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

CHAPTER 38.

Lisuarte took with him King Cildadan, and King Gasquilan, and all his people, and in five days arrived at his town of Windsor, being more chearful in semblance than in heart, for though he well knew that both his daughters were now honourable disposed, yet it was after he had been conquered, and the glory all appertained to Amadis; but he was now advanced in years, and grieved to behold so much slaughter, and as he had heretofore regarded so inordinately the glories of the world that he had forgotten the state of his own soul, so now he felt that God had justly thus chastised him. He took Esplandian by the hand, and led him to the Queen, who had already learnt all that had past from Brandoyuas. When he entered, the Queen knelt to him, and would have kissed his hand, but he drew her toward him and embraced her lovingly as one whom he loved with his whole heart; and while the other Dames and Damsels kissed the King's hand, Brisena took Child Esplandian, who was kneeling before her, in her arms, and kissed him often times, and said, O my fair and fortunate child, blessed be the hour in which thou wast born! and the blessing of God and my blessing be upon thee! The King of Sweden and King Cildadan then came and saluted her, and she courteously, as was her manner, welcomed them and the other Knights. By this it was supper time, and the two Kings and many other Knights, sate at table with the King, where they were plentifully served with various meats, as was the custom and beseemed the board of such a man. After they had supped, King Lisuarte gave order that these Knights should be lodged in the Palace, and he and the Queen retired to their chamber, and when they were in bed, the King said, Dame, if peradventure you marvelled at what you have heard concerning your daughter Oriana and Amadis of Gaul, so also did I, for certes any such thought was far from us. I am only grieved that we knew it not, for then all these deaths and losses might have been spared. But now that it is come to our knowledge there is no remedy but that Oriana should remain with the husband whom she has chosen, and setting aside all animosity, to acknowledge the truth, there is no Emperor or Prince this day in the world who can equal him; and Leonoreta will be Empress of Rome. You must therefore get ready, for I freely promised Amadis to do him honour, that we would go to him in the Firm Island, and there you must put on a chearful countenance, and forbear to speak of what has past. The Queen then kissed his hand, because he had thus controuled the pride and anger of his heart, and told him, she would obey, and that since he had two such sons, he should give thanks to God, notwithstanding the manner had not been according to his own will. So on the morrow they gave order for their departure.