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

CHAPTER 12.

Now when these Knights entered the apartment of Oriana they all respectfully made obeisance to her, and afterwards to the other Ladies, and she courteously welcomed them as beseemed her noble nature; then Amadis bade Don Quadragante and Brian of Monjaste go talk with Oriana, he himself went to Mabilia. Agrayes conversed with Olinda, Don Florestan with Queen Sardamira, and Don Bruneo and Angriote with Grasinda whom they with great reason greatly esteemed; the other Knights talked each with whom he liked best. Presently Mabilia said to her cousin Amadis with a loud voice, Sir send for Gandalin hither, that he may take my bidding to the Queen my aunt and to my Cousin Melicia, you shall give it to him in charge, since it is with your embassy that he is going to Gaul. When Oriana heard this she said, he shall also take my message to the Queen and her daughter. Then Amadis called for Gandalin, who was with the other squires in the garden, expecting to be summoned. He came in and went to Amadis and Mabilia where they stood apart from the company, and after they had talked awhile Mabilia said to the princess, Lady, I have dispatched Gandalin, see now what you have to say to him. Oriana then turned to Queen Sardamira and said, take you Don Quadragante while I go speak with the Squire; and with that, leading Don Brian of Monjaste with her she went towards Mabilia, but as they came Don Brian said with playful courtesy, as one who well knew what demeanour beseemed a Knight; since I am chosen Embassador to your father, I will not be present at a Lady's embassy, for I fear your deceitfulness, lest you should impose upon me a more courteous manner than would be suitable to what the Knights have given me in charge. At that Oriana smiled sweetly and answered, for this very purpose Sir Don Brian have I led you here, that we may somewhat abate your choler against my father; yet I fear that your heart is not so well inclined towards womankind, that your purpose can anyway by us be changed. She said this sportively, for though Don Brian was young and very comely he was more disposed to follow arms and to the converse of Knights than to hold talk with women; he indeed was ready to expose himself to any danger in defence of their rights, and he loved all and was by all beloved, but not by any one with particular affection. So he made reply, I shall fly from you Lady and from your enticements lest I lose in little time what I have been long gaining. So laughing left he Oriana and turned towards Grasinda, whom he greatly desired to know, having heard so much in her praise.

When Amadis saw his Lady before him, whom he so dearly loved, and whom for so long time he had not seen, for that sight of her on the sea in that great uproar, he accounted as nothing, his flesh trembled and his heart panted for exceeding delight, and he stood like a man beside himself, having no power to speak. Oriana saw his trouble, and drew nearer and took his hand under her mantle, and prest it in token of love, as though she would have embraced him. My true friend quoth she, and dear above all others in the world, though fortune has placed me where I most desire to be, in your power, yet such is my ill hap that now more than ever it behoves me to shun your company, that this adventure which is so known abroad through the world may appear no ways injurious to my honour, and that you may be believed to have undertaken it, pursuing your duty and virtuous inclination in redressing wrongs and relieving the oppressed, rather than from any other motive. For if the true cause were made known a different judgment would be formed by our friends as well as enemies. What therefore we have so long carefully concealed, we must with yet more care continue to conceal, till it shall please God to bring these troubles to the end which we desire. Amadis answered, for God's sake Lady offer not to me any reason or excuse for what you think fitting, for I was born only to be yours and to do you service while the life continues in the body; nor have I any other desire or will than to obey your pleasure. All I beseech you is, that you would always remember this truth and command me as you think best, for that will be the best comfort and recompense I can receive. While he said this, Oriana looked at him, and saw that the tears were flowing down his face. Dear friend, quoth she, it is no new thing for me to believe what you say, and how my heart returns this affection he knows from whom nothing is hid. But now it behoves to be patient, and I beseech you even with that love which you have ever desired me to express, to put away these thoughts of grief and trouble from your heart for one way or other, by peace or by war, our secret must soon be known, and then shall we be united even according to our desire. We have now talked long together, I will rejoin these Knights, do you dry up these tears, and speak with Mabilia. She will tell you what we have never before found means to let you know, and shall rejoice your heart.

Oriana then sent to call Don Quadragante and Don Brian and returned between them to her place. Amadis remained communing with Mabilia, who told him every thing relating to Esplandian, of his birth, and how he was carried away by the Lioness, and how he had been bred up by the Hermit. When Amadis heard this he was as joyful as he could be. Lady and good Cousin, he replied as soon as the joy which disturbed his heart would permit him to speak, when Angriote and Don Bruneo came to me at the house of the noble Lady Grasinda, Angriote then told me this history of Esplandian, but whose son he was that could he not tell. Yet it came into my mind then what you had said to me in that letter which my foster-father Gandales brought to this Island, that my lineage had been increased, and I thought it possible considering the time when your letter was written, that this child might be my son, but this was only a thought. Now after they communed together thus they returned to Oriana, and then Gandalin took leave and set forth on his voyage, and then the Knights broke up the company and returned each to his lodgings.