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. XVII.

How Gandalin, Squire to Amadis, and Lafinde, Squire to Bruneo de bone Mer, were made Knights: And of the battaile betweene the two Kings, Lisuart and Perion.

WE haue declared here-tofore, that Gandalin had order giuen him by Amadis (passing in∣to Gaule) to entreate the Queene his mother, to send Melitia, to keep company with O∣riana, which King Perion wel allow∣ed of: but beholding Galaor still so sickly, she was loath shee should depart▪ vntill he were a little stron∣ger. Wherefore Gandalin remai∣ned there for her conduct, so soon as Galaors danger were past, which happened within a short while af∣ter. Hereupon, the Queene cau∣sed her to bee embarked, well ac∣companied with Ladies and Gen∣tlewomen, hoping shee should (as yet) finde King Perion in the Enclo∣sed Isle. But he was departed thence before her ariuall, to the no little griefe of Gandalin, because he ho∣ped to receiue his Knighthood be∣fore the battell should be fought: & therfore, because he might the soo∣ner attain therto, he departed thēce, and (without staying in any place) ceased not til•• he came to the camp. When Amadis saw him he deman∣ded what was become of his S••ster? My Lord, quoth hee, shee is at this instan•• in the Enclosed Isle, with the faire Princesse Oriana, and humbly commends her selfe to your graci∣ous fauour. And my brother Gala∣or, said Amadis, is he yet recouered? Hee findes himselfe (answered Gan∣dalin) in much better estate, then formerly hee did: but yet continu∣eth so weake, as hee is not able to leaue his Chamber, and come in∣to the open ayre.

Afterward, hee reported all that to him, which you haue heard alrea∣die, and said. Beleeue me Gandalin, thy rydings doe not please mee a little, and I am glad thou art retur∣ned in so apt a season, in regard (I hope) wee shall haue the battaile, before three dayes be fully expired. That made me make such haste, re∣plyed Gandalin; for you knowe my earnest desire to bee knighted, and I can neuer receiue it at a more conuenient time, nor euer shew my selfe worthie of so great an honor as now. And credit me my Lord, that but for the knowledge I now haue, of your easre sparing mee, hauing Madame Oriana in your owne pow∣er: I would not haue vsed these speeches. Wherefore, most hum∣bly I desire you to grant mee, that this battaile may not bee fought, vntill I may bee comprehended therein, and that I may reach my longing expectation.

Amadis sitting silent a while, at length thus answered. Gandalin, the fulfilling of thy request is so irksome to mee, that it pi••••ceth my very

〈◊〉〈◊〉; and therefore (if it were possible) I would acquit my selfe thereof. Notwithstanding, finding it to bee very reasonable, I will so•• aside all passion to please thee: on∣ly being sorry, that wee are in such a place, where I can get no Armes to giue thee, and to doe (beside) what else is requisite, and answera∣ble to thy deseruing. My Lord, said Gandalin, your brother (hath out of his especiall grace) herein furni∣shed mee, for at my parting from him, (he knowing my determina∣tion) gaue mee his owne Armour, and the very best horse hee had: moreouer, he would haue bestowed his Sword on mee, but I tolde him, that you had promised to giue me one of those, which you receiued in Greece from Queene Menoressa. well then, said Amadis, seeing it is so, it shall be fittest for you, that the night before you goe to the battel: you performe the watch in the King my fathers Chappell, & in the mor∣ning, I will present you Armed to him, according as to order apper∣tayneth, because I holde it impos∣sible, to receiue your knighthoode from a wortheir man. Vpon my faith my Lord (quoth Gandalin) I neuer had any other desire, but to receiue it from your selfe. Be it, said Amadis as you please. Lasiu∣da, Squire to Brun••••, replied Gan∣dalin, not long since tolde me, that his Master had likewise yeelded to his knighth••od, and that hee and I should performe our watch toge∣ther, and so be companions in the battaile.

A••adis answered him not a word, but went into the Kings Tent, who had giuen order, that the Campe should march on earely the next morning: because his scou••es and spies had assured him, that the ene∣mie approached neare. So mar∣ched the two Armies each against other, and on the third day follow∣ing, they came in sight halfe a mile off: and there encamped, perfor∣ming many aduenterous skirmi∣shes, as well on horsebacke, as on foot: especially the Romanes, who still pressed them of the Enclosed Isle to fight, because they found the place aduantageable for them. But King Perion vnderstood their meaning well enough, fortefying his Campe with great trenches, & defending all passages with his ar∣tilery Thus they maintained them-selues three daies together, skirmi∣shing (well-neare) from morning to night: and longer time they had thus temporised, but that they re∣ceiued information, how Archalaus had induced King Aranigne, to the leuying of a powerfull Army, and marched on speedily to encounter with them.

Hereupon, the two Camps grew iealous of one another, not know∣ing to whether side they inclined: for King Lisuart imagined they came in ayde of Amadis, and Ama∣dis presumed the like for King Lis∣uart, and this was their onely mo∣tiue of their falling to fight, accor∣ding as you shall heare hereafter. But before it came so to passe, Gas∣quilan, King of Swetia, who had ex∣pressely left his courtrie to fight with Amadis: sent a Trompet to him, who being come into his pre∣sence, spake in this manner. Lord Amadis, the King of Swetia my Master, sends you worde by mee, that at such time as King Lisuart vndertook the warre, against Galua∣ues in the Isle of Mongoza: he then departed from his kingdome, with intention onely, to approue his manhood against you; not for any hatred or malice hee beares you, but onely in regarde of your great

fame and renowne. And being no way able to meet with you, he was enforced (being then wounded) to returne home againe, frustrated of his expectation. And hee had not now left his owne lande againe, but that hee was aduertised by King Lisuart, of your vndertaking this hardy enterprise. And continuing still in his former deliberation, hee entreates you (in meere curtesie) that to morrowe you would breake three Lances with him: for if you delay it till the day of battaile, hard∣ly shall you approue your selues each against other, according to his honourable desire.

Trompet answered Amadis, I haue long since heard of this which thou tellest me, and of thy Masters earnest desire, and doe also verily beleeue, that it proceeds from true magnanimity of spirit in him. Now although there is great difference betweene my actions, and the fame noysed abroad of mee: yet I am well contented, that hee should holde such reputation of me, as he doth, and knowing him to bee no lesse then he is, I could rather wish, that his proofe of mee might be in some such place, where hee might receiue more seruice by me. My Lord, said the Trompet, he well re∣members, how matters past be∣tween you and Madraque, the Giant of the Sadde Island, and albeit they concerned him somewhat neare as a sonne to a father: yet being ad∣uertised of the curtesie you exten∣ded towards him, hee reputeth you rather worthie of commendation, then any manner of reuenge. So this desire in him, of triall with you, is not for any enui•• he beares to your iust reputation: but only thus, that if hee happen to preuaile, hee shall winne that which by no meanes else he could attaine vnto. If hee s••staine the ••oyl••, ye•• h•••• will holde his e•…•… the lesse; the worlde beeing so 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣ently informed of your mani••od•• victories, not only against the ••ery ••toutest and strongest Giants, but likewise, against most cruell and su∣pernaturall beasts. Depart then, re∣plied Amadis, and to morrow mor∣ning, thy Master shall fi••de me here ready on this plaine, to accomplish his pleasure, and so the Tromper re∣turned thence.

before we passe any further, I wil reporte the principall cause, which mooued this great Prince Gasqui∣lan, to trauaile through so many countries, onely to approoue him selfe against Amadis. In the third Booke of our History hath been re∣lated to you, that he was the so••ne of Madraque, and of the sister to Laucine, King of Swetia, which Laucine dying without heires: Cos∣quilan beeing knowne in many pla∣ces, to bee one of the most gentle Knights that the worlde yeelded: was called by them of Swetia, and elected to bee their King. Af∣terward, he fell in loue with a yong and beautifull Princesse, named Pinela, who was both an heire and orphane, by death of her father and mother, and many lands & Seig∣neuries, bordering and adioyning to them of Gasquilin, belonged to her as her right and inheritance.

His extreamity in affection to her, prouoked him to vndertake many bolde aduentures, which hee worthily effected, not without great perill to his person: neuerth••l••sse, kindnesse in her was but coole to him, in regarde hee was deriued from a Giant so proude and cruell, as by no meanes thee would accept him for her husband, notwithstan∣ding his most earnest and honest pursu••e. Whereat Gasq••il•••• grow∣ing

discontented, threatned intire •…•…ine and detestation, both of her and hers: which one of her faithfull subiects fearing, aduised her to vse a little dissimulation, and to temporise hereon so well as shee could. She lent such liking to this perswasion, that at one time (a∣mong many other) Gasquilan vsing his wonted opportunities, with goodly discourse & protestations, as louers in like afflictions can ea∣sily performe: she as a Lady dis∣creet and quicke of apprehension, answered him in this manner.

My Lord, seeing Heauen hath endowed mee with such riches as I now enioy; no dread of danger, or of death it selfe, can make mee falsifie the promise I made to my deceased father: which was, neuer to marrie, but vpon one especiall condition. What was that? sayde Gasquilan. I solemnely swore (quoth she) to him before hee died, neuer to ioyne in marriage, but with the best Knight in the world, if it lay in my power to winne him; and although he were neuer so poore, yet I would haue no other hus∣band. Hereupon I made diligent inquisition, who might be this on∣ly man of men, and haue receiued credible intelligence, that Amadis de Gaule cannot be seconded: wher∣fore, if you dare make hazard of your manhoode, and vanquish him, you shall enioy your earnest desire. This only occasion incited Gasqui∣lan, to vndertake those two voya∣ges, which hee made into Great Brittaine, presuming so much vpon his valour, that hee should haue the vpper hand of Amadis.

The Trompet beeing come backe to Gasquilan, declared vnto him the whole answer of his message: wher∣at Gasquilan was so ioyfull, that he deliuered these wordes so lowde, as all by might easily heare him. Be∣fore God, Trompet, I would not now wish to be master of the fairest Citie in Gaule, in exchange of this long looked for happinesse: for I hope to make it apparantly known, that I am a little more worthie then hee. So, imagining the time too ouer-long, the next morning, by breake of day, hee put on a gray Armour, couered with golden Griffons, holding a bleeding hart in their tallons, as testimony of the torments he endured in loue. Then comming before the Emperor and King Lisuart, hee earnestly entrea∣ted them to come see how he could abate the glory of Amadis. And if (quoth hee) I vn-horse him not at the first encounter, I am content to beare no Armes for a whole year together. But the Emperour who had sufficient experience of Ama∣dis, was of another minde, and therfore ordered the greater part of his power in forme of battaile, as well for his owne security: as doub∣ting some sudden surprisall, vnder the colour of this particuler Com∣bate; and the like did Agraies on the other side.

The two auantguards being thus each before other, Amadis hauing put on a green Armour, thickely powdred with Lions of gold (euen such another as he wore when hee came to his Oriana at Mirefleure, at his returne from the poore Rocke, when hee slew the two Giants, Fa∣mongomad and Basigant his sonne) called for Gandalin, and saide vnto him. Gandalin, seeing thou wilt not haue thy knighthood from a Kings hand: goe Arme thy selfe, and be∣fore I enter into this Combate, I will perform what I haue promised thee. So Gandalin departed, and soon after returned againe to Ama∣dis, who attended there for him,

and taking him by the hand, con∣ducted him to King Perion, spea∣king thus. Sir, heere is Gandalin, who desires to haue his order of knighthood. wherefore most hum∣bly I desire you, in regarde hee will needs receiue it of me; you would be pleased to gird on his sword, that hee may remember (so long as hee liues) the honour you gaue him. With these wordes, hee presented him one of those Swordes, which Queen Menoressa had giuen him at Constintinople, and had remained in the custody of Durin, brother to the Damosell of Denmarke. Then gi∣uing him the accolade, and putting on his right spurre: the King next came, and girded on his Sword, & so he receiued this high honour, by the hands of the two best Knights in the world. At which time like∣wise, Bruneo did as much for Lasin∣de, whose Sword was girded on by Agraies.

This being thus done, Amadis went forth of his troupes, because Gasquilan was attending for him vp∣on the plaine, and each of them ha∣uing a mighty strong launce placed in his rest: gaue the spurre to their horses, and met together with such violence, that their staues flew in shi••ers, and their heads and bodies encountred so mainely, as Gasqui∣lan was throwen forth of his saddle, lying along on the ground entraun∣ced, with the paine hee felt of his left arme, which was quite broken by his fall. And albeit Amadis was shrewdly shaken, in the shock, & his horse shouldred: yet hee made meanes to allight before his fall, & drawing forth his Sword, marched therewith against Gasquilan, who continued (as yet) so amazed, as he appeared not to moue a ioynt.

Hereupon, the Emperour mis∣doubting that hee would haue smit∣ten off his head; caused 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Harquebuziers to be discha••ged at him, and two bold horsemen issued forth, with intent to surprise him: which Agraies well obseruing, sud∣denly rushed forth of his troupe, followed by diuerse of his friends, and while a little skirmish lasted, found meanes to remount Amadis againe. Then it fell to them that could doe best on both sides, for the vaun••guards marched against each other, & the great Ordenance played without any intermission. In the meane space, Amadis hastened on the maine battaile, and the rere∣guarde, and caused Bruneo, to issue forth with three hundred horse, to charge a troupe of the Romaines, who defended six great Culuerins, which King Lisuart had placed neer at hand, and did much harme to the foot-men. But hee carried himselfe with such vndaunted courage, that hauing put the enemy in route, he became Master of that Artillery.

By this time the two Armies had paced very neere, and beeing vpon the point of sight, Drummes and Trumpets sounded cheerfully, and the foot-men performing their of∣fice of seruice, marched on with their Pikes crossed, to resist the horse-mens entrance: while the Harquebuziers and Archers made two sharpe charges, wherein Que∣dragant was wounded in the left arme. But comming all to ioyne, the noyse exceeded admiration, to heare the breaking of Launces, Pikes and Halbardes, sounding like a great tempest of haile, falling on a house couered with tile or smooth slate. There might you haue seene many braue men ouerthrowen on the ground, some deadly wounded, others wallowing in their blood, dismembred of legges and armes: the fight continued long in this

dreadfull manner, before it could any way be discerned, whether side had the better or worse: for Floran rushing in vpon the Gaules, made such a slaughter among them, as he let not a stroake fall, but valued a life.

While this bloody fury endured, Amadis and his troupes, charged the Emperours vauntguard, and when it came to the Launces brea∣king, Gandalin, who was one of the formost, met the brother to Arqui∣sill, and brake their Launces each on other, but the Romane was dis∣mounted. Now they entred pell mell, and they that had seen Agraies follow his businesse, would haue thought him to bee one of the best Knights in the worlde: for, before hee lost his Launce, hee vnhorsed foure of the Emperors best knights. And here was the fierce heat of the conflict, because the Emperours Harquebuziers, who were conduc∣ted by Arquisill thwarted the horse-men of Amadis: and but for Bran∣ful and Tiron, who came and acco∣sted them with their light horse, they had done them much more harme than they did. But they brake so violently vppon them, as they could no way charge them, but fell into disorder; albeeit Arquisill foūd meanes to rallie them againe in good manner.

Agraies Landin, & Angriote d'E∣streueus being ioyned together, re∣sisted the Romanes with wonderfull boldnes, each man pretending vic∣tory to his side: and Amadis with some other Gaules, entred the midst of the presse, making such hauocke among them, as no man durst a∣bide before them. There they met with •…•…an, bastard brother to the Queene Sar••amira, and Constant de R••qu••, who hauing yet their Lances who••e and ••ound, encountred A∣madis and Landin: but Landin was vn-horsed by Constant, and Flamyan by Amadis, for he gaue him such a powerfull stroake, which piercing quite through him, made him tum∣ble from his horse dead on the ground. Then mette together the Romanes and Gaules, to succour and helpe such as were ouerthrowne, and beleeue it for a certaintie, that many lost their liues in this hotte charge, by reason the Emperour came in vpon them, accompanied with many noble Knights. But hee found his purpose soone disapoin∣ted, and before his face, the Gouer∣nour of Calabria was slaine by Ama∣dis, who perceiuing Agraies and Angriote to bee on foote in the throng, and in very great danger: laboured so manfully, as he quick∣ly gaue them succour, by the helpe of Gandalin, Lasinde, Granate of the Dreadfull Dale, and Bruneo.

Hereupon, the Gaules, who were halfe spent and tired, tooke heart a∣gaine, and then began the Romanes to dismay, falling into disorder, and flying directly toward King Lisuart, who followed the maine battalion: and but for Floyan, and some other of the nobler spirits, who maintai∣ned the assault (holding out coura∣giously euery way, while the foot-men returned againe to battaile) not a man had escaped aliue. For Quedragant and his squadron char∣ged them so violently, as they had not so much leasure as to bethinke themselues what to doe. But when they saw the power of King Lisuart so neare, they held out the battaile: against the forces of King Perion, the troupes of Gastiles, and the Ar∣chers of Libeo, playing hottly still on them.

Now began night to draw neare, and King Lisuart well peceiued, that retrait was more commodious

for him, then enduring the fight any further, especially that day, where∣fore, without attending the other powers, he withdrew the head of his Armie into his fort, and King Peri∣on continued impalled in his camp, euen where the conflict had beene maintained, the watch and guardes on either side well apointed, inten∣ding the next day to fight for victo∣ry. But about two houres within night, a Trompet belonging to the Emperour and King Lisuart, was taken by the scoutes, as he came to craue truce for foure and twenty houres onely, which was yeelded vnto.