lineage had been increased, and I thought it possible considering the time when your letter was written, that this child might be my son, but this was only a thought. Now after they communed together thus they returned to Oriana, and then Gandalin took leave and set forth on his voyage, and then the Knights broke up the company and returned each to his lodgings.
CHAPTER 13.
That day whereon King Lisuarte had delivered his daughter Oriana to the Romans, hard and cruel as he had been to her in this marriage, yet could he not hear without pity her cries and lamentation, which were so grievous that there was not a man in the world who could have heard them without compassion. The tears against his will came into his eyes, and he turned back more sorrowful at heart then he would let be seen in his semblance. Now when he came to his palace he found both men and women there making great moan for the departure of Oriana, nor could the strict command which he gave any way prevail or abate this, for that Princess was more honoured and better loved by all, than ever was other person in Great Britain. He looked round his palace and saw no Knights there as he had been used to
see them, except only Brandoyuas, who told him that the Queen was lamenting in her chamber. So he went thither, but there also he could see none of the Princesses and Dames and Damsels who were wont to be in her company, and when he beheld how deserted the place was and how greatly changed from what it had been, there came a cloud over his heart, and he had no power to speak. But when the Queen saw him enter her apartment she fell down in a swoon. King Lisuarte raised her up and held her in his arms till her senses returned; and when he saw that she was somewhat recovered, he said to her, Lady it neither beseems your prudence nor your virtue to be thus cast down by what is no calamity, but instead of that, great honour and good fortune. If you wish to preserve my esteem and love, let this be the last display of such weakness. Your daughter is not so despoiled, but that she ought to be esteemed the greatest Princess of all her race. To this the Queen made no reply, but fell with her face upon the bed, sobbing in great agony.
The King then left her and returned to the hall; there he found none but King Arban of North Wales and Don Grumedan, both showing by their countenances and demeanour the sorrow which at heart
they felt. And though King Lisuarte was of great heart, and could beyond all other men conceal his thoughts, yet was it manifest how deeply he was now afflicted. But he thought it would be well to go hunt in the woods, till time should remedy what he felt, and he bade King Arban give command that the tents should be made ready and all things needful for the chace, for he would go out on the morrow. That night he would not sleep in the Queen's chamber lest his presence might increase her grief. Early in the morning he heard mass and departed, but when he saw with how poor a company he was now attended, he who was so desirous of the company of good Knights and who had once had the best of the world in his household, in spite of himself he could not chuse but be greatly troubled. But Fortune now was bent to give him real cause for grief and make him forget this displeasure which was brought on by himself; for some of the Roman prisoners who had made their escape from the Firm Island learning where the King was, came to him, and told him every thing as it had happened in their sight. How much soever King Lisuarte felt at such tidings so unexpected and so nearly concerning him, with a good countenance as Kings use to put on, he made no show of displeasure, but answered, I am grieved my
friends for the death of Salustanquidio and for your loss; but as for what regards myself I am used to receive injuries and to give them in return. Remain ye in my court, and ye shall be assisted with all things needful. Upon that they kissed his hand and besought him that he would remember their companions and those Lords who had been taken with them. Be not troubled for them, replied the King, that shall be remedied in a manner befitting my honour and the honour of your Master. Then he bade them go to the city where the Queen was, but charged them to say nothing of what had happened till he should return.
Three days King Lisuarte remained hunting in the forest in such mood as you may imagine, then he returned to the city still bearing a chearful countenance. Forthwith he went to the Queen's apartment, and she who was one of the noblest women in the world and the most prudent, seeing that it nothing availed her to show her sorrow appeared more tranquil. The King ordered all her attendants to leave the chamber, and seating himself beside her, said, In things of little moment which by chance may fall out to trouble us, there is some licence allowed for the expression of grief and sorrow, which as they are produced by slight