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. XXI. (Book 21)

How Amadis with many others his confederats for sooke the seruice of King Lisuart, and went as well to proue the aduentures of the Arch of loyall Lo∣uers, as also of the forbidden chamber.

WHen Amadis did see that the king perseuc∣red still in the euill o∣pinion which he had conceiued against him and his, according to his for∣mer determination at his coming forth of the meddow, he went vn∣to the court and he found the king ready to sit downe to dinner. Then approching vnto him he said, may it please your Maiesty if in any thing I haue offended your grace, God and your selfe can witnesse, assuring you, that although the ser∣uices which I haue done vnto you haue beene very small, yet the will which I haue had to acknowledge the benefits and honour which it hath pleased you to bestow vpon mee hath beene exceeding great. You tell me that I should seeke a∣broad for one that would better re∣quite me then you, giuing me ther∣by to vnderstand the small desire you haue, that I should obey you, not that I will depart from you as my liege Lord and Soueraign, for I was neuer subiect to you, nor any other Prince (God only excepted) but I take leaue of you as of him who hath done me great good and honour, and vnto whom I doe beare affectionate loue and desire of seruice. Scant had hee spoke this word when suddenly these in like sort did take their leaues viz. Gal••anes, Agraies, Dragonis, Palo∣mir, Brunco de Bon Mer, Branfill his brother, Angriotta d'Estra∣••aux, Grindonan his brother, Pi∣nores his Cosin, and Don Quedra∣gant who stepped before all the rest, saying vnto the King.

Your Maiesty knoweth that I neuer had come nor remay∣ned in your Court but at the instance and request of Amadis,

willing and desirous to bee his friend for euer, and seeing that by his occasion I became yours, by the like reason will I now leaue your seruice, and hereafter forsake you, for what hope may I haue that my small seruices shall bee regar∣ded, when his being so many and great, are so badly requited, with-out remembrance how greately you are indebted vnto him, in de∣liuering you from the handes of Mandafabull, and for the victory also which you haue obtained of king ••ildadan, with the price of his blood and other of his kindred. I could well remember you of the good turne which he did vnto you when hee deliuered you and your daughter Oriana (as I haue many times heard it said) from the hands of Arcalaus, and now of late my Lady Leonor, whom Famangomad and Basigant his sonne the crullest giants in the world had taken pri∣soner, with intent to put her to death, for which cause the ingrati∣tude which now you shew vnto him is so great, that it quite depri∣ueth you from all knowledge of the truth. And therefore he ought to make no lesse account of this his short farewell then of the slow reward hee hath receiued for the seruices past. As for me, I am de∣termined to follow him and to for∣sake your court togither with him. Whereunto the king replied, Don Quedragant your tongue doth well declare the little loue you beare vnto me, yet notwithstanding mee thinks you are not so tied nor ali∣ed vnto Amadis, as in accusing me you should excuse him as you do: but your thought is otherwise, you say more then you thinke. Your Maiesty may speake what you please, said Quedragant, like a mighty Lord as you are, neuerthe∣lesse you much mistake mee in thinking me to be a dissembler or a counterfeiter of leasings, as a number of others about you are, by whom I am sure that in the end you shall finde your selfe but bad∣ly serued. Moreouer before many dayes be past, you shall perceiue who are the friends of Amadis. Which said, hee retired, and Lan∣din stepped forth, saying to the king, may it please your Maiestie, I haue not found one in all your court, that was able to giue any ayde or comfort to my wrongs, but onely my Lord Amadis, whom I now do see ready to depart from your seruice, for the wrong that you haue done vnto him, for which cause not desiring to forsake him, nor my Vncle Don Quedragant al∣so, I do take my leaue of you. Tru∣ly Landin answered the king, so far as I perceiue wee are assured that henceforth you haue no desire to remaine with vs. Beleeue mee if it like your Maiesty said he, looke what they are so will I bee, for du∣ring my life will I obey them. At that instant there stood in a cor∣ner of the hall (whispering toge∣ther) Don Brian of Moniasta, a most renowned knight, sonne to King Ladasan, and to one of the sisters to king Perion of Gaule, Vrlandin, son to the Earle of Orlanda, Grandores, and Madansill of Pont d'argent, Listoran of the white Tower, Leda•• of Fryarqua, Tantilies the haughty, and Don Grauat de Val Craintif. All these came vnto the king and said. Your Maiesty may be plea∣sed to vnderstand that the occasi∣on of our comming hither was to see Amadis and his brethren, and to be their friends, if it were possi∣ble. And euen as they were cause of the seruice that you haue recei∣ued of vs, they also shall bee the

meanes that we will forsake you, and we do take leaue of your grace to keepe them company. When the king perceiued that hee was so suddenely forsaken of such a great number of good knights, hee was highly displeasd, for very spight he would not permit Amadis to goe take his leaue of the Queene, who (as much as in her lay) did wholy oppose her selfe against the coun∣sell of Gandandell and his compa∣nion. And therefore Amadis in∣treated the auncient knight Don Grumedan to make his excuse vnto her Maiesty. Afterwards taking his leaue of the king with great reue∣rence, he retired vnto his lodging with his friends and companions, where they found their dinner rea∣dy, and as soone as the Table was taken vp, euery one went to arme him, and they trouped altogether in a place where Oriana might be∣hold them, and their number was so great, as they were thought to be flue hundred knights and more, the most part of them being Sons vnto kings, dukes or earles. After-wards in very good order they all passed along hard by the Queenes lodging. Then Mabila being in one of the windows called Oriana who was laid vpon her bed as me∣lancholy as might be, saying vnto her, Madame, I pray you forget your heauinesse, and come see how many knights you haue at your commandement. All the while my cosin was in the seruice of the king your father, he was accounted but as a simple wandring knight, but no sooner is he departed from him when hee sheweth that hee is a Prince and mighty Lord, as you may now behold, and if you haue power ouer him, by greater rea∣son haue you power ouer all his troope, of whom hee is the chiefe and principall Leader. Oriana was so greatly comforted with this sight, that euer after she was more merry and at better hearts case. In this sort did Amadis and his fol∣lowers passe through the Citty, and there accompanied them king Arban of North wales, Grumedan, a knight of honour belonging to the Queene, Brandoinas, Queuerant Giontes Nephew to the King, and Listoran the good iouster. All these were very sorry for the departure of so many good knights, especi∣ally for Amadis, who prayed them that in any matter wherein his ho∣nour might bee blemished, they would shew themselues to be such friends for him, as hee esteemed them. And although the king (without any occasion) had con∣ceiued a hate against him, yet they should not cease for all that to be his friends, without forsaking the seruice of so good a prince, and they answered him that excepting their seruice and loyalty in the which they were by duty bounde vnto the king, they would bee rea∣dy to pleasure him at all times and places, when and where he would employ them, for the which hee heartilie thanked them. After-wards hee saide vnto them, If you finde the king fit to be spoken vn∣to, you may aduertise him that which Vrganda declared to mee in his presence is now accomplished, for shee told mee that the recom∣pence which I should haue in gay∣ning Dominions for another, should be hate, anger, and banish∣ment from that place where most I desired to remaine. I haue con∣quered as euery one knoweth with the edg of my sword, and the losse of my blood, the Isle of Monga••a, thereby enlarging the limits of the realme of great Brittaine, and no••∣withstanding

al this, the king with-out cause at all, hath requited mee with hate, but God is iust, and will recompence euery one according to his deserts.

By my faith, answered Grumedan, I will not faile to let the King know as much as you haue sayde. And cursed be Vrganda for prophesing so right, which saide, they embra∣ced one another and tooke their leaue, but Guillan the pensif whose eyes were full of teares, said vnto Amadis. My Lord, you know my occasion, and how I cannot of my selfe doe any thing, being subiect so the will of another, for whose sake I suffer and endure strange greefes and anguishes, which is the cause that I cannot follow you, for which I am very sorry and asha∣med, so great a desire haue I to ac∣knowledge the fauour and honour that I haue receiued of you, being in your company, beseeching you most humbly at this time to holde me excused. Now did Amadis vn∣derstand in what subiection loue did holde him, and hee knew very well by himselfe what paine hee might suffer, by meanes whereof he answered him: My Lord Guillan, God forbid that by my occasion you should commit any offence vnto the Lady whom you loue so constantly, but I rather counsell you to be obedient vnto her, and to serue her as hitherto you haue done, and the King likewise being sure that your honour saued, you wil be vnto me in all places a faith∣full friend and louing companion. Heerewithall he embraced him, & taking his leaue, Guillan and his fel∣lowes returned vnto the Cittie, and Amadis and his followed on their way to the Firme-Island, vntill at the last they arriued along by a ri∣uer, vpon the side whereof Amadis had sent before to cause his Tents and Pauillions to be armed and set vp. There they lodged for that night, praising God in that they had so happily been warned of the Kings ingratitude, with whom if they had remained any longer, space, they had but lost their time. But Amadis was so heauie for his banishment from Oriana (igno∣rant when he should see her again) that he knew not in what sort to dis∣semble his malancholie, and thus they passed away the night vntill the next morning, that they had rode forward on their way. In the meane time King Lisuart was in his Pallace, who after the departure of so great a number of Knights, per∣ceiued that he now was but mean∣ly accompanied. Then he began to acknowledge the fault which he had committed, and to repent him greatly for the words which he said vnto Amadis. At the very selfe same time, Gandandel and Br••cada•• were aduertised what Angriotta had said of them, whereat they were maruailously abashed, fearing least the King and the rest should dislike of the bad counsell, which they had giued vnto him, neuerthe∣lesse, since there was no remedy: they determined to passe it ouer, and to worke such meanes that ne-uer any of those Knights who were departed should enter into the King his fauour againe. And the better to bring it to passe, they both came vnto him, saying. Your Maiestie ought greatly to praise God, that you are so honestly rid of those men who might haue wrought you much mischiefe, for your highnesse knoweth there is nothing more dangerous then a secret enemy.

Wherefore you haue now no other thing to trouble you, neither

neede you take any care for your affaires, because that wee two will take order, and warily prouide for any perill that may happen to this Realme. When the king heard them speake so audaciously, hee looked vpon them with a sowre countenance, and answered them: I do much meruaile how you dare bee so presumptuous to perswade me that I should leaue vnto you the gouernment, not onely of my house, but also of my whole realm, knowing that you are nothing fit, nor sufficient for such a charge. Doe you imagine that the Princes and Lords of this monarchie will obay you, knowing the place from whence you are descended? And if you thinke to play the good hus∣bands, desiring to enrich mee by sparing of my treasure, vpon whom doe you thinke that I may better imploy it, then vpon such Gentle-men and knights as are in my ser∣uice? Seeing that the Prince can∣not be named a king, but only be∣cause hee hath many at his com∣mandement. And if in times past I haue shewed my selfe liberall vnto those whom at your instance I haue driuen away, euen by them was I maintained, feared, and re∣doubted, and therefore content you with that you haue done, without any farther dissembling & forging of matters, otherwise you shal know that you nothing please me therewith.

Saying so he left them, much a∣bashed at these wordes, and hee mounted on horsebacke to goe chase a hart which his hunters told him was inclosed within his toiles. As these things were in doing there arriued at the Court a D•…•…∣mosell that was sent from Queene Briolania vnto Oriana, who after shee had done her duty, said vnto her, Madame the Queene my Mi∣stresse hath her commended to your good Grace. And she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 expresly sent me vnto you, to de∣clare vnto you at large how shee hath beene in the firme Island, and what happened vnto hee in pro∣uing the aduentures which there she found.

God keepe so good a Queene from mischiefe, answered Oriana, and you also that haue taken so much paine. Then all the Ladies and Gentlewomen desirous to heare newes, came round about her, and the Damosell beganne to rehearse that which she had seene, saying. Madam, at the departing from this Court, the Queene my Mistresse and her companie, arri∣ued the fift day following in the Firme-Island, where so soone as she was come, she was demanded if it pleased her to prooue the for∣bidden Chamber or the Arch of loyall Louers, but shee answered that shee would first see the other maruailes of the place. And for that cause Isania caused her to bee conducted to a most faire house, s••ituated halfe a league or therea∣bout, from the principall Palace of Apolidon, in the which after she had a little while walked, behol∣ding the excellent building there-of, shee came vnto one of the cor∣ners of a Parke which was very darke and deepe, that none durst approch vnto the same, so feare∣full a thing was it. Afterward my Lady was brought into a most fa••r Tower, well furnished with win∣dowes, from whence shee might see all the waies rou••d about her, and there we were so well serued and entreated as might bee. And as the second seruice was brought in, wee did see come forth of that deepe ditch, a great serpent, which

did cast fire and smoake as well from her eyes and eares, as from her throate, who came and entred into this Tower, shewing a coun∣tenance so furious, that the stout∣est in the company trembled with great feare, after him there sud∣denly followed two Lions, who in like sort came forth of this ditch, they came leaping in and assailed the Serpent, herewithall there be∣gan a battaile betweene them, the cruelest that may possibly be seene betweene brute beasts, and it lasted halfe an houre and more, and so long continued it, that the two Li∣ons became so wearie as they fell downe in the place as if they had been dead, & the Serpent likewise so out of breath, that hee remay∣ned a great while lying vpon the ground. In the end hauing rested a little, hee rose vp and swallowed one of the Lions down his throat, and carried him into the ditch, and presently after he returned, & did the like vnto the second, and were no more seene all the day after. Those of the Isle (accustomed to such wonders) beholding our feare laughed at vs, assuring vs that all the day long wee should see no o∣ther nouelty. Whereupon we be∣gan to laugh at our folly, repro∣ching one another, for the affright that had happened vnto vs, & thus we passed all the afternoone vntill it was bed time, that my Lady and wee her women were brought into a chamber richly hanged, in the which wee were all layed. But a∣bout midnight, wee did heare our chamber doore open with so great noyse, that wee awaked with great feare thereof, and therewithall we saw entring in a Hart, one side of whom was as white as snow, and the other side more blacke then a rauen: hauing vpon his head thir∣tie hornes, vpon euery one of which there was a burning candle, which gaue so great a light, that one might haue seene as plaine within the chamber, as if it had beene broad day. The Hart entred in running with great force, for hee was pursued by a cry of swift hounds, that laboured to ouertake him, and incourage them thereun∣to, there was heard an Iuory home sounding after the beast, who in the ende was so hardly pursued, that after hee had long turned a∣bout the chamber, hee leaped vp∣on our beds euen thorough the midst of vs. The feare whereof made vs to cry, and suddenly to rise vp, all naked as wee were, some of vs ran vnder the beds, others vnder the benches, but the more we thought to saue our selues, the more were we pursued by the Hart and hounds that followed him, till at the last hee ran towarde the windowes, afterwardes being a lit∣tle better assured, we took vp our a∣parell which was fallen downe vp∣on the ground, and wee began to chat of the feare which we had. And as wee were in these tearmes, there came a Damosell, accompa∣nied with two other women, who asked vs what mooued vs to rise so earely. By my faith sayde my Lady, we haue had such an alarme, that my heart yet trembleth with feare. This Damosell smyled and sayde vnto her, that shee and wee might sleep in safety, for we should haue no more stirre all the night after. Whereupon wee layd vs downe in our bed, and there wee remained vntill it was indifferent late the next morning, when my Lady caused vs to rise vp, and af∣ter wee had heard seruice, as shee walked in a great meddow watered with many pleasant brookes going

through a pleasant and delectable wood where we found at the end thereof many pleasant orchards, and a house very round, set vpon twelue pillars of Marble, so artifi∣cially wrought, that in stead of stone and morter, the walls there-of were of fine Christall, through the which they that were within, might easily see those without, and there was neuer a doore thereof which was not of Gold or Siluer. And (that which was most admi∣rable) there was about it many I∣mages of copper, made in the like∣nesse of Giants, each of them hol∣ding in their hands a bended bow, and an arrow therein, the head whereof was of such a burning brightnes, that it seemed fire came out therof. And it was told vs that no sooner was any so hardy to en∣ter therein, but presently he shold bee slaine by the arrows which by them are shot, whereupon my Lady was desirous to make proofe thereof, by a Horse and two Apes, who being put into the Chamber were presently consumed by the fire, proceeding from these Ar∣rows that compassed them about. And there was grauen vpon the portall these words. Let no man nor woman be so hardy as to set foote within this Palace, except it be he or shee that loueth as con∣stantly as Grimanesa and Apolidon, that made this enchantment. And they must of necessity enter in both together for the first time, o∣therwise let them be assured to die most cruelly, and this enchaunt∣ment shall last, and all the rest of this Island, vntill that the knight & Lady (who do surpasse in loyalty those that made the defences of the forbidden Chamber) bee en∣tred in, and there haue taken their pleasure. Hereupon my Lady cau∣sed Isania to be called, and tolde him she was glad that she had seen these wonders, but shee would yet see the Arch of loyall Louers, and the chamber so renowned, and in the meane season, she desired him to tell her what was meant by the Hart, Serpent, Dogs and Lions, Madame answered Isania, I know no other thing thereof, but that e∣uery day at those houres and pla∣ces that you did see them, the com∣bats of the beasts are made, and the Hart doth alwaies leape downe from the window, and the Dogs after, who pursue him into a Lake not far from hence, where they are hidden and seene no more vntill the next day and houre that the chase beginneth againe, as you haue seene it this night past. But thus much you shall know, that if you were one whole yeere in this Island, yet should you not haue time enough to see all the won∣derfull things which there are. For this cause my Lady and her com∣pany mounted on horseback, and we came vnto the Palace of Apoli∣don to see the arch of loyall Louers and the forbidden Chamber. Whereunto my Lady was no soo∣ner come but she alighted, and ap∣proched vnto the Image of cop∣per (as she that had neuer falsified her loue) and passing vnder, there was heard the most sweete, and melodious tune in all the world, and the Queene passed through e∣uen vnto the place where the por∣traitures of Apolidon and Grimane∣sa were, which seemed vnto her as though they had been aliue. And from thence shee came vnto the piller of Iasper, where she saw writ∣ten these wordes. Briolania the daughter to Tagadan king of So∣bradisa, is the third Damosell that did euer enter into this place. But

as my Ladylooked roūd about her in all places she was afraid, seeing that she was alone: therefore with-out long tarrying there, she retur∣ned vnto vs that stayed for her, and for this time shee would make no farther proofe vntill the 5. day fol∣lowing, that shee did put on the richest, and costliest apparrell that in al her life she had euer worne, & letting her hayre hang downe, which were the fayrest that euer nature framed, shee had vpon her head, no more then a border of Gold garnished with many preti∣ous stones, the which did become her so well, and made her seeme so saire, that as well her owne follow∣ers as strangers did plainly say, that without doubt shee would finish the aduentures of the Isle: her eup∣on recommending her selfe vnto God, she entred vpon the forbid∣den path, and passing the brasse pil∣ler, she came close vnto the other of Marble, where she red the Let∣ters that were grauen thereupon, afterwards she marched on far∣ther, so that euery one did then iudge that shee would enter into the chamber without any difficul∣tie. When Oriana heard that Brio∣lania had passed so far, she began to blush and change her naturall colour, in such sort that one might easily haue knowne the great alte∣ration of her minde, fearing that Briolania had passed no farther, thereby ending the aduenture of the forbidden chamber. But the Damosell proceeding forward in her discourse, said, you must know that so soone as the Queene came within three paces of the chamber she was taken so rudely by her fair and golden haires, that without all respect of pitty, shee was throwne out with such force beyond the pillar that she remained in aswond a long time, as many others had done before her: whereupon wee suddainly tooke her vp, and carri∣ed her vnto her chamber, where shortly after she recouered, and she determined the next morning to depart from thence. The which she did, taking the way to Sobradi∣sa. Neuerthelesse shee had before commanded me to come vnto this Court, to aduertise you of that which I haue declared. Truly Da∣mosell said Oriana, the Queene your Mistresse hath done much for me. Madam, said the Damosell, she hath expressely charged me to returne vnto her incontinently, wherefore it may please you to giue me leaue to depart. Faire Da∣mofel said Oriana, you shall see the Queene, & then to morrow mor∣ning you shall depart. Well Ma∣dame said she, I am content to o∣bey you. Now about this time A∣madis and his fellowes arriued at the Firme-Island, where they were most royally entertayned and re∣ceiued by all those of the country, who were exceeding glad for the recouerie of their new lord, whom they had thought to hauebeen lost. And after that these knights (who had followed Amadis) had well viewed the Isle, and seene the fer∣tility, and the inuincible scituation thereof, they iudged that king Lis∣uart nor any other prince could be of power sufficient as once to dare come and assaile them. For besides the force of the country, it was fur∣nished with many citties & towns, and beautified with foure Castles, the most sumptuous and magnifi∣cent that were in all the world be∣side. In one of them might a man beholde the sport of the Hart cha∣sed by the Dogs, in the other, the Combat betweene the Lions and the Serpent, then in the third, the

tower which made the turning pa∣uillion, for foure times a day it turned so fast, that those which were therein did thinke that it would sinke: Lastly in the sourth was the pastime of the baited Bul: who comming foorth of an olde ditch, passed ouer the people that stood in his way, and did come running with his hornes against a gate of iron with such force, that hee ouerthrew it, and opened a Tower, from whence there came forth an old Ape, so wrinkled that his skinne hanged downe on all parts of him, the which held a whip, wherwith he nimbly chased the Bull euen vnto the ditch, from whence he came forth. In all these foure Castles did Amadis and his fellowes oftentimes take their pa∣stime, for the strange sights that there they sawe. And in this sort did these knights passe the time a∣way, staying vntill fortune did of∣fer them some new occasion to arme themselues, the which short∣ly after she did: for Balais Carsan∣ta (whom Amadis had heretofore deliuered from the prisons of Ar∣calaus) came vnto him, from the Court of Kings Lisuart, who af∣ter hee had declared vnto them many nouels, hee tolde them how king Lisuart was preparing an ar∣mie to passe into the Isle of Mon∣gaza, for Grumedaca had made an∣swere vnto the Earle Latin (who was sent with the olde Gyant and his sonnes, to take possession of the countrey) that shee would soo∣ner consent vnto the death of her selfe and all the world, before she would yeeld vp the Burning lake, and the three strong Castles which shee held, and that they should doe with her Daughter Madasima and the other Damosels what they would. I pray you saide Agraics tell vs what countenance the King shewed, hearing such an answere. By my faith answered Balais, he is determined to put all to fire and sword if hee be resisted, and with∣in a moneth after, to cause the heads of the pledges which hee holdeth to be smitten off. Truely said Amadis, hee may doe what he please, but if hee vsed more curte∣sie, it were perchance better for him.

When Galuanes whom (I haue said) Cupid had depriued of all li∣berty, to make him a louer, and seruant vnto this Madasima, vnder∣stood the outrage that was likely to be offered vnto her, his courage increased in such sort, that in great choller hee sayd. My Lords, here is not any of you knoweth not that my Lord Amadis and wee are all departed from the Court of king Lisuart, especially for the bad vsage that hee hath offered vnto Madasima, vnto whom I bear such loue, as a husband should vnto his wife, and therefore I beseech you very earnestly to aid and assist me, for I haue promised to stick to her and to helpe her, though I should die in the quarrell. Then Florestan (vnderstanding the aid which Gal∣uanes demanded) had not the pa∣tience to let any other answer be∣fore him, but rose vp saying. My Lord Galuanes if it were possible to make a peace for her with the king that were the best course: but I assure you, if wee must make it with our swords, I am alwaies rea∣dy to assist you, My Lord answered Briā of Moniasta, we do al very wel know, that you are both valiant & hardy knights, neuerthelesse this enterprise which you determine, toucheth you no more in particu∣lar, then it doth all vs in generall, for we are departed frō the Kings

seruice all vpon one occasion: and therefore it is reason that all of vs should succor him that hath most need of helpe. And although wee had no desire to aide Don Galuanes heere present, yet are wee bound to fauour Ladies in all that we can, and amongst other Madasima and hers, assuring you that through my fault they shall neither haue hurt nor displeasure. By my faith said Quedragant, you speak vertuously, and according to good reason, for doing otherwise we should be vn∣worthy of the name of knights, and although I were my selfe a∣lone yet would I seeke aide to ex∣ecute that which you haue deter∣mined: knowing that the poore Madasima (forsaken of euery one) hath freely yeelded her selfe into the King his prisons, not by her owne will, but by the dutifull obe∣dience which shee desired to shew vnto her mother: For which cause if the king pretend any right vnto the lands of the Isle of Mongaza, I say hee doth wrong. My Lords answered Amadis, those things which are debated by sound deli∣beration, doe assuredly come vnto good end, & you need not doubt that enterprising this which you determine, you shall performe it vnto your honour, yea although it were more dangerous and diffi∣cult then it is, neuerthelesse (if it please you) I will declare what I thinke thereof. You doe all con∣clude (so farre as I see) to set at li∣berty the twelue Damosels now prisoners with king Lisuart. There∣fore I am of the opinion that twelue of you without any more should vndertake this enterprise, so euery one of you shall haue one of them, and the twelue gen∣tlewomen shall bee particularly bound vnto twelue knights, and the rest of this company shall spare themselues, and tarry heere to preuent such inconueniencies as may happen.

Mee thinkes that Galuanes vnto whom this matter doth chiefly ap∣pertaine, deserueth well to be the first man that shall be named, next Agraies his nephewe, Florestan my brother, Palomir, Dragonis, Brian, Nicoran, Orlandid, Garnat, Imosil brother to the Duke of Bur∣goine, Madansil, and Eaderin. You twelue are such valiant knights as you may answere twelue others whatsoeuer they bee, and King Lisuart cannot deny the combate although it should bee against the chiefest of his Realme, conside∣ring the houses from which you are descended. This counsaile was so well allowed of all, that a∣bout mid-night following, the twelue knights mounted on horse-backe, taking their way vnto the Citie of Thassillana, in the which the King soiourned.