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. I. (Book 1)

Of whence the Kings Garinter and Perion were, and the Combate betweene Perion and two Knights, as also how he fought with a Lyon that deuoured a Hart in their presence: with the successe following thereon.

SOone after the passion of our Sauiour Iesus Christ, there reigned in lit∣tle Brittaine a King named Garinter, en∣structed in the lawe of veritie, and highly adorned with many laud∣able vertues: hauiug a Noble La∣dye to his Wife, by whome he had two beautifull Daughters. The eldest (beeing maried with Lan∣guines King of Scotts,) was com∣monly called the Lady of the Gar∣land: because the King her Hus∣band, taking great pleasure to be∣hold the golden tresses of her haire, would haue them no other∣wise couered then with a faire cir∣cle or chaplet of flowers: Languines enioying by his Queene, Agraies and Mabila, of whom this present History often maketh mentiō. The other yongest Daughter to this King Garinter, was named Elisena, very much excelling the eldest in beauty, & though she had been of∣tētimes desired in mariage, by sun∣dry Princes and great Lords: yet as then she had no wil thereto, but for her solitary and holy life, was commonly called of euery one, The lost Virgin in deuotion, consi∣dering that in a person of such estate, endued with such excellent beauty, and solicited by so many great Princes, this strickt religion was not conuenient. King Garinter being sumewhat in yeeres, for re∣creatiō tooke pleasure in Hunting, whē at one time amōg other it hap∣pened, that hauiug appointed a meeting neere one of his Cities called Alyma, a Hart was put forth, in pursuite whereof himselfe wan∣dred very farre: wherefore seeing,

he had lost both his people and game, commending himselfe to God, he began to make sumwhat the more hast, til hauing trauersed first one way and then another, at the very entrance into a Wood, he saw two Knights fighting against one. Soone had he knowledge of the twaine, in that they were his owne Subiects, of whome he had heard sundry complaintes: but slen∣der order was taken in the cause, by rea••on of the great alliance they had in the Country, as also for that they kept themselues still in this greatforrest. Who the third should be, he meruailed, and for that time he so well liked the valour of the one Knight, as he feared not what might happen to the other twaine: wherefore he withdrew himselfe a little further into the Forrest, be∣cause he might the better beholde the issue of the fight, which sorted to such effect, as by the strength of the one Knight, both the other were vanquished and slaine. The King beholding what had happened, came forth of the Wood, when the Knight seeing one so neere him alone, thus demaunded. Gentle Sir, what Country is this, where Knightes errant are thus assayled by robbers and theeues; Let this be no wonder to you Sir, answered the King, for this Country yeelds as others doe, both good and bad: as for them that thus assaulted you, they haue done diuers & villainous outrages, not only in this Wood, which hath been their accustomed receptacle: but likewise in many other places, and cheefely against their Lord & King, who could not execute iustice on them, in that they were allyed to the best houses in this Realme. And where may I find the King you speake of; said the Knight, for I am come to seeke him, to bring him newes from a great friend of his. Happen what shall, answered Garinter, I will tell ye so much as I know: vnderstand then for a truth, that I am the man you aske for. At these words the Knight tooke off his Helmet, and throwing downe his Sheeld, ran to embrace him: saying that he was King Perion of Gaule, who of long time had been desirous to know him. Greatly were these Kings con∣tented, that their meeting was in such fortunate manner, and con∣ferring together on many matters, they tooke the waye through the Wood toward the Citie, where they thought ••o find the Hunters: but suddenly a Hart ranne before them, which with some danger had escaped the toyles: wherfore the Princes gallopped after the Deere, hoping to kil it ere they gaue ouer. But it fell out otherwise, for in the pursuit••, as they came into the thickest of the Wood, a chased Lyon ran before them: which in their sight seazed on the Hart, and hauing with his strong pawes torne it in peeces, turned againe, when running furiously against the two Princes, he watched his aduantage, as if they had angred him, which the King Perion perceiuing, in laughter saide. You shall not be such a glutton, maister Lyon, but you shall leaue vs parte of the game. And herewith presently he alighted, because his Horse would not come nere the beast, so draw∣ing his Swoord, and clasping his sheeld on his arme, not regarding the cryes of King Garinter, who la∣boured to disswade him from the attempt, he marched to the Lyon, who for defence of his pray, ran eagerly against the King, and so betweene them began a new warre. But the Lyon being quicke and

nimble, did so much as he got his enemy vnder him, yet was the Kinges heart so good, that albeit he was in very great perill of his person, he was not abashed one iotte: but turned himselfe in such sorte, as he thrust his Swoord into the belly of the beast, which at that instant fel downe dead before him. The King seeing what had hap∣pened, was so ouercome with mer∣uailing at this deed as he said with∣in him selfe. In sooth it is no shame to renowne one of the best Knights in the worlde. In this meane while, the rest of the traine came thether, who for to finde their king, had searched long time vp and downe the Forrest. Then was their pray and Venison laid on two horses, and caryed to the Citie, where the Queene was immediatly aduertised of king Perions arriuall, and there∣fore made speedy prouision of all things necessarye, to welcome and feaste so great a Prince. At their coming they found Dinner ready, and the tables couered: wherfore (after the welcomes and reuerences done on all sides) the two kinges sat downe, so did the Queene, and faire Elisena her Daughter. Now had loue secretly ambushed him-selfe, because he had long time as∣sayled this yong Princesse, without any power to ouercome her: but now he saw her so vnprouided, as at this instant hower he might touch her to the quick, and thence forwarde hold a sure conquest of her. The like in king Perion, who thought of nothing but a friendly entertainment, yet when he cast his eye on the Lady Elisena, & she in like sorte vpon him: by vertue of this pearcing regarde, her wonted chaste and holye life, had no longer power to priuiledge this Princesse, but she was wonderfully thralled in extreame loue to this yong king, and he in selfe same manner to her, albeit till that hower, he had his hart francke and free, without sub∣iection in any other place. In this sorte during dinner tyme, they found themselues (for each other) in a strange opinion, till the tables were with drawen, whē the Queene would departe to her Chamber, wherefore Elisena arose to follow her: but as she stepped forward, she let fall a Ring which she had put in her bosome when she washt her handes, and so had forgot it, by reason of this new loue, that made her thinke on other matters. Now was king Perion somewhat neer her, and desirous to let her know how willingly he would be hers, stooped downe as soone as she to take it vp, and so right did their handes meete together, as the king had the meane to close her fingers, yet feigning to take vp her Ring. Wherevpon this amourous Lady began to change collour, and (notwithstanding) by a sweete regard humbly th••••ked him. Ah Madame, quoth he, this shall not be the last seruice I hope to doe you, for my whole life time shalbe imployed to obey you. Cō∣strained was Elisena (without an∣swering him) to follow the Queen her mother, so surprized & altered, as very neere she had forgoten her selfe: so that not able to endure this new fire of loue (which so sudden & vehemently had conquered her wonted chaste and choice determi∣nation:) with the teares in her eyes, and her hart full of anguish, shee went and discouered the same to a faithful Damoseloshers, named Da∣rtoletta, praying her most instantly to councel her, how she might safe∣ly know, if King Perion had not else-where placed his loue, and whether the affectionate semblaunce he had

showne her, might proceed from force of that impression, which had so lately seazed on her hart. The Damosell meruailing at this so sud∣den mutatiō, & in a person thought so farre from any such matter: ta∣king (neuerthelesse) compassion on her piteous teares, thus answered. I see well Madame, that according to the extreame passion, wherewith the tirant Loue hath tormented ye, he hath left no place in your iudge∣ment, where counsell or reason may be entertained: and therefore following not what I ought for your seruice, but the will I haue to obey you, I shall do what you haue commaunded me, by the most ho∣nest meanes that my little discretiō and great desire I haue to please ye, will permit me. So without any more woords, Darioletta went to the Chamber where King Perion was, and at the doore she found his Squire, who brought other gar∣ments for his Lord to weare, which the Damosell tooke of him. For (quoth she) it is necessary that I performe this seruice, and you (gentle Squire) may goe if you please about your other affaires. The Squire thinking it was the custome of the Country, made no deniall, but willingly suffered her to take the Garments, whereupon she entred the Chamber, where she found the King laid on his bed: who seeing her enter, and knowing well it was she, whom he had seene to conferre with Elisena most pri∣uatly, & in whom (aboue al other) she put chiefest trust, he thought that she wold not come in that sort to him, without bringing him some remedy for his mortall passions, for which cause, all in trembling, he said. Faire friend, what demand ye; If it may so like you my Lord, quoth she, I haue brought other garments for ye. Much rather would I, said the King, that you had brought some comfort to my hart, which at this present is left & despoyled of all pleasure. As how my good Lord; answered the Da∣mosell. Thus quoth he. When first I arriued in this country, I was free from all passions, and doubted no∣thing but of aduentures that might happen to Knights errand: but now (I know not in what sort) entring this Court, by some one of your Ladyes, haue I receiued a deadly wound, for which if you (faire Da∣mosell) know how to giue me any remedy, your recompence shall be so good, as you shall repute your selfe beholding to me. Certes, quoth she, I should imagine my selfe happy, by doing seruice to so high a personage, and so good a Knight as you are, if I could tell wherein. If you wil promise me said the King, as you are a loyall Da∣mosell, not to discouer me but where it is requisite, I shall tell ye. Say boldly your pleasure, answered Darioletta, for by me (without your liking) it shall not be knowen to any. Damosell and my friend, quoth he, I giue you to vnderstand, that at what time I beheld the ex∣cellent beauty of Elisena your Mi∣stresse, I became extreamely tor∣mented with her loue, and in such sorte, as I cannot excuse my selfe from death, if I find not remedy for my greefe the sooner. Darioletta (who knew thorowly the mind of the Princesse) hearing what the King had saide, returned him this answer. My Lord, if you will assure me by the faith of a King, which before all other things ought to be kept, as a person most bounden to vertue, and as a loyall Knight, who ought (as is saide) to suffer much, for maintenance of right

and equitie, that you will take to wife my Lady Elisena when time shall serue: right soone will I bring ye to the place, where not only your hart shalbe satisfied but hers like∣wise, who (it may be) is in as much or more thought and dolour, then you are, by reason of the new an∣guish that toucheth her thorow the selfe same meanes. But if you do not (my Lord) what I haue said, you shall not there recouer her, not shall I haue other cause then to thinke, that your words proceeded from no loyall hart, nor to credit any thing you say hereafter. The King whome loue had already de∣priued of liberty, to vnite him selfe with Elisena, (to the end that hee might be adorned with the great & gratious fruite, which afterwarde happened, as shalbe recited vnto ye,) tooke his Swoord, and setting his right hand on the Crosse there-of, saide these wordes. I sweare by this Crosse, and on this Sword, wherewith I receiued the order of Knighthood, to do what you (faire Damosell) shall commaund mee, at all times, and when soeuer your mistresse Elisena shalbe thereto ad∣uised. Be you then frollicke & mer∣rye, answered Darioletta, for I shall likewise accomplish what I haue promised. And at that instant shee returned to the Princesse, declaring to her what shee had concluded with king Perton, wherewith the a∣morous Lady was so pleased, as she had vtterly lost her former coun∣tenance, and incessantly embracing Darioletta, thus demaunded. My deere friend, when will the hower come, that I shall holde betweene mine armes, my Lord whom thou hast giuen me? I shall tel ye answe∣red the Damosell, you know that in the Chamber where King Perion lodgeth, there is a doore on the Garden side, which your father sundry times vsed for his recreatiō, & which at this present is couered with the cloth of Arras, but I haue the key thereof: wherfore at night when euery one is at rest, we may easily there enter vnseene of any, and when needfull time of returne cometh, my selfe will call ye. When Elisena heard this deuice, she was highly contented therewith, yet breathing forth a sighe, she said. Alas my faithfull friend: how shall we bring this to passe? seeing my fa∣ther is determined to lodge with King Perion: & if he perceiue vs, we shalbe both in very great danger. Refer that doubt to me, answered Darioletta, & I shal easily prouide for this matter: wherupon for this time they brake off conference, because the tabels were couered for Supper. And in like manner as the feasting began in the morning, so now it continued, till the tables beeing voyded, each one prepared himself to rest. Now a little before, Dariolet∣ta went to King Perions Squire, & thussaide to him. Gentle Squire, & my friend I pray ye tel me in good faith, whether you be a Gentleman or no, why aske ye? answered the Squire. For the desire I haue, said the Damosell, to know one thing of you which I entreat ye (by the faith you owe to God and to the King your Maister) not to hide from me. By Saint Mary, quoth he, I will tell you what you pleasd to aske, prouided, that it be not to the domage of my Lord. Herein, saide the Damosell will I consent with ye, for I would not demaund any thing of you that should giue him displeasure, nor were it reaso∣nable that you should acquaint me with any such matter: but I desire to know, who is the Lady he loueth most perfectly. The king my Mai∣ster,

quoth the Squire, loueth all ingenerall, and I assure ye, that I know no one, to whom he beareth such affection as you speake of.

While they were thus talking, the King Garinter came, who seeing Darioletta conferring with King Pe∣rions Squire, demanded what shee had to do with the Gentleman? In sooth my Lord quoth she, he telles me that the King his Maister is wont to lye alone, and therefore I thinke he loueth not to haue any company. When Garinter vnder∣stood that, he went presently to King Perion, saying, My noble Bro∣ther, there are certaine affaires sud∣denly befallen me, and likewise I must rise somewhat early in the morning, which hath made me thinke, that (not to trouble you) the best way is, that I breake com∣pany from lodging with ye. My Lord, answered king Perion, do as shall seeme best to your liking, this answer appeared to king Garin∣ter, conformable with that the Da∣mosell had said, wherefore right soone he commaunded his bed to be fetcht from king Perions Cham∣ber. When Darioletta heard there-of, shee imagined their affaires would fall out the better, and there∣fore returned to Elisena, acquain∣ting her with all that had passed be∣tweene the two kinges. In good faith quoth she, I now beleeue, that seeing God hath granted so good a beginning, our enterprise, which at this present seemeth a great sin, wi•…•…ereafter redound to his seruice: but tell me what wee shall do? for the great ioy which I haue, hath taken from me the most healthfull parte of my iudgement. Madam, said Darioletta, this night will wee execute what we haue determined, seeing the doore (whereof you knowe) is certainly open. To my selfe I keep it, answered Elisena, & to you only I commit the charge, to prouide, when the hower shall permit: and so they remained atten∣ding for the fauourable time.