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

CHAPTER 18.

Such good speed had Master Helisabad on his voyage, that he arrived safely at the land of his Lady Grasinda, and there having summoned all the Chiefs of the land, he produced his powers and entreated them to fulfil their Lady's will; they all replied that they should with good will accomplish it, and forthwith gave order to assemble horsemen, and archers, and cross-bowmen, and equipped what vessels they had and set about building others. When the Master saw how actively they made these preparations, he left a young Knight by name Libeo, who was his nephew, to superintend the armament, and put to sea himself and went to Constantinople. When he arrived at the Palace they told him the Emperor was talking with his good men, so he went in and knelt down and kissed the Emperor's hand, who received him courteously, as one whom he knew and held for a good man. The Master then gave him the letter of Amadis, but when the Emperor learnt that the Knight of the Green Sword was that Amadis of Gaul of whom he had heard so much, he said, Master I must complain of you, if you knew the name of this Knight and did not tell me, for I am vexed that a man of such high lineage and so renowned should come to my court and be by me honoured as only a Knight errant. Sir, replied the Master, I swear by my holy orders, that I never knew who he was till he left off the title of the Greek Knight, and discovered himself to Grasinda. How! quoth the Emperor, did he call himself the Greek Knight after he went from hence? What, cried the Master, have ye not heard of the great things which the Greek Knight atchieved? and then he related how he had won the crown for Grasinda, and in what manner he had quelled the pride of the Romans, who despised him, thinking him to be a Greek. Right glad were all they who were present to hear such tidings. Now then, said the Emperor, deliver your bidding. With that Master Helisabad related all that had fallen out; and besought him on the part of Amadis, that if King Lisuarte instead of coming to reasonable accord, should come against him with the Emperor of Rome and a great power, he would be pleased to assist him in defending the wronged Princess, he being one of the principal Ministers whom God has appointed to maintain justice upon earth.

When the Emperor heard this he saw that it was a weighty matter, for he knew the worth of King Lisuarte, and how highly he prized his honour; and he knew also the haughty spirit of El Patin, how much more he was guided by pride than by reason. Yet considering the justice of the cause, and how Amadis had travelled so far to see him, and the promise he had made, albeit it were made lightly and with no such meaning as was now given to it, and calling to mind also the wrongs he had formerly received from the Emperor of Rome, he replied, you have told me great things Master! and from a good man like you it is to be believed; since then the brave Amadis hath need of my succour, I will give it him as fully as I promised, even as the word of so great a man given to so renowned a Knight ought to be accomplished. I never yet began thing which I did not carry through to the end. Then were all they rejoiced who heard, and above all Gastiles the nephew of the Emperor, who knelt down and besought that he might go with the succour. Good Nephew replied the Emperor, I am well pleased that you should, and I command you and the Marquis Saluder to take charge of providing such a fleet as becomes my rank, and if need be, ye shall go in it, and give battle to the Emperor of Rome. You may well think how Master Helisabad rejoiced to receive such an answer. Sir said he, for what you have said, I kiss your hand on the part of the Knight who sent me, and for myself who bears the embassy, being such as I am, I kiss your feet. Now then I pray you, for I have much to do, give me leave to depart, and if the Emperor of Rome should send his forces, do you dispatch yours in time to meet them. Go in God's name Master! replied the Emperor, leave the rest to me, if need be you shall see who I am, and how I esteem Amadis. The Master then took leave and returned to the Land of his Lady Grasinda.