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Of the discourse which Amadis had with Grasinda, and the answer sh•• made him: Also, what Letters were directed by Amadis, to diuers great Princes.
NOW did not Amadis know, what order hee should take concer∣ning Grasinda; either for sending her home into her owne Countrie, or to de∣termine on her abyding there, vn∣till this contention were better ap∣peased. Wherefore, being desi∣rous to sound her owne •…•…∣on, hee went to visite her in her lodging: and after some few other
speeches passed betweene them, Amadis thus spake vnto her. Ma∣dame, I am much discontented with my selfe, that I haue no better opportunity, of doing you honour, in this place, and giuing you wel-come equall to your deserts: but time being contrarie to my desires, robs me of all due occasion. There∣fore I humbly entreate you, that (in excusing me) you will conceiue no offence, or impute it to any want of good will: for you haue so much bound me to you by your passed fauours, as I cannot enioy one day of my life, that I may not graunt but to be onely yours, in any seruice whatsoeuer I can doe for you. And because it is now a long while, since you departed from your Countrie, and (perhaps) this long abode of yours here, may be more displeasing to you, then I could wish: I am desirous, to vn∣derstand your owne deliberati∣on, to the end, that I may endeauour all possible meanes, to obey you in whatsoeuer you shall please to command me.
Lord Amadis, answered Grasinda, I might well be reputed poore in iudgement, if I knew not certaine∣ly; that both the companie, and fauours you haue done for me hath sorted to the very highest honour, that euer could befall me. As for the good entertainment, which you alleadge to haue receiued in my Country, if it could deserue the name of goodnesse: hath it not al∣readie beene more then fiue fold recompenced, to your great same, and partly my reproach? Neuer∣thelesse, to put you out of doubt of my determination; I will boldly disclose my minde vnto you. I see so many good Knights heere met together, for assistance of that peerelesse Princesse Oriana, and they wholly relying vpon your ver∣tues, both in hope and perswasion of good successe, for the loue and high esteeme they hold you in; it is impossible for you to forsake them, but to your eternall blame and in∣famie. And therefore, seeing such a weightie charge is put vpon you, it must be your care and labour, to send to all coasts, for recouerie of men to giue you succour: that the honour of so great an enterprise may remaine to you, by meanes of your good friends, among whom, I account my selfe not to bee the least. And that you may haue ef∣fectuall proofe, of deeds to make good words: I am resolued, to dis∣patch hence Maister Elizabet to¦morrow morning, sending him for Romania, there to muster vp (both of my subiects, and others) so many as conueniently he may, and ship∣ping them with all speed, to con∣uay them hither. In the meane 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 bee no distaste to you, I me, of what consequ with the other Laat conclusion is reso•…•… so much to hono Knights: to imploys, ne∣uer to for••••kinred for some power•• see this warre ••ithstand the forces of other end. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aduenture to set
Before God, Madame (〈◊〉〈◊〉, I Amadis) for ought I can perceiue, you haue such an excellent incli∣nation, to make me acknowledge, how deepely I shall runne into your de••••, beyond all ability of sa∣tisfaction; that I stand meerely as a man confounded, at such extraor∣dinarie loue and kindnesse. And seeing you are so free in bounty to∣wards me, I were vnwise to refuse it; but (with all humility) most thankefully accept it. And if you please to require Master Elizabet, to passe from thence to Constanti∣nople with Letters of credence from me to the Emperour: I make
no doubt, but (according to his promise heretofore made mee, and hatred he beares to the Emperour of Rome) that he will louingly send vs ayde. I am perswaded, replied Grasinda, that Maister Elisabet will hold himselfe right happie, in do∣ing you any acceptable seruice: for his desires only ayme thereat, as often times he hath assured me. Now Sir, there remaineth nothing else, but your entreatie to Oriana, that I may make one in her graci∣ous company. Madame, said A∣madis, seeing it is so well lyking to you, I will presently send to know her minde; and doe verily beleeue, that it will be as pleasing to her, as to your selfe, that you will vouch∣safe to keepe her company.
Then he called for Gandales, to whom he gaue that charge, and he tarried not long, but returned a∣gaine to them, saying: That Oriana thanked Grasinda most affectionat∣ly, and gaue attendance 〈…〉〈…〉 Constantinople, where hauing done what Amadis appointed: hee should returne to Romania with all possible speed, and shipping such forces as hee found prepared, to bring them away to the Enclosed Isle.
This done, Amadis conducted her to the Princesse, where leauing her: he went to dispatch away Ma∣ster Elisabet, to whom he gaue a Letter, directed to the Emperour, the contents whereof follow.
The letter of Amadis, sent to the Em∣perour of Constantinople.
MOst High and excellent Prince, the Knight of the Greene Sworde (whose right name indeed is Amadis de Gaule) sends you most humble salutations. And whereas (after the foile of the Endriagus) comming to your Court, you pleased to giue mee most royall entertainement, and (beside your manifold fauours) out of your owne benigne bountie, of∣fred mee a••de and assistance when need should require, in fauour of my seruices done you, by the reduction of that Country, which you pleased to name the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Saint Mary: I am bold to acquaint you, that occasion now doth minister such matter, as you haue apt meanes (if you please) to accomplish your promise, and vpon so iust a quar∣rell, as possibly can bee offred. Ac∣cording as Maister Elisabet shall fur∣ther impart vnto you: whom I hum∣bly entreate you to credit, on the be∣halfe of him, that (in all dutie) kis∣seth the hand of your Imperiall Ma∣iestie.
Your Highnesse loyall Knight and seruant, Amadis de Gaule.
Such was the dispatch of Mai∣ster Elisabet, who going aboord his Ship, setting saile, very soone after, arriued in Greece. The very same day, Amadis gaue order to Tantiles, Maister of the houshold to Queene Briolania, to depart for the Realme of Sobradisa towards his Mis••resse, saying thus to him. My de••••e friend Tantiles, thou knowest (as well as wee our selues) how we stand bound for the main∣tenance of warre, and how highly mine honour will be endamaged, if the end of this beginning fall not out to our intention: goe there∣fore to thy royall Queene, to whom (after thou hast done my humble dutie) say, I desire her to send mee
such a supply of soldiours, as pos∣sibly shee may. Thou maist at large acquaint her, with all matters past, the condition wherein we now are, and into what daunger we may fall. Moreouer, tell her, and bid her well remember it, that this matter touching me, concerneth her selfe as neerely, being hers, as she doth very well know.
My Lord, answered Tantiles, the Queene my Mistresse will conceiue more delight then you can imagin, that she may compasse any meanes to let you know, how desirous she is to doe any thing worthy your acceptance. And beleeue it assu∣redly, that so soone as shee shall heare these tydings: she will take such order in the matter you send for, as you shall quickly see me re∣turned with a sufficient power of men. Deliuer her then (quoth A∣madis) this Letter, and make what dilligent speed thou canst. So he gaue him the Letter, contayning these liues.
The Letter sent from Amadis, to Briolania, Queene of So∣bradisa.
I Am perswaded Madame, after you haue heard by Tantiles, Maister of your Houshold, the cause that mooues me to send to you in such haste: that you will allow much fauour, to what he shall tell you on my behalfe. Assure your selfe, that in making vse of your gentle breeding, you will not now saile mee: no more then you thinke I should doe, being alwaies readie to set foote in stirrop for you, where any ne∣cessitie can offer it selfe. And be∣cause he hath beene euermore present, at all such occurrences as haue happe∣ned to me, since my returne into this Country, and I haue giuen him charge, to let you know them at large; I will not be troublesome to you, in reading ouer a tedious long Letter. But ear∣nestly entreat you, that (crediting him) you will alwaies containe mee in your gracious fauour, whereof I desire to pertake so long as I liue.
That Amadis, who is yours.
So Tantiles departed, and with∣out soiourning in any place, tra∣uailed so deuoutly, that he soone arriued in the Kingdome of Sobra∣disa. On the otherside, Gandalin was appointed to goe for Gaule; for which cause, Amadis, taking him aside, thus spake to him. Ganda∣lin, thou art he, who alwaies hath beene the guardian of my most in∣timate occasions, by the loue which our youngest yeares bred in vs, euen as if nature had inuited vs to a perfect brother-hood. Thou knowest, that my honour is thine, and that thine concerneth mee as much as mine owne. Thou seest what a businesse is begunne vpon me, of what consequence it is, and what conclusion is resolued on, by all the Knights: to imploy our friends and kinred for some power∣full ayde, to withstand the forces of King Lisuart, if he aduenture to set vpon vs. And for this cause, I haue sent Messengers to diuers Princes, from whom I hope to re∣ceiue such bands of men, as shall make vp an able Armie.
Now, albeit thine absence will be somewhat grieuous to me, yet notwithstanding, relying more vp∣on thy diligence, then any other seruice now to be done mee: I am determined, to send thee to King Perion my father, who of long time hath knowne thee, and to whom (better then any other) thou canst disclose, of what importance this warre will prooue to mee, if King Lisuart doe begin it. For, as thou
maist truely tell him, in part it con∣cerneth him, the ingratefull King hauing done so many high disfa∣uours, to all them that are of our li∣nage, excluding them from his Court, after such an infinity of great good seruices, by them done to him: what thou knowest, spare not fully to acquaint him withall, both what thou hast seene, and in what necessitie thou didst leaue vs. And yet neuerthelesse, boldly say vnto him, and assure him thereof, in the loyall dutie of a sonne, that I feare not any power whatsoeuer; hauing right and iustice on my side, and so many worthy Knights to assist me in my cause.
Tell him moreouer, Gandalin, that I had neuer attempted so great an enterprise, had it not beene, that seeing God had called mee to the order of Knight-hood, I neuer min∣ded any thing more: but to per∣forme the dutie of a Knight, defen∣ding (to my power) the wrongfull disgraces offred by many, especial∣ly to Ladies and Gentlewomen, who ought to bee preferred before all other persons, and for whom I haue often put my life in perill, without hope of any other recom∣pence from them, then pleasing God by so well a done deed, and augmenting mine owne renowne through the world. And this was the onely cause that mooued mee to forsake mine owne Countrie to seeke (among strange nations) for such as stood in need of my helpe: where I haue met with many pe∣rillous aduentures, as thou thy selfe hast seene, and can at large re∣count. Namely, that arriuing in this Isle, I was aduertised, how King Lisuart (forgetting the glory of God, right towards men, coun∣cell of his Lords, and the verie na∣turall instinct, which euery good father commonly beareth to his child) would needs, euen in a man∣ner of extreame cruelty, banish from his Kingdome, Madame Ori∣ana, his owne daughter and prin∣cipall heire, to giue her (against her will) as wife to the Emperour Pa∣tin of Rome, whom she hateth to the death.
Hereof shee made complaint, not only to them of the Realme of Great Brittaine, but require ••••yde and ••uccour of all Knights bearing Armes, as well by letters and mes∣sages as otherwise: desiring them, with heaued vp 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and foun∣taines of teares flowing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her eyes, to take pittie and compassion vpon her miserie. And so much her prayers and oppressions pre∣uailed, that the Lord and ruler of all things, locked on her with a mercifull eye, inspiring the hearts of many good Knights, to meete here in this place, euen by miracle as it were: where I found them, as thou knowest, resolued to aduen∣ture their liues, for setting her at libertie by force, and other Ladies keeping her company. Conside∣ring, that in doing otherwise, they should iustly deserue blame in fol∣lowing times, giuing (many) occa∣sion to presume: that cowardise only kept them from this com∣mendable ayde, being persons of so great quality as they all are, and the case so important. In which respect the conflict happened be∣tweene vs and the Romans, accor∣ding as thou sawest it: wherein we tooke many prisoners, and re••••ued he Ladies from their hands.
But to mediate the matter with King Lisuart, and my Cousin 〈…〉〈…〉, shall speedily part hence, with expresse order from vs all, to worke by humble intercession, that he would
take in good part what wee haue done, and receiue Madame Oriana, with all her attendants, into his fa∣uour againe. And yet wee stand resolued, that if he will not accept our honest offer, but proudely des∣pise it: to stand vpon our guarde against him, our good friends and kinred backing vs; among whom, Gandalin, thou maist assure him, that we reckon him as the chiefest, and therefore doe humbly entreate him, to helpe vs in so reasonable a necessitie. See also the Queene my mother, and kisse her hand on my behalfe. Pray her, to send hi∣ther my sister Melicia, to keepe companie with these other Ladies, among whom she may learne ma∣ny singular qualities. But before thou goest hence, know of my Cou∣sine Mabila, if shee will command thee any seruice thither: and make some means, to speak with the Prin∣cesse Oriana, who will not shew her selfe so strange to thee; but that thou maist perceiue the estate of her good health, and how her af∣fection continueth towards me.
If Amadis was thus seriously bu∣sied, about the procuration of good ayde, Agraies slept not on the otherside: for he instantly sent Gandales into Scotland, with ex∣presse charge to the King his fa∣ther, in what need they stood of his assistance. Already Landin was gon for Ireland, by whom Quadra∣gant entreated the Queene his Niece, to send such a sufficient power, as possibly she might. And yet not to let King Cildadan, her husband, know thereof: for it was against all reason, that hee should meddle in the matter, considering the couenants and alliances, be∣tweene him and King Lisuart. Moreouer hee had command, to prouide so many shippes for warre, as he could, and to bring them a∣long with him. Brunco de bonne Mer (who dearely affected Melicia, sister to Amadis) wrote to the Mar∣quesse his father, and to Branfill his brother, about the same busmesse, and deliuering his Letters to his Squire Lasinde, spake in this man∣ner.
My honest friend Lasinde, thou seest what a number of Knights are here assembled, notwithstanding, thou must conceiue, that the grea∣ter part of this businesse, cōcerneth Amadis principally, whom (be∣side the vnfeigned loue I beare him) I would gladly ayde to my vt∣termost power, for his sister Meli∣ciaes sake, to whom I stand obliged in seruice, and to none other. For should I doe any otherwise, I am well assured, I should procure his great discontentment, which were worse to me then any death. And therefore thou must wisely per∣swade my father, to giue vs his best succour: shewing him discreetly, that this matter is as important to me, as to any other, and yet not vse one word of Melicia. Onely tell him, my obligation and dutie to Amadis, who hath honoured me with his company in so many pla∣ces, is the onely motiue that com∣mands me: And my brother Bran∣fill shall hereby winne more honor, then so to sleepe in the cinders of negligence, as he doth. My Lord (answered Lasinde) I hope so well to accomplish your command, that my voyage shall haue effect equall to your desire. And so taking leaue, he went away.
Nor was Amadis vnmindfull, concerning the offers made him by King Taffinor of Bohemia, at such time as he vndertooke his cause in Combate, against Garadan, whom he slue, and afterward foyled eleuen
other Knights, belonging to the Emperour Patin. Hereupon, consulting with his owne cogita∣tiōs, he determined to send thither Ysanis, the ancient Gouernour of the Enclosed Isle: a worthy wise Knight, to request ayde of him. And pursuing this purpose, he cal∣led for the good old man, to whom he said Ysanio, knowing the fidelity remayning in you, and your euer∣readie good will to doe mee any seruice: I would entreate you, to vndertake a iourney for mee, about a matter of great consequence, not knowing any Gentleman (be∣side your selfe) more apt and an∣swerable for the businesse. I would haue you goe to King Taffinor of Bohemia, to whom you shall beare Letters of credence from mee: gi∣uing him (beside) to vndestand our occasions, and what trust wee re∣pose in his assistance. Hee is a Prince magnanimous and boun∣tifull, and (I trust) will not faile me, hauing formerly made mee such li∣berall offers. My Lord, answe∣red Ysanio, I promise you I will doe my duetie. Well then, sayd Amadis, to morrow morning you shall set on-ward: but aboue all things (Ysanio••, my deare friend) I pray you vse dilligence. Then hee gaue him the Letter, which spake thus,
The Letter from Amadis, to Taffinor, King of Bo∣hemia.
SIR, if euer I did any seruice, wor∣thie your liking and acceptance, the honourable and kinde entertaine∣ment, which I receiued of you and yours, all the while I remained in your Court, hath made me much more rea∣die (so long as I liue) to make no spare of my person, but alwaies to be in due preparation, for your continuall obedi∣ence and seruice. Wherefore I hum∣bly entreat you, not to imagine, that the sending of this present messenger to you, is in expectation of any re∣compence: but rather, remembring the honest offers you made mee at my departure from Bohemia, it drew me on to so much boldnesse, as, by this meanes of sending to you, earnestly to desire you, to giue mee aide in abusi∣nesse, which nerely concerneth mee, and wherewith this bearer will fur∣ther acquaint you. I beseech you Sir to credit him, euen as my selfe, and to command his dispatch with all pos∣sible speed: to rid him out of all dread, that is readie to sacrifice his life for you. And that is Amadis de Gaule, sirnamed in many places, The Knight of the greene Sworde, euermore by you and yours to be commanded.