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. XXXV.

How Grasandor followed in the quest of Amadis, and what aduentures happened to him in his trauatie.

NOt long since you read, that Amadis being en∣tred the Barque of the Ladie, who purposely came thither to seeke him: one of the Huntsmen came along the shoare, to whom he cal∣led, commanding him to bury the dead Knight, and acquaint Grasan∣dor with the reason of his so sudden departure. Which being imparted to Grasandor, hee was a long time pensiue, maruailing what aduenture had befallen him, to drawe him so farre off from him and Madame O∣riana.

Hereupon, giuing ouer further pursuing the game, he desired him, to conduct him where the dead Knight lay, and being there ariued: hee sawe him lie along, quite disar∣med, but neither Shippe or sayle could hee dis••••ne on the Sea. So carrying the dead body into an Ab∣bey neare adioyning, which Amadis had founded, Grasandor returned to Oriana, whom hee found with the Infanta Mabila, and the other Ladies, who seeing him enter with∣out Amadis, demanded whence hee came thus all alone?

From point to point, hee related the whole aduenture, according as hee had receiued it from the hunts-man; yet with some regarde, as fearing to afflict her ouer much, whom it most concerned, I meane Madame Oriana: whose heart was so seuerely shut vp with griefe, as shee could not (for a long while) vtter one word. But when her soule had wonne more liberty, then shee thus answered. Surely I am perswa∣ded, that seeing hee hath le•••• you and taken no farewell o•• me••: hee departed not, but vpon some very great occasion. By my faith Ma∣dame, replied Grasandor, I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of your minde: for hee sent me word by the Huntsman, that I should ex∣cuse his absence to you. Alas quo••h the Princesse) I know not what ex∣cuse to allow of, neither what wee are best to doe. Madame, answe∣red Grasandor, I haue resolued with my selfe, to trauaile in quest of him, and if (by good fortune) wee may meete together, wee shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more easily passe all good or harme that can betide vs. And one thing I da••e promise yee, that no place shall containe me aboue one night, vn∣till I can heare tydings of him.

Oriana, and all the other Ladies, liked this motion very well: only Mabila excepted, who all that night could not refraine from teares. Notwithstanding, her sorrowes could not stay Grasandor, but carely in the morning he armed himselfe, and after hee had heard Masse, ta∣king leaue of the Princesse, and the whole company: hee went aboard a Barque, with two Squires and his horse only, and none else, but the Mariners to conduct him. So ••et∣ting saile, not knowing which way to direct their course, they say••••d all that day and night, not meeting with any shippe or vessell, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them tydings of what they sought for. The second night ensuing, they passed close by the Isle of the •…•…∣ta: but such was the 〈…〉〈…〉 they could not discouer it, 〈…〉〈…〉 uens were then so darke and 〈…〉〈…〉

die. So parting from that Coast, and by the Island of the Red Tower also: about the breake of day, they descried a broad strand o•• hauen, where Grasandor would needes goe on shoare, to vnderstand what countrie it was, for it appeared very pleasing to him, and plentifully planted with all kindes of Trees.

Taking his Armes, and accom∣panied with his two squires on foot he went vp into the Countrie, gi∣uing charge first to the Mar••••ers, to part away from thence, if they heard no other ••••dings from him. So they ••ourneyed on a large part of the day, not meeting any one whom they might speake vnto: where•••• •…•…andor did not a little m••r••ail•• considering the ••ertilitie of the soyle, and how well it stood planted in many places. Being en∣tred into a very thicke wood, and following a guyding track therein: he came to a goodly cleare foun∣taine, where hee alighted from his Horse, and feede on such viands as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Squires had there for him, and they being wearie with trauailing on foote, aduised him to returne backe to his •…•…que. So helpe me God, quoth he) I will neuer endure the rep•…•…, that being so farre en∣tred into a Countrie, I returned without some satisfaction of my de∣sire.

Whereupon, the Squires left him, and ••ee went on still by the track of the wood, till he came in∣to a narrowe vailey, so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 set with trees, as hardly could the beames of the Sunne ga•…•… any pas∣sage through them. In the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this vale, there stood a small Mo∣nasterie, where beeing desirous to enter, hee dismounted from his horse, and ••astening him to the ring of the dore, went into the Church to say his orisons: beseeching God deuourely, to guide him in such sort, that this enterprise which hee had vndertaken, might chiefly re∣dound to his honor and glorie, and lastly to some happy issue of his paines. Continuing thus on his knees before the Alter, there came in a white Monke, to whom hee called, saying. Good father tell me what land is this, and to whom it appertaineth. S•••• Knight answered the Monke, this is the •…•…dome of Ireland. but searcely (at this time) in obeysance to the King: because, not fa••re off from this place, there hues a Knight, named •…•…en, with two other of his brethren, mightie 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and powerfull in Armes, who by fauour of a Fortresse, whereto they make their common retreate, haue vtterly ruinated all these parts, and forcibly excluded all the inha∣bitants, which vsually made their a∣biding about this mountain. Grow∣ing on thus still from bad to worse, thy commit an infinite number of euills, thefts and spoyles, without making spare of my passenger: no, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Knights e•…•…ant, if they can 〈…〉〈…〉 of any.

But will you vnderstand how they execute their villanie? They 〈◊〉〈◊〉 continualiy all three together, and when they heare of any one comming their way: two present∣ly goe and closely hide themselues, while the third stands ready for the sight. But if hee chance to prooue too weake: then comes forth the o∣ther two brethren to succour him, and kill the partie that is assaulted. And euen but yesterday, it chanced that two of my holie brethren, re∣turning homeward, with such almes as is in charit••e giuen vs to liue vp∣on: they saw these three villaines al∣together, and so cruelly dealing with one gentle Knight, that after they had wounded him in many

places of his body, they would like∣wise haue smitten off his head; but for the earnest entreatie of those two Religious men, by whose im∣portunity, they left him, and s••ffe∣red them to bring him hither, where hee is yet liuing. His friendly com∣panion (afterwarde) happened hi∣ther likewise, who grieuing for the others ill fortune: departed hence, euen but a very little before your ariuall. Gone is hee to finde these wretched traytours, & to combate them, with dangerous hazard of his life. I pray you father, said Grasan∣dor, to shewe mee the wounded Knight. Very willingly, replyed the Monke.

So hee conducted him to a •…•…le Cell where he lay, and so soone as they saw eithers face, they present∣ly knewe one another. For the wounded man was 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Cosen to Land••n, and Nephew to Don Que∣dragant, who had beene present in many worthie actions, during the waires betweene King Lasuart and Amadts, but especially in the com∣panie of Grasandor. He finding him in this woefull estate, grew very sor∣rowfull, and after some few spee∣ches together, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spake in this manner. I beseech you noble Lord, goe helpe my Cosen ••and••n, who is ridden after those traytours, that dealt with mee thus vpon ba••e ad∣uantage. Because I am perswaded, that your speedy ayd (perhaps may saue his life: for they are three, and will all set vpon him together, if hee chance to meete with them. But where may I soonest (said Gra∣sandor) finde him? You shall re∣plied E•…•…) come to a little turning track in this valley, which will guide you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon the plaine: in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whereof standeth a strong 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and thither the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vse to withdraw themselues, after any such treachery committed.

By these wordes, Grasander well perceiued, that the Religious man had truly informed him: wherfore, commending Eliseo into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pro∣tection, and the 〈…〉〈…〉 care of his health, foorthwith ••ee tooke hor••e, and gallopped so speedily as he could) directly as the Monke had formerly enstructed him. No sooner was hee past the valley, but hee espied the Cas••le, and Landin before the gate, crying out aloude to them within: but he could not vnderstand what he 〈…〉〈…〉 was not (as then) ••••me neare 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nough, and therefore 〈…〉〈…〉 among the trees and 〈…〉〈…〉, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the success•• of his 〈…〉〈…〉. With in a while after, 〈…〉〈…〉 bridge to be let downe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••awe come forth, of goodly stature, and well appointed. He hauing spoken some few wordes to Landin, they sundred themselues farre from each other, giuing the carriere to the•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 then launces: that all the val••••y gaue an ecchoing novse thereof, and both of them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the ground albert the Knight of the Ca•…•…es fall, was much more dreadfull then that of Landins.

Quickly they both recouered footing, and hauing their Swords aptly prepared, ra•••••• mainely each at other. Then beganne the fight to be hotte and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, yea, and in such cruell violence, as the large expence of their blood gaue plaine apparance thereof. Neuerthelesse, Landin carried him•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 couragi∣•…•…ly, as he brought 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other soone to his command, bee being able to d••e nothing else, but only ward off his blowes. When 〈…〉〈…〉 he could hold out no 〈…〉〈…〉 made a signe to them of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that the other should quickly come to

his rescue. Forth came the two o∣ther Knights, riding very hastily, & being prouided of huge strong lan∣ces, made towards Landin, crying out aloud Traytor, if thou killest him, thou art but dead. When Lan∣din saw them comming, hee prepa∣red for his owne best defence, and, without any shew of dismay, said. 〈…〉〈…〉, you are the men that I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for, serting treacherously vp∣on Knights errant: But I vew here before God, I will leaue my Life in this place, or reuenge our wrongs with the loss•• of your heads.

Grasandor well noted all these 〈…〉〈…〉, mounting sud∣denly on hi•• horse, and riding mainly vpon the bridle: came a∣mong the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so loud as possi∣bly he could. Theeues, Villaines, leaue this Knight. Thus speaking, he charged one of the bretheren so strongly, that downe hee fell, and brake his right arme in the fall, mea∣suring all his length on the ground hauing no power at all to help him-selfe. The other ran against Landin hoping 〈…〉〈…〉 beare him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 else to kill the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnder him: But he auoyded it so dexteriously, as recei∣uing no 〈…〉〈…〉 at all, hee wounded the horse of his enemie in the flanck more then a hands breadth. Now if Landin was glad of such vnlooked for helpe, let me (in like necessity) yeelde their opinion, for hee neuer was in the like da••ger before, and especially, when he ••eard his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 call to him, saying. Finish 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him thou 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 withall, and leaue the other to my mercy.

Landin was ruled by his direction and ranne to the first whom he had ouerthrowne, bringing him quick∣ly to such confor•…•…, that he made his face to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the bare Earth. In the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 while, G••••sandor slept not in dealing with the other, but followed one of them so freely; that at the third stroake, hee cut off the hand wherewith he held his Sword. Wherefore, despayring now of a∣ny redresse, and seeing his two o∣ther companions in such pittifull condition: Hee turned bridle to∣wards the Castle, for there was his latest refuge. But the Horse being stubborne, and vnrulie mouthed, in despight of all that his Master could doe: Leapt beside the bridg, on the banke of the diteh, and so tumbled downe to the bottome, giuing a des••rned ending to his ri∣ders dayes.

By this time was Landin com∣ming towardes him (who had left both the other lying along on the ground) searing, least some in the Castle would make a sallie forth, vp∣on him to whom he stood so much obliged: But perceiuing none to make any such offer, comming neer to Grasandor. Landin spake thus. Sir Knight, I pray you tell me who you are, that I may know the man, to whom I am indebted for my lifes safetie. My deare friend Landin, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the other, I am Grasandor, thankefull to Heauen for our happy meeting and suceesse. Much ama∣zed was Landin, to see him there, who he had left in the Enclosed 〈◊〉〈◊〉, with At••adis, being able to ima∣gine no reason, why they two should be thus sundred, wherefore he said. Belecue mee Lord Gra∣sandor, I durst haue sworne you to be in a quite contrarie place: ther∣fore let me entreate you to tell mee what aduenture drew you into these so farre distant parts.

Grasandor related all the whole matter to him, as formerly you haue heard, and how hee trauailed in the quest of Amadis: desyring, if he knew any tidings of him, not to conceale them from him. First

my Lord, answered Landin, you are not ignorant, that my Cosen Eliseo and my selfe, were not long since discharged thence, with mine vnckle Don Quedragant, and Bruneo de bonne Mer, to goe to King Cil∣dadan for ayde of men: because the Nephew to King Arauigne, vn∣derstanding the ouerthrowe of his Vncle, had taken possession of his kingdome, and gaue vs (at our en∣trance) a very sharpe battaile. Now although the victory fell to vs, and the enemies losse prooued to bee great: yet many men of worth pe∣rished on our side, and wee were sent for the leuie of fresh forces. And because good water grew scant with vs in our trauaile, the first place wee came to, was the Isle of the In∣fanta; where it was tolde vs, that but lately before, a Knight passed thence with a Lady, and went pur∣posely to fight with Balan the Gy∣ant. Yet could we not know, what was the cause of this his attempt: only we were informed, that the go∣uernour of the Isle was gone along with him, to see the issue of the cō∣bate.

By further intelligence we gathe∣red, that this Balan was of huge sta∣ture and strength, whereby I am perswaded, that none (other then Amadis) durst vndertake the aduen∣ture: and comparing the manner of his so sudden leauing you, with the other circumstances of your discourse thinke therfore (vndoub∣tedly) it is hee. Before God, saide Grasandor, I am halfe offended, in that hee refused my companie in this action. How? answered Lin∣din, are you to learne now, that the Fates and Fortune, haue reserued all haughty enterprises for him on∣ly, and to him they are due, and to none other? I perceiue it (quoth Grasandor) too apparantly: but how happened you to be seperated from your Cosen? By the greatest mis-hap, answered Landin, that could bee, as you shall instantly vnder∣stand.

No sooner tooke wee landing in this countrey, but he began to feele himselfe not halfe fit for trauaile, by some sudden apprehension of sicknesse seazing on him. Yet his vndantable minde was such, as hee would not soi••urne in any place, or determine on any ease or rest, vntill wee might come to King Cildadan. In which purpose, crossing ouer the countrie, we came at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to a little Monasters, where 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him. There wee m•…•…, who (with liberall expence or ••ea••es, re∣quired succour of vs, against a Knight that kept her husband pri∣soner: because (against his will) he would dispossesse him of his law∣full inheritance, and by his disabili∣ty of resistance, hath shut him vp in a strong Tower, where neither the Sunne, or any light else can yeeld him comfort. Then she entreated my Cosen, who was so sickly dis∣posed, as I haue tolde yee, to suf∣fer mee goe along with her: not doubting, but (by Gods assistance) I should quickly returne againe to him; because the Knight with whō I was to deale, stayed not aboue two miles from thence, as the Da∣mosell solemnly assured vs both.

All the requests and entreaties I vsed to him, could not disswade him, but needes hee would ride a∣long with mee, and when wee came to the ende of the clowdie valley, which you haue likewise past: wee saw a Knight well armed & moun∣ted, sl••n••ing by vs as if hee desired not to bee seene. Whereupon my Cosen aduised me, to followe the Damosell, and hee would ride to know what that other was. Thus

were wee seuered, and (soone af∣ter) I met with him I sought for, and calling to him, hee came to me presently vnarmed. After some small conference betweene vs, hee seemed to know mee well, and de∣manded of me, what I would haue. I acquainted wim hith all that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had tolde mee, desiring him to deliuer her husband, with∣out any further molestation; wher•• to for my sake (as he said) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with gaue consent.

Appea••ing to this 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 kindnesse to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, euen as much as any 〈…〉〈…〉 could doe: I tolde him 〈…〉〈…〉 that 〈…〉〈…〉 ou•…•… with a good minde and wo•…•… but winne him blame a∣mong all Knights of merit. For which gentle reprehension, hee thanke•• mee most louingly, & pro∣mised (neuer after) to be so forget∣full of himselfe. So parting from him, I returned to the Monasterie, where I found my Cosen very sore wounded. Demanding of him, how this perill had happened to him, hee made mee answere, that going after the Knight we met: so soone as hee had left me: he cried to him, to stay and turne his face, which hee did. After the Launces encounter, a sterne and dreadfull combate passed betweene them: neuerthelesse, the issue of the acti∣on prouing to my kinsmans honor, and holding his enemy for fully vanquished. two other came forth of a secret ambushment, and ••an together so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon him that they brought him ••nto such a case as you haue lately seene him. And it God had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 directed two Religious men that way, acciden∣tally 〈…〉〈…〉 their wonted way home, 〈…〉〈…〉 he had vtterly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there. But then prayer, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, were so ear∣nest and instant: that they preuai∣led for his life, and so carried him thence with them.

One of those reuerend Monkes (answered Grasandor) acquainted mee with all that which you haue reported of your Cosen: yet not a∣ny thing of you, but that you were gone thence, to pursue the com∣mitters of so horrid a villanie, for which (thankes bee giuen to God, both you and I are sufficiently re∣uenged, because I thinke they are all dead. I know not that, replied Landin. let vs goe see for more as∣surance. So going to Galifon, ly•…•…, vnable to rise and his brother ••ard by him, not dead, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Landin 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his two Squires to alight, who mounted them into the faddles of their hor∣ses, and sate behinde on the crup∣pers themselues, onely to support them. So rode they on towards the Monasterie, fully resolued that if Elisco were dead, they both should be hanged: but if he were in good disposition, then they would take some other deliberation.

Beeing come to the Monasterie they found 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in much better e∣state of health, then they expected: for one of the religious Monkes (a man most expert and skilfull in the art of Chirurgerie) had tended him so carefully that hee was quite out of any danger. Causing Galifon & his brother to be dismounted, and they looking on Landin disarmed: they presently kn••w him, hauing often seen him with King Cildadan, before they forsooke his seruice, only thorough the small account they made of him, when he became tributarie to King Lisuart; after which time, they fell to robbing & theeuing spoyling any that fell into their power.

Highly pleased was Galifon (his

misfortune considered) to see him-selfe and his brother at the com∣mand of such a man, from whom he assured himselfe of mercie: and therefore with teares in his eyes, thus hee began. For the honor of God, and true Nobilitie, I beseech you Lord Landin, not to deale with vs as we haue iustly deserued: but by declaring your goodnesse and gentle breeding, referre the base liues of me and my brother, vnto your wonted mercy and pitty. Gali∣fon (answered Landin) I neuer thought you to be such men, ha∣uing beene brought vp vnder so good a Prince, as is the King your Master, and among so many worthy Knights, as ordinarilie doe attend on him: among which number (God is my Iudge) I alwayes estee∣med you, and not to bee any such men as I haue found yee. Alas sir (quoth Galifon) desire of rule and commanding, hath won mee this due desert, as it hath done many more, as idle headed and improui∣dent as my selfe. But be it howsoe∣uer, in your hands now lies all my remedie. What would you said Landin, that I should doe for you? Begge pardon replied Galifon, for me of the King, to whose mercy, and your good pleasure, I willingly sub∣mitte my selfe. I am contented so to doe: said Landin, prouided, that herafter you change your vile con∣dition, and become as vertuous, as you haue beene lewd and vicious. That I solemnly vow and sweare to you, answered Galifon. Vpon that faithfull promise (quoth Landin) I dismisse you: conditionally that you and your brother, within the space of three weekes hence ensu∣ing, wheresoeuer King Cildadan shall then bee, you doe render your selues vnto him, intirely obey him, and then I will compasse the means, that he may forget what hath past, and pardon you, if my power can stretch so far.

Most humbly did Galifon and his brother shew themselues thankeful; and because it grew to be late, they supped together with such meane cheere, as both the time and place could afforde them. Earlie the next morning Grasandor, hauing heard Masse tooke leaue of the companie: and returned to the place where the Barque waited his comming, and the men not a little ioyfull, that hee had heard newes of Amadis. For, by the plaine appearing words of Landin, he made no doubt of mee∣ting with him in short time, or else to heare report of him, in the Isle of the Infanta, for which cause hee in∣tended the greater hast. Being in the Barque, he enquired of the Pa∣tron, if hee could conueniently bring him to the Isle of the Infanta? who made him answere, that know∣ing now the countrie wherein they were, hee could easilie set sayle for that Island: and Grasandor earnestly entreated him so to do.

So, without any farther delay, they weighed Anchors, and hauing the winde prosperous for them, say∣led all that night, till (about breake of day) they descried the Island. Then drawing to starbord, and making vp into the Seas hight, a∣bout euening they came to coast it. Grasandor went a shoare, and moun∣ted vp the Rock, vntill hee came to the great Towne, where meeting with the Gouernour (already retur∣ned backe) hee vnderstood, that Amadis had conquered Balan, and friendshippe was vnited betweene them, according as you heretofore heard. By my Knight hood, said Grasandor, these are the best newes that euer I could aske for, not so much for knowing whether Amadis

had finished (to his high honour) a combate so perillous, beeing e∣uermore inured to such happy for∣tunes as this: but for my more cer∣taine knowledge, where I may find him, for otherwise, I am not capa∣ble of any rest, either by day or night, so strictly am I bound by my vow.

I am verily perswaded, answered the Gouernour, that many other haue seene extraordinarie actions of Armes, and (doubtlesse) perfor∣med with no meane honour: but if they knew as well as I, his admi∣rable valor in this haughty attempt, and resolution in the execution, I thinke in (my poore opinion) they would confesse it to exceed all for∣mer presidents whatsoeuer. Honor be attributed to heauen, said Gra∣sanaor, for this blessed fauour. And now there remaines no more to compleate my contentment, but onely to stay no where till I haue found him: may it therefore please you, to lend mee some one skilfull Mariner of yours, to be my helpe in this negotiation. With all my hart said the Gouernour, and victualls also for your vessell, if you are in such necessity.

Then the Gouernour of the Isle called for one of his chiefest Pilots, and presenting him to Grasandor, said. This man came from thence but yesterday, and very well knowes how to conduct you thither. I thanke you Sir, replyed Grasandor. So after some little time of rest, his desire stil prouoking, him to see the man he sought for the went aboard, and (without any sinister fortune) landed the next morning in the I∣sland of the Red Tower; enquiring there of Balans people, if Amadis were there as yet, or no. You shall find him aboue at the Castle, quoth they, and (if you please) wee will conduct you thither.

So they ascended vp the Rocke, & as they set foot within the Castle gate: Grasandor espied Amadis, to whom he ran. and caught him fast in his armes. My dearest friend (quoth Amadis) what fortune hath conducted you hither? How fares Madame Oriana, and all the other Ladies in her companie? Trust me Sir, answered Grasandor, all are in good health, considering their griefe for your so sudden parting from them: And by their aduice, I put my selfe vppon your quest, with solemne vow, not to giue o∣uer till I found you; otherwise Ma∣dame Oriana could not haue liued three dayes, such was her extreame sorrow for your absence. Yet she considered very wel, that you would not haue parted so peremptorily, if some earnest occasion had not enforced it. My returne, saide A∣madis, shall bee sooner (perhaps) then shee expects. That will be no discontent to mee answered Grasan∣dor: onely let vs stay heere sixe or eight dayes, because the Seas haue beene somewhat offensiue to mee. With right good will, replyed A∣madis, for I would also haue my wounds thoroughly cured, before I did aduenture on any trauaile.