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. XI. (Book 11)

How Galaor, Florestan, and Agraies departed from the Firme-Island, to goe seeke Amadia, of whom they could heare no tydings at all, where-upon they all returned vnto the Court of King Lisuart.

IT hath beene hereto∣fore tolde you that Galaor, Florestan, and Agraies departed frō the Firme-Iland, to being the search of Amadis, who was secretly departed from them. You must now vnderstand that af∣ter they had trauayled thorough many strange countries (wherein they performed many worthy deedes of armes and perillous aduentures, without hearing any newes of Amadis) seeiug that their time approached wherein they promised one another to meete in the Court of King Lisuart, they de∣termined to returne thither: and they all did meete euen vpon Saint Iohns day carely in the morning at an Hermitage hard by London, ac∣cording as they had appointed. And the first that came thither, was Galaor, Agraies next, and shortly after Florestan, accompanied with Gandalin. Glad were they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to see each other in health, but •…•…orrow∣full for the little good that they had done in this enterprise, as the teares fell from their eyes. Where-upon Gandalin shewing the dutie of a good and faithfull seruant, said vnto them. Beleeue me Lords, all your teares cannot bring him whō you desire to finde, except it be by another diligent search, which you may a fresh vndertake. And all∣though that you haue already done your best endeauour, yet ought you not to thinke much of your la∣bour, but seeke him better then euer you did, seeing that you are assured thoroughly what hee would haue done for euery one of you particularly, if fortune had offered any occasion. Now

then if behooueth you to doe the like for him, for if you doe lose him in this sort, it shall not onely bee the losse of the most gentle knight in the world, but of the neo∣rest kinsman that you haue, and o∣uer and besides, it will be vnto you a great blemish. Therefore my Lords I beseech you, in perfor∣ming the duty of a brother, a friend, and a companion, to begin his search a fresh, without sparing therein at all either time or toile. This perswasiō did Gandalin make, in weeping so extreamly, that it greatly pittied the three knights to behold him, so as they concluded, after they had beene in the Court (if they heard not news of Amadis) to begin a new pursuit, & to com∣passe the whole world about till they had found him: and vpon this determination (after they had heard diuine seruice) they depar∣ted from the hermitage, and tooke the way towards London. But as they approched nere vnto the Cit∣tie, they were ware of the King, who was already in the fields ac∣companied with many noble men, and valiant knights: for hee cele∣brated that day with all magnifi∣cence, because that vpon the same he was crowned peaceable king of great Brittaine, which was the prin∣cipall occasion that many knights came to serue him. Who behol∣ding Galaor, and his fellowes com∣ming towards them, shewed the king thereof, and they in the mean season were hard at hand. But be∣cause Florestan had neuer before seene such an assembly, Galaor said vnto him. Brother behold the king. Now had they all three their head∣pieces off, wherefore some in the company did know them all forth-with except Flotestan, the King im∣braced them, demanding how they fared. Then Florestan alighted to kisse his hands, the which he refu∣sed. And because he was the Gen∣tleman that did most of all resem∣ble Amadis, and that heretofore he had heard speaking of him, he be∣gan to suspect that it was his bro∣ther, and therefore he saide vnto Galaor, I beleeue that this is your brother Florestan. It is he indeede; if it please your Maiestie, who hath a great desire to doe you seruice. Ah, saide the king, I would Ama∣dis were now heere that I might see you all three together, what, saide Galaor, hath your grace heard 〈◊〉〈◊〉 newes of him? No, saide the king: but what haue you heard? It may please your Maiestie, answered he, wee haue all three sought him a whole yeere, yet haue we done no good, but lost our labour, and we did thinke to haue found him here in your Court: wherefore seeing your grace hath certified me to the contrary, I am in worse hope of his recouery then before. So am not I, saide the king, for I am per∣swaded the heauens haue not en∣dued him with such perfections, to forsake him after this manner, which maketh me to beleeue, that we shall very shortly heare some tidings of him. Whō they had en∣ded their talke, they entred into the Cittie, where the Queene and the other Ladies were inconti∣nently aduertised of their arriuall, wherewith they were as glad as might bee, especially Olinda, the friend to Agraies, who very lately was aduertised, that he had passed vnder the arch of faithfull louers, and shee expected his comming with as great deuotion, as Corisan∣da did the arriuall of Florestan. Then Mahila imagining to do O∣riana a pleasure, ran to aduertise her: but she found her with-drawn

into her chamber, where shee sawe her leaning her head vpon one of her hands, and reading in a booke, to whom she saide: Madame, will you please to come downe to see Galaor, Agraies and Florestan, who are now newely heere arriued? Whē she heard her speake nothing of Amadis, a new feare strook at her heart, so that she knew not what to doe, and the teares distilled from her eyes in such aboundance, that her speech failed. Neuerthelesse, in the end, not beeing able to dis∣semble her griefe, shee answered Mabila: my cosin and sweet friend, how would you haue me to go see them? in good sooth, I haue not my minde so well setled that I may dissemble or hide that, which in their presence I ought to doe. Moreouer mine eyes are ouerswol∣len with much weeping, and (that which worse is) it is impossible for to behold those, whom I did neuer see but in the company of your co∣sin, whom I haue so highly offen∣ded. Heerewithall her heart was likely to haue left her sorrowfull body, and she cryed. My God how doe you permit mee wretched wo∣man to liue, being so worthy of death? Ah my deere loue, I doe now feele a double griefe for your absence, seeing Galaor & the rest to returne without you, whome you loued as deere as your selfe, who knowing the iniury and wicked act that I haue cōmitted against you, shall haue iust cause to procure my ruine, whereunto I consent with a good will, seeing that so vn∣aduisedly I haue beene the meanes of your losse. Herewithall she had fallen downe all along, if Mabila who streight espied it, had not stai∣ed her vp, saying vnto her: Ma∣dame, will you alwaies continue these strange passions? I know well that in the end, you will publish that to your shame, which we doe most desire should be kept secret. Is this the constancy which you ought to haue, especially seeing that day by day we expect to heere good newes by the Damosell of Denmarke? Alas, answered shee, you speake at your pleasure, is it possible that shee may finde him, hauing the charge but to seek him onely in Scotland, seeing that his brethren haue in a manner com∣passed all the West without hea∣ring any newes at all of him? You abuse your selfe, saide Mabila, it may bee that they had found him, but that hee kept himselfe secret from them, the which he wil neuer do frō your Gentlewoman, know∣ing that she is priuie to both your loues. And therefore be of good cheere vntill her returne, and then doe as you shall thinke good: and for this time, let vs goe if it please you towards the Queene who de∣mandeth for you. Well, answe∣red Oriana, I am content to doe what you will. Then shee dried her eyes, and went in the Queenes chamber, into the which the three knights were already entred: who seeing her comming did their du∣ty vnto her: at the same time the King held Galaor by the hand, vnto whom he said: behold I pray you, how your good friend Oriana is impaired, since you did last see her. In good faith, answered Galaor, your Maiestie saith true, and I would with all my heart, that I might doe her any pleasure, that might purchase her former health. Herewithall Oriana smiled, saying vnto Galaor. God is the only com∣forter of all men, so that when his pleasure is, my health shall bee re∣stored, and your losses recouered which no doubt are great, for so

deere a brother Amadis was vnto you. And I would that the trauell which you haue taken to seeke him in farre countries, had brought some fruit, as well for the good of you and yours, as also for the ser∣uice of the King my father, vnto the which hee was wholly adicted. Madame answered Galaor, I trust that wee shall very shortly heare some newes of him, because he is the knight that I haue euermore seene most valiantly to resist all ex∣tremities. God grant it said Oriana, but I pray you cause Don Florestan to come neere vnto vs, that I may more plainely beholde him, for I haue beene tolde that hee is the knight that doth most resemble your brother Amadis. Whereupon Galaor called him, and he came & saluted Oriana, who rooke him by the hand, & they three sate downe together. Then the Princesse ima∣gined that she did verily beholde him, who beeing absent from her, shee had day and night before her eyes, and therefore shee began to blush and change her colour. Now had Mabila in like sort withdrawn her selfe, together with Olinda, to giue a better occasion vnto her brother Agraies more priuately to speake vnto her: and therewithall hee seeing them in a place so con∣uenient, came and saluted them, then at their request he sate downe betweene them, in taking Olinda secretly by the hand. And she who did languish for his loue, was the gladdest that might be, being sure of his constancy, by the proofe which he had made passing vnder the arch of loyall louers in the Firme-Island, in recompence whereof she would willingly haue giuen him better intertainement, if she durst. But the presence of so many witnesses, took from them not onely the familiarity, which o∣therwise they would haue giuen the one to the other, but also the facility and liberty of speech; so that their eyes onely serued to sup∣ply this default, which they imploi∣ed therein according to the affecti∣ons of their passioned harts. And as they were in these pleasant tearms there was heard from the chamber as if it had been the voyce of some oppressed with grief, wherfore the king would needs know who it was? It may please your Maiesty answe∣red an Esquire it is Gandalin & the Dwarffe, who no sooner beheld the shield and armour of Amadis, but they made and yet continue the strangest lamentation that possibly may be. What sayde the King, is Gandalin here? He is if it like your Maiesty answered Florestan. It is very neere two monethes since I did finde him at the foot of the hill of Sanguin, as hee was seeking his Maister, and because I did tell him that I had already sought him in euery place, hee was content to come with me. In good faith said the King, I haue alwaies esteemed Gandalin for such a one, as now he sheweth himselfe to be, for I did neuer see any Esquire to loue his Master better then hee doth.

When Oriana heard these words, especially how that Gandalin was returned without Amadis, she was in such a perplexity, that shee was likely to haue swouned betweene Florestan his armes, who not know∣ing the cause of her sudden passi∣on, and fearing to affright the King and the company, called Ma∣bila, who forthwith doubted such a mischance. Wherefore leauing Agraies alone with Olinda, shee came vnto Oriana, and caused her secretly to depart into her cham∣ber, and to lie downe vpon her

bed, where shee remained not long, but that rising vp as it were almost beside her selfe, shee sayd vnto Mabila: Cosen, you knowe that since our comming to this Cittie, there hath passed neuer a day wherein wee haue not recei∣ued ••ore displeasure. Therefore I am determined to withdrawe my selfe for a certaine time vnto my Castle of Mirefleur, for my heart telleth me that in changing the ayre, I shall also change my afflic∣tions, and that my troubled spirit shall there finde rest. Madame, answered Mabila, I am of the same opinion, to the end that when the Damosell of Denmarke doth re∣turne, you may more priuately speake with her, and pleasure him that shee (I hope) shall bring with her, the which would be very hard, yea almost impossible to doe in this place. As you loue mee then sayd Oriana, let vs not carry any longer: for I am sure the King and Queene will very willingly giue vs leaue.

Now you must vnderstand, that this place of Mirefleur, was a little Castle most pleasantly seated two leagues from London, built vpon the side of a hill, and compassed vpon the one side with the Forrest, and vpon the other with many Or∣chards, full of all sorts of trees and pleasant flowers: moreouer it was inuironed with many great Foun∣taines, which watered it on all parts. And because that once the King (being there on hunting with the Queene) seeing that his daugh∣ter tooke great pleasure in the place, hee bestowed it vpon her, and afterwards she caused a Nun∣ne••ie to bee builded within a bow shot thereof, whereunto she some-times went to recreate her selfe. But that I may not degresse ouer farre from my first discourse, Ori∣ana according as she had determi∣ned, came and demanded leaue of the King and Queene for her de∣parture, the which was easily gran∣ted vnto her: and therefore shee purposed to depart the next day very earely in the morning. And because that Galaor and his co••∣sorrs would in like sort returne to make a new search for Amadis, fin∣ding the King at leasure, they sayd vnto him: If it please your Maie∣sty, wee were greatly to be blamed if wee should any longer deferre the seeking of Amadis, because my fellowes and I haue sworne neuer to rest in any place, before wee haue heard of him, therefore it may please your grace to giue vs leaue to depart to morrowe, to doe our endeauours. My friends answered the King, I pray you de∣ferre your departure yet a fewe daies longer, in the meane season I will cause thirty knights to de∣part from hence, who shall goe & begin this voyage: for I haue great neede of such knights as you are, for an enterprise which is happe∣ned vnto me, the which importeth me greatly both in goods and ho∣nour, it is a battaile which I haue appointed against King Cild••d•••• of Ireland, who is a strong and mighty Prince. And to let you vnderstand the cause of this warre, Cildadan hath married one of the daughters of King Abies, whom Amadis slew in Gaule. And al∣though time our of minde, the realme of Ireland hath euer beene tributarie vnto the King of Great Brittaine: neuerthelesse to haue an occasion of quarrell this Cilda∣dan refuseth the payment thereof, and sendeth me word that he will put one hundred of his knights in battaile against the like number

of mine, vpon this condition, that if he be ouercome he will redouble the tribute which I doe demand of him, otherwise he will hence-forth remaine free and acquitted, the which I haue condiscended vnto. So my friends, I doe most earnest∣ly entreat you, euen as you loue mee, not to forsake mee in this my greatest neede, knowing assured∣ly, that my enemies are strong, and determined to worke my dis∣pleasure, but by your good helpe and the right that we haue, we shal easily ouercome them, then shall you goe seeke out Amadis, as you haue determined, and you shall take as many of my knights with you as you please. When they heard this request which the King did make vnto them, there was not any amongst thē, that was not con∣tent to obey him, seeing his ne∣cessity so great, although that thereby the quest of Amadis was delaied: and at the same instant they promised not to forsake him. During this cōference, Mabila sent to seeke Gandalin, for shee would speake with him before shee went to Mirefleur, who came vnto her: and as soone as hee did see her, he could not possibly refraine from weeping, nor she likewise. After-wards hauing some-what eased their hearts with their exceeding teares, Gandalin spake first, saying vnto Mabila: Alas Madame, what wrong hath Oriana offered, not onely to you, ••ut vnto all your lignage together, causing you to lose the best Knight in the world. Ah, how ingratefull hath she shew∣ed her selfe vnto you for the ser∣uice which you haue done vnto her? and that which is yet worst of all, she hath wronged him that ne-uer offended her either in word or thought: wherefore I may well say, that God hath very ill be∣stowed vpon her that great beau∣ty and other excellent gifts where-with he hath endued her, seeing they are gouerned and ouer-ruled with so great treason: and yet I am well assured that none hath lost more then she. Gandalin my friend answered Mabila, I pray thee put that thought forth of thy minde, for thou art ouer-much deceiued, seeing that all which my Lady O∣riana hath done, hath beene for the griefe and displeasure that she cō∣ceiUed for one word which was o∣uer-lightly reported vnto her, through which she hath conceiued some occasion of i••lou••ie, imagi∣ning, that thy maister had forgot∣ten her, and that the affection which he did bearE vnto her, was turned and bestowed vpon ano∣ther. Notwithstanding, she did ne-Uer imagine, that her letter (writ∣ten in choller) should haue beene of such consequence, nor that so much hurt should haue proceeded thereof: but shee committed this fault as one that was caryed away with too extreame loue, which fault is the more pardonable in her, for the repentance which she hath endured euer since. Ay m••••, saide Gandalin, how was the dis∣creete vnderstanding of my Lady, and you abused at that time, ima∣gining that my maister could only but thinke to commit so ha••••ous a fault against her, whom before hee should haue offended, hee would haue suffered himselfe to be buried quick vnder the ground? and I pray you Madam, tel me if it please you, the roote of this mischiefe, and what was that vnhappy worde, which so troubled the vertue & spi∣rit of you both, to cause the death of the most perfect Knight that e∣uer was borne. Ard•••• the Dwarffe,

answered Mabila, (thinking to speake for the aduantage of Ama∣dis) was the occasion of all this mis∣chiefe. Then she recited vnto him at large, the whole discourse of the three peeces of the sword, as you haue heard in the first booke. And assure thee Gandalin, said she, that neither the Damosell of Denmarke nor I, were euer able to driue it from the fantasie of Oriana, but that she was forsaken by him, so as shee still perceiuing that shee was cōtraried by the Damosell of Den∣marke and me, did hide her selfe from vs, and vnawares to vs both she wrot vnto him, that vnhappy letter which Durin did bring him, by the which is sprung the whole sourse of this mischiefe. Whereof shee hath since that time, often e∣nough repented her: for from the first houre that she did heare of A∣madis his losse, shee hath receiued so great sorrow and griefe, that it is impossible to receiue any more: and neuerthelesse, we haue been in a manner very glad of her punish∣ment, seeing that she hath not yet feared to procure his displeasure, that of her hath so well deserued. All this discourse did Oriana heare, who was in her wardrobe: and per∣ceiuing that they had changed their talke, shee came forth as if she had heard nothing at all. And as shee would haue spoken vnto Gandalin, the teares distilled from her eyes, and she began to tremble so extreamely, that she fell downe all along vpon the floore, crying. Gentle Gandalin, if thou art the same that thou shouldest be vnto thy maister, reuenge vpō me forth-with, the greate miserie which vn∣iustly he endureth. Madam, answe∣red hee, what would you haue mee to do? I pray thee, said she kill me: and since I haue most iniuriously caused his death, thou oughtest not in reason to defer the reuenge thereof, for I am sure he wold haue done more for thee. Saying so her speech failed, and shee swouned as though she had bin departed. But Mabila accustomed to such qualms, did releeue her with a pre∣sent and fit remedy, that when she came to her selfe againe, she cried wringing her hands. Ah Gandalin, thou doest ••ee great wrong, thus long to defer my end: I would to God that thy father were in thy place, I am sure that hee would be∣stir himselfe better thē thou do•…•… Madame, answered Gandalin, God defend me from such disloyalty, I should truely play the part of the notablest villaine in the world, if I should but onely thinke such a thought, much more if I should commit two so great treasons, one against you, and the other against my Lord, who cannot liue one on∣ly houre after you. And I would neuer haue thought that so wicked coūsell should haue had any place within your spirit, for the incer∣tainty that you haue of my maister his death, who could haue hardly endured this wrong which you now in these words haue offered him, without endangering his life, for death commeth not but at the will and pleasure of God: who hath not bestowed these fauours vpon him euer since his life, that for any iniurie that you haue done vnto him, he will permit that he should yet die. Many other rea∣sons and perswasions did Gandalin vse to Oriana which gaue great ease to her ma••irdom, by means where-of she said vnto him: Gandalin my friend, I am determined to mor∣row morning to depart vnto Mire∣fleur, to expect either lifn or death, according to the newes which the

Damosell of Denmarke shall bring vnto me. And because I shall re∣maine there some long time, I pray thee vnder the colour of seeing Mabila, to come and visit vs often-times, for me thinkes my sorrow decreaseth when I doe see thee. Madame, answered Gandalin, I am ready to obey you in whatsoeuer it shall please you to command mee. This said, he tooke his leaue of her, and as he departed from thence, he passed by where the Queene was, who caused him to be called, and then shee saide vnto him. Gandalin my friend, wherfore didst thou for∣sake thy maister? Madame, answe∣red he, it was sore against my will, and to my great griefe. Then hee rehersed the manner how hee de∣parted from the hermitage, and the complaints and lamentations that he made, especially he decla∣red what his manner and behaui∣our was, when he found him in the bottom of the valley, which moued the Queene vnto such pittie, that shee shed luke warme teares there∣at. Whereunto Gandalin taking good heed, said vnto her. Madam, your highnesse hath reason to la∣ment the losse of my Lord, for hee was your graces most humble ser∣uant. Nay rather my good friend and protector, answered she, and I would it were the Lords pleasure, that wee might heare such speedy newes from him, as might giue vs cause to reioyce. And as they tal∣ked together, Gandalin cast his eye vpon Florestan, who was talking with Corisanda, whome Gandalin knew no••: but hee thought her to be one of the fairest Ladies that e∣uer he had seene, therefore hee be∣seeched the Queen to tell him who shee was, the which shee did, and the occasion wherefore shee was come into great Brittaine, as also the loue which she did beare vnto Florestan; for whose sake she staied at the Court: if she doe loue him, said Gandalin, shee may well ••aune that her loue is impl•…•… vpon him, in whome all ••oun•••• remain∣eth, and he is such a one, that hard∣ly •…•…ay his equal be found in all the world▪ and moreouer Madame, I assure you, that if your grace did know him so well as •••• you would not e••••••e ••e any knight more then he, for he is of a most valiant heart and high resolution. He seemeth to be such a one answered the Queen, further-more hee is of so good a grace, and alied ••o so many good knights, that it is impossible but that hee should bee such a gentle knight as thou hast reported him to be. In tho meane season Florestan entertained his Lady and Mistris, whom he loued most ••eruently, & not without a cause 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for shee was passing faire, a rich Lady, and alied to the noblest houses in all great Britaine. Who hauing remained yet some few dayes in the Court after his returne; shee determined to depart, and taking her leaue of the king and Queene, she took her iourney toward her own countrey. Two whole daies together did Flo∣restan accompany her, who promi∣sed her that so soone as he heard a∣ny newes of Amadis, and that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ba••••aile was past betwixt the two Kings, Lisuart and Cildadan, (if he remained aliue) hee would come vnto her to ••arry with her a long time: then taking his leaue of her, hee returned vnto the Court. But you must vnderstand, that Oriana who had not forgotten her deter∣mination of going to Mir•…•…, departed the next morning with her traine, where shee had not long remained, but that she per∣ceiued the amendment of her

health, and with the some, her hope increased to see him, whom shee so greatly desired. And be∣cause that the king had appointed, that d•…•…g her aboade in that place of Mire••••eur, the ga••e should continually bee kept, and that no body should enter therei••••: Ori∣ana foreseeing (for the great de∣sire shee had that it should be so) the comming of Amadis, shee sent to tell the Abbesse, that shee should send vnto her the keyes of the Nunnerie gardens, to walke thither sometimes for her recrea∣tion, the which shee accompli∣shed, which were hard adioyning to the Castle, but yet inclosed with very high walles. And one day as Oriana walked there, ac∣companied onely with Mabila, seeing the place fauourable and fit for her purpose, as if Amadis were returned, she began to thinke of him in such sort, and vpon the pleasure she should receiue by his presence, that in speaking to her∣selfe she sayd: Ah my onely hope, my sollace and my intire refuge, wherefore art thou not beere with mee, seeing at this present I haue the meanes both to giue vnto thee, and also to receiue of thee, such ease and contentment as we haue so oftentimes desired to receiue one of another? At the least I wil not depart from hence vntil I haue wholy satisfied the hurt which by my ouer-great folly I haue pro∣cured vnto you, but I will here at∣tend your comming. And if Fates or fortune doe permit mee to be∣holde you here shortly, I promise you, sweete loue, to giue you the sure contentment that your fer∣uent loue hath promised vnto you a long time: but if my misfortune shall bee an hinderance vnto your speedy returne, your only absence shall bee the meanes to hasten my end: wherefore I beseech you to take pitty on this my weakenesse, and to succour mee, for I liue and yet languish in extreame bitter∣nesse. And seeing that euer hi∣therto you haue beene obedient vnto mee, without contradicting me in any sort, now the necessity beeing such, I pray you by that power which you haue giuen mee ouer you, that you would come to deliuer mee from death (which I feele to approach) and ••arry not: otherwise your delay will cause you ouer late to repent my vnhap∣py end. In this sort did she speak as if Amadis had beene present, when Mabila brake off her thought, and Oriana changing her talke, sayd to her: Cosen, seeing that wee haue the keyes of this place, it were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that Gandalin should make some other like vnto them, to the code that your Cosen beeing returned, may goe and come hither when & as often as hee shall please. It is wel aduised answered Mabila. And as they were consulting, there was one of the Porters sayd to Mabila Madam, Gandalin is without, who desireth to speake with you. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him come in, answered Oriana, for he hath beene brought vp with vs a long time: and also he is foster brother vnto Amadis, whom God preserue. God so doe sayde the Porter, it were a great damage that so good & vertuous a knight should sustaine any hurt. Then went he forth to goe seeke Ganda∣lin, and in the meane time Oriana said vnto Mabila, I pray you see how your Cosen is beloued and e∣steemed of all men, yea euen of the basest sort of people, that are in a manner, voyde of all vertue, it is true answered Mabila. Then Oriana sayde, what would you

haue mee doe but die? hauing beene the onely cause of the ruine of him who is more worth, then all the men in the world, and who did better loue me, then his owne selfe? Ah accursed be the houre wherein I was borne, seeing that by my fol∣ly and light suspition, I haue done vnto him so great and so much wrong: Madame, answered Mabi∣la, I pray you forget these imagi∣nations, and onely arme you with hope, for all this which you both say and doe, serueth in no sort to ease your dolour. Here with all Gandalin entred in, whom Oriana caused to sit downe by her: and af∣ter some conference which they had together, she recited how she had sent the Damosell of Denmark to seeke Amadis: vnto whom shee had written a Letter containing that which you haue heard, and what words also she had giuen her in charge to say vnto him, therfore said the Princesse, in thy opinion doest thou thinke that he will par∣don me? Madame, answered Gan∣dalin, Me thinks you are little ac∣quainted with his heart, for I am sure for the least word that is in the letter, hee will teare himselfe into an hundreth peeces for you, if you do but onely command him: by more likelyhood may you imagin whether he will be glad to come see you, yea or no. And be you assured that seeing the Damosel of Denmarke, hath vndertaken the charge to finde him, that she will sooner accomplish the same, then all the persons in the world beside: for I do not thinke (seeing hee did hide himselfe from me) that it is e∣uer possible for any other but shee to finde him out. For this cause Madam, you ought hence forth to liue in good hope, and to reioyce more then euer you did, to the end, that when he returneth he may not finde your beauty in such sort de∣cayed. What saist thou Gandalin? answered she laughing, doest thou thinke me now so vgly? Nay ra∣ther Madame, what do you thinke of your selfe, that in this sort you doe bide you from the sight of all men. I do it to this end said Oria∣na, that when thy Master commeth if he would ••••ie me for my deformi∣ty, I might in this plate stay him as my prisoner. I would said he, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he were here already, and free from that other prison, wherein heere∣maineth for your loue. Well said Oriana, we haue now other mat∣ters in hand, his Cosin and I haue done so much, that wee haue got∣ten the keyes of these gardens, by the which at his returne, he may come in hither to soe vs, at al times and as often as he will, and thou must do so much, to cause two o∣ther keyes like these to bee made, the which he shall keepe. In good faith, said Gandalin, it is well and wisely aduised. Then the Prin∣cesse deliuered him the keyes, and without any longer staying in Mi∣refleur he returned to London, where he executed his commission so di∣ligently, that the next morning he came vnto Mabila, vnto whom he deliuered the counterfeit keyes, who shewed them straight vnto O∣riana, saying vnto her: behold al∣ready a good beginning, for the recompencing of the hurt which you procured vnto your Amadis. Mine? answered Oriana, I would to God he were here. I then might well call him mine, whether hee would or no, Go to, go to, let vs not come out of Gods blessing in∣to a warme Sun, said Mabila, but let vs see this night if Gandalin haue performed his taske well, and whether the keyes will open the

dores or not. I pray you let vs, said Oriana. And for that present they made an end of their talke, waiting a conuenient time to finish their enterprise: and according to their appointment, about mid-night (when euery one were sound a∣sleepe) they secretly rose vp, and came down into the Court, it was then in the time of the moones waining, and for that cause the darknes did beare the more sway: wherefore Oriana began to bee a∣fraid, and said vnto Mabila: I pray thee hold me by the hand, for I am almost dead with feare. No, no, I will defend you well enough, an∣swered shee, am not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consin to the most valiant knight in the world? But although Oriana did tremble, yet could shee not refraine from laughter, & said vnto her. Let vs go then garded: for I will hence forth thinke me safe being to be garded by you, who are so valiant in deeds of armes. Seeing that you knowe me so well, answered Mabila, let vs march on boldly, and you shall see how I will finish this aduenture: wherein if I faile, I sweare that for one whole yeere, I will neither hang shield about my necke, nor strike one stroke with the Launce. Heere with all they began to laugh so loude, that they might haue bin heard very easily, and at the same instant they came vnto the dore, where they tried the first key, which they found maruailous fit, and the second also, wherefore they ope∣ned them without any difficultie, and entered into the Orchard. Then sayde Oriana vnto Mabila: Cosin all that wee haue done is to no end, except some-what more be done: how may your co∣sin returne when wee once haue brought him into the place, con∣sidering the height of the wals? I haue already thought vpon that, answered she, it shall be very easie for him by the corner of this wall, against the which wee will set by this peece of timber, and with the same and our helpe together, hee may easily mount vp to the top thereof: but it behooueth that the chiefest helpe come from you, for you onely reape the commoditie thereof. Wee shall see what will happen, sayde Oriana, and there∣fore for this time let vs depart, and goe to sleepe, the which they did. And as they laid them downe in their bed, Mabila embracing Ori∣ana, saide vnto her. Madame, I would that the knight for whome you attempt so many fair enterpri∣ses, were now in my place, vpon this condition, that I did goe to sleepe else-where, because I would heare none of your complaints, for the harme that hee might doe vnto you. Gentle cosin, answered she, if he were here, I would endure very much before I would com∣plaine of it. And so long they con∣tinued this pleasant discourse, that loue stinged them so vehemently, as euery amorous Reader may easi∣ly imagine what they wanted, to cause them sleep till the next mor∣ning that they went to hear diuine seruice: and at their returne they found that Gandalin was already come from London, whom they led with them into the garden, where they told him how they had tryed the keyes, and what words Mabila had vsed in the prooning of them. By my faith Madame, answered he, you do now put me in minde of some iniurious speech that I vsed of you vnto my Lord, thinking thereby to haue comforted him, but there with all he had thought to haue taken my head frō my shoul∣ders, and shortly after I did abide

sore penance for thus leasing, be∣cause that I fell asleepe, and when I awaked, I neyther found my bri∣dle nor saddle, for my Master rode away, and had hidden them of pur∣pose to stay me from following of him. Wherefore seeing that he was lost, and that he had left mee, for the words that I had spoken of you, I was driuen into such a Me∣lancholy, that I had slaine my selfe if I had had a sword to do it: friend, Gandalin, answered Oriana, thou needest not to excuse him, I know that he loueth me without dissimu∣lation, therefore I pray thee put mee no more in remembrance of that mischiefe, whereof I am the chiefe cause, except thou wilt force my Soule and body to part asun∣der, for thou knowest that I stand betweene life and death, accor∣ding to the newes that the Damo∣sell of Denmarke shall report vnto mee.