CHAP. XII.

OVr knight of the green Sword being on Ship∣boord, and set foorth from the Port of Con∣stantinople; as alrea∣dy hath beene related to yee: the windes were so fauourable to him, that in lesse then twenty dayes hee arriued at the place, where the faire Grasinda liued in exspectation of him.

And albeit hee was yet farre off from Great Brittaine, yet notwith∣standing, finding himselfe approa∣ching towards the place, that gaue his heart best life and encourage∣ment, his hopes did so heighten themselues, and his spirits were so graciously cheared, as not anything seemed now impossible to his ap∣prehension, though (in fiue yeares absence) he had endured a world of afflictions. And now euen as if he felt the heauenly ayre of Great Bri∣taine, his foule laboured with an in∣finity of discourse, concerning what things he was to performe, & what meanes he should compasse, to w•nne but a sight of his O∣riana.

Now, long before his landing, Grasinda had heard by many, what worthy deeds of Chiualrie he had done in all the Islands of Romania: wherefore, being certified of his arriuall, accompanied with many knights, Ladies and Gentlewomen of the Country, shee went to wel-come him as honourably as might be.

Then conducting him to her Pa∣lace, there wanted no entertain∣ment that best could expresse her affection towards him, and thus she spake. Beleeue me Sir Knight, if formerly I held a good opinion of you, at this present it is much more encreased, considering how faith∣fully you haue kept promise with me, in being returned from your long voyage, before a yeare is fully compleated. Which armeth mee with a perfect perswasion, that ha∣uing not fayled in the first, you will doe the like in the next, which (ac∣cording to some conference passed betweene vs, a little before your embarquing for Greece) I purposed to acquaint you with all at your re∣turne.

Madame (quoth he) God forbid, that during al my life-time, I should any way shew my selfe vnthankfull to you: for you haue so farre obli∣ged me to you, that I must in dutie confesse, that (next vnder God and Master Elisabet) who by your com∣mand hath kept mee company) I meerely hold my life by your meanes: and therefore you may dis∣pose of me, as shee that wholly hath power ouer me. Surely Sir, Page  118 said shee, if hee haue done you any acceptable seruice, I repute it as mine, and take it in as kind part, as if it were performed to mine owne selfe.

Now, because Supper-time drew neere, and the whole day had beene somewhat contagiously hot, shee commanded the Tables to be coue∣red in a most delightfull Arbour, where all varieties of possible plea∣sures were plenteously to be seene, and all delicate viands so sumptu∣ously serued in, as it exceeded the compasse of any expression. Supper being ended, they went discoursing together so long about the faire walkes, that night ouer-took them: which caused Grasinda to conduct him to his Chamber, where in ho∣norable manner she tooke leaue of him.

Our Knight being in bed, in steed of sleeping, he fell into his accusto∣med melancholy; and, as if Oriana had bin there present, hee thus dis∣coursed with himselfe: Alas, faire Friend, my long absence from your person, hath loaded my soule with so many dolorous passions, that, but for feare of displeasing you, Death had long since wrapt mee vp in my graue, and depriued me of my onely happines, which consisteth in the sight of you. Oh mine eyes, are you not ashamed to exhauste (by throw∣ing forth teares) the scarcitie of hu∣mour, wherein my •ad heart nouri∣sheth it selfe, in exspectation of my returne towards her; for whose ser∣uice onely, my spirit contents it self to breathe in this toyling body? A∣las, the more hope you haue of see∣ing her againe, the higher do you at∣taine to happines, by such fauours as she hath extended to you, farre be∣yond your merit. Moreouer, you may well remaine assured, that her loyaltie is so constant, as, (by any accident that can happen) she will neuer varie, vnderstanding my fide∣lity in her owne soule to be such, as I had rather dye an hundred thou∣sand times, then to lose the least glimpse of her kind fauour.

These words were so loudly deli∣uered by our Knight, that Gandalin (who slept soundly) awaking at the noyse, started vp, and asked if hee would commaund him any seruice. Alas Gandalin, quoth he, I pray thee take no heed of mine vnruly passi∣ons, but rest contented, that I must suffer them, seeing Loue hath brought mee into this extremity. You are a strange man, replyed Gan∣dalin, thus to afflict your selfe, when you should be most comforted and cheared in heart, considering, that we are well on-ward in the way, of returning to your Lady Oriana, for whose sake you suffer all these tor∣ments. And me thinks you should doe well to throw off these distur∣bing passions, which present ineui∣table perill of life, and draw on dan∣ger of sicknes, when you should haue most need of health: for, grief begets ouer-hasty infirmities, which will hardly be auoided at the largest leysure; therefore good Sir, take rest if you can. How? quoth hee, canst thou talke of rest, or returning to Oriana: considering what a promise I haue made to Grasinda, which may commaund me further off from her, then hitherto I haue beene:

I cannot thinke so Sir, answered Gandalin, but am rather perswaded, that her motiō may draw you nerer to her, then you can imagine. What sayst thou Gandalin? replyed our Knight, doest thou thinke that For∣tune can be so fauourable to mee? Assure thy selfe, if so great a good might befall me, I could bee well content, to forgiue all her former Page  119 cruelties; which, since I was cast vpon the Sea, she hath infinit wayes imposed on me. And if euer I hap∣pen to such a place, where I may compasse any meanes for sending thee to Oriana, wilt thou doe so much for me, to carry her immedi∣ate tydings of me, and make mee once more as happy, as when thou wentst first to her, at my returne from Gaule? How sayst thou? doest thou remember it? That doe I Sir, said Gandalin, and can as well speake to her, and make discourse of all your life, as euer I did, if you dare repose so much trust in mee; for I know both the Saint and shrine she is deuoted to; and therefore, in the meane while Sir, let me entreat you to be of good courage.

Thus spent they out the most part of the night, deuising together on such attempts, as might happen by the way in their returne to Great Brittaine. Earely the next mor∣ning our Knight arose, and went to finde the Ladies, who were hearing Masse; which being ended, Grasinda tooke him by the hand, and leading him somewhat aside, began in this manner.

Vnderstand Sir knight, that a∣bout a yeare before you came in∣to this Country, I happened into an assembly, procured by the Duke of Basile, whereto al the faire Ladies and Gentle-women of these parts were summoned. As we were in the chiefest of our good cheare, I know not by what occasion, but my Brother the Marquesse Salender (a man whom you well know, and in whose custodie I then was) spake out aloude before all there present, that my beauty was so highly excel∣ling, as no one in all the company might be compared with me; and if any Knight durst maintain the con∣trary, hee was there ready to enter Combate with him. Notwith∣standing, either because he was va∣liant, and therefore much feared; or whether the whole assembly ioy∣ned with him in opinion, there was no one would contradict him. By which meanes, I bare away the su∣preme honour, from all the fayrest Ladies in Romania, to my no small pleasure and contentment, as is very easie for you to imagine. And now Sir, if (by your meanes) I might at∣taine to a further passage, and reach to that heighth, which my heart hath euer since aymed at, and desi∣red, I should account my selfe the happiest Lady in the world. Ma∣dame (quoth he) commaund mee what you please, and if it be in my power to performe, bee well assu∣red, you shall finde mee ready in o∣bedience.

Heereupon she thus proceeded. My Lord, I haue heard, that in the Court of King Lisuart, are the one∣ly bright beauties, not to be match∣ed: if you please to conduct me thi∣ther, and there to au ouch as much for me, either by Armes, or other∣wise, that I may haue the honour a∣boue them, as already I enioy ouer those of this Country, I shall con∣fesse my selfe more beholding to you, then to all the other Knights in the world: for I haue no other mo∣tion then this to make vnto you, and which most earnestly I beseech you to graunt. Whereto if you condiscend, I haue resolued on a speedie parting hence, and to be at∣tended with such a company, as shall highly honor so good a knight as you are. And this may the more encourage you, because in the pre∣sence of the King of Great Brittain, and all the Lords and Ladies of his Court, you must maintaine, that the Lady you haue brought thither, (which shall bee my selfe) is fairer Page  120 then any Maiden there to be found, which, if any one dare gainsay, by force of Armes you will compell him to deny it.

And for further enlarging the glory of the Conquerour, you shall weare a Crown vpon your Helmet, which I will cary along with me, and he against whom you contend, shall haue another, that the conque∣rour (in signe of triumph) may also weare that of the conquered. Wherein if Fortune stand fauoura∣ble to vs, and that you finish this en∣terprise according to my minde, then I must further entreate you, to conduct mee into the Firme Island, where (as I haue heard) is an en∣chanted Chamber, that no Lady or Gentle-woman can enter into, ex∣cept shee excell Grimenesa in beau∣ty, who neuer could be equalled by any. Then will my chiefest desires be accomplished, and you dischar∣ged of your promise made mee: therefore, aduise well with your selfe, whether you intend to deny me, or no.

When our Knight had heard this discourse, he suddenly changed co∣lour, and thus replyed. Alas Ma∣dame, you haue vndone me, in vr∣ging a mater so far out of my power, and haue euen strooke me dead with your words. This he spake, considering what wrong he should offer Oriana, in attempting a labour so highly to her dishonour. And on the other side, he was well assured to finde an infinite number of good Knights in King Lisuarts Court, who, by any perill that might hap∣pen, would not endure so deepe an indignitie: beside, this was the rea∣diest way, whereby he might fall in∣to his Ladies dis-fauour, and (per∣haps) procure his owne death by this meanes.

In consideration of all these in∣conueniences, he called to minde also, his kinde entertainments re∣ceiued by Grasinda, what a helpe she had beene to him in so vrgent a ne∣cessity, and how he had bound him-selfe to her by voluntary promise: these contended so mainly with his other cogitations, that when his seruice to Oriana, checkt him from pursuing this enterprise, reason re∣required, and enforced him to the contrary. Heereupon, he fell into such a perplexitie, that he wi∣shed hee had neuer beene borne, and cursed Fortune, who was so contrary to him in all occasi∣ons.

Then suddenly he called to mind, that Oriana was no Maide, but a troth-plighted wife, hauing had a child, as Mabila had sent him word: and therefore, he that should main∣taine a fairer Maide, then Grasinda was a faire wife, should receiue shame, and so by good reason, he might enter the Combate with him. Which either before, or afterward, (as he found time, place and oportu∣nitie to fauour him) he would make knowen to the Princesse: And ther∣fore, as one awaked out of a serious studie, or escaped from some me∣lancholy dungeon, he began to ele∣uate his spirits, and with a smyling countenance, thus he spake to Gra∣sinda.

Madame, most humbly I beseech you to pardon the fault wherein I haue offended, which proceeded not from any feare, to vndertake the very greatest matter that you can command me, or the most difficult danger wherein you please to im∣ploy me: but my heart hauing sole soueraignty ouer mee, sought to make vse of me elsewhere, had not the obligation, wherein I standmost strictly bound to you (for so many high and gracefull fauors done me) Page  [unnumbered] preuailed against him, in crauing leaue to obey your disposition, which I am ready •o performe con∣ditionally, that, without any regard of my indiscreete answere, you will vouchsafe to remit this errour. In good faith Sir knight, answered Grasinda, I was much amazed, to see your sudden alteration, and heare your refusall of such a matter, as cannot but redound to your honor, and my glory. But perceiuing you are now in so good a deliberation, I pray you to continue it: being as∣sured, that (by your meanes) I shall gaine the like honour ouer the maydes of Great Brittaine, as I haue already wonne from the Ladies of Romania, and that I may (afterward) iustly weare the two Crownes, as hauing gotten the prime place of beauty by conquest.

Beleeue me Madame, answered our Knight, the way you pur∣pose to passe, is greatly to be doub∣ted, and you must needes goe through so many straunge Coun∣tries, as trauaile may be very offen∣siue to you, and diminish much of that goodly feature, and liuely co∣lour, wherewith Nature hath most liberally enriched you. So that by gaining in the one, you may (perhaps) lose in the other; where∣fore, consideration is very requi∣site, before repentance ensue too late.

Sir, said shee, counsell is alrea∣dy taken, and my resolution cer∣tainely set downe: for, notwith∣standing whatsoeuer may happen, I am not able to be altered, without spare of gold, siluer, paine or perill any way ensuing. And whereas you say, that we must passe through many strange Lands; the Sea (in this case) can best releeue vs, as I haue learned by Maister Elisa∣bet.

Well then Madame (quoth he) take order for your other affaires, and let vs part hence when you please. That shall be (said she) so soone as wee may; in the meane while, bee no way iniurious to your selfe, but passe the time as pleasant∣ly as you can: for I haue Hawkes, Hounds and Huntsmen to yeeld you pleasure; and therefore I would aduise you, this day to chase the Hart, Hinde, or nimble Roe, or any other game that may best delight you. Whereto hee willingly gaue consent, so that after dinner, our Knight, accompanied with many Lords and Gentlmen, rode into the Forrest.

There they met with great store of wilde beasts, who being well nere spent with running, made backe a∣gaine vpon the pursuing Houndes. But as our Knight earnestly follow∣ed a Hart, which had escaped from the toyles, both hee and Gandalin were strayed so far into the woods, as they were enforced to spend the whole night there, by not knowing how to recouer againe their way of entrance. And as they traced from one side to another, at length they came neere to a very beauti∣full Fountaine, enuironed round a∣bout with trees of such heighth, as it was impossible (almost) to meet with taller. There they resolued to a∣bide till the next morning; where∣fore, alighting from their horses, they first watered them, and after tooke off their bridles to let them graze.

And because our Knight could not so soone betake himselfe to rest, hee walked along vnder the faire-spreading trees, and discer∣ned somewhat neere him a white horse lye dead, all couered with fresh-bleeding woundes, which hee had l•tely receiued. Moreouer, Page  122 he heard the voyce of a man com∣playning very lamentably, as one that felt intollerable paine and an∣guish: but being vnable to discerne from whence it proceeded, by rea∣son that the night was so darke and cloudie, he drew as neere to the cla∣mour as he could, to listen the cause why he thus complayned. Then the voyce seemed louder to his atten∣tion then before, and he could easi∣ly vnderstand the deliuery of these speeches.

Ab miserable man, vnfortunate Bruneo de bonne Me: now thou dost too plainly perceiue, that thou art enforced to finish thy dayes, and all thy affectionate desires, wherewith thy loyall heart hath beene so long time afflicted. Ah Amadis de Gaule, my worthy Lord, neuer more shalt thou see thy faithfull companion Bruneo: for in the quest of thee, ac∣cording as thy well-beloued Sister Melicia commanded me; I fell into the hands of Traytours, who haue wrought my death, without the ayd or succour of any friend to helpe me. O vnkinde Fortune, vtter e∣nemy to my felicity, thou hast throwen me so farre off from all re∣medy, as I haue not so much as the meanes, whereby I might make knowen my disaster to any one, that should reuenge my wrongs, which were no meane comfort to mee, in this wofull case, and the more con∣tentedly would my poore soule part out of this wretched world. Ah Melicia, floure and mirrour of all vertuous perfections, this night thou losest the most loyall seruant that euer Lady or Gentle-man had, for my whole life-time was deuoutly dedicated, onely to o∣bey and please you in all faithfull seruices.

And vpon my soule, if you well consider it, perhaps you will finde this lesse extreame for you, being assured, that you shall neuer meete with any other, so constant to you, as your Bruneo: Now doth the lampe of my life beginne to burne dimbe, and my afflicted heart lo∣seth all his forces, wherewith (by your remembrance onely) I haue heeretofore performed many man∣ly deedes of Armes and Chiual∣rie.

Now therefore, I must needes recommend it to you, entreating you so to fauour and respect it, as neuer sinning against you in loyal∣tie. Death, that hath seazed on me, thou shewest thy selfe too sharp and rigorous to me, in robbing me of all my happines, all my ioy and pleasure in one instant. Nor doe I expressely blame thee, for depri∣uing me of my life: but because thou couldst not permit mee before my death, to accomplish the charge im∣posed by Melicia on me, which was, to find out her brother Amadis.

Heere he paused awhile but pre∣sently proceeded on againe thus. Alas, this commaund was the very first that euer she did put me in trust withall; and now (as I too plainly perceiue) must bee the last also. Whereby I feele a double torment: for, if I could haue had the meanes to satisfie her heerein, my trauaile, (though ending in death) I should haue esteemed happy. And that, (deare Mistresse) is my chiefest af∣fliction, that my dayes are cut off, before I had the power to acknow∣ledge the infinitie of gracious fa∣uours by you bestowed on me: but rest you well assured, and on my soul I protest it, that I neuer stood in feare of death, in whose face I haue oftentimes hazarded my fortunes; but grieue to finishe my life thus, in louing you too affectionately.

Then a heart-breaking sigh in∣terrupted Page  123 his speech, which yet a∣gaine he quickly recouered, saying: Ah my deare friend Angriote Estra∣uaux, where art thou now? how hast thou forsaken me? Thou hast main∣tained this quest with mee a long time together, and now (in need) hast left me, not affording mee any comfort or succour. And yet I haue little reason to blame thee; be∣cause my selfe was the meanes of our separation this day, to both our great misfortunes, that sundered vs from euer meeting any more.

Then began he to sigh extreme∣ly, and the coldnesse of his stomack breaking foorth many hicko•… a∣mong innumerable sighes, made a strange confusion of his words •ol∣lowly vttered. In regard whereof our Knight, who had well vnder∣stood all these wofull complaints, could not refrain from teares: ne∣uerthelesse▪ going (at last) to the place where he lay, he thus spake to him. My kind friend Bruneo, what dismall mishap hath thus befalne thee? I pray thee be of good cheare, and put thy trust in our Lord God, who hath done so much both for thee and me, as to conduct mee to this place, where I will compasse some meanes to helpe thee. Bru∣neo conceipted in himselfe, that these wordes came from his Squire Lasinde, whom he had sent to seeke some Religious man, by whom hee might be confest before his death; wherefore he thus answered. Alas my deare Lasinde, thou hast tar•…d too long, for I feele my fainting in such forwardnesse, that I cannot ac∣complish now what I purposed. Therefore, let me entreate thee, that so soone as my soule hath for∣saken this her sad habitation, thou wouldst returne into Gaule, to faire Melicia: whom when thou hast ac∣quainted with my mischance, pre∣sent her the rightsleeue of my shirt, thus tincturde in my true heart∣blood, and seauen letters foulded vp therein, which I haue alwayes hi∣therto kept as carefully, as mine own life. And because strength fayleth me, doe thou supply out the rest that should be said, assuring her, that the griefe she will conceiue for my misfortune, by thinking her selfe to be the cause thereof, sending me in search of her Brother Amadis, did more torment me, then any torture else could doe.

Why, how now deare friend? answered our knight, doest thou thinke me to be Lasinde thy Squire? why man, I am thy companion A∣madis, for whose sake thou art falne into this great danger. Therefore, take heart man, be of good com∣fort, and I will bring thee to so wor∣thy a man, as shall restore thee to health againe very speedily. Now, albeit Bruneo was so weake, by the great aboundance of blood which he had lost, as hee was no longer a∣ble to speake▪ yet knowing Amadis by his voyce, and seeing him so neere him, hee •weetly embraced him, as he accordingly did the like to him, enter•…ingling the teares together that fell from their eyes; which was performed in such sort, as they that had beheld them, would haue thought, they had seene one soule diuided, betweene two most louing and intimate friends. And as they were thus compassionating each other, Gandalin (who had all this •…le heard their resounding of their words) came thither, to whom our Knight of the Greene Sword, said. 〈◊〉 come neere, and helpe me to vnarme my kinde compa∣nion Bruneo: which Gandalin did, both per•o•…ming it so gently as they could, and his Armour being 〈◊〉, they 〈◊〉 him 〈◊◊〉 the Page  124 sweet hearbs at more ease.

By this time the breake of day beganne to appeare, and our knight commaunded Gandalin, to go finde Maister Elisabet with all possible speed: beside, to entreate Madame Grasinda, to send thither (with him) a soft horse-litter, for conueying Bruneo to her Palace. Gandalin heerein was so diligent, that hee made a very speedie returne, bring∣ing Master Elisabet thither with him: who seeing the two friendes thus disconsolate, and making much moane each to other, he said: Good my Lords, feare not any thing; for, by the grace and helpe of God, I wil prouide whatsoeuer is needfull. Then visiting the wounds of Bruneo, he found them shut and closed, by reason of the nights ex∣treame coldnes: notwithstanding, hee applied such excellent oint∣ments to them, as before they par∣ted thence, his paine was well ap∣peased, and he fell fast asleep, which gaue vndoubted hope to Maister Elisabet, that the worst of daunger was past; whereof when he had ad∣uertised our knight, no newes could be more comfortable to him.

As thus they sate expecting their sicke friends awaking, they espied a man comming towards them, cary∣ing the heades of two Knights at his saddle bow, and holding an Axe in his hand all bloody. He seeing so many sit there together, grew feare∣full: but our Knight of the Greene Sword knowing him to be Lasinde, the loyall Squire to Don Bruneo, a∣rose, (accompanied onely with Gandalin) to meete him. This made the Squire much more timorous, and perceiuing them thus comming towards him, he turned bridle to fly away. After him followed our Knight, running into a very deepe bottome or vallie, where the thick∣nes of the brakes & bushes, hindred him from sight of the Squire, wher∣fore he cryed so loud as hee could. Whither fliest thou Lasinde? stay many, for I am one of thy friends. When Lasinde heard himselfe na∣med, he turned his face, and present∣ly knew Amadis: wherefore, aligh∣ting from his horse, most humbly he saluted him, saying. Alas my Lord, doe not you know the heauy newes of my good Master, who lies slaine in this Forrest?

At speaking these words, he made most pittifull lamentation, and then began again thus. Surely Sir, you wil not thinke what trauaile he hath en∣dured, onely in the search of you, so earnest was his desire to find you: which would to God he had done, before this great misfortune befell him, by the villainous treachery of two traytors, whose heades you may heere behold, not long since deliue∣red mee by Angriote Estrauaux. He gaue me expresse command, to pre∣sent them to my Lord if hee were li∣uing: if not, to lay them so neere to his dead body as I could, that the world might witnesse iust reuenge taken on them. Lasinde, answered our Knight, he is liuing, thankes bee giuen to God for it, and I left him vnder yonder trees, in better dispo∣sition then thou imaginest. Not∣withstanding, hee is yet so feeble, by his great expence of blood, as he could not declare how, or by whom hee was thus wronged: and if thou wilt follow me, thou shalt finde him in no worse estate then I tell thee.

But beware (vpon thy life) that before any whosoeuer, thou call me none other, then the Knight of the Greene Sword. It shall bee done Sir, quoth the Squire, seeing it is your pleasure so to com∣mand me.

Page  105 Come thou then with Gandalin, re∣plyed our Knight, and I will haste thither before, because I would haue no man to know, that I haue spoken with thee•, therefore re∣member what thou hast in charge.

Away goes our Knight, leauing Gandalin and Lasinde together, re∣turning towardes Bruneo, where (soone after) both the Squires arri∣ued also. Lasinde made a low reue∣rence to the Knight of the Greene Sword; and, as if he had neuer seene him, said: Blessed be the houre (my Lord) that conducted you hither so happily, to meere with my good Master Bruneo, who in the quest of you, hath beene so abused, as now your owne eyes are testimonies of his extremitie. Friend Lasinde, an∣swered our Knight, thou art wel-come, and I pray thee tell me, what fortune drew him and thee hither, and by whom came hee thus woun∣ded? My Lord, that you shall know presently: giue me but leaue first to speake to him.

Now was Bruneo awaked from his sound sleepe, and felt himselfe in indifferent disposition: where∣fore they admitted Lasinde to come neere him, speaking thus. Sir, your kinde companion Angriote Estra∣uaux, hath sent you the two Tray∣tours heads, whom he fought with∣all, and slew, knowing what iniury they had done to you. And he is gone to a Monastery of Ladies in this Forrest, to stenche the blee∣ding of a wound, which hee recei∣ued in his right legge, and there hee will make no long abyding, but intendeth to see you aliue, or dead.

I pray GOD (quoth Bruneo) that hee will defend him from all e∣uill: but how couldst thou finde me out in this Desart place, so farre estranged from all resort? Sir, said the Squire, Angriote commanded me, to goe directly to that part of the wood, where I should discerne the taulest trees: because hee vn∣derstood by the Traytours them-selues, that there they had woun∣ded you to death, which vrged him to such extreme sorrow, as no mans could be more.

Before God, replyed the Knight of the Greene Sword, it were great pitty, that Angriote should suffer a∣ny wrong: for he is a man of espe∣ciall merit, and one that I would very gladly see. Therefore Lasinde, conduct mee (if thou canst) where hee is, while Gandalin, and these other, conuey thy Mai∣ster to such a place, where I know he shall be most kindly welcome.

So they layed him gently in the Litter, and our Knight put on the Armes of Bruneo, bruised and batte∣red as they were, and he rode with the Squire into the Forrest, where they had not trauailed long toge∣ther, but they espied Angriote come ryding towardes them, with his lookes deiected to the ground, like to a man very sad and melancholly. Behind him they saw foure knights also, making haste after him, all well armed and mounted, pursuing a∣maine vpon the spurre, and crying out so loud as they could: Turne, turne thee Traytour, for thou must leaue thy head behinde thee, in re∣uenge of both theirs, whom thou hast treacherously slaine, being men of much more desert then thy selfe. At this crye, Angriote turned backe, and prepared for his owne defence; which our Knight of the Greene Sword perceiuing, he gaue his horse the spurre, and, be∣fore any blow was smitten, came among them, saying to Angriote, who had not till then seene him▪ Page  126 To them, my noble companion, to them, and feare not, but heauen will defend thee in all extreami∣ties.

Much amazed, but yet greatly comforted was Angriote, seeing the Knight of the Green Sword, whom (by notice of his Armes) he imagi∣ned to be Bruneo; and as he purpo∣sed to make him answer; our knight ranne against his enemies, meeting first with Brandasidel, (hee that for∣merly would haue forced him, to ride with his face backward, to the horse tayle, & compell him to come to Grasinda, who thought him to be the most absolute Knight in al the Islands of Romania, as already you haue heard;) but his Launce gaue him such a sound salutation be∣tweene his Helmet and the Cuirats, as caried him quite out of his sadle, and there hee lay entranced on the ground. The other three charged Angriote all together, against whom he maintained his cause so stoutly, as his courage gaue perfect apparance of it selfe. And now be∣ganne the fight betweene two to three, manfully performed on either side: but in the end, our knight of the greene Sword, and Angriote had such aduantage, as they were glad to turne their backes, because the best man among them all, fell down to the ground. Which the other two beholding, they were quite out of heart; and flying thwart the For∣rest, as Fortune best guided them, the one chaunced into a ma•is•e, where hee was drowned, while Angriote hewed the other in pie∣ces.

This being done, hee purposed to follow his companion, whom still hee conceiued to be Bruneo: al∣beit his stroakes and rare Chiualry vrged a contrary suspition, and hee knew not what to imagine, till hee beheld Amadis returning towards him, who had then put off his Hel∣met to take the aire, by which means Angriote knew him. Then, as one much amazed, he rode to him, and stretching forth his armes, louingly embraced him, saying. My worthy Lord, what high good happe befell me to meet you so luckily: conside∣ring, that but by your assistance, I had doubtlesse bin dead. By my faith Sir (quoth our Knight) you owe many thankes to Lasinde, who was the cause of our happy mee∣ting for he perswaded me, that you were gone to a neere adioyning Monasterie, for cure of a wound re∣ceiued in your legge. Indeed Sir, (said Angriote) such was my deter∣mination, and thitherward I went, till these Traytours came to assaile me: But know you what is become of Brunco? I am perswaded, hee is either dead, or in very great daun∣ger. Be of good cheare man (re∣plyed our Knight) I hope his grea∣test perill is past: for I lately left him, in the ca•e of one of the best Chirurgions in the world.

Then he reported, in what maner he found him, and what complaints he made, exspecting nothing else but death; whereby I perfectly vn∣derstand (quoth hee) what tedious trauailes you both haue endured, onely in the search of me, for which (while I liue) I stand highly obliged to you. I would it were in my po∣wer (quoth Angriote) to let you know how much more I could find in my heart to doe for you: then should you well perceiue, that this which you please to terme trauaile, is nothing else but pleasure and de∣light to me.

And let me tell you, that I liue not, but onely by your meanes: for you holpe me to the wife, which I haue now married, without whose Page  127 comfort I had no longer breathed. Leaue we this talke, said our knight, till some fitter time, and let vs goe see, whether yonder dismounted varlets bee dead or no, or else to put them out of their paine.

So they returned to the place of encounter, and found one of them offering to rise: but the Knight of the Green Sword going neere him, made a proffer to smite him, saying. Trayterous villaine, how du•st thou (vpon no occasion) assault any Knight errant, that neuer did thee the least displeasure? Confesse the truth, or else thou diest. Before God Sir, (••swered Angriote) this is one of them, that so cruelly wounded our friend Brunco, and to prooue it true, I left him with him, and two other Knights beside, that came to seeke succour for their Si∣ster (as they said) that should bee burned most shamefully. But them-selues (afterward) confessed the treason to me, in returning from a place, where (at the same instant) I was desired, to deliuer the Son of an ancient Knight, who was kept pri∣soner by diuers villaines. Which I did, setting him at libertie, and im∣prisoning the other in his steed; by which occasion, I and Bruneo were sundered, whom since I neuer saw. Is not this true? speake wretch: but hee answered not a word, lying still, with his eyes fast fixed on the ground.

Heereupon, the Knight of the Greene Sword called to Lasinde, saying; Alight from thy horse, and smite off his head. Lasinde pre∣sently dismounted, and as he lifted vp his arme to strike, the other cried out. Alas Sir, for Gods sake take pitty on me, and I will tell you the trueth instantly. Make haste then, (said Angriote) or another shall bee hastier with thee, then thou wouldst haue him to be. Then (by litle and litle) hee began to relate what had happened, saying.

Vnderstand my Lords, I and my companions being aduertised, that two Knights errant, were newly ar∣riued in this Country, to enquire af∣ter the knight of the Greene Sword, we resolued to kill them, as thinking by that meanes, to doe displeasure to him whom they desired to finde, because we hate him deadly. And in regard wee feared to set on them both together, we deuised to sunder them, by misinforming them, as al∣ready you haue heard. But when we came to the Fountaine of the high Beeches, he whom we condu∣cted, in pretence of deliuering the condemned Lady, suffered his horse to water there: and as hee let loose the reynes of his bridle, we ran vpon him, giuing him so many hurts with our Swords and Axes, before hee had the least meanes of defending himselfe) that he fell down dead, as we supposed, for he appeared not to moue any limbe.

Villaine, (answered Amadis) durst thou commit such detestable treason, vnder colour of thy hatred to me? How Sir, quoth the other, are you the Knight of the Greene Sword? Looke villaine, said Ama∣dis, and see it heere hanging by my side. Then Sir, quoth the other, you may partly hold me excused, be∣cause what I haue done, was by the perswasion of a kinseman of mine, whom you haue slaine, and heere you may behold him lying at my feete. A yeare is not yet fully ex∣pired, since he receiued by you, the greatest shame that any man could haue, and his name was Brandasidel, whom I know not whether you re∣member as yet, or no. You made him mount vpon his horse, with his face backward and to hold the taile Page  108 in steed of a bridle, with his Shield renuersed, and so presented him to Grasinda.

Heereat hee conceiued such dis∣pleasure, that in meere malice to you, he enuied all other knights er∣rant, as wee did the like in loue to him. Thus haue I declared the whole truth to you, and humbly en∣treate you, (without any respect to mine offence) to graunt mee mercy, beyond all merit.

Our Knight beganne to be com∣passionate, answering. The mercy thou shalt haue, is not to abridge the punishment thou hast iustly de∣serued: but in hope that thou wilt become an honester man hereafter, then hitherto thou hast bin, in this regard thy life is spared. But if thou fall to thine old byas, assure thy selfe, time will fitte me with a sharper reuenge, r then now I can or will take on thee, So leauing him, they rode directly towardes the Towne: and falling from one dis∣course to another, our knight de∣manded of Angriote, what newes he had brought out of Great Brittaine? He resolued him all things that hee could, and told him (among other matters) that a reuerend Hermite, named Nascian, had giuen King Lisuart one of the very goodliest young Gentlemen, that euer was seene: whom he recouered (in his swadling clothes) out of the teeth of a Lionnesse, carying him for food to her young ones: Also how the Queene had giuen him to the Prin∣cesse Oraina, to serue her (quoth he) with my Sonne Ambor: but there is very great difference betweene them, because Ambor is mightily deformed, and the other an incom∣parable creature. You may (quoth Amadis) report of your Sonne as you please, but if hee carry resem∣blance with his Father, he wil proue a man of extraordinary merit. To women let vs leaue beauty and faire feature, who are curious and inqui∣sitiue after such nicities: & would to God your Sonne were of age to follow me, then should I require him of you, and that very earnestly, to keepe company with Gandalin, on whom I purpose to bestow knighthood, so soone as I shall re∣turne into Gaule. Trust mee Sir, said Angriote, Gandalin doth well deserue much at your hands, and if my Sonne were so happy as you wish him, my hopes would mount farre higher, then as yet they can doe.

Falling from this, into other talke, Amadis demaunded, how long since he and Bruneo had iourneyed toge∣ther? Since our departure from Great Brittaine, answered Angriote, we neuer abandoned one anothers company, for any fight or Combat whatsoeuer could happen, till ye∣sterday: and yet notwithstanding, we haue ended many straunge and dangerous aduentures, albeit (all of them) inferiour to your high for∣tune, against that deuilish Monster Endriagus, according as wee haue thereof bin aduertised. Wherfore I beseech you to let me vnderstand, how, and in what maner you fought together.

We must referre that, replyed A∣madis, till some more apt and con∣uenient leysure, because we now are neere to the Towne, and that will require a much larger discourse, then the shortnesse of the way will permit vs.

By this time they were arriued at Gransidaes Palace, who hauing heard tydings of their comming, came very kindly to welcome them, con∣ducting them to the Chamber where Bruneo lay, who beganne to finde himselfe better and better, by Page  129 such good meanes as Master Elisa∣bet had vsed to him. But when hee saw them all three so well met toge∣ther, he was not a little ioyfull, prai∣sing God for such a fortunate suc∣cesse.

And as they parled on their pas∣sed aduentures, our Knight of the Greene Sword, declared to them, the promise which he had made to Grasinda, and what shipping shee prepared for passage into Great Brittaine: whereof they were all ex∣ceeding ioyfull, in regard of their long-desired returne thither. In the meane while, Bruneo grew to a∣ble strength, and being in disposi∣tion to endure the Seas: all things weare readily fitted for the voyage; Grasinda and they going aborde, with such a conuenient company as was thought meet.

So hoysing sayle, they laun∣ched foorth▪ into the Deepe, where they were so assisted by successefull windes, as (in very few dayes) they lost all sight of the Islands of Romania.