CHAP. XXIIII.

AFter that King Lisuart was dislodged from the Citie of Lubania, accompanied with the rest of his Armie, hee iournied so expeditiously, that hee ariued at Vindilisore; where his Queene Brisenia expected his com∣ming, according to former intelli∣gence sent her. And although hee was greatly perplexed in minde, seeing his reputation much impai∣red, by those disfouours receiued from fortune, notwithstanding the agreement hee had made with Amadis: yet neuerthelesse (like a wise and iudicious Prince) hee dis∣sembled his griefe, shewing much Page  109 better outwarde carriage, then o∣therwise willingly hee would haue done. And his owne knowledge was no meane incitation thereto, by hourely pressing his conscience, with a sensible apprehension, that hee had beene the onely cause, of shedding (ouer-prodigally) so much Christian blood: vnder an vniust colour of reuenge, which he preferred before all counsell and aduice, giuen him by the Princes and Lords of his Land, wherewith our Lord being iustly offended, had scourg'd him with there rods, not to make him murmur or gruge against him, but rather to thank him, for in∣flicting no heauier vengeāce on him

In meditation of these matters, hee went to the Queenes lodgings, and she being before aduertised by Brandoynas, of all that had happe∣ned in his voyage; welcommed him most graciously, and looking vpon young Esplandian, who fol∣lowed next to the King: folding him in her armes, & sweetly kissing him, thus she spake. My worthie sonne, blessed bee the houre of thy birth, hauing (in thy young dayes) done such seruice to the King: as, but by thy good aduise (as I haue vnderstood) he had neuer seene his owne kingdome any more. Ma∣dame, answered the King, I hope, seeing hee hath begun so well: not any one houre shall passe him, but will encrease in him both will and power, of proceeding on better & better. For I assure you, that beside the right of nature, which iustly incites mee to wish him well: no day can passe ouer my head, but I must needs confesse a perticuliar af∣fection to him, for the great happi∣nesse I enioy by him.

While thus the King and Queen conferred together, concerning Es∣plandian, the other Princes and Lords were kindely entertained by the Ladies & Gentlewomen: who beeing curious in inquiry, how the fights had beene performed, be∣tweene the Kings people, and them belonging to Amadis, were a long while without any other language. But when they heard of the pur∣posed marriages, & that they must likewise goe to the Enclosed Isle: this raised much more pleasure in them, then the recitall of colde feares and Alarums, whereon they wholly conferred before. For now, one made full account, to try the Arch of loyall louers; others the Defended chamber, and the other singularities in the Isle, and in these delightes they spent the whole day.

But the houre of rest beeing come, the King withdrew into the Queenes chamber, where being a∣lone by themselues, hee began in this maner. Madame, if you found your selfe much amazed, when you heard the matters concerning your daughter and Amadis: beleeue no lesse of me, when I heard the first newes thereof. And by that which I knew afterwarde, both you and I were farre off from our reckonning. For, perswade your selfe, it is no little disturbance to my minde, that I could not know these things, before the scandall was discouered, and nothing euer touched mee so nearely, especially, the losse of so many worthie Knights, who had now beene liuing, and perished in these vnhappy wars, which breeds in me such remorse of conscience, as you, or any other, will hardly credit: but matters already past, are ouer-late to bee remedied. Wherefore, I purpose now, that what yet remaineth to be done, shall bee performed with our very vttermost honour. Forgetting the offence of our daughter, who made choyce Page  [unnumbered] of a husband at her owne pleasure: yet one that well deserues her, & a better. For I neuer saw any Knight errant, that could winne himselfe so many friends, or haue such a multi∣tude of Kings, Princes, and potent Lords at his comande: whereby it plainely appeareth, that Fortune is diposed to preferre him, before any other.

And because at my parting from Lubania, I promised, to bring you with mee to the Enclosed Isle, there to consummate the mariage be∣tweene her and him: I pray you giue order for all things, which you thinke requisite in such cases. Also, for the conduct thither of your daughter Leonora, whom (vpon his owne request) I haue giuen as wife to the new Emperour. Very ioyfull was the Queene, to see the King so well disposed: especially towardes her daughter Oriana, which was the thing shee most desired. In regard whereof, and to maintaine him in this good minde, she saide. Sir, it seemeth to mee, that heauen hath beene very gracious to you and me, bestowing such alliance on vs, in fauour of whom, their friends shall for euer hereafter be ours. What else remaineth to bee done, referre all to mee, for all shall bee ordered to your contentment. Hereupon, earely the next morning, shee sent for Arban, King of Norwales, Great maister of the Kings housholde, to whom she gaue the charge of all.