CHAP. XIIII.

AS thus the Queene and Grumedan were conferring together, of that which happe∣ned to the Emperour Patin, who vnder pretence of loue to her then in those dayes, passed from Italie into great Brittaine, to approue his manhood against all Knights errant, and to maintaine withall, that her beauty farre excee∣ded Orianaes, and all other Princes∣ses in the world: At last he fell in∣to the discourse, (whereof all this while he had beene silent) how A∣madis handled him in the Forrest, which the Queene had no little de∣light in, to heare it thus discouered by Grumedan. Among other varie∣tie of talke; at last, hee said vnto her: Madame, what message will you send to Florestan?

The Queene heereat was very pensiue, but hauing a while well considered with her selfe, she thus answered. Sir, you see in what estate my Knights are, as they are neither able to guard themselues, nor mee: therefore I doe earnestly desire, that you and Florestan would bee my guides, till such time as I might ar∣riue at Mirefleure. Madame, re∣plyed Grumedan, Florestan is so ab∣solute a man, and discreetly adui∣sed, as hee did neuer deny Lady or Gentlewoman, any thing that they could demaund of him. By much greater reason (then) will hee not forget himselfe to you, conside∣ring, it will bee pleasure to him to doe you any seruice: and so much the rather now, because hee craues pardon of you, for the fault where∣in (he thinkes) hee hath offended you. Let me entreat you then good Sir, answered the Queene, to lend Page  139 mee one of your Squires, for con∣duct of this Gentlewoman to him, by whom I will giue him to vnder∣stand my will.

Heereto Grumedan condiscen∣ded, and presently they departed thence with Letters of credence, importing the pleasure of her Mi∣stresse. So long rode shee and the Squire together, that they came to the Hermitage, where they found Florestan, who instantly took know∣ledge of the Gentlewoman: for it was she that so checkt him at the Queenes Pauillion; neuerthelesse, he welcomde her very graciously, and she (in saluting him) vsed these words. Sir Knight, at a cer∣taine houre of this day, I little thought of any command, to come and finde you in this place, as ima∣gining then, that matters would haue falne out farre otherwise then they did, betweene our Knights and you. Gentlewoman (quoth he) your selfe doth sufficiently know, that the fault proceeded from themselues, in demaunding such a matter of me, as I could no way yeeld to, but with mine owne deepe dishonour. But tell mee I pray you, did the Queene (your Mistresse) abide there all this day, in the same place where I left her? Behold Sir (quoth the Gentlewo∣man) a Letter which shee hath sent you: And kissing it 〈…〉 shee humbly presented it to his hand.

Now, because (as I h••e for∣merly told you) crede••e was abso∣lutely committed to her charge: Florestan desi•ed her, to declare ••r m•ssage. My Lord, quoth shee, see∣ing you haue disabled the Knights, that had the charge of her conduct, and the way (which she must pas•e by) is not safe, as shee is g••en to vnderstand: the Queene my Mi∣stresse doth earnestly desire you, that you would be her guide to Mire∣fleure, where she hopes to finde the Princesse Oriana, with whom shee hath especiall occasion of confe∣rence.

Truely Gentlewoman (answe∣red Florestan, I should be very sorry, to deny so goodly a Lady as your Queene is, in any thing she pleaseth to command of me, and most hum∣bly I thanke her, for the high ho∣nour she doth me, in chusing me to her conduct: but now the day is so farre spent, and the Sunne declining to his rest, that I thinke it necessary to tarry till the breake of day, and to morrow morning wee will be so earely with her, as if we had rested there all night. Doe (said the Gentlewoman,) as seemes best to your selfe.

Then food was brought them to eate, and they supt together, deui∣sing on diuers things, vntill it was a fit houre for rest. Now, because, beside the place where the old Her∣mite slept himselfe, there was but another very small Cell. Florestan left it to the Gentle-woman, and went to repose himselfe vnder the Trees, vntill the houre of dislodging thence. Being armed, he called for the Gentle-woman, and so they took their way towards the Queen, who continually exspected when they would come. Being arriued at the Tents, Florestan entred that, belonging to Grumedan: who met him, with kind embraces, not a little 〈◊〉 of his presence. And after •…rs speeches passed betweene them, Grumedan saide vnto him: My Lord Florestan, me thinkes the Queene hath sustayned no losse, fin∣ding so good a change of you for her owne Knights: and thus much let me assure you, that shee is one of the very wisest Princesses I haue e∣uer seene, highly deseruing to bee Page  140 honoured and serued. Vpon my faith Lord Grumedan, answered Flo∣restan, I account my selfe happy, if I may accomplish any thing liking to her.

So walking vp and downe within the Tent; with a louing embrace, Grumedan said. Tell me Sir, I pray you, what haue you done with the Shields you caried hence yesterday? Why Sir (quoth hee) I haue sent them all to your deare friend Gal∣uanes, who now is at the Enclosed Isle, because he may there rank them according to their merite. And if any other Knights of Rome desire to re-obtaine them, as in reuenge of their fellowes shame, they may there also compasse the meanes, by triall, how well they deserue at the Arch of loyall Louers.

In the speaking of these wordes, the Queene Sardamira entred into Grumedans Tent: which caused Flo∣restan to be silent; and meeting her with humble reuerence, fell on his knee to kisse her hand. But the Queene stayed him by the arme, and raising him vp gently from the ground, said, that he was most hear∣tily welcome. Madame (quoth he, I haue all my life time bin a ser∣uant to Ladies: by a much stronger obligation (then euer) doe I now stand engadged, to imploy my very vttermost paines for you, whose merit reacheth beyond them all. In good faith Sir, replied the Queene, I must needes thanke you, for the great paines you haue taken; and seeing you are so ready to make a∣mends, for the fault wherein my Knights haue offended: reason re∣quires that I should likewise pardon you, for any error against me or my women.

Me thinkes Madame (answered Florestan) that I can feele no paine or trauaile by obeying you: in re∣gard that your admired beautie doth well deserue the conduct of a farre better Knight then I am. But in affording me this honour, you bind me to ye, in more then I shalbe able to satisfie.

Let vs breake off this talke, said the Queene, and tell me; shall wee now set forward on our iourney? When you please Madame, answe∣red Florestan. First, quoth Grume∣dan, I hold it meere, to conuey these wounded Knights, to a Towne not farre hence, where they may be well attended, vntill they bee able to mount on horsebacke. Let it bee so, said she. Then was a goodly white palfray brought her, whereon being safely seated shee set onward with her Ladies and Gentlewomen, being guided by Florestan and Gru∣medan, who entertained the time with such good discourse, as the way seemed neither long or tedi∣ous.

Heere I must tell yee, that the Princesse Oriana had (long before) heard of the Queenes comming to Mirefleure, onely to see her, which grieued her very greatly, knowing she would talke with her concer∣ning the Emperour, whose very name was hatefull to her. But when she vnderstood withall, that Gru∣medan and Florestan came in her company, her sorrow was indiffe∣rently asswaged, hoping to heare (by them) some tidings of Amadis. And as shee was busied in these thoughts, newes came, that they were alighted at the gate; where∣vpon shepresently went to welcome them.

The Queen Sardamira going for-most, made a low reuerence to the Princesse, with a proffer of kissing her hand: but she tooke her by the arme, and ledde her into a goodly Haule, expressely prepared for her Page  141 entertainment. There they sate downe each by other, and the two Knights neere vnto them; and as they were in talke together, Oriana (perceiuing the Queene Sardamira lend an attentiue eare, to a priuate discourse betweene her and Grume∣dan) softly spake thus to Florestan aside.

In good sadnesse Lord Florestan, it is a very long time since wee saw you in this Countrie, to my no litle discontentment: as well in regard of the good-will I euer bare you, as for the great losse many a poore soule hath sustayned, who were wont to finde helpe by you, your brother Amadis, and many other of your followers. But cursed be they that caused this so long separation, and I beleeue that I speake it not, but vpon vrgent occasion: for I know a poore Damosell, in daunger of disinheriting, because shee hath no man to right the wrong offered her.

But if Amadis were heere once againe, and so many more as are too farre off absent: shee might well as∣sure her selfe, that that which is hers in iustice, should not so easily be ta∣ken from her; whereas by reason of their absence, she hath now no bet∣ter hope or comfort, then onely in death. Oriana continuing on these speeches, teares issued abundantly from her faire eyes, as fore-seeing her vnfortunate end, if the King should so much forget himselfe, to deliuer her to the Romanes. And she had solemnely vowed betweene God and her soule, that she should be no sooner on Ship-bord, but she would throwe her selfe into the Sea, and this was her finall conclu∣sion.

Very well vnderstood Florestan, that this close-couched Enigma concerned her selfe; whereupon he thus replied. Madame, God being all made of mercy, will neuer bee vnmindefull of them that put their trust in him: for (as yet) hee neuer did, and doubtlesse, he will not now beginne with so desolate a Damo∣sell. As for my Lord Amadis, as∣sure your selfe, that he is in perfect health, continually in quest of strange aduentures: so that his fa∣mous deeds in farre distant Coun∣tries, renownes his name in all parts of the world,

All these words were ouer-heard by the Queene Sardamira, and per∣ceiuing that they spake of Amadis, she said to Oriana. God keepe him from the Emperours fingers: for hee is the onely man in the world that he hateth most, next to ano∣ther Knight, who soiourned some while in the Court of King Taffinor of Bohemia. This Knight I now speake of, not much aboue a yeare since, ouer-came (in open field) the most gentle Knight Garadan, the onely man in all the Romaine Ar∣mie: except the noble Prince Saluste Quide, who is now come into this Countrie to the King your Father, to conclude a marriage betweene his Lord and you. And hee beares him this hatred, for causing the o∣uer throw of eleuen other Knights beside: whose hope was to reuenge the iniurie done to their friend on the day following the Combate with the first knight, being appoin∣ted so many to so many. This mis∣aduenture so dismayed the whole Romaine Armie, that the Emperor was compelled (according to a for∣mer-made couenant) to raise his Campe, and to render back to King Taffinor, whatsoeuer he had conque∣red from him.

Afterward, so briefly as she could, the Queene reported, the whole manner of the seuerall fights, and to Page  142 what issue they sorted, as you haue heard already at large. So helpe me God, Madame, answered Flo∣restan, although your Emperour should neuer looue him, yet there are many other worthy men, that wishe him all true happinesse and honour: and (in my poore opinion) Lord Amadis needes not care for his malice.

Notwithstanding, make knowen to vs (faire Queene) if you can, the name of the man so much commen∣ded by your selfe. Vnderstand Sir, (quoth she) one while he cals him-selfe, the Knight with the Greene Sword, and another while, the Knight of the Dwarfe: albeit I am verily perswaded, that neither the one or the other is his true name indeed. But because hee weares a Sword, that hath a scabberd of greene colour, and a Dwarfe doth ordinarily attend on him: these names haue therefore beene impo∣sed on him, and vsually he makes an∣swere to them.

When Florestan heard these wordes, he was very ioyfull, know∣ing for a certaintie, that it was A∣madis: the like did Oriana, who had noted the same reportes before by many. And because shee was now some hinderance to her, that she could not haue any longer pri∣uate conference; shee arose, thus speaking to the Queene Sardamira. Madame, in regard of your tedious iourney this day, you cannot chuse but be weary; wherefore a place of repose is more conuenient for you. Then shee conducted her into a goodly Chamber, and there leauing her to her owne desseignes, went downe into the Garden, accompa∣nied with Mabila and the Damo∣sell of Denmarke, to whom shee de∣clared all her former intelligence, concerning the knight of the Green Sword, whom they knew assuredly to be Amadis.

On my faith Madame, said Mabi∣la, if it be so, let mee tell you the Dreame which I had this last night past. Me thought that wee were in a Chamber close shut vp, and that we heard a great tumultuous noise without, which made vs feare∣full beyond measure: but your A∣madis suddenly comming thither, brake the doore, calling for you out aloud. Then I shewing you to him, me thought hee tooke you by the hand, and so brought vs forth, placing vs in a very strong Tower, saying to vs: Abide heere, without any dread or terror, and therewith∣all I happened to wake. This makes mee verily beleeue, that hee will set you at libertie, and free you from their power, that hope to haue you hence.

Deare Friend and Cousin, an∣swered Oriana, you giue mee great hope and comfort; and if I were worthy of such a happinesse, I could desire our Lord to heare your good wishes: otherwise, that wee might both dye in one instant. Forbeare such words, replyed Mabila; for he that is aboue all fortunes whatsoe∣uer, will send you (at his good plea∣sure) a better issue out of all trou∣bles, then you can wish or imagine. But conferre with Florestan, and earnestly desire him and his friends, to doe their best endeauour, to breake the Kings intention, that no such conclusion may passe for cur∣rant.

Now, let me tell you, that Galaor had already done so much as was possible for him, not by any aduer∣tisement or entreaty vrged to him on the Princesses behalfe: but be∣cause he plainely perceiued, what shame would ensue by disinheriting Oriana, for the aduancement of her Page  143 Sister Leonora. For, some day or two before Florestans arriuall at Mirefleure, King Lisuart being retur∣ned from hunting, tooke Galaor a∣side, as they rode on the way, thus speaking to him. My louing friend, I haue euermore found such fideli∣tie in you, and reposed such trust in your counsell, as I neuer intend to conclude any mater of importance, without imparting it first to you. You vnderstand what honour the Emperour hath done me, and his embassage so lately sent me, reque∣sting to haue my daughter Oriana as his wife: wherein (as I conceiue) our Lord hath wrought most graci∣ously both for her and me, because he is the onely potent and redoub∣ted Prince, at this day liuing in all Christendome.

In which respect, hee being thus allied with me, I shall neuer haue a∣ny neighbour or enemy, that dare presume any way to offend me, and I shalbe more respected and drea∣ded, then euer any King of Great Brittaine heeretofore hath beene. Moreouer, it is a matter almost im∣possible, to seeke any better prouisi∣on for her; for shee being wife to so mightie an Emperour, Leonora shall afterward remaine sole Lady of my Dominions, which otherwise may happen to be diuided, to our no lit∣tle detriment and danger. And yet let me tell you, I purpose not to doe any thing in this case, without the aduice of the Lords and Knights of my Court: but more especially of you, whom I coniure (by the loue and affection you haue alwayes borne me) to tell me freely your o∣pinion, and without any dissimu∣lation.

Much amazed was Galaor, to heare the King vse such language, perceiuing apparantly heereby, that he meant wholly to disinherite his eldest Daughter and right heire, to aduantage the second. For this cause, he stood a long while very pensiue, without answering so much as a word, till the King began again thus to rouse him. Come Sir, a∣wake your silent cogitation, and tell me truely what you think. Sir (quoth he) I beseech you to hold me excu∣sed, for I finde my capacitie ouer feeble, to yeeld you any faithfull counsell in a case so important. Moreouer, you are minded to con∣gregate the chiefest Lords of your Land, to commune with them in so serious a businesse: and they (no doubt) like loyall subjects, will di∣rect you as becomes a King. But yet (quoth the King) I would glad∣ly first haue your aduice, else you will giue mee cause to misconceite you. God shield me Sir, said Ga∣laor, from so doing: rather I will li∣berally lay my heart open to you, according to mine owne poore iudgment, and the true integrity of my minde.

Sir, said he, whereas you say, that in marrying your Daughter Oriana with the Emperour, there remaines no possibility of a fairer fortune: surely, I am of a quite contrary opi∣nion; for, she being your principall Heire, and sent into so remote a Country, to lose a kingdome alrea∣dy prouided for her, you shall leaue her poore without meanes, and sub∣iect to a people, but slenderly a∣greeing with the manners and con∣ditions of this Nation. And where∣as you conceite, that in being wife to an Emperour, and dignified with the name of an Empresse, her au∣thoritie and renowne is the surer af∣terward: before God Sir, let mee plainely tell you, that you wrong both your iudgement and reason therein. Fore-thinke what may en∣sue, and say shee haue heires male Page  136 by her husband, which is the sole comfort of any kingdome: she be∣comming a widdow, the first fauour her owne childe shall doe for her, is, to vrge her retreate, to hold pos∣session of the Empire by himselfe. If he take a wife, then it falles out far worse for her, because the new Em∣presse will be second to none, and then it is most certaine, that your Princely Daughter lyes open to a thousand inconueniences, and vna∣uoydable grieuous extreamities. For first, shee hath lost this Coun∣try, which was certaine to her, as being her naturall place of birth and breeding, to liue in a strange land, farre from parents, subiects and ser∣uants, which is no common kind of affliction.

And whereas you alleage, that by his alliance and fauour, you are sure to be succoured, and much fea∣red. Surely Sir, I must tell you, that (thankes be giuen to our Lord for it) you haue so many true friends, and trusty Knights at your command, as (without any helpe of the Romaines) you may easily extend your limites when you please.

And I am perswaded, that in ex∣spectation of support from them, they will rather seeke to ruinate and destroy you, then furnish you with any such assistance as you may ima∣gine, scorning all equality, or any to bee greater then themselues. Moreouer, it is most certaine, that they can couet no better meanes, then by compassing some apt occa∣sion, to register you downe in their Chronicles, to your shame and their glory, vnder the shadow of some sleight fauour, irregularly affoor∣ded; then which, no greater mis∣chiefe can happen to you and yours.

And alas Sir, what reason haue you to send the Princesse Oriana so farre from you, being your Daugh∣ter and chiefest Heire, onely to ad∣uance the Princesse Leonora, who is her yonger Sister? By my soule, of a most vpright and vnpartiall King, renowned through the wide world for the Authour of Iustice: you will procure the greatest scan∣dall to your reputation, and wound your vntainted honour so deepely, as neuer powerfull Prince or King did the like.

But I hope that Heauen will bet∣ter direct your iudgement, and set∣tle more surer cogitations in your soule, which I (as the very meanest Knight in your Court) doe hartily desire. And beleeue it Sir, that I durst neuer haue beene so bold, to tell you the free censure of my soul, but that you pleased so expressely to command me, and I (as a loyall ser∣uant) could doe no lesse. And let this be your perswasion of me, that during my life time, I will keepe my promise, faith and fidelity to you, as one that stands much ob∣liged to you, for infinite good turnes and fauors done me.

Well declared King Lisuart by his countenance, that he was scarse∣ly pleased with Galaors remon∣strance: and he likewise as quickely apprehended it: wherefore, con∣tinuing on his speech, he said. Sir, King Perion my Father, hath com∣maunded mine attendance on him in Gaule, so soone as possibly I can: and because I meane to set hence to morow morning, to the end you may not conceiue, but that I haue coun∣selled you faithfully; if you bee so pleased, whatsoeuer I haue spoken, I will set downe in writing, that you may acquaint them with it, whom you intend to assemble together. I pray you doe so, answered the King. And at these wordes, they were Page  145 come neere vnto the City, which made them alter their discourse.

Being alighted, the King betook himselfe to his Chamber, where he sate downe very sad and pensiue, and would not all that day be seene in any company. The next mor∣ning, Galaor tooke shipping, accor∣ding to his former determination: for h•…ould not bee present at the resolution of this mariage, as know∣ing certainly, that the King would not bee altered from his purpose, notwithstanding all aduice and councell to the contrary. More-ouer, he knew some part of the pri∣uacies betweene Amadis and Oria∣na, who all this while remooued not from Mirefleure, whither the Queen Sardamira came to see her, as you haue heard already, finding her to be the onely fairest Princesse in the world. What would shee then haue thought, if she had seene her in her former condition, before this continuall melancholy seized her, for the absence of her Amadis, and this new purpose for marriage, which grieuously oppressed her? Being now somewhat meagre, pale and pensiue: yet she appeared, as if Nature had studied all her life-time, to make her the mirrour of choicest perfection.

The Queene finding the day no way fauourable, to acquaint Oriana with the cause of her comming, de∣ferred it till the next morning; when resorting againe to see her; and ha∣uing first heard Masse together, they walked along the allies of the Gar∣den, and proceeded so farre into the businesse, that she told her, how dearely the Emperour affected her, what pursuite he made to enioy her as his wife, and what supreme feli∣city attended her, onely by this ma∣riage.

But the answere of Oriana was so vntuneable, as the Queene durst proceede no further with her: but in the interim, Florestan came to them, who purposing to take his leaue, that he might returne to the Enclo∣sed Isle, she tooke him aside, decla∣ring, what infinite afflictions houre∣ly encompassed her, & how shame∣fully the King her father dealt with her, by compelling her to marry in∣to a straunge Country, and to the onely man of the world, whom she least respected.

But beleeue it Sir, (quoth she) if he continue in this humour, the first newes he shall heare of me, af∣ter my departure hence, will be my death. For come what may, if he sunder me from this Country, Death, and the Sea shall diuide me also.

For it is my full intent, to drowne all my disasters in the waues: who (for euer) shall remaine witnesses of my sorrowes, and in them I ex∣spect to find more compassion, then in mine owne kinred, countrie, friendes and seruants. And there∣fore, honourable Lord Florestan, I humbly beseech you, (for Gods sake) to imploy some paines for disswading him from his intenti∣on: otherwise (vpon my faith) it will be a great clogge of con∣science to him, and the very straungest mis-fortune, wherein a poore disinherited Lady can fall, being forsaken of God and men.

Thus speaking, she wept so ex∣tremely, that Florestan (although he was one of the greatest spirited men in the world) could not re∣fraine from teares, hauing his heart so confounded with compassion towards her, as hee was not able to vtter a word. Notwithstanding, at last he got the maistrie of this op∣pressing passion, and said. Madame, Page  146 you shall doe me great wrong, if you hold not this conceit of me, that I am wholly yours, ready to o∣bey you in any seruice till death. But to speake to the King your fa∣ther, as you would haue me, it is a matter beyond all possibility: for you your selfe do know, what ha∣tred he beares to me, onely in the despight of my Lord Amadis, for∣getfull of so many high and worthy seruices, as both he and all his linage haue euermore done to him. And if he haue receiued any from me, hee neuer needs to thank me for it con∣sidering, I neuer did any for his sake, but onely by the commaund of him, who hath soueraigne power o∣uer me, and whom I will not contra∣dict at any time. And that was the reason, for my being in the last warre of the seuen Kings, not as any helpe to them of Great Brittaine: but onely for preseruation of your iust title and right thereto, as shee that shall one day, (by Gods leaue) bee Lady and Queene thereof.

Presume also Madame, that you haue this interest in me, that this which you haue told to mee, I will thinke on and make knowen to King Perion, and other good friends, to procure some remedy for you in this distresse. And I make no doubt, but he will prouide for you in such sort, as you shall haue occasion to rest contented. Nor purpose I to soiourne in any place, vntill I come to the Enclosed Isle, where I shall finde the Prince Agraies, who is very desirous to doe you any seruice, as your selfe doth well know, especially for the loue of his Sister Mabila. There shall wee consult together, what course is best to be taken in this case, without spare of any thing remaining in our power. But know you certainely, (quoth Oriana) that Agraies is, or will be there? Yes Madame, said he, as Lord Grumedan hath assured me, as hee receiued instruction by one of his Squires, that came thence within these few dayes. I beseech you then, replied Oriana, to relate vnto him amply, what confidence I do repose in him: And if you heare any newes of your Brother Amadis, faile not to acquaint me therewith so soon as possibly you may. There-of assure your selfe Madame, answe∣red Florestan.

With these wordes, he tooke his leaue of her, kissing her lillie-white hand, and returning to the Queene Sardamira, spake thus. Madame, I am constrained by force to leaue you, and else where to seeke after my further fortunes: but wheresoe∣uer I shall bestow my selfe, be bold, that I am alwayes your knight and seruant, and so I pray you to ac∣count of me. In good faith Sir, said she, they that refuse so faire an offer, may wel be reputed but poore in iudgment: because I am perswa∣ded, that you are held to be one of the best and most courteous knights this day liuing. And God shield me from such monstrous ingratitude, to deny a seruant of such honor and worth: rather most louingly I ac∣cept your kindnes, and returne you thankes with all my heart.

Florestan, looking on her with an affectionate eye, and beholding her to be so amiably faire, said: Ma∣dame, I beseech our Lord, (who hath enriched you with such rare beautie) to grant your own hearts best desires: and thankefully I take your most gracious answere, be∣cause now I can doe nothing else for you, but remaine in ready willingnesse of seruice, wheresoe∣uer you shall please to commaund me. So taking leaue of her, Mabila, Page  147 and the other Ladies, he mounted on horsebacke: desiring Lord Gru∣medan, that if he receiued any ty∣dings of Amadis, he would let him vnderstand thereof so soone as he could, at the Enclosed Isle, whether he now went, to see Agraies and his other associates.