Amadis of Gaul, Vol. 4

by Vasco de Lobeira

therein. King Cildadan appeared in arms that were entirely black; for, from the time of his defeat in the battle of the Hundred, whereby his kingdom became tributary to King Lisuarte, he had never worn others. I shall not tell you what arms King Gasquilan of Sweden bore, till another time. King Arban of North Wales, and Don Guilan the Pensive, and Don Grumedan would wear no arms for show that day, but only for use, that they might thus show the sorrow they had to behold the King their master placed in so great danger against those who had been in his service and in his household, and who had won for him such honour. Now we will tell you the arms of King Perion, and the Knights of the other host; the armour and the helmet, and the shield of the King were all of burnished steel; and his surcoat was of silk of a bright and vivid colour; he rode a goodly steed, which his nephew Don Brian of Monjaste had given him, being one of twenty which the King his father had sent from Spain, to distribute among the Knights; and in this guise he advanced with the banner of the Emperor of Constantinople. Amadis was armed in green armour, such as he wore when he slew Famongomadan and Basagante

his son, the two mightiest giants in the world; these arms were powdered with lions or; Amadis had much affection for them, because he assumed them on his departure from the Poor Rock, and had worn them when he went to Oriana at Miraflores. Don Quadragante wore murrey arms with flowers argent, and rode one of the Spanish horses. Don Bruneo of Bonamar did not change his device, which was a damsel in his shield and a Knight kneeling before her. Don Florestan the good Knight and jouster bore gules with golden flowers, and rode a Spanish horse. The arms of Agrayes were rose-colour, and in his shield was a damsel's hand, holding a heart. The good Angriote bore his usual arms of azure and argent; and all the other Knights of whom no mention is made, that they who read this history may not be wearied, wore rich arms and of what colour they liked best.

Thus they went forth into the field in good array; and when they were all assembled, each man under his leader, they advanced slowly on at the time of sunrise, and the morning shone upon their arms which were new and bright, and shone in such guise that it was marvellous to behold. At

this time Gandalin and Lasindo came up in white armour befitting new Knights. Lasindo went to Don Bruneo, and Gandalin toward Amadis. When Amadis saw him approach, he requested Don Quadragante to take the command, while he knighted his Squire: then he went to Gandalin, and as they were going toward King Perion, said to him, My true friend I beseech you keep near me in this battle; for though you have seen many battles, and enough of dangers, and may think that you want nothing but strength and courage, it is not so: this is a signal battle; and it behoves you to look well to your life, and to your honour also, and not to give such way to your courage as to let it master your discretion: keep near me and I will look to your defence when you shall need help, and do you the same by me when you see I require assistance. They were now come to where King Perion was, to whom Amadis said, Sir, Gandalin would be made a Knight, and it would have pleased me that he should have been made so by your hand; but as he wishes to receive the order from me, I come to ask that he may receive the sword from you, that he may hereafter remember the great honour and by whom it was conferred.

The King looked at Gandalin, and knew the horse of his son Don Galaor, and the tears came into his eyes: Friend Gandalin, said he, how did you leave Don Galaor at your departure? Greatly recovered from his malady, Sir, replied the Squire, but in grief, and heaviness of heart, for he discovered your departure, though it was kept so secret, but not the cause. He besought me to tell him the truth, and I told him, that by what I had learnt, you were gone to help King Languines of Scotland against certain neighbouring powers. I would not tell him the truth in the state wherein he is. The King at this heaved a sigh from his heart, loving his son dearly, and believing truly, that except Amadis, there was no better Knight in the world, neither for arms, nor for all the manners that became a Knight: and he said, God grant, my good son, that I may never behold thy death, and that I may see thee honourably freed from thy great love to King Lisuarte, that thou mayest be free and at liberty to aid thy brethren and thy lineage. Then Amadis took a sword from Durin, brother to the Damsel of Denmark, and gave it to the King; and he himself knighted Gandalin, and kissed him, and put on his right spur, and King Perion fastened on his sword; and thus was he knighted by the

two best Knights that ever bore arms. Amadis then went back with him to Don Quadragante, who, to do Gandalin honour, came forward and embraced him saying, God grant, my friend, that you may as well fulfil the duties of knighthood, as you have manifested all the virtues and good parts of a good Squire. I believe it will be so, for good beginning for the most part bringeth on good end. Gandalin humbled himself at this, thanking him for the honour. Lasindo also was knighted by the hand of his master, and Agrayes girt on his sword; and you may be assured that these twain in this their first essay of arms, performed such feats, and endured such dangers and such toil, that they in this great battle gained honour and the praise of prowess for all the days of their lives.

It was not long before they saw their enemies advancing to meet them. When they were near enough, Amadis saw that the banner of the Emperor of Rome was in the van; and at this he rejoiced, to think that the first encounter would be with him; for much as he disliked King Lisuarte, yet he always remembered how he had once dwelt in his court, and what honour he had received from him, and above all that he was the

father of his lady Oriana, for which he had resolved, if possible, to turn aside from him in the battle, that he might not harm him, though he well knew that Lisuarte would show him no such courtesy, but rather seek his death as a mortal enemy. But I tell you that Agrayes had a far other intention, for all his hope was that he might meet King Lisuarte in the battle, and slay him. He ever bore in mind the King's ingratitude; and had he been in Mongaza when the island was given to his uncle, he could never have consented that he should receive it, having been vanquished, but would have given him another such lordship in his father's kingdom. When they were now so near that they only waited for the trumpets to sound, that they might begin the attack, they saw a Squire come riding full speed from the army, who enquired with a loud voice if Amadis of Gaul were there? Amadis beckoned to him in reply, and when he approached, said, I am he, what would you? The Squire looked at him, and thought that in his life he had never beheld so goodly a Knight in arms, nor who appeared so well on horseback. Good Sir, quoth he, of a truth I believe that you are he, for your appearance bears testimony to your great renown! Gasquilan, King of Sweden, my lord and

master, sends me to tell you, that when King Lisuarte made war upon your Knights in the island of Mongaza, he came to his help, in the hope of engaging you in battle, not for any enmity which he bears toward you, but because of the renown of your great chivalry: and now he is come hither for the same intent, and saith that he would willingly break two or three lances with you, before the armies join battle, for after that he may not be able to meet you in the tumult. Amadis replied, Good Squire, tell the King your master, that I have before heard of his wish, and attribute it to no enmity in him, but rather to the greatness of his courage. Albeit, my deeds are not equal to the fame, I am well content that a man of such renown should so esteem me. This quarrel is more of will than necessity, and I had rather it had been in some other cause, more to his own honour and profit, but I am ready to do as it may please him. Sir, replied the Squire, my master knows how you conquered his father, the Giant of the Dolorous Island, to save Cildadan and your brother Galaor; and though that is nearly concerning him, yet, because of the great courtesy wherewith you used your victory, he is more beholden to you than bound to seek revenge. It is only for your high renown that he desires to

encounter you; for the victory would be to his great fame above all other Knights in the world, and no shame will it be if he should be conquered by him who has conquered so many Knights, and Giants, and Monsters out of nature. Tell him, quoth Amadis, that I am ready.