told the King that the Emperor was preparing to set forth with all speed. God grant Sir, said he, that your alliance with this man may be to your honour, for as God shall help me, I am little pleased with his arrogance, and can expect nothing good from any force which hath such a Leader. The King answered, Don Guilan I rejoice at your safe return! having you and such as you in my service, we need nothing more than the forces of the Emperor, for you are well able to direct both him and me; but since he hath given you such an answer we must take care to be so prepared, that when he arrives, he shall not think so much of his own power as he now does. So with all diligence King Lisuarte prepared his forces, for he knew that his enemies were assembling aid from all parts, and that the Emperor of Constantinople, and the King of Bohemia, and King Perion of Gaul, and many other Princes were raising men to send to the Firm Island, and happy he thought himself if they should not seek him in his own land. He likewise knew how King Aravigo and Barsinan Lord of Sansuena were arming, and he knew not for what purpose. At this time Brandoyuas returned, and said that King Cildadan of Ireland was preparing to obey his summons, but that Don Galvanes requested
he would not call upon him to act against Amadis and his nephew Agrayes; but if the King would not be so content, he besought him to set him free from his homage, and take back the Island of Mongaza, as had been stipulated, that so long as he held it he should be the King's vassal, and when he chose to be so no longer, he might give up the Island and remain free. The King though his necessity was so great, yet saw that Don Galvanes spake with reason, and sent to tell him he might remain in peace, for though he could not serve him in this quarrel, there might come a time when he might make amends.
Moreover tidings soon came by Filispinel, that King Gasquilan of Sweden had well received the embassy, and had promised to come aid the King, and fight with Amadis, which he had so long desired to do. The King therefore knowing what preparations were now made, called for Giontes and said to him, Nephew you must needs go with all speed to the Emperor Patin, and tell him I am well pleased with what he hath said to me by Don Guilan, and that I am going to my court at Windsor, because it is near the port where he will land: there I shall assemble my force, and he will find me encamped, expecting his arrival.
Say that I beseech him to come as speedily as possible, for if at first we can exceed our enemies in number, much of the aid which they expect will fail. Do not you, nephew, leave Rome till he comes himself, for that will hasten him. Then Lisuarte departed for Windsor, and Giontes put to sea.
CHAPTER 24.
You have heard how Prince Grasandor had embarked with twenty Knights for the Firm Island; now it so fortuned that he fell in by night with the ship which carried Giontes on his embassy to Rome, and gave orders to his men to bear up to her, that he might see who was on board. Giontes having none other than mariners with him, and certain of his servants, could make no resistance, and was brought before Grasandor; who asked him who he was. He replied, a Knight of King Lisuarte, going with his bidding to the Emperor of Rome; if for courtesy you will release me, that I may proceed on my way, I shall hold myself obliged, for you have neither cause nor reason to detain me. Grasandor answered, Knight, I expect soon to be against the King you speak of, in aid of Amadis of Gaul, and am therefore not
bound to treat any of his people well; yet shall I deal courteously with you, and will let you depart, provided you tell me your name, and what is your embassy to the Emperor. It would be to my honour, and to my Master's service, said Giontes, if I were not asked that question; but my Embassy is public, and I shall do my duty in avowing it: my name is Giontes, King Lisuarte is my Uncle. I go to bring the Emperor and all his force as speedily as can be, to go with the King my Uncle against those who have carried away his daughter Oriana; now if it please you let me depart. You have spoken like a Knight, replied Grasandor, I set you free! and come quickly with the force you are to bring, for you will find those whom you seek, ready.
Giontes then went his way, and Grasandor immediately sent one of his Knights in a vessel which he brought with him, to the King his father, to tell him what he had learnt, and request him to observe when the Emperor departed and then without delay send off Count Galtines with the succour, for much to their honour would it be if they should arrive the first. Grasandor then sailed on, and arrived without let or danger at the port of the Firm Island. When the Islanders saw