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. XX. (Book 20)

How Amadis was ••••t baunted by Arcalaus, when he would haue deliuered the Lady Grindaloya, and other from prison: and how afterward escaped the enchantments by the ayde of Vrganda.

GRindaloya the Lady deliuered by Ama∣dis from prison, made such exces∣siue lamentations for him, as euery one pittied her, shee thus speaking to the wife of Arca∣laus, and the rest in the company. Ah faire Ladies, beholde yee not the beauty of this braue Gentle-man, who in so young yeeres was the onely Knight in the world? mis-hap attend on such, who by en∣chantment, in iurie men of vertue: O soueraigne creator, why doost thou suffet so bad minded people to liue? The wife of Arcalaus, who though her husband was addie∣ted to shamelesse crueltie, yet she being of gracious and pittifull dis∣position, grieued in her very soule to beholde his dealings, and con∣tinually praied for his amendmēt, comforting the wofull Lady so well as she could. As thus they were deuising together, they saw two other Ladyes enter the cham∣ber, each one bringing in her hand good store of candles lighted, which they set round about on the cantons of the chamber: finding Amadis thus lying before the wife of Arcalaus and the rest, they being not able to lift or stirre him. Then one of the Ladyes so lately there arriued, tooke (out of a little cas∣ket she carried) a Booke, whereon she began to reade, and diuers times another voyse answered her. As thus she continued her lecture, many other voyces were heard, as they imagined them more then an hundred: then came another book flying into the chamber, seeming as if the winde caryed it, and seeming downe at her feete that 〈◊〉〈◊〉, she pulling it in foure parts, burned he at the foure corners of the cham∣ber where the candles stood. This done, she returned to Amadis, and taking him by the right hand, said. Lord Amadis arise, you haue slept too long vneasily 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Immediately, Amadis awaked, and vising vp, thus spake. Alas where am I? I maruaile that I am aliue. Beleeue me Sir, answered the Lady, such a one as you are must not dye in this sorts, rather wil the heauens 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that they who haue deserued it shall ••y by your hand. Herewith the two strange Ladyes, not saying any more, returned the same way they came, leauing Amadis much ama∣zed at this aduenture, and looking about for Arcalaus: but he was ad∣uertised by Grindaloya, how he was gone to the court of King Lisuart, clad in his Armour, and mounted on his horse, to reporte that he had staine him in combate. Indeede I felt, quoth Amadis, when he vnar∣med me, but on my faith me▪ thought I dreamed, and seeing he is gone with my 〈◊〉〈◊〉, I will make his to serue me at this time. Hauing put on the aim or of Arca∣laus, he demanded of Grindaloya, what was become of Gandalin and the Dwarffe: she tolde him they were imprisoned. Euill befall the villaine that so hardly vsed them, say de Amadis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Lady, quoth he to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wife, vpon your life

looke to the safetie of this noble woman till I returne. Comming fourth into the Court, it was a pas∣time to see how Arcalaus seruants fled his sight: but Amadis let them run, and went to the darke vncom∣fortlesse prisons which were filled with captiues.

Now to tel ye in what distressed manner they were, you must note, the place was a vault of an hun∣dred toyses long, yet no more thē one foote and a halfe in breadth, without aire or light, and (which was worst of all) so ful of prisoners, as they could scantly stand one by another. Amadis called Gandalin, who being in a manner dead, hea∣ring his maisters voyce, began to tremble: yet thinking it was not he, because he verily imagined him to be dead, entred into diuers doubts of himselfe, whither hee dreamed, or was enhanted. All this while Amadis greatly grieued, because Gandalin made no answer, wherefore he called aloud againe: Gandalin where art thou? why dost thou make me trauaile so much? speake I pray thee. When he saw (for all this) Gandalin answered not, he asked the other prisoners, if a Squire so lately brought in there, was dead or aliue: but the Dwarffe remembering the voyce of Amadis, cryed out. Alas my Lord, we are both heere together aliue as yet, albeit we haue often e∣nough wished for death. Then A∣madis caused candles to bee ligh∣ted at the lamp, which hung at the entrance of the dungeon, com∣manding them all to come forth, to their no little ioy and comfort, seeing themselues deliuered from such miserable seruitude: and when they came into the open Court, they fell on their knees before the Prince, thanking God and him for this happie benefit. Amadis behol∣ding their faces so pale, wan, and ouer-spent, seeming rather bloud∣lesse ghosted then liuing creatures, was moued to exceeding compas∣sion, especially they being an hun∣dred and fifty prisoners in all, and thirty of them were Knigh•…•… Armes: as he cast his eye e•…•… where among thē, hee made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 account of one then all the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who notwithstanding his sicknes and debility, seemed of braue and comely constitution, and he per∣ceiuing that Amadis noted him so much, stepped to him in this man∣ner. Who shall we say (my Lord) hath done vs this grace, by deliue∣ring vs frō so long wretched thral∣dome? Such as know me, answe∣red the Prince, doe call me Ama∣dis of Gaule, Sonne to King Perion, Knight to the Queene Brisana, and domisticall seruant to king Lisuart her husband: in search of a Knight I was brought hither by this Dwarffe; to whom I made promise in a sute he had. In sooth my Lord, replied the other, I am a Knight likewise, and seruant to the same King, who knoweth me full well, as likewise the most in his Court doe, with whom I haue been seene in greater honor then now I am: because euer since my departure from the Court, I haue liued in the miserie from which you redeemed me. How may I call your name? saide Amadis. Brandoyuas, answe∣red the Knight. Full well did the Prince remēber, that he had heard report of him in the Court, where∣fore courteously embracing him, he sayde. Right glad am I, my stars so fauoured me, to deliuer you & these other frō such a hellish place: and though I neuer saw you til this present, yet oft haue I heard the King and his Barrons talke of your

Chiualrie, your long absence bee∣ing no little griefe to them. The rest of the prisoners cōfessed their bounden dutie to him, desiring him to appoint them what they should doe: hee willing them to shape their course whether they thought best. My Lord, quoth they, albeit we know not what se∣uerall Countryes may harbour vs, yet will we still continue your de∣uoted seruants, to attend on you when and wheresoeuer need shall require. So each one kissing his hand, they tooke their leane, limi∣ting their iournys as they thought good, not any of them tarying with Amadis, but Brandoyuas.

Now go they to the wife of Arca∣laus, Amadis thus speaking to her. Lady, for your sake and these other Gentlewomen, I forbeare to set this Castle on fire, albeit the euill behauiour of your husband is suf∣ficient warrant therefore: but in regarde of the courtesie Knights owe to Ladies, I am content to re∣mit all at this time. Alas my Lord, quoth she, heauen beareth record of the griefe my soule hath endu∣red, through the behauiour of Ar∣calaus my husband: yet could I do nothing but shew obedience, as beseemed a wife to her wedded Lord, with intercession for his change, notwithstāding, I remaine at your disposition. What I will doe, answered Amadis, I haue al∣ready tolde ye, it now remaineth, that at my request you giue this Lady Grindaloya honorable attire∣ments, because her birth and be∣hauiour deserueth no lesse: in like manner, I would haue an Armour for this Knight, to requite his own which was taken from him, and a horse as beseemeth one of his pro∣fession. If you mislike of my de∣mand, doe more or lesse as you thinke good, but for mine owne part, I will haue hence the armour of Arcalaus in liew of mine, and his horse, by reason mine own was better: yet must I tell ye withall, that hee hath taken a sword from me more worth then all the rest. Sir, answered the Lady, your re∣quest is so reasonable, that beyond the power you alone haue heere, I stand bound in dutie to fulfill your commandement. Then sent she for the same armour belonged to Brandoyuas, and caused a horse to be deliuered him: as for the La∣dy, she brought her into her cham∣ber, where she clothed her in most sumptuous accoustrements, and returning to Amadis, desired him to eate somewhat before he depar∣ted, whereto he willingly condis∣cended. Now was the best viandes brought foorth, so short warning might affoord, but Grindaloya was in such hast to be gone, as she was loth to be troubled with any: whereat Amadis and Brandoyuas merily smiled, especially at the Dwarffe, who looked so pale and wan with feare, that it was impos∣sible for him to offer one word, which made Amadis, thus to iest with him. Tell mee Dwarffe, wilt thou that we tarry heere till Arca∣laus come, and I to giue thee the suite thou desirest? In sooth, my Lord, quoth the Dwarffe, so deere hath the request cost me I made to you, as (while I liue) neither of you or any other will I craue the like: for Gods sake then let vs be gone ere the Diuell come againe, for I cannot stand on the leg he hung me by, beside, my nose is so full of sulphurous and stinking smels, as neuer shall I giue ouer sneezing till I die. The Dwarffes words made them all laugh hartely, and after they had repasted, Amadis

bidding Arcalaus wife farwel, moū∣ted on horse-back with his compa∣ny, the Lady thus speaking at his departure. I shall pray Sir Knight, that God may send peace between my husband and you. Beleeue me Lady, quoth he, though I neuer care for it with him, yet shall it re∣maine twixt you and me, because you deserue it. So fortuned it after-ward these words tooke effect, and highly profited the good Lady, as in some part of this history you shall heare recited.

Now are they departed from the Castle of Arcalaus, riding till the night ouer-tooke them, lod∣ging at a Ladyes place fiue leagues thence, where they were entertai∣ned with very gracious welcome: and on the morrow, after they had thanked their friendly host, as they rode together, Amadis thus com∣muned with Brandoyuas. Courte∣ous Sir, I trauaile in search of a Knight, as here-tofore I told ye, & imagining it will be little pleasure to you to follow me, it were not a∣misse then if we parted. In sooth Sir, answered Brandoyuas, I gladly would goe to King Lisuarts court, notwithstanding, if you thinke it good, I will keepe ye company. Little neede shall I haue thereof, answered Amadis, I thanke ye, be∣cause I must be cōstrained to wan∣der alone, so soone as I haue brought this Lady into such safety as she thinkes meete. My Lord, quoth she, I will accompany this Gentleman if you please, seeing he trauaileth to the Court of King Lisuarts: and there I hope to finde him for whom I was prisoner, who I am assured will be glad of my de∣liuerance. Now trust me, answe∣red Amadis, very well sayde, goe then together, and God be your guid. Thus are they seperated, now remaining none with Amadis but Gandalin & the Dwarffe, of whom the Prince likewise demanded what he meant to do. Mary be your trusty seruant, sayde the Dwarffe, if you like so well as I. I am well pleased, replied Amadis, and thou shalt doe what thou wilt thy selfe. In sooth my Lord, quoth the Dwarffe, seeing you released me, I would gladly remaine in your ser∣uice, for I know not where I may be halfe so well: the man and the maister being both agreed: they tooke their way as fortune liked to conduct them.

Not farre had they trauailed, but they met one of the Ladyes, that rescued him from enchant∣ment at Arcalaus Castle, shee wee∣ping and mourning very grieuous∣ly: which mouing Amadis to pitty her complaints, made him de∣mand the cause thereof. A Knight who rideth not farre before, quoth she, hath taken from me a little cas∣ket, wherein is matter of great cō∣sequence, yet no way able to plea∣sure him: for such things are there∣in, as within these three dayes one in my company and my selfe, re∣stored from death the best Knight in the world, and shee likewise of whom I tell ye, is violently caryed away by another Knight, who is ridden before intending to force her. Heere you must obserue, that the Damosell now talking with A∣madis, knew him not, by reason his helmet beuer couered his face: but when he heard how her casket was taken from her, hee neuer left gal∣lopping till he ouer-tooke him, to whom hee thus spake, Knight, you deale not courteously, giuing this Lady cause thus to complaine of you, and me-thinkes you should do a great deale better, to deliuer the casket againe you tooke from

her: but when the Knight heard him, hee fell in a great laughter. Why do ye thus laugh Sir? sayd A∣madis. I laugh at you, answered the Knight, whom I thinke scant wise in giuing conncell to him that de∣mands it not, the lesse hope may you haue in speeding in your suite. it may be, quoth Amadis, you care not for my words, yet it were good to deliuer the thing is none of yours. Belike you threaten me thē? sayde the Knight. Not you Sir, an∣swered Amadis, but your ouer-much boldnes in vsing force where it ought not to be. Is it true, quoth the Knight: with these words hee set the casket aside in a tree, and re∣turning to Amadis, sayd. If your brauery be such in deedes as it see∣meth in words, come teach mee know it and receiue the law. So gi∣uing the spurres to their horses, they encountred together in such sorte, as the Knight being dismoū∣ted, his horse fel so heauily on him, that he was not able to rise againe: in meane while Amadis fetched the cofer, and deliuering it to the Damosell, sayd. Take your owne faire Lady, & tarry here till I bring your companion. Presently he po∣sted after the other Knight, ouer-taking him at a thicket of trees, where he had tyed both his horse and the Ladies, trayling her by the haire of the head into the wood, there to commit his villainous de∣sire, but Amadis cryed to him a∣loude in this manner. Of an euill death maist thou dye traytor, that wronest a Lady in this sorte without offending thee. As the Knight strougled with her to get her into the wood, hee looked vp and saw Amadis, whereupon he left her, making speede to his weapons and mounted on horseback, then approching neere the Prince, hee sayd. By my hand Knight, in hap∣lesse time for thee didst thou hin∣der me of my will. Such a will, an∣swered Amadis, as dis•…•…th ho∣nor; both men and beasts despise. If I take not reuenge for it, quoth the knight then let me neuer weare armour againe. The world therein shall sustaine a great losse, replied Amadis, of one addicted to such villainy, that seeks to force Ladies, who ought in all liberty and honor to be defended, and so they bee by all loyall Knights: With a braue course they met together, when though the knight brake his lancs, yet was hee hurled against the ground so violently, as the weight of his armour and strength of his fall, made him lye trembling in a trance. Which Amadis percei∣uing, to rid him out of his paine al∣together, he trampled on his belly with his horse feete, saying. Thus shalt thou loose thy desire of for∣cing Ladyes. And as for you faire soule, I hope heereafter you are rid from any danger of him. The more am I to thank you my Lord, quoth she, would God my companion who hath lost her casket, were as well deliuered as I am. She was the first, I met withall, answered Ama∣dis, wherefore first of all I succored her so well, as shee hath recouered what was taken from her, and bea∣holde where my Squire conduc∣teth her hither-ward.

Now because the heat was some-what violent, Amadis put off his helmet to take the ayre, when the Damosell immediately knew him: for it was shee that at his returne from Gaule, conducted him to Vr∣gand the vnknowne, when by Chi∣ualry he deliuered her friend at the Castle of Bradoyd, which made her remember him, and so did Amadis her, when alighting they embra∣ced

each other, the like courtesie be shewed to the other Damosell. Alas! quoth they, had we but drea∣med on such a defender, no villain could haue wronged vs halfe so much. On my faith, said Amadis, the help you gaue me within these three daies, may notbe compared with this matter of no validitie: for I was in greater extreamity thē you, but how could you possibly vnderstand thereof? My Lord, (quoth she that tooke him by the hand when hee was enchanted) mine Aunt Vrganda sent me to the Castle of Arcalaus, by whose meanes we came thither, and you were recouered. Heauen shielde from euill that good Lady, answe∣red Amadis, who hath so many waies bound me her obedient ser∣uant: and you faire Damosels, the messengers of this fauour, haue you any thing else wherein to cō∣mand me? No my Lord, said they, take you the way you left, and wee wil returne from whence we came. Fare well sweet Virgins, replied A∣madis, remember my humble du∣ty to the health of your Mistresse, telling her, she knowes right well I am her Knight. In this manner rode the Damozels one way, and Amadis another: wherefore wee must now tell what happened to Arcalaus, since his departure from the Castle of Valderin.