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

CHAPTER 31.

When King Lisuarte came to his tent, he besought King Cildadan to alight and disarm there, that before they rested they might give order respecting the body of the Emperor; then weary and bruised as they were, they went to the tent where the Emperor lay dead, and found his Knights making dole over him; for albeit, he was so proud, yet was he so liberal of his gifts and favour that that covered many of his faults. The two Kings then besought all these Knights to go rest themselves, saying, that they would see the body disposed of as it ought; and then they gave orders to the officers of his household to prepare the body that it might be carried a day's journey to a monastery near the town of Lubayna, from whence it might be removed at leisure to the chapel of the Emperor at Rome. They then returned to the tent, and then they supt, and it seemed with a chearful countenance; but there was one who was troubled in his spirit, and that was King Lisuarte; for by the great advantage the enemies had gotten in the two former battles, he knew that when the truce expired, there was no hope for him, but either he must be dishonoured and vanquished, or what he was more certain of, slain.

On the morrow the Emperor and Floyan were carried to the monastery, and Lisuarte and King Cildadan went to the Emperor's tent, and called together Arquisil and Flamineo and the chief Knights among the Romans, and said to them, My good friends, God only can tell the grief I feel for this loss, and the desire I have to revenge it; but the past is without remedy, and we must show that the death of a Prince is not the destruction of all his people. If all others should forsake me, I will not depart from this place, except either conqueror, or dead; do ye, therefore, call to mind what you are, and we may yet recover what advantage we have lost, to our great glory. To this, Arquisil, who was now the chief in rank as well as courage, being next in succession to the Empire, replied, It is notorious to all the world what signal things the Romans have atchieved, being among other nations like the morning star among other stars. Since we are of so great a nation, do not you King Lisuarte believe, but that we will fearlessly follow the example of our forefathers: and therefore, for myself and for these Chiefs I offer, when this truce is at an end, to take the front of the battle, and to resist the enemy, even with more heart and courage than if our lord the Emperor were present. Greatly were they all contented with this brave speech of Arquisil: King Lisuarte then said to Cildadan, Good Sir, since we have found such resolution in the Romans, which I did not expect, and since they have now so good a Knight as Arquisil to lead them, we also should lay aside all fear, and take this chance as we ought: for myself, I tell you, that after the truce, there shall be nothing but battle; and if God does not give me victory, I do not wish him to give me life; for death would be more desirable. Now, though King Cildadan was always grieved at heart to think that he was tributary to King Lisuarte, yet being so good a Knight, and regarding his oath and promise more than his own will and pleasure, he replied, I am rejoiced, Sir, by what the Romans say, and still more at beholding your resolution; for things like these, are the touchstones by which virtue is proved. For myself, be assured, that living or dead, where you are, there shall my body be found also. From that hour King Lisuarte resolved, let his fortune be what it might, to release Cildadan from his vassalage for that good will which he manifested to die in his defence.