Amadis of Gaul, Vol. 3

by Vasco de Lobeira

Then Amadis went out of the cabin, and seeing that Ladadin of Fajarque had made them in the castle cry for mercy, he commanded them to cease from farther slaughter. He then got into the galley where Enil and Gandalin were with forty Knights, and bade them steer towards where they heard the cry of Agrayes; when they came up, they found that he, and Quadragante had boarded Salustanquidio's ship; and when Amadis got on board, the Romans began to leap over, some perishing in the water, others escaping to the other vessels. He went on, seeking his cousin, whom

he found, with Salustanquidio wounded at his feet, and begging for mercy. Agrayes knew his love for Olinda, and would shew him none: do not slay him, said Quadragante, he is a good prize: Sir Quadragante, said Amadis with a smile, let Agrayes do his will, for else this Roman will not leave one of us alive; and while they thus spake, the head of Salustanquidio was smitten off. Now the ship was their own, and the banner of Agrayes and Don Quadragante hoisted on her castle. Agrayes forthwith went into the chamber where Olinda was confined; but Amadis, and Don Quadragante, and Ladadin, and Listoran of the White Tower, went in Enil's galley, to see how Florestan fared. On the way they met Ysanes, a kinsman of Florestan by the mother's side, who told them how he had won all the ships, and taken the Duke of Ancona and the Arch-bishop; they then looked round, and saw that the Romans were every where put to the worst, so that not one ship or boat escaped to carry tidings of their defeat.

With that they went on board the vessel of Oriana, and there disarmed their heads and hands, and washed off the blood. Amadis asked where Florestan was, and was told, that Sardamira had cried out to him to save her, and that she lay fallen at the feet of Oriana, beseeching her to save her from

death or dishonour. Amadis went into the cabin, and saw that the Queen was embracing Oriana, and that Florestan held her by the hand, he went before her courteously, and would have kissed her hand, but she withdrew it: fear nothing, Lady, said he, Don Florestan is at your service, and we shall all obey him, even though it were not our will to honour all womankind. Good Sir, said Sardamira to Florestan, who is this Knight so courteous, and so much your friend? Lady, said he, it is my Lord and brother Amadis, with whom we are all come to succour Oriana. She then rose and said, Good Sir Amadis, blame me not, if I have not received you as I ought, for I knew you not. God be praised, that in such a calamity, I am placed under your courtesy, and the protection of Don Florestan. So Amadis seated her beside Oriana; now all this while, Queen Sardamira knew not the death of Salustanquidio, whom she greatly loved. Queen, said Oriana, if I have hitherto heard your words with pain and dislike, now shall I ever honour and love you as you deserve, for what you did to my injury, was not your own will, but in whatever was your own will, you were ever courteous and gentle. While they were thus communing, Agrayes and Olinda came in, and affectionately did Oriana embrace them, and thank the other Knights as she knew them. Ah, friend

Gavarte, said she, to him of the Perilous Valley, well have you fulfilled your promise, God knows how truly I thank you, and how I wish to reward you! Lady, he replied, I have done my duty, for you are my natural Lady. Whenever time shall be, remember me as one who will be ever at your service.

At this time were all the chief Knights assembled on board this vessel, to take counsel how they should proceed. Then Oriana took Amadis aside and said. Dear friend I beseech and command you now more than ever to conceal our love! order it so, now that they may resolve to carry me to the Firm Island, that being safe there, God may dispose of me as he knows best and as ought to be. Amadis replied, do you then send Mabilia to propose this, that it may appear to proceed from your will and not from mine. Accordingly he went among the Knights, and they were of divers opinions, for some proposed to take Oriana to the Firm Island, others that she should go to Gaul, others that she should go to Scotland, the country of Agrayes. But presently Mabilia came to them with four other Damsels, and said, Sirs, Oriana beseeches ye to carry her to the Firm Island, till she be reconciled to her parents, and she implores ye as ye have begun so well, that ye would bring this enterprize with the same good courage to good

end, and do for her what ye have ever done for other Damsels. Quadragante answered, good Lady, the good and brave Amadis and we who are with him in her rescue, are of one will to serve her till death, and we will protect her against her father and against the Emperor of Rome, if they will not be brought to reason and justice. That answer all the Knights approved, and declared that they should not hold themselves acquitted of that promise till Oriana was restored to her own free will, and made sure of her inheritance.

With this accord they departed each to his ship, to give order respecting the prisoners. Don Bruneo, and Ladadin, and the brother of Angriote and Sarquiles, and Orlandin were left in the vessel with Oriana and Queen Sardamira, and Enil the good Knight who had received three wounds, but had concealed them like a brave man, and one who could endure all difficulty. These Knights were left to guard Oriana till they should arrive at the Firm Island.

Here endeth the Third Book of the noble and virtuous Knight Amadis of Gaul.

END OF THE THIRD VOLUME.