The ancient, famous and honourable history of Amadis de Gaule Discoursing the aduentures, loues and fortunes of many princes, knights and ladies, as well of Great Brittaine, as of many other kingdomes beside, &c. Written in French by the Lord of Essars, Nicholas de Herberay, ordinarie commissarie of the Kings artillerie, and his lieutenant thereof, in the countrie and gouernment of Picardie, &c.

CHAP. IX. (Book 9)

How King Lisuare sent for his Daughter the Princesse Oriana, for that long before he had left her in the Court of King Languines: who sent her ac∣companied with the Princesse Mabila his onely daughter, as also a noble traine of Knights, Ladyes and Gentlewomen.

ABout ten daies after Agraies was departed the King his Fathers court with his troup, three Ships of great Brittaine tooke port in Scotland: wherein as cheefe was Galdar of Rascuit, accompanied with an hundred knights of king Lisuarts, as also many Ladyes and Gentlewomen that came for Oria∣na. Being arriued at the Court of king Languines, they were very graciously entertained, especially Galdar, for he was esteemed a wise and hardy knight. After he had gi∣uen his Maiesty to vnderstand his Ambassadge, which was harty thanks frō king Lisuart his Maister, for the gentle entreatance of the Princesse his daughter: he reques∣ted now to haue her home, & Ma∣bila his daughter with her, to whom he would do all the honor could be deuised. Right thankful∣ly did king Languines accept this offer, and was content that his daughter should go with Oriana, thence-forward to be educated in the Court of King Lisuart. Certaine dayes soiourned Galdar and his traine in Scotland, during which time they were most hono∣rably feasted, and in this while the king prepared other Ships to ac∣company the voyage. When Ori∣ana saw that matters fell out in this sorte, she knew well it was impos∣sible longer to dissemble or tarry: wherefore as she placed all her lit∣tle trifles in order, she found a∣mong her Iewels the waxe, which she had taken from the Gentleman of the sea. This gaue her such a re∣membrance of him, as the teares entred her eyes, and (through ve∣hement

loue) often wringed her hands, so that the waxe which shee held in them, suddenly brake, & she espied the letter enclosed there∣in, which so soone as she vnfolded, she found there writtē these words. This is Amadis without time, Sonne to a King. At these newes shee con∣ceiued such ioy, as quickly she left her former countenance, and not without cause, for she was now as∣sured, that he who before was e∣steemed (at the most) but the son of a simple Gentleman, or it might be of lesse, because he was vn∣knowne both of name and parents: the man whom she so faithfully lo∣ued, was Sonne to a King, and na∣med Amadis, therefore without longer deferring, she called the Damosell of Denmarke to her, on whom she intirely trusted, & thus spake. My good friend, I will de∣clare one thing to ye, which no o∣•…•…er then mine owne hart and you •…•…all know: therefore regarde it as the secret of such a Princesse as I am, and of the best Knight in the world beside. On my faith Madam, answered the Damosell, seeing it pleaseth you to honor me so much, more willingly shall I dye thē faile therein, & wel may you be assured, that what-soeuer you disclose to mee, shalbe altogether kept secret, & executed to my power. Thē so it is deere friend, said Oriana, that you must needs go seek the Gentle-man of the sea, whom you shall find at the warres in Gaule, and if you chance to come thither before him, there must ye of necessitie stay for him: but so soone as you see him, giue him this letter, say∣ing, he shall find his name therein, writtē on the day that he was cast into the sea, whereby I know him to be the son of a king, which ought inspire him with higher courage & hardines, to encrease the fame hee hath already so well begun. You shall likewise tel him, how the king my father sent for me, and there∣fore I am gone toward great Brit∣taine: which I was desirous to ac∣quaint him withall, and when hee returneth from the warre where he is, he should immediatly come to the place of my aboad, limitting•…•… things in such sorte, as he may liue in my fathers Court, vntill he re∣ceiue other commandemēt of me. Such was the speedy dispatch of the Damosell, as without longer stay she iourned toward Gaule, and executed her enterprise, whereof heereafter you shall vnderstand more. But not to discontinue the purposed voyage of Oriana, after that Languines had prouided all things necssary for the same, Oria∣na, Mabila & their company were imbarqued: thē taking leaue of the King & Queene at the sea side, they set saile hauing the winde so pros∣perous, as in few daies they landed in great Brittaine, where they were all right worthyly wellcommed.

Heereof doth the author at this time make no more mention, be∣cause he meaneth to tell ye what happened to the Gentleman of the see, hauing left him at the Knights Castell that was vanquished by Galpan, in the Damosels charge who attended his wounds, which in fifteene daies were almost tho∣rowly healed. Notwithstanding, despising rest, determined to set on his way, so that on a Sunday mor∣ning, taking leaue of his hoste and his gentle Chirurgion: he moun∣ted on Horse-backe, accompanied onely with Gandalin who neuer would forsake him, and not farre from the Castle they entred a great Forrest It was now about the moneth of Ap••••ll, when the Birdes

tune their Notes most pleasantly, and that all Trees, Herbes, and Flowers declare the comming of the Spring time: this delightsome change made him remember her, who aboue all other flowred in ex∣cellent beautie, and for whom (a∣bandoning his libertie) Loue hath taken him captiue, so that in these thoghts, he thus (somewhat loud) parled with himselfe.

Ah poore Gentleman of the Sea, without Parents or Lands, that thou canst auouch, how durst thou lift thy heart so high, as to loue her who is beyond all other in beautie, bounty, and birth? Ah wretch as thou art, oughtest thou not to consider by these three things, wherein she is most perfect: the best Kinght in the world may not be so hardy as to thinke of louing her? And thou poore vnknowne, art wrapt in a labirinth of folly, lo∣uing and dying, not daring to tell it, or make shew thereof. In this complaint was the Gentleman of the Sea so carryed away, as forget∣ting all other matters, hee rode crosse the forrest a long space, with his Helmet closed: till at length lifting vp his head, hee behelde a Knight well mounted, in the wood by him, who long had kept com∣pany to heare his sadde discourse. When the knight sawe the Prince had discryed him & for that cause held his peace, he approched nee∣rer him with these words. Beleeue me knight, it seems you more loue your Friend then shee doth you, when in commending her you dis∣praise your selfe: and for ought I vnderstand by your speeches, you are no such man as ought to pre∣tend loue, therefore it is necessarie I should know who shee is, to the end I may supply your defect and serue her. Sir knight (answered the Prince) you haue some reason for these speeches, yet hap what shall, you can know no more then you doe: and I can assure yee, that by louing her you can get no aduan∣tage. So doe not I beleeue, sayd the knight, for a man ought to con∣ceiue glory in trauaile, or any dan∣ger in the seruice of so faire a La∣die, seeing that in the end, he can∣not but gaine his long looked for recompence: wherefore hee that loueth in so high a place as you doe, should not be agreeued at a∣ny thing that happeneth. When the Prince heard him speake so sensibly, imagining hee vsed these wordes to comfort him, he was of better cheere, and came more neere to him to continue this talk, but the Knight sayd. Keepe yee backe, for either by friend-ship or force, you must tell mee what I haue demaunded. Now trust me, answered the Prince, it shall not be so. Goe too then, quoth the knight, see what wil happen there∣on, and defend your selfe. With right good will sayde the Prince. So gan they lace their Helmets, taking likewise their Shieldes and Lances: but as they seuered them-selues for the Ioust, a Damosell came and spake in this manner.

Knights, I pray you forbeare a while, and tell mee one thing be∣fore the combate if you can: for such is my haste, as I haue no lea∣sure to tarry the end of your fight. At these words they stayed them-selues, demanding of her what she desired. I would fame, quoth shee, heare some news of a Knight, cal∣led the Gentleman of the Sea. And what would you with him? said the Prince. I haue brought him ty∣dings, answered the Damosell, from Agraies Sonne to the King of Scotland. Attend a little, re∣plyed

the Prince, and I will tell ye so much as I know of him. All this time was the Knight of the For∣rest ready for the Ioust, and much offended at her that came to stay them, wherefore hee called to the Prince to gaurd him-selfe, giuing him such an attaint in the encoun∣ter, as his Launce slew in pieces: but the Prince met him full, as both Horse and Man were thrown to the ground, when the Horse (be∣ing more nimble then his Maister) seeing him selfe at libertie, ran a∣bout the field, yet the Prince found the meanes to take him againe, and bringing him to the dismounted knight, sayd, Heere Sir, take your Horse, and hence-forth desire not to know any thing against a mans will. The knight would not refuse his gentlenesse, forhe found him-selfe so shaken with his fall, as hee could hardly follow to catch him again & in meane while he assayed to remount on his Horse, the Prince left him, comming to the Damosell that stayed for him, de∣maunding if she knew the man she enquired after. No truely, quoth she, I did neuer see him: but A∣graies told me, that he would pre∣sently make himselfe knowne, so soone as I should say that I came from him. He did not deceiue you therein answered the Prince, ther∣fore ye must vnderstand I my selfe am the man: and with these words he vnlaced his Helmet, when the Damosell saw his face, she said. In truth now doe I verily beleeue it, for your beauty I haue heard very much commended. Then tell me, quoth the Prince, where haue you left Agraies? Hard by a Riuer not farre hence, sayd she, where he stai∣eth with his Troupe, attending a fit winde for Passage into Gaule: and is very desirous (before he go any further) to know if you will beare him companie. With all my heart, replyed the Prince, ride then before and conduct mee the way. So rode he on with the Damosell, and in some short time after, they came neer the place where Agraies and his Armie were encamped: but yet before they arriued there, they heard behinde them one cry: Stay knight, for thou must tell me what I demanded. The Prince tur∣ning backe, behold the knight whō he so lately dismounted, and ano∣ther that bare him company, wher∣fore hee stayed to take his Armes. Now were they so neere the Prince Agraies Campe, and he as they all might see the Tourney, hauing a farre off noted the Princes com∣ming, maruailing what he was that so gallantly managed his Horse: and to say sooth, hee was (in his time) a Knight of the comlyest grace that euer was seen, & where he stroue to hide himselfe, he was soonest discouered, by reason of his brauery in horseman-ship. The two Knights ran together in full course against him, breaking their Lances in pieces on his shield: but the Prince meeting him that had the foile in the forrest, threw him a∣gain frō his saddle so roughly, as in the fall he brake his arme, the grief whereof made him lie still as if he had bin dead. When he perceiued he was so well rid of one, hee drew his sword: & came to the other, gi∣uing him such a stroke on his Hel∣met, as the Sword entringlin, hee puld it backe with such force, that the laces brake, wherby he broght it quite frō his head vpō his sword: then he lifted vp his arme to haue smitten him, but the knight quick∣ly clapt his Shield before. In mean while the Prince got his sword in∣to his left hand (which hee could

doe very hardly) and with his right hand tooke holde on his enemies shield, renting it violently from a∣bout his necke, and afterward gaue him such a blow on the head, as in great amazement hee fell to the ground. Thus did hee leaue him there with his companion, and rod with the Damosell to the Tents of Agraies: who hauing seen the con∣clusion of this quarrell, meruai∣ling what he was that had so soone ouer-come two knights, therefore when he came towardes him, hee went foorth to meete him, and so soone as they knew each other, you need not make no doubt of their kinde salutations. Soone after the Prince alighted, and by Agraies was conducted into his Tent to be vnarmed, but first hee gaue com∣mandement, that the knights dis∣mounted in the fielde should bee brought thither, where they were no sooner ariued, but Agrais thus spake to them. Beleeue mee, my friends, you attempted great folly to meddle with this Knight. You say true my Lord, answered hee whose arme was broken, yet once to day I saw him in such plight, as I little thought of any such resi∣stance. Afterward he declared all that happened in the Forrest, and the communication they had to∣gether: yet he omitted the Princes complaints because hee stood in feare to displease him. During the repitition of these matters, the pa∣tience of the one and boldnesse of the other, was entercoursed a∣mong them, and all that day they soiourned there, but on the mor∣row Morning they mounted on horse-backe, shaping their course to Palingues, a right good City on the frontires, and the outmost part of Scotland, where they found shipping, and embarqued them-selues toward Gaule. The winde seruing according to their desire, in fewe dayes they landed in the Hauen of Galfrin, and marching thence in seemely order, with-out any hinderance, they came to the Castle of Baldain, where King Perion was befieged, hauing alrea∣dy lost great number of his peo∣ple. When he was aduertised of this succour, you must imagine him comforted thereby, and their welcome to bee good and graci∣ous: chiefly by the Queene Elisena, who hauing knowledge of their arriuall, sent to entreat her Ne∣phew Agraies to come visite her: which he did, being accompanied with the King, and the Gentleman of the Sea, and two other knights of good account. But you must note, that king Periō knew not the prince at the first sight, yet at the length he called him to remēbrance, that it was the same man whom he had knighted, and afterward saued his life at the Castle, wherefore thus he spake. My deare friend, on my faith I had forgotten ye, you are most welcome to this place, for your presence giueth assurance, that I neede feare this warre no further, hauing the onely Knight of the world so neere mee. Dread Lord, answered the Prince, God giue me grace to serue you accor∣dingly, for perswade your selfe, that while these troubles endure, I will make no spare of my person.

As thus they deuised, they en∣tred the Queenes Chamber, when the King taking the Prince by the hand, presented him to her saying. Madame, this is the good Knight of whom here-tofore I tolde ye, he defēded me from the greatest dan∣ger that euer I was in: and there∣fore I pray ye let no spare of curti∣sie be made to him here, but giue

him the best entertainment the time will affoord. The Queene ad∣uanced herselfe to embrace him, but he fell on his knee with these wordes. I am seruant (Madame) to the Queen your sister, and frō her I come to serue you, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 obedi∣ence as to her owne person Right graciously did the good Lady giue him thankes, yet little thought she that he was her Sonne, for she ima∣gined the sea had deuoured him: yet was the Princes presence at that very instant so pleasing to her, as her eyes could not be satisfied with beholding him, and (through a secret mouing of nature) she wished more good to him thē any in the troupe. At this time likewise was her remembrance solicited, with the former losse of her two Childrē, whose yeeres she thought would haue equaled the Princes, if God had preserued them, & these occasions vrged the teares in her eyes. Thus wept she for him that nature touched her withall, and yet vnknowen was in her presence, but when the Prince beheld her so sor∣rowfull, he reputed it to the reason of the warre begun, wherefore hee said. Madame, I hope with the aide of God, your King, and the fresh supply we haue brought: in shorte time to recouer your ioy, and for mine owne part, trust me I will make no spare. Heauen prosper ye, answered the Queene, with happy successe, & for you are the Queene my sisters Knight, I wil that ye pro∣uide no other lodging, but abide here with vs, and all things shall be appointed for yee to your owne contentment. Such was their con∣ference together, vntill Agraies would goe refresh himselfe, wher∣fore taking leaue for that night, he went to his lodging where it was prouided: and gladly would the Prince haue followed him, but the Queene with held him by such im∣portunity, as he was cōstrained now to remaine in his vnknowne mo∣thers custody. Right soone was the news of this fresh succour, brought to K. Abies of Ireland & Daganel his Cozin, who made very small ac∣count thereof, because (in those times) was King Abies accounted for one of the best Knights that e∣uer was heard of, and in respect of his hot desire to the fight, determi∣ned (seeing new aide was come to his enimy) very quickly to bid him battaile, and for this cause he said before all his people there present. If King Perion were so gentle acō∣panion as to come see vs, I had ra∣ther he would do it to day then to morrow. Assure your selfe, answe∣red Daganel, he is nothing so hasty as I thinke: for hee feareth you to much, albeit he maketh little show thereof. Know you, said Gal•••• Duke of Normandy, by what means we may thereto constraine him? First let vs make an ambush of the greater part of our Army, which shall remaine with the King in tSpan••. Forrest of Baldain, then you Lord Daganel and my selfe will go with the rest, to present our selues it breake of day before the Cittie: & I am certaine that being descried by our enemies, who imagining our strength is altogether, wil take hart, and not faile to come running forth vpon vs. When we see them approch, we will dissemble a time∣rous feare, and take our flight to∣ward the Forrest, where shall abide the King with his company: then our enemies pursuing assured vic∣tory in their own conceit, wil seeke aduantage by our shamefull retire, & so be takē thēseues in the snare. Very well haue you aduised, answe∣red King Abies, do you your selfe

worthy Duke giue order, that all things bee done as you haue ap∣pointed. Now might ye there be∣hold armed men on Horse-backe, the Souldiers mustring, the drums thundering, and the Trumpets cheerefully founding, as in one in∣stant, matters were so well orde∣red, that the Kings Commande∣ment failed in nothing: whereup∣on the next morning at the breake of day, Daganel and the Duke of Normandie, shewed themselues with their Squadron before the Towne. Little did King Perion at that time thinke of any such enter∣prise, but altogether refreshed his succour, and honoured the Prince by whō he had found such friend-ship. And to make some shew of his affection towardes him, in the morning he came with his Queene to the Princes Chamber. where they foūd him washing his hands, and perceiuing his eyes red, swol∣len & blubbered with teares, they easily gathered hee had taken no good rest that night: and very true it was, for continually hee thought of her, whose loue had depriued him of libertie, and likewise com∣pared withall the slender means he had to attaine so high, which made him enter into such profound griefe, as he expected no other re∣medie but death. The Queene de∣sirous to know the cause of his sad∣nesse, tooke Gandalin aside, thus speaking to him. My friend, your Maisters countenance berayweth some inward displeasure, hath any one heere offended him in ought? No Madame, answered Gandalin, he hath by your Maiestie receiued great honor: but he is wont to bee tormented in sleepe as you see. During these discourses, the Sen∣tinell came to aduertise the King, how he had discoured the ambush and the enemies were very neere the Citie, where presently he com∣manded to doraine the Armie. Now was each one ready to horse-backe, especially the King and the Prince, who went directly to the Citie gate, where they found A∣graies chiding, because they would not let him goe forth, thinking he should tarrie too long from the fight: for he was one of the hardi∣est Knights, and the best to giue as∣sistance in neede that could bee found, so that if good aduise had beene as ready with him, as he was possessed of vnconquerable cou∣rage, his like might not haue beene found in the world. At the Kings comming the gates were suddenly opened, and then went foorth the men of Gaule in order, who seeing their enemies to be so great a num∣ber, albeit the whole Armie was minded to goe no further, repu∣ting it ouer-much boldnesse to as∣saile such an vneaquall strength, and therefore arose among them a murmuring contestation. Which Agraies perceiuing, without fur∣ther trifling gaue the spurres to his horse, crying aloud, Beshrow him that tarrieth any longer: seeing them hee is to deale withall, shall we not venter? So saying, he gal∣lopped toward his enemies, in like manner did the Gentleman of the Sea, and the rest of their traine, who without any order of mar∣ching, ran among them, and were immediatly mingled together. He whom the Prince first met withall, was the Duke of Normandie, whō he charged so couragiously, as breaking his Launce on him, ouer-threw both man and horse to the earth, and with this rough fall, his legge was broken. So passed on the Prince setting hand to Sword, as a chafed Lyon entred the preasse,

shewing such deeds of Armes, as none durst with-stand him: for he ouer-threw all that encountred him, killing some outright, chining and dismembring others, so that euery one was glad to giue him way. When Daganel saw his men in such disorder, by the meanes of one Knight, he got the most of them together so well as he could, and round about beset the Prince to beate him downe: which they had done, but that Agraies percei∣uing it, came with his troupe to res∣cue him. At their arriual you might behold Launces broken, Knights tumbling downe, helmets rent, and shields scatred on the ground ma∣king a great conflict & disorder, a∣mongst the Irish-men, for King Pe∣rion likewise came fresh vpon them with his band. Daganel (on the cō∣trary side) did the best he could to retire backe, but the Gentleman of the Sea was among the thickest, shewing such chiualry, as he found before him not any resistance, each one was so abashed at his behaui∣our: and Agraies aboue the rest, shewed that his arme was not be∣nummed, for the more to hearten and cheere vp his men, he cryed a∣loude to them: follow my friends, follow the best Knight that euer bare Armes. When Daganel saw his side to haue the worst, & what great damage he receiued by the Prince, he determined to kill his horse, and so to make him fall a∣mong the crowde: but he was de∣ceiued, for the Prince comming to him, let fall so mightie a stroke on his Helmet, as rent it cleane from off his head, and so remained Daganel vnarmed. Which when King Perion espied he reached him such a salutation with his Sword, as cleft his head through the very braines: whereupon his men see∣ing him slaine, they that had the best horses fled away for life, and stayed not till they saued them-selues where King Abies was am∣bushed. But King Perion still pur∣suing victory, discouered the rere∣guard (that came from the For∣rest) marching in very great haste toward him, shewing by their countenance a reuenge of their losse, wherefore ioyning toge∣ther, they cryed; Set on them men of Ireland, see that none of them escape vs, but let vs enter pell∣mell in the field. When the Gaules found themselues thus surpized, neuer were people more astoni∣shed, for they imagined the am∣bush had not beene so great, and which most of all affrighted them, was, that they must now deale with fresh and lustie men, them∣solues being sore wearyed, & their horses so ouer-laboured, as they could hardly indure their burden. Beside, they knew king Abias was there in persō, being (as you heard before) accounted one of the best knights in the world: and for this cause the most part of the Gaules began to tremble. But the Gentle-man of the Sea foreseeing the disor∣der was like to ensue, came & per∣swaded them rather to die then loose one iot of their honour and reputation, saying: My friends and companions, be of good cheere, each one make knowne his vertue, and remember the esteeme the Gaules haue gotten by Armes. We are to deale with the people aston∣nied & halfe ouercome, let vs not make change with them, taking their feare, and deliuering our vi∣ctorie: for if they but onely behold your resolute countenances, I am certaine they are nor able to en∣dure yee, let vs then enter among them, for God is our defender. At

these words the most disheartened tooke courage, concluding to stay and fight manly with their ene∣mies, who soone after in great fu∣rie set vpon them. Now did King Abies make knowne his magnani∣mitie, and hardly could Prince A∣graies men endure the assault, nor the Squadron that King Perion brought: for King Abies maimed some, other he ouerthrew, & while his Launce held, he dismounted e∣uery knight that met with him. Afterward he layd hand to Sword, wherewith hee carried himselfe so valiantly, as the hardyest were a∣mazed thereat, for he made way where euer he came: so that king Perions men, not able longer to hold out, began to retyre so fast as they could toward the Citie. Whē the Gentleman of the Sea, saw that Fortune was so contrary to them, in great spight he entered the throng, and fought so fiercely, as the most part of the Irish-men were glad to stay, while the Gaules with-out disorder retyred toward the Castle, then turning his horse, he followed them. To defend this brunt there was also king Perion, and the Prince Agraies, who deli∣uered testimonie to their enemies (by the keen edge of their Swords) how well they knew to gouerne themselues in such extremities: notwithstanding, the Irish-men seeing they had the better, stil pur∣sued them with eagar courage, dri∣uing them confusedly into the Ci∣tie, hoping that now would be the end of their warre. Such was the retire of the Gaules, still more and more pressed by their enemies, as doubtlesse the Irish had entred the Citie after them, but that they were hindred by king Perion, A∣graies, and the Prince, who whol∣ly did repulse the throng, till their people by them were gotten in. But now was tydings brought to king Abies, that his cousin Dagenel, and Gallin Duke of Normandie were slaine, whereat he waxed very displeasant: and seeing King Peri∣on with his people were inclosed in the Citie, he resolued to take leysure for his reuenge, wherein he was deceiued, for soone after he was very strongly repulsed, which made him almost mad with anger. And as he thus raged vp & downe, one of his knights shewed him the Prince, saying: My Lord, hee whom you see mounted on the white Horse, is the man that slewe Prince Daganel and the Duke of Normandie, with many other, the best in our Armie. When King Abies heard that, he rode to the Prince with these words: Knight, thou hast slaine the man whom most I loued in the world: but if thou wilt combate, I hope to be reuenged so well, as I shall haue cause to be quit with thee. Your men (answered the Prince) are two little trauailed to meddle with ours, notwithstanding if thou wilt as (a Knight) reuenge him thou lo∣uedst, and declare the great hardi∣nesse for which thou art renow∣ned: chuse of thy men such as thou shalt like, and I (if it please the King) will doe as much of mine, for being equall in number, thou shalt gaine more honor then with so great an Armie, which thou hast brought into this Countrey with-out iust occasion.

Beleeue me, quoth the King, thou talkest well, go to, chuse thou thy selfe the number of men, how many or few thou thinkest good. Seeing you leaue it in my choyse, replied the Prince, I will make ano∣ther offer, which (it may be) you will account more cōuenient. You

are mine enemy for that which I haue done, and I yours for the wrong you haue done to this Realme, so for our seuerall cause of anger, it is not reasonable any o∣ther then our selues should suffer: let then the battaile be betweene you and me onely, and presently (if you will) without longer dallying, yet shall you assure me from your men, as I will do you from mine, so that none shall moue, whether the one or the other be vanqui∣shed. Right well said King Abies, do I allow of thy offer: whereupon he choseten Knights on his parte to garde the field. And as the Prince laboured to gaine the like of the King, with his consent, hee found King Perion and Agraies somewhat loath to grant the Com∣bate: as well for the consequence that might ensue, as also because the Prince was much wearyed and sore wounded beside, wherefore they entreated him to deferre the matter till the day following. But the desirous affection he had to be conquerour, as also to make a finall conclusion of the warre, that hee might roturne vnder her obey∣sance, from whom he came to serue king Perion: would not suffer him to make any longer delay, of the glory and honor which he saw so neere at hand. For this cause he v∣sed so many perswasions to the king, as in the end hee was granted the Combate, and on his side like∣wise were tenne knights appoin∣ted, for his guard and safetie in the field.