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. X. (Book 10)

How the Gentlewoman of Denmarke going in search of Amadis, after long trauell, costing along many strange Islands, by chance she arriued in the poore Rocke, where Amadis was, who was called the Faire For∣lorne, whom she knew, & how they returned together towards Oriana.

TEn whole dayes did the Damosell of Den∣marke remaine with the Queene of Scot∣land, not so much for her pleasure, nor for to rest herselfe from the stormes of the Sea, as for the desire shee had to learne some newes of Amadis, in the countrey wherein shee thought assuredly to finde him: being assured that if she should returne vnto her Mistresse, without bringing her some newes, that she could not afterwards liue one houre, knowing in what an∣guish she had left her. Neuerthe∣lesse, not being able at that instant to take any better course in her af∣faires, after she had vsed all the di∣ligence therein that possibly shee could, shee determined to returne into Great Brittaine, so sorrowfull as might be. Then shee caused a ship to be ready, wherein shee em∣barqued: but the destinies pitty∣ing these two persons, would in this matter make manifest how much they could performe, in gi∣uing worldlings to vnderstand, that no man (how valiant or dis∣creet soeuer) can helpe themselues without their diuine ayde. For as soon as the Mariners had weighed their anchors & hoysed their sailes, hoping to set their course for Lon∣don, the winde and tempest raysed such a storme, that without any sterage at all, the shippe was tos∣sed with so great rage, that the Ma∣riners and all the rest despairing of health, expected no other buriall but in the fishes bellies. And thus they remayned two dayes and two nights, not knowing where they were, much lesse what they should doe. In the end, the Sea being ap∣peased, and the storme past, about the breake of day they discouered the poore Rocke, where they took landing: and because some of the Mariners (who knew the place) did tell the Damosell of Denmark, that Andahod the deuout Hermit had there his residence, shee determi∣ned to goe heare diuine seruice, & to giue God thankes for the good that hee had done for them in deli∣uering them from such perill: and without longer stay shee began to goe vp the Rocke, accompanied with Durin and Euil. At the same time the Faire Forlorne (who by chance had passed that night vnder the trees, as hee was accustomed) perceiued them, and seeing that they came towards him, because hee would not be seene hee turned another way, and got to the Her∣mitage before them, where hee found the Hermit ready to say ser∣uice. But hee tolde him that there were people newly arriued, who were comming vp the Rocke, and therefore it were good to stay, if he pleased, vnto the which the Her∣mite willingly agreed. At the same time was the Faire Forlorn so leane, wanne, and so tanned with the heat of the Sunne, that hee could hard∣ly be knowen for Amadis, for his continuall weeping made such fur∣rowes in his face, that there was

nothing to bee discerned but skin and bone. And as the Gentlewo∣man and her company entred into the Chappell, hee was vpon his knees lifting vp his eyes to the hea∣uens and praying that either by his speedy death his care might be en∣ded, or in prolonging his dayes some present comfort might be af∣forded vnto him. Whilest he was thus praying, the Hermit beganne his seruice, during which time the Faire Forlorne did not once looke vp, to beholde any of them ar∣riued vntill it was ended, who casting his eyes vpon them, hee knew the Damosell of Denmarke & the rest. Therewithall hee felt such a motion that (both by reason of his great weakenesse, as also by see∣ing of her that put him in minde of all his martyrdome) he fell downe all along vpon the ground, where∣fore the Hermit thinking that hee had beene dead, cryed out: Ay me is he gone? then God haue mercy vpon his soule. Saying so, a flood of teares fell from his eyes downe vpon his long hoary beard. Then he sayd vnto the Damosell of Den∣marke: I pray you Gentlewoman for charity sake, command your Esquires that they may helpe mee to beare my fellow into his cham∣ber, for so farre as I see it shall bee the last good that wee can doe for him. Whereupon Enil and Durin tooke him vp, neither of them knowing him. But the Damosel of Denmarke demanded of the Her∣mit what he was. Truely answered hee, it is a knight which liueth here in penance. Trust me sayd the Da∣mosell, hee hath chosen a very au∣stere life, and in a very desert place. Hee hath done it, answered the Hermit, to separate himselfe from the vanities of the world. Verily sayde the Gentlewoman, seeing you assure me that he is a knight, I will see him before I depart: and if there be any thing within the ship, which may serue his turne, I will cause it to bee left for him. It shall be well done answered hee, but so farre as I see, he is so neare his end, that I beleeue hee will ease you of that labour. Herewithall the Da∣mosell entred into the little cham∣ber where the Faire Forlorne was layd, who seeing her so neere vnto him, knew not what he should do: for hee thought that making him-selfe to be known, he should trans∣gresse the commandement of his Oriana, and also if shee departed, and he not discouered, hee should remaine voyde of all hope. In the end he concluded that it were lesse hurtfull for him to die, then his La∣die should be displeased, therefore hee determined for resolution not to manifest himselfe in any sort vn∣to the Damosell of Denmarke, who sayd vnto him. My friend I haue been enformed by the Hermit that you are a knight, and because all Gentlewomen are greatly bound vnto good knights, for the benefits and pleasures that they commonly receiue at their hands in defending them, and deliuering them from many and great dangers, I had a great desire before I departed to see you, to giue vnto you such pro∣uisions as are in my ship, that shall be necessarie for your health. Not∣withstanding, he answered her no∣thing, neither did hee any other thing but lament and sigh: and be∣cause that in that little Cell where∣in hee remayned, there was little light, the Gentlewoman did not know whether hee were a dying or no. Whereupon she was ware of a window, which she opened, by the light whereof shee might behold him more at ease: but all the while

that she beheld him, hee neuer cast his eyes off from her, neuerthelesse hee spake not one word, but sigh∣ed without ceasing, like vnto a wight, whose heart was ouerchar∣ged with woe, which moued the Damosel to exceeding pittie. And comforting him in the best sorte she could, by chance shee espied a scarre which he had vpon his face, with a blow that Arcalaus the En∣chanter had giuen him, when hee rescued Oriana, as hath beene reci∣ted in the first Booke. Wherefore shee thought in her minde that without doubt this was Amadis whom shee sought, and at the in∣stant shee did know that he was e∣uen the same, & for the same cause shee being grealy amased, cryed out, Alas what do I see? My Lord you are he that hath made me haue many a weary iourney to find you: this sayd, she embraced him. Alas my Lord sayd shee, it is now high time to extend both pitty and par∣don vnto her, who (procured there∣unto by some sinister report, hath brought you to this great extrea∣mitie) beleeue me, doth now iust∣ly endure a life worse then death: then did she deliuer him the Letter that Oriana had written vnto him. Hold sayd she, your Lady sendeth you this, and commandeth you by me, that if you be the same Amadis that you were wont to be, and hee whō she so much loueth, that (for∣getting all passed faults) you come vnto her to the Castle of Mirefleur, where a full satisfaction shall bee made vnto you, for the sorrowes and anguishes which you haue suf∣fered for your ouer feruent loue. Herewithall was the Faire Forlorne so greatly rauished, that it was a long time before hee could answer one word, but hee tooke the Let∣ter which hee kissed without cea∣sing, and afterwards put it next vn∣to his heart, saying▪ O poore heart so long time passioned, that hard∣ly hast thou beene able to resist such a tempest, notwithstanding the abundance of teares, which thou so continually hast distilled, that it hath almost brought thee euen to the point of death, receiue now this medicine, the which on∣ly is conuenient for thy health, and come forth of this darknes, which so long hath blinded thee, taking thy strength againe vnto thee, to serue her that of her owne free grace causeth thee to reuiue. Then opened hee the Letter which con∣tayned

The Letter of Oriana to Amadis.

IF great faults committed by en∣mitie (acknowledged afterwards by humility) are worthy of par∣don, what ought those to bee which are caused by too much abundance of loue? Neuerthelesse my loyall friend I will not deny but that I haue deser∣ued exceeding punishment: for I ought to haue considered that at such times when any are in the greatest prosperity and mirth, then forture commeth and ouerthroweth them in∣to sorrow and misery: furthermore I ought to haue remembred me, of your exceeding vertue and honesty, which was neuer yet found faulty, and most of all though I had died, yet should I not haue forgotten the great serui∣tude of my pensiue heart, which pro∣ceedeth from no other cause, but onely from the same wherein your owne is tyed: being certaine that so soone as any flame had beene therein quench∣ed, mine had as suddenly beene there-withall acquainted: in such sort as the care which it hath had to aswage the mortall desires thereof, hath been

the onely cause to encrease the same. But I haue done amisse, like vnto them who being in the top of their fe∣licity, and most assured of the loue of those, by whom they are beloued (not being able to comprehend in them so much good) become iealous and suspi∣cions, more by their owne imaginati∣on, then by any reason, ouershadowing this bright happinesse with tha cloud of impatience, beleeuing the report of some men (it may bee wicked slande∣rers) of small credit, and vitious, soo∣ner then the witnesse of their owne conscience, and certaine experience. Therefore my constant friend, I be∣seech you bartely to receiue this Da∣mosell (as beeing sent from her, who acknowledgeth in all humility, the great fault which she hath committed against you) who shall (better then my letter) acquaint you with the extre∣mitie of my life, whereof you ought to haue pittie, not for any of mine own desert, but for your owne reputation, who are neither accounted cruell, nor desirous of reuenge, where you finde repentance and submition, especially seeing that no penance may proceede from you more rigorous, then that which I my selfe haue ordained for me, and the which I doe bare patient∣ly, hoping that you will release it, re∣storing vnto me your good fauour and my life together, which thereupon de∣pendeth.

Herewithall a new ioy possessed the minde of the Faire Forlorne, and hee quite banished the conti∣nuall melancholy which had so long tormented him: neuerthe∣lesse, the perplexity wherein Oria∣na remained, in expecting newes from him, with-held part of plea∣sure: wherefore he praied the Da∣mosell of Denmarke, to aduise her selfe what she had to do, for I feele my selfe, said he, so farre beside my selfe, that I can thinke vpon no o∣ther thing, but vpon the new resti∣tution of my life, which I haue re∣ceiued by your meanes. I am of the opinion, answered the Damosell, seeing that these in my company do not know you, to tell them that for pittie sake, I will cary you to the Firme Island, only to see if by chan∣ging the aire, you may also change your malady: the which was ac∣cordingly performed. Notwith-standing, the Faire Forlorne before his departure, declared vnto the Hermit, how the Gentlewoman had so long sought for him, that now they were heere casually met together, onely by meere chance, and the storme which had brought her vnto the poore Rock. And for this cause my father, saide he, I am constrained to leaue you and to follow her, assuring you that so long as I liue, I shall neuer forget the good which you haue done for mee, for without your good help, I had perished both body and soule. And seeing that by your de∣uout praires (as I beleeue) I haue beene preserued hitherto, I most humbly beseech you to haue your poore guest still in remembrance. And moreouer to do so much for me, that hereafter you would doe your best to reforme the Monesta∣ry which I haue caused to be buil∣ded in the Firme-Island, as heere∣tofore I haue tolde you: the which the holy man promised to accom∣plish, and with the teares in his eyes, blessed the Faire Forlorne, who without longer stay, went a∣boord with the Damosell of Den∣marke. The sailes were no sooner hoised, and the ship lanched out into the main, but they had so stiffe a gale in their poupe, that within a fewe daies after they arriued in a port of great Brittaine, he not be∣ing as yet knowne by any other but

the Damosell. Then came they on shoare and tooke their ready way towardes Mirefleur, where Oriana stayed their comming, being well aduised to amend the fault that she had made. And the Damosell in riding together with the Faire For∣lorne, sayd. What ioy will my La∣die receiue when she shall beholde you? beleeue mee that neuer wo∣man was in a more desperate case then she, when she vnderstood by Durin, the sorrowe that you had in receiuing her Letter: I assure you that shee was like to haue died, I doe greatly wonder how shee hath beene able vntill this time to sup∣port the passion, which she yet pos∣sesseth. And you neede not to doubt but that Mabila and I were greatly troubled, for none of vs did know that my brother was sent vn∣to you, and my Lady had expresly charged him that in no sort hee should tell vs thereof, which had likely to haue beene the cause of worse mischiefe then is yet happe∣ned. Beleeue me said the Faire For∣lorne, I was neuer in greater danger of death, and I doe maruell where-upon she framed this imagination that shee hath conceiued against me, seeing that I neuer thought to doe any thing which might dis∣please her: and although I should haue so farre forgotten my selfe, yet did I not deserue such a cruell Letter as shee did write vnto mee. For although I make not those bragges & hipocrisies that a num∣ber can doe, yet doe not I forget to measure the fauours and graces which I haue receiued at her hands: and were not this thought sowen in bad ground, I am sure she would not be suspicious of the fruit thereof, seeing that both the one and the other, are wholly dedica∣ted to serue and obey her. Alas when Corisanda arriued in our Her∣mitage▪ I did then verily think that my ende was come: the good La∣dy bewailed her passion which she indured in louing my brother Flo∣restan, too vehemently, and I died with displeasure, to bee so wrong∣fully banished by Oriana. How many paines, what trauailes, what intollerable torments, haue I suf∣fered in the poore Rocke, without receiuing consolation from any li∣uing creature, but the good Her∣mit, who perswaded mee to pati∣ence? Alas what hard penance haue I indured for her whom I ne-uer offended? beleeue me Damo∣sell, I was so exceedingly troubled, that euery houre I desired death, and as often did I feare to lose my life. But I pray you imagine, the despaire wheren I remayned, when I shewed vnto the Gentlewomen of Corisanda, the song that I made in my greatest tribulation. And as hee would haue proceeded in discoursing his ••••lour••, the Da∣mosell of Denmarke sayd vnto him, in good ••aith, so farre as I perceiue you haue both indured much sor∣row, one for another: and there∣fore you must forget what is past, and amend what is to come.

With these and such like dis∣courses thy arriued neere vnto a Nunnery, which was in the midst of the forrest, foure dayes iourney from London. Doe you know sayd the Damosell, what I haue thought vpon: I thinke it for the best you doe tarry heere to rest your selfe, and I will go vnto my Lady, to tell her of your arriuall, which done I will send Durin backe againe, to let you know what you are to do. Not∣withstanding I thinke it best that Enil should not yet know who you are no more then he now doth, & that hee should tarry heere with

you to serue you: but Durin al∣ready vnderstandeth somewhat of the affaires betwixt Oriana & you, wherefore you neede not feare to disclose your selfe vnto him. Here-upon they called him, and the Da∣mosell of Denmarke sayd vnto him. Brother, you were partly cause of the losse of Amadis, by the Letter which you carried to him, and yet so farre as I perceiue you haue not hitherto knowne him, but doe you thinke it possible that this Hermite may be my Lord Amadis? and ne-uerthelesse it is he without doubt, but take heede vpon your life that he be not disclosed by you neither to Euil, nor any other: when Durin knew that his sister sayde true, ne-uer was man more amazed then hee: in the meane while they en∣tered into the Nunnery, where the Damosell called Enil and sayd vn∣to him, Enil I pray thee tarry with this knight vntill hee haue a little recouered his strength, and in the meane season my brother and I will depart about certaine busines that wee haue to doe. By Saint Mary answered Enil, I will obey whatsoeuer you shall commaund mee. Then they departed, and the Faire Forlorne remayned in the Nunnerie for the occasion aboue rehearsed.