The Project Gutenberg eBook of Amadis of Gaul, Vol. IV. of IV., by Vasco Lobeira.

CHAPTER 5.

At this reply of Quadragante all were well pleased, for they thought he had left nothing to be said; it was therefore determined that Amadis should send to advise King Perion his father of what had passed and request help, not only from him, but from all his other friends, who would be disposed to give him succour now, in acknowledgement of the great services he had with so much peril, wrought them. Agrayes also it was agreed should send, or go to his father the King of Scotland for the like purpose, and Don Bruneo to the Marquis his father, and to his brother Branfil, and with speed raise all the force he could. Don Quadragante also said that he would send his nephew Landin, to the Queen of Ireland, for he believed that altho' King Cildadan her husband was bound with a certain number of Knights to serve King Lisuarte, yet she would grant permission to her subjects to serve under him, and many good men of his friends and vassals might be expected. In like manner all the other Knights prepared to exert themselves. This being determined they appointed Agrayes and Don Florestan to inform the Princess Oriana, that she might command whatever she thought most expedient for her service. They then broke up the assembly, all in good hope and greatly encouraged, more especially they who were of low condition and who in some degree before had feared the issue of this adventure, for they beholding what resources were to be brought forward lost all apprehension of the event.

Now as they were at the gate of the Castle from whence they could command the sight of the whole Island they saw a knight come riding along the coast, having with him five Squires who carried his arms and other accoutrements. They all stood looking whom he might be, till as he came nearer they knew that he was Don Brian of Monjaste, then were they all full joyful, for well was he beloved by them all, being in truth a good knight, and one who would have been every where greatly esteemed for his own worth even though he had not been Son to King Ladasin of Spain. Of all Knights living he was the one who most loved his friends, and was perpetually sporting with them and doing them the most pleasure that might be, wherefore he on his part was in return by them beloved. They knowing him, all went out to meet him, but he when he saw them, was greatly surprized, wondering by what chance they were all thus collected, and he alighted and went towards them with open arms, saying, I could embrace you all at once, for I regard you all as one. But when they came up to him, and he saw Amadis among them, I need not say whether or no he rejoiced to meet him, for besides their nearness of blood, Don Brian's mother being the sister of King Perion, Amadis was the Knight in the world whom he loved best. Are you here? quoth he smiling, for I come in your quest; though all other adventures should fail us, we should have enough to do in seeking you when you conceal yourself so well! Say what you please, replied Amadis embracing him, for I have you now where I shall take my amends, the Knights command you to mount again, and come into the Island where there is a prison ready for such as you.

With that they all crowded to embrace him, and however loth he was, made him remount, and attended him on foot to the apartment of Amadis, where he alighted. His cousins Agrayes and Florestan disarmed him there and brought him a scarlet mantle; but he being thus disarmed, and seeing around him so many Knights and of such prowess, said, there must be some great mystery and cause why so many good Knights are thus assembled. I beseech ye Sirs tell me the reason, for something thereof I have heard since my landing. Upon this they bade Agrayes relate what had passed, and he whose heart was in the enterprize recounted what had been done, to the shame of King Lisuarte, greatly commending what the Knights had undertaken. When Brian of Monjaste heard this, he thought it a serious thing, being himself a prudent man, and one who looked to the issue of such things as well as the beginning: And had this thing been to do, belike he not knowing the love of Amadis and Oriana, might have dissuaded the enterprize, or at least proposed measures more moderate before so desperate a course were taken, for he knew King Lisuarte how jealous he was of his honour, and as the injury thereto was so great, great in proportion would be his efforts for vengeance; howbeit as the thing was, his assistance rather than advice was now required, and more especially as Amadis whom he so loved was the Chief of the enterprize. He praised them for what they had done and promised the aid of his own person, and of all that he could raise in his father's dominions, but he requested that he might see the Princess Oriana, and learn from her what was her pleasure. Sir Cousin, replied Amadis, you are just come from a long journey, and these Knights have not yet taken food. If it please you rest now and eat, meantime your arrival shall be made known to the Princess. This counsel Don Brian thought good, so the Knights took their leave of him and retired each to his home.

When it was evening Agrayes and Florestan went to wait upon Oriana as they had appointed, and they took Don Brian with them. They found her with all the other Princesses and Ladies of her company, expecting them in the apartment of Queen Sardamira. Don Brian knelt before her, and would have kissed her hand, but she withdrew it and embraced him and welcomed him with her accustomed courtesy. Sir, quoth she, Don Brian, you are right welcome! welcome indeed you would at any time be, for your nobleness and great virtue; but at this time more especially! I need not tell you what doubtless you have already learnt from your friends, nor need I request you what to do, for you are more worthy to give than to receive advice. Don Brian answered, the cause of my coming Lady hath been this. After the battle which King Lisuarte had with the seven Kings of the Islands, I returned into Spain to the King my father, and there was busied in his disputes with the Africans, till I heard that my cousin Amadis was gone into some foreign land no man knew whither. But then, because he was the flower and mirror of all my lineage, and the one whom I the most esteemed and loved, his loss so greatly grieved me, that I determined to go in his quest, and therefore came hither to this Island, thinking that here I might likeliest hear some tidings of him; so hither my good fortune guided me not only to find him, but to arrive in a time when I may manifest some part of the great desire which I have ever felt to serve you. For as you imagine Lady, I have heard what has happened, and knowing the inflexible condition of the King your father, something also I can guess of what is to ensue; but come what will, my person is at your disposal to serve you. Many thanks did Oriana return to him for this his courteous speech.