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. XIX. (Book 19)

How Amadis combated against Angriote and his brother, who guarded the passage of the valley, against such as would not confesse, that their Ladyes were inferiour in beauty to Angriotes choyce.

WHen Angriots brother saw him comming, he tooke vp his weapons and met him, saying: Beleeue me Knight; you haue committed folly, in not graunting what our Squires gaue you warning of, you must therfore enter combate with me. As for the combate, answered Amadis, I like it much better, then to confesse the greatest lye in the world. I know

well, sayd the Knight, you must do it with disaduantage in an other place. And trust me, quoth Ama∣dis, I thinke not so. Stand on your owne defence then, replied the Knight: wherewith they gaue the carrire against each other, meeting together so furiously, as the knight was vnhorssed: yet held he fast the raines of his bridle, till they brake in his hand, which caused him to fall on his necke to the ground, where hee lay without remem∣brance of himselfe or any other. Heereupon Amadis alighted, and pulling the Helmet from his head, perceiuing that he was in a sound, wherefore he buffet••ed him in such sorte, as he came to himselfe a∣gaine. Thou art but dead, sayd A∣madis, if thou yeeld not thy selfe my prisoner. When the Knight saw the naked sword ouer his head, fearing his death, he yeelded. Then Amadis mounted againe, percei∣uing Angriote already on horse-backe, ready to reuenge his brothers iniurie: and a Squire came to the Prince, bringing him a Launce, which he presented him withall from Angriote. Soone af∣ter they encoūtered so galantly, as their Launces flew in pieces with-out any further harme, and ending their carrire, Amadis quickly drew his sword, turning to Angriote, who thus spake. Make not such hast (Knight) to combate with the sword, because thou shalt haue time enough for that anon, (this he sayd, in respect he reputed him-selfe the best at the sword that might be found:) But I pray thee, quoth he, let vs iust till our Laun∣ces faile, or one of vs be sent to the earth. Knight, answered Amadis, I haue weighty busines else-where, and may not trifle time with tarry∣ing heere. What? said Angriote, thinkest tho•• to 〈…〉〈…〉? I promise 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it i•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 least part of my thought: yet I pray thee let vs try one course more Amadis was content, and taking such Launces as each of them liked, finished 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iust with such violence, as Angri I ••••e was cast downe and his horse vpon him. Amadis leaping from his saddle, saw that a small trun∣chion of a Launce had a little en∣tred his body, yet scorning any shame should be deserned on his side, fighting for the honor and beauty of his Goddesse Oriana: snatching forth the trunchion, and marched with his sword drawne a∣gainst, Angriote, who seeing him come, sayd. I see Sir Knight thou art very young, and me thinkes be∣fore it be worse▪ with thee, thou wert better to confesse my Lady fai•…•…r then thine. Then should I lye very fowlly, answered Amadis, and (by my will) I shall not dissent so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from the truth. Those spee∣ches enkindled collor on either side, which made them charge ech other with such vigour, as not one∣ly they that beheld them, but euen themselues were driuen into doubts, thinking it impossible to endure so extreamely. And to say sooth the cause was hard, for A∣madis vndertooke the honor of his Lady, for which hee could rather chuse a thousand deathes, then she should loose one iot of her excel∣lence: and this opinion still whet∣ted on his courage, that Angriote was compelled to diuers simple shifts, to auoyde the fierce as∣saults of his valiant enemy, who had wounded him in twenty seue∣rall places, and he perceiuing his death at hand, stepped aside, thus speaking to Amadis. Beleeue mee Sir Knight, there is more valour in thee then I imagined. Yeelde thy

selfe, sayd Amadis, so shalt thou do wisely, seeing tho 〈…〉〈…〉 art already brought into such danger, for with the sinishing of our combate, thy life will likewise end: which can be no pleasure at all to me, in that I esteeme of thee better then thou weenest. These words he vsed, as well for the braue Chiualrie he no∣ted in Angriote, as also the great honestie he shewed to the Lady in his possession: whereupon Angri∣ote returned this answer. It is rea∣son I should yeeld myselfe to the best Knight in the world, and the like all other to doe that beare armes: Beleeue me then gentle Knight, I not so much sorrow for my foyle, as the wrackfull chance threatned to me, by loosing this day the onely thing in the world I most loue. That shall you not, quoth Amadis, if I can helpe it, be∣side, the Lady should shew her selfe very ingratefull, if she ac∣knowledge not your honorable paines in her defence, and it can∣not be, but she will requite ye with the good you haue deserued. As for me, I promise ye to imploy my vttermost hability, in causing her consent thereto, so soone as I shall returne from a search I haue now in hand. My Lord, sayd Angriote, in what place may I hereafter finde you? In the Court of King Lisuart, answered Amadis, where (by Gods helpe) I meane shortly to be. So tooke he leaue of Angriote, who gladly would haue had him in his Castle, but he might not be hin∣dered of his iourney.

Thus doth Amadis followe the Dwarfe, who guided him fiue daies without any aduenture, shewing him at length a meruailous strong and pleasant Castle, saying: Sir, within yonder hold you must per∣forme the promise you made me. And I will doe it for thee, answe∣red Amadis, if it confist in my po∣wer. I am in good hope thereof, quoth the Dwarffe, in respect I haue seene some proofe of your fortune: but know ye Sir how the place is named? No verily, sayd Amadis, for till now I was neuer in this Country: It is called Valderin, replied the Dwarffe: and thus de∣uising, they came neere the Castle, when the Dwarffe willed him to take his Armes. Why? saide Ama∣dis, shall we haue any such neede? Yea mary, quoth the Dwarffe, for they suffer none to come forth that enter so lightly. Amadis buckled on his helmet, riding in before, the Dwarffe and Gandalin following after, then looking on euery side they could see no creature. This place sayd Amadis is not inhabi∣ted, where is the request thou saidst I should do for thee? Credit me Sit, sayd the Dwarffe, I haue some-time seene heere a most braue Knight, and the strongest in Chi∣ualrie that euer I saw, who in that porch killed two Knights, one of them being my maister, him hee put to death very cruelly, without regard of fauour or mercy: In re∣uenge whereof, I would desire that traytors head, which I haue long failed in obtaining, because all such as I brought hither, haue lost their liues or remaine here in cap∣tiuity. Thou doest the part of a loyall seruant, answered Amadis: yet oughtest thou to bring no Knight hither, before thou tell him against whom he shall fight. My Lord, quoth the Dwarffe, the man is knowne well enough, and repu∣ted for one of the best Knights in the world: therefore when I haue named him, I could not meet with any so hardy as to reuenge my cause. Belike then thou knowest

his name, said Amadis. Yea my Lord, replied the Dwarffe, he cal∣leth himselfe Arcalaus the enchan∣ter, Amadis hereupon went for∣ther in, looking round about if hee might see any body: but all was in vaine, wherefore to rest his horse, he staied there till euening, saying to the Dwarffe. What wilt thou I shall doe now it is so late? Alas my Lord, quoth he, the night be∣ing so neere at hand, me thinkes it were good wee departed hence. Nay trust me, answered Amadis. I will not budge hence till the knight come, or some other that can tell me tidings of him. But I dare not tarry, sayd the Dwarffe, least Arca∣laus chance to know me, and ima∣gine I practise the meanes of his death. Yet shalt thou beare me cō∣pany, replied Amadis, as I will not excuse my selfe from the promise I haue made thee. As thus they cōmuned, Amadis espied a Court somewhat more backward, where-into he entred and found no body: but he saw a darke place vnder∣neath, and certaine steps leading into the earth Gandalin got holde on the Dwarffe, who would haue run away, and Amadis tooke great pleasure to beholde his trembling, speaking thus merily to him. Feare not tall fellow, but let vs go down these staires, to see who is beneath. My Lord; quoth the Dwarffe, for Gods sake spare me, nothing in the world can make mee goe into such a fearefull place. If thou goe hence, said Amadis, how wilt thou enioy the thing I promised thee, or know that I do my indeuour there∣in? Ah Sir, quoth he, I acquite you, and holde my selfe fully, satisfied. But so do not I, answered Amadis, because hereafter thou shalt not say I brake my promis. On my faith Sir, sayd the Dwarffe, I freely discharge ye, and if you please to let me go, I will tarry for you in the way as we came hither. Get thee gone then, replied Amadis, for heere will I abide till to morrow morning attending the Knight.

In this manner the poore dwarfe escaped thence, and Amadis went downe the staires, comming into a plaine place so darke, that hee could not imagine where he was: yet he proceeded on, and by gro∣ping on a wall felt a barre of iron, whereat hung a key which he took, opening therewith a chaine that locked a port-cullis, then heard he a lamentable voyce thus complai∣ning. Ah God, how long shall we remaine in this miserie? sweete death why stayest thou from suc∣couring vs, who call to thee as out last refuge? Soone after the voyce ceased, which made him holde on his way, and enter a vault hauing his sword and Shield ready: then passing further, he came into a great Pallace, at the entrance whereof hung a lampe burning, & sixe men laide along asleepe, with their Shields and Hatchets lying by them, the best of which he took himselfe. They not awaking hee went on by them, and soone after heard another grieuous lamen∣tation in this manner. Ah God full of pitty and mercy, send death if it please thee to deliuer vs from this hell. Now was Amadis in worse case then before, for one of the sixe Souldiers suddenly awaking, sayd to his fellow: Arise, take them rods and make that cursed crea∣ture sing another kinde of song; who hath thus disturbed vs in our sleepe. Mary and I shall, answered the other: so hee arose and tooke the rods, but as he wont, he chan∣ced to see Amadis before him, whereat he was somewhat affraid,

yet to be better assured, he deman∣ded, who is there? I, quoth Ama∣dis. What art thou? said the other. I am, quoth he, a strange Knight. Who brought thee hither, sayde the Souldier, without any licence? No body, answered Amadis, but my selfe alone. The worse for thee, replied the Souldier, now must thou be enclosed among these infortunate people, who cry as thou hearest. Then stepping back, he shut the dore against A∣madis, and waking his compani∣ons, said. My friends I haue found a strange knight, who to his harme hath entred on his good will. Let me talke with him, answered the Iaylor, and if I lodge him not worse then the rest, then blame me. So taking his hatchet and Shield; he came to Amadis with these words. Caitife, if thou wilt not die, throw downe thy weapons, least with my hatchet I slice thy flesh, & make carbonadoes of it. Very an∣gry was Amadis to be thus threat∣ned, wherefore he returned this answer. Slender is thy reason in thinking to feare me with thy words, but the Deuils shall af∣fright thee a great deale more: for I will make them a present with thy soule, which so long hath giuen power to thy wicked body in do∣ing euill. Presently they smote at each other with their hatchets, the iaylor deliuering his stroke on the helmet of Amadis, so that it entred very far therein, & Amadis cutting through the iaylors Shield, enfor∣ced him to throw both it and his hatchet downe to stand to the on∣ly defence of his sword: which en∣dured not long likewise, wherefore he minded to grapple Amadis a∣bout the body, because he was a man of maruailous strength, yet could he not do so much as hee meant, in respect Amadis was a Knight both stiffe and sturdy. Ne-uerthelesse, the iaylor griped him very cruelly, till the Prince gaue him such a blow on the face, as brake his iaw bones, which com∣pelling him to fall downe amazed, Amadis had the meane to accom∣plish his promise, seperating with his sword the body from the soule.

The other Souldiours that be∣held this fight, not thinking the iaylor was dead indeede, cryed to Amadis: how on perill of his life he should not kill him, least they likewise should send him after. I know not, answered Amadis, what may become of me, but I am cer∣taine he is safe enough for doing any more harme: herewith hee drew his sword, and taking vp his hatchet againe, marched toward them that came against him, who charged him very sharpe and roughly: yet the first he encoun∣tred with, followed the iaylor, so did the second, and the fourth be∣ing smitten on his knees to the ground, had dyed, but he appea∣led for mercy, the other twaine bearing him company in the same suite. Cast downe your weapons, sayd Amadis and shew mee them that complained so wofully: which they did, guiding him the way to the captiues, when Amadis hea∣ring another voice somewhat neer him, demanded what he was. My Lord, replied the Souldier, it is a Lady in extreame anguish. Open the dore, quoth Amadis, that I may see her. Then one of them ran where the iaylor lay dead, and ta∣king two keyes from his girdle, o∣pened the dungeon where the La∣dy was enclosed: but she imagi∣ning the iaylor entred, cryed. Alas man, take pitie on me, and op∣presse me with no more torments.

Ah King, quoth she, breathing forth a bitter sigh: hard was my lot to be beloued of thee, seeing I buy my affection so deerely. Her grieuous moanes moued such cō∣pation in Amadis, as the teares trickled downe his cheekes, retur∣ned her this answer. Lady, I am not the iaylor that locked you heere, but the man who meanes to deliuer you hence if I can, a strange Knight, seeking my fortune euery where. Alas my Lord, sayde she, what is become of the iaylor and his companions? He and some of them, answered Amadis, are sent to hell to looke their copes-mates: then one of the Souldiers hauing brought a light, the Prince saw how the Lady was tied by the neck with a great chaine, which had so worne & disployed her garments, as the naked flesh appeared in ma∣ny places, and when she beheld that Amadis pittied her, shee thus spake. Although (my Lord) I am at this present sequestred frō al my lifehood, yet time hath been, when I was the wealthy daughter to a King, and for a King you finde me in this misery. Lady, quoth Ama∣dis, it behooueth you to embrace patience, these are but the mutabi∣lities of fortune, which no one is able to preuent or escape: and if the man for whom you haue thus suffered, be of any account, or lo∣ueth you, I am sure he will conuert right soone this poore estate into rich aboundance, and remunerate your long sorrowes with ioy and gladnes. So he caused the chaine to be taken from her neck, com∣manding garments to be brought and put about her: wherefore hee that brought the lights, ran for a scarlet mantle, which Arcalaus not long before gaue the iaylor, and cast it about the Ladies shoulders. This being done, Amadis tooke her by the hand, conducting her forth of the darke prison, saying; Sh•• should neuer returne thither againe, but he would loose before: and passing by where the iaylor and the other lay slaine, the Lady began thus to complaine. Ah cruell hands, how many wo•…•…s and torments haue you giuen me, and diuers in this Castle without desert? althought your bodies at this instant cānot receiue cōdigne vēgance, your damned soules may euermore abide in sufferance Ma∣dame, saide Amadis, while I go to deliuer the rest of the prisoners, I leaue ye in my Squires custudy: so passing on to the port-cullis, he met the Souldier that brought the lights, saying. Sir, Arcalans de∣mandeth wheree the Knight is that entred heere, whether he be dead or taken. He who caryed the tore•• before the Prince, was so affraid at these words, that he let it fal, which Amadis made him take vp againe, thus speaking to him. Villaine, sea∣rest thou being in my guarder goe on. Thē assending the staires, they came into the open Court, where they sawe the greater part of the night was spent, the Moone shi∣ning cleare, and the weather faire but the Lady feeling the aire, and beholding the hea•…•…, was so re∣pleat with ioy, that she fell on her knees before Amadis, saying. Ah gentle Knight, the Almighty pro∣tect thee, and requite the good 〈◊〉〈◊〉 haue receiued by thee, deliuering me from comfortlesse darkenesse. Amadis looking round about for Gaudalin, and finding him not, fea∣ring he had lost him, wherefore he saide? If the best Squire in the world be dead, I will take such re∣uenge for his death may I but find his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 derer; as neuer was the like

heard before. Being thus ouer-come with griefe, hee heard one crie, wherefore hee ran which way he thought best, and found the Dwarffe (that parted from him the night before) hanging by one leg on high at a great piece of wood, hauing a fire vnderneath him full of filthy stinking sauours: & neere him he espied Gandalin tied to a tree, toward whom hee was going to vnbinde him, but hee saw the Dwarffe had greatest need of help, wherefore he cut the cords in twaine that held him vp, catching him in his armes to set him on his feete, afterward he vnloosed Gan∣dalin, saying: In sooth my friend, whosoeuer entreated thee thus, made little reckoning of thy good deserts. Now because he would deliuer the other prisoners, he met the Lady comming forth of the Castle, as he returned back againe, but going on, he found the gates fast shut against him: whereupon he staied til day light in a corner of the Court, sitting downe by the Lady, accompanied with two of the Souldiers, the Dwarffe and Gandalin. And as they communed together, Gandalin shewed the Prince a place where-into he saw a horse led, which Amadis being de∣sirous to see, came to the dore and found it shut, but he ran so strong∣ly against it with his foote, that he made it fly open, finding the horse there ready sadled and bridled, whereon he mounted, attending the day and sight of Arcalaus, who he knew was already arriued at the Castle, by matters he heard of Gan∣dalin and the Dwarffe. In meane while he conferred with the Lady, demanding what the King was she loued so deerly, and for whom she had sustained such iniury. Worthy Lord, quoth she, Arcalaus getting intelligence, of the Princes affec∣tion toward me whom I loue so loyally, this diuelish enchanter being his mortall enemy: thought he could be no better reuenged on him, then by depriuing me of his presēce, imagining the griefe here-of would be greater to him then a∣ny other. Being thus perswaded, he stole me away, at what time I was with many great personages, who were not able to giue me any suc∣cor, by reason of the traiterous vil∣lainous sorceries: for they could not deuise what was become of me, because a wonderfull darke cloud enuironed me, which hin∣dred them from following mee to this place, since when, I neuer saw light till now you brought mee forth. The disloyall wretch said by the way as he brought me, that he would be reuenged on my loue & my selfe by these meanes: I poore soule enduring the torments, and my loue the griefe of my absence, yet ignorant where. Madame, said Amadis, I pray ye name the man you spake of. It is King Arban of Norwales, answered the Lady, whom it may be you know. I know him right well, replied Amadis, for he is one whom I deerly loue, and now do I lesse pitty your sufferings then before: because they haue bin for one of the best men in the world, who will so well recom∣pence them, as by rendring you incomparable ioy, your loue and honor shall both be satisfied.

While thus they communed together, faire day appeared, when Amadis saw a Knight leaning in a window, who thus demanded. Art thou he that didst kill my iaylor & my seruants? Art thou he, answered Amadis, that so treacheroufly put∣teth knights to death, abusing like∣wise both Ladyes and Gentlewo∣men?

by heauen thou art one of the vilest villaines that euer I heard of. As yet thou knowest not, said Ar∣calaus, the vttermost of my power, but soone shalt thou haue experi∣ence thereof, to rid thee of such boldnes in asking me what I can do, whether it bee wrong or right. Here with hee went from the win∣dow, and nor long after came downe into the Court, being well armed, & mounted on a lusty bay courser. Now you must note that this Arcalaus, was one of the migh∣tyest Knights in the world, yet no Gyant, wherefore when Amadis behelde him of such stature, hee doubted not of his great force and strength. Arcalaus perceiuing hee eyed him so much, demāded what moued him so to doe? I imagine, answered Amadis, that according to thy large proportion, thou shouldest be a man of exquisite Chiualrie: but thy peruerse and humaine actions are a foule ble∣mish thereto. Now trust me sayde Arcalaus I thinke my selfe highly beholding to fortune, who hath brought thee hither to make mee such a smooth sormon: but all this will not helpe thee, therefore de∣fend thy selfe. So charging their Launces, they brake so brauely on their Shields, as the shiuers flewe vp into the aire, and with such vio∣lence met their horses and bodies, that they were both laide along on the ground. Quickly they arose, & with their swordes began a bloudy combate, wherein desire of victo∣rie, and hauty resolution of vncō∣querable courage, made thē con∣tinue a long time, till Arcalaus re∣tiring aside, thus spake to Amadis. Knight, thou art in danger of death, and because I know not who thou art, tell me, that when I haue slaine thee, I may yet commend thy boldnes in entring heere. My death, answered Amadis, is in the hand of God whom I reuerence, and thine in the power of the De∣uill, who is weary of helping thee: and bequeatheth thy body to so in∣numerable mischiefes, as a present perishing of soule and altogether. But seeing thou wouldest so gladly know my name. I am commonly called Amadis of Gaule, Knight to the Queene Brisana: let vs now then chat no longer but fall to the combate, for on my parte I pro∣mise no more resting. Arcalaus ad∣uancing his Shield, came with fo∣ming fury against Amadis, who knew full well how to welcome him: and such eager strokes past on either side, as their shields were scattered in pieces about them, & likewise many plates of their Ar∣mour. Now was it about the third houre, whē Arcalaus hauing sustai∣ned great losse of his bloud, was forced to send vp and down before his enemy, and seeing the immi∣nent death before his eyes, fled to that part of the Castle where he came out: yet Amadis by close pursuit still continued his feare, whereupon he stept into a cham∣ber, at the dore whereof stood a Lady beholding the combate, and he was no sooner entred the roome, but he caught vp another swotd, turning his face to Amadis, saying. Enter this chāber to make an end of our combate. The open Court, answered Amadis, is more spacious and conuenient. I will not come foorth, quoth Aro••laus, for thy pleasure. What? saide A∣madis, thinkest thou so slily to es∣cape? so placing his shield before, he entred the chamber: but as hee lifted vp his sword to strike, he was depriued of strength and the vse of his members, so that hee fell to

the ground as he had beene dead. Yea mary, said Arcalaus, this is the way to make thee dye as I desired, sleepe then till I wake thee. How say you Lady? quoth he to her that stoodby, am I not (in your opini∣on) well reuenged on him? Indeed saide she, he is now altogether at your commandement. Presently he vnarmed him, Amadis not fee∣ling any thing was done to him: afterward Arcalaus put on himselfe the Princes Armour, thus spea∣king to the Lady. Madame, looke (on, perill of your life) that no one remoue him hence, vntill his soule haue forsaken his body: then hee intended to iourney to the court, where each one seeing him in the Armour of Amadis, might thinke he had slaine him.

But now the sorrowfull Lady so lately deliuered from prisō, made such mone as would haue melted a heart of Adamant, and what Gan∣dalins countenance was, you may easily iudge: when Arcalaus sawe the Lady lament, he sayde. Dame, seeke some other to deliuer you from prison, for I haue dispatched your hardy Chamhion. These wordes made Gandalin in such de∣spare, as he fell downe like one sencelesse, and Arcalaus called the Lady to him in this manner. Come hither mistresse, and you shall see him dead that durst so boldely combate with me. When he had shewed him to her, he demāded if he were not now quiet enough, The comfortlesse Lady seeing him in such estate, wanted no teares to expresse the aboundance of her griefe, and withall: Ah God, quoth she, how yrksome will the reporte of his death be to many? then Ar∣calaus calling his wife, sayde. So so oue as this wretch is dead, im∣prison this Lady where she was be∣fore, for I will go to the Court of King Lisuart, and there declare how I combated with Amadis, by couenant, that the conquerour should cut off the head of the van∣quished, and within fifteene daies following, to publish his victory openly in great Brittaine. By these meanes none shal quarrel with me about his death, and I shall obtain the greatest glory in the world, ha∣uing ouercome him that conque∣red euery one. Thē went he where he left Gandalin and the Dwarffe, commanding them to be locked vp in a prison: but Gandalin who wished death, thinking his maister was dead indeede, would not goe with him, desiring some one to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him: and to enforce Arcalaus doe him so much fauour, reuiled him with names of traitour & villaine, hauing slaine the most▪ loyall knight in the world, Arcalaus made no account of his words, but bea∣cause he would not goe willingly, he dragged him by the eares, and thrust him into the dungeon, say∣ing. If I presently kill thee, thou shouldest endure no more paine, but heere thou shalt suffer worse then death. So mounted Arcalaus on the horse of Amadis, and ac∣cōpanied with three Squires, rode toward the Court of King Lisuart.