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. V. (Book 5)

Of the priuate talke, which Oriana and Mabila had with Gandalin, and what he gaue Amadis to vnderstand, concerning them.

AMbassadours being dispatched to all parts, as you haue formerly heard, Gandalin, being readie to depart for Gaule: came to the lodgings of the Princesse Oriana, according as his Maister before had appointed him. And because no man might enter, without command and permission from the Princesse, the gate being alwaies kept by one of the aun∣cientest

women: he sent word to Mabila, to know from her, if she pleased to write to the Queene her Aunte, or to her Cousine Melicia. Mabila being acquainted by the Gentlewoman, concerning the motion made by Gandalin, went and told Oriana thereof, so loude as eue∣ry one might heare her, saying. Ma∣dame, Gandalin is going for Gaule towards King Perion: may it please you commaund him any thing to the Queene, or to my Cousin? Yes mary will I, answered Oriana, cause him come in, that I may speake with him. Then Gandalin was ad∣dmitted into the Princesse Cham∣ber, when seeing him, she presently arose, and taking him aside (as pre∣tending to giue him some priuate enstructions; she beganne to sigh, and spake in this manner.

Gandalin, my deare friend, what thinkest thou that Fortune is so contrarrie to me, bereauing me of the onely man in the world, whose company I most affect, he being so nere me, and I altogether in his power? Neuerthelesse, we cannot haue the meanes for the least pri∣uate conference, without great tax∣ation to mine honour, whereby my heart endureth such affliction: as, if thou knewest it, I am certainely perswaded, that thou wouldst take more pittie on me then thou doest. And so I pray thee tell him, to the end, that though I haue iust cause to complaine: yet he may reioyce, by the augmentation (dayly more and more) of mine vnfeigned loue and loyaltie to him. And I would haue him deuise the meanes, by some pretie stratagem among his associates; that yet we may see one an other, vnder collour of thy voy∣age, and to comfort me.

Madame, answered Gandalin, you haue great reason to beare him such loyal affection, and to remem∣ber also some remedie, whereto (aboue all things else) hee would gladly aspire: for if you knew the extremitie, wherein I haue seene him an hundred times, you might very well beleeue, that loue is a Lordly tyrant ouer him. I haue seene him halfe dead (as it were) a thousand times, thinking on the passed fauours you haue affoorded him, and as manie times to recouer life againe, onely by the meere re∣membrance of them. I haue like∣wise seene him (among the deadli∣est dangers in the world) performe such incomparable actions of Armes, calling onely vpon you to be his comfort: that it can hardly bee credited, any Knight should haue so much valour in him. There∣fore sweete Madame, I pray you take pittie on him, and vse him an∣swerable to his high deserts. For this I dare assure you, neuer was any Knight more loyall, or more yours, then he is: neither euer had any Lady such power ouer a man, as you haue ouer him; in your hands only lies his life and death, and you may dispose of him as you please.

Gandalin, replied Oriana, I be∣leeue thee vndoubtedly, feeling in mine owne selfe, that which thou relatest in him, and his life is mine, for I haue no other breathing, but by him, and in the companie of o∣thers, he onely makes me liue. But I pray thee, make mee not die, as sometimes thou didst, when thou broughtest me tydings, of his re∣turne from Gaule into Great Brit∣taine: for, in being depriued now of all meanes, to doe what willingly I would for him, I may doe wrong to him, and to myselfe also, by de∣claring my desires ouer-earnest and affectionate. Therefore, I pray

thee speake no more, but returne to him, and will him to worke some way, that I may see him so soone as possible he can. So Gandalin tooke his leaue, and as he was parting out of the Chamber, shee spake some-what audibly: faile not to come for my letters, before you goe hence.

Amadis attended his returne in sound deuotion, and no sooner saw him, but sayd vnto him. Well, Gandalin, hast thou seene my Lady? I pray thee tell mee, what hath she said to thee? Then hee declared (word by word) what had passed be∣tweene them, how desirous she was to see him: and (for a finall resolu∣tion) wished him, to come with some other of the Knights, vnder collour of comforting her. But when hee came to those words of kindnesse, which (in the zeale of af∣fection) she had spoken: hee stood as one entranced, till recouering spirit againe, he thus spake. Alas, Gandalin, how shall I do what thou saist? Hauing apprehended a con∣ceit suddenly, thus hee proceeded. Thou must needs goe to Agraies, and tell him, that because I send thee into Gaule, thou was desirous to know of my Cousin Mabila, whe∣ther shee would write to my sister Melicia, or no. And after some few speeches past betweene you, she told thee, she held it very con∣uenient, that we should oftener vi∣sit Madame Oriana, then wee vse to doe, and make meanes, to cause her forget the extreame melancholie, whereto (ouer-much) shee addict∣eth her selfe, least, being so continu∣ally sad, shee fall into some dange∣rous disease. And be very circum∣spect, hee discouer not, that thou hast spoken with me, or that I know any thing of this matter. And once more I pray thee tell mee, didst thou not finde her very sad?

You know well enough Sir, an∣swered Gandalin, and for no little length of time, that shee is one of the most wise and vertuous Ladies, as euer was borne, and knowes so discreetly to dissemble her passi∣ons: as the cunningst censure can¦not reach them, or gather by her lookes, whether she be inwardly af∣flicted or no. And yet I am verily perswaded, that she is too much gi∣uen to melancholie. Heauen af∣foord mee so much fauour (quoth Amadis) for her, that her desires may sort to some good effect: ne∣uer then shall I feare either life or death, or any thing else that For∣tune can impose vpon me. Doubt nothing Sir, replied Gandalin, I hope, that as our Lord hath euer-more preserued you, and preferred you before any other Knight: hee will not now forget you, and in a time of such vrgent necessity. Goe thy way then, said Amadis, to my Cousine, and bring mee newes a∣gaine so soone as thou canst.

So Gandalin departed, and find∣ing Agraies at leisure, discharged his message so effectually: that the Prince (imagining all to be true he had sayd) thus answered. Trust me, my sister shewes her selfe to be very well aduised, and what she re∣quires, shall bee done. And al∣though her visitation hath hitherto beene deferred; it was for no other reason, but in feare of disconten∣ting Madame Oriana. Where∣fore, I will confer hereon with the companie, whom I shall finde (I make no doubt) as readie as my selfe to obey her. So, without any further tarrying, he went to Lord Amadis, to whom hee declared all that Gandalin had told him, as from his sister. Amadis appea∣ring, as if hee had neuer heard

thereof, replied, that he referred to him and the rest, whatsoeuer they thought fit to be done in this case. Whereupon, Agraies imparted it to them all, yet without any notice, that it proceeded from the opinion of Mabila: but rather from an ap∣prehension in himselfe, as accoun∣ting it very conuenient, to goe comfort the Princesse Oriana, whom Gandalin found to bee mightily ouer-come with melan∣choly.

And beleeue it (quoth hee) if in such extremities, the strongest and most magnanimous spirits stand in neede of consolation: by much more reason then, doth the weake constitution of young La∣dies command it, who beeing fee∣ble of themselues, should there∣fore the oftner be visited and com∣forted. Hereunto all the Knights of the Enclosed Isle condiscended, and (for a beginning) the very same day they sent to the Princesse, to knowe if she would allow thereof, or no: And she returned them an∣swere, that they should be most re∣spectiuely welcome. Whereupon they presently went thither, and as they fell from one discourse to a∣nother, Quedragant and Brian said. Madame, if you please to cōmand any thing to the King your father, or to your mother the Queen, wee are appointed from this companie, to depart for Great Brittaine about your businesse.

Now was Amadis withdrawn aside with Mabila, while Agraies cōferred with Olinda, and Florestan, and An∣griote with Grasinda. And well we may conceiue, that Amadis was in a strange perplexity, seeing her so neare him, whom hee loued aboue all creatures in the world, and yet hee durst not so much as speake to her: but regarded her with a sted∣fast eye, whereto her eye also see∣med to make answere, euen as if an imparlance had passed be∣tween them, which made his words to Mabila, to sauour of idle and fond imperfection. But shee, well knowing the Saint of his deuoti∣on; to cure him of his ouer-awing fit: bethought herselfe of the most honest meanes that could be, both to quicken him, and recouer some spirit likewise in Oriana, saying soddenly, Madame, you promised Gandalin yester day, that you would write to Queene Elisena, and to Melicia, and (for ought I heare to the contrary) he is presently to de∣part, and you haue forgot your let∣ters.

Oriana, who vnderstood well e∣nough at what marke shee aymed, answered: Let him come hither, and by word of mouth, I will as well satisfie him, as if I had trou∣bled him with my Letters. Then one of the Damosels arose, and go∣ing foorth of the Chamber, called for Gandalin, who presently entred with her. Well had hee beene in∣structed by Amadis, concerning what hee was to doe, if the Prin∣cesse would speake with him before this company: wherefore beeing come where she was, hee made her an humble reuerence, and then to his Master, who talked all this while (as I formerly told you) with Mabila. It was not long, before Oriana (who sate between Quedra∣gant and Brian) arose, and taking Brian by the hand, said to him. I pray you Cosen, to witnesse with mee, what message I shall send by Gandalin, to the Queene of Gaule and her daughter Melicia: to the end, that you may report it to the King my father, if hee inquire any such matter of you. In the meane while, Lord Quedragant (if so hee

be pleased) shall abide with the Queene Sardimira, who knowes well enough how to entertaine him.

But Brian, who was one of the most gentle and courteous Knights liuing: would not follow her, but, with an amiable smile, thus answe∣red. Madame, you must pardon me, for, beeing appointed (as I haue told you) to goe to the King a∣bout your businesse: my friends heere may grow suspitious of me, and stand in doubt, that I may be so subborned by your gracious speech, as I shall shew my selfe more milde and tractable to him, then consists in my commission, and the charge I haue receiued from them. Nay Sir, replied Ori∣ana, heare but the reason, why I would haue you acquainted with this message. It is to no other end, but by hearing mine owne tongue to relate my hearts tribulations (wich I desire should bee knowen, not onely in Great Brittaine, but likewise in all countries of the world:) you would bee the more indulgent, to mediate my peace, and to deliuer al these Ladies from imprisonment. And if you were af∣fected to any one amongst them; her vertue might preuaile against any sterne deliberation.

Oriana deliuered these wordes with such a gracious demeanour, as they all tooke delight to heare & and behold her. Especially Brian, who although he was young, faire, and of goodly forme: yet was hee more addicted to follow Armes, then loue; and fewe Knights were more actiue then hee, to handle his launce and sword, for the defence of iniured Ladies, whensoeuer they stood in need of his help. Where∣by hee became a friend to all in generall, and did them infinite par∣ticular seruices, which being desi∣rous that Oriana should take know∣ledge of, (thus hee answered.

By my faith Madame, you may esteeme of mee as you please, but if I should long tarrie in so good company: I greatly feare, I should soone lose that, which I haue alwaies held as mine owne, since first I had knowledge of my selfe. Therefore, I had need to get me further off, and leaue my roome to Lord Amadis, & your Cosen: they may serue you for wit∣nesses, if they be so pl••••••sed.

At these wordes euery one 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣led for he retired with such a grace as declared some bashfulnesse of what hee had spoken: leauing Ori∣ana close by Amadis, who ne∣uer had any priuate conference with her, since his departure from King Lisuarts seruice.

But now, seeing opportunity so graciously fauour him, as he might freely speake what hee vvould hee was so vtterly lost in ioy, that ••••e stood trembling, as one vnable to vtter a vvord.

But Oriana, laying her right hand vpon his arme, caught holde vvith her other vpon his hand, & locking it fast in hers (to testifie the vigour of her affection) said: Deer friend, though no greater happinesse in this vvorld can befall mee, then continually to enioy your •…•…ed presence: yet it hath been no mean discomfort to mee, that beeing so neare one to another, ••••e houe bin barred from such a blessing. Ne∣uerthelesse, I accoumpt my selfe highly beholding to fortune, for deliuering me into your power, as all my life time I haue desired, and wherewith I hope also neuer to part, so long as my soule shall liue in this body: for it had as I thinke) neuer beene created, but

only to be dedicated in seruice and obedience vnto you: yet I knowe very well, that we frequenting one with another, as sometimes we did in Great Brittaine, mine honour may receiue endamagement: for the newes of my surprizall is al∣readie so di••ulged, that if wee dis∣semble not our priuate passions, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 thereby may ensue vn∣to vs. Therefore I hold it better, to gouerne our selues rather by dis∣cretion, then the lauish power of fond affection: which if wee doe, we may may alwaies presume, that the charitable deed you haue done, is no more, than the commendable custome among all good Knights, that make no spare of their liues, to succour afflicted persons, especi∣ally women, so badly vsed as I haue beene. And beleeue mee (sweete friend) if herein you will not follow my counsell, by weening to bor∣row some stolne delight and con∣tentment: we shall but formalize an imag•…•…e happinesse, & lose that vtterly, which the wise atten∣ding for time will vndoubtedly bring vs.

Madame, answered Amadis, I neuer had any other thought, but how I might best bee obedient to y••••, neither shall haue any other so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as I liue, because I haue no other maintainance for this poore life of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. But let mee be regar∣ded in your pittie, for if you thus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••p your s••lfe, and suffer me to see you no oftner then I doe: it is impossible, but that the melancho∣lie which ouer-masters mee, will hasten my death very suddenly. I doe not vrge those priu•…•…, which your gracious fauours afford•••• me in Great Brittaine, or that euery eye s••••uld discern then: but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ght may sometime befrend vs •…•…th, es∣pecially by the means of my Cosen.

Now trust me Sir, said Oriana, I am not a little amazed, that you, hauing such assurance of the vnfai∣ned loue I beare you, should now seeme doubtfull thereof: doe you imagine, that I desire not your ease as much as mine owne? Before God I speake it, I haue no pleasure but by you, neither any ease but to see you satisfied. But, consider the tumultuous estate wherein we are, and that if we were (neuer so little) discouered, it would bee to the vt∣ter ruine of vs both. So many eyes obserue our behauiour here, as ne∣uer did the like, when wee were in company with the Queen my mo∣ther. And here our actions are so narrowly pursued, as (without ex∣terme danger) no such aduenture may be made as you speake of. Ex∣cuse me therefore I entreat you, & let this remain for your settled con∣tentment, that I am so faithfully yours, as both my oath and promise haue strictly bound me. Madame, answered Amadis I will practise how I may best please you, and to bring my thoughts to your obedi∣ence: albeit I much misdoubt, that this compulsion will hardly holde out, if it be not the better backt by your fauour, from which it appea∣reth you seek to exclude me, with∣out offending either in worde or thought, and that I dare maintaine on the perill of my soule

With these wordes, the teares gushed out of his eyes, where at O∣riana grieuing, said. Exclude my best comfort! Sooner let me die ten thousand deaths. I know the truth of your loyaltie, and can desire no better testimony thereof, then the iust apprehension of mine owne conscience. And take not in ill part what I haue said to you, for the feare of your so long absence from me, as in these lauer yeares you

haue beene, was the onely motiue of this language. What more ad∣vantage then can you require of me? Let the King my father make peace or warre with you, he can make me neither lesse nor more yours, then resolvedly I am.

As shee would haue continued on these speeches, Mabila, who ser∣ved to thē but as a shadow, percei∣ving many eyes fixed vpon them, spake thus closely. Enough for this time, every eye notes you. Sweet friend (quoth Oriana) dry vp your teares, and sit by your Cousin, who will tell you some things, that yet you never heard of, and wherein I thinke) you will take a little delight. So she left them together, returning againe to the Queene Sardamira and Brian. In which time, Mabila told him at large, how Esplandian was borne, and by what mishap he was lost in the Forrest, as Durin and the Damsoll of Denmarke carried him to Nurse. And last, •…•…ll adven∣tures happening to him, till hee came into his mothers protection againe, as you haue heard more at large declared in the third Book.

Amadis heere at was to ioyfull, as no man could be more, and answe∣red Mibila thus. Beleeue me Cosin, I was continually full of doubt, for at my returne from Constantinople, by chance, I met with Angriote d'Estre••••aus, who repor∣ted all that to me which you haue told me concerning 〈◊〉〈◊〉: but he knew not whose sonne he was, neverthelesse, my heart was sudden∣ly inspired with a perswasion, that Madame Oriana and I together had some right in him. And so much the father, 〈…〉〈…〉 bring the letter I received from you by 〈◊〉〈◊〉, being as then in the 〈…〉〈…〉 whereby you gaue me to vnder∣stand, that my lynage was encrea∣sed, yet durst I not presume in what manner. But now (heaven be prai∣sed) we are both well assured, and better satisfied then ever before, es∣pecially my selfe more contented, then if I had conquered the grea∣ter part of the world: not only for being father to Esplandian, but because I begot him on her, whom fortune hath preferred before all o∣ther, both in vertue, beauty, and all other good graces. Yet haue I suffered so much for her sake, as if I were able, to express but only a half part of those cares, that kept mee company during her absenc, your selfe would complaine much more then I haue done.

Here, fetching a deepe sigh, hee breathed a while, and afterward thus went on. But fortune made me a most honorable recompence, sen∣ding mee in such a convenient sea∣son, to deliver her from her enemies hand: for, if it had falne out other∣wise questionlesse it had beene the death of vs both. But that which now doth most offend me, onely is feare of her sicknesse, by her conti∣•…•…all griefe and melancholy: shee being not in the company of the Queene her mother, and in the King her fathers disgrace. Where∣fore I beseech you good Cosin, comfort her so much as possibly you can, by cherishing her hopes, that heaven will giue furtherance to these affaires: beside, so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 good Knights are heere assembled together, who will all be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the smallest peeces, rather then she shall suffer any shame or 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And for this cause we haue •…•…∣ded (before any warre shall bee att•…•…d) to send to King 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈…〉〈…〉 to ap∣pe•…•… his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 againe his gratious fa∣vour for her: provided▪ that all alli∣ance

with the Emperour be quite broken off, otherwise, we are resol∣ved, never to deliver her: Meane while, we haue dispatched Ambas∣sadours to all parts, to procure aid and succour among our friends, to the end: that if he refuse our honest offer, and will needs enter the field against vs, wee may bee able (like good men) to make him answer.

Cosin, answered Mabila, I will do all that I can for you, and never credite me, but Madame Oriana doth highly applaud this her good fortune: assuring you, that we all endured such greivance by her in your absence, but especially, when she heard of her intended marri∣age to the Emperour, as you would haue stood amazed, to behold the sorrowes which I haue seene her suffer. But because you vnderstand sufficiently, both the reason of the cause, and what iust right you haue in her, I will loose no more time, to remember you of that which needs not. Let it suffice you, that you haue brought her so farre into loues extremitie, as possibly more cannot be.

Now, in regard that the houre was come for Quedragant and the rest to depart thence, and had-al∣ready taken leaue of Oriana▪ Ama∣dis and Mabila gaue over talking. So the Knights went forth of the chamber, & giuing the goodnight to the Ladies, returned to their owne lodgings. Where now (for a while) we meane to leaue them, to the end that wee may tell you, how King Lisuart came acquain∣ted with the death of the Prince Saluste Quide, and ouerhrowe of the Emperours men.