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 after the departure of Vrganda, the king being ready to mount on horse back, to execute the enterprise which he had determiped to make vpon the burning lake, there came before him a Dauiosell Giantesse, to vnder stand whether his Maiesty would be pleased to referre the quarrell that he pre∣tended in this vorage, vpon the combat betwixt Ardan Canila, and A∣madis of Gaule, with such conditions as shall bee declared vnto you.

SOme few dayes after ••he departure of Vr∣ganda, king Lisuart walking vpon the sea sand consulting with his knights about the voiage which hee determined to make vnto the sle of Mongaza, to set at liberty king Arban, and Angriotta, they be∣held a shippe making towards the shoare which cast anchor hard by them. Whereupon they all ap∣proched

to know who or what newes it had brought, when sud∣dainely they perceiued two E∣squires waiting vpon a Damosell, comming forth thereof, who was no sooner landed but shee deman∣ded for the king. Those vnto whom she spake, answered that he was there: but they did all won∣der at her greatnesse, for there was not a man in all the Court whom she exceeded not in height a hand breadth: for the rest, shee was in∣different faire, and well apparrel∣led. Then she approched neer vn∣to the king, to whom she said, if it please your Maiesty, I am hither come to let you vnderstand that which I am commanded to de∣clare vnto you in the behalfe of some great personages, but if it pleased your highnesse, I would haue the Queene present. Here-withall the king tooke her by the hand, and brought her to the Pal∣lace, and afterward he sent for the Queene and her Ladies, that they might heare what the Damosell would say, they being all come, the Damosell enquired if Amadis of Gaule (lately called the Faire For∣lorne) were in this company or no. And Amadis (vnto whom by chāce she spake) answered her, that hee was the man, ready to doe her any pleasure if she would imploy him: notwithstanding, for all his cour∣teous speech, the Damosell look∣ing vpon him with a sterne coun∣renance began to raile at him, say∣ing, the lesse do I esteeme thee: for thou wast neuer ought worth, nor neuer shall be, and by the effect of this my message all this company may know whether there bee any heart or courage at all in thee: then she tooke forth two Letters of cre∣dit, sealed each of them with a seale of Gold, the one of them she pre∣sented to the king, the other to the Queene. But so soone as the king had red his letter, he commanded her to declare whatsoeuer she plea∣sed. Wherefore shee spake aloude and said, It may please your Maie∣sty, Grumadaca the giant of the bur∣ning lake, and the faire Madasima, with the most redoubted Ardan Canila (who is at this present with them, to protect and defend them against you) haue knowne for cer∣taine, that you determine to passe into their country to assaile them, and because the same cannot bee done without the losse of many worthy men on eyther side, they haue deuised a meanes (if your ma∣iesty think good to auoid the effu∣sion of blood, & the losse of diuers valiant knights, which is this, that the combat of two persons onely shall determine the quarrell be∣tweene you and them, vpon the victory of him that shall win the field, the one is the valiant and fa∣mous Ardan Canila, the other A∣madis of Caule here present: vpon this condition, that if Amadis bee ouercome, Ardan may freely cut off his head and carry it with him, to the burning lake vnto Madasi∣ma, and also if fortune proue con∣trary to the said Ardan, & that A∣madis remaine conqueror, the land & the countrie that you intend to conquer, shal without contradicti∣on be yeelded vp into your hands. And moreouer my Lady shall in like sort presently set at liberty king Arban of North Wales, and Angriotta d'Estrauaux, who hath beene a long time her prisoners, as you know. Therefore if Amadis do loue them as they thinke and doe imagaine he doth, let him present∣ly condiseend vnto this Combat for the liberty of two such great friends of his otherwise he may be

assured that Arden to despight him the more, will send their heads vn∣to him for a present, very shortly. Damosell answered Amadis, if I a∣gree to this combat, what security shall the king haue for the perfor∣mance of this your promise? I will tell you said she, The faire Mada∣sima accompanied with twelue Gentlewomen of great birth, shall bee sent as hostages and become the Queenes prisoners, vnder this condition, that if this which I haue said be not wholly accomplished, the king may cause them all to die in what sort hee pleaseth, and as touching you, I demand no other assurance, then this, that if you be vanquished Madasima may af∣terward haue your head without contradiction. And to let you know that they from whom I bring this message, will not gaine-say that which I haue promised, I will yet further cause Andangel the old giant, with his two sons, and nine of the chiefest knights of the countrie, to enter into the king his prison, as pledges for the per∣formance of the former couenāts. Truly answered Amadis, if the king and Queene haue these persons which you speake of in their pow∣er, the security is sufficient, but yet you shall haue no answere of me, vnlesse you first grant to dine with me in my lodging, with these two Esquires that attend vpon you. I do greatly wonder said shee, what moueth thee so instantly to in∣treate and inuite me to dine in thy company, seeing that I hate thee more then any man that I know. I am sorry for that said he, for I loue you, and will willingly doe you all the honour and seruice that I am able, but if you will haue an an∣swere, grant mee that which I de∣mand of you. I do grant it, said the Damosell, more to take away all occasion from thee to deferre the combat, then for any desire that I haue to remaine in thy company. I thanke you answered Amadis, and because it is reason that I aduentur my person, not onely to saue two of my best companions & friends from death, but also doe my best for the enlarging of the limits and authority of the king 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and his Realme, I accept the combat a∣gainst Ardan, and let the hostages come when it shall please you, be∣cause for my part, so glorious an enterprise shall not be foreslowed. Certainly said the Damofell, thou hast greatly satisfied me, neuerthe∣lesse I feare mee thou hast said this eyther in choller, or to auoide the shame that otherwise thou mightst incur before so many valiant men, and therefore it may please the king to assure me, that if thou slie before the fight, hee will not ayde thee at any time against the kin∣dred of Famangomad. Damosel an∣swered the king, I promise you I will not. Now let vs goe to din∣ner said Amadis, for considering the iourney which you haue made you must needes haue a good ap∣petite to your meate. Truely an∣swered she, I will go more conten∣ted then I hoped for, and seeing it hath pleased the king to grant mee that which I requested, I assure you that without faile Madasima and her Gentlewomen with the knights, shall yeelde themselues prisoners vnto his Maiesty and the Queene, so that also hee will bee pleased to warrant Ardan from all the rest of his Court, except A∣madis, from whom I hope he shall carry away the head. When Don Bruneo heard this, hee answered the Damosell, I haue many times seene one make account of

another mans head when hee hath lost his owne, and the like may happen vnto Ardan, whom you so much exalt. Gentle friend said A∣madis, I pray you let this Gentle∣woman speake at her pleasure, for one like vnto her selfe, for she and such as resemble her, haue liberty to say what they list, and often-times •…•…en they know. What are you•…•…ered the Gentle∣woman 〈…〉〈…〉, that so well can pleade for Amadis? I am, said he, a knight that would willingly beare a part in this enterprise, if Ardan Canila had a companion with him. By my faith, answered she, I beleeue that if you did think to bee receiued you would not speake so proudly, but you haue al∣ready heard that Ardan and Ama∣dis must bee alone without any more, which maketh you to speak so haughtily, neuerthelesse if you be such a one as you say, I am assu∣red that the combat of them two, shall be no sooner ended, but that I will bring before you a brother of mine that shall teach you to hold your peace, and I assure you that hee is as great an enemy vnto Amadis as you professe to bee his friend. He shall be very welcome, and better entertained said he, and tell him hardly that he forget none of his Armour behinde him at his lodging, for be he neuer so valiant it will be all little enough for him. Herewithall hee threw downe his gloue. See here said he my gage, take it vp for your brother, if hee will alow you to do it, and will ac∣cept the combat that you haue vn∣dertaken for him. The Damosell tooke vp the gloue, and afterward vntying from about her head a car∣quener of Gold, she said vnto the king, If it like your Maiesty, I ac∣cept the combat for my brother a∣gainst this knight in his absence in witnesse where of, your grace may keepe (if it please you) 〈…〉〈…〉 pledges, the which shee gaue vnto him, and the king•…•… them, although hee would willingly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 remitted this quarrell, For 〈…〉〈…〉 ready doubted the other, for that he had heard of the valiant 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Ardan Canila, who reuer did meete (as it was saide) with any knight in foure yeeres before 〈…〉〈…〉 durst combat him. When the Da∣mosell perceiued that she had •…•…∣cuted her commission, according vnto her desire, she tooke leaue of the Court, and went with Amadie, who brought her vnto his lodging but it had been better for him that he had beene at that time a sleepe, for the courtesie which hee did shew vnto her, turned him to so great displeasure, that shortly af∣ter he was in great danger to haue lost his life. Because that he would the more honour this Damosel, he brought her into that Chamber wherein Gandalin did bestow his Armour. But shee had no sooner set her foote in the same, but shet cast her eyes vpon Amadis his good Sword, which shee thought was of so strange a fashion, that from that time forth, she determi∣ned to steale it, if shee might finde the meanes, and to doe the same more cleanly, she walked so long about the chamber, that as Amadis and his people had their backs to∣wards her, she slily drew the sword forth of the scabbard, and held it vp close vnder her cloake. Afterwards shee presently went forth of the chamber, and taking aside one of the Esquires (in whom shee most trusted) she gaue it vnto him, say∣ing: doest thou know what thou shalt do? run quickly into my ship, and hide me this Sword vnder the

ballast in such sort that none doe see is vpon thy life. The Esquire was diligent and departed. Then Amadis entred into talke with the Damosell, demanding of her at what houre Madasims would ar∣riue in the Court. I beleeue answe∣red she, that you may see her, and speake with her before the king haue dined: but what moues you faire sir to enquire so much after her? Because said Amadis I would go meete her vpon the way to doe her honour and seruice, to the end that if shee haue receiued any dis∣pleasure by mee, I may make her such mends as she shall demand of me. I know answered she, that if thou run not away, Ardan Canila shall be he that shall make thee an∣swere the wrong that thou hast done vnto her, with the losse of thy head, the which hee shall pre∣sent vnto her, for other satisfaction she desireth not to accept. I will keepe them both fasting without that (if God please) said Amadis, neuerthelesse if shee will haue any other thing of mee, I sweare vnto thee, by my faith Damsel, that she shall haue it, as shee whose good will and fauour I doe most desire. Then were the Tables couered, & dinner was brought in, wherefore Amadis causing her to sit downe, desirous to leaue her alone, said vnto her, that the king had sent for him, and that shee in the meane time should make good cheere, for hee would returne presently a∣gaine. The Damosell shewed by her countenance that this depar∣ture of his did not a little please her and fearing least her theft should be perceiued, she made as short a dinner as she could. Which en∣ded, she rose from the Table, and said vnto those that serued her, you may tell Amadis that I giue him no thankes at al for the enter∣tainement that he hath shewed me, thinking thereby to do me 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and assure him that I am shee that wil purchase (as long as the breath remaineth in my Body) his death and vtter destruction. So God me helpe, answered 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I beleeue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 well, and according to that which you haue already manifested, 〈…〉〈…〉 my opinion you are them ost in to∣rious woman that I haue seene in all my life. Whatsoeuer I am, said she, I care not for thee, and lesse for him, and if thou thinketh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 iniurious, yet is it not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 much as I would be both towards him and thee, and for the paines that thou hast taken in seruing mee 〈…〉〈…〉 at dinner, I would in 〈…〉〈…〉 thereof, that I had seene you both twaine hanged. Saying to the de∣parted and got into her ship, 〈…〉〈…〉 ioyful of the Sword which she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stolne, which so soone as shee was returned back vnto 〈…〉〈…〉 shee presented vnto him, letting him know and Madasma also, how A∣madis had consented vnto the combat which she had demanded of him. Is it true answered Ardan, let me neuer bee accounted a knight of any worth, if I doe not then bring back againe my Lady to her honour and reputation, de∣liuering henceforth her countrey from the attempts of king Lisuart, and if I take not the head of Ama∣dii from off his shoulders in lesse time then the best fooreman in the world may haue run halfe a league, I am content (said he vnto Mada∣sima) not to deserue your loue so long as I liue. But shee hearing him speake so rashly, held her peace: and although she greately desired to be reuenged of him for the death of her Father, and bro∣ther whom Amadis had slaine, yet

did she so extreamely abhorre Ar∣den that shee a great deale rather wished his death then his life, be∣cause hee pretended to marry her. For she was exceeding faire, and he a deformed villaine and voide of all humanity, and this combat was not practised by her meanes, but by the perswasion of her Mo∣ther, who had sent for him, for the defence of her Countrie vpon this condition, that if he reuenged the death of her husband and sonne, she would giue it vnto him, and her daughter Madasima in marri∣age, for hee was so feared and had in such reputation, that shee thought she could not bestow her daughter better. And to let you know his manners and perfecti∣ons, hee was descended from the race of giants, borne in a Prouince called Canila, the which was in a manner wholly inhabited by such kinde of people, notwithstanding hee was somewhat lesse of body then they, but not in strength: his shoulders were narrow, his necke and brest vnreasonable thicke, his hands and thighes large, his legs long and crooked, his eyes holow, flat nosed like an Ape, his nostrels wide and lothsome, his lips great, his haire red and thicke bristelled in that sort, as very hardly might it be curled. To conclude, he was so beset with freckles and blacke spots, that his face seemed as though it had been of sundry sorts of flesh, hee was of the age of thir∣ty yeeres or thereabout, bold and expert in armes, furious, spitefull, and as vncourteous as might bee. And yet since hee was twenty and fiue yeeres of age, he neuer fought with any Giant or other knight, eyther a foote, a horseback, or at wrestling, that was able to resist him, & whom he did easily not o∣uercome such was the beauty, fashi∣on, and gentle behauiour of Arden Canila. When the iniurious Da∣mosell heard Ardan make such large promises vnto Madasima, & perceiued that shee made no ac∣count thereof, she tooke vpon her to speake in her behalfe, me thinks my Lord that you should thinks the victory very sure on your side, seeing that Fortune is so faauoura∣ble vnto you, and so contrary vn∣to your enemy, as you may well perceiue, in that shee hath caused him to lose the best part of his armes. And this shee said in re∣spect of the sword which she had stolne. By my Gods, said Ardan, I am more glad of his displeasure for the want thereof, then for any good that I hope to receiue there∣by, for although Amadis had the force of three such as hee is, yet were hee not able to withstand the strength of my arme, accustomed to came his betters. The next mor∣ning very early hee departed, ac∣companied with Madasima, and and the rest which should be deli∣uered vp as hostages, according to the promise that the Damosell had made vnto king Lisuart before the Combat was agreed vpon, and Canila did assuredly hope, that he should easily obtaine the victory. By meanes whereof hee departed with great ioy, saying vnto those that were with him, Amadis is fa∣moused for one of the best knights in the world, neuerthelesse I will haue his head, if he dare enter in∣to the lists against me, and by that meanes my glory shal be the more increased in the ouercomming of him, my Lady shall rest well reuen∣ged, and I remaine her husband and louer. And because he would know before hee entred into the court, whether Amadis had repen∣ted

him or not, hee sent the iniuri∣ous Damosell before, to aduertise the King of their comming, and in the meane season hee caused his tents to be set vp, somewhat neere the Cittie where King Lisuart did remaine. But you must know, that incontinently after the Damosell was departed from Amadis his lod∣ging, Enil told him thereof: there∣fore because he would prouide all things necessary for his enterprise, hee withdrew him vnto his cham∣ber, accompanied with some of his most priuat friends, and in like sort there came at that instant vn∣to him, Florestan, Agrates, Galuanes without land, and Guillan the pen∣siue, who were altogether ignorant of the enterprise of this new com∣bate. But when they were aduerti∣sed thereof, thinking that it should haue beene performed with a grea∣ter number of knights, ther was not any of thē who were not displeased with Amadis, in that he had not cho¦sē thē to assist him therein, especial∣ly Guillan who greatly desired to proue his man-hood against Ardā Canila, for hehad heard that he was esteemed for one of the strongest Knights in all the West. And as he was about to reprou Amadis in for∣getting him, Florestā preuēted him, saying vnto his brother. So God helpe me, my Lord, I now doe very wel perceiue, the little loue and the small account that you doe make of me, in that you would not send for me to be with you in this com∣bate. In faith, answered Agraies, if hee had thought mee any thing worth, he would not haue left mee behinde, and what of me? said Gal∣uanes. My Lords, answered Amadis, I beseech you all to holde mee ex∣cused, and not to bee displeased with mee, assuring you that if it had beene in my choyse to haue elected a companion to assist mee in this encounter (seeing the great prowesse wherewith you are all endued) I could not tell which of you to chuse. But Ardan desired to fight with mee alone, for the hate hee beareth vnto mee, and the loue he hath to Madasima, and seeing that hee hath so required it, I neither could, nor ought to re∣fuse it, without shewing my selfe to be a recreant and a coward, nor I could not make any other an∣swere, then that which was agree∣able to his demand. And when he should haue comprised any more Knights with him, where doe you thinke I would haue sought for aid and succour but with you, beeing my friends? seeing you know how my strength is redoubled when we are together. In this sortdid A∣madis excuse himselfe, praying thē all to beare him company the next day, to go meete Madasima, both to receiue her, & shew her as much honor as they might deuise. Wher∣unto they all agreed: so that the day following (knowing that she was neere at hand) Amadis accom∣panied with eight of the best knights in King Lisuarts Court, mounted on Horse-backe in very good order. But they had not long ridden when they did behold her a farre off, comming with Ardan Canila, who did lead her, & she was apparrelled all in black, mourning as yet for the death of her father, whō Amadis had slain. This sad ap∣parrell did so much grace her, that although of her selfe (without any other helpe) she was esteemed one of the fairest that might be seen, yet was her beauty much more encrea∣sed by this mourning weede, with the which the liuely whitenesse of her face was the more manifested, by the grace which this blacke

colour added thereunto, and her two cheeks seemed like two white roses, beautified with a naturall rednesse, so as euen then those which had conceiued a mortall hate against her for the mischiefe which she procured vnto Amadis, were now forced to loue her. Be∣hinde her marched the twelue gentlewomen, apparrelled with the like attire. After them came the old giant, and his son followed with nine knights, which all came as pledges. Great was the enter∣tainement that Amadis shewed vn∣to her and the rest of her traine, and shee in like sort saluted them most courteously. Then Amadis approching more neere, said vnto her, I promise you Madame that if you bee accounted faire and of good behauiour it is not without great cause, seeing that I am now my self an eye witnesse of the truth thereof, and truly that man ought to thinke himselfe happy, whose seruice it shal please you to like of, assuring you that I am willing to do you any pleasure, and ready to obey your commandements: when Ardan Canila heard him speake so courteously (although hee was smally fauoured by Madasima) hee was ouercome with iealousie, and answered Amadis, knight stand back and speake not so priuately vnto her, whom you know not. Sir said Amadis, the cause of my com∣ming hither is not onely to be ac∣quainted with her, but also to of∣fer vnto her my person and my goods. You are no doubt answe∣red he some good fellow, and wor∣thy to be by her greatly imployed, neuerthelesse faire sir, get you gone from her, otherwise I will make you know that it is not for so base a companion as you, to vse so great familiarity with a woman of so high worth as she is. Whatsoe∣uer I am answered Amadis, yet do I desire to serue her, notwithstan∣ding your threats, for although I am not of that worth as I would be, yet shall nor the affection that I beare vnto her, bee abated by thy malapert boldnesse. But sir, you that are so lusty, who would make me know my duty & depart from her, for whom willingly I would employ my best meanes, tell mee what you are? Ardan Canila ex∣ceeding angry, beholding Amadis with a sterne and scornefull coun∣tenance answered him, I am Ar∣dan, who am better able to in∣crease her welfare and honour in one day, then thou canst with the best meanes thou hast, doe her ser∣uice in all thy life. It may very well be said Amadis, notwithstanding I know that this whereof thou vant∣est shall neuer by thee bee execu∣ted, so indiscreete and spightfull art thou.

And because that thou greatly desirest to know whether I am a sufficient man or nor, know thou that my name is Amadis of Gaule, against whom thou desirest to fight: and if this Lady be displea∣sed with ought that I haue said vn∣to her, I wil make her such amends therefore as shee shall please to command at my hands. By my Gods, answered Ardan Canila, if thou tarriest the combat, the satis∣factiō which she shall take shall be thy head. That would displease me meruailously, said Amadis, but I will giue her a head that shall bee more welcom to her (if she please) breaking the marriage of you two, being so far vnfit one for another: for she is faire, wise, and of courte∣ous behauiour, & thou deformed foolish & churlish, Hereat Madasi∣ma & the Gentlewomen began all

to laugh, & Ardan to be extreame∣ly angry, that to behold his coun∣tenance and the rage wherein hee was, one might easily haue iudged the little good that hee wished to Amadis, vnto whom hee answered not one word more, yet he ceased not grumbling and gnashing his teeth vntill hee came before the king. Then very indiscreetely he began to say, King Lisuart behold here the knights that must now en∣ter into your prison, according to the promise which yesterday a gentlewoman made vnto you, in my behalfe. Wherefore if Ama∣dis dare be so bold to do as he hath boasted, I am here ready to breake his head. What will you doe an∣swered Amadis? Thinkest thou my heart so weake or my right so small that I cannot abate the pride of a man so audacious as Ardan is? I assure thee that although I had not vndertaken it, yet would I combat thee onely to hinder the marriage betweene thee and Madasima. And therefore deferre not to deliuer vp these hostages which thou doest brag off, for I verily hope to re∣uenge the good and valiant King Arban, & Angriotta, for the great wrong they haue receiued, during their imprisōment, I haue brought them along with me, said Ardan, knowing that you would demand them, but I am in good hope to restore them againe into the pow∣er of the faire Madasima, and to giue her therewithall the mold of thy cap, to testifie that it becom∣meth not such a gallant as thou art to vse mee with such proude and spightfull tearmes, and that (in the executing therof) she may receiue the greater pleasure, it may please your king to appoint that she may be set in a place hard at hand, to the end that she may both plainely see the reuenge that I shall take of thee, and also the cruell death wherewith thou shalt die. At the same instant the pledges were brought, and the faire Madasima together, with her twelue Gentle-women came to doe their humble duties vnto the Queene, and by her fide was the old Giant, his two sons, and the nine knights, who all fell vpon their knees before the King. At the same time euery one did attentiuely beholde the faire Madasima, who shewed such an humble countenance, that she was greatly esteemed, yet could not Oriana cast one good looke vpon her, thinking that shee (of her owne will) did procure the ruine of Amadis, for the which none was more sorrowfull then shee. But Mabila who was in like sort neere∣ly touched with the matter, put her in hope that God would ayde him, and that her Cosin might at easily ouerthrow and vanquish Ar∣dan Canila, as hee did the prowde Dardan, and many other knights, both valiant and stout. The pled∣ges then being receiued as the cu∣stom was, both the knights retired each of them to the place appoin∣ted for them, staying vntill the time that they should enter into the field, the which the king had commanded to bee closed in with pales. Then Gandalin went to seek his masters Armour. And as hee would haue taken it downe he per∣ceiued that some one had stoln his good sword forth of the scabberd, which had almost made him die for anger, seeing the fault that hee had done vnto Amadis, towardes whom he ranne, and as one beside himself, he cryed. My Lord, I haue so much & so grieuously offended you, that you haue great reason to kill me forthwith. Why? answered

Amadis, art thou foolish or mad. My Lord said Gandalin, it had beene better for you that I had di∣ed ten yeere ago, so much I haue deceiued you in your neede, for I haue let your good sword to bee lost, the which some body hath stolne since yesterday, leauing on∣ly the scabbard where it did hang. Is this all thou makest this great stir for? answered Amadis, beleeue me I thought (in hearing thee rage in this sort) that some body had beene carrying thy Father to his graue. Go, go, neuer care thou, for I care not so much for the goodnesse thereof, but onely be∣cause I did win it so honourably as euery one knoweth, and by the meanes of my constancy in loue. Yet see thou tell no body thereof, but go vnto the Queene and tell her that I intreate her grace, if shee haue yet that sword which Guillan found at the fountaine with my ar∣mour, that she will bee pleased to send it vnto me. And if thou meet∣est Oriana by chance, tell her also that I desire her to set her selfe in such a place, where I may behold her at my ease, when I shall bee in fighting, for I shall receiue by her sight more force by far, thē she be∣ing absent I should. So Gandalin departed, who did wisely accom∣plish all that his master had com∣manded him. And as he returned vnto him, he met with the Queene Briolania together with Oliuda, who called him and said vnto him, friend Gandalin, what doest thou thinke thy master will doe against this deuil, that will fight with him? what answered he, my Ladies doe you doubt that he shall not do wel enough with him? I am sure that I haue seene him escape far greater dangers then this which now hee vndertaketh. God grant hee may said the Ladies. Here withall her came vnto Amadis that sstayed for him, who hauing the Sword that the Queene did send vnto him and being throughly well armed, he mounted on horseback. And as hee would haue entred into the field, the king met him, and said vnto him, how now my most deer friend, this day doe I hope to see some part of your courage, to the cost of Ardan Canila. In faith if it like your Maiesty answered her, there is a great mischance happe∣ned vnto me, some one hath rob∣bed me of the best sword that euer knight did weare. Is it possible said the king? Who hath done you this shrewd turne? I know not answered Amadis, but whosoeuer hath done it, sure I am he is not my friend. Truly faid the king, that is likely, but take you no thought therefore, for although that I haue made an oath neuer to lend mine in any combat that is made by two knights in my court, yet am I con∣tent for this time to stretch my conscience so far as to giue it you. Nay if it like your Maiesty, God forbid that the oath of the best king in the world, should be broa∣ken for my sake. What will you then do said the king? The Queen answered Amadis, hath done so much for me as to keep that sword which I left at the fountaine of the plaine field, the which Guillan did bring with the rest of my Armour, when I became a Hermit. And it is the very selfe same which I had, when I was cast into the Sea, which is so fit for the scabbard of the o∣ther which is stolne, that it seem∣eth to bee the very same. By the faith that I owe vnto God, answe∣red the king, I am very glad, for by the vertue of this scabbard that is left, you shall bee both defended

from ouermuch heat, or too great cold, neuerthelesse the difference is great betweene the two blades, but God shall supply this default if it be his pleasure. And because it is already very late, and that the night approacheth, it were better to deferre the combate vntill to morrow morning. I will sayde A∣madis doe whatsoeuer shall please your Maiesty, so that Ardan bee content. I will goe send vnto him answered the King, whereunto Ar∣dan did easily agree, and returned vnto his tents to vnarme himselfe, afterwards he caused diuerse sorts of instrumens of musicke to bee brought, & all the night long both he and his neuer ceased from dan∣cing, feasting, & royalting. But all that while was Amadis in the Church deuoutly praying. After hee had like a Christian confessed his sinnes, he beseeched God to as∣sist and succour him, in such sort continued hee vntill about day breake, when he withdrew him to his lodging, where shortly after the King came vnto him with a great troop of knights. Who after they had bidden him good mor∣row, they armed him, and brought him with great triumph vnto the Cathedrall Church to heare ser∣uice, & at his returne from thence Florestan presented him with an ex∣cellent faire courser, which Cori∣sanda had sent vnto him not long before. Then euery one got to horsebacke to accompanie him to the field. And Florestan carried A∣madis his Launce, Brunco his hel∣met, and Agraies his shield, before thē did the King ride with a white truncheon in his hand, he rode on a Spanish I••nnet, beeing as fine a made horse & as proudly paced as any could be seene. The Inhabi∣tants of the City, and many stran∣gers were already standing all a∣long the barriers, & the gentlewo∣men and Damosels placed in the windowes. In this sort did Amadis enter into the field, into the which he was no sooner come but that he did his dutie vnto the Ladies, and amongst them all he spied out Ori∣ana, who the more toencrease his courage did put her head forth of the window. And smiling kindely vpon him, she made a signe vnto him that he should somethings do for her loue, wherwith Amadis did imagine that all the force in the world was at that instant placed round about his heart, and hee thought that Ardan Canila stayed too long before hee came. In the meane time he buckled on his hel∣met & retyred to that part of the field where they appointed. Iudges were seated, which were Don Gru∣medan, Quedragant, & Brandoinas. And shortly after came Ardan in richly armed, mounted vpon a great strong horse, and hee had a∣bout his neck a shield of fine steele shining as bright as burning glasse. At his side did hang the good sworde of Amadis, holding in his hand a great huge Launce, the which he weelded so strongly, that notwithstanding the thicknesse thereof, hee shaked it with such force, that he made it double in his fist. Whereat Oriana, Mabila, and the other Ladies beholding the sterne countenance of Ardan (as it often happeneth in those things which one feareth to to lose) they beganne to bee in doubt of him whom they all fauoured, so as O∣riana sayd: Alas if God take not pittie vpon Amadis, this day will be his last. But Mabila presently re∣proued her saying: Madam, if you shew not a pleasant countenance vnto my Cosen, hee shall be easily

vanquished, although Ardan strike neuer a stroke. Hereupon the trumpets sounded. Then Amadis beholding Oriana, set spurres vnto his horse, and they both met so rudely, that their Launces were broken into shiuers, encountring together with their shieldes & bo∣dies so forcibly, that Ardan his horse fell down dead in the place, and the other of Amadis had his shoulder broken, neuerthelesse A∣madis with great lightnesse rose vp, although the truncheon of his enemies Lance remained sticking in his vambraces, the which hee presently pulled forth, and draw∣ing out his sword, hee valiantly marched against Ardan Canila, who in like sort with great paine was risen vp. And as hee stayed to mend his helmet which was some-what shaken with his fall, seeing his enemy approach, hee made head against him, and there began betweene them so cruell an en∣counter, as there was not any man present that did not greatly won∣der thereat, for with the sparkles of fire which preceeded by their stroakes from their helmets, they seemed to bee all on fire, and by their waighty blowes which with great prowesse were bestowed, they manifested the hate which they did beare vnto each other, for there was not one blowe smit∣ten but the blood followed, neuer∣thelesse it seemed that Ardan had the aduantage ouer his enemy, as well because of the shield of steele which he had, as also for the hurt which hee did with the sword of Amadis, which the iniurious Da∣mosell had giuen him. But yet A∣madis followed him so neare, as of∣tentimes hee brought him out of breath, wherewith Ardan was much abashed, and hee verly thought that in all his life hee had not found a knight that handled him so rudely, especially hee ima∣gined his enemies force to bee re∣doubled when most of all his im∣paired. Whereat as it were disdai∣ning that hee should so long con∣tinue, couering him with his shield, hee ran vpon Amadis, who had all his armour and shield in such sort hacked and broken, that he could not wel tel wherewith to defend him any more, because that Ardan neuer fastened blowe vpon him but that his flesh felt it, whereby euery one iudged that he would carry away the victory. Then was Madasima very sorry hereat, for she was a woman of so stout a heart that she would rather haue lost her land and herselfe then to marry him, and so long these two knights maintained the combate, that euery one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mar∣uaile how they were able to conti∣nue. But Oriana seeing the pitti∣ous estate of Amadis and the dan∣ger whereunto hee was brought, by the reason that his armour was so broken, she was likely to haue sounded, & she became very pale and out of heart, vntill Mabila perceiuing it, sayd vnto her. Ma∣dame it is no time now to leaue Amadis in this perill, seeing that if you turne your backe, you hasten his end, and depriue him of his victory, at the least if you cannot beholde him, turne your fate quite from him. At that time was Amadis so sorely pressed by Ardan that Brandoinas one of the iudges sayd vnto Grumenan, and Quedra∣gant, Truely my Lord Amadis is in great necessity for want of good armour, see how his shield is hacked, & his haubert so broken, that in a maner he hath nor where-withall to defend one blowe.

Trust mee you say true answered Grumedan, and I am very sorry for it. Of my faith sayd Quedragant, I haue prooued Amadis when I sought with him, but the longer he fighteth, the stronger and more inuincible hee waxeth, so that it seemeth each houre his force in∣creaseth, the which is not so with Ardan, as by proofe you may now see by his vnweeldinesse, & more shall you see before the battaile be ended. This speech was heard by Oriana and Mabila, where-with they were greatly comforted, and because he had seene Oriana almost ready to depart from the window, not daining any longer to behold him, hee thought shee was displeased, for that hee defer∣red so long to get the victorie of his enemy. Whereat hee was so grieued, that griping his sworde fast in his fist, hee stroke so sound a blow vpon the helmet of Ardan, that hee made him bowe one knee to the ground, but by mischance his sword broke in three peeces, the least whereof remained in his hand. Then did hee thinke his life in very great danger, & there was not any of the beholders that did not suppose him vanquished, and Ardan victor: who began to lift vp his arme, saying so loud that e∣uery one did heare: behold Ama∣dis the good sworde which with wrong thou gottest, by the which thou shalt receiue a shamefull death. See gentle Ladies see, look forth of your windowes, to behold my Lady Madasima reuenged, and say whether I am not worthy of her loue. When Madasima heard Ardan make this bragge, and see∣ing that without doubt fortune fauoured him, so as according to the promise which her mother had made vnto him, she should be con∣strained to take him for her hus∣band, shee came and cast herselfe at the feete of the Queene, besee∣ching her most humbly that it would please her grace to hinder this marriage, the which she might iustly doe, because that Ardan had sayd vnto her that if hee got not the victory of Amadis in lesse space then the best lackie in the world could run halfe a league, that he was cōtent that she should neuer loue him so long as she liued, and that now it was more then foure houres since the combate began. Gentle Lady answered the Queen, I will doe that which shall be rea∣sonable. In the meane time Ama∣dis was much astonished, and see∣ing that hee had no meanes to de∣fend himselfe, he began to remem∣ber that which Vrganda had fore∣told him, which was that if hee were Lord of halfe the world, hee would giue it vpon condition that his sworde were in the bottom of some deepe lake. Moreouer loo∣king vp towards Oriana, he percei∣ued that to encourage him shee was come againe to the window, whom when hee had beheld, hee thought that hee had recouered new force and helpe. By meanes whereof, hee either determined to die speedily, or to be reuenged vp∣pon his enemy suddenly, and the better to execute his determinati∣on, hee leaped vnto his enemy so lightly, that before Ardan could strike him, hee pulled the shield from his necke, and then stepping alittle aside, he took vp a trunche∣on of a Lance, that lay in the field, and hee thought to haue thrust it thorough the sight of Ardan his helmet: but hee went backe, and lifting vp his sworde hee stroke so streat a blowe within the shield which Amadis did hold, that al∣though

it was of fine steele, yet did it enter therein more then a great hand breadth. And as hee striued to pull it forth, Amadis thrust the head of the truncheon through his arme, wherewith hee felt such extreme grief, that he for∣sooke the sword which hee held, on the which Amadis presently fas∣tened his hand, & pulled it forth, thanking God for ayding him in his greatest need. When Mabila beheld the case thus altered, shee called Oriana, who hauing seen her friend in such extreamity, was newly layd downe vpon a bed, stu∣dying with her selfe what death she might chuse for the speediest, if Amadis were vanquished. And Mabila sayd vnto her, Madame, come see how God hath holpē vs, Ardan (without doubt) is ouer-come. The great ioy which Oria∣na receiued at these newes made her suddenly to start vp, and loo∣king out of the window, shee per∣ceiued how Amadis had stroken his enemy so mighty a blow vpon the shoulder, that hee separated it from his necke, wherewith he felt such anguish, that hee turned his backe, but hee ran not farre before Amadis stroke him againe, and he pursued him so sharpely, as that hee made him recoyle backe euen to the top of a Rocke, against the which the Sea did beat, so that he could goe no farther. Then was Ardā Canila brought between two extreamities, for on the one side the deepe and vnmercifull waues set before his eyes his vnhappy end, on the other side hee percei∣ued the sharpe sword of his enemy which did no lesse terrifie him Who pursued him so close, that he pulled his helmet from his head, and lifting vp his arme hee woun∣ded him most cruelly, so that hee fell from the top of the Rocke downe into the Sea, and was ne-uer after seene. For the which ma∣ny praised God, especiall king Ar∣ban of Northwales, and Angriotta de Estrauaux, because they had seen Amadis in such daunger that they greatly stood in feare of his safety. Heerewithall Amadis wiping his sword did put it vp into his scab∣bard, and came whereas the King and the other knights were, who in great triumph brought him in∣to his lodging, and the more to honour him, hee was led between those whom hee had deliuered frō cruell prison, that is to say, by Ar∣ban King of Northwales, and An∣griotta de Estrauaux. And because they were leane, pale, and almost spent, as well with the euill vsage which they had receiued during their imprisonment, as also with the griefe and melancholly that they had taken, Amadis was desi∣rous that they should lodge in his chamber, where they were so well tended and dyeted, by the aid of expert Physitions and cunning Surgeons, that they did shortly after recouer their health, as by the sequell of our History you may vnderstand.