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

CHAPTER 26.

The history saith, that as this King Perion was a Knight of great courage, and one whom fortune had always hitherto assisted to uphold his honour, he seeing himself brought into such a contest which affected his sons and all his lineage, and knowing likewise the great courage of King Lisuarte and what a revenger of injuries wrought to him he was: for these things he was always pondering on what it behoved him to provide for. He was well aware that if the chance went against him that he would not be satisfied with victory, but like a mad dog would hunt them out wherever they should retreat, and think nothing of any fatigue or difficulty in pursuing them, even as he himself should do if he were the conqueror. He, therefore, among other needful things, was careful to have trusty persons in those parts where they could observe the movements of the enemy; and by them he was now advised how and in what order they were on their march. So on the morrow betimes he rose and summoned all the Chiefs and the Knights of his lineage, and told them what he knew, and how he thought they should raise their camp, and divide their army, that every man might know what standard and what leader he was to follow; and that having so done they should march to meet the enemy and give them battle, in full confidence that they should be victorious in so just a cause. To this they all accorded, and earnestly they besought that, both because of his high rank, and of his great courage and discretion, he would take the charge of leading and directing them, all promising to obey his orders: this he accepted, well knowing that what they proposed was right, and that which he could not reasonably decline. Then he ordered the counsel to be carried into effect. The camp was raised, and the forces all armed and mounted assembled in that wide plain.

This good King rode in the midst of them on a goodly horse, and armed with rich arms, three Squires were with him, and ten Pages all on horseback and all bearing one device, whose appointment was to ride about the field of battle, and give their horses to such Knights as should be in need of them. He was now at that age that the most part of his hair and beard was grey; his countenance was somewhat flushed with the heat of his armour, and somewhat by the thoughts of his heart. All knew his courage, and the sight of him gave courage to all; so that they lost all fear, and made no doubt but that, under God, such a leader would assuredly give them the victory. He looked at Don Quadragante and said, brave Knight, I entrust the van to you, with my son Amadis, and Angriote of Estravaus, and Don Gavarte of the Perilous Vale, and Enil, and Balays of Carsante, and Landin, with the five hundred Knights of Ireland, and fifteen hundred of my people. You my good nephew Agrayes shall lead the second division with Don Bruneo of Bonamar and his brother Branfil, and their troops and your own, in all sixteen hundred Knights. You honourable Knight Grasandor shall take the third division, and thou my son Florestan with him and Don Dragonis, and Ladadin of Fajarque, and Elian the Bold, and Trion with the people of Queen Briolania, who with the forces of King Tafinor will make a company of sixteen hundred Knights. Then he turned to Don Brian of Monjaste, you my good nephew shall have the fourth, with your own people, and with three thousand of the Greeks; so that ye shall be five thousand in all, and with you Mancian of the Silver Bridge and Sadamon and Orlandin. He appointed Don Gandales with a thousand to carry succour where it should be most needed. He himself took to his charge Gastiles and the remainder of the forces which the Emperor of Constantinople had sent; and he bade all the army look to the Emperor's standard, and regard it as though he himself were there in person. All being thus appointed, the army moved on with the sound of many trumpets and other instruments of war. Oriana with the Queen and Princesses and Dames and Damsels of her company beheld them, and in their hearts besought God to help, or rather if it were his good pleasure, to give them peace.