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 III.

Of the Councell held among the Knights of the Enclosed Isle, touching the businesse for the Princesse Oriana, and what they further de∣termined to doe.

YOV haue formerly heard the victory, which Amadis had a∣gainst the Romans, by meanes whereof, he got Oriana into his possession, and the other Ladies that bare her companie, which he accounted the happiest of all his other fortunes: albeit he fore-saw in his soule, that very hardly hee should appease the iniury, which he had done not onely to King Lisuart, but also to the Emperour. In regard where-of, questioning with his owne thoughts, that it would require no meane might, to withstand such potent Armies, as from either side would be made against him: yet notwithstanding, hope, conducted by the power of loue, gaue him this resolution, rather to die a thousand deaths, then redeliuer her to Patin, without whom hee could not liue an houre. He made no doubt of compassing some meanes, to re∣gaine her the former grace of the King her father, and to breake the alliance else-where intended; which that he might the better at∣taine vnto, hee gaue the Prince Agrates and Quedragant to vnder∣stand, that the Princesse had sent to pray this fauour. For otherwise (quoth he) she intendeth rather to make a Sacrifice of her selfe, then to fall into his power, whom she more hateth then any man liuing: Beside, it shall no way redound to our honour, to suffer such a mon∣strous shame, hauing made so great and good a beginning for her de∣liuerance.

Quedragant returned him this

answere. I sweare vnto you Sir, at our first and giddie-headed eye∣sight, we see so great a fire already kindled, as (we may easily presume) is impossible to be quenched with∣out a hard and daungerous warre, which we may not well maintaine and endure for any long time, without the ayde and succour of our deare friends and companions, wherefore, I thinke it expedient, that all the rest which are here, should be made acquainted there-with, to know their opinions; to the end, that they may be the bet∣ter enclined to sustaine the busi∣nesse, if they shall conclude on warre. I pray you then, said Ama∣dis, that we may all meete together tomorrow, and take the charge (if you please) to summon them, wher∣to Quedragant gladly condiscen∣ded.

Hereupon, the day following, they met together, and Amadis, sit∣ting in the midst of them, beganne in this maner. Honourable Lords, yesterday, Madame Oriana sent to pray me, that we all would consider one some good meanes, to winne againe the lost grace and fauour for her, with the offended King her father, qualifying in him (if it bee possible) that strange conceit of his, to marry her with the onely Prince in the world, to whom she beareth the least affection; otherwise, death will be much more welcome to her. And therefore I thought it good (after I had spoken with some of this company particularly) to vn∣derstand from you all in generall, what you thinke thereof: For, see∣ing wee haue beene friends and companions, in the procuring of her libertie; it is much more rea∣sonable, that we should all agree to maintaine it.

But before I enter into further speech, I humbly desire you, to fixe before your eyes, that (already) your fame & renowne is so knowne through the world, by reason of the rare actions of Chiualry by you performed: that (at this day) there is neither King, Prince nor State, but stand in feare of your high va∣lour. For they all well know, that to winne immortall honour, you haue contemned, not onely the sumptuous treasures and kinde en∣tertainments, inherent to you in your owne houses: but the deare blood of your owne bodies, where-of you haue made no spare, in gi∣uing the boldest spirits to know, the sharpe and keene edges of your swords, to the mightie perill of your owne persons. And, as markes and testemonies of your prowesse, the wounds receiued in many parts of your bodies, may render such apparant faith, as For∣tune thinkes her selfe much obliged to you: being willing to shew you, how much her owne selfe is in deb∣ted to you. And being desirous to recompence your former high deseruings, she made plaine proofe thereof by deliuering this glorious victorie into your hands, which you haue had against the two chiefest Princes of Christendome, King Lisuart and the Roman Emperor.

Nor doe I speake, concerning the ouerthrow of their men onely, being farre inferiour to you in me∣rit: but of the worthie succour you haue giuen, to the most wise, de∣bonnaire, and vertuous Lady this day liuing. Wherein you haue done a very acceptable seruice to God, by executing that dutie, whereunto you are expressely cal∣led: namely to succour the a•…•…t∣ed, whē they are to endure wrongs beyond all reason. Now, if the King and Emperour thinke it good

to be angrie, yet, seeing right is on our side, and God (who is iust) will stand for vs also: let vs giue them to vnderstand, that if their owne experience cannot teach them iu∣stice, but by might and power they meane to assaile vs; we are able to meete them with such resistance, as shall remaine in memory while the world endureth. Therefore, let euery man speake his minde in this case, what he conceiueth meetest to be done, either to finish the war begun: or else to motion peace, by restoring Madame Oriana to the King her father, according to her owne desire. For, as concer∣ning my selfe, know, that I will ne∣uer yeeld thereto, except you be so pleased, nor shall fond opinion o∣uersway me in this matter, beyond the compasse so your liking. I know you to be men indeed, and your vertues of apparant: as no∣thing can withdraw you from true valour and magnanimitie, nei∣ther to aduenture on any action, whereby your honour (in how small a degree soeuer) may receiue any base imputation.

So he ceased, leauing the mindes of all the companie highly con∣tented and satisfied, by such an humble and gracefull remon∣strance, as he had made vnto them. Then Quedragant (commaunded thereto by all the assistants) stood vp, and answered Amadis in this manner. Lord Amadis, it is most certaine, that our attempt made vpon the Emperour, was not for any hatred wee bare to him: but onely to keepe the faith, whereto euery good Knight standeth oblig∣ed, in maintayning and defending afflicted persons from wrong, especially all vertuous Ladies, of whom it is our dutie to be protect∣ours. And therefore I would ad∣uise, that before we vndertake any further warre; wee should send to King Lisuart, to let him fully vn∣derstand, vpon what occasion we dealt with the Romans. And if he be found discontented; then, in the verie mildest manner can bee de∣uised, to shew him withall graci∣ous demeanour) what shamefull iniurie he offered to Madame Ori∣ana, vnder collour of marrying her to a forraigne Prince, vtterly to disinherit her at home, a matter euery way offensiue to God, and not to bee suffred by his owne Subiects.

Pausing a very little while, and clapping his fist vpon the boorde, thus he proceeded▪ If therefore it may stand with his good pleasure, to forget his conceiued anger a∣gainst her (if there be any entred in∣to his royall brest) then we to offer deliuerie of her againe, on this con∣dition, and not else. If he refuse or disdaine the dutie, wherein we send vnto him: then to tell him re∣solutely, wee feare him not a iote, but if he will make warre vpon vs, we are as ready to defend our selues. In the meane while, I hold it very necessarie, that wee strengthen our selues with all such things, as an action of such importance doth require, as this is. At least, that he may not come vpon vs vnprouided, whensoeuer hee determines to as∣saile vs (if he be so minded) albeit, in mine opinion, peace were much better then warre. But this con∣clusion is not to be tardied by any meanes, rather we must put our selues in due preparation, dispatch∣ing hence messengers to our kin∣red and friends, to supply vs with their best succour, when we shall require it.

Such was the answere of Que∣dragant, and approued by all the

Knights there present: whereupon it was concluded, that Amadis should send a messenger to his fa∣ther King Perion of Gaule, also A∣graies into Scotland, Brunco to the Marquesse his father, and Quedra∣gant to the Queene of Ireland, of whom he should haue many able men, if her husband King Cildadan brought no worse, then he did to the ayde of King Lisuart. This was made knowne to the Princesse Oriana, and their finall delibera∣tion for procurement of peace.

As thus they continued in these conferences, some of them stan∣ding in the gazing windowes, which had full view vpon the fields: they espied comming from the coast, that gaue entrance into the Isle, a Knight all armed, with fiue Squires attending on him, who when hee drew neerer, they knew him to be Briande Moniaste, sonne to Lazadan, King of Spaine, of whose arriuall they were all right ioyfull for hee was an amiable, bold and hardie Knight, and as courteous as any whatsoeuer. Hee espying so great a company there together, vpon their comming foorth to meete him: began to grow doubt∣full, that they had heard some euill tyding of Amadis, for whose sake and search hee had expressely left the King his fathers Court. But perceiuing, that their intention was to salute him, and seeing Ama∣dis there among them: he instant∣ly alighted, and running to em∣brace him, said. Trust me, my Lord, the quest I vndertooke to heare newes of you, is sooner ended then I expected: for I was giuen to vnderstand, that you were so closely hid, as it was a matter im∣possible to finde you, but God be praised for it, me thinkes I see you in very sound health. Cousine, quoth Amadis, you are most kinde∣ly welcome hether, assuring you, that as Fortune hath released you from one toyle and trauaile: so now she hath as readily fitted you with an other, answerable both to to the time and place, where your presence and imployment may much auaile vs, as you hereafter shall heare more at large. In the meane while, I thinke it conueni∣ent, that you should be disarmed, and then wee will tell you our mindes afterward.

So taking him by the hand, hee conducted him to his lodging, where, as they were taking off his Armes, seeing such store of Knights flocke more and more about him, he sayd to Amadis. My Lord, I am verily perswaded, that so faire an assembly of worthy and valiant men, could neuer be thus met to∣gether, but vpon some extreame vrgent cause: therefore, I pray you tell me what it is. Hereupon, Ama∣dis amply related to him, how, and in what manner all things had past, especially the churllish ingrati∣tude, which King Lisuart vsed, not onely to the Knights that had done him infinite seruices: but also to his owne children, enforcing one of them (through ouergreedie and great auarice) to bee disinherited from her right, and (meerely a∣gainst her will) sent to Rome, to be wife to the Emperour, and that is Madame Oriana. And this is the cause, that so many of vs are here assembled together? quoth Brian, is the Princesse Oriana at Rome? No, replied Amadis, we haue for∣cibly taken her from the Romans, that had the charge of her conuoy: And now at this present, shee is here in this Pallace, with all the Ladies, and Gentlewomen that were in her companie. Now shall

we easily redeliuer thē, except King Lisuart determine more respect of them, then hitherto he hath done.

Afterward, he told him what was resolued on by them all, which Bri∣an liked as well as they: albeit hee conceiued, that the iniuries of two such potent Princes (by this de∣feature) would not bee suddenly appeased. Notwithstanding, see∣ing that which was done, could not be recalled: he dissembled his co∣gitations, and onely answered thus. I know King Lisuart, to be one of the most reuengefullest Princes this day liuing, and very hard to endure an iniurie, therefore, you must quickly consider on some re∣sistance, if he shall offer to assaile you: and I hold it more requisite, to take order for all inconuenien∣ces which may ensue by his means, then to consume time in friuolous words. Of one thing I am high∣ly glad, that Madame Oriana and her women haue so happie a re∣tirement, and I would gladly see her, if you please. Let me tell you Sir, answered Amadis, my Cousine Agraies, and my Brother Florestan are appointed, to make her ac∣quainted with our deliberation, and you may goe along with them: being well assured, that it will be no meane ease to her, to conferre with you on her misfortunes in pri∣uate.

No time was delayed in going to her, but before they would pre∣sume to enter her lodgings; they sent her word, that they came to her from the whole company. Hereup∣on, their entrance was admitted, and she went to meete them: es∣pecially Brian, whom she had not seene in a long time, and therefore as he did her reuerence, she said vnto him. Cousine, you are come hither in a very good time, to de∣fend the libertie of a Lady, who stands in great neede of such helpe as yours. Madame, said he, I had not so long delayed my comming hither, but that presently, after the seuen Kings ouerthrow in Great Brittaine: the King my father com∣manded my home returne, to with-stand the warre, which the people of Affrica made vpon him. And scarsely was it ended, but I vnder∣stood, my Cousine Amadis was so farre distant from his friends, through some conceiued griefe or displeasure; as no tidings could be heard of him. Wherefore, fea∣ring least he was lost for euer, I re∣solued to enter vpon his quest, both in the loue and reuerence I beare vnto him. This was the occasion that drew mee from Spaine, being fully perswaded, that I should soo∣ner haue notice of him here, then in any other place else whatsooner. And Fortune (I thanke her) hath guided mee hither, where I haue met with apt occasion, not onely to doe him seruice, but also for you, royall Princesse; for which great kindnesse, Oriana returned him in∣finite thankes.

But now, before I passe on any further, I thinke it very necessarie to tell you, what was the principall motiue and reason, why so many good Knights and worthy men, should beare such honour and good will to this Princesse. Asiure your selues, it was not for any guifts or presents she had bestowed on them, she being (as yet) voide of all meanes to that effect. Much lesse, for any fauour by Amadis borne to her, the loue betweene them both being kept so secret, as you haue heard at large in the prece∣dent Bookes. But indeed, she was so humble, wise and debon∣naire, that by her meere humility

and courtesie, shee knew how to steale the heartie affections of eue∣ry one. A matter so apt and pro∣per to heroyick persons, and them deriued from great place: as they haue no other powers or faculties, but such as make them to bee more honoured, praised and estee∣med.

Consider then, in what reputa∣tion they ought to be held, who (by ouer-strange persumpsion) haue delight in all immodest be∣hauiour, when all is duely weigh∣ed, they beget the peoples disfa∣uour, a secret contempt among all good mindes; yea, and distaste of many of their owne appearing wel-willers, that particularly desire their ruine, to abate the ouer-wee∣ning pride, they take in such wick∣ednesse. Gracious language, ap∣prehensiue grauitie, and humble modestie, are so proper and pecu∣liar to Princes and great persons, that whensoeuer they but speake: it begetteth their subiects cordiall loue, absolute obedience, with a generall foare of offending; And the contrary is so deadly daunge∣rous, as nothing can be more harm∣full to them. Let vs conceiue then, how well it agrees with a knot of such base minded companions, to put on a boasting spirit of brauerie: as thinking by their outward glo∣rious appearance, to make them-selues respected and feared. Before God, mee thinkes they should consider, both what they are, and what they shall bee: then they may easily know of them-selues, that they are full of shame and all disgrace, and for such, I am content to leaue them, returning againe to our former purpose.

Vnderstand now, that after Ori∣ana had a long while conuersed with Brian: shee called for the Queene Sardamira, and said vnto her. See Madame, here is the sonne to the King of Spaine, I am sure you know him yet. Then the Queene going neerer to him, after she had very graciously saluted Bri∣an; entred into so serious a dis∣course with him, that Oriana found the meanes of leauing them toge∣ther. So, with drawing her selfe aside, she called Agrates and Flo∣restan to her: entreating them ear∣nestly, to acquaint her with the cause of their comming. Agraies wholly related to her, whatsoeuer had passed among them in coun∣cell, what true and honorable af∣fection all the Knights did beare her: and lastly, what resolution they had agreed on, concerning her cause, desiring her withall, to send backe her minde, whether she liked their intention, or no. Alas Sir, quoth she, they are all so wise and vertuous, as no bad thought can preuaile among them. One thing I would most humbly request of them, that (euen for Gods sake) to seeke some meanes, if pos∣sibly they may, and agreeing with their honour; to worke my peace with the displeased King my fa∣ther.

Then, pretending to whisper some thing in the eare of Agraies, Florestan (as one not to learne ci∣uility) retired thence, leauing them both together. When Oriana per∣ceiued she might speake at liber∣tie: she began her womed •…•…o∣nings to him, in this manner. Deare Cousine, although I haue great hope in the prouidence of your kinsman Amadis, and in the loyall affection which all these Knights doe beare me: yet (mee thinkes, reason requireth, that I should most of all relie on your fidelity, in re∣gard of my bounden dutie to the

King your father, and the Queene your mother, affording me such princely entertainment in Scot∣land; as also for gracing me with the companie of your sister Mabila, of whom onely (next vnto God) I hold my life. For, without the comforts, which she hath many times giuen me 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the very strong∣est 〈…〉〈…〉 tunes: a long time since, I had beene buried, and de∣priued of any ioy in this world, And albeit I haue now no meanes or power, to acknowledge, either towards them or you, so many ob∣ligations of due debt: yet my hope is, that time hereafter will better 〈◊〉〈◊〉

In the 〈…〉〈…〉 thinke it not amis••e, that familiarlie I let you vn∣derstand, what heauie burdens of griefe I beare. And for my first be∣ginning (sparing to speake, what wrongs the King my father hath done me) let mee entreate you, to procure (euen to your vttermost power) an honorable peace, be∣tweene him and your Cousine Amadis. For I make no doubt, considering the ancient comitie be∣tweene them, and the iust occasion you all haue, of scarse wishing him well: that hardly will these matters (begun) grow to any other end, then most heauie misfortune, nay, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ruine on both sides; except such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as you shall make, be well qualified with good coun∣•…•… prouidence, which I know is 〈…〉〈…〉 abounding in you. Wher∣fore, once more I desire you, as well to anoyde such a maine incon∣uenience, as also to protect mee from suspition of forraine nations, who may hereafter make doubt of my innocence, and maculate my good reputation, which is more precious to me then life: that you would all consider what I haue said to you.

Madame, answered Agraies, as concerning the good entertaine∣ment you receiued in Scotland, the King my father and the Queene, did no more therein then they ought to doe: and such (I am sure) was their affection towards you: that in all things, which their vn∣derstanding could reach vnto, there wanted no loue or kindnesse in them to you, as their best respected allie and k••••fewomen. Now, as concerning my sister and my selfe, our actions shall daylie make knowne to you, in what vnfeigned respect we hold you: desyring you to beleeue, thet you may command vs, as they that couet nothing more, then your good and honour, preferring them before our owne liues. And whereas you wish me, to forget the iniurie, which the King your father hath done, not only to mee, but to all my kinred and friends: assure your selfe Ma∣dame, the wound was made so wide and deepe, as it will neuer be hea∣led while I liue. It was no little ingratitude to vs, denying my Lord Amadis, my selfe, and many other good Knights, the humble request we made vnto him, to giue the Isle of Mongaza to mine vnckle Galua∣nes, who dearely deserued it, and much more: considering, that it was conquered by his ••a••our and vertue, that became an humble su∣ter for it. Neuerthelesse, for your loue and honou, I am content to dissemble my distaste, and deferre (for some time) my iust occasion of wishing him ill especially, for ba∣nishing vs from his Court so strangely, euen as if we had beene his deadly enemies, and neuer minding or respecting, how ma∣ny great seruices we had done for him.

And to let you know, that I will wholly imploy my selfe to please you: I promise you Madame, I will essay (to my vttermost) to doe as you haue desired me. But it would hardly agree with reason, that it should be ouer-rashly vndertaken, because, if I should bee coole in speech now, matters being altoge∣ther disposed for warre: in stead of edging the courages of so many worthy Knights, as are now met together in this Isle, I should intimidate the greater part of them, by hearing mee preach of peace, and raise in them an ap∣prehension, that I vse such lang∣uage, as being the man first affrigh∣ted. Wherein I must fall into two euills together, which hereaf∣ter will redound to the great dam∣mage of vs all, but especially mine vnrecouerable shame. But some being sent to the King your father, and hauing heard his answere: I will entreate my worthy friends, to doe according as you haue adui∣sed. In the meane while, mee thinkes you should greeue so lit∣tle as possibly you may, supporting both Time and Fortune, with a wo∣manly, constant and inuincible pa∣cience. Cousin (quoth shee) I acknowledge it very requisite, not to daunt their manly spirits, that are assembled here about my busi∣nesse; but rather, to maintaine their height of minde, committing all things to their care and discretion.

During all this conference, A∣grates continually obserued Olinda, whom he affected with all his heart, as he had made good proofe of, in passing (for her loue) vnder the Arch of loyall Louers: notwith∣standing, preferring vertue before his passions, hee knew so wisely to cōceale them, that leauing her there shut vp with Ortana, hee departed without speaking to her, and ne∣uer frequented the place, albeit it was an insupportable paine to him.

So, at parting from the Prin∣cesse, hee said: Madame, I will ef∣fectually performe what you haue enioyned me. Returne then, said she, and commend mee most kind∣ly to the whole companie. The like shee did to Florestan and Bri∣an, who taking leaue of her, went to seeke Amadis and the rest, who awaited their comming, and de∣clared to them all her answere. Whereupon was concluded, that some should bee sent to King Lis∣uart, so soone as possibly might bee; wherefore Brian and Que∣dragant were entreated by all the company, to take that charge vpon them, which they could not well refuse, because the other were so importunate.