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

CHAPTER 19.

Joyfully was Gandalin welcomed in Gaul because of the good tidings which he brought of Amadis, of whom for long time nothing had been known. Presently he took King Perion apart, and told all that he had been sent to say. Now because this King was so brave that he feared no danger how great soever, especially if it regarded this his son who was like a shining mirror in the world, and whom he so dearly loved, he replied, Gandalin what you desire shall speedily be done, and if you should see your Lord before I see him, say to him that I should not have held him for a Knight if he had suffered that wrong to go unredressed, for such enterprizes are appointed for such hearts as his. I say unto you that if King Lisuarte will not be brought to reason, it shall be to his own loss. But take heed that you say nothing of this to my son Galaor, who is here so ill that we have often thought him more dead than alive, and even now he is in great danger; nor to his comrade Norandel who is come hither to see him, for I will communicate it to him. Gandalin replied, I will bear it in mind, and glad am I that you have thus forewarned me. Go now to him, said the King, and tell him news of his brother.

Gandalin then went to Galaor's chamber, whom he found so weak and sick that he wondered at seeing him, and he knelt down to kiss his hand; then Galaor looked and knew that it was Gandalin, and the tears came into his eyes for joy.—Welcome friend Gandalin, what news bringest thou of my Lord and Brother Amadis? Sir, replied the Squire, he remains well and in health in the Firm Island, and knows nothing of your malady, neither did I till my Lord the King told me thereof. I came hither by his command to inform the King and Queen of his return, and greatly will he be troubled when he learns what plight you are in, whom he loves and esteems more than any other of his lineage. Norandel then came up and embraced him, and asked for Amadis. Gandalin said to him the same as he had told Galaor: and he related some of the adventures which he had atchieved in the Islands of Romania, and in those foreign parts thereabout. Sir, quoth Norandel to Don Galaor, reason is it that at such news you should take heart and shake off your sickness, that we may go see this Knight; as God shall help me, he is so excellent a Knight, that all they who have any worth in them ought to think little of the toil of the longest journey to see him. While they were thus talking, the King came in, and taking Norandel by the hand, after some talk, led him out of the chamber; my good friend, then said he, it behoves you without delay to go to the King your father, for by what I learn he will stand in need of your help, and of all his friends; but say nothing of this to your friend Galaor, for it would excite in him such agitation that much harm might come of it, seeing how weak he is. Norandel answered, the advice Sir of so good a man as you, ought to be followed, without enquiry into its cause. I will take leave of Galaor to-night, and put to sea to-morrow, for my ship is ready. This the King did that Norandel might fulfil his duty toward his father, and also that he might not see the preparations for war which were going on.

That day were they more in hope of Don Galaor, by reason of the joy he had for the tidings of his brother. Gandalin also said to the Queen, what Amadis had bidden him; and she replied, that she would do all that he desired: but Gandalin my friend, said she, I am much troubled at this news, for my son must now be in great care and hereafter in great danger of his person. Fear nothing, Lady, Gandalin made answer, he will raise such force that neither King Lisuarte nor the Emperor of Rome will dare attack him. May it please God, quoth she, that it be so! When night came, Norandel said to Don Galaor, Sir, I must now depart, for as your illness is so lingering and I can nothing profit you, it is better that I should attend to other things. You know it is not long since I have been a Knight, nor have I yet gained honour to be esteemed a man of worth by good men. The news of your malady called me from a quest which I had undertaken when I left the King my father's house, and I must now go where I am needed. God knows this parting grieves me, but if it please him, while I am performing this, from which I cannot be excused, you will recover, and then I will return to you, and we will go together to seek adventures. At this Galaor sighed with exceeding sorrow,—since it must be so, you must obey the will of God, and if perchance you go to the court of my Lord your father, kiss his hand for me, and tell him that I remain at his service, though as you see, more dead than alive. Norandel then took his leave, and on the morrow sailed to Great Britain.