and admirable, so should his be, & con∣formable to mine, especially to de∣stroy all Christians: therefore hee hath some semblance of a man, to whom all things owe obedience. And I, (quoth the other) in fauour of thee, haue giuen him the strēgth of a Lyon to resemble mee therein. That which mooued me, said the third, to arme him with wings, and sharpe-piercing tallents or clawes, was in imitation of my selfe, that as I partake in a Griffons nature, so he should bee Master & controuler of all creatures hee can meet withall. And let this suffice thee, without further sorow for the three womens death, that gaue him suck but hence forward let him bee nourished with the milke of thy slocks and heardes, vntill it be the space of a yeare; at which time, hee will be so well for∣med, as he shal resemble vs al three. In the meane while, take heed (vpon perill of thy life) that thou, thy wife, or any other then she that must tend him, doe see him; for else great harme will happen to thee.

For this cause, the Giant (willing to obey the command of his gods) prouided diligently for al that they had appointed him; and so this de∣uilish Monster (for a whole yeares limitation) was nourished and kept in a very close Chamber. Which

time being accomplished, and the mother vnderstanding by her who had him in gouerning, that hee was growne great and strong, beyond all naturall capacity, had such an ear∣nest desire to see him, as shee caused the Giant to yeeld consent. Entring both into the Chamber where hee was nourished, and he seeing his mother; suddenly leapt about her shoulders, and caught such hold a∣bout her neck, that before his father could lend any help, he cruelly kilde her. Whereat the Giant grew so en∣raged, that he ran on him to kil him, & in casting a blow at him with all his might, the Sword rebounded backe vpon his owne leg, wounding it so deep, as in the extreme anguish he felt thereby, he fell downe to the ground, and there breathed his last. At the very same instant, the Mon∣ster, being named Endriagus, fin∣ding the doore of the Chamber to stand open, flew thence into the mountaines, leauing all them in the Castell infected to death with his poyson. Afterward, he did so many harmes in euery place, that al the in∣habitants were glad to forsake the Country, or else to dye the death. Thus you haue heard, how this Isle hath remained desart for the space of forty yeres, and so long is it since this hellish Monster hath heere li∣ued in this manner.

By my faith, answered our knight, you haue told me wonders, wherein our Lord hath plainely declared, what long patience he hath vsed, in expecting amendment for the sinnes of men; but finding them ob∣stinate & too hard-hearted, he hath continued this seuerity of venge∣ance. Neuerthelesse, I am not to part away from this place, vntill I haue fought with this Endriagus: hoping assuredly, to reuenge the wrongs he hath done to so many, & to replant this Isle again with people, that may religiously serue God. And because the day was well neere spent, he put off his purpose till the morning, his company being minded not to leaue the Ship, because their feare stil con∣tinued, beholding the sea & tempest nothing appeased, but rather en∣crease more and more, by the Mon∣sters houering ouer the Island, and especially by the place where the Ship ancred. Night being ouerpast, & the bright morning appearing, he called for his Armes, and afterward heard Masse deuoutly: then summo∣ning them of the Ship about him, he thus spake. Louing friends, I will go directly to the Castel to seek the Monster: where (if it so please God) I may haue the victory ouer him. And because it appeares to me, that in two or three dayes we shal hardly put to Sea againe. I intend, if I finde the Castel as yet habitable, to come again hither for ye, that you may re∣main in safe security, vntill the wea∣ther be more calme. So mounting on horseback, and taking none but Gandalin in his company, they ascē∣ded vp the Rock, where presently they espied the Fortresse, and ry∣ding thither to it, found neither man or beast liuing in it. Heereupon af∣ter they had thorowly visited it, and found it to bee strong & wel-defen∣ced, they returned to them in the ship, and causing them to bring vi∣ctuals thither for three dayes, commending them all to God, he said.

Stand vpon your guard so well as you can, for I must goe to effect mine enterprise: thus aduising you, that if I haue good successe, Gan∣dalin shal winde his Horne to ye, & giue you assurance thereby, that Endriagus is dead, and I liuing. But if the contrary happen to me, there shall be no need of any signall

to ye, because you will know it soon enough. In the meane while, pray to GOD both for mee and your selues.

So setting on his way, hee left them sad and mourning, for the small hope they had of his returning. But their griefe could not be com∣pared to that of Ardan the Dwarfe, who being compelled to leaue his knight, by a seueare command im∣posed on him, made such ruefull moane, as euery man tooke com∣passion on him. Alas, (quoth Ar∣dan,) am not I the most miserable wretch in the world, that when I haue most occasion to follow my Master, neuer hauing forsaken him before in all my life, he should now forbid and prohibite mee, as if I were a meere stranger to him? Then Maister Elisabet called them all to prayer, while our knight and Gan∣dalin were thwarting the Isle among brakes and bushes, and finding no∣thing. But Gandalin was so pen∣siue, as his Maister, perceiuing him to weepe, said vnto him. Ah Ganda∣lin, it appeareth by thy counte∣nance, that being with me, thou art afraid to dye: I pray thee, kinde Squire, returne backe to the rest, & there expect what shall become of me. If these teares proceede from any doubt in thee, that I cannot pre∣uaile against the Monster, assure thy selfe, that the hope I haue in the mercy of God, & the remembrance of my Lady, who now (euen at this very instant) presents her selfe be∣fore mine eyes, doth arme me with such strength, as I am able to fight with the deuill himselfe, if I could finde him. For my minde perswades me, that I see her in the daunger of Endriagus, and that I am come hi∣ther to defend her: Ah Gandalin, canst thou imagine, that I would suffer her to bee offended or outra∣ged, considering, that on her, my life & best happines doth only depend?

So pausing awhile, he then began againe thus. Doest not thou know (my louing Squire) that shee hath caused all the teares which haue bin shed by mee, and greater perils al∣ready past, then this can be? Be∣leeue me, Gandalin, I feele my for∣ces newly redoubled, and my hopes a thousand times more encreased, in but thinking of her, as I haue told thee. Then set aside all feare, and cry and call as loude as thou canst, that Endriagus may heare thee, and come hither to vs quickly, if hee be in those parts. And one thing I doe most earnestly entreate thee, to wit, that if I dye in this attempt, thou wouldst compasse some meanes, to carry my heart to my Lady, which is intirely hers, and tell her I sent it, that we appearing before God, hee may iudge, that I present her no∣thing, but what is her owne as well as mine.

When Gandalin heard these words, his heart was shut vp in sor∣row, as hee was ready to fall in a swou••e: desirous rather of his own death, then (with paine) to accom∣plish what his Master had comman∣ded him. And as they insisted vpon these tearmes, they saw Endriagus come forth of a hollow Rocke, ca∣sting from his eyes & throte flames & smoke so noysome, as all the ayre thereabout was infected therewith. So soon as he had espied them, hee came towardes them, hissing & sno∣ring in most admirable maner: not∣withstanding, it could not daunt our knight a iote, but he boldly marched to meete him, while Gandalin ran to hide himselfe, fully perswaded, that his Maister could neuer scape from such a furious beast. Our knight perceiuing that hee could by no means cause his horse to come nere

him; quickly dismounted on foot, and taking his Launce in both his hands, aymed therewith so coura∣giously at Endriagus, that (by great good fortune) he gaue him a thrust in the left eye, and put it quite out. Then Endriagus gaue a horrible dreadfull crye, and arising vp on his hindmost pawes, caught hold on the Launce so strongly, as, inten∣ding to breake it between his teeth, he tooke it so farre into his mouth, that our knight espying so apt an aduantage, by aduancing it forward as occasion serued, hee wounded him both in the tongue and throat, and left a part or tronchion thereof sticking fast betweene his teeth. Ne∣uerthelesse, hee gaue a great leape, purposing thereby to surprize the knight: but hee auoyded it by step∣ping aside, and drawing forth his Sword, gaue him a manfull stroke therewith on the right shoulder, which proued to no purpose; for he might as well strike on a rocke or a∣nuile. Endriagus got hold of the Sword with his teeth; but by reason of the sharpe steele, and part of the Launce troubling his throate, hee could not keepe it as hee intended. And that which hindred him most of all, was his great effusion of blood, which ranne in such aboun∣ding measure downe his throate, as he was scarcely able to draw any breath.

At length, he rent our knights Shield from about his neck so rude∣ly, as his hands were his best helpes, to keepe him from the ground; and as he stroue to breake it in pieces, our Knight hauing recouered him-selfe, taking his Sword fast in both his hands, smote on the top of his head but it entred no more then in∣to a mount of Adamant.

Then he perswaded himself, that except Heauen gaue him assistance, he meerely laboured in vaine: for he saw no place else where to hurt him, but in the other eye, which with great care) he kept and defen∣ded. Heereupon our knight made all his aime at that side, and proued so happy in his blow, that lighting on his snout, it entred into one of his nostrils, (which were great and wide staring) so farre, that it pierced the braine extreamely. This made Endriagus so mad, that hee got our knight fast about the body, and with his sharpe-pointed clawes, tore his coate of maile, yea, and entred through the flesh to the bone: when questionlesse he had quite kild him, but that his owne blood so ouer∣stifled his stomacke, that, letting loose his hold, he fell downe back-ward. And as he rendred his spirit, the deuill came out of his body, causing such a clap of thunder, as all the whole Island shooke with the sound thereof.

This noyse being heard by them in the Castell, they perswaded themselues thereby, that their knight was then at the Combate: and albeit they were in a safe and well-defenced Fort, yet the best and boldest man of them all, was ouercome with extraordinary feare.

Endriagus being thus vanquish∣ed, our knight rose very faintly; and purposing to goe finde Gandalin, (who was then comming towards him) hee fell downe againe in a swoune, by a little perling brooke, that descended from the moun∣taine.

Then Gandalin (imagining his Maister to bee dead) fell into most dolefull lamentations: but com∣ming neere him, he beheld him to breath: wherupon he vnarmed him. Then recouering his spirits, called to Gandalin, saying. My deare Friend

Gandalin, now thou shalt see the ending of my dayes; let me entreate thee, by the kinde nourishing which I receiued from thy father and mo∣ther, that as thou hast been loyall to me in my life, thou wilt continue so in death, and so soone as my vitall spirits haue forsaken me, to take out my heart, and beare it to my dearest Mistresse. Tell her Gandalin, that as it veelded it selfe hers the same day I first saw her, and euer since hath continued better and better in her seruice, while it was lockt vp in this brest, or sad habitation, neuer wea∣ried in any obedience to her: that shee would be pleased so to receiue it now, in remembrance of him that kept it for her; and in so doing, I be∣leeue that my soule shall haue the happier rest in another world.

As hee meant to speake more, words fayled him, and againe hee swonded. Then Gandalin (without staying to answere him) mounted on the top of the Rocke, and win∣ded the horne which he caryed (to giue signall of the death of Endria∣gus) so loude, that Ardan the dwraff, who was then on the highest of one of the Castle Towers, easily heard it. Wherevpon hee ranne downe presently, to acquaint Maister Eli∣sabet therwith; desiring him to make haste to his Maister, who (perhaps) stood in great neede of his helpe. Maister Elisabet, hauing all things in a readinesse, mounted on horse-backe, directing his course as fast as hee could ride, towards the place where hee still heard the sound of the Horne. Not long had he iour∣neyed, but he espyed Gandalin, who comming to meete him, cryed out afarre off: Alas Maister Elisabet, En∣driagus is dead: but if you prouide not the sooner for my Lord, hee is gon likewise. How man quoth he? Alas, said Gandalin, he hath already lost so much blood, as hee is not a ble to speake a word.

Very sadde and sorrowfull was Maister Elisabet at these newes, and ran quickly to the place where the Knight lay, so weake and ouer spent as hee had no motion of his pulse: yet his eyes were wide open, where∣fore to comfort him, Maister Elisa∣bet sayd. How Sir Kinght? will you declare such debilitie of courage, hauing brought to end so great and glorious an interprise? doe yee not know, that I am heare to make you sound and well againe, so soone as pleaseth God. When the Knight heard him, hee stroue to make an∣swere, but could not. Then they layd him softly vpon a cloake, and hauing wholly vnarmed him, Mai∣ster Elisabet viewed his wounds; which he found to be so many, and dangerous, as hee stood in great doubt of his recouery? Neuerthe∣lesse, hee resolued to performe so much as possibly he could, and in∣stantly applyed so soueraigne vn∣guents: as both stanched his blee∣ding; and so assawaged all vigour of paine, that his speech came to him againe, when with a very feeble and low voyce, he thus spake.

Oh, my Lord God, who to re∣deeme mee tooke humaine flesh, in the blessed Virgins wombe, and afterward didst suffer a most do∣lorous and painefull Passion: take pitie on my soule, for I well knowe, that my bodie is no better then earth. Truely Sir, answered Mai∣ster Elisabet, you haue good reason to recōmend yourself to him, con∣sidering that (by his assistance) you shall receiue the speedier helpe. As he ended these words, there arriued diuers of the Marriners, who taking him vp gently in their armes: con∣uayed him thence to the Castle; where laying him in his bed, he was

so voyd of allhis sences, as hee felt not any thing was done to him. Thus he continued all night, com∣playning continually, as one that endured much, yet without vttering any one worde, till about breake of day he fell asleepe.

Hereupon, Maister Elisabet com∣manded all to auoyd the chamber, to preuent any noise for offending him, and sate downe close by him, till hee heard him wake, and cry: Gandalin, Gandalin, shield thy selfe from this deuill, so cruell and daun∣gerous. In good faith, Sir, replyed Maister Elisabet; if you had been as safely shielded as hee, your health were the surer, and your recouerie the lesser.

At these words, our Knight ope∣ned his eyes, and knowing Maister Elisabet, said vnto him; Oh, Maister, where are we? Where? quoth hee, in such a place, where you shall doe well enough, by the grace of God. And perceiuing his Feauer to haue left him, hee brought him food to eate, & was so diligent in care ouer him, that (before night) hee reco∣uered his memorie perfectly, and beganne to know and speake to e∣uery one.

Maister Elisabet seeing all dan∣ger to be well quallified; both hee, and all the rest gaue thanks to God for it, and continued still so respe∣ctiue of him, as hee grewe hourely better and better: notwithstanding for twentie dayes hee kept his bed, without any habilitie of rising. At length, Maister Elisabet perceiuing that (without any great perill to the his person) hee might endure the Sea, especially his Feauers begin∣ning to forsake him: one day as they sate deuising together, he sayd, My Lord, thankes be to God, you are soundly recouered, and (in mine o∣pinion) when best shall please you, you may goe aboard your shippe: whereto (I so much the rather coun∣sell you) because our victuals growe so short, that if wee dislodge not hence the sooner, we shall be quite emptied. My louing friend, answe∣red our Knight, I may iustly say, that next vnto God, you are the man to whom I am most beholding, deliue∣ring mee from the great daunger wherein I was. And let mee assure yee, that so long as my soule liueth as a guest in this bodie, you haue a Knight ready to bee employed for you, without reseruation of hazard or perill whatsoeuer: for you haue done so much for me, (I being none other then a silly knight, destitute of all meanes, my best meanes consi∣sting in a poore, broken and batte∣red armour:) that while I shall en∣ioy a day of life, you may worthily acknowledge it to be yours.

My Lord, answered Maister Eli∣sabet, you say what pleaseth you of your selfe, but howsoeuer, I ac∣count my selfe the happiest of all other professing my Art; that vnder Gods assistaunce, I haue saued the life of the best Knight that euer backt a Courser: which I dare pub∣liquely auouch; you hauing attemp∣ted and finished matters incredible to common iudgements. So that I am well assured, from this time fore∣ward, many that haue endured shames and iniuries, must expect helpe by our means, whereas other∣wise, they shall remaine miserably without any hope. Therefore Ibe∣ing borne to be the poore occasion of so great a blessing; doe accompt my trauell more liberally recom∣penced, then if I had all the weal∣thy treasures of the world together.

Worthy Friend, quoth our Knight, leaue these commendati∣ons to some other, on whom (hap∣pily) they may be more deseruedly

bestowed; and councell me I desire ye, in the busines I haue vndertaken, as I shall make it further knowen to ye: you are not ignorant, that in no meane griefe and heauinesse, we parted from the Isle of Romania, and by importunity of the Mariners on∣ly: wee set sayle for further passage, as purposely bound for Constantino∣ple, but that windes and tempests haue quite altered our course. All which notwithstanding, for any pe∣rill I finde in my selfe, my minde va∣ries not a iote from my first deter∣mination: so that if you can alleage no contradiction, I am more ready then euer, to aduenture the Sea for Greece, where I would gladly see the Emperour, and some singulari∣ties of the Countrie, which are no common matters to our knights of Gaule.

Therefore, if you be as well con∣tented, let vs away for that part: our returne to Grasinda alwayes re∣membred, at all times, when you please, and according to promise at our parting.