CHAPTER 44.

The Kings now determined that the marriages should be celebrated on the fourth day, and that the feasts should continue fifteen days, after which they would return home. When the day was arrived, all the bridegrooms assembled at the apartment of Amadis, being clad in such rich and costly apparel as beseemed such personages upon such an occasion. They mounted their palfreys, and rode with the Kings and all their company to the garden, where they found the brides, all in rich array, and upon their palfreys also, and then with the Queens and other ladies, the whole company proceeded to the church, where the holy Hermit Nasciano was ready to say mass. When the ceremony and marriage had been performed with all the solemnities which the holy church enjoins, Amadis went to King Lisuarte and said, Sir, I ask a boon of you, which you will be nothing loth to grant. The King replied, I grant it.—Then, Sir, be pleased to command Oriana before it be dinner time to prove the Arch of True Lovers, and the Forbidden Chamber, for hitherto we have none of us been able to persuade her to the adventure, by reason of her great sadness. I have such confidence in her truth and beauty that I doubt not but she will enter without let or hindrance where no woman hath for a hundred years entered; for I saw Grimanesa's image, made with such cunning as she were alive, and her beauty is nothing equal to Oriana's. Our marriage feast shall then be held in the Forbidden Chamber.

Son, replied the King, what you ask is easily done; but I fear lest it should disturb our feast; affection will often delude the eyes, and this may have been the case with you and Oriana. Fear not, quoth Amadis, my heart is assured that it will be as I say. The King then sent to Oriana, who was with the Queens and the other brides, and said to her, Daughter, your husband hath asked a boon of me, and it is only you who can perform it, I would have you, therefore, make good my promise. She knelt down, and kissed his hand, saying, Sir, I would to God that I could in any way serve you: tell me what it is to be, and if I can do it, there shall be no delay; then he raised her up and kissed her cheek, and said, before dinner you must prove the adventure of the Arch of True Lovers, and of the Forbidden Chamber; for this is what your husband hath asked. When they heard this, some there were who rejoiced that the attempt was to be made, and others who were fearful lest she should fail where many had failed, and thus be put to shame: so they left the church and made to the place beyond which none could pass who were not found worthy.

When they reached this place, Melicia and Olinda said to their husbands, that they also would prove the adventure: thereat Don Bruneo and Agrayes were greatly rejoiced to see with what courage they would put their truth to the proof; but yet fearing lest it might turn out otherwise, they replied, that they were so well satisfied, that the proof need not be made. Nay, said the brides, we will attempt it; if we were elsewhere it might well be excused; but being at the place, it shall never be thought that we feared in our own hearts this proof. Since it is so, replied the husbands, we cannot deny that we shall receive from it the greatest joy that can be. Then they told King Lisuarte that these also would prove the adventure. In God's name! quoth the King. They all alighted; and it was agreed that Melicia and Olinda should enter first. They then advanced, and one after the other passed under the Arch without opposition, and went where the images of Apolidon and Grimanesa stood; and the figure which stood upon the Arch sounded his trumpet sweetly, so that all who heard it were delighted; for except they who had before heard the same, they had never heard so sweet sounds. Oriana then came up to the line of the spell, and she looked round at Amadis and her face coloured; then she turned and advanced, and when she was under the Arch, the Image began his music, and from the mouth of his trumpet showered down flowers and roses in such abundance that they covered the ground, and the sound was far sweeter than what had before been uttered, delightful to all who heard it, so that they would willingly have remained listening so long as it should continue; but as soon as she had passed the Arch the sound ceased. She found Olinda and Melicia looking at their own names which were now written in the jasper table: they seeing her joyfully went to her, and led her to behold the Images. Oriana looked carefully at Grimanesa, and saw that none of those who were without could compare with her beauty; and she herself began to fear, and would willingly have declined the adventure of the Forbidden Chamber; in that of the Arch she had had no fear, knowing her own heart and true love. Willingly would they have tarried longer, if they who were without had not expected them; so hand in hand they went out, so well contented and so proud of what they had atchieved, that their beauty seemed to have been brightened by the success. Their three husbands, who had before proved the adventure, went through the Arch to meet them, which none of the Knights could have done; and the trumpet sounded again, and again showered more flowers, and they embraced their wives and kissed them, and thus they all came forth together.

This done, they proceeded towards the Forbidden Chamber, then Grasinda approached Amadis and said, Sir, though my beauty may not be such as to gratify my heart's desire, yet I cannot for pride forbear this trial; it never shall be said that this was atchieved, and that I had not proved it. Let come what will, I will adventure. Amadis, whose only wish was that all might prove it before Oriana, that her glory might be the greater, replied, Lady, I can only attribute this resolution to the greatness of your heart, which wishes to atchieve that wherein so many have failed; and he took her by the hand, and said, this fair lady will attempt the adventure, and so should you also Olinda and Melicia; for with such beauty as God hath given you, ye ought without fear, on so great an occasion to adventure it; perchance it may be accomplished by one of you, and then Oriana will be freed from the alarm which she feels. This he said; but in his heart he knew that none but Oriana could compare with Grimanesa's beauty.

Grasinda then commended herself to God, and began her way. She reached the copper perron with little trouble, and went on; but when she was near the marble perron, she was opposed. Howbeit, discovering mere resolution than could have been expected from a woman, she held on, and reached the marble perron; but then she was seized without remorse by her goodly locks, and thrown out senseless. Don Quadragante took her; and though he knew there was no hurt in all this violence, yet was he greatly moved; for albeit, he was now not a young man, yet did he as entirely love his lady as any of the other bridegrooms. The gentle Olinda came next, led by Agrayes, who had little hope that she would succeed, notwithstanding his great love, for he had seen the image of Grimanesa; howbeit, he thought she could advance among the foremost. She reached the marble perron without let, but there the resistance began; and having only advanced one step farther, she also was cast out. Melicia then came on with good cheer and a proud heart, and she passed both the perrons, so that all thought she would have entered the chamber, and Oriana herself was dismayed; but when she had advanced one step beyond Olinda, she was thrown out, as if she had been dead, for they who advanced farthest were thrown out with most violence, as it had been done to the Knights before Amadis atchieved the adventure. The grief of Don Bruneo to see her in such plight moved many to compassion; but all they who knew that there was neither danger nor hurt laughed at his alarm.

And now Amadis led on Oriana in whom all beauty was centered. She advanced with gentle step and firm countenance to the line of the spell, and there she crossed herself, and commended herself to God, and went on. She felt nothing till she had passed both the perrons; but when she was within a step of the chamber, she felt hands that pushed her and dragged her back, and three times they forced her back to the marble perron; but she with her fair hands repelled them on both sides, and it seemed as if she were thrusting hands and arms from her, and thus by her perseverance and good heart, but above all by reason of her surpassing beauty, she came, though sorely wearied, to the door of the chamber and laid hold on the door post; and then the hand and arm which had led in Amadis, came out and took her hand, and above twenty voices sung these words sweetly, Welcome is the noble Lady, who hath excelled the beauty of Grimanesa the worthy companion of the Knight who, because he surpasses Apolidon in valour, hath now the lordship of this Island, which shall be held by his posterity for long ages. The hand then drew her in, and she was as joyful as though the whole world had been given her, not so much for the prize of beauty which had been won, as that she had thus proved herself the worthy mate of Amadis, having like him, entered the Forbidden Chamber, and deprived all others of the hope of that glory.

Ysanjo then said, that all the enchantments of the Island were now at an end, and all might freely enter that chamber. They all went in and beheld the most sumptuous chamber that could be devised; and they embraced Oriana with such joy as though they had not for long while seen her. Then was the feast spread, and the marriage bed of Amadis and Oriana made in that chamber which they had won.

PRAISE BE TO GOD.

INDEX. VOL. IV.

Page

Here beginneth the fourth book of the noble and virtuous Knight Amadis of Gaul, Son of King Perion and Queen Elisena, which treats of his prowess and the great feats of arms which he and the Knights of his lineage performed.

CHAPTER 1.

Of the great lamentation which Queen Sardamira made for the death of Prince Salustanquidio 1

CHAPTER 2.

How by the choice and command of the Princess Oriana, these Knights carried her to the Firm Island 4

CHAPTER 3.

How Grasinda knowing the victory which Amadis had gained, adorned to go forth, accompanied by many Knights and Dames to receive Oriana 7

CHAPTER 4.

How Amadis assembled together all the Knights, and the speech which he made to them, and what they determined 15

CHAPTER 5.

How all the Knights were well contented with what Don Quadragante proposed 19

CHAPTER 6.

How all the Knights were greatly anxious for the service and honour of the Princess Oriana 25

CHAPTER 7.

How Amadis spake with Grasinda, and what she replied 31

CHAPTER 8.

How Amadis sent a messenger to Queen Briolania 36

CHAPTER 9.

How Don Quadragante spake with his nephew Landin, and told him to go to Ireland, and speak with the Queen his niece, that she might allow his vassals to come and serve him 39

CHAPTER 10.

How Amadis sent to the King of Bohemia 42

CHAPTER 11.

How Gandalin spake with Mabilia and Oriana, and what they bade him say to Amadis 44

CHAPTER 12.

How Amadis and Agrayes, and all the Knights of high degree, went to see and console Oriana, and the Ladies who were with her 49

CHAPTER 13.

How the news of the defeat of the Romans, and the taking of Oriana came to King Lisuarte, and of what he did thereupon 55

CHAPTER 14.

Of the letter which the Princess Oriana sent to Queen Brisena her mother, from the Firm Island 63

CHAPTER 15.

How King Lisuarte asked counsel of King Arban of North Wales and Don Grumedan and Guilan the Pensive, and what they answered 75

CHAPTER 16.

How it fortuned that Don Quadragante and Brian of Monjaste lost themselves at sea, and by adventure found Queen Briolania, and of what befell them 83

CHAPTER 17.

Of the answer which Don Quadragante and Brian of Monjaste brought from King Lisuarte, and what all those Knights resolved upon 100

CHAPTER 18.

How Master Helisabad arrived at the land of Grasinda, and from thence went to Constantinople with the bidding of Amadis; and how he sped 103

CHAPTER 19.

How Gandalin arrived in Gaul, and spake with King Perion, and of the answer which he had 107

CHAPTER 20.

How Lasindo the Squire of Don Bruneo of Bonamar, went with the bidding of his Master to the Marquis and to Branfil, and of what he did with them 112

CHAPTER 21.

How Ysanjo went with the bidding of Amadis to the good King of Bohemia, and of the good success which he met with 114

CHAPTER 22.

How Landin the nephew of Don Quadragante arrived in Ireland, and of the success he had with the Queen 116

CHAPTER 23.

How Don Guilan the Pensive went to Rome with the bidding of King Lisuarte, and of what he did in his embassy to the Emperor Patin 118

CHAPTER 24.

How Grasandor son of the King of Bohemia met Giontes, and what passed between them 124

CHAPTER 25.

How the Emperor of Rome arrived with his fleet at Great Britain, and what he and King Lisuarte did 139

CHAPTER 26.

How King Perion advanced with his people against his enemies, and how he arrayed his army for the battle 149

CHAPTER 27.

How when Arcalaus the Enchanter knew that all these forces were collected for battle, he in all haste called upon King Aravigo and his companions 153

CHAPTER 28.

How the Emperor of Rome and King Lisuarte went with all their force towards the Firm Island to seek their enemies 158

CHAPTER 29.

Shewing for what reason this Gasquilan King of Sweden sent his Squire with the demand which you have heard to Amadis 174

CHAPTER 30.

What befell to either party in the second battle, and for what cause the battle was put a stop to 188

CHAPTER 31.

How King Lisuarte sent the body of the Emperor of Rome to a Monastery, and how he spake with the Romans 201

CHAPTER 32.

How when the holy hermit Nasciano knew of this great quarrel between the Kings, he set about making peace 205

CHAPTER 33.

How the holy man Nasciano returned with the answer of King Perion to King Lisuarte, and of what was agreed 224

CHAPTER 34.

How when King Aravigo knew that the armies were separated he determined to attack King Lisuarte 228

CHAPTER 35.

Of the battle which King Lisuarte had with King Aravigo and his army, wherein King Lisuarte was conquered, and how he was succoured by Amadis of Gaul, he who never failed to succour those who were in need 236

CHAPTER 36.

How Amadis went to succour King Lisuarte, and of what happened upon the way before he arrived 246

CHAPTER 37.

How King Lisuarte assembled all the Kings and Chiefs and Knights in the Monastery of Lubayna, and told them the services which he had received from Amadis of Gaul, and the guerdon which he gave him 275

CHAPTER 38.

How King Lisuarte went to Windsor, and how he and Queen Brisena and their daughter resolved to go to the Firm Island 283

CHAPTER 39.

How King Perion and his troops returned to the Firm Island, and of what they did before King Lisuarte arrived 286

CHAPTER 40.

How Don Bruneo of Bonamar and Angriote of Estravaus and Branfil went to Gaul for Queen Elisena and Don Galaor, and of the adventures which befell them on their return 294

CHAPTER 41.

Of what happened to Don Bruneo of Bonamar and Angriote of Estravaus and Branfil, in the succour which they brought to the Queen of Dacia 304

CHAPTER 42.

How King Lisuarte and Queen Brisena and the Princess Leonoreta came to the Firm Island, and how those Knights and Ladies went out to receive them 318

CHAPTER 43.

How Amadis gave his cousin Dragonis in marriage to the Princess Estrelleta and made him King of the Deep Island 327

CHAPTER 44.

How the Kings were present at the marriages 329

Biggs, Printer, Crane-court, Fleet-street.

ERRORS.

Page Line VOL. I.

17 18 for was read were.

51 3 for he read him.

94 20 for Lyons read Lyones.

272 2 for she could do more read she could do no more

VOL. II.

100 18 for saw read seen.

115 18 for for God's speak read for God's sake speak.

211 12 for the blood read this blood.

229 4 for then blessed read then he blessed.

240 3 for unless miraculously read unless God miraculously.

279 11 for knew that I know read know that I knew.

291 23 for so dangerous, they esteem it read so dangerous did they esteem it.

324 7 for King read Knight.

339 12 love each truly read love each other truly.

340 8 vast read sweet.

VOL. III.

4 19 for friend read friends.

9 21 for a full stop, place a comma.

9 22 for a comma, place a semicolon.

17 23 for to continue by sea read to continue thus by sea

39 6 for She Lady who wished read She, Lady, who wishes.

79 8 for beseech read beseech her.

148 2 for could read would.

194 14 for branded read bounded.

287 6 for Damsel read Damsels

296 2 for Damsel read Damsels.

VOL. IV.

105 5 for has read had.

212 25 for brought, read brought about.

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES

Variations in spelling and hyphenation remain as in the original.

The following corrections have been made to the text:

Page 15: could he not but thoughtfully[original has "thonghtfully"] reflect

Page 15: advice of Don Quadragante and[original has "aud"] of his cousin

Page 45: Ah friend Gandalin[original has "Gandaalin"], said she

Page 46: tell you how this may be["be" missing in original] brought about

Page 53: told me this history of Esplandian[original has "Espladian"]

Page 56: esteemed the greatest[original has "greatess"] Princess

Page 68: It becomes Embassadors[original has "Embasssdors"] also respectfully

Page 72: In[original has "in"] truth then I gained but little

Page 97: went with Briolania to her chamber.[original has a comma]

Page 104: Now then, said the[original has "he"] Emperor

Page 152: Damsels of her company beheld[original has "heheld"] them

Page 155: valiant giants that were ever in this world[period missing in original]

Page 161: grievous for me to fulfil[original has "fullfil"] what you require

Page 162: the King; but[original has "bnt"] I will receive

Page 167: when he went to Oriana[orginial has "Orania"] at Miraflores

Page 191: about to strike with the sword.[period missing in original]

Page 243: mine shall befal to-morrow[original has "to-morow"]

Page 246: that his Lady Oriana[orginial has "Orania"] might know that

Page 284: gave order that these Knights[original has "Kinghts"] should be lodged

Page 294: I have reserved Queen Briolania[original has "Briolanea"]

Page 300: and asked him how he[original has "be"] fared

Page 306: these Knights[original has "Knighs"] were come to their help

Page 313: there never was["was" missing in original] a Knight of the Firm Island who was not fortunate

Page 332: images of Apolidon and[original has "aud"] Grimanesa stood

Page 332: in[original has "In"] that of the Arch she had had no fear

Page 334: perchance it[original has "ti"] may be accomplished

Page 345: Emperor of Rome to a Monastery[original has "Manastery"]

Page 345: knew that the armies were separated[original has "seperated"]

The corrections listed on the Errors page for Vol. IV. have been made to this text.