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CHAP. XXIII.-Of the cruel and hard battle between Amadis and Don Galaor, and how they knew each other.

MADIS rode on without any adventure till he

entered the forest of Angaduza, where he met a knight and a damsel; and the knight coming near drew his sword, and ran at the dwarf to cut off his head. The dwarf fell from his horse with fear, and cried lustily for help. Amadis with all speed went to protect him. Why would you slay my dwarf? quoth he; trust me it is but poor manhood to lay hands on so poor a wretch: he is mine, and I shall defend him. For that, replied the other, I am sorry; but at any rate I must have his head. Do battle first, quoth Amadis. They took their shields and ran at each other; both shields were pierced and both breastplates. Their horses shocked together and their bodies, and both were driven to the ground; but the sword-battle that ensued none could have seen without affright, for never before had either warrior found himself so matched nor in such peril; their shields were shivered, their helmets hacked and bruised, their mail sliced away, and every where free openings for the sword. Both at length drew back to breathe. Knight, said the stranger, do not suffer this any longer for the sake of a dwarf: let me cut off his head, and I will make amends to you for the wrong hereafter. Talk not to me of that, said Amadis: the dwarf shall not be harmed. I must either perish, said the knight, or give his head to that damsel. Said Amadis, One of us shall perish first! and resuming his shield and sword, he renewed the combat more fiercely, provoked at the knight's unreasonable will. But if he was

strong, the other was not weak, and the battle continued till each expected nothing but death, though neither of them a whit abated of his courage.

When

they were in this plight a knight came up, who crossed himself to see so desperate a combat, and asked the damsel how it began. I set them on, said she, and end as it will, it must be to my joy: I shall be glad if either of them be killed, much more if both. That, quoth the knight, is an evil disposition: wherefore do you so hate them? I will tell you: he who hath most of his shield left, is the man whose death my uncle Arcalaus most desires, and is named Amadis; the other is called Galaor, and he slew the man whom I loved best. I obtained a boon from him, and have asked him one which will cost him his life; for, because that other knight is the best in the world, I have demanded the head of his dwarf; both are brought near death hereby to my great pleasure. curse upon thee, woman! cried the knight; and he drew his sword and smote her head from her shoulders take this for the sake of thy uncle Arcalaus and his prison, from whence that knight released me! and with that he galloped to the combatants.-Hold, Sir Amadis, for it is your brother Galaor!

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Then Amadis threw down his shield and sword, and the brethren embraced, and Galaor knelt down and besought his pardon. Brother! quoth Amadis, the danger through which I have passed is well requited, since it has proved to me your great prowess; and then they unlaced their helmets, for they had need of air, and the knight told them how he had served the damsel for her wickedness. Good fortune befall you for doing it, quoth Galaor; for now am I clear of my boon. And indeed, sir knight, said the dwarf, I am

better pleased that you are quit by these means, than in the way you first designed. Now, said the stranger, come with me to my castle. I am the happiest man in the world, Sir Amadis, to have requited you with this service for delivering me from the cruellest dungeon in which ever wretch lay.-Where was that?--In the castle of Arcalaus: my name is Balays of Carsante. So they went to that good knight's castle, where they were laid in bed, and their wounds dressed; and Amadis dispatched his dwarf to inform Queen Brisena that he had found Galaor, and would bring him to Windsor as soon as they were able to travel.

CHAP. XXIV.-How Agrayes and Don Galvanes and Olivas arrived at the court of King Lisuarte.

K

ING LISUARTE, as he was a great hunter, when affairs of more consequence to his

state did not occupy him, went frequently to hunt in a forest near Windsor. The forest being well kept, was stored with beasts of chace, and he always went out in his hunting apparel, provided with all things needful for the sport. In this equipage going one day near the great road, he saw three armed knights and a damsel on their way, and sent a squire to call them. When they came near, the king knew Don Galvanes, and embraced him and bade him welcome. The other knights also he courteously received, for he was the man in the world who with the best good will received all errant knights. Sir, quoth Galvanes, you see here my nephew Agrayes, and I present him to you as one of the best knights in the world. Certes, gentle sir, said Lisuarte, I am greatly

beholden to you for this coming; and with that he embraced the prince. Then recollecting the third,— Sir Olivas! it is long since we have seen you, and I do not willingly let so good a knight be absent. Sir, quoth Olivas, mine own troubles have kept me from your sight and service, nor am I yet free from them ; and then he told the king how the Duke of Bristol had slain his cousin. Thereat was Lisuarte moved to sorrow, for he who was slain had been a good knight. Make your appeal in my court, said he, and the duke shall answer it. They then proceeded toward Windsor, relating as they went how they had saved the damsel from the fire, wherein she should have been burnt for Galaor's sake.

The news of their arrival soon reached the queen's palace, to the joy of all, but chiefly of Olinda. She instantly leaving the chamber, went to Mabilia: Are you not rejoiced at your brother's coming? Oh, yes! quoth Mabilia, for I love him dearly. Then ask the queen to send for him that you may see him, and that those who love you may take part in your pleasure. Brisena at this entreaty sent for the new-come knights. Right glad was Agrayes of this summons; and, leaving the queen's converse as soon as might be, he seated himself between his sister and his mistress. But his eyes were so fixed upon Olinda, and his answers to Mabilia so vague and from the purpose, that she soon saw her brother's case; and, to give him opportunity of talk, called to her uncle Galvanes. Come, said she, I would talk with you in yonder window, that Agrayes may not hear our secrets. Besure the lovers lost not their time; and it was accorded between them that Agrayes should remain in this court with Amadis, if his cousin so advised him.

By this time the knights were summoned to table; they found the boards spread with choice food, and Lisuarte bade them be seated with other knights of great worship. While they were placing the napkins, two knights entered the hall and knelt before the king, and the one asked, Sir, is Amadis of Gaul here? I would he were, replied Lisuarte. So also would I, quoth the knight, who need his assistance. Who are ye? Angriote of Estravaus; and this is my brother. When King Arban of North Wales heard that, he rose from table; and taking Angriote, who was still kneeling, by the hand, raised him up and said, Sir, do you know Angriote? No, quoth Lisuarte: I never till now saw him.-Certes, sir, they who know him hold him! for one of the best knights in your land. Gentle sir, quoth Lisuarte, pardon me if I have not honoured you to your desert: it was because I knew you not; besure you are welcome, and that with heart. Where knew you Amadis? Angriote then related what had passed between them, and his own overthrow. No sooner had he made an end, than Ardian the dwarf arrived, and saluted the king in the name of his master Amadis.-Where did you leave him?—Alive and well! but if you would learn more, let me see the queen, for to her is my bidding. We will not remain ignorant for that, quoth Lisuarte, and forthwith he sent to call Brisena, who came with fifteen of her ladies into the hall, and there were those present who blest the dwarf for this sight of their mistresses. Lady, then said the dwarf, your knight humbly saluteth you, and sends to say that he has found his brother. Then told he the whole chance, and that they would set forth as soon as their wounds were healed.

VOL. I.

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