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

CHAPTER 36.

When Amadis and his companions went forward before King Perion, he hastened eagerly to be in time for the succour, and that his Lady Oriana might know that, with reason or without it, he always had her present to his eyes, to serve her. But the way was long; for from the place where he set out, to the field where the two great battles had been fought, was five leagues, and from thence to Lubayna eight, thirteen leagues in all, so that march as fast as they could, they were three leagues from the town when night overtook them. Amadis had ordered his guides to keep always toward the mountain, that the enemy might not retreat to any strong position; but the darkness came on, and the guides were confounded, and knew not where they were, nor where the town lay, nor whether they had past it. When Amadis heard this, though he was the most patient man in the world, and the one who upon all occasions could best repress his anger, he could not now refrain from often cursing himself and his evil fortune, so that there was no man who dared speak to him. Don Quadragante, who was also greatly grieved because of King Cildadan, with whom he was so nearly allied, and whom he loved so well, went up to him and said, good Sir, be not so greatly disturbed, for God knows what is best; if it please him that, by this, help should be afforded to those Kings and Knights who are so much our friends, he will guide us to them; but if his will be otherwise, no one hath power to act against it. And certes as it fell out, if they had not thus gone astray, the issue would not have been so honourable for them, as you shall hear.

Being thus perplexed, Amadis asked the guides if they were near the mountain, and they replied they must needs be near it, for by his command they had inclined that way; he then bade Gandalin go, with one of the guides, and seek a way up, for if the army were encamped he would see their fires. Gandalin kept to the left, on which hand the mountain lay, and after some time found that he was at the foot of the mountain, and getting up as fast as he could, he looked over the plain, and presently saw the fires; he then called the guide, and pointed them out, and asked him if he could lead the way thither; the man answered that he could. Then they hastened back to Amadis and told him this; lead on then, said he, as fast as possible, for the night is far spent. So they moved forward, and at length came within sight of the fires of Aravigo's camp. If that pleased them need not be said, but especially the brave Amadis, who never in his life was so desirous to fulfil adventure, that King Lisuarte might know, how under God, he it was who helped and supported him in all his dangers; for he knew the King could not escape death or captivity without his aid, and had resolved, after having saved him, to return without seeing or speaking to him. The morning now began to break, and they were yet a league from the town.

Now when it was day light, King Aravigo and all his Knights prepared joyfully for the contest, and went up to the battlements. Lisuarte and his people bravely defended themselves, but at length, the enemy being so many, and encouraged by success, and these on the King's side few, and for the most part wounded and disheartened, they could not prevent them from entering the town with a mighty shout. Then was the uproar great in the streets, where the King and his Knights obstinately defended themselves; and the women and children, and they who could no way else assist, helped them from the windows. The sword-strokes fell so fast, and the arrows and stones flew about so, and such an outcry was there, as none could have beheld without dismay. As King Lisuarte and his Knights saw that they were lost, and feared more to be taken than slain, no one can tell the feats they performed, and the blows they dealt about; and their enemies dared not come near them, but prest on them with lances and stones. On the other side, where King Cildadan, and Arquisil, and Flamineo, and Norandel were opposed to King Aravigo, you may well assure yourself they were not idle; and there was a brave battle, till at length Aravigo and Arcalaus, and the six Knights of the Sagittary Island, made good the entrance. Two of these Knights King Aravigo sent by a traverse through the streets, to help the division of Barsinan and the Duke of Bristol. He went with the other four against Cildadan, saying to them, now my friends is the time to satisfy your wrath, and revenge the death of the noble Knight Brontaxar Danfania, for here you see those who slew him: fall on them for they can make no defence! These four Knights then drew their large swords, and furiously advanced through their own people, striking them down to clear the way, till they came up to King Cildadan and his comrades. He, brave and resolute as he was, could not chuse but fear, seeing how huge and terrible they were, and he said to his friends, fall on Sirs, we shall die worthily here, but in such sort, that if we can, these shall go before us. With that they made at each other like men who were determined to slay or be slain. One of the four Knights made at King Cildadan, and struck at his helmet, thinking to cleave his head in twain. The King saw the blow, and raised his shield, the sword went through the rim, and pierced so deep, that when the Knight attempted to draw it out, he plucked away the shield with it. King Cildadan who was used to such danger, lost neither his courage nor his thought, but gave it him on the arm, which, by reason of the weight of the shield hanging from his sword, he could not so speedily draw back; it was such a blow as cut through the mail and the whole arm, and left it dangling by a bit of flesh: the sword fell at his feet, and the Knight drew back like a maimed man. The King then went to help his companions, who were bravely combating the other three, and by his coming, and the sight of that blow which he had given, the enemy were somewhat dismayed: and they defended the street so well, that they received little hurt there, though King Aravigo was calling out not to leave a man alive.

The other two Knights were now come up to the other battle; when they arrived, King Lisuarte and his Knights were retiring to the crossing of a street, where some of his people were standing idle, because the street itself was so narrow, that they could not find room to fight; there at the crossing they stopt, but all was in vain, for so few were they, and their arms so hacked away, and they themselves so wounded, that in less than half an hour they must all have been killed or taken, if it had not pleased God to help them by the coming of Amadis. Amadis had spurred on from day-break; when he came up and saw the enemy in the town, and others still without the walls, he charged them, and beat all who came in his way, and he through one gate, and Quadragante through the other, entered with their people, shouting out, Gaul! Gaul! Ireland! Ireland!

The enemy were unprepared and without order, so that a great slaughter was made among them, and many took refuge in the houses. They who were fighting in the front heard the uproar, and the war-cries, and immediately they thought that King Lisuarte was succoured; and they were dismayed, and knew not what to do, whether to continue the battle where they were, or to turn back and help their people. King Lisuarte also hearing this, and seeing how his enemies waxed faint, took heart, and began to hearten his comrades; and they bestirred themselves so bravely, that they made their enemies give ground till they met those who were flying before Amadis, and then they had no remedy but to place themselves back to back, and defend themselves. King Aravigo and Arcalaus, seeing how the day was lost, got into a house, for they had not courage to die in battle, and they were soon taken. Amadis was now dealing about such blows, that none dared meet him, except the two Knights of the Sagittary Island, who advanced against him. He, though he saw what mighty men they were, was nothing dismayed, but raised his good sword, and gave the one such a blow upon the helmet, that strong as he was, he came on both his knees; Amadis thrust him backward and passed by him; and seeing how Florestan and Angriote had overthrown the other, he left him to the care of his people, and they three went on towards Barsinan and the Duke of Bristol, who were now so hardly prest by King Lisuarte, that seeing nothing but death before them, the one ran to Amadis, and the Duke of Bristol to Florestan, crying for mercy. These chiefs being thus taken, Amadis looked and saw King Lisuarte, and that there was no farther resistance there; so with his prisoners he turned back to aid Quadragante, but on the way he learnt that that Knight had already done his work, and had taken King Aravigo and Arcalaus; and then he said to Gandalin, go tell Don Quadragante, that I am leaving town, and that as he has finished too, we should depart without seeing King Lisuarte: and he took horse himself, and made his people mount.

When Lisuarte saw how his life had been saved, and that his enemies were destroyed or taken, he was so astonished that he knew not what to say, and he called to Don Guilan who was near him and said, How is all this, and who are these who have done us so much good? Who can it be, sir, replied Guilan, but the same as usual? No other than Amadis of Gaul, for you heard his cry; and it would be well, Sir, that you should give him the thanks that he deserves. The King answered, Go you forward and stop him if he be departing; he will stay for you. I will presently follow. When Don Guilan came to the gate, he then learnt for certain that it was Amadis; and that he had already taken horse and was departing with his people, not waiting for Quadragante, lest he should be detained. Don Guilan then cried out aloud to him to stay, for the King was here. At this Amadis was troubled, but when he came nearer he looked at the King, and saw that his armour was all broken and clotted with the blood of his wounds; and he was moved to pity at beholding him thus; for notwithstanding the great enmity between them, he had always remembered that he was the bravest and most honourable King in the world, and the best of heart; so coming still nearer, he dismounted and went up to him, and knelt, and would have kissed his hand; but the King raised him up and embraced him with right good will. At this time Don Quadragante came up to follow Amadis, and with him came Cildadan and many others who were going to detain Amadis, that he might see the King. Quadragante, and Florestan, and Angriote then went to kiss the King's hand, and Amadis embraced King Cildadan. Who can tell the pleasure they all felt to see themselves thus united, and the destruction of their enemies!

King Cildadan then said to Amadis, Go you, sir, to the King, and I will remain with my uncle Don Quadragante: thus accordingly they did; but now Brandoyuas came up with much pain, for he was sorely wounded, and said to the King, Sir, the townsmen and your people are killing the enemies, who have fled into the houses; and such slaughter is there, that the streets are flowing with blood; but though their lords deserve this, their people have not. Do you, therefore, give order what should be done in this cruel destruction. Let it be stopt, Sir, cried Amadis; for it is in these things that greatness of heart is shown. The King then sent his son Norandel and Don Guilan to put a stop to the slaughter, and look to the prisoners; and Amadis bade Gandalin and Enil and his foster-father Gandales take charge of Aravigo and Arcalaus, and Barsinan, and the Duke of Bristol. Lisuarte then took Amadis by the hand, and said, Sir, if it pleases you, let us now go rest and refresh ourselves, for we have need; let us go into the town, and have the dead carried out. May it please you, replied Amadis, to give us leave to depart, that we may return in time to King Perion who is on his way with all the rest of the army. Certes, quoth Lisuarte, that leave will I not give. In virtue and strength none can conquer you; but in this you must yield to me, we will receive your father here. After so signal a thing as this, it is not reasonable that we should part so soon! and then he turned to King Cildadan and said, Do you retain this Knight, since I cannot. Sir, quoth Cildadan, do this which the King so affectionately beseeches you; and let not a man who hath been so well brought up commit such discourtesy. Amadis then turned to his brother Florestan and the other Knights, and asked what they should do since the King commanded them. Quadragante answered, that as they were come thither to serve the King, and had already done so in the more important part, so ought they in lesser things. Let it be so, Sir, then Amadis replied.

He then bade his people dismount, and secure their horses in the field, and seek for food. Presently they saw King Arban and Don Grumedan come up with their hands tied behind them; for their guards had left them, and it was a wonder that they had not slain them. Greatly did the King rejoice to see them, for he thought that they had been dead, and so certes they would have been but for this succour: and they went and kissed his hands, and then went to welcome Amadis with such joy as the greatest friends in the world feel when they meet. They now advised the King to go with all those Knights to the Monastery which was near, till the town should be cleared of dead bodies. Arquisil now, who had been placing Flamineo where his wounds could be attended, came up; and when he saw Amadis he embraced him, saying, Sir, you succoured us in good time; if you have slain some of us, you have saved more. Amadis replied with great pleasure, Sir, have I succoured you, for you may believe that I truly love you. Now as Lisuarte was going toward the monastery, he saw King Perion and his army coming up with great speed. Sir, quoth Don Grumedan, this is a good succour; but if the first had been delayed, our safety would have been delayed altogether. The King laughing replied, he who would dispute with you respecting Amadis, would have a long quarrel, Don Grumedan, and a perilous one!

The King then called for a horse, and bade King Cildadan mount also, that they might ride to welcome King Perion. Sir, said Amadis, it were far better that you rested and took heed to your wounds, and the King my father will come to visit you; but the King said, he would by all means meet him; so he and King Cildadan and Amadis rode on, and Durin was sent forward to let Perion know of his coming. King Perion upon this took with him Count Gastiles, and Grasandor and Don Brian and Trion, and besought Agrayes to lead the troops while they advanced. This he did knowing the enmity of Agrayes to King Lisuarte, and he who was well pleased, busied himself to delay the army, that he might not have occasion to meet the King. When the two Kings met they alighted and embraced each other; and Perion, seeing him so wounded, said, methinks, you were not in this evil plight when you left your camp, though there your arms had not lain idle in their cases, nor your person under the shade of your tent. Sir, quoth King Lisuarte, I wished you to behold me as I am, that you might know in what state I was when Amadis and these Knights rescued me. He then told him how the battle had been. I thank God for it, replied King Perion, and for the peace there is between us; for through all this quarrel it has ever been my wish, that my sons and all their kin should look up to, and reverence you as their lord and father. Lisuarte answered, We will leave this for farther leisure. I trust in God that before we part we shall be connected by a near tie, and by great love.

King Lisuarte now looked round for Agrayes, and seeing him not, he asked for him, for though he knew how that Prince hated him, yet both for his own sake, and to show that no farther enmity existed, he had resolved what to do. Perion replied, that he had left him with the army, to prevent any accidental mischief if the armies should meet. Let him be called then, said Lisuarte, for I will not depart till I have seen him. Amadis upon this went himself to Agrayes, knowing that he could best prevail upon his cousin, and he told him all that had passed, and besought him to go with him, since friendship was now re-established. Agrayes answered, Cousin, you know my anger lasts no longer than it is your will; but God send that the service which you have now done the King may be better guerdoned than your former ones! this has made him suffer for the past, and that belike may change his condition! so he bade the army halt till they received his orders, and rode back with Amadis. When they came up, the King took him in his arms and embraced him awhile saying, which is the most dangerous, this embrace, or that which we gave each other in the battle? Agrayes courteously answered, Sir, longer time is necessary before that can be resolved with truth. Now then, quoth the King, let us move; You, Sir, speaking to King Perion, with those Knights must be my guests in the Monastery; the troops, as many as can, must take their quarters in the town, and the rest encamp in these fields; we will have all the stores which are collected for the camp brought here, that there will be no want. King Perion would fain have had his leave to depart, but Lisuarte and Cildadan urged him so that he could not deny, and they were all well lodged in the Monastery. There King Lisuarte was attended by the Masters whom he had brought with him, but they were all as nothing to Master Helisabad, who soon made the King and all the other wounded Knights safe and sound, that it was marvellous; yet Lisuarte had been so grievously hurt that it was more than ten days before he could rise from his bed.

In the mean time the good man Nasciano arrived, at whose coming they were all greatly rejoiced, and he on his part seeing these persons so joined in friendship now, who but three days agone were so cruelly striving to slay each other, lifted up his hands and said, O Lord, how exceeding great is thy mercy, the blood of the wounds which these Knights and Kings made by the wicked enemy's persuasion is not yet dried; and because I have spoken to them in thy name, they are now in the beginning of the good way! let me as thy servant, sinner though I am, so bring all this to an end, that they may forsake all other pursuits, which are not to thy service, and give themselves altogether to the advancement of thy holy Catholic faith. This good man never ceased to exhort them with good examples and doctrine. One day when they were all in King Lisuarte's chamber, the King asked Perion how he had learnt the news of his danger, and being answered that Esplandian had seen Aravigo's army and carried the alarm, the King said to him, Esplandian you have done me great service, and I trust in God that I shall one day well requite it! Son, quoth the Hermit, go and kiss the King's hand for what he hath said. The Child went and knelt and kissed his hand; and the King drew his head nearer, and kissed his face, and looked at Amadis; and Amadis who had his eyes upon the child, saw what the King did, and how he looked at him; and his face coloured; for he knew that Lisuarte was informed of his love for Oriana, and how Esplandian was their child; so that to see how the King loved Esplandian made him more desirous to serve the King; and Lisuarte was so fond of the child, that while he was between them as a reconciler, no difference could happen.

King Gasquilan now arrived at the Monastery; he had been carried in a litter from the camp, and by Lisuarte's advice he kept as far as he could to the right of the mountain, so that by reason of the circuit, he was five days reaching Lubayna; and when he heard of the battle he was sorely grieved that he had not been present, and in his pride said things to that effect, which they who heard did not think good. He was courteously received by all that company, and his bed was placed in King Lisuarte's chamber. There seeing so many fair Knights about him, he asked which was Amadis? who came forward and bade him welcome, saying, I should be better pleased, good Sir, to have seen you in health than thus, for any malady is ill employed upon so good a man as you; may it please God soon to heal you, and whatever quarrel there may be between us, shall be amended with good works. Gasquilan looked at him, and seeing him so fair and so gentle, he would have thought him a fitter man for Dames and Damsels than for feats of war, if he had not to his cost proved him; he made answer, My good Sir Amadis, you are the Knight in the world whom I most desired to see, not for your good, but to combat with you; and if that had befallen you from my hands, which has befallen me from yours, I should have thought myself the best Knight in the world, and should also have won the love of my Lady, by whose command I sought you, and before whom I know not how I shall appear, so that my evil is greater than it seemeth. I am grieved at this, quoth Amadis, but you who have performed such signal exploits, would not have gained much by conquering a Knight of so little renown as I am. At this King Cildadan said with a smile to Lisuarte, you should throw down your wand, Sir, to separate these two Knights, and thus jestingly they were led to talk of other things.

Now King Perion besought Lisuarte that he and his Knights might return to the Firm Island, and send his two Knights to the meeting as had been determined; but King Lisuarte replied, that since it had pleased God thus to bring them together, they would not separate till all was concluded. Arquisil now spake with Amadis, saying he was ready to perform his promise, and return to prison. Amadis then rode out with him, and when they were away from all others, said, my good Sir, I have been prevented from speaking to you before, as you have seen; but now that we have opportunity to speak, I will tell you what is in my mind. Now that the Emperor is dead, you are the right heir to the Empire, and I know likewise, that you are well beloved by all the people, and if any one disliked you it was the Emperor, for his envy of your good qualities. So great a thing as this you ought to attend to. You have here the greater part of the best Knights of Rome, and I have in the Firm Island, Brondajel of the Rock, and the Duke of Ancona, and the Archbishop of Talancia, with sundry others who were taken upon the sea. We will send for them, and before we separate, they will do homage to you as Emperor; and if there be any opposition, I will assist you to obtain your right. If Arquisil was well pleased at this, you may easily guess, for he had expected to be held prisoner in some place from whence he should not soon have been released. My good Sir, he replied, I know not why all who are in the world do not seek after your friendship! If thanks were sufficient for such a kindness I would offer them; but what can I offer? certes nothing but my person, and all that God and my right may bestow upon me; therefore, as you have said, bring this to effect, and what I gain will be more yours than mine. I will undertake it, said Amadis, and with God's help you shall depart Emperor from hence, or else hold me not for a Knight.

Before we return to the Monastery, said Amadis, I will show you the man in the world who hates me most; with that they entered Lubayna, and went to the lodging of Don Gandales, and to the chamber where King Aravigo and Arcalaus were held prisoners. They found them in one bed, and with their cloaths on; for since their captivity they had never undressed. Amadis knew the Enchanter, and said to him, what dost thou do, Arcalaus?—Who art thou who askest?—Amadis of Gaul, whom you have so much desired to see. Then Arcalaus looked at him more attentively; certes you say truly, for though it is long since I saw thee, I remember that thou art the same whom I had in my power in Castle Valderin. The compassion which I then had upon thy youth and comeliness, hath since occasioned me many and great troubles, and has at length brought me to such state, that it behoveth me to ask thy mercy. Amadis replied, if I should have mercy, wouldst thou cease to commit those great iniquities and cruelties to which thou hast been accustomed? No, quoth he, for my age so long addicted thereto by its own will, cannot now give up what hath so long been its delight; but necessity, whose strong curb can change all customs from good to evil, and from evil to good, would make me do that in my age, which my youth in liberty neither would nor could. What necessity, replied Amadis, could I lay thee under, if I set thee free? Arcalaus answered, I would give thee up my castles and all my lands, to increase which I have done so much ill to my conscience and fame, and would reserve no more than it might please you, for your virtue, to allow me; for at present I can do nothing else. It might be that this pressure, and your great goodness would work that change in me, which reason hitherto hath not been able to effect. Then Amadis replied, Arcalaus, if I have any hope that thy disposition can be amended, it is only from the knowledge which thou thyself hast that thou art a wicked sinner. Take courage, therefore, in this consolation; it may be this prison of the body which thou so much dreadest, may be the key to release thy soul, which thou hast had so long enthralled. Then he would have left him; but Arcalaus cried out, Amadis, look at this unhappy King! a little while ago, and he was on the point of becoming one of the greatest Princes in the world, and in a moment, fortune, which had been so favourable, beat him down, and placed him in this cruel captivity. Let him be an example to thee, and to all who have, or desire to have, honour and dominion; and remember that to conquer and to pardon is the character of great spirits. Amadis did not answer, because he was his prisoner, and this reason was against him, that he, though by his arms and his enchantments had conquered many, had never spared; howbeit he knew that what he had now said was spoken well.

As soon as they returned to the monastery, Amadis called for Ardian his Dwarf, and bade him go to the Firm Island, and tell Oriana and her company all that had taken place; and he gave him a letter for Ysanjo, wherein he bade him send all the Roman prisoners. Well pleased was the Dwarf to carry this news, because he hoped from it great honour and much profit. He mounted his horse, and rode by day and by night with little respite till he arrived. Oriana had heard of the two battles, and that the Emperor of Rome was slain, and how the good man Nasciano had made a truce, but she knew nothing more, and was now very sorrowful that he could not bring about peace; and she did nothing now but tell her beads and make offerings and romerias to all the churches in the island, and continually pray for peace. Now when she heard that the Dwarf had arrived and brought tidings for her, her heart was greatly disturbed, fearing what he might tell her both of her father and Amadis; but he, as soon as he saw her, said, Lady, I ask for albricias (the reward of good tidings) not according to what I am, but according to what you are, and what the tidings are that I bring. Oriana answered, my friend Ardian, it seems things go well with your master, but tell me if my father is living? Living? Lady, quoth the Dwarf, alive and well, and happier than ever he was! Holy Mary! cried Oriana, tell me all, and if ever God gives me any good, I will make thee happy in this world. But when she heard all that had befallen, she knelt down, and lifted her hands and said, O Lord Almighty, the helper of all that be in need, blessed be thy holy name! and blessed be that fair child who hath been the occasion of all this good; I am bound to love him better than any one can think! They who heard her, thought she said this because of the succour which Esplandian had procured for the King, but it proceeded from the bowels of a mother.

Queen Briolania and Melicia then asked him concerning Child Esplandian, what manner of youth he was, and how the King requited his service. Good Ladies, he answered, I was with Amadis in the King's chamber, when Esplandian went to kiss the King's hand for the favours which he promised him; and I saw the King draw him closer, and lay his hand upon his head and kiss his eyes. And as for his beauty, I tell you, that though he is a man, and you think yourselves full handsome, if he were before you, you would hide yourselves and not dare be seen. It is well then, said they, that we are shut up here, where he cannot see us. Oh, quoth the Dwarf, however you were shut up, you and all fair Ladies would go far to seek him. At that they all laughed merrily. But Oriana, looking at Queen Sardamira, bade her be of good cheer, for when the Lord was thus helping her sorrows, she also would not be forgotten. The Queen thanked her, and asked Ardian what was become of those unhappy Romans who were with King Lisuarte? he told her that he had seen Arquisil talking in friendship with Amadis, and that her brother Flamineo was hurt, but not badly.

When Ysanjo had read the letter of Amadis, he took the Roman chiefs from the tower where they were held prisoners, and gave them horses, and all things fitting for the journey, and sent his own son and other persons to guide them; and the other prisoners, who were about two hundred, he released also, and sent them to Amadis. When they arrived at the Monastery, they kissed the King's hand, who received them kindly and with good cheer. But when they saw Arquisil, neither he nor they could refrain from tears. Amadis courteously received them, and taking them apart without Arquisil, he said, good Sirs, I sent for you, that as things appear to be drawing to a happy end, ye might be present, being men of whom reasonably much account should be taken; and also to tell you, that I have Arquisil's promise to return to prison, at my discretion, as probably you have heard. But considering the lineage from which he is sprung, and his own nobleness, I resolved to confer with you, that as there is no other to whom the empire can of right belong, ye should take him for your Emperor, in doing which ye would do two things: first, ye would discharge your duty, by giving to the Empire so good a Knight, who is the right heir, and who would bestow great honours upon you; and secondly, as to what relates to your own captivity and his, for without delay ye should be at liberty to return into your own country, and I would always be your good friend as long as it pleased you; for I love Arquisil as though he were my own brother. Upon this the Roman Lords desired Brondajel of the Rock to speak for them: We are much beholden to you, Sir Amadis, said he, for this gracious speech. But this is a weighty business, and the consent of so many wills is necessary, that we cannot reply till we have consulted with the Knights who are here; for though little account may be made of them, yet in this, Sir, they are of great importance, for they possess cities, and towns, and fortresses, in the Empire, and many offices, which concern the election; if it please you, therefore, let us see Flamineo, and we will summon the rest in his presence, and then we shall be enabled deliberately to answer. Amadis upon this said, they had answered like good Knights, and he besought them that there might be no delay; incontinently those Lords went to horse, and rode into the town, which by this time was cleared of the dead, for King Lisuarte had summoned the people of the surrounding districts to bury them.

Glad were they to see Flamineo, albeit the great misfortunes which had befallen them, made their countenances sorrowful. They told him what had past, and the chiefs of the Romans were forthwith assembled. Then, when they were all met, Brondajel of the Rock thus began: Honourable Knight Flamineo, you, and these our good friends, know the misfortunes which have fallen upon us, since first we came to this Island of Great Britain, by command of the Emperor, whom God pardon! of this I will not speak. We were prisoners in the Firm Island, and it pleased Amadis of Gaul to send for us hither, where he hath shown us great honour, and spoken to us at length saying, that as our Empire is now without a Lord, and the succession more justly appertaineth to Arquisil than to any other, it would please him if we would chuse that Knight to be our Lord and Emperor, and that he would then set us free, and become our faithful friend and ally; and so earnestly did he propose this, that it appeared to us he would rejoice if we did so with good-will, and that if we refused, he would employ his force to bring it otherwise about; for this cause ye are now summoned; and to me it seems that this which Amadis desires of us is what we ought most earnestly to have requested of him. For who is there, who either by his right, or for his courage, or for his virtues, deserves the Empire so well as Arquisil? Certes none. He is our countryman, brought up among us; we know his good disposition, and that we may ask privileges of him as our right, which a stranger belike would deny. Moreover, thus should we win the friendship of the famous Amadis, who, as when he was our enemy, he had such power to injure us, so being our friend, will he remedy the past with much honour and advantage. Now, then, Sirs, speak as you may think fit, having no regard to our captivity or tribulation, but only as reason and justice shall direct.

Such influence have those things that are just and reasonable, that even the wicked cannot easily withstand them. But these Knights were men of much discretion and understanding, and though on such occasions there are often many discordant wills, they all agreed that what Brondajel of the Rock had advised was reasonable, and that what Amadis recommended should be done; that they and their Emperor might leave the land, in which so much evil had befallen them, and return to their own country. With this answer the chiefs returned to Amadis. Then all the chiefs and people of the Empire there present, being assembled in the church, they did homage to Arquisil as their Emperor, and he swore to maintain their privileges and customs, and granted them all the favours which they reasonably asked.