¶ The most excellent and pleasant Book, entitled: The treasury of Amadis of France: Containing eloquent orations, pithy Epistles, learned Letters, and fervent Complaints, serving for sundry purposes. The worthiness whereof and profit, doth appear in the Preface or table of this Book. Translated out of French into English.  
Imprinted at London by Henry Bynneman, for Thomas Hacket. And are to be sold at his shop in the Royal Exchange at the sign of the green Dragon.   

¶ To the right worshipful ●ir Thomas Gressam knight, T●omas Hacket wisheth the favour of God, long life, increase of worship, continual health and felicity.  
WHEN I call to my remembrance (right worshipful Sir) what our merciful and good God hath done for us, by his unspeakable omnipotency, and also what gifts he hath endued man withal, we can not choose, but be thankful to him for his worthy benefits bestowed upon us: who so noteth substantially from time to time what worthy instruments God hath raised up in all arts and sciences, as some passing in singleness of gifts as Aristotle, Galen, Ptolemy, Pliny, with other, with those worthy Orators the Grecians, as Demosthenes, Isocrates, and that worthy Roman the Prince of Eloquence Marcus Tullius Cicero, whose excellency hath surpassed all others, and been leaders and schoolmasters to all others. It was not without great cause (right worshipful) that man is called Mycrocosmos, that is to say, a little world: it was not without great consideration, that Aristotle calleth him the searcher of secrets: for what thing is there in this world but man hath sought it out, be it never so hard or obscure? what virtue in stone or plant or any growing thing: yea the virtue of beasts, fishes, fowls, and serpents, and whatsoever is contained in the earth, air, water, or fire, metals, mines of gold, silver, lead, tin, iron etc. In fine, how excellent in all philosophy, aswell natural as moral, as Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy, cosmography, & besides all these, those most excellent historiographers: and yet in my mind this surpasseth all others, that is to say, to be an excellent Orator, singular in orations, pithy and ingenious in writing Epistles, for thereby is brought to pass the most excellent things for public government, as also for every man's private cause and use: for who knoweth not where learning and good government consisteth, their orations be of most excellent force to set forth how times have been passed, with the time present, and also to give warning, and foresee for time to come, how the good and virtuous have merited and received perpetual fame, as to the overthrow of the wicked too their reproach and ignomy. So (right worshipful) this book which I present unto you, is stuff with pleasant orations, fine epistles, singular complaints, with matter mixed so fitly and aptly to serve the turn of all persons, not curious nor filled full of obscure and dark sense, but plain and pleasant, depending and answering one an other, with most delectable matter for all causes, as well encouraging the bashful person and coward to be valiant, as the worthy ladies and damsels in their amorous Epistles, fervent complaints of injuries handled most excellently: And yet I confess not so grave and worthy matter as your worship deserveth to have. Therefore I crave pardon at your hands for this my rash enterprise, trusting in God you will receive it in good part as a token of my good will towards you, and though it yield not so pleasant a grace in the English tongue as it doth in the French, the which it was written in, I know your wonted manner and good nature is to take small things in good part, which hath emboldened me at this present, to dedicated this book of the Treasury of Amadis of France unto your worship, & when god sendeth to my hand any other, I do intent to make ye partaker thereof. And therefore lest at this present I should seem to be over tedious unto you, I commit you to God, with my good Lady your wife, with all your family, praying to God for your prosperous and good success in all your affairs and enterprises.  
From London, by yours for ever, THOMAS HACKET.   

To the gentle Reader.  
A VERY friend of mine (most gentle reader) instantly desired me, to english him this french book, entitled the Treasury of Amadis, the which when I had well perused it, pleased me not a little, as well for the elegant phrase thereof, as for the diversities and arguments therein wrapped and enclosed. For truly it aboundeth with such eloquent orations and wise counsels: with such sweet and delicate Epistles and letters especially of love, so courteously and annably handled: with such exhortations and admonitions so prudently penned: with such lamentations & complaints so sorrowfully and mournfully expressed: with such consolations and comforts in adversity, so friendly and lovingly pronounced: with such answers and replications so ingeniously invented: with reproaches and taunts so bitingly and bitterly spoken: with requests so humainly and civilly demanded: with excuses so craftily and subtly painted and coloured: with defyances so stoutly and courageously sent to the adversary and received, that if a man were astonished & much amazed, it would quicken him, and suddenly revive his spirits again. For what a dullard is he, that wise counsel. virtuous exhortations, friendly admonitions, witty and subtle persuasions shall not quicken and revive? and how far without sense is he, whom amiable, fine, and beautiful ladies with their tickling and flattering words shall not awake, stir up, and call to their lure, wanton fancy, & fervent lou●? What stony and hard heart hath he, that with the glittering and twinkling of the eye, the abundant tears, the dulcet and sweet parols of his paramour (wherewith this fine flattering book is infarced) will not be mollified and melted? And how deeply are they drowned in sorrow, that with godly and virtuous consolation will not be comforted? What weak and cowardly hearts and stomachs have they that will not be stirred or moved with the rhetorical & eloquent orations, the vehement persuasions, and liberal promises and rewards of wise, noble & worthy captains, pluck up their hearts, invade their enemies, & (for worthy renown sake, & immortal glory) fight stoutly and courageously, as Amadis, the king of England & France, & Flor●an with other did (as this proper book in divers places reciteth) most cordially? whereout men may learn to be noble orators, wise and prudent counsellors, excellent Rhethoricians, expert captains, amorous companions, fervent & honest lovers, secret messengers, obedient servants, elegant enditers of lovely Epistles, sweet pronouncers & true ortographers, of the french tongue so pleasant, so highly commended, and so embraced of all men. Wherefore (gentle Reader) let it not loath thee (I pray thee) to read this fine and fruitful book, nor to ensue the honest and virtuous lessons, the prudent admonitions and good counsels of the same: for thou shalt not at any time (as I think) repent thee more for the reading of it, than I for the translating thereof, the which although it be but rude and unpleasant, yet my mind and hand were neither negligent nor slack to profit thee, and to english it ●o thy consolation and comfort. Therefore receive it, I pray thee, as it is, in good part and with thanksgiving for my good will and pains taking, if thou esteem it thanks worthy, if not, amend it I beseech thee, and I with all my heart shall thank thee now and ever.  
Farewell.   

T. H. in praise of the book.  

AS Gold is gold true touchstone trieth  
at every rhyme and season,  
And doth refine the good from bad,  
which standeth with all reason:  
So Amadis of worthy fame,  
in France which did excel,  
Whose work is pend, yea for thy sake,  
whom many like full well.  
The noble, and the valiant,  
the tyrant and the stout,  
The noble Dame and Damsel eke,  
the lover that doth doubt:  
The worthy and courageous knight  
that challengeth the field,  
And shows himself a champion eke,  
and makes his foes to yield.  
The Lion and the Lioness  
with courage stout and bold,  
Doth show themselves in nature plain.  
as they do here unfold:  
As every sort may imitate  
and learn here for to writ:  
To serve their present use and time,  
a way for to indite:  
Sometime with piththie taunts,  
sometime in pleasant sort,  
Sometimes with just revenge of wrong,  
sometimes with decente sport:  
To every kind of wight  
this book will serve the turn,  
Of Orations fit, and Pistles pure,  
themself for to adorn.  
What though sometime Demosthe●es  
of Athens was the chief  
In greekish tongue to utter there,  
which serves for great relief.  
Iso●rates, by whom the greeks  
did reap a perfect gain,  
So did the Gauls and Frenchmen eke,  
of Amadis certain.  
And now from foreign phrase  
into our English tongue,  
Is brought this worthy work I say,  
for old and eke for young.  
Take it in good part therefore,  
and let it not to view:  
Till other things come to my hand●  
I bid thee to adieu.   

A. R. In praise of the Book.  
OF others all Physician best,  
who bears of right the bell,  
Is he, who most diseases knows,  
and eke can c●re them well.  
Of Gardens all, most pleasant is  
that Garden to my mind.  
In which with beauty flourishing  
most sorts of flowers I find.  
That market is extolled most  
that hath of wares most store,  
For many times to have his ch●y●●  
a man will give the more.  
variety in every thing,  
except I judge amiss,  
Doth put away all weariness:  
what say you then to this,  
That Author here hath practised  
far passing Physics skill?  
For that the body, this the mind  
with pleasures great both fill.  
Or else the Garden green, in which  
great choice of flowers are:  
For flowers do fade, this still abides:  
how shall it then compare  
With this that like a market is?  
in which are to be found  
Such sorts of wares, as if for choice  
a man would give a pound,  
He could not so be sped again,  
if he should seek throughout  
The world so wide from place to place,  
it viewing round about.  
variety if thou dost wish,  
then buy this book so brave,  
By reading which for price but small,  
great profit thou shalt have.  
Besides the pleasure that thou shal●  
by reading in it reap,  
Of Eloquence and Rhetoric  
thou mayst hoard up a heap,  
To spend when thou hast need:  
as if thou wouldst persuade  
Thy friend to help, when as thy foe  
doth mind thee to invade.  
The profits all and pleasures great,  
if I should but rehearse,  
That by this book may come to thee  
in such rude kind of verse,  
It trouble would perchance thine ears  
that lookest for an end:  
Wherefore to know of profit more  
to Preface I thee send.  
Wherein thou shalt be sure to find  
such things as name doth tell,  
In treasure this thy profit is,  
thou shalt perceive it well.  
Treasure it height, the name is right,  
if well thou do it read,  
It will procure the Author's sure  
to have great thanks for meed.   
FINIS.   

¶ A Table of the principal matters of this Book, reduced into common places for the more speedy and easy finding of the manner to write Letters missives, according to the mind and argument of him that writeth.  

A Form to declare his advice, to ask or to give counsel of any thing to Lords, friends, parents, allies, or subjects.  
2 A form to writ, or to say, that they accept the counsel given.  
3 A form to ask, or to declare to any man his deliberation and mind concerning some business.  
4 A form to pray and to desire a man to do a thing, or to show himself favourable.  
5 A form to commend a thing to one, and to recite some thing that is chanced.  
6 A form to accord, promise, and refuse a certain thing to any man.  
7 A form to declare to a man, the good affection that he beareth him.  
8 A form to writ, willing to recompense, or to give a thing to any man.  
9 A form to laud, praise, or to answer to the praises of some one.  
10 A form to give thanks to one.  
11 A form to writ when a man will please one.  
12 A form to writ or to speak amorous and lovely purposes.  
13 A form to excuse himself of faults committed to the prejudice of other.  
14 A form to excuse him of the thing, whereof a man may be taxed.  
15 A form to excuse him, and to ask pardon.  
16 Complaints and divers heavinesses.  
17 A form to incite one sooner to secure a thing that is in danger, than to tarle to lament some accident or chance.  
18 A form to comfort one.  
19 A form to declare his joyfulness by writing or by word.  
20 A form to complain him to ●ome one, demanding aid and comfort.  
21 A form to reprehend, or to tau●● one, whether it be by writing, or by word.  
22 A form to threaten, or to answer to the threatenings of an other.  
23 A form to accuse, or to reproach some thing to another.  
24 A form to injury, or to accuse one of unfaithfulness.  
25 A form to take, or to give leave.  
26 Orations to incite his vassals, friends, or allies to take arms, and to encourage the soldiers ready to fight.  
27 A form to defy one for himself, or for other.  
28 A form to accept, or to refuse the defiance.  
29 A form to yield himself prisoner.  
30 A form to writ, or to pronounce any thing in manner of a prophecy.   
Finis Tabulae.   

¶ A collection of the most excellent orations, epistles, complaints, and other things of all the Books of Amadis of France.  

The oration of the damosel of the Sea to the soldiers of France, exhorting them to battle. About the end of the .9. Chapter of the first Book.  
MY companions and friends, let us be of good courage, and 'cause our fortitude and strength to be known, and remember the estimation that the French men have obtained by the feats of arms. We have to do with people astonished, and half overcomed: let us not now make a change with them, taking there fear, & delivering them our victory: for if they see but your assured faces only, I am fast and sure that they cannot suffer nor abide it, let us rush in among them, for God doth help us.   

The oration of Lisnarde the King of England unto his subjects and friends, exhorting them to give him counsel. About the beginning of the .33. Chapter of the first Book.  
MY friends, there is none of you that is ignorant of the graces that it hath pleased God to show me, making me the greatest earthly Lord that is this day in all the Isles of the Ocean: therefore it seemeth unto me very reasonable, that even as we in this country be the chiefest, that also we be not the second to no other prince, to tender unto him immortal thanks through good and virtues deeds, in the which we ourselves aught to rest and to continued. For thy● cause I pray and command you (for as much as kings are the chiefest of the monarchies, & ye the members) that ye advise you together in your consciences, to counsel me what y●● shall think best for me to ●o in this matter, as well for the consolation of my subjects, as for the entertainment and augmentation of our estate: assuring you my friends, that I purpose to believe you as my loyal and faithful subjects: therefore I pray you once again, that every man without fear devise as well particularly as generally what ye shall think we should or aught to do in this behalf.   

The oration of Serolo is the Fleming and Earl of Clare, the which he spoke and made to the counsel, to induce them to the thing that King Lisuard aught to understand and know for the utility and profit of his kingdom. In the self same Book.  
MY Lords ye all have perceived the good zeal that the king hath to the government and rule not only of the common w●ale of his kingdom, but particularly for the augmentation and honour of chivalry and knighthood, the which he doth desire to entertain in greater pre-eminence than ever it hath been. And therefore my Lords (saving yours better advice, and opinion) my mind is, that all we, doing and following the interpretation of our prince, should counsel him, that he make himself strong with money and men & for they are the sinews and the spirits of war & peace, by the means whereof, all earthly kings are maintained in their force and authority, considering that great treasure truly is to pay the soldiers that 'cause kings to reign, the which by no occasion should any other where he spent, or else it should be a very sacrilege, seeing that it nameth itself holy. And thus doing he may maintain his estates in tranquillity, and make and obtain glorious conquests against those that would let him. And to come the better thereunto, he aught by means to seek and to recover and get all the good and valiants of whom he should be advertised aswell strangers as other, showing them great liberalities whereby his name shall sly and he spoken of throughout all the world, the which from the furthest part of all the earth shall come unto his service, trusting for their labour and service to be well rewarded. By whose aid and help he may easily optayne the monarchy above all the princes of the North and West: for it was never read nor perceived, that anya princes made themselves mighty and great, but he that ●ought, and drew unto him the good and valiant knights: I say bought, favouring, and honouring them and distributing their riches and treasures unto them that did them little harm, but have conquered greater pursuing and following their victories.   

The oration of Barsinam the Lord of Sansuegue, the which held in counsel against the precedent of Serolois, wherein he● exhorteth them not to deceive themselves through evil counsel. In the first Book.  
MY Lords it seemeth beholding your countenance that the Earl of Clares opinion is wholly approved: for I see already that the most part of you do agreed unto his saying, without hearing the contrary part debated: nevertheless I trust my Lords to make you all, and hereafter the king presently to know and understand how greatly I desire to be a friend unto him, and to you, and to all his realm. The Earl of Clare not long since hath counseled that the King your master should fortify himself in the strength and multitude of strange knights, the which he counseled to be called for● and that from all the parts of the world. Certes if his opinion be believed, and that ye bind yourselves to follow it, I am fast and sure that within a little while, the quantity of them shall be so extreme and great, that your King (the which is a good Prince and a liberal ●● willing too thank and advantage them,) shall not only give them the thing that he is accustomed and wont to give you, but shall take that is yours from you, to gratify and advantage them the more, considering that naturally all new things, not gotten and won, do please us. And thu● whatsoever service ●ee shall do be it never so good, ●e● shall fall into his disdain and forgetfulness, and those strangers shall lift you out of your seats, that now do promise' you sure rest: and therefore my Lords, first or ever I conclude, this fact seemeth to me such, and of so great importance, that ye all should take heed with good and ripe deliberation of your wise and sage judgements. I esteem that there is none of this assistance that doth presume or think that I speak otherwise than reason, and the good love that I bear you doth monish me: for (God be thanked) I am such a one that I may as easily pass and set by the greatest prince my neighbour, as he may pass and set by me: but finding myself and being in so noble a company, among whom I have received so great honour and favour, I had rather (God be my witness) never to have been borne, than to bow and turn. Thus my Lords ye aught promptly and diligently to think upon this matter, lest that hereafter ye repent you with too much leisure.   

The oration of King Lis●arde, wherein he resolveth the plurality of advises and counsels that was given him. In the first Book.  
MY great friends I am well assured that the love which ye bear me, and the desire to do me service, hath set you in these difficulties, and I believe that there is not he of you all, that hath not spoken as nigh the truth, as was possible for him to do, and so, that your advises be so good, that they cannot be better: yet this is a thing sure and certain, that the kings of the earth be not esteemed great for the number of places that they possess, but for the quantity and multitude of people whom they command and rule. What can a King do alone? it may be, that less than the most simplest of his subjects: and furthermore, it should be too hard for him, yea truly impossible, without people to govern and too maintain his estate, had he never so great a treasure, the which cannot be better employed, than to divide it among those that deserve it. Thus every man that is of a good judgement (as I suppose) will say, that good counsel, and the force and strength of men is the true treasure. And yet if ye will know this thing the better, ye see that this by the self-same means made Alexander so great, julius Caesar so strong, and gentle Hannibal with many other, the which have gotten by their name immortalities and by tresoring up of men and not of gold, they were made Kings, Emperors, and monarchs: for they knew liberally to distribute their money to those whose merits they knew, and to entertain them so graciously, that they might call themselves Lords both of hearts and of bodies, whereby they were served with great fidelity. Therefore my good friends, I pray you all as effectuously as I may possible, that ye will aid and help me as much as ye may, to recover those good and valiant Knights, whether they be of this country or strangers, the which I promise' you by the faith and word of a king, to entreat and honour in such sort and wise, that they shall have cause to praise and to content themselves: for you are not ignorant, that the better we are accompanied, the more we shall be feared and redoubted of our enemies, and you the better kept, ntertayned and esteemed. And if there be any virtue in me, you may easily judge, that the ancients for the new (whilst I live,) shall not be forgotten: therefore none of you aught to delay the request that I make unto you, but obey it, the which thing I pray you again, and expressly command you, and that incontinently every one of you particularly do name those unto me whom ye know, and as yet to in are eunknown, and for this intent that they (if there be any in this Court) may obtain and get such rewards of us, that they which are absent, may be affectionate to come and serve us, and also to pray them, that they departed not from our company without our knowledge.   

The Oration of the Queen of England upon the favour that men aught to bear to Ladies. In the first book about the ●nd of the .38. Chapter.  
Sing it pleaseth you to give place and to favour my request. I pray you from hence forth so do, and to show so much goodness and honour to all Ladies and Damsels, as to have them in your protection, and to defend them, taking their quarrels against all those that would in any manner of wise molest them: and so, that if by fortune you have promised a gift to a man, and an other to a Lady or to a Damsel, that you first accomplish the Ladies, as b●ing the feebler person, and that hath more need to be recommended and holpen. Thus doing, they shall be from henceforth more favoured and better taken heed to than they have ●éene: for why, the evil which are customed to do them injury, finding them in the fields, and knowing that they have such Knights for their Protectors and defenders as you be, shall not be bold to trouble them.   

The Oration of King Arban to his Soldiers, fight against King Barsinan Lord of Sansuegue, the which by treason would have made himself King of England. In the ●irst book, the .38. Chapter.  
MY fellows and friends, you have fought so well this day, that there is not he that doth not merit to be esteemed among the most gentle companions of all the world: but if you have begun well, I trust we shall daily go from better to better, and if you remember that you defend your ●elue●, as well to maintain your good Prince, as your liberty, and that against a tyrant, 〈◊〉 & an evil man, the which without the fear of God would usurp other men's, and feeds himself with the blood of your Children. See you not how he hath entreated those of the Castle that he hath taken by falsehood ● Do you not see the end whereto he intendeth: the which is not but to bring this noble kingdom and the subjects thereof to ruin the which have been by the grace of God so long conserved, and continually have lived in reputation to be faithful subjects unto their Prince. Know you not the persuasions the which that knave hath used before the assault that he gave us, thinking to deceive us by his golden tongue? Not, not, he is very ill arrived, I am sure that there is not he of us all, that would not rather chose to die a thousand deaths. And is it not true ● certes I see in your good visages, that if I should think or say otherwise, I should lie: and although they have more men than we, yet we have better hearts and more right than they. And thus we aught not to fear, but to leave off all doubt, to live henceforth in the reputation that we merit and deserve, assuring you my friends, that they are retired (if you have marked it) with a countenance of men not affectionated to see us again, and what so ever that traitor. Barsinan hath said, our King is not dead, for he will come shortly to secure us. In the mean while I pray you my companions, that none of you be troubled, but to do and continued as he hath begun, having before his eyes, that it is much better to die for liberty, than to live long in captivity and misery, and that under a miserable Prince.   

The Oration of the Lord of Sansuegue, unto his Soldiers fight against King Arban inducing them to take and to be of good courage. In the first book .38. Chapter.  
MY friends it is not enough to have given knowledge unto our enemies that they be (if I will) at my mercy: therefore I am minded (without the loss of any more of you) to delay the matter for five or six days, that Archalaus may or shall send me King Lisuardes head, for that I believe that they showing it unto them, shall no more be so bold to gainsay me, and thus by love we may draw them unto us. Therefore let every one of you rejoice and be merry, for I being King (as I trust) shall enrich you all.   

The Oration that Abisco, which through tyranny occupied the Lordship of Sobr●dise, made unto the inhabitants of the country. In the first book .43. Chapter.  
O Captive and unfortunate people: I have well perceived the ease that the presence of this wench doth give you, and that you lack wit to labour: for why? as far forth as I know, you will love her and better accept her for your Lady (although she be a woman feeble and weak to defend you) than me, that am a wise and a hardy Knight, notwithstanding you see her weakness, and that in so long a time she could not recover but only two Knights, the which are come to receive their ignominious death, whereo● I have great pity.   

The Oration of Apolidon, to the Emperor of Constantinople his father, rendering unto him all obedience. The second Book and first Chapter.  
Sir, now of late I have perceived and understanded by many, that my brother is not content with the partage and division that it pleased you to ordain and make for us, & because I know what annoyance this is unto you, and seeing the entire amity of him and me is ready to be broke. I humbly beseech you to receive again all that it hath pleased you to give me, and to bestow it: for I would hold and think myself happy to do the thing that might quiet your mind, and right well feathered and content, to have the thing that you have left him.   

A Letter of the Princess Oriane to Amadis, accusing him of unfaithfulness. The second book and second Chapter.  
MY passion without measure, proceeding of so many causes, doth constrain my feeble hand to declare by this Letter to you Amadis of France (an unfaithful and too perjured a lover) the thing that my dolorous heart can hide no longer. For seeing that the unfaithfulness and little steadfastness that you have unto me (the which am unfortunate and forsaken of all good fortune, because I loved you above all worldly things) is now manifest, and also that with so great injury you are gone so far from hence, to draw near to her, the which (considering her young age, and small discretion) can not have in her the thing to favour you and to entertain you: she hath purposed also to banish from me for ever this extreme love that I bear you, seeing that my heavy and poor heart can have no other vengeance. And if I would take in good part the injury and wrong that ye do me, it should be but great folly in me, to will well unto the most unthankful, for whom to love perfectly, I hate all things and myself also. Alas, now I perceive very well (but it is to late) that I submitted too unfortunately my liberty to so ingrate a person, considering that in satisfaction of my sighings and passions, I see myself mocked, and unfortunately deceived. Therefore I forbidden you that you never come before me, nor where I shall be resident and present, and be ye sure, that the ardent and burning affection that I did bear you, is converted as you have demerited, into enmity and cruel fury. Now therefore get you hence to some other place, to prove (with your perjured faith and sweet words) and to abuse other unfortunate persons as well as me: besides that, you shall hereafter prove that none of your excuses as concerning me, may have nor take any place, but I not willing to see you any more, shall lament the rest of my heavy life with abundance of tears, the which shall not cease, but by her end, that shall not sorrow to die, but because you are the homicide.   

The complaint that Amadis made when he received Orians vigorous Letter, declaring the mobility of fortune, by the which she banished him from her company. In the .2. book and .4. Chapter.  
ALas fortune, that art to light and without root, by what occasion hast thou preferred and elevated me among all the best Knights, afterwards to bring me to ruin so lightly? Now I perceive well, that thou mayst do more evil in an hour, than grace in a thousand years: for if in time passed thou hast done & given me pleasure or joy, thou hast rob me of that even now most cruelly, leaving me in martyrdom much worse than death: and seeing it was thy pleasure so to do, why hast thou not at lest wise made equal the one with the other? considering thou knowest that at other times thou haste contented me, nor that neither without mingling of it with sorrows and great troubles. So then thou shouldst have reserved for me some little hope, with this cruelty wherewith at this present thou dost torment me, executing in me things incomprehensible in the thoughts of those that thou dost favour, the which not knowing this evil, esteem the pomps, glories, and honours that thou dost lend them, sure and perdurable. Nor they remember not that besides and above the torments that their bodies shall suffer to maintain them, their souls shall fall in hazard of their salvation. Therefore if with the eyes of understanding (the which the sovereign Lord hath given them) they might see thy mobility, they should desire rather thine adversities, than thy light prosperities, although it be confirmable to their sensuality: for why? by thy flattering and wantonness, thou dost bring them to ruin, and at the last they are constrained to enter into the labyrinth of martyrdom, having no power at any time to come out again. But adversities are clean contrary, in so much that if a man patiently resist them, avoiding disordinate appetite and ambition, he is lifted up from this low place to glory everlasting. And yet I most unfortunate, could not choose this good part, considering that if all the world were mine, and taken from me by thee, having only the good grace and favour of my Lady, that should be sufficient to maintain me in all honour and prosperity: but that failing me, it is impossible for me by any manner of means to live and continued. Therefore I heséech thee, for the favour and payment of my faithfulness, that thou give me not death with anguish. But if thou be licenced to take my life from me, that thou make diligent haste, taking compassion on him, of whose torment that he shall have (if he live any longer) thou art ignorant.   

A cmplaint of the like argument that goeth before, the which Amadis sent to his Father.  
O King Perion my Lord and father, you shall have very little occasion to be heavy for my death, and the cause thereof to be hidden from you: but seeing that the heaviness that should be by the knowledge thereof can not revoke my torment, I pray God that my unluckiness be never opened unto you, but kept close and hidden as long as you shall live, and that not to advance and hasten the rest of the years that you have yet to live.   

Amadis complaint sent to the Lord Galuanes, thanking him for his good and gentle deeds.  
O My second father Galuanes, I am very sorry that my contrary fortune hath not permitted nor suffered me to recompense the great Obligation and band that I am bound in unto you: for if my father have given me life, ye have saved it, delivering me from the peril & danger of the sea, whereunto I was, being as yet in the first hour of my notivitie and by birth predestinate, and since that, you hau● nourished me so sweetly and tenderly, as though I had been your natural child.   

florestan's exhortation to his companions, being sorry for Amadis, whom he esteemed to be in pain, to the intent to go to secure him. In the second book the .6. Chap.  
MY Lords, it is not for us to weep nor to make such lamentations wh●n necessity doth command us to remember how to secure and to help my Lord Amadis: Let us leave such manner of doings to wom●n, and let us devise together to provide for this great inconvenience. And as for me, I am of this mind, that we without any longer d●lay take our horses, and do our diligence to f●ade him, then shall we know whether there be any mean● to find remedy for him: for the time, doing as we do now, passeth away, his heaviness and pains more, and he himself goeth further from us. The Lord Ysanie (as he saith) conducted and led him a little on his way, he may show us what way he took, and if we tarry any longer, we shall loose him without hope to see him any more. Therefore my Lords let us give our diligence to follow him.   

The Hermit speaking to Amadis, doth comfort him in his adversity. The second book the .6. Chap.  
O Knight, I believe that you have some great affliction in your soul: yet if your heaviness do proceed of repentance for some certain sin that you have committed, truly my son, you are happy: And if it be for some temporal loss (as I esteem) considering your age, & the estate wherein you have lived hitherto, you should not thus trouble yourself, but require and ask pardon of God, who would pardon and forgive you, and receive you for his.   

The Hermit doth yet speaking to Amadis exhort him to take heart of grace and courage, and not to abuse himself for women.  
I Promise' you my friend, that ye do not well (being a young knight and well made) to enter into such despair and mistrust, considering that women cannot krepe their love, not not even in the presence of them that love them, for natuaturally they readily forget, and yet believe more sooner, specially those things that men (which fond give themselves unto them) do report of them, the which even when they think to have joy and contentation, do found themselves in all despite and tribulation, as ye do experiment and prove it by yourself. Therefore I pray you from henceforth to be more virtuous and con●●ant: and for as much as it hath pleased God to call you to the title of a king's son, to govern his people, return to the world, for it should be a loss thus to lose you: nor I cannot presume nor imagine who she is, that hath brought you to such anxiety: considering that if one woman alo●e had in her all the perfections that all women have together, yet we should not for her sake lose such a man as year.   

The heaviness of Oriane for Amadis, after that she was advertised by men of his departure. In the second book the .7. Chapter.  
AH unfortunate person that I am, seeing that I with so great wrong have caused him to die, whom I most thée●ly loved in this world. And seeing it is out of my power to revoke the evil that I caused, I beseech you my friend to accept my repentance in satisfaction of the evils that I have purchased you, with the sacrifice that I shall make of my proper life, to follow you unto death: and thus the ingratitude that I have committed against your fidelity, shall be manifest, you being revenged and I punished.   

Guillans' oration to the Queen for Amadis his shield or scutcheon that he had found. In the second Book the .8. Chapter.  
MAdame, a few days ago and past, I found all Amadis harness with his stutchion laid nigh unto a fountain, the which men call the fountain of the plain field, wherewith I was displeased: the which I the self same hour and time bound unto a tree, leaving it in the custody of two Damsels which were in my company, until I had been through out the country to seek and to inquire what was become of him. But I was not so fortunate to found him, nor yet to have news of him. Therefore I knowing the merit of so good a knight, which never had other desire, but to prepare himself to do you service, I purposed (seeing I could not bring him) to bring unto you (for a testimony & witness of the bond that I own to you and to him) his armure, the which ye shall command (if it so please you) to be set in some evident and open place, where every man may see them, as well to have and to hear some news of him by the strangers that ordinarily come unto this Court, as to augment the virtue of all those that commonly follow the wars, taking an example by him whom they follow, the which by his high knighthood hath obtained the first place among all those that ever on their backs aware harness.   

The lamentation of Oriane, understanding by Guillan the loss of Amadis. In the second Book and .8. Chapter.  
AH unfortunate that I am, I may now well say, that all the felicity that ever I had, is a very fantasy, and my torment a pure verity, considering that if I have any contentation, it is only by the dreams that solicit me by night: for being awake, all austerity doth afflict and trouble my poor spirit, and in such sort, that as much as the day is unto me a grievous martyrdom, the obscurity and darkness is to me only pleasure and solace: because that sleeping I see myself before my lover, but watch that depriveth me of so great ease, causeth me very much to feel your absence. Ah, my eyes no more eyes, but streams of tears and weepings, ye are well abused, for as much as being close, ye see him alone that contenteth you, and being open, all the noisomeness and troubles of the world come to obfuscate and to darken you. At the furthest, the death that I feel nigh and at hand, shall deliver me of this anxiety, and you my friend shall be avenged of the most unthankful that ever was borne.   

The exhortation of Mabile unto Oriane, that would have cast herself down headlong, by the mean of Amadis adversity. In the second Book the .8. Chapter.  
HOw is it Madame, where is the constancy of a king's daughter, is this the wisdom whereof ye are so greatly renowned? have ye already forgotten the evil that ye thought would have chanced through the false news that Arcalaus brought the last year to the Court? And now that Guillan hath found my cousin's harness, was the said, because that he is dead? believe me that ye shall see him shortly again, and that he will assoon as he shall see your letters come unto you.   

Amadis doth comfort himself by the news that he received of Oriane his friend and lover. In the second Book the 10. Chapter.  
O Fearful heart so long time troubled, who could have resisted such a tempest, notwithstanding the abundance of tears that thou so continually distilledst and sheddest to com● to the point of death. Receive at this present this medicine, the which only is for thy health, and come forth of these obscure darknesses the which have so long obfuscated thee, taking again the force to serve her, the which of her grace and goodness hath revived thee.   

Orianes letter to Amadis, by the which she excuseth herself unto him of certain faults of love the which were in her. In the second book and .10. Chapter.  
IF the great faults committed through enmity (afterwards reknowledged to humil●at herself) be worthy of par●on, what aught it to be of those, that are caused through too great abundance of love? yet my faithful lover, I do not deny you, that I deserve not much pain. For I should have considered, that when things be most prosperous and joyful, that fortune the which doth spy and considereth them, doth come then to bring them heaviness and misery: Also I should have remembered your virtue and honesty, the which was never found in fault: and above all, I should not, not not to die, for I have separated from my understanding the remembrance of the great subjection of my heavy heart, the which proceeded nor came not but of that wherein your own was enclosed, being certain that if any flames have been cooled, so have mine also, as it is perceived: and in such sort, that the envy that he had to found rest unto his mortal desires, hath been the cause to augment t●em. But because I have failed as they do that being in the highest of their good hour and fortune, and very certain of their love of whom they be loved (nor cannot comprehend in them so much goodness) become jealous and suspicious, more by their imagination, than by reason, dusking this clear felicity with the cloud of impatience, believing sooner the report of certain persons (it may be that speak evil) not very true and vicious, than that of their own conscience and certain experience. Therefore my faithful friend, I pray you effectually to receive this my damsel (as from her that recogniseth in all humility the great fault that she hath commiited as concerning you) the which shall 'cause you to understand better than my letter, the extremity of my life: o● whom ye should have pity, not for any merit, but for your reputation, the which is not esteemed and judged cruel, nor seeking vengeance there, where ye found repentance and subjection, when that no penance can come from you more rigorous, than that, that I myself have appointed and ordained for myself, the which I bear and patiently do suffer, trusting that ye will remit it, and restore unto me your grace and favour, and likewise my life that dependeth thereof.   

The lamentation of fair Tenebreu●, which returned from Mirefl●ur, declaring unto the Damsel of Denmark, that without cause he had suffered many things, touching her, that she was not a faithful lover. In the second Book the .10. Chapter.  
BY my conscience (said the fair Tenebreu●) I was never in more danger of death: and I marvel where she hath forged this fantasy, that she had against me, seeing that I never thought to do the thing that should displease her. And notwithstanding I had forgotten to think on it, yet I deserved not so cruel a letter as this is that she wrote unto me. And although I make not the outward shows and hypocrisies that many can do and make, yet I leave not of to measure the goodness and graces that I have received of her: nor this thought was not sown in so evil ground, that she should not regard the fruit, as long as the spirit shall have means to 'cause the heart to live, seeing that the one and the other are wholly dedicated to serve and to obey her. Ah ah my God, I remember that when Corissande came into our poor hermitage, I believed then, that it was done for me. The good Lady lamented herself of the passion that the suffered for loving my brother Florestan too much, and I should die for very displeasure, to be so wrongfully chased away by Oriane. How great pains, what travels, what unmeasurable torment have I thus long suffered in the poor Rock, having consolation of no creature living but of the good Hermit, the which solicited me and spoke to me of patience. Alas what hard penance, for a thing not offended? believe me my well-beloved Damsel that I was so greatly troubled, that from one hour to another I desired death's and oftentimes also I feared to loose my life: but think upon the desperation wherein I was then, when I showed the Damsels of Coris●ande the song that I made in my great tribulation.   

The Oration of Gandalin unto fair Tenebreus brethren, to encourage them to search and to succour him. In the .2. book the .12. Chapter.  
BY God my Lords, all your weepings cannot 'cause him to be found, whom ye desire, if it be not by some other good diligence that ye may newly take upon you. And notwithstanding that ye have already done what ye can, so ye should not he annoyed to seek him better than ever he wa● yet sought for, seeing that ye know well-enough what he particularly would have done for you, if fortune had advanced the occasion. Now therefore it is your parts to do the like: ●or if ye lose him thus, it shall not be only the loss of the most gentlest knight of all the world, but of the best patient that ye have: and furthermore, all ye peradventure may be blamed. Therefore my Lords I pray you for the love of God, to do unto him the duty of a brother, of a friend, and of a companion, beginning again to seek him without sparing of your bodies, or the prolonging of tyme.   

Defiance made by a strange knight unto king Lisuard, provoking him to war, if he will not accord to the marriage of Oriane with the prince of Basigan●. In the .2. book the .12. Chapter.  
I Defy thee king Lisuard and all thy aliens in the name of the puissant and mighty princes Famongomad Giant of the burning lake, Cartadaque his nephew Giant of the defended mountain, Madafabull his brother in law, Giant of the red tower, Lord quadragant brother to Abies that was king of Ireland, and of Arcalaus the enchanter, the which do send thee word by me, that they have sworn the death of thee and thine. And to do this, they will aid king Cildadan, to be in the number of the hundredth knights, the which shall surely destroy thee. Yet nevertheless if thou wilt give Oriane thy inheriter to fair Madasime the daughter of the most douty Famongomad to serve her as her Damsel, they will suffer thee to live in peace, and be thy friends: ●or they will marry her to th● Prince Basigan●, the which doth well deserve to be Lord of thy countries, and of thy daughter also. Therefore king Lisuard chose of these two conditions the best, peace as I have devised, or the most cruel war that may chance unto thee, having to do with so mighty and so doutye princes.   

The answer to the strange knight by king Lisuard, showing the greatness of his courage. In the .2. book the .12. Chapter.  
BY God knight, they that have given you such commission, know me very ill, for I have all the days of my life more esteemed jeopardous wars than shameful praise. In somuch that I should be greatly reprehensible towards God the Creator, that hath appointed and made me king over so many people, if for lack of heart and courage I should suffer them to be outrageous. Therefore ye shall return and show them, that I had rather have war all my life, the which they demand and desire, and at the last to die sighting and in battle, than after their word and mind to have peace, that which should be so greatly to my disadvantage. And because I desire to know at length their will and mind, I will sand one of my knights, the which shall go with you, & 'cause them at length to understand my mind & intention.   

Florestan defieth Laudin, the which spoke sore against Amadis advantage, for whose love he presented him the combat. In the second Book. the .12. Chapter.  
KNight, I am not borne in this country, nor the king's vassal, so that for any thing that ye have said unto him, I have none occasion to answers in as much as here are present many ●etter knights than I am, above whom I would take nothing in hand. Yet for as much as I cannot found Amadis (which is as I esteem very profitable unto you) I am ready to fight with you, and to cease and end the quarrel that ye have unto him: and to the intent ye may know me the better, I am his brother Florestan, the which doth offer to fight with you, under this condition and convention, that if I may overcome you, ye shall be bound to leave off the quarrel that ye have against him, and if ye overcome me, revenge upon me part of your choler and anger. But yet thus much there is, that ye aught not to find the duty strange, whereunto I submit me: for I have no less occasion to sustain the quarrel against you (he being absent) than ye have to maintain King Abies, whose nephew ye are: being full sure that it is in the power of my Lord Amadis to revenge me, if fortune do suffer you to have the advantage over me.   

Laudins answer to the Lord Florestan, the which in time convenient doth accept the combat. In the second book the 12. Chapter.  
MY Lord Florestan (que Laudin) as far as I see and perceive, you have an envy and a desire to fight: but I can not satisfy you, not having any power in me to do that, whereunto I am sent by other: Also I have promised my Lords that called me to their company, before my departing, not to take any thing upon me that might let me to assist and to do my duty before the battle, and therefore you shall at this present time have me excused till the battle be ended, for than I promise' you to take upon me the combat and fight that you demand, and sooner I can not tend unto it.   

Vrgandes' Letter to King Lisuard, where he forspeaketh the ruin of fair Tenebreus. In the second book the .15. Chapter.  
TO you Lisuard King of England, salutation & greeting meet for your Majesty. I Vrgand of Cogneve, your humble servant, do give you knowledge, that the battle appointed between you and King Cildadan, shall be one of the most cruel and dangerous that ever man shall see: in the which the fair Tenebreus, that only hath given you so great hope, shall loose his name, and through one stroke that he shall give all his noble acts shall be forgotten, & you even then shall be in greater enmity than ever you found yourself in: For many good Knights shall loose their lives, and you yourself shall fall into that danger, even at that instant when the fair Tenebreus shall draw the blood out of your belly: and yet at the last for three strokes the which he shall give them of his part, they shall remain victors. And be ye sure Sir, that all this doubtless shall chance: therefore provide wisely for your affairs.   

Vrgands' Letter to my Lord Galaor of France, foretelling him his ill fortune. In the .2. book the .15. Chapter.  
TO you Lord Galaor of France, wise and hardy Knight. I Vrgand of Congue do salute you, as he that loveth you and esteemeth you, and would that you should understand the thing that shall chance and happen unto you in the cru●ell battle between the King's Lisuard and Cildadan. Be sure therefore that about the end of it if you be there, your strong and boystuous members shall deceive your invincible heart, and at the departing of the battle, your head shall be in the power of him, that through the three strokes which he shall give, shall remain victor.   

A Letter of Arban of Norgalles, and Angrio● of Estravaux, to King Lisuard, causing him to understand the great pains that they suffered. In the .2. book .15. Chapter.  
TO the most high and mighty Prince Lisuard King of England, and to all our friends and allies being in his Realm, we Arban of Norgalles, and Angriote de Estrevens detained, and being in dolorous prison at this present, signify unto you, that our misfortune more cruel than death itself, hath set us in the power of the unpitiful Gromadace, the wife of Famongomad, the which revenging her husbands and her sons death, doth afflict us with so many & strange torments, that it is impossible to think upon them, and in such sort, that from hour to hour we desire the end of our lives, to be at rest. But this mischievous woman to 'cause us the longer while to suffer, doth prolong so much as she may our death, the which with our own hands we would have prepared, but for fear of the love of our souls. And for as much as we at this pre●ent are so sore wounded, that it is impossible we may resist any longer, we send you this Letter written with our own blood, by the which we beseech God to give you the victory against these traitors that have thus outrageously handled us, and to have pity upon our souls.   

The Oration of King Lisuard to those of his host, exhorting them to fight strongly. In the .2. book the .16. chapter.  
MY companions and great friends. I believe that there is not he of you all, that doth not sufficiently understand how we have enterprised this battle with good right, and also to defend the honour and reputation of England, the which King Cildadan and they of Ireland would diminish, denying us the tribute, the which at all times they have paid to our prodecessors, recognizing the benefits which they have received of them in times past. I know well that there is not one of you all that hath not an entire heart and a bold: and therefore it is no need further to encourage you against those that you have to do withal, having your honour before your eyes, the which you esteem more than a hundredth lines, if it were possible to have them one after an other. Therefore my friends, let us stoutly go forwards, having no regard of any cruel Giant and full of blood, the which are of their company. For a man is not the more esteemed because of his rude and great members, but for his good heart and courage. You see that oftentimes the Hare doth overleap the Ox, and a Sparrow Hawk or a Merline to to beat and to overcome a Kite. Our enemies do put their trust in the face of these monsters, having no regard of the wrong that they have and do us, and we trust that God, the which is a doer of right, will give us force and strength to overcome them, through the dexterity of our persons, and diligence that we shall show and do. Therefore my friends let us stoutly go forwards, thinking that every one of us even of himself is sufficient and able to fight and to destroy the most brave of all their company: assuring you that if we this day win the honour of the battle, besides our renown and glory that shall compass the universal world, there shall never enemy of England lift up his head with an evil eye, to look upon us.   

King Cildadans' Oration to his Host, to be courageous to defend their liberty. In the second book the .16. Chapter.  
GEntle Knights of Ireland, if ye perceive why and wherefore you go to fight: there shall not be one of you all that shall not blame his predecessor, that hath so long delayed the beginning of so glorious an enterprise. The Kings of England usurpers & tyrants (not only against their subjects, but upon their neighbours) have taken in times passed without any right, upon our ancestors a tribute, the which you know very well they have paid oftentimes: and for this cause we are come into this place to defend our liberty, the which can not be paid nor recompensed with no treasure: This is your deed, and the right, not of you only, but of your children, the which unto this time have been holden and reputed by them whom you see, and are purposed to make you bondmen and slaves. Will you then live always in this sort? will you continued the yoke for your successors? are you of a less and weaker heart and courage than your neighbours? Ah, if we be victorious, they will restore that they have of ours: I am fast and sure that fortune doth favour us: For you see the honest men that are come to aid and to secure us. Knowing our good right and title, let us thrust in among them gentle Knights, for I see already that King Lisuard and his company are in doubt to turn their backs unto us, they be (as they say) accustomed to win, but we shall learn them to custom themselves to be won. Of one thing I will advertise you, that is, that every man aid and help his companion, keeping yourselves as straight and as close together as may be possible.   

An exhortation of Mabile to Oriana, the which was not content In the .2. book the .7. Chapter.  
MAdame, I marvel at you, and of your manner of doing: for as soon as you are gone and delivered of one envy and tribulation, a new doth solicit you● and you should (as me thinketh) take better heed what you speak and say of my cousin, not persuading yourself that he hath holden or had this purpose, or any other to trouble you, considering that you may be assured, that he never thought to offend you in word, thought, nor deed. And the prowess and noble acts that he hath done, as well in your presence as in your absence, might have borne you sufficient witness. But I see well enough what it is you make me believe and to think, that you (being weary of my company) will drive me away under the colour that my cousin is to much yours, abusing yourself of the service that he doth and heareth unto you. But yet when you have lost me, it shall be but a small matter, providing that your Amadis (I may well say) be not the worse entreated: For you know well and I also, that the lest notice that he shall have of your trouble, shall be sufficient and enough to 'cause him to die: so that I marvel what pleasure you take to torment him so often, doing for you that is possible to be done for any other Lady alive. Consider you not that after that Apolidon would that the proof of the chamber forbidden was common to all the world, that it should not stand with reason, for my cousin keeping Briolanie to do as other do. Truly I believe that neither she nor you are yet fair enough to obtain and ● in that which all the fair women that have been since a hundred year hitherto could have or obtain. Therefore I may well assure me, that this new jealousy proceedeth not of any fault that he hath made you, the which doth not think but to obey you: but his misfortune hath already so ruled him, that to please you, he hath not forgotten himself, but setting by none estate but by you, hath entirely disdained all his lineage, and hath esteemed them as strangers, not knowing them nor no other but you, whom he doth reverence as a God, and yet you will utterly loose him. Ah, ah, the dangers and evident perils, in the which he and his have been oftentimes for the love of you, as well against Archelaus, as in this last battle, are now very ill recognized, seeing that in the satisfaction of them, you desire the destruction of the head and principal of my parents. Is this the goodness & the recognizing of the services that I have done you? are these the first ●ruites of the hope that I had in you? Certes I am now very far off from the thing that I hoped and breathed for, seeing before my eyes the ruin and destruction of him conspired, whom I love best in this world, the which is more yours than his own: But yet (if it please God) it shall not be so, nor no such inconvenience shall approach me so nigh. Certes, to morrow I will pray my brother Agreus, and my uncle Galuanes to conduct me into Scotland, the which will do so much for me, as to bring me from your company that is so unthankful. Then she disposed her to weep so greatly, that it seemed she should melt into tears. Alas said she, I pray God that the cruelness you do and show to your Amadis, may turn to vengeance upon you to satisfy all his kindred, the which shall not loose so much (losing him) as you alone, and again, that this may be the greatest misfortune that may happen and chance unto us.   

Orians answer to the foresaid Mabile, excusing her of the thing that they accused her of. In the .2. book the .17. Chapter.  
AH, ah, poor unfortunate woman among all that be most desolate and heavy: who would ever have thought that this thing might have fame at any time into your heart, that you have now opened unto me? Alas I opened myself unto you, (having none other about me, worthy to understand my heavinesses) to have counsel and comfort, and you discomfort me, and entreat me worse than I have deserved, reputing me far otherwise than I am, or shall be so long as my spirit shall sustain my heart full of bitterness, the which causeth me to presume that no other thing but my evil fortune hath advanced and brought me into this kind of entreaty, seeing that you have taken in ill part that I told you for the best. And God never help me, if I thought in all my life, of that, whereof you blame me and accuse me: for I am so sure of your cousin, that I will no other thing but to content and please you, and so much there is, that I had rather die, than that any other than I myself should have the honour of the forbidden chamber. judge therefore what trouble it shall be to me, if Berolanie that goeth before to prove the thing, obtain it: This notwithstanding my cousin and friend, I pray you to pardon me, not to prolong (if it be your pleasure) to advise and counsel me of the thing that as you shall think I were best to do, for your cousin might be too heavy, if he knew the thing that I have suspected of him.   

A Prophecy of Vrgand unknown to Oriana, foretelling her the thing that should chance unto her. In the .2. book the .18. cha.  
IN the time when your great heaviness shall take place, many good Knights shall suffer for the love of you. Then the strong Lion accompanied with his beasts, shall come forth of his den, & through his high roarings and cryings, he shall so fear them that shall have the keeping of you, that you whither they will or not, shall remain between the claws of the kingly beast, the which shall set upon your head the rich crown, that shall be no more yours: then this beast being famished, and having your body in his power, shall carry it into his den, where he shall so feed himself, that he shall pacif●e and assuage his mad and outrageous hunger. Therefore my daughter, take heed what you shall do, for the thing that I have told you shall happen without any doubt.   

An exhortation of Vrgand to King Lisuard, inciting him to entreat well his men of war. In the .2. book the .18. Chaper.  
Sir, you seem unto me now, to be well accompanied, not so much for the number of great personages which are nigh unto, as for the amity and love that they (as I am sure) hear you, whereof you should laud and praise God. For a Prince beloved of his, may keep his estate in great surety and safeguard: therefore sir, take pain to entertain and to entreat them well, so that your fortune (the which as yet doth not leave of to favour you) go not far from you if you do otherwise: and above all other things, keep yourself from evil report, considering that it is the very poison and ruin of Princes the which believe it.   

A Prophecy of Vrgan, unknown as well to the King as to other his Knights.  
THere shall be great contention between the great Adder and the strong Lion, the which shall be succoured and holpen by many cruel beasts, and shall come in such a fury, that a great number of them shall suffer dolorous death. The fine Raynard the Roman shall be wounded with the claws of the strong Lion, and his skin shall be cruelly rent and ●orne, wherewith the great Serpent shall be in great perplexity. At this time the sweet sheep covered with black wool, shallbe set in the midst of them, the which with his great humility and his sweet bleings, shall mitigate and assuage the braveness and frecenesse of their courage, causing the one to be separated from the other: ●ut as soon as the hungry Wolves shall descend and come from the next Mountains against the great Adder, and being destroyed by them, with a great part of his followers, he shall enclose him in one of their caverns. The tender Unicorn putting his mouth into the brave Lion's ears, shall with his loud cry awake from his strong sleep, and causing him to take part of his beasts, shall go most diligently to help the great Adder, whom they shall find bitten, and so wounded by the hungry Wolves, that they shall see great abundance of blood shed upon the ground: then he shall be taken from the Wolves teeth, and they being plucked in pieces and life restored to the great Adder, leaving all the poison of her entrails and guttos within her ●au●rns, he shall be content and consent to be put among the claws of the strong Lion: and the white Hind, the which in the fearful forest doth elevate and lift up hi● mowings against heaven, shall be rejected and repelled.   

Another prophecy of Vrgan unknown to Amadis, declaring the thing that should chance unto him. In the .2. book the 18. Chapter.  
AT the hour and time that ye shall be wounded to death, defending the life of another, the martyrdom being yours, and the profit other men's, the recompense that ye shall have, shall be a great and an evil contentation, and a putting off from the thing that ye desire most to approach unto. Then your good cutting and rich sword shall so bruise your bones, and cut your flesh in so many places, that ye shall found yourself weak and faint of bloud● and so outrageously, pursued, that if half the world were yours, ye would give it● so that your sword were cast into the depth of some profound and deep lake, whereout it can never be drawn: therefore think upon your destiny, the which shall be such as I have told you.   

Amadis excuse that he called not his companions with him to be at the combat, for he himself had taken it in hand. In the .2. book the .19. Chapter.  
MY Lords I pray you all to have me excused, and not to be miscontent with me, assuring you, that if it had been in my choice to have chosen a companion to be of the company (considering the great valiant acts, whereof every one of you is provided) I should not have known whom I should have chosen. But Ardan for the hatred that he beareth me, and for the love that he hath to Madas●me, would fight alone against me, and seeing that he hath so required it, I could not nor aught not to refuse it, except I should have showed myself a slothful coward, and to make a contrary answer not conformable to his request and demand. And when he would have taken m● knights with him, where think ye I should have sought for aid or succour but among you ● considering ye do know, that my force doth itself double with yours, when we are together.   

Amadis answer to Ardan Canille, that defied him before the king. In the .2. book the .10. Chapter.  
HOw now (que Amadis,) do ye think that I have not heart enough and right, to abase the pride of such a man, and so bold as Ardan is? I ensure you, that if I had not enterprised to fight with you, I would be content to do it, and only to let the marriage of you and Madasime. And for this cause, the hostages of whom ye vaunt yourself, should not differ and delay to do their diligence and duty: for I trust to revenge the good and the valiant king Arban and Angriot of the great injury and wrong that they received being prisoners.   

Ardans' replication to Amadis.  
I Have caused them (saith Ardan) to come with me, knowing that ye would demand and ask for them: although that I have good hope to set them again in the power of Madasime, and also to give her therewith, the half of your bonnet, in witness that it pertaineth not to such a Lord as ye are, to have and to hold any such brave and vantageous purposes with me, and to give her (so doing) great pleasure. It shall please our king that she be set in some evident and high place, to the intent she may evidently see and behold the vengeance that I shall take upon you, and the unfortunate ends whereof ye shall die.   

The Oration of Gandadel before king Lisuard against Amadis and his alliance, to put and to bring them out of the king's favour. In the .2. book the .20. Chapter.  
Sir, I have all the time of my life desired to keep the faith that I own unto you, as to my king and natural Lord, and shall do, if God be pleased. For beside the oath of fidelity that I have and own unto you, for ye of your gracious goodness have done me so great good and pleasures, that if I should not counsel you in that I shall see to touch your royal majesty, I should greatly fault against God and man. By the means whereof (Sir) after I had very long bethought me upon this thing that I shall declare unto you, repented me oftentimes that I had deferred it so long, not for any envy that I bear to any man (God be my witness) but only for the inconvenience that I see ready if ye promptly and wisely do not remedy it. You know that at all times there hath been between the realm of France and the realm of England great controversy, because the kings your predecessors have continually pretended a right of sovereignty: and although that for a certain time this quarrel is suaged, so it is very like that the French men (remembering the wars and damages that they have endured and suffered by your subjects) shall secretly in their hearts and courage take counsel to revenge themselves. And Amadis the which is the head and principal of them all, is not come (after my opinion) into this country, but to do it, to practise and to win men, with the which joined to the might that he may 'cause to come, shall procure so much business, that so it may chance, it shall not be easy for you to resist him, and lo there is already appearance thereof. Sir, he of whom I speak unto you, and they also of his alliance, have done me so great honour and pleasure, that I and my children are greatly bound unto them: And if it were not that ye are my liege Lord, I would not for any thing speak against Amadis, I am so much his friend and servant: but in things that respect your person, God sand me to die sooner, than I should spare any living man, not not my own child. You have received Amadis with so great a number of his parents, and other strangers into your Court, (as ye are a good prince, a liber●ll, and of a noble courage) that at length their company and followers shall be found greater than yours. Therefore sir, it should be good and well done to provide before hand, or ever the fire be through kindled.   

The King's answer to the foresaid Oration.  
BY my troth my friend, I believe that ye do advertise me as a good and faithful subject: Nevertheless, considering the service that they (of whom ye do speak) have done me, I cannot comprehend nor perceive in my mind, that they will do me any cowardly or evil turn.   

Gandandels' replication to the king, upon the self same purpose, and in the same Chapter.  
Sir (he answered) this is it that doth abuse you: for if in times past they had offended you, ye would take heed of them, as of your enemies: but they have known and wisely do know how to disguise their treason under an humble manner of communication, accompanied with some service the which they have already employed and done, waiting for an opportune and a good hour.   

Amadis request unto king Lisuard to give Galu●nes the Island Mongase. In the selfseme Chapter.  
Sir, although that I have not done you hitherto so much service as I desire, yet I have taken courage (trusting in your great liberality) to ask you a gift, the which cannot turn but to your honour, and moreover, binding them to whom ye shall grant it. Furthermore sir, said Amadis, the gift that I and my companions being present do pray you to grant us, is, that it would please you to give to my Lord Galuanes the Isle of Mongase, for the which he shall faithfully he sworn unto you, and do you homage, & marry Madasime: this doing Sir, ye shall enrich a poor Prince, using and showing mercy to one of the most fairest gentle women of all the world.   

Amadis Oration to king Lisuard, with the which he leaveth and forsaketh his company. In the self-same Chapter.  
Sir, I have hitherto thought that there was no king nor Prince in all the world that had better knowledge in thing of virtue and honour than you: but yet now we perceive the contrary, by the experience that ye have given us: so that we seeing ye have charged and taken new counsel, will go and seek a new fashion and manner of living.   

Amadis Oration to Oriane, by the which he declareth unto her, that he is constrained to go out of the king's service. In the self-same Chapter.  
MAdame, saith Amadis, we must needs do, that he hath commanded us, otherwise we should offend your honour, abiding against his will in his service, seeing that he might presume and think, that we in no nother place could not meet any that would receive us: therefore I pray you not ●s take it evil, if for a time obeying him, I be constrained to departed from you. You know the power that ye have upon me, and that I am so much yours as you may wish and desire: and also I know well, that if I should be evil reputed, ye are she that would receive and take thereof most displeasure, so greatly ye love me, and so well ye do esteem me: the which thing causeth me again to pray you to take my absence in good part, and to give me leave to departed, using still your accustomed constancy and virtue.   

Orians answer to Amadis, excusing herself to him. In the same Chapter.  
MY friend (answereth the Princess) ye are greatly to blame, thus to complain you of my father: for if he have received any goodness of you, it was for my love and favour only and by my commandment, and not for his love: for I alone caused you to come and sojourn in his company. And so it is not in him to recompense you, but in me, whose ye are. It is very true that he continually hath thought the contrary, the which doth greatly blame you, that ye answered him so undiscreetly. And again because your departure (being constrained) is to me the most grievous thing that might chance unto me, yet I am content to satisfy myself, and to obey reason more than delight and pleasure, the which I have by your presence. Therefore my friend, I will that, that pleaseth you: because I am well assured that to what place so ever ye shall resort, your heart that which is mine, shall remain with me for a gage of the power that ye have given me over you and it: also that my father lées●ng you, shall know by those few that shall be left him, the thing that he hath lost in you.   

Amadis answer and replication taking his leave of Oriane. In the same Chapter.  
MAdame (said Amadis) the goodness that ye do unto me, is so great, that I esteem it no less, than the redemption of my proper life: for ye know that every man of virtue aught to have his honour in such estimation, that he should prefer it above his own life. Thus Madame, seeing it is of force, the I to conserve it must go far from you, do so much yet (if it please you) for me, as during my absence, to sand me as oftentimes as ye may news of you: and continually to keep me in your grace and favour, as he, the which was never borne, but to obey and to serve you.   

Amadis Oration to his companions, declaring unto them the causes of his departing from the king. In the self-same Chapter.  
MY Lords, because men have wrongfully blamed the Lord Galuanes, Agraies, myself, and some other that are here present, to leave and forsake the king's service, as they and I have appointed, we thought it meet and good, to 'cause you to understand what the occasion is. I believe that there's is not one of this company that doth not perceive, whether that since our coming into England the authority of this prince be augmented or diminished: therefore without consuming of time, in rehearsing the services that we have done for him, for the which we had hope to have had with thanks good and great recompense, I will declare briefly unto you wha● ingratitude be useth against us, & in such wise, that as mutable & inconstant fortune doth oftentimes turn upside down all things, so he hath changed his conditions either by evil counsel that he hath received, or by some light occasion that we know not. So much there is, that the Lord Galuanes required us to move unto him (it is not yet eight or ten days ago) the provision for the marriage of him and of Madasime: and in so doing, to 'cause him to enjoy her lands with this charge, to hold them in fee and homage of him and of his crown, the which thing we promised him to do. By the means whereof, assoon as it was profitable for me to go; I and other of this company have been with him to make this request: but without having any regard either of us that spoke, or of him, for whom we laboured, the which is (as every man doth know) the king of Scotland's brother, a wise and as much as is possible a hardy knight, the which even of late against king Cildadan hath not spared his life, but hath done his duty as much as any that came thither: he hath refused us, and burdened us with injury, nothing convenient nor meet for such a king. And yet at the first we cared not for it, until he said unto us all (when we made certain demonstrations unto him) that we should search in some other place those that knew us, or that did more for us than ●e, and that the world was great and wide enough to do this thing without troubling of him. Thus my companions, seeing that we being in his service, have always obeyed him, so as concerning myself, I am very well content in this case, not to fail but to departed out of his country. But yet because this leave (as I do think) touched not me only, nor those that he spoke unto, but to all other the which are not his vassals: I thought it meet to 'cause you to understand the matter, to the intent ye might think upon the things that were to come.   

The Oration of Angriote of Estravaux, to draw the other to leave (as Amadis did) the king's house. In the same Chapter.  
MY lords, it is not yet long ago since I knew the king, and for the little knowledge that I have had of him, I never saw a wiser, vertuouser, or a more temperate Prince than he in all affairs: And therefore I am in doubt that the communication which he hath had with Amadis and his Lords that were present, came not of his own fancy, but that he was induced to do it by some envious & evil person, that hath persuaded him to be miscontent with them. And because I have seen within these nine or ten days Gandandel and Broquadan speak oftentimes unto him, and that he listened unto them more than to any other, I doubt that these are they that have brewed this matter: for I have known them of long time for the most envious of all the world. Therefore I have even to day taken deliberation to fight against them, and to maintain, that falsely and mischievously they have set the King & Amadis at debate: & if they will excuse them because of their age, they have each of them a son that of long time have worn harness, with whom I myself will fight, if they be hardy and bold to cloak the treason of their naughty fathers.   

Amadis Oration to King Lisuard, whereby he leaveth his service. In the .2. book the .21. Chapter.  
Sir, if I in any thing have made you a fault, God and you be witnesses, assuring you, that although the services that I have done you, have been small, the will that I have had to acknowledge the goodness and honour the which it hath pleased you to show me, hath been great in all extremity. You said unto me that I should go and search in the world who know me better than you, giving me sufficiently enough to understand the little envy that doth let you that I devil no more in your Court. But seeing it hath so pleased you to command me, it is reason that I obey you, not that I will departed from you as from my sovereign, for I was never your vassal, nor of no other Prince, but of God only: but I take my leave of you, as of him that hath done me much good and honour, unto whom I bear my love, and a desire to serve.   

Lord Quedragants Oration to King Lisuard, leaving his service. In the self same Chapter.  
Sir, I had never dwelled in your Court but at the request of Amadis, willing and desiring to be his friend for ever, and seeing that by his occasion I was yours, by like reason I departed from you for ever: considering that my little and small services shall have but little hope, seeing that his great services are so evil recognized and rewarded, having no remembrance of the Obligation wherewith you are bound unto him, that delivered you from the hands of Mandafabul, nor of the victory that you won and obtained upon King Cildadan by his and his parent's blood. I could put you in remembrance of the good turn that he did you, when he delivered you and your daughter Oriane (as I oftentimes have heard it spoken) from the hands of Archalaus, and not long since my Lady Leonor, the which Famongomad, and Basigant his son Giants most cruel of all the world, held as prisoner to have slain her: thus the ingratitude that you do now use against him, is so great, that it depriveth you of all the knowledge of truth. And therefore he should no less esteem this leave so soon given, than the retribution of his services so well accorded and rewarded. And as for me, I am purposed to follow him, and to go and departed from your Court.   

The Oration of Guillan the thoughtful, excusing himself that he could not follow Amadis. In the self-same Chapter.  
MY Lord, you know my affairs, and that of myself I being wholly under and subject to the will of an other, can do nothing. For the which I suffer anguishes and pains most strange, the which are the cause that I can not follow you, whereof I am ashamed, so great a desire I have to knowledge the goodness and the honour that you (being in in your company) have done for me, praying you most humbly at this present, to hold and to have me excused.   

Amadis Oration to the foresaid Guillan, excusing him that he leaveth not the King's house. In the same Chapter.  
MY Lord Guillan, God forbidden that through my occasion you should ●e faulty to the Lady that you love so perfectly, but I counsel you to obey her, and to serve her as you have done hitherto, and the King in like manner, being sure of this, that you, your honour saved, shall be in all points my friend and faithful companion.   

King Lisuards answer to Gandandell and Broquadan, declaring their insufficiency to govern and rule his realm. In the self-same Chapter.  
I Do marvel that you are so bold and presumptuous to persuade me, to leave unto you the rule not only of my house, but of all this kingdom, knowing that you are not sufficient to do it. Think you that the Princes & Lords of this Monarchy will obey you, knowing the place from whence you are descended? And if you think and believe to play the good husbands, willing to enrich me by sparing of money, think you that I may better bestow it, than to give it to Gentlemen and Knights that are in my service? seeing that a Prince can not name himself a King, except he have men at his commandment. And if before time I showed myself liberal to those which at your instance I have chased away, by those I was maintained, famed and redoubted: and therefore content you with that that you have done, without any more disguising of things, or else I will show you that it displeaseth me.   

Amadis Oration to those that would go to defend the right of Madasime, exhorting them to deliver out of the King's prison twelve Ladies. In the same Chapter.  
MY Lords, (answered Amadis) the things that be debated with or by ripe deliberation, come willingly to a good end: and doubt not, that the thing that you purpose to take upon you, shall not be nor happen to your honour, although the thing were more in hazard, and of more difficulty than it is, and yet I will (if it so please you) declare that I do● think. You all as far as I see, do taste and labour to set the twelve Damsels at liberty, which at this present, are prisoners in King Lisuards prison, my mind is that twelve of you (and no more) be at this enterprise, and so every one shall have one, and the twelve Damsels shall be particularly bound to twelve Knights, and that the rest of this company shall stand still to help the incoweniences that may chance.   

The complaint that Oriana made when she fel●e herself great with child. In the .2. book the .22. Chapter.  
ALas my friends, now I see well that fortune will bring me to utter ruin. You know the inconvenience that of late chanced to him that of all the world I loved best, and now (that is worse) the thing that I feared and doubted most, is chanced unto me: for certainly I am with child, and I know not what I may do, so that I be not destroyed and lost.   

Sarquiles' Oration to King Lisuard, advertising him of the dangerous enterprise and treason of Broquadan and Gandandel. In the same Chapter.  
Sir, I am not yet your subject nor your liege man, but yet in recognizing the nurture that I have learned in your Court, I am bound to save your majesties honour. Therefore sir, I advertise you, that three days since I fortuned to be in a place, where I perceived that Broquadan and Gandandel did not only conspire (but already have committed against God and you) the most greatest treason that may be thought. It is sure and certain, that they do purpose to counsel and to persuade you to put Madasime and these Damsels to death: and as touching the rest, sir, I trust that all their mischievousness or ten days be past shall be disclosed. And to set those villains in authority, you have cast away not long since, my Lord Amadis, and many other good Knights out of your company. I am no more purposed to remain here, and I take my leave of you to go and to seek my uncle Angriote, whom (if God be pleased) you shall see shortly here again, and me with him, purposed with force of arms to open unto those two traitors their unjust and false conspiracy.   

The commandment of King Lisuard to Broquadan and Gandandel, animating them to execute the thing that they had promised.  
COme hither, you know that oftentimes you have solicited me to put these poor Damsels to death, persuading me, that it was a just and a reasonable thing to do so. And that you and your children (if need were) would sustain this counsel unto death. You have perceived what Ymosil and his companions have said unto me, the which I find to be good and just, therefore it is time that you advise you of the thing that you have to do. For by the faith that I own unto God, I will licence none of my other Knights to fight with them, and if you provide not for this, you shall be punished, and the Damsels delivered.   

Angriotes of Estravaux Oration to King Lisuard, declaring unto him the mischievousness and deceit of Broquadan and Gandandel. In the self-same Chapter.  
Sir, my nephew and I here present, do pray you to caus● those two villains Broquadan and Gandandell, the which are in your Court, to appear presently, unto whom I will declare the treason that they have used against you. Sir, these evil men of whom I speak to you, not having any consideration nor fear of God or of man, have falsely accused my Lord Amadis and other, of a thing that they never in all their lives thought on, by the means whereof I dare well say, you have removed far from you, the best Knights that ever entered into England: therefore if these traitors dare maintain that they are not such as I name them, I alon● by the help of God and the edge of my sword, shall 'cause them to know it. And if age should excuse them, there is not one of them but hath children wearing armour and harness of long time, and well esteemed and taken among the Knights of your Court, against whom I will fight, if they will keep and supply the place of the●r evil fathers.   

Gandandels' answer to the King, excusing himself of that, that men said by him. In the same Chapter.  
Sir, answered Gandandell, see ye not the audacity and boldness of this brave and injurious man, the which is not come into this Court, but to shame the gentlemen of your Court? by my troth sir, if you had believed me long since, as soon as he was entered into your Realm, so soon should he have been hanged upon the first tree: but seeing that you suffer it and bear it, and hereafter must not marvel if Amadi● in his own person come hither to do you wrong. So much there is, that if I by the living God, were as young as I was when I began to enter into the service of your brother the King, unto whom I have done many great services, I am well assured that Angriote durst not dream to say unto me the lest of the injuries that he hath spoken before your majesty. But the gallant knoweth well that I am old and broken, as much for the number of my old years, as of the infinite wounds the which I have received throughout all the parts of my body, in the wars of your predecessors.   

The answer of King Lisuard to the foresaid Broquadan and Gandandell, reproving them of cowardness and slothfulness.  
COme hither, you have so oftentimes recited and told me, that Amadis and his, had purposed to betray me, and to usurp upon me the country of England, and yet when you should meet, you excused yourselves from fight, and sent your children to the play, that could do nothing therewithal: yet God is just, and by as much as I own him and am bound unto him, it was evil spoken of you, nor I would never have esteemed you to be such manner of men as you be.   

The Oration of King Arban of Norgales to King Lisuarde, inducing him to call Amadis again to his Court. In the .3. book the .1. Chaper.  
Sir, I would think it good (or ever you did this thing) that you should have the advice of the noble men of your country: for you know that Amadis and they of his kindred are wondered good Knights, and very mighty through the friends that they have. Furthermore, there is not he that knoweth not how falsely they have been accused before your majesty, whereof the victory that Angriote and Sarquelles have obtained within these few days that be passed against the accusers, hath given good witness, and if the right had not been on their side, yet because they are good and valiant knights, they should not have been so easily dispatched of Candanelle's children, nor of Amadis: the which thing doth sufficiently make us to understand and believe, that the Lord maintained them in their justification and right. And therefore sir, it should be best (as I do suppose and think) if it would so please you, to forget the evil that you bears them, and to call them again to your service, seeing that it shall not be greatly approved nor allowed, that a Prince should make war against those, that he may easily and with his honour call again to his amity & service, considering that doing the contrary, is oftentimes loss of men, extreme expenses, and diminishing of authority, a thing that shortly after causeth the Lords and neighbours thereabouts, to desire and to make new enterprises, to get them out of subjection, and to enter into a more liberty than they had before. And therefore a sage and a wise Prince aught at no time (if it be possible) to give occasion to his vassals to go and departed from the fear and reverence that they own unto him: but must prove and assay by all means and ways to rule them, as the good shepherd by temperate discretion doth with his sheep, winning their hearts and wills more by faithful love, than by rigour and tyranny. Therefore sir, it is necessary to quench the fire already kindled, before it be thoroughly set a fire. For oftentimes after the fault be known, the remedy is to far gone. Amadis is so humble and so much yours, that if you would sand to revoke him, you shall easily recover him with those that have followed him, of the which you may be better served than ever you were.   

The defiance of Cendill of G●not, made in the name of King Lisuard to Amadis, and to all other his parents and friends, certifying them, that the King doth declare himself their mortal enemy. In the same Chapter.  
MY Lords, I am sent hither unto you, from the most puissant and mighty King Lisuard my sovereign Lord, in whose name I defy you, and all your parents, friends or alliance, and from him I declare unto you, that if ever he found you in England, or in the Isle of Mongase, he will 'cause you to be destroyed, and entreated as his mortal enemy. Therefore keep yourselves from henceforth if you may or can, for he hath enterprised to invade you, and utterly (if he may found the mean and ways) to destroy you.   

Amadis prayeth Gandales his old and ancient friend, to go and answer King Lisuard, and to advertise him that he feareth not his threatenings. In the self-same Chapter.  
MY father, I pray you to go with him, and say to King Lisuard, that I sand you particularly unto him, to adveravertise him, that I set less by his threatenings, than he thinketh, and if I had known the little thank that he beareth me for● so many great services as he hath received by me, I would have taken good heed, to have entered so often into so great dangers wherein I adventure myself, for his wealth and the wealth of his realm, the which peradventure should otherwise not have remained and been so entire and whole as it is at this present: but I trust in God, that with the time, he shall know this ingratitude more by force, than by his william. And as touching this, that he purchaseth my enmity, assure him that he shall have it, so that he shall forget the thing that I and mine have done in his defence. And yet say unto him, that although I alone have conquered the isle of Mongase, that I will never set my foot to 'cause him to lose it, nor in place where I may annoy and trouble the Queen for the honour of her.   

Amadis taking leave of his companions, doth exhort them to be virtuous and strong in battle, excusing himself of his departing, and praying them ●o be continually united together. In the .1. Chapter of the .3. book.  
I Beseech you my fellows and companions to succour and to help one another, and to think that the glory (for as much as ye go against a mighty king) that ye shall get and obtain (if ye overcome him) shall be the greater. I know well that there is not he of you all, that is not bound to the wise man, and hardy knight, the which giveth me good hope, that with the help of God, and the good right of him that doth conduct you, ye shall remit and set a poor damsel disherited in her first goods and estate again. I was never in my life so enuyed● to leave so good a company, as I am at this present: but there is not he, that aught not to have and to hold me excused: and yet it hath pleased God, that the occasion hath prepared another mean not to separate us. Of one thing I would pray you, that is, not to have any discord among you, bu● to live together as fellows and friends, otherwise y● may be sure, that the ruin and destruction shall fall on your side.   

A letter of the infant Celinde to king Lisuard, commending her son unto him, that proceeded of the love of king Lisuard and of her. In the .3. Chapter.  
MOst mighty and excellent Prince, reading this letter, ye may (peradventure) remember, that when ye trave, led as a wandering knight far and strange countries, bringing many perilous and dangerous adventures to an ends, fortune did sand and did lead you to my father's kingdom, the which was lately departed, and ye found me withdrawn into one of my castles, named the great Rosi●r, where the brave Antifon besieged me, because I disdained not being equal to me in nobility, and less a friend of virtue, to marry him. And well he could show it, for he had even then usurped by force and tyranny upon me a poor Damsel Orpheline, the most part of my country, when that ye at your coming presented to fight with him, and to sustain the right that I had, the which thing he accepted, more for the confidence that he had in the strength of his arms, than for any other just quarrel: unto whom our Lord showed his just judgement, for you less than he of body, but in magnanimity of courage greatly exceeding him, vanquished him. By the means whereof, I awhile after was restored to all my goods, the which I will hold of you even as they were yours, and myself also for ever, to whom at that time and hour ye did so great honour, as to come and refresh you in this my great Rosier, where afterwards you and I devising together among my pleasant orchards, ye gathered roses, even as we sported us together, and the flower of my virginity, of the which the place was and is yet very rich and plenteous. Therefore I cannot say whether love would it should be so, or whether my beauty was the cause: but I know well that ye had so great power upon me, and that in me was so little resistance, that before ye departed from thence, ye left me great with this young gentleman, whom I sand unto you, so fair, and of so good grace, that nature as me thinketh, hath taken all her pleasure to make him perfect in all excellency, to deface both our sins, if any sin was committed. Therefore Sir, receive him as yours, being of the seed royal of you and m●, the which thing causeth me to esteem, th●t he shall be a prudent man, and retaining in himself part of the noble acts that are in you, and part of the great love, in the which he was engendered, on that day, when ye gave me this ring, the which I sand unto you again in witness of the promise that ye made to your humble servant Celinde king Hegides daughter, the which kisseth the hands of your royal majesty.   

The complaint of Oriane, for the sudden departing of her son, foreseeing the evil entreating that should happen unto him. The .3. Chapter.  
ALas little creature, God give thee grace to be so virtuous, and so good a knight as thy father, and to do thee, if it please him, so much good, as to send thee even at the beginning a more fortunate prosperity than his was. Alas I am constrained to send thee away, and to show myself to thee more cruel, than the Tiger or the Leopard to their little ones. And because I know not whether thou goest, nor when I shall meet with thee again, it causeth in my soul such heaviness, that fortune cannot prepare such danger that doth not present itself before my eyes, yet if I at lest ways knew the Nurse that should give him suck, I would pray her to take care for him, but it may so chance that she will take little care for thee, and that she before thou have the power and be able to keep thyself, shall leave thee oftentimes alone, being occupied about her small businesses, and devising with her neighbours of small matters, unprofitable fables, and lies in the danger of beasts: For I esteem and judge, that she and other likewise shall repent and think thee to be the child of some simple damsel, and to do, for thee the best she can, shall be to nourish thee in the fields among the shepherds, the which oftentimes cannot so diligently give heed to their sheep, but that the Wolf & the Lion against their wills do pass overthwart, ravishing the thing that they think good.   

The complaint of the damsel of Denmark, after that she had lost Orianes little son, the which she esteemed should suffer much evil. In the .3. Chapter.  
O Lord God, how hath it pleased you to suffer that this little creature should perish, the which never offended you? Ah, ah, certes I am well worthy to be greatly punished, of my own will, his misfortune might fall upon my own person, for my life is to me very noisome. Alas little infant, your father being as little as ye are, began to prove the dangers of this world, and yet our Lord of his great goodness preserved him: but your misfortune & evil honour is far stranger than his was: for notwithstanding they cast him into the waves and surges of the Sea, yet Gandales met him in a good hour, and afterwards (as every man doth know) he took him up: but thou little poor one art fallen into the mercy of a brute beast, that shall have no more pity upon thee than his natural inclination doth command him, and so shall ye end your days before they have had in a manner any beginning.   

Nascian speaking to her sister of the little infanto found between the teeth of a Lion, doth pray her to have it in singular recommendation, and to help it.  
It is sure that our Lord preserving it from so great inconvenience, hath preserved it to his own service. And therefore my sister, my friend she said, I pray you from henceforth to think upon it, and to bring it up, until such time as it may be able to receive such little doctrine a● I may teach him: afterwards ye shall bring him again, and if it please the Lord to lend him long life, I hope that he shall be so prudent a man, as to acknowledge the goodness that ye have done for him.   

The Oration of king Lisuard unto his soldiers, monishing them to fight strongly for him. In the same Chapter.  
TRuly my friends, ye may now see even at the sight of your eye, those that are the cause why we pass over the Sea to defend the honour of England, and the country which is ours, as it is manifest by the covenants that I have had with Ardan Canille, the grandfather of Madasime, and of the old Giant her mother, and yet I cannot tell under what colour, that they since that time are entered, and by treason have taken the town and Castle of the burning Lake, where the Earl Latin was, whom as yet they keep prisoner, and many other with him, whereby their hearts be so exalted, that they suppose fortune to be wholly with them, and that she will set them forwards against us even unto our own doors, of the which they make a matter as though we had not the ways and means to resist a greater power than theirs. But it will go otherwise, and our Lord (if it so please him) shall no● suffer that our reputation, (in the which we have continually lined) should be quenched by them, assuring myself that there is none of you that will not rather die honourably, than afterwards to live in shame. And I know you for such so long, that I have great occasion to love and to esteem you, and if I had not such knowledge, yet I know well, that I was not so soon borne, but that fortune bond me unto you, as well for the fidelity, the which ye have continually kept unto your princes, as for the great services that ye have done for me in maintaining our right: and specially against Barsinan, when that ●e through treason put me into the hands of Archalaus to make him king, and last of all in the battle that I had against king Cildadan, as every man doth know: the which things 'cause me to believe, that having no regard to any particular men that be rebelled against us (sometimes your friends, and now desirous to pluck the blood out of your bodies) ye shall do such diligence following your ancient virtue and fidelity, that we shall 'cause them to know, that we are not they that they should come unto: she which thing we may easily do, s●ing that we are so many more than they, and that we have the right on our side. Therefore let us go on boldly, for I see that they approach and draw nigh.   

Galuanes Oration to his knights, exhorting them to take courage, and to esteem themselves happy, to fight for a just occasion. In the .3. book the .3. Chapter.  
Understand my companions, that the first and soverainst goodness that may be in an army, is the head ruler, that can wisely order and counsel the thing that is required to be done, and afterwards to have obedience to execute the thing that he commandeth You have here not only one Captain such as I speak of, but two● or three, yea more than twen●ie, the which are so agreeing together, that there is but one will, one heart and one advice: Seeing then this first goodness and gift is not denied us, let us draw near to the second, and 'cause our fortune to aid us against the most unthankful King that is upon the earth, the which provoketh to destroy our goods, and our lives with this great and mighty army, that he hath caused to come hither to impoverish and utterly to deflower a poor gentlewoman. But yet he is far from his count and purpose, for we will help her as long as we have any life in our bodies, following the thing that we receiving the order of knighthood are bound unto, and if we chance to die there, it shall be unto us an immortal glory to have so good occasion to fight and to overcome him● that aught to be a just defender of all Ladies: so that the thing that of many might be called foolish hardiness, shall be as concerning us called virtue and magnanimity of courage. Boldly let us therefore run in among them without ●eare of death, or of any danger, having nothing before our eyes but honour. For in such warlike acts, fortune herself will not be feared nor doubted: and if we be victorious, in as much as they are more than we, our glory shall be the greater, and our name the more spread abroad, taking upon us with so great an heart and courage, a thing almost to man incredible.   

Amadis heaviness for Oriane, because that without leave he was departed from her company. In the .3. book the .5. Chapter.  
AH, ah, poor unfortunate Amadis, is it possible, that thou canst long endure and continued in this torment● Alas, if love heretofore have favoured thee, it maketh and causeth thee to pay the usury. Why do I say love? it is not love, nor love is not the cause: but thy misfortune, the which envying thy prosperity and great ease, hath forged and builded a miscontentment against the King, utterly to destroy thee, causing thee for to lose the sight of her, of whom doth altogether depend thy ease and only repose and rest, a thing which is more weighty she thee to hear than a thousand deaths togethers Nevertheless one would suffice me, if so much good luck could chance unto me. Ha', ha', certes I do great wrong to wish such things, seeing that I am sure that Oriane should have too great displeasure. Wherefore then should I desire her evil, considering that she never did me but that was good and favourable? And if I suffer any heaviness, I am sure that she feeleth it as my own soul.   

The Oration of Bruneo to Amadis, praying him to give him leave to accompany him. In the third book the .5. Chapter.  
certess my Lord, the young age, and little estimation wherein I have lived hitherto among the good knights, do press and enforce me to forsake this present life, and to take a more painful to come to their range and company. Therefore I pray you most humbly, that if ye find yourself disposed to go and to search adventures, to suffer that I may accompany you, if not, to give me leave, for I have pointed to departed tomorrow early in the morning.   

Amadis answer to Bruneo, excusing himself, that he was constrained to leave him. In the .3 book the .5. Chapter.  
BY my faith my great friend, I have all my life time desired such company as yours is, being well assured that there could not chance to me but all honour and good fortune. But the king's purpose and communication that he of late hath had w●th me not as yet to departed from his country, doth constrain me to leave and forsake your company whereof I am sore displeased. Therefore I pray you to have me excused, praying God that he will conduct yo●●   

King Arauignes Oration to his Soldiers, inciting and provoking them to behave themselves strongly in the battle. In the .3. book the .5. Chapter.  
WHat need is it my Lords, greatly to exhort you to fight well and strongly, seeing that you are here to do the same, and yourselves the authors of this war, in the which you have chosen me to be your head and principal conductor? the which thing is the principal cause and reason, why that I shall show you what me thinketh and what my mind is, to the intent that after you have perceived me, you may have before your eyes the cause why you are in so great number of people gathered together. Certainly it is not to defend your country, your liberty, your wives, your children, or your goods: But it is to conquer and to bring under the yoke, a people the most proudest and fiercest that is this day living, and the which esteem us (being far from them) as nothing: yet that notwithstanding, I believe that they near at hand dare not tarry for us, although that you see them march forwards furiously, but that notwithstanding, if you behold well their countenance, it seemeth that it should have more efficacy to move you, and to give an heart to fight well, than all the words of any man living, yea, although you were in a manner unprovided and ill appointed. But contrariwise, we are here the flower and the strength of the most part of all the Ocean Isles, and in such a great number, that in a manner it were sin to doubt of our certain victori●. And more certainly to assure us thereof, remembering that we are in a strange land, and very far from our own, not among our good friends, but in the midst of all those that desire our death, a thing that we can not avoid if we be once broken: for they have many horsemen, by the which we shall be pursued, having no manner of mean to retire to our ships. And therefore we must be resolved either to win or to die: for the necessity wherein we be, is much more to be feared than their force and might: therefore let every man do his duty, and I hope or and before the night doth divide us, we shall be masters and Lords of all this country, and afterwards redoubted and feared in all coasts of the world.   

King Lisuards Oration unto his Knights, advertising them of his just quarrel, and that they for this cause should manfully sustain his part. In the self-same book the .5. Chap.  
MY friends, the right being on our side, God (the which is just, and in whose hands are the victories) will if it please him, help us. And if they would say that they make war upon me, to revenge those only that last invaded this Realm with King Cildadan: be you assured that they may well find themselves deceiued● for knowing, and believing to revenge their injury (upon trust of some power) their shame oftentimes groweth and increaseth, and do end and finish their days as I hope they shall unfortunately: for there are none of you so young and unskilful to be in any such conflicts, that is not experimented, and reputed by themselves a wise and a hardy Knight: They ground their victories only upon the great number of people that they have in their camp, people I may say gathered together, and of all nations, the most part without order, and without obedience, the which seeing us to draw nigh, shall be astonied or ever we have abased our lances, and if we may once set them out of order and arraye● we shall have even what we william. Let us then boldly go on, and make them know, that they be not better men than their companions, of whose burials and sepulchres, our land hath been fatted and dunged, and the Wolves three or four times with their carrion carcases repasted, when they were by your virtue and magnanimity destroyed in battle.   

The exhortation of King Perion of France, to Amadis and Florestan his sons, giving them courage to be strong against their misfortune. In the .3. book and .6. Chap.  
How now, be you astonied so son● of the deeds of fortune? are you yet to learn her moveablenesse? by my ●aith I thought you more strong and constant, of one thing I pray you, not to give me more annoyance and heaviness than I have: for your heaviness doth 'cause such passions in my soul, as only are sufficient to 'cause me to die. Therefore quiet yourselves, and let us hope in God, the which is almighty, to draw us out of this place. We must commend ourselves unto him, and have our trust in him only: but who would ever have thought that we should have fallen into such an accident or chance, by the only persuasion of a simple Damsel, under the colour of feigning herself dumb, after that we had escaped the dangers of so cruel a battle? Thus my children, seeing that we can set no order, let us contemning all natural pity that y●e may have of me, and I of you, take our fortune in good worth.   

Amadis answer to Archalaus, the which demanded what he was. In the self-same Chapter.  
BY my faith Lord Archalaus, when you shall know what we be, I am sure that you will better entreat us, than we have been as yet: for you being a Knight as we be, and that hath often suffered the mischances and turns of fortune, as we do, shall not find it evil, that we have holpen our friends, as we would do for you in like case: and if there be in us any noble acts, the same should be a mean to 'cause you the better to recognize and know whither you do us wrong or no.   

The Oration of Arquisill a Knight of Rome to his companions, not to defer and delay the Combat and fight accorded and appointed. In the .3. book the .7. Chap.  
How now my Lords, shall you forget, and thus lose the reputation of our Empire? Shall it be published that eleven Knights of Rome have been (through fear of death) so slothful, as not to be so hardy to fight with twelve gross Almains, unexpert in arms? by God, if I alone had enterprised and taken them to task, I would not, to die a thousand deaths together defer it. And if you fear and doubt of him that hath destroyed Garadan, suffer me to fight with him, and prepare yourselves towards the other: for I ensure you, if our hearts be good, we shall overcome them, and recover the thing that they think to have received already by the mischance that happened to our companion, let us therefore fight with them, and let us all die rather than to delay it, considering that for us it is much better to choose such an honourable death, than hereafter to live in perpetual shame, and in so unfortunate a life as ours shall be. Therefore I pray you my Lords and friends ●o remember, that we go fight not only to obtain land for the Emperor, or to entertain and keep the promise that Garadan hath made, but for the honour of all the Empire of Rome: Finally, I have said and prayed you, to suffer me to fight with him that had yesterday the victory of our companions I s●e him go first, and also he shall be the first that (as I hope) shall be overthrown.   

The Oration of the Knight of the green sword to King Tasinor, taking his leave of him. In the .3. book the .7. Chap.  
Sir, you are now thanks be to God, in peace, and rid of your businesses, therefore if it shall please you to give me leave, I am purposed to departed to morrow in the morning, and to follow my fortune, whither it shall seem and please her to conduct and to guide me: assuring you sir, that wheresoever I b●, I shall remain and be your humble servant, as the goodness and honour that you have done and showed me, ●oth ●ynde me.   

Amadis sorrows seeing himself absent, and so far from his lover Oriane. In the .3. book the .7. Chap.  
ALas my lover, when shall I see the time, that I may yet have the good fortune to hold you in my arms? Ah, ah, love, you have lifted me up to the greatest honour and fortune wherein any faithful lover at any time may be. But what? In as much as this my glory had none like it in favour, so much the more it is turned concerning me, into tribulation and annoyance, feeling myself to be so far from her that I most desire to see and to hold. And the thing that doth most torment me, is the fear lest that my absence be the cause that she forget me, or that she besides me have a new love. After this, he suddenly reprehended himself, and said: Alas, whereof should this foolish opinion come? Ah, ah, my lover, I find you too steadfast and constant, and also I know well, that I have faulted and sinned against you: for my pain and great fidelity have so oftentimes given me good hope and assurance, that I am to blame to have any doubt of you. Furthermore, as I know well, I never thought but to obey you, and shall do all my life long, thus you shall have no occasion to will me evil, nor to desire any vengeance upon me, if you think not to be offended that I love you more fervently and constantly than any other could do. Yet I can not tell whether love will punish me or not, because I have disdained all other, and given myself so much to you, and have evil entreated many, and rigorously refused them. But I know well, that my thoughts be so familiar in your heart, and your great beauty so caracted and printed in my soul, that I must hold and believe for a troth, that with the time my pains shall be quenched, either by my end, or by your accustomed faithfulness.   

The little Oration of Amadis, being sore wounded by Andriague, the which doth turn him to God, to have pity upon him. In the .3. book the .10. Chap.  
AH, ah, Lord God, that to redeem me tookest humane flesh in the virgins womb, and afterward iuduredst so grievous & so abominable a Passion, I beseech thee to have pity on my soul, for I know well that my body is but earth.   

Amadis giving thanks to Master Elisabet, doth thank him for his good entreating. In the same Chapter.  
AH my great friend said the Knight, I may well say, that next unto God you are he to whom I am most bound, delivering me from the great danger that I was in. Also I do assure you, that as long as I have a soul in my body, you shall have a Knight of me ready to do for you, without reserving of any peril or danger, considering that you have done so much for me (not knowing me but for a simple Knight, nor having in all his goods but an ill, broken and an unnailed harness) that there shall not be a day of all my life, that I shall not assay to recognize it.   

Master Elisabets answer to Amadis, excusing himself to ●●m of his thankfulness. In the self-same book the ●10. Chap.  
MY Lord said Elisabet, you shall say what pleaseth you, but so much there is, that I esteem myself more happy than other like unto me, in as much as I have saved the life (next unto God) of the most gentle Knight, that ever did bestride noble horse, the which thing I dare say openly, for I have seen you take in hand, and make an end of things unto all men incredible. Likewise I am well assured, that from henceforth many unto whom injury and wrong hath been done, shall be sustained by you, the which should otherwise remain without any hope. And thus being the cause of such goodness, I shall hold and think me better recompensed, than if I had all the treasure of the world together.   

Amadis answer to the Emperor, the which would have retained him in his Court, giving him thanks for the favour that he bore him. In the .3. book the .11. Chapter.  
Sir, said the Knight, you have already done me so great honour, that I believe as long as I shall live, not to be in my power to do you service, that may merit the lest of the goodnesses I have received of you: yet I am so far from my liberty, being submitted into the bondage of one alone, that I can not nor will not disobey him to please you withal, being sure that doing the contrary, death shall not suffer me to be yours long, and shall deprive me for ever to be his no more.   

Amadis Oration to the Emperor, taking his leave of him. In the same Chapter.  
Sir, you have done me so much honour and goodness, that every where I shall be your servant, and ready at all times, and as oft as it shall please you to use me, to obey you. And for as much as I am appointed, following the thing that I have promised, to be shortly in the Marches of Rome, I beseech you most humbly to give me leave to departed.   

Th● answer of the foresaid Emperor to Amadis, graciously giving him the leave that he demanded. In the same Chap.  
MY great friend (quoth he) if it were possible that you might sojourn here any longer, you should do me great pleasure. But seeing that your words have so bound you, God forbidden that I should give any occasion to you or to any other to falsify or to break it.   

Grasinde speaking to Amadis, otherwise called the Knight of the green sword, doth praise him for keeping of his promise. In the same Chapter.  
Believe Knight of the green sword, that if I have had in time past good estimation of you, that now I have much better, seeing that so faithfully you have kept promise with me, being returned from your journey, or ever that it be past & ended: the which thing maketh me believe, that you seeing you have not fainted in that, will do likewise in this, that I have purposed to put you to, ensuing the purpose that we had together a little before you took shipping to go into Gréece.   

Amadis sorrowing the absence of Oriane. In the .3. book the ●1. Chapter.  
ALas my lover, the long absence of your person, hath given me so great passions and sorrows, that if it had not been for fear of the displeasure you should have had for my death, I had been buried long since, and deprived of the greatest goodness that could have chanced unto me, that is, to have the sight of you. Ha', my eyes, are you not to blame thus to draw out (by force of weeping) the little humour wherewith my heavy heart doth nourish itself, considering the returning to her, for whose service only, my spirit is content to be resident and remain in this painful heart? also if you should have no hope to see her again, yet you have had more goodness (through the favour that she hath showed you in times past) than ever you deservedly And furthermore you may be assured, that the stableness of her is so constant, that for any accident or chance that shall happen unto her, she feeling in her heart my fidelity can not vary, and such, that I had a great deal rather die a hundred thousand times, than to loose her good grace.   

Gandalin goeth about to turn his master Amadis from sorrow and heaviness, wherein he saw him for his lover Oriane. In the .3. book the .12. Chapter.  
YOu are (que Gandalin) a strange parsonage, thus to punish yourself, when you should comfort yourself and take a good heart, considering that we be in the way to return to my Lady Oriane, that causeth all these sicknesses: and as I think, you should do well, to draw you from those thoughts, that thus do cause you to die. For it is hard, if ye fall not then into sickness, when ye shall have most need of health: and so ye prepare a worse infirmity and sickness than was before, of the which ye shall afterwards repent you at leisure.   

The Oration of Grasinde to the knight of the green sword, to draw him to her amity. In the .3. book the .12. Chapter.  
Understand knight, that a year before ye entered into this country, I being in a company that the Duke of Basle prepared and made in his own house, whereunto all the fair ladies and damsels of the country were called and inuite●: even as we were in the midst and force of our good there, I cannot tell what moved my brother the Marquis of Salander (whom ye know full well) in whose guard and keeping I was then, when he said with a loud voice before the assistance, that my beauty was so excellent, that no other of the company aught in nothing to be compared to me, and if there were any knight, that would hold and sustain the contrary, that he was ready to fight with him. Yet either because he was ●eared and redoubted, or it may be that the opinion of the assistance was such, no man would say against it. By the means whereof, I bear the honour away above all the fair ladies of Rome, whereof I had such pleasure and contentation, as ye may esteem: and if by your means I may go further, and come to that that my heart hath since desired● I shall esteem myself the most fortunates of all the world.   

The lamentation of Bruneo of Good Mer, the which being in the prey and custody of Amadis, fell into the hands I cannot tell of what traitors, the which wounded him very sore. In the .3. book the .12. Chapter.  
AHah caitiff infortunate Bruneo of Good Mer, now thou seest well, that thou must needs end thy days with affectionate desire, by the which thy faithful heart hath been so long afflicted. Alas Amadis of France, my good Lord, ye shall never see your faithful companion Bruneo. For seeking you, as your well-beloved sister Melicia commanded him, he is fallen into the hands of traitors, that shall slay him, without having of aid or succour of any of his friends. Ah, ah fortune, the enemy of my good hour, thou hast set me so far from all remedy, that I have not the mean only to make any man to understand how to revenge me, the which thing should be unto me such a comfort, that my spirit with better will and contentation should departed out of this wretched and miserable world. Alas Melicia the flower and glass of all the most perfectest of the world, ye shall lose this day the most faithfullest servant, that ever had Lady or Damsel: for he never thought in his life, but to obey, please and to serve you. And by my soul, if ye consider it well, ye shall find (it may be so) that this is an extreme loss for you, being assured, that ye shall never recover any other that is so given unto you, as was your Bruneo, the which doth feel even now that the light of his life doth go out, and his afflicted heart to lose his strength, with the which (to remember you only) I at other times have had means and ways to do many high acts of arms, and of great chivalry. Thus I recommend him unto you, desiring you to favour him, and to entreat him, as one that never fauted in his faithfulness. Alas death that takest me away, thou dost show thyself too sharp and too rigorous towards me, causing me to lease all my goods, my pleasure and my joy: not that I will expressly blame tha●, for depriving me of my life: but for that thou hast not suffered me or ever I died to accomplish the thing that Melicia had greatly charged me withal, the which thing was, to ●ind her brother Amadis. Alas, this was the first commandment that ever she made me, and shall be (as far as I see) the last: whereby I feel my torment to double. For if I had had a mean to have satisfied her, I would have thought my travel well bestowed. But what? my lover, ye shall lose me or ever I have had the power to recognize the graces and the favours that ye have done for me and showed me●assuring you by my God, that I would never have feared death, but well to have finished and ended my life, loving you with great affection. But yet my evil hour hath deprived me of so great goodness, causing me to fall into the peril and danger wherein I am.   

The same man (continuing his complaint) doth say. In the .3. book the .12 Chapter.  
Ah my great friend Angriota of Estrauaux● where are ye now, and how have ye forsaken me, having so long time maintained this company together, and when need is, ye leave me without any aid or succour, not that I will blame you. for I myself have been the cause to separate us this day to our great misfortune, the which shall also separate us one from another for ever.   

The Oration of Oriane to Florestan, declaring unto him, that the absence of him and of Amadis hath caused great harm to many damsels. In the .3 book the. 12● Chapter.  
IN good faith my Lord Florestan, it is long ago, since we saw you in this country, whereof I greatly mused, as well for the good will that I do bear you, as for the need that many poor creatures have suffered, the which were wont to find and to have succour of you, of Am●dis, and of many other that have followed him. Cursed be there that are cause of so long a separation. And believe that I speak not this without great occasion, for I know a poor Damsel that is very near to be dishorited, because she hath not one to defend the wrong that men have done her. And if Amadis were ●ere again, and likewise the other which are far from hence, she might be sure that her right should not as it is, be taken from him but seeing they be absent, she hath no better hope nor no other recourse but unto death.   

florestan's answer to Oriane, certifying her that Amadis maketh good cheer, and that his name is daily divulgate through his fortunable conquests. In the .3. book the .14. Chapter.  
MAdame, God that is merciful, doth never forget those that put their trust in him, and if it please him he shall not begin with the damsel that is so desolate. As touching my Lord Amadis, be ye assured that he is in very good health, searching continually strange adventures, and in such wise, that for the great feats of arms that he doth in far countries where he is, his renown doth divulgate itself in all the coasts of the world.   

King Lisuards Oration to Galaor, concerning the marriage of Oriane and the Emperor, desiring him to give his advise. In the .3. book the .14. Chapter.  
MY great friend, I have always known so great fidelity in you, and have found it so profitable, that I often times have believed your counsel, and am purposed never to conclude any matter of importance without it. You know the honour that the Emperor doth me, and the ambassade that he newly hath sent unto me, desiring me to give him my daughter Oriane to be his wife. And ye shall believe me, I think that the Lord in this thing doth much for her and me: for he is at this present the most mighty and redoubted Prince of all chi●tendome. And being thus well allied with him, I from henceforth shall have no neighbour, nor enemy that shall dare once lift up his horns to hurt or to envy me, and I shall be more feared and obeyed, than ever was any king of England. Furthermore, it shall be in a manner impossible to provide better for her, than she shall be, being the wife of such an Emperor: and thus Leonor shall remain after me sole Lady of my lands and countries, the which otherwise might be divided and a thing very hurtful. But yet I am purposed to do nothing without the advice of the Lords and knights of my Court, and specially yours, the which I pray you (by the amity that ye have always borne me) to tell me freely and frankly, and without any dissimulation.   

The answer of Galaor to king Lisuard, the which doth tend to dissuade & to turn him, by the reasons that he bringeth in from the foresaid marriage. In the .3. book the. 14● Chapter.  
Sir, ye say, that marrying my Lady Oriane to the Emperor, ye shall provide so well for her, that it should be impossible to provide better. The which thing seemeth to me clean contrary, for she being your principal heir, and to sand her into a far country to 'cause her to lose her realm, the which is hers already, ye shall make her poor, without men, and in subjection to a people not agreeing with the manners and conditions of this country. And if it seem to you, that she to be the emperors wife, & to bear the name of an Empress shall be in more authority in time to come, by God Sir ye do abuse yourself, and here is the reason thereof. Suppose that it may chance her to have male children by the Emperor her husband, if she remain widow, the first thing that her son shall do unto her, shall be to 'cause her retire and to have the rule of the Empire alone, and if he marry, it will be worse, for the new princess will be inferior to none. And therefore it is most sure, that my Lady your daughter shall fall into a thousand inconveniences and extreme sorrows, having forsaken this country, (the which certainly is her native land) to live in a strange country, from her parents, subjects and servants. And as concerning ye say, that through his fame you shall be succoured, feared, and redoubted: truly sir, ye have (thanks be to God) so many friends and knights at your commandment, that without the aid of the romans, ye may easily if ye think it good, extend your limits: and I believe that in the stead to have any support, they shall rather assay to bring you to ruin, and to destroy you, than (as ye esteem) to aid and secure you, for they will have no equal unto them, nor none greater nor above them. And furthermore this is certain, that they would demand nothing more, than to have an occasion to set you in their Chronicles, to your confusion, and their glory, under the shadow of some little favour that they have borne you, the which thing should be the greatest evil that might happen to you and yours. And also Sir, what reason should it be, to put my Lady Oriane your daughter and principal inheriter so far from you, to advantage so much the princess Leonor, the which is the younger: by my soul, for a righteous king, and that is taken throughout all the world for an author of justice, ye shall make peradventure the greatest wound in your renown that ever did prince or mighty king. And God never give not only to you the will, so far out of reason, but also to the poorest knight of your court, beseeching you sir most humbly, to believe, that I would not have been so foolish hardy to declare unto you so freely the thing that I thought good, if ye had not expressly commanded me: and also because I am minded and appointed to keep unto you (all my life) the fidelity that I have promised, as he that doth feel him bound unto you, for the goodness and favour that ye have done for me.   

Oriane complaining to Florestan, that her father would marry her to the Emperor against her will, prayeth him to speak to her father. In the .3. book the .14. Chapter.  
ANd believe (said she) that if he continus in his opinion, that the first news that he shall have after my departure of me, the same shall be of my death: for what soever shall chance, if he separate me from this country, the Sea and death shall separate me also, being well minded to end my misfortunes by the impetousitie and furiousness of the waves, the which shall be witnesses for ever of my dolours, as they, of the which I hope to find more pity, than in my own father, parents, country, friends, and servants. And therefore my Lord Florestan. I pray you in the name of God, to prepare yourself to dissuade him of his fantasy, or else by my faith, this thing shall be unto him a great charge in conscience, and to me the most strange misfortune into the which any poor damsel disherited and forsaken of God and man might fall.   

florestan's answer to Oriane, excusing himself to her, that he dare not speak to her father for her, and that he will 'cause him to be spoken to by other. In the .3. book the .14. Chapter.  
MAdame, ye shall do me great injury, if ye have me not in that estimation, that I am entirely yours, and ready to obey and to serve you until death: but to speak to the king your father, as ye pray me, is impossible for me to do: for ye know the enmity that he beareth me, in despite of my Lord Amadis, forgetting all the great services that he, and all they of his lineage have done him in times past, and if he have received any by me, he aught not to thank me, seeing that I did it not for his love, but by his commandment that hath all power upon me, and unto whom I may not, nor I aught not to say against: the which was the cause that I of late was in the war of the seven knights, not to aid those of England, but only to conserve and keep the right that ye have there, as she that one day shall be, if it please God, Lady ● Queen. And as concerning the rest, I will obey you, and shall 'cause king Perin to understand the thing that ye have told me and other my friends, to assay and to find remedy in your affairs, and I trust they will in such sort provide for you, that ye shall have an occasion to content you, assuring you, that I will tarry in no place, till that I be in the enclosed I'll, where I shall found the Prince Agraies, the which hath (as ye know) a great desire to do you service, & also for the love of Mabile his sister. There we shall advise us together of the thing that we must take upon us, without sparing of any thing that is in our puissance and power.   

The Oration of the Earl Argamont to king Lisuard, touching the marriage of Oriane, tending to turn him from the marrying of her to the Emperor. In the .3 book the .15. Chapter.  
MY Lord, seeing it pleaseth you, that I speak before this company the thing that I think of the Emperors marriage with my Lady Oriane your daughter, I beseech you most humbly to receive of me the thing that ye shall understand in good part: for it is no less treason to dissemble good counsel toward his Prince, than to offend him in his proper person: therefore believe that I without dissimulation shall tell you mine advice, notwithstanding that often enough I have particularly declared it unto you. Sir ye know that my Lady Oriane your eldest daughter aught to succeed you, and to be by reason inheriter of the lands that God and fortune hath given and committed to your custody, unto the which by right of nature she hath more just title, than ye ever had, for they fell unto you only by the death of king Falāg●is, the which was but your brother, and she is your own daughter, and the eldest. Therefore consider with yourself, that if he had done on your part as ye appoint to do to my Lady Oriane, ye had not been now so great & so mighty a Lord as ye are. Wherefore will ye chase her away, to call my niece Leonor into her place, considering that (as I believe) she never offended you? And if it seem unto you, the marrying her to the Emperor Patin, ye shall make her a great Princess, & very well to provide for her: truly sir, you are far from your account, for you know that having children together, if she outlive the Emperor, she shall remain but the simple dowager of Rome, in place to be after you Lady and Queen of this Realm: & furthermore, do you esteem that your subjects will hardly consent there to: by my soul I think, that if they said yea, that it should be perforce and against their wills, and therefore so shall it not please God, I say no otherwise unto you than my conscience doth urge me, being yet assured, that for any thing that may be persuaded you, you will give no place but to your own fantasy. Thus I beseech you most humbly to pardon me, considering that I would never have spoken so far, without the express commandment that you have given me.   

Grasindes' letter to King Lisuard, declaring his greatness unto him, and praying him to give her and the Knight of Greece, a self conduct to come in safety unto him. In the .3. book the .15. Chapter.  
RIght high and magnificent Prince, I Grasinde fair above all other fair Ladies of Rome, give you to wit, that I am only arrived into your country, in the guard and custody of the Knight of Gréece, expressly for this cause, that as I have been judged and taken for the fairest woman of all those of Rome, and following this glory, the which hath so contented my heart, that when I am so esteemed above all the maidens of your Court, then shall my spirit remain as satisfied of that, that it desireth more than any other thing: And if there be any Knight that for the love of any one particularly, or for all together will say the contrary, that he take deliberation of two things. The first to fight with the Knight of Gréece, and the other that he may have of the damsel such a Coronet as I wear, so that the victor in a sign of a triumph of the victory, may make a present to her, for whom he hath fought. And if it please you sir to grant me the thing that I desire of you, you shall send to me by this Damsel and to all my company, but especially to the knight of Gréece a safe conduct, that he receive no outrageousness nor injury, if it be not of those against whom he shall fight, & if he overcome the first, let the second, the third, & the fourth come, and all they that will prove him one after an other.   

The Oration of the Earl Argamont to King Lisuarde, declaring the misfortune that shall chance unto him and to my Lady Oriane, if he marry her to the Emperor. In the .3. book the .15. Chapter.  
Sir, have you not marked the glory of these Romans, the which unreverently have been bold before you to do injury to the Knights of your Court? what may they do in other places think you? by God, seeing that they had so little discretion, I fear greatly that they will lightly esteem my Ladi● Oriane, incontinently after that you have lost the sight of her. And that notwithstanding you have already (as I have understanded) accorded and agreed unto them, I can not perceive whereof this your fantasy doth proceed, considering that never Prince so sage and wise, did ever forget himself so far. And it seemeth that you have a certain envy and will to injury and provoke fortune against you, and to unbind misfortune that hath been so long bound at your gate: have you forgotten the graces that the Lord● hath done for you? do you not fear at all his fury? is not fortune mutable? are you to know & to learn that she when she is envied and weary to do him good whom she hath lifted up, doth not afterwards chasten him with rods, but with cruel & divers torments a hundred times worse than death? Pardon me sir: for the faith and fidelity that I bear you, doth bolden me to say thus unto you: for you know how that these worldly things are transitory and perilous, and that the glory & renown that men get by long travel in this life, is oftentimes put out and buried through little and light occasion, if fortune do disfavour the person, so that if there rest any help in the place of praise, he shall be blamed only, that could not entertain & keep the good fortune wherein he was before. Therefore sir, think (I pray you) upon the fault that you did not long since, putting far from you so many good Knights, as Amadis, his brothers, parents, and friends, by the which you were feared, honoured, and redoubted throughout all the world: and not being yet out of this evil, you will enter into a worse, the which thing maketh me believe that God hath forgotten you, because you first forgot him: for if it were otherwise, you would take their counsel that have a desire to serve you faithfully. But seeing that I see, I am content to discharge me of my fidelity and homage that I own you. And return to my country, to avoid the sight (if it be possible) of the just complaints and strange tears, that my Lady Oriane shall make when you (as you have promised) do deliver her. And to do this you have already sent to seek Mires●●ur, the which hath constrained me to tell you the thing that you have heard and understanded already.   

Amadis Oration to the Earl Argamont, showing him that for his love he will save the life of a Roman whom he hath overcome. In the .3. book the .16. Chapter.  
FOr the honour of the good King and you, I will save for this time, the life of this presumptuous Roman, yet if any other of his companions fall in like danger, they may be sure that they shall pay the amendss for him: for I never heard speak of so extreme glory as of theirs, by the which they make a matter & a custom to dispraise one Knight, to advance themselves: And furthermore I pray you to say unto your King, that for the goodness that I have perceived in him, I never had will to disturb him, nor to do any thing wherewith he should be displeased: but I pray him that he will suffer me, if any other present himself to fight, to follow my victory, that hereafter they be not so prompt to speak and to say evil, following the fashion of their Emperor Patins doings, th● which is accustomed daily to threaten, and most commonly to be beaten.   

O●ians complaint to King L●suard her father, assuring him that if he marry her to the Emperor, she shall soon die. In the .3. book and .17. Chapter.  
ALas my Lord, behold in pity for the honour of God, your daughter so greatly desolate, and be no less favourable unto her, than you have been all your life time to the most simple Damsels, that asked and desired your help. Ah, ah, my Lord, when Archalaus led you away as a prisoner, that wa● under the title of your great goodness, to go and to help her, that had required you. And is it possible now, that forgetting th●t virtue, that hath been always familiar with you, you will do worse to me than ever you did to any other living? I have learned that you will send me to the Emperor of Rome to be his wife, but if you constrain me to that, you shall sin too greatly, for that shall be against my will, and I am determined that death shall sooner take me.   

Oriane doth yet complain of her father's cruelness, to marry her to a person whom she knoweth not. In the .3. book the .17. Chapter.  
Sir (quoth she) or ever you sand me far from you, I pray you advise yourself of the evil that shall follow, for Rome shall never see me, yea the Sea shall never deliver me from this pain, so shall you be the cause of two evils together: The first of the disobedience that I shall commit against you, and the other of the homicide that your daughter shall do on her own person. And believing by this means to make alliance and amity with the Emperor, (esteeming me thus destroyed for the despite of him) he shall have just occasion to will you evil, and not he only, but all they that in time to come shall hear it spoken, and so, whereas you are renowned throughout all the world to be a Prince benign & merciful, ye shall be called unpitiful, and more cruel than any other may be: pardon me sir, the heaviness that presseth me, doth constrain me to say all that I think: and if ye see that I speak unto you to irreverently, take of my indiscretion what vengeance it shall please you: for ye cannot give me so great pain and torment as that is, the which I see is prepared for me, depriving me of your presence.   

The Earl of Argamont, Oration to king Lisuard, intending (as before) to turn him from the foresaid marriage. In the 3. book the .17. Chapter.  
MY Lord, I would hold myself but too fortunate, if I had not an occasion to tell you that reason doth bind me, knowing you to be a wise and a virtuous Prince, easily to discern the good with the evil: nevertheless, the sorrow that my Lady your daughter hath made vnt● me not long since, hath constrained me to put you in remembrance of the thing that I at other times have told you of her, and I pray you as much as I may possible (or ever she departed far from you) to think ripely and without affection upon it. For notwithstanding, a wise man doth not commonly make a fault governing himself by reason, yet when he presumeth so much of himself, that he will have no counsel but of his own head, he falleth often in more danger than doth the less advised, the experience whereof hath been seen at other times in many Princes. My Lord, you see the extremity in the which my Lady Oriane is, and if you think well upon it, you shall easily judge the inconvenience that may fall to her person through too great desperation, whereof within a while after you shall be sorry all the days of your life. And besides all this, you may be blamed, not only of strangers, but of your own subjects, and hereafter be odious unto them, whereof of there may come and arise many chauces and misfortunes. Therefore believe their counsel, that desire your profit and the honour of your Realm, for so doing, you can not chance amiss: and although it should chance otherwise, yet you should be excused, and they bound to find remedy. And furthermore you know well, that the fault which is done by counsel, can not be otherwise named, but a fault wisely made. See now my Lord why and wherefore I desired you very humbly, (using fatherly pity) to con●ent these Ambassadors by some other mean, than with the price of your daughter's blood.   

The Oration of the Damsel Grasinde to King Lisuard, declaring unto him the cruelty that he beareth unto his daughter Oriane, and the damsels of his Court, minding to marry her to the Emperor. In the .3. book the .17. Chapter.  
Sir, hitherto you have been taken for the most esteemed Prince of all Christendom, a lover of honour, and of all virtue, and above, a all protector of Ladies and Damsels, doing and showing them so great goodness and graces, that they have had great occasion to praise you more than any other that liveth: and now losing their hope that they had in you, they see themselves rejected from your great goodness, knowing how you entreat my Lady Oriane your daughter, disinheriting her of the goods, that of right after you should pertain unto her: whereof they marvel greatly, considering how it hath been possible that your benign nature might so lightly be turned into so great cruelty, as that now they never hope to have any thing of you, that shall be to their advantage and comfort, using such manner of fashions and doings towards her, unto whom pity and fatherly love, besides the title and the name of a King, whereby you aught to be a maintainer of right (doing justice to each one) hath bound you. And believe me sir, that it may happen worse unto you, as well for the ill ensample that you give the people, as for the abundance of weepings and hard lamentations of my Lady Oriane, the which are before God, requiring vengeance, and so that if you take not heed, the end of your reign shall not ensue and follow the beginning thereof, in the which you have prospered as much, as any other King or Prince that we know. Sir, I will say no more unto you, for I will go after these two Knights that have tarried very long for me.   

Amadis Oration to those of the closed Isle, showing them the great wrong that King Lisuarde did to his daughter, willing to marry her against her will, with other Princesses and Ladies of his country, provoking them to revenge this wrong and injury. In the .3. book the .17 Chap.  
AS far forth as I see, the things are much changed in England, since we went and departed from thence, and the King hath an other manner of fantasie-than he had in times past: for I have seen him more prompt and ready to help & to succour Ladies, than to his own affairs: And I now be marvel what moveth him, thus so far with my Lady Oriane, seeing there was never child more obedient to father as she continually hath showed herself. And now as Angriot and Brun●o do recite & show, he hath against her will, and all the Knights of England, joined her to him whom in all the world she hateth above all other, whereof I have such pity, that if you will believe me, and help, we shall succour and aid her, and set her at liberty. But I will take nothing in hand without you all: ye aught to remember the oath that Queen Brisina caused you to make in the City of London. We all did swear not to suffer any wrong at any time to be done to any Lady or Damsel that required us: now then shall we suffer her to be thus ill entreated and captive, of whom at other times we have received so great honour and favour? Shall the Damsels of her company be taken perforce, and banished for evermore out of their own country? by my God, if we should suffer it, we were worthy to receive blame, without having of any mean or excuse to save us, and we shall fall in the reputation of the increased number of the Knights unfortunate. Therefore advise you together what you will that shall be done, for as touching me, I am well purposed to defer and leave off a voyage that I had taken in hand, as I have by Gidalin certified and told not long since my cousin Agraies, Florestan and other. And with these ships that I have found in this Haven, to prepare me to break the enterprise of king Lisuard, and to save these poor Damsels, among whom I know not a more sorrowful, except my Lady Oriane, than Olinda, whom the King (using his new cruelness) will marry with all constraint and violence to Sallust Quide, the which hath demanded and required her. But I would feign know by what authority he will now thus entreat those which are not his subjects, nor of his countries: specially my cousin Mabile, whom the King her father sent into England, not to be confederate at Rome, but only to devil with the Queen, and to keep Oriane company, the which loved her so, as two young Princesses might bear familiar amity together: and I marvel that all his country be not already revolted and turned against him, or at the lest wise, that no knight hath set himself forth by arms to say against & to resist this his foolish fantasy: but there is none as yet that hath prepared to do it. Therefore my friends I pray you all, that following the ancient custom, which hath been diligently observed among the wandering Knights, to take heed that no man do them so great wrong, nor entreat them so evil. Doing this, we shall get honour & praise more than ever we got before, without the which, in what sort soever it be, we may be blamed. Tell me therefore what you think herein, that we following the conclusion which we shall take, may set an order to execute the same.   

Agraies Oration to his companions, wherewith he exhorteth them to cleave to Amadis mind & conclusion. In the .3. b. 17. cha.  
I Cannot tell who he should be that would slack so gentle an enterprise, seeing that or ever ye my Lord and cousin arrived and came hither, we were gathered together in this place to provide for the same, and now that we find you so conformable to our wills, I am sure that there is none of us that thinketh any other thing, but that fortune doth call us to perform it and end it, promising us certain victory, being pensive & sorry, for the favour that she hath borne thus long to king Lisuard, the which at this present in no wise doth know himself: and that it is so, what hath he to do to send my sister against her will into a strange country? hath the king my father given her unto him, to do his pleasure with her? ye know that a little after our departing out of England, I sent to the Queen for her, but she refused me that, sending me word by Gandales, that she would see her entreated & nourished as her proper person: Is this the good entreating that she hath kept for her, at the last to destroy her? hath Mabile no nother place to convey herself unto, but to the emperors house? Is not the Realm of Scotland rich enough to nourish and to bring her up? by God, this manner of doing of king Lisuard is so unfortunable and so far out of reason, that I had rather die a hundredth fold (if it were possible) than not to be revenged: and already I have sent to my father to provide therefore. In the mean while I pray you all my Lords to aid me, and you specially whom this injury doth touch in a manner as well as me, being done, not only to my sister your cousin, and nigh parent, but to Olinda and other, of whom following the thing that we have promised and sworn (as my Lord Amadis hath said) we aught to be the protectors and defenders.   

The Oration of Grasind to those of the enclosed I'll, praising their enterprise going to succour Oriane and her damsels. In the .3. book and .17. Chapter.  
BY my God, your enterprise is high, and worthy of very great laud and praise, considering that besides the good that ye do to them that ye go to help and succcoure, ye shall ensue and follow the other good knights (the which are of this country or strangers) so that from henceforth men shall not suffer following you, that any man should do wrong to any Lady or to any other damsel. And therefore ye shall so indet them, that both they and these that be, and that shall come a hundred years and more hereafter, shall thank you.   

King Lisuards Oration to my Lady Oriane his daughter, exhorting her to allow the marriage to be good, that he hath undertaken to make of her with the Emperor. In the 3. book the .18. Chapter.  
MY well-beloved, ye have always showed yourself obedient to my will, without any contradiction, and will ye not continued still, as reason willeth you? ye melancholy yourself (as far forth as I see) for the marriage that I have found out for you, whereof I do greatly marvel. Esteem you that I would once think to do any thing that should not turn to your honour and profit? Think you that I am of so evil a nature towards you? I swear unto you by my faith, that the amity that I bear you, is so certain and sure, that I have no less heaviness for your departing from hence, than ●e have. But ye know that it should be impossible to provide for you so well as unto myself: Therefore I pray you, using your accustomable wisdom, to make better cheer, and to rejoice yourself of the goodness that is chanced unto, being the wife of the greatest prince of all the world. And if ye do that ye shall (besides that ye shall be esteemed) receive and comfort your father, the which is as heavy of your annoyance, as nothing more.   

The answer of Oriane to king Lisuard her father, declaring unto him the great wrong that he doth her, to marry her against her william. In the .3. book the .17. Chapter.  
MY Lord, ye have them as far forth as I see, resolved the marriage of me and the Emperor: It may be that ye have made one of the greatest faults, that any Prince can do: for first of all I will never love the husband that ye give me, and I am well assured and certain (as I have declared unto you not long since) that Rome shall never see me, willing rather to fall into the mercy of fishes, than to devil in a place whereunto I have no desire or affection. Now I cannot think what hath induced you; or persuaded you to do this, but the love that ye bear to my sister, and the desire that ye have to leave her your sole heir, and me, the most miserable damsel of all the world, but God that is just will not suffer that your intention so unreasonable shall come to effect, but rather shall sand death unto me, if it so please him.   

Amadis Oration to his companions, admonishing them to take good courage to succour in so great need, so many noble damsels. In the self same Chapter.  
MY companions and friends, were it not for the assurance that I have of the virtue and magnanimity that is in you all, I without doubt would refrain to put in adventure the battle that we see is ready, if we would take it in hand. But yet I knowing you to be such as ye are indeed and also the just occasion for the which we are entered and have taken the sea, I think that we should not delay it, but to cast away all fear, to deliver from captivity so many desolate damsels, the which call unto us to succour and to help them, by the only obligation and band that we have to defend their liberty. Therefore I beseech you let us so lively set upon these ships, & in such sort, that setting these ladies out of danger, their conductors shall never bring news to their Emperor.   

The complaint of Queen Sardamire, for the Prince Sallust Quide, complaining of the evils and miseries that were to come. In the .4. book the .1. Chapter.  
ALas, fortune doth now show that she will go not only to the ruin and destruction of us miserable captives, but of the Emperor, and of all his Empire. Ah, ah, poor prince, evil luck hath meetly well runned upon thee: Alas, what loss, and what heaviness shall they have for ever, that loved thee, when they shall know thy sudden end: I cannot tell how thy master may support it and bear it: but I believe that he shall not so soon hear the news, but that he shall die through great anger (having a good cause) for the loss at once of so many great vessels, and good men: and specially for you my Lady (que she to Oriane) whom he desired much more, than any thing of this world, and for whom from henceforth shall be moved so strange wars, that needs it must be for many good knights most cruelly to finish and to end their days, the which thing cannot be slacked, if thou Emperor to much hated of good fortune, do not show thyself the most fainthearted Prince that ever was borne of mother.   

An exhortation of Mabile to Queen Sardamire, to dispose her to learn patience in her adversity, nor to be astonished at fortune's inconstancy. In the .4. book the .1. Chapter.  
IN good faith my Lady, it becometh (as I esteem) a princess so wise, as ye have been always reputed, to fall into such extremity: for the virtue of a wise person cannot be known, but when tribulation cometh suddenly upon him. And further more, you that do bear the title of a Queen, aught by good reason to be more constant than a simple damsel should be, or any other person unworthy of the place and kingdom that ye possess. Do ye not know that fortune is mutable, and that she will take away her favour from whom it pleaseth her, and call it again when it seemeth good unto her? So then, seeing that the Emperors army is defeated, and yourself at this time to be in the hands of the knights of the enclosed Island, it followeth well, that ye should take this chance patiently, and bear it wisely, when that ye cannot amend it: be you also assured that ye are in the power of those, that shall do you all the honour, service, and good entreating that they may devise. And if the Prince Sallust be dead, what remedy? ye cannot call him again with your weeping, these be the common turns and chances of war, to those that seek them. And therefore madame, if it so please you, be no more heavy, but using your accustomed prudency and wisdom, take the things so, as they may chance and come.   

Queen Sardamires answer to Mabile, declaring unto her, that ●he hath a just occasion to be heavy, for the inconvenience that she is fallen in, and that it may please her to consent & to bear with her in her affection. The .4. book the .1. Chapter.  
ALas (quoth she) it is e●sy to him that is in joy, to comfort (as ye do) the person that is overwhelmed with displeasure. Nevertheless if ye self the heaviness that presseth me, ye would peradventure lament me more than ye do: yet I know that ye say the truth, and that it is impossible for me, so at this time to command and to rule myself, to believe your counsel. Therefore I pray you for the honour of God, that excusing my imperfections, ye will aid me yourself, and all these other Ladies also, to lament my evil hour and mischance irrecuparable.   

The replication of Mabile to Queen Sardamire, declaring unto her, that to be heavy for the thing that is happened, is not the mean to help it. In the .4. book the .1. Chapter.  
MAdame (said Mabile) if ye for our heaviness of the thing that ye pray us for, might be the better, I swear unto you by my faith, that there is not she in this company (as I think) but would with good heart employ herself: but ye know that when the thing is d●ne, the counsel is taken: thus ye may know, that of necessity ye must make an end of your weepings, be it with the time, or rather by your prudency and wisdom.   

Amadis Oration to his companions, declaring unto them the thing that he had understood by Oriane, which tendth to this, that king Lisuard had changed the mind which he had to marry her to the Emperor, furthermore praying him to prepare himself to succour her in her great trouble. In the .4. book the .3. Chapter.  
MY Lords, yesterday my Lady Oriane sent unto me, praying me that we should find some means to restore her to the good grace and favour of the king her father, and to deliver him (if it were possible) of the fantasy that he hath to marry her to the prince of the world, to whom she beareth little amity or love: for otherwise death shall be to her more agreeable. And therefore I thought it good (after that I had spoken with some of this compan● particularly) to understand generally of you all, what ye think: for seeing that we have been companions to set her at liberty, it is very reasonable we should be to maintain her: but first or ever we enter any further into this matter, I pray you to have before your eyes, that even now your renown is so known throughout all the world, because of the high chivalries that ye have done, that there is this day no King, Prince, nor Knight, of whom ye are not feared and redoubted, knowing that to obtain laud and praise immortal, ye have not only little regarded the great riches and good entreating that ye might have had in your own houses, but also the blood of your proper and own hearts, the which ye have not spared to 'cause the most hardy and bold to feel the edge of your sword, to the great danger of your persons. Whereof the wounds that ye have in divers parts (the marks and witnesses of your noble acts) may give such faith and testimony, that fortune herself is bound unto you: whereof she willing to recompense you, hath put into your hands and given you this glorious victory that we have had over the two greatest Princes of christendom. Not that I will speak of the destruction of their people only, being of little merit towards us, but for the succour that ye have showed to the most wise, gentle and virtuous Lady of the earth, the which was at the point (most wrongfully) to suffer a worse entreatment, than may be thought. And thus ye have done right great & agreeable service unto God, executing the thing, to the which ye ar● expressly called, that is, to succour and to help the afflicted from wrongs that men without reason 'cause them to suffer. And if the Emperor and king Lisuard, if it so like them, will be angry & wroth, seeing that the right is ours, God that which is just, will be with us also: and in such sort, that if they of themselves know not what is reason, and believe by their power to overcome our force & strength, I promise' myself & hope well, that we may so resist them, that as long as the world shall be a world & continued, there shall be a memory and a remembrance thereof. Therefore advise every one of you, what he shall ●hinke best to be done, either to make an end of the war that is begun, or to make a mean for peace, delivering my Lady Oriane to the king her father, even as she desireth: for as concerning me, ye shall understand, that I will no nother thing, but that which shall please you, nor my fantasy in this ●hal be no nother than yours, knowing you to be such, & your virtue to be so great, that to die for it, ye would not go from the magnanimity of your courages, nor suffer the thing whereby our honour (be it never so little) should be abased or diminished.   

The Oration of quadragant to Amadis answering that he foresaid, in the which he declareth that upon ●ust occasion they enterprised against the Emperor, and that it is needful in all sweetness to advertise king Lisuard, lest he should be miscontent. In the .4. book the .3. Chapter.  
MY Lord Amadis, it is very certain, that the enterprise that hath been made upon the Emperor was not for any enmity that we bore him: but only to keep our faith, as all good knights should, to sustain and defend the wrongfully afflicted, and specially all good Ladies, of the which all we should be protectors. And therefore I am thus minded, first or ever we begin this war, that we sand to king Lisuard and to 'cause him to understand the occasion that moved us to assail and invade the romans, and as quietly as may be, if he be miscontent, to pacify him: declaring unto him with all graciousness, the injury and wrong that he did to my Lady his daughter, disheriting her under the colour to marry her with a strange Prince, the which thing is not agreeable unto God, nor to none of his subjects, and therefore if it be his good pleasure, to receive her to his grace and favour, and to forget the envy (if he hear her any) offering under this condition to restore her unto him, and no otherwise. And if he refuse it, and disdain the duty that we put ourselves in, that then we declare resolutely unto him, that we doubt him not, and that we if he make war upon us, be ready to defend us. In the mean while, it is necessary that we fortify us with all things tha● are requisite ●o a thing of such importance as this is: at lest way if he purpose to invade us, that he found us not unprovided: although he will be (as my mind giveth me) more ready to peace, than to any other thing: but yet that should not 'cause us t● be slack to make us ready, and to sand to our friends and allies to pray them to aid us when we shall sand them word.   

The Oration of Oriane to Agrayes, thanking him for his benefits, and praying him to labour for peace between king Lisuard and Amadis. In the .4. book the .3. Chapter.  
MY cousin, notwithstanding I have great hope in the wisdom of your cousin Amadis, & in the good will that these knights bear me, so me thinketh that I have good reason and cause, to have in you a special fidelity, as well for the obligation, in the which I find myself bound to the king your father, and also to the Queen for the good entreating that they made me in Scotland, as for that they delivered me your sister Mabile to keep me company, by whom only next unto God, I do live: for why, without the comfort that she oftentimes made and gave me when my misfortunes were most grievous, I had been buried long since, and deprived of this world. And although that at this present I have not the mean to recognize nother to them, nor to you, how much I am bound to you, yet I hope with the time by all means to endeavour me thereto: And in the mean while ye shall not (if it please you) he miscontent, that I familiarly do cause you to perceive the grieves that I suffer. And to begin, I pray you, that ye (leaving) of the wrong that my father hath done you) will to your power make means to have peace between my cousin and him: for I doubt not (seeing the ancient and old hatred that they have together, & the occasion that ye all have to will him little favour) but that full honestly the things begon shall come to no other end, than to a great ruin of the one part and other, if it be not through the resistance that ye may do, using in this thing your wisdom and good counsel. Of the which thing I pray you again, as well to avoid such inconvenience, as not to make me suspect to strange nations, the which may hereafter doubt of my innocency, and bespot my good renown, the which is to me of such consequence, as ye may judge and esteem.   

Agrayes' answer to Oriane, excusing himself unto her, and promising her to satisfy her mind as much as he may posssible, and to find peace in time opportune. In the .4. book the .3. Chapter.  
MAdame (quoth he) as touching the good entreating that ye received and had in Scotland, the king my father, and the Queen in that did nothing but that it becomed them to do: and I am sure that they have you in such affection and love, that in things whereunto their power may extend, they will employ it and do it for you, as for their best parent and ●●ie. And considering that you do say of my sister and me, the effect shall daily bear witness of our good will that we hear you, beseeching you to believe, that you may command us, as those the which desire your wealth and honour, as much as their own. And as touching that you have to 'cause me to forget the injury that the King your father hath dnoe to me, and not only to me alone, but to all my parents and friends, he you assured Madame, that the wound is so great, that it will bleed as long as I shall live, knowing the ingratitude that he hath used towards us, denying my Lord Amadis, me, and many other good Knights, the request that we made unto him, to give my uncle Galuanes the Isle of Mongase, the which had deserved it and better: considering also that it was conquered by the virtue and noble acts of him, that prayed him: but yet for the honour of you, I am content to dissemble that matter, and to force myself until then to defer for a time, the just occasion that I have to will him ill, specially because he so strangely, and after he had received of us so many great services, chased us from his Court, as though we had been his mortal enemies. And to show you that I will wholly prepare me to please you, I promise' you Madame, to assay to do to my power, the thing that you desire of me: but it were not reasonable that it should be done so promptly, for if I should now begin in the word and communication, the things being thus disposed to war in place to encourage so many good Knights as be in this Isle, I should put the most part of them, (hearing me speak of peace) in fear, presuming that I (it might be so) held such a purpose, as though I were the first that were afeard. Also I should do two evils together, that which after this might turn to the loss of us all, and to me alone great dishonour. But I having your father's answer, shall pray my companions to do as ye have devised and counseled: in the mean while, you should (as I do think) be heavy as little as you may, and take the time and fortune most patiently, & as constantly as you may possible.   

Amadis Oration to Grasinda, offering her all pleasure and good william. In the .4 book the .4. Chap.  
MAdame, I am marvelously displeasant, that I had no better opportunity to do you in this place the honour and the service, that you merit and deserve: but the time so evil to that purpose, doth take away the occasion, therefore I excusing myself, do pray you not to take or impute a fault of a good william. For in times past you have bound me unto you, that there shall be no day of all my life, but I shall feel me your debtor, what service soever I may do for you. And because it is now long ago since you did depart from your country, it may be that the long abiding here in this country hath wrought you some displeasure, I would therefore very greatly desire to know your deliberation and mind, that I might (if it were possible) have some mean to obey you in the thing that should please you to command me.   

The answer of Grasinda to Amadis, thanking him for his good will and affection that he beareth her, and that she will gather men to secure him in his affairs. In the .4. book the 4. Chapter.  
MY Lord Amadis (quoth she) I should be of a poor and of a very slender judgement, if I knew not certainly the company and favour that you did show me, and that greater honour than could have chanced unto me. And the good entreating that you had (as you say) in my country (if any such was showed you) is now but recompensed: but to put you out of pain, I will show you what I think: I see many good Knights assembled for to help this Princess, the which altogether for the amity and good estimation that they bear you, have put their hope and conduct upon you, ●o that it shall be impossible for you to put them from you without your great blame. And seeing that such a charge is wholly set and laid upon you, ye must travel to sand on every side to recover people to help you, so that the honour of so great an enterprise may remain with you, and by the means and help of your friends be yours, of the which I esteem myself the first. And for this cause, I intend to morrow to sand master Elizabet into the parts of Rome, to gather as many men as he can, as well of my own subjects as other, and as shortly as he may to ship them, and to convey them hither. And in the mean time I shall keep company (if it so please you) with these other Ladies, if they will do me the honour to receive me, trusting not to forsake them, until this war begun, have taken another end.   

Amadis letter to the Emperor of Constantinople praying him to help him in his wars. In the .4. book the .4. Chapter.  
Right high and excellent Prince, the knight of the green sword (whose proper name is Amadis of France) doth most humbly salute you. And therefore sir, I traveling the countries after the destruction of Endriagne, it pleased you to receive me into your City of Constantinople, where after the honour ye did me, and had gently received me, ye of your liberality offered to aid me in favour of the services that I had done for you, and to give me succour when need should require it (through the reduction of the country, the which ye named afterwards the isle of Saint Mary.) Now the occasion is come, whereby (if it so please you) ye may accomplish and fulfil your promise, with the most just quarrel that is possible to be had or taken, as master Elizabet shall show you, whom I pray you sir wholly to believe, for his sake that doth kiss the hands of your majesty.   

Amadis Letters to Queen Briolania, praying her to give good heed to the thing that he writeth, and to help him, following her good william. In the .4. book the .4. Chap.  
I Believe Madame, that after you have perceived by Tantilles your Steward, the cause that hath moved me to sand so diligently, that you should favour the thing that he shall tell you from me, being well assured, that using your gentle nurture, you will not fail me no more than ye believe that I would be ready to put my foot in the stirrup for you, where necessity should offer it: And because he hath been present at the things which after my return into this country have chanced me, and that I have given him charge to 'cause you to understand them at length, I will not trouble you, to put you to the pain to read any longer letter: but I shall pray you● (after you have believed him) to have me continually in your grace and favour, of the which the same Amadis, (as long as he shall live) as yours, desireth to have a good part.   

Amadis oration to G●ndalin, advertising him of the good confidence that he hath in him, and for this cause to go to king Perin! to advertise him of his affairs, to the end and intent to help him. In the .4. book the .4 Chap.  
GAndalin, thou art he, that hath evermore had the keeping of my most secret and privy affairs, for the great amity that we from our first years have had together, as if nature of her own self had called us into one fraternity. Thou knowest that my honour is thine, and that thine doth touch me as mine own. Thou seest the affairs that I am in, and of what consequence they be unto me, also the conclusion that by all these Knights hath been taken, too busy and to call upon our friends and allies to have mighty succour, to sustain the force of king Lisuard, if he assay and attempt to assail us. By the means whereof, I have already prepared letters to many Princes, of whom I trust to recover a good and a great company of men. And notwithstanding thy absence is grievous unto me, yet I trusting more in thy diligence, than in any others, have thought to sand the to King Perion my father, the which hath known thee long, & whom thou shalt 'cause to understand better than any other, of what importance this war is, if King Lisuard take it upon him: for as thou mayst say unto him, it partly toucheth him, in as much as this unkind King hath done & showed so great di●fame to all those of our lineage, as to drive them out of his court, after he had received of them an infinite of great services. Thou shalt reci●e unto him by small pieces that thou knowe●, and hast soon, and the necessity wherein thou didst leave us, and that notwithstanding, thou shalt yet assure him, that I fear no power, having so good right with me, and so many knights: and that I had not made so great an enterprise, 〈◊〉 it had not been, that since God would call me, to the order of chivalry, I have thought nor minded no other thing, but to keep the estate of a knight, defending to my power the wrong that men did to many, and specially to ladies and Damsels, the which aught to ●e preferred above all persons, and for whom I have oftentimes put my body in hazard and peril of death, having no other hope of them, but to please God, and to augment my name in this world, the which was the only cause that last moved me to absent myself so from these c●ntries to go & search (among strange nations) those that had need of my help, where I have had many perilous adventures, the which thou hast seen, and mayst report them unto him. Also I coming to this Isle, was advertised how that King Lisuard (forgetting the honour of God, the right of men, the counsel of his, and the instinct of nature that every good father doth commonly bear to his child) would as it were by a certain manner of extreme cruelty, drive from his countries my lady Oriane his own daughter, and principal inheritor, gibing her in marriage against her will to the Emperor Patin. Whereof she made her complaint not only to those of the Realm of England, but required also aid and succour of all knights that bear arms, aswell by letters & messages as other ways, praying them with her hands joined together, and abundance of tears, to have pity and compassion of her misery. And so much she could do with prayers & humble Orations, that the Lord of all things, hath looked mercifully from heaven upon her, giving the address and help to the knights that are now in this place, to assemble them as it were by a miracle, where I found them (as thou knowest) purposing to adventure their lives, to set her and the other that perforce accompanied her, at liberty, considering that doing otherwise they in time to come should have been blamed, giving occasion to many to presume, that cowardice only had turned back this aid so greatly recommended, and for persons of the quality that they be. By the means whereof the conflict and battle chanced upon the Romans, ●uen such as thou hast seen it, of the which we have many prisoners, and the ladies out of their hands. But to make a means for their appointment to King Lisuard, quadragant and my cousin Lorian of Moniaste departed lately, with an express charge and commandment from us all, to beseech him take the thing that we have done in good part, and to receive to his good grace and favour my lady Oriane, and those of her company, being yet well minded (if he will not receive this offer) audaciously & boldly, by the means of the aid of our good friends & allies to defend us against him: of the which number (Gandalm) thou shalt say unto him, that all we together do esteem him the first & chiefest, praying him most humbly that he will ●●ccor●s when need is 〈◊〉 th●● the Queen my mother also, & kiss her hands in my name, & say 〈…〉 that I pray her to sand hither my si●ter Me●●tia●● 〈…〉 company with these other ladies, with whom she may see ●earne meinie things. But or ever thou departed, know 〈◊〉 of my cousin Mabile, whether it will please her to send any thing thither, and therewith that thou a●ay● to speak to O●iane, the which will not be so strange to thee, that thou shalt not understand of her in what estate her health is, and the good will she beareth me.   

Amadis letter to King Tafiner of Boeme, praying him to secure him, in his great affairs. In the .4. book. the .4. Chap.  
Sir, if ever I did you any service, that any time contented you, the honour and the good receit that I received of you, and of yours all the time that I sojourned in your Court, have caused me to remain and (as long as I shall live) to be ready, not to spare my person, to obey and to save you. Therefore I beseech you most humbly not to esteem that this thing which hath caused me to dispatch this knight and bearer unto you, is to have any recompense: Nevertheless, I remembering the honest offers that you made me at my departing from Boheme, I have boldened myself to sand him unto you, to require you effectuously to help me in a certain affair that is nigh me, of the which he shall certify you, beseeching you sir, to believe him as myself, and to command his dispatch as soon as it shall be possible, to put him out of pain, that for you would hazard his life, the which is Amadis of France, surnamed in many places, the knight of the green sword.   

The device of Oriana to Gandalin, uncovering to him her heaviness, and that he would find means she might speak with Amadis whom she loveth so well. In the .4. book the .4. Chapter.  
GAndalin my friend, what thinkest thou● of fortune, the which is to me so contrary, that it depriveth me of that person of all the world, whose frequentation● I love most, being so nigh me, and I wholly in his power. This notwithstanding we can not have the means privily to speak together without offending my honour and that greatly, whereby my heart endureth such pain, that if thou knewest it, I believe certainly, thou wouldst have more pity on me than thou hast: the which thing I pray thee show him, to the in●ent that complaining me, he may rejoice of the great affection, that daily increaseth in me, to will him well: also that he find some fashion or mean, that we may see one another, repairing to some part with his companions under the colour of thy voyage, and of my comfort.   

Gandalins answer to Oriane, advertising her, that she be not deceived in the singular love that she beareth to Amadis, for his amity is steadfast, as he daily doth show in all his acts. In the .4. book the .5. Chapter.  
MAdame (que Gandalin,) ye have good cause to bear him such amity, and to remember also the remedy, the which he desireth above all things; for if ye knew the extremity wherein I have a hundred times found him, ye would not believe with what power love doth rule him: I have seen him die a thousand tim●s, remembering the favours that be past, the which ye have showed him, and as often times by the remembrance of them to recover life. And I have seen him among the great dangers of the world do seats of arms caling upon you to succour him, so that it is not easy to be believed, that any knight might have in him so great valiantness. Therefore Madame, I pray you to have pity on him, and to entreat him as he deserveth: assuring you, that there was never a more faithful knight, nor more yours than he is, nor there was never Lady that had such power upon a man, as ye have upon him: for in your hands they may entreat of his death, or of his life, even as it shall seem good to you.   

The Oration of king Lisuard, to the Queen his wife, declaring to her the wrong that they do unto him, taking the Romans that conducted his daughter, and yet that she dissembled the matter as much as she might, & so doing, he doth assure her to provide therefore. In the .4. book the .6. Chapter  
MAdame, for things of small consequence that happen by accidence and chance, men have some occasion to show passions and anger: but yet as it proceedeth of a small matter, so it aught to be forgotten with small remedy. But when one is offended by some certain person, not only in person or goods, but in his proper honour, them it standeth with reason to be melāc● like, and to assay by all means and ways to provide for it, and in such sort, that we taking vengeance of him that did the offence, give knowledge to every one of the displeasure that men have received by the grievousness of the matter. Nor I tell you not this without a cause, ye have borne & have had (following the nature of mothers) an heaviness and a sorrow too much apparent, for the absence of your daughter, and for all that I esteem myself fortunate for the hope the which I have that it may be soon forgotten. But the poison is found in the tail, and such, that the thing which is now happened, toucheth me so near, that I shall never be in rest till I be satisfied, even as I desire. The Romans which conducted your daughter are destroyed, the Prince Sallust Quide is slain, she and all other taken prisoners by the knights of the Island enclosed, the which are esteemed fortunate for such a victory, having done (as they think) more than ever any other did in England. And forasmuch as the renown shall fly throughout all the world, it is now very requisite & meet that ye dissemble, using more wisdom than passion: doing this, ye shall be greatly esteemed, our enemies astonied, and I greatly contented with you: trusting in such sort to provide, that your honour and mine shall be kept entirely.   

The Queen's answer to king Lisuard, somewhat excusing the enterprise done by the knights of the enclosed Island against the Romans. In the .4. book, the .6. Chapter.  
MY Lord, ye have taken as it hath pleased you the displeasure that I have borne and suffered for the separation of your daughter & mine: but as touching the favour that they of the enclosed I'll have showed her, if you well consider the time when ye were a wandering knight as they be, ye would hold them for the most part excused of their enterprise: do ye think that they understanding the heavinesses that she made, and also the common brute that was throughout all the land, that ye against her will would marry her to the Emperor, that th● same hath not moved them to help her, considering they have nothing more commended unto than, than the aid and succour of Ladies and Damsels, of whom they are required? much more than by good reason of your daughter, that knew them and esteemed them of long time. Believe me my Lord, that they be not wholly in fault, and ye shall know in the end, that their intention was not to trouble you, presuming peradventure that ye were importunately driven to make this marriage, and against your william.   

A letter sent by Oriane being in the enclosed I'll, to the Queen her mother, by the which she declareth unto her the troubles and torments that she received upon the Sea, and how that the knights of the enclosed I'll, taking pity on her, have succoured her, & that it would please her to appease her father's anger, & counsel the Ambassadors (whom they sand to the king) how they shall do, to be well received. In the .4. book the 7. Chapter.  
MAdame, in as much as ye are already advertised (as I belove) of my misfortune such as it hath been, so it seemeth to me to stand with good reason, to make you partaker of my sorrows: & for the beginning of this letter to pray you most humbly to consider, how my misfortune hath persuaded me after that ye banished me out of your country, from the king my father's presence, & from yours also, a thing to me almost unsupportable: but ye not content therewith, I was brought by the tempest, (the romans which conducted us being overthrown) to the enclosed I'll, by those that knowing the wrong that men did unto us, have hazard their lives to keep & to let us pass any further: And because I doubt that such a thing cannot be pacified between my father and them without great effusion and shéeding of blood (except you Madame take the care thereof) I thought good to send this bearer unto you, praying you for the honour of God, to take compassion of your daughter to greatly desolate, and to do so much with the king, that she may return unto him, and be in his favour, not having offended him, except he hath taken displeasure, that I have obeyed him too much: for in that thing only I hold me culpable and faulty, and no otherwise. And to advise you of that that remaineth, how that they, in whose power I and my women are at this present, will sand Ambassadors to him, as well to know how he taketh the succour that they have made me, as to pray him to have pity upon me: as I have charged Durin, to give you knowledge before their coming, whereunto (Madame) ye shall help me, if it so please you, and also to make peace and an end of this great war through evil fortune now begun, the which is in this your most humble and obedient daughter Oriane.   

The Oration of quadragant to king Lisuard from the knights of the enclosed Island, by the which he showeth him the office of a king to receive an embassage: and that he aught to excuse the enterprise of the knights of the enclosed Island, and to receive the Lady Oriane his daughter into his court, and into as great favour as he did before. In the .4. book the 7. Chapter.  
Sir, it is a very laudable virtue and worthy of commendation among kings and princes, to understand and with great patience the thing that the Ambassadors of strangers are charged to say, and to declare unto them, putting from them all passions, so that they, if the embassage that is made unto them doth content them, may receive the more joy, and the Ambassadors better received and favoured: and contrariwise, if they speak things that displease them, that this notwithstanding, they know how to dissemble their choler, & to give them gracious answers, for the respect of the estate that they are called unto. Sir I beseech you to pardon me, that I have used such devastiations unto you, swearing to you by my God, that I have not done it for any doubt that we have of the assurance that it hath pleased you to give us, but greatly to praise the virtue of so good a Prince, that so liberally hath granted us the entrance into his country. O sir, the occasion of our coming to your majesty, is by the commandment of the best knight that we know, Amadis of France, and generally of all those that are with him in the enclosed Ale, the which do sand you word by us, that passing over lands and strange countries, searching for adventures, as other wandering knights are accustomed to do, specially to succour and help the feeble, whom men do use outrageously and without reason, they have been advertised by many, that ye sir, following rather a light and a disordinate will than justice and equity, would (not believing the counsel of any of yours) disherit (with great injury & wrong) my Lady your daughter, marrying her to the Emperor Patin against her will: and in very deed taking no compassion of her, nor of her tears and weepings, and less regarding the end of such an enterprise, and that your subjects were not therewith content, ye have delivered her to those that demand her. And because such unjust ways are not only displeasant unto God, but also to those, that hear men speak thereof, he hath suffered that we should set a remedy, and that the Romans which conducted them, and the Ladies and damsels should come into our hands, the which defending themselves against us, were destroyed, and some slain, and all other taken prisoners. And as for the Ladies, I do declare unto you, that they at this present are in the enclosed I'll with a good and a great company of knights, appointed and minded to show them all the honour that may be possible: for their intention was never to trouble you nor them also, but to maintain equity, and to keep them from force and violence, even as you yourself made them swear at Windsor. And therefore they pray you, that preferring virtue & reason above all passion, it wol● please you to receive my Lady Oriane your daughter, & from henceforth to entreat her, not as a stranger, but as a father aught to entreat his daughter, not putting her thus away from you, nor from your country, whereof, if it please God, she shall be after you Queen and Lady: and if you feel any injury, nor will not incline to their request, they pray you that for their sakes ye will not deny her your good grate and favour, but that ye, she reigning as she was wont to do in your court, may assay hereafter if ye think it good, to take such vengeance of them as ye may, assuring you sir, that they be purposed and intent, if ye assail them, to defend themselves. Therefore advise you, if it please you, to make us an answer, for ye have in your hand either peace or war.   

The answer of king Lisuard to quadragant, declaring the great wrong and injury that the knights of the enclosed Island have done him, and that he will not receive them to his favour, until they have made amendss for the injury that they have done him. In the .4. book the .7. Chapter.  
MY masters (quoth the king) forasmuch as virtue doth very seldom accompany temerarious orations, or bold answers, and that nother the one nor the other are sufficient to encourage the minds of the weak hearted, I will not make many words with you, but using more patience than I should use with you, it shall suffice you to declare that I know well enough, that the enterprise that hath been done by those of the enclosed Island, was more executed by presumption, than by the magnanimity of courage (whatsoever ye have said now) in such wise, that forasmuch as ye esteem to have gotten honour, yet every man of good judgement should blame and rebuke you: for why, it is no great matter to trouble or to destroy them that take their journey without suspicion or fear, and specially when they think to be among their friends. And as touching the demonstration that ye have proposed here, tending to call my daughter Oriane again, without putting her far from me, ye are not they unto whom I must give account of the things that I do, but to God only, the which hath constituted me (after him) the sovereign in this land, for to govern and rule the same, and the people that doth inhabit it. Therefore I am not minded to enter into any treaty of peace with them, until they have recompensed me of the injury that I have received: then I will advise me of the thing that they request me of, and not before.   

Grumedans Oration to the Ambassadors, declaring that he is very sorry for the trouble that is chanced, and that peace can hardly be entreated. In the .4. book the .7. Chapter.  
BY God my good Lords I am very sore displeased for this new trouble: I had a continual hope, that I should see you one day as welcome to the court, as ever ye were: but now I do well assure myself, that the peace which was hoped for● shall come very slowly, without the help of our Lord, the which doth know the heart of Amadis, whom I would never have thought to be in the enclosed Island: for we had news, that he was lost four years since, and I wonder how that he so readily and in time is come to the succour and help of my Lady Oriane.   

The Oration of king Arban of Norgales to king Lisuard, upon the enterprise of the war against Amadis, and that he should advise himself well, wisely to conduct it, and if he could, rather to practise a lucrative peace, than to put himself in the peril of war. In the .4. book the .8. Chapter.  
Sir, seeing that ye are resolved to make war against Amadis and those of his league, & that ye have not found their offer good that they have made you, ye must so advise you to conduct it, that the glory may continue with you: for notwithstanding we hold for certain, the victory to be in the hand of God, the which doth give it, when and to whom it pleaseth him, and commonly after the merits of persons, yet we must not before we take it in hand, leave off diligently to provide for all things requisite and necessary there unto, and that without dispraising of your enemy, and esteeming him sufficient to put you to much pain, if fortune do favour him: considering that oftentimes a man trusting too much to his right, or in his strength, cometh to ruin and total destruction by him that thought (through too great presumption) the victory to be due unto him. And yet if ye consider well with whom ye have to do, I think that a profitable peace should be for you as honourable, as a war that is in hazard, and that may turn to a great consequence. You know that Amadis and the other of whom he is supported, are all good knights, and men of great courage, and all of the alliance of kings and puissant Princes, the which will never fail, them to die for it. And on the other side and part ye know, that the most part of your subjects, never took nor found that deliberation to be good, that ye took in a manner by yourself upon the marriage of my Lady your daughter to the Emperor, whereof this war is now moved. And thus ye may be sure, that whatsoever countenance they make, they in a manner would be content that ye had the worse, because ye followed not thryr fantasy, notwithstanding that I doubt not, but that there is none of them but will serve you faithfully.   

Arcalaus Oration to King Aravigne, inducing him to make war and to run upon King Lisuard, and upon Amadis, in such such places of theirs, where they might be best offended without succour, and to make war there, where they be most letted and troubled. In the .4. book the .18. Chapter.  
Sir, a four days passed I certainly understood, that King Lisuard and Amadis of France (two the most greatest enemies that ye may have) are in such quarrel and strife, that there is no hope that ever they shall have peace together, they gather great companies of men to fight and to give battle, whereof there cannot ensue and follow but the final destruction of the one or other, and peradventure of both together. And because the occasion doth now call you, aswell to revenge you of the loss that you have had by them in times past, as also to extend your limits & borders, making yourself peaceable King of England, I think ye should defer no longer to gather your people together, and to call for all your friends, that whilst they be letted, ye may easily enter into their country, being far off from their aid and secure: and if it chance that they meet together and fight, than not giving the Victor any leisure to refresh his men, ye must suddenly take him, and give him so sore a battle, that neither of them both escape. And ye shall understand sir, that the occasion of their enmity doth proceed, because that King Lisuard sent his eldest daughter to Rome, giving her in marriage to the Emperor: but Amadis of France, one of them that caused himself to be named in the battle, that we lately lost, the knight of the serpents, the which had (if ye may remember it) the gilded harness, with many other, met the Romans upon the field whom they invaded, and finally destroyed and flew the Prince Sallust Quide the Emperors nigh knisman, the other taken prisoners with the Ladies and Damsels, the which they have carried and conveyed into the enclosed Island where they retain them as yet: and yet I cannot well declare you the cause why they began this war, but I am sure that King Lisuard to revenge his injury prepareth the greatest army that he can, and that Amadis in like case hath sent into all parts to gather men to defend him if he be assailed. And therefore Sir, during this trouble ye shall have (if ye will) a mean to give them both the greatest overthrow of all the world, taking them unawares as I have told you. And to the end and intent that ye may at your eye, know the victory to be certain, I will do so much that Bersimen's Lord of Sanguese, the son of him that the King caused to be burnt at London, and likewise all those of the lineage of Dardan the proud, whom Amadis destroyed at Windesor, shall come and help you, with the King of the profound and deep I'll: and thus being with so great a number of good knights, ye shall not need to doubt but that ye shall come to your intent and purpose.   

King Arauignes answer to Arcalaus, by the which he is purposed to follow his counsel. In the .4. book the .8. chapter.  
My great friend, quoth Arauignes, ye tell me great things, & although that I had purposed not to tempt fortune any more, showing me so little favour in times past, so it should be great f●lly (as me thinketh) to leave those things which b● so many means offer themselves to augment my honour & great profit: for if in such a case the enterprises guided by reason come to the issue that men desire, he receiveth such fruit of his labour, as he deserveth. And if it chance otherwise, men at the lest ways do execute the thing, to the which virtue doth hind them, to maintain their authority, the which aught not so greatly to esteem the misfortunes which are past, that they when the hour presenteth itself, should delay to receive it, not losing their courage, nor continuing all the rest of their life as fearful, & faint hearted. Seeing therefore that I am in these terms, I will believe you, praying you (whilst that I shall prepare my army) to order the rest, & to go to Barsinan and the other, and to 'cause them to join with us.   

Agraies Oration to the knights of the enclosed Isle, upon the enterprise of the war, inciting them to show themselves virtuous and strong in the business that doth offer itself. In the fourth book the .10. chapter.  
MY lords, I cannot tell how that we with honesty may delay to take upon us this war, seeing the just occasion that we have, and that our enemy even now maketh as though he would come to find us: but yet who so will believe me, he shall neither get, nor obtain the honour: but yet let us do our diligence to assemble our strength, and let us go into his country, and cause ourselves to be known for such men as we be: for once if we suffer them to come hither, we shall set them in such a pride, that he (which of his nature is presumptuous) shall think to have already the upper hand of us, and so we shallbe in divers manner of sorts ill esteemed, giving occasion to many to doubt as much of our right, as of my lady Orianes, for whom we are fallen into these matters. As touching myself, I swore unto you upon my honour, that if it had not been for the instant and great prayer and request that she made unto me to have peace, I had never consented that they should have sent any Ambassadors into England, being so outrageously used as we be. But feing that our enemy doth declare so much unto us, I am quited of my promise, and resolved never to enter into amity or alliance with him, until he hath felt how greatly we may annoy him or help him, seeing that we have the ways to recover as warlikemen of war, as they be which he shall bring with him. Thus my masters I am of this mind, that we prepare ourselves to war, without any longer delay, and that we assoon as our aid is arrived, go strait to London (if he come forwards to fight with us) to give him battle.   

Amadis Oration to Agraies upon the resolution of the war, being ready to do his duty, and to follow Agraies advise. In the .4. book the .13. Chapter.  
MY cousin, I as yet have seen none, but that is ready to do that you have said, and if any have ●ebated the inconveniences that may commonly chance in war, that is not yet to say, that they will exempt themselves, but to provide for the same, as reason would they should. And as concerning that they think it good we should enter into King Lisuardes land, nor to give him leisure to come & find us here, I have been ever of this mind, if the rest of you my Lords and good friends will the same: for by this means he (perceiving that we approach so nigh unto him) will change p●raduenture his opinion, and shall require us to do the thing that we in times past most humbly desired him.   

The Oration of Guillan the pensive to the Emperor of Rome in the name of King Lisuard, declaring unto him the taking of his men, and of the lady Oriane, & that therefore he is purposed to make war against the knights of the Isle enclosed, and that it would please him therefore to aid him. In the fourth book, the .13. Chapter.  
Sir (said Guillan) King Lisuard my master doth send y●a word, that for to have your amity, and perpetual alliance, he was well content (following the request that ye caused to be made unto him by your Ambassadors) to marry the lady Oriane his eldest daughter and principal inherit or unto you: and in deed after many difficulties avoided among the princes, Lords, and subjects of his Realm, he delivered her into the hands of those, that have power by you to receive hir● but it chanced that Amadis of France and other his mates with a certain number of ships spied them, and in such sort assailed them in a strait, that after they had ●ought a lon● space, the Prince Sallust Quide was slain, and all the rest of your men were led as prisoners into the enclosed Island, where that as yet my lady Oriane is detained, & the Queen Sardamire, and other that were in this company. But yet afteewardes thinking to pacific the fault that they had done, they sent Ambassadors to his Majesty, offering him many good parts and offers, the which he would not receive, before he understood your will and pleasure, for as much as the injury that they have done him, doth touch you as much or more than him. And therefore he hath commanded me to show you, that if ye be minded to take vengeance on them, that he will bring a great army into the field, if ye of your part will do the like, being assured that if your strength be once joined, you and he shall easily bring them to such a point and reason as ye shall think good.   

The Oration of King Lisuard to the Romans, setting before their eyes the great wrong done unto their companions, and that they should therefore seek to be revenged against their enemies, and not to lease their courage in so just a quarrel. In the .4. book the .19. Chapter.  
MY masters and great friends, ye have seen and proved in these two meetings, how that fortune hath showed herself our enemy, & in such wise, that in giving us the wors● she hath triumphed by the death of my good brother the Emperor your master, and of many other valiant knights, the woyche in effect (revenging them upon their enemies) would have come to the thing that they become unto ● because that this was the fairest experience that they could do by their virtue and strength, to obtain the glory whereunto they breathed. And to come thereunto, they thought it less than nothing to put their lives in ioperdie, and that it ●●s much better to die valiantly defending themselves, than going back to escape. And because they would fall into no such dishonour and shame, they had rath●r through great magnanimity of courage to endure and suffer fortune, than to obey fear: not because I will in al●● thing re●●ke those that scaped, knowing the great diligence that they pu● themselves to, but to pray you ●ll, that preferring your honour above the heaviness that ye may have of the loss of your companions, y● will assay (the truce failing) to reavenge them, fight strongly with them, that are too provide of their vi●orie. I am of this mind, that we shall put our selves in l●sse dangers, and less ●aza●de ourselves, till w● may have upon them● that they have had upon us, nor that to have less courage to assail them, or to defend us, if fortune do continued to diffaine ●s: considering that if we all die, that it shall be unto us an immortal glory, and one Sepulchre the most honourable that we can wish for or desire: for all the earth in general is the very place, where the bodies of noble and courageous men should be laid, whose memory is not conserved and kept only by Epitaphs and inscriptions, but by the renown of those that publish themselves among strange nations, that consider more in their minds the greatness and height of courages, than the thing that fortuned unto them, considering that cowardness accompanied with shame, is more grievous and displeasant to a man that hath a good and an entire heart, than the death that chanceth by manfulness, with the hope of public glory. That thing my great friends maketh me believe, that ye not degenerating from your predecessors, shall do, that ●h● world● may know the great virtue and constancy that is in you, and that in though death of your Prince, all yours ● not joined and contained. Therefore I pray you to tell ●e the deliberation where to ye intrude, to the intent that I following your resolution, may take counsel on my part to set in order the thing that shall be necessary, assuring you by t●● word of a King, that if I should die a thousand deathes● I will not depart from hence, until I have an end of my enemies, or they of me.   

Nascian the hermits Oration to King Lisuard, advertising him that he is not so nigh him without a great cause and occasion: and furthermore he showeth him that he should not go about to marry his daughter Oriane to the Emperor, because she is joined to another, and giveth him the reason why. And by this means he intendeth to turn him from the enterprise of war. In the .4. book the .19. Chapter.  
Sir, ye have good cause and reason so to think: for certainly my great age and estate where unto it hath pleased the Lord to have called me long since, doth well excuse me to be among this bloody people: yet considering the evil that might have happened if I had deferred my enterprise, I have not feared to travel my body, trusting to do agreeable service to God, and healthful to your soul. understand syr● that being a few days since in the hermitage whe●e by chance I waited for you, and when you and I communed togethens of the strange nouriture of Esplandian, I then knew the occasion of the war that ye have begun against Amadis and his, and nevertheless I am sure that ye can, not do nor perform the thing that ye have enterprised, that is, to marry my Lady your daughter to the Emperor of Rome, for the which too many ill chances are already chanced, not only because they are not agreeable as well to the greatest as to the least of your Realm, as oftentimes they have caused it to be told you, but for another reason sir, the which was hid from you, and manifest to me: against the which by the law of God, ye cannot say the contrary. That is, how that my lady Oriane is already joined in marriage to another, wherewith our Lord hath been well contented, & it was his pleasure it should be so. Sir, this is it, why I said unto you, that the thing which was hid from you, was manifest to me, as I shall even now declare unto you: for ye cannot know it of any other, ●ut by me. Sir, the self same day that I by your commandment was to seek you in the forest, where to give the longer pleasure of hunting to the Ladies that were there with you, ye caused your pavilions and tents to be spread and set up, I brought unto you (I know not whether ye remember it) the young Esplandian, the which ye represented to the Lioness, that had given him suck even from the beginning: and on the self same day I heard my lady Orians confession, wherein she declared unto me, that she had promised Amadis to marry him, when he delivered her from the hands of Arcalaus the enchanter, unto whom ye had delivered her a little before that the Damsel (by whom ye were enchanted) set you & your estate in more danger than was possible, from the which Galao● retired and delivered you. And believe sir, that it is very like that our Lord God hath consented to this marriage: for why? Esplandian is come forth, of whom Vrgande the unknown hath told so many marvels the which ye know. And therefore ye aught not to be displeased, seeing that Amadis is a King's son, and esteemed in all places one of the best and most gracious knights of the world: wherefore sir, I counsel you, showing yourself such as ye have been always, to save the honour and conscience of my lady your daughter, and that making an end of this war, ye call her again, and entreat her from henceforth, ●s reason would ye should: thus doyng● the Lord will be contented with you, the which otherwise may be angry for the effusion of so much humane blood, the which ye hitherto caused to be shed without any occasion.   

The Oration of Nascian the hermit to Amadis, wherein he admonisheth him, to put all his affairs to God, by whose means he hath avoided so many dangers and evident peri●, and that he as much as he might should seek for peace of King Lisuard. In the .4. book the .19. Chapter.  
MY son, before ye shall understand & perceive the cause that hath moved me to come and see you, I will set before your eyes, the great obligations for the which ye are ind●tted to our Lord, that from henceforth ye may be the more inclined to do the things that may be agreeable and pleasant unto him, I believe ye have oftentimes heard, and assured it, that from the first day that ye were borne, ye were delivered to the waters of the Sea, and set in a little boat, without any other defender or keeper than God, by whose goodness, ye fell into the hands of such, as afterwards have so elevated you, that ye are come to be the most accomplished knight, that men do know at this present: for why, the Lord hath given you the power and force to fight, and to overcome divers Giants, monsters, Tyrants, and very cruel beasts, whereby your renown is extended in all quarters of the earth: And seeing he hath provided you of so great grace, it is reason that ye should know him as the sovereign Lord, and to take pain to give him thanks, humbling yourself before his face, or else all his favours that he hath lent you, shall turn to your shame and rebuke. My son, ye may see how old and how caduke I am, so that nature doth almost fail me, and yet I fear not to take upon me this long journey to come to you, because I (being in my hermitage) have perceived the discord that is between you and king Lisuard, with whom I have spoken of late, and do found him such, as a good Prince should be, the servant and minister of God, and priest (if there be no let in you) to give an ear to peace, the which ye should not refuse, as well for the quietness and rest of your conscience, as of your body. And to the intent ye should not disguise your fantasy, I may assure you, that I know more of your affairs than ye think, for my Lady Oriane hath told me in confession, the secrets of you both.   

Amadis answer to Nascian the hermit, wherein he recognise●● his fault, with a promise to amend. In the .4. book the .19. Chapter.  
MY Father, if I served the Lord after the graces that he hath showed me, I should be the fortunatest knight of the world: but I a sinner as I am, preferring sometimes my pleasure above his glory, fall and do amiss, as other men do, whereof I am displeased and sorry, and hope (knowing my fault) to do better from henceforth, than I have done in times past: praying you most humbly not to fear, or to defer to tell me the thing, that ye shall see I aught to do to please him, for in as much as I may possible, I will obey you.   

Nascian the hermits Oration to king Perion, Amadis father, soliciting him to procure peace. In the .4. book the .19. Chapter.  
Sir, I beseech you to believe, that considering the estate that I of long time am called unto, and the great age that I am in, I would not have departed from my wood and forest, to come among so many men of war, if it had not been, that my long tarrying, might have caused an evil, whereof the Lord might have been angry, not only with and against you and the people that is gathered together in these two fields, but also against many other, that could not do with this discord that is between you and king Lisuard, with whom I have spoken already, and have so well converted him to peace, that he is ready (as I have told your s●nne Amadis) to receive it, and hath remitted me wholly unto you: Therefore I beseech you sir, (giving up your passions to the profit and tranquillity of so many people) not to disdain the thing that is offered you, and that you yourself should purchase and labour for.   

King perion's answer to Nascian, where he showeth the grea●e ●ault committed by the king, and yet that notwithstanding, receiving Oriane into the court with his favour, he is ready to m●ke peace, providing that he marry her not against her william. In the same Chapter.  
MY father (quoth king Perion) God ●e my witness of the displeasure that I have had for the things that be past, with the loss of so much good people, and how willingly I would have taken another way, if king Lisuard would have perceived it: but he did always at hand show himself so high, that he (whatsoever we said unto him, setting the matter forwards by our Ambassadors, specially for the estate of my Lady Oriane, who●e he would have disherited) regarded it not, presuming so much of himself, that by the aid of the Emperor of Rome, he should draw unto him all the world. By the means whereof, he refused not only to put this that we deferred into justice, but disdained to hear it spoken of. And yet if he will now submit himself to reason, I have such a hope in mine, that they will follow mine advise, the which hath always aspired to shorten these discords, which proceed not but by the things, whereunto he is bound to his own blood by the right of nature, and so, that if he will repeal my Lady his daughter to his good grace and favour, and not marry her to any parsonage little or nothing agreeable not only to his people, but to all those that doth know him, or that shall hear it spoken of, we will tender her to him again, continuing his good friends, if he desire it, or to such as he willeth.   

The Oration of king Perion to the principal of his army, wherein he reciteth unto them the purpose of Nascian: and that they should not be so affectionate to war, not to procure peace, if it may be obtained: and he giveth them the means how to have it. In the same book the .19. Chapter.  
MY masters and great friends, even as we be bound to put our goods and persons in danger, not only for the defence of our honour, but also to maintain equity and justice: so are we bound to leave off all passions and hatred, and to reconcile ourselves to our enemy, when that of himself he presenteth the peace. For notwithstanding that wa● at the beginning may be conducted and made without sin and offending of God, yet for all that, at the end, if by fantasy and little knowledge, we remove far from reason, the thing that at the first was reasonable, doth convert itself to justice: nor ye shall not think that without a cause I hold you with this purpose: Nascian the holy man (whom the most part of you doth know) came to me not long since, as ye might have seen, to assay to set and to make peace between us and our enemies, whereunto king Lisuard is ready to hearken, if there be no fault in us, and yet I would give him no resolute answer, until I had first known your mind and deliberations: for it seemeth to me very reasonable, that as ye have made yourselves partakers of the travel & strife, so ye should be also of the rest and tranquillity: & therefore I pray you, that every one of you without dissimulation do say that he shall think best, and afterwards God as touching the rest, shall counsel us. And as concerning me, following the advice that Nascian hath given me, I shall find it and think it good, that we choose two of our knights, unto whom we shall give all and full power, to determine with those other two that king Lisuard shall name, all the differences for the which this war took his beginning, notwithstanding yet that I alone will not be believed in this case, but follow the advise that ye shall find proper and meet for the wealth of all together.   

The answer of Angriot of Estravaux, to king Perion, the which doth praise him for his good counsel, that following the same, it shall be more reasonable to obtain peace's than to sustain the danger of the war. In the self-same book the .19. Chapter.  
Sir ye have been chosen the head of this enterprise, as well for the dignity of a king, which is in you, as for the estimation and favour that every man beareth you, by the means whereof ye may resolve the affairs of this war, as ye shall think best. But yet seeing it is your pleasure that I first before all other shall say and show mine advise, it seemeth to me (I speak under correction) that if the peace be offered us by our enemies, that we should accept it: for it cannot come at this time, but to your advantage, having not only the overhand of him, but also my Lady Oriane as yet in your puissance and power, for whose sake we have brought this host into the field. And as concerning too name two of our companions to accord (as ye say) all differences, I know none more meet for this business, than sir quadragant, and sir Brian of Moni●st, the which at the beginning had in a manner a like charge, when they were in England, to excuse us to king Lisuard for rescuing of his daughter, taking her out of the power of the Romans: and I believe that willingly they will take the pain, if they be appointed to finish this matter.   

Arquisill being asked of king Lisuard of his deliberation and mind, doth answer, that he with his men is ready to obey him, and that it shall be more expedient to purchase peace than war. In the same book the .20. Chapter.  
MY Lord, if the Emperor were now alive, we that were his vassals, should be constrained to serve him as well in war as in peace: but being departed and dead, ●s he is, with the end of his life, the power that he had to command us is ended, and yet we will do for you at this time, as for him, so that our service (as touching us) shall in no wise be slaked, as long as ye shall think it good to use us: yet if king Perion will draw to peace, I believe that they which love your honour (as they aught) will continually counsel you to accept it, so it be not too hurtful unto you. You may know by the sight of the eye, that fortune at this present is not yours, and at length peradventure we shall yet have worse than we have had before.   

The king of Suesse his resolution, upon the former purpose, having for a conclusion, that the goodness of peace is to be preferred above the traveles of war. In the .4. book the 20. Chapter.  
MY Lord (quoth the king of Suesse) if peace may be entreated with your enemy, I counsel you not to refuse it, seeing that the most part of your men be hurt, and sick: yet at the lest way, make a good long truce, and in the mean while that it continueth, ye may make yourself strong, and afterwards begin again, if you think it good.   

King Lisuards answer to the king of Suesse, by the which he declareth that he desireth but peace, and doth promise to sand men to make it. In the .4. book the .20. Chapter.  
IF it be possible for me (quoth the king) we shall be no more in this pain and trouble: ●or king Perion hath chosen on his party two of his knights to accord our differences and strifes, and I will name two other (quoth he to king Arban of Norgales) that is, you and Guillan the pensive, that understandeth the things, and how they be passed over and done, because he was continually and daily present. In the mean while I will sand Nascian again to king Perion, to pray him to return and to remove his camp one day more backwards, and we shall departed from the town Lubanie, for the time that the communication of the peace shall endure and continued.   

Amadis speaking to Arcalaus the prisoner, that asked him mercy, said that he had not deserved it, seeing he would not have mercy upon himself, yet repenting him, and renouncing the evil, he would pardon him. In the .4. book and 23 Chapter.  
Mercy (quoth Amadis) I cannot tell how thou wouldst I should give it thee, considering that thou couldst never give it to thyself; for if it had been so, thou wouldst have made an end (long since,) of so many cruelties, as thou hast done & exercised. Notwithstanding if thou wilt repent thee, & with a good heart promis me to return no more, I will pardon thee.   

Arcalaus answer to Amadis, the which said, that his nature could not incline to repent, if the necessity that he is in constrained him not. In the .4. book the .23. Chapter.  
I Think (quoth he) that it should be for me too hard, yea verily impossible: for the custom hath known so to overcome me, and accustomed me to take pleasure to do ill, that now I cannot give me to goodness: but necessity the which is the hard and the rigorous bridle to change all evil custom to virtue, shall peradventure constrain my old years (seeing the state that I am in) to have that in them, that my youth and liberty have disdained both in deed and in william.   

Arcalaus continuing his words, and setting before his eyes king Aravigne, prayeth him to be benevolent to the poor afflicted, that fall sometimes into the power of their enemies, and that he glo●ifye not himself too much in his good fortune. In the .4. book the .23 Chapter.  
I Pray thee Amadis, behold this unfortunate king the which was not long ago ready to be one of the greatest princes of the world, and in a moment the self same fortune that showed herself to love him, hath utterly cast him down and destroyed him, to whom thou shouldest give good regard: for thou, and all other, that aspire to great things, are subject to such and like diffame: And because the victor and the pardoner have commonly noble and courageous hearts, entreat us now so as thou wouldst that we being in the place that we be, should entreat thee, that hereafter thou be not reproached.   

Amadis Oration to the romans that were prisoners, upon the treaty of peace. In the .4. book the .23. Chapter.  
MY masters, it cannot be, but that ye have known the end of the war moved in these countries, by the means whereof, all the princes in a manner of the West, and the most part of those of the East were in arms: and because that we be now upon the point of a perpetual peace, I thought it reasonable, that nothing (notwithstanding ye be my prisoners) should be concluded without your knowledge: and as well for this occasion I have caused you to come, as also to pray you for my love and favour, to find and to think it good to choose and to accept Arquisil to your Emperor, for besides that there shall not be found (as I have understanded) a more nearer to come to the Empire than he, I know that he deserveth it, and for this cause I pray you most affectuously. And doing this, ye shall shall prepare and obtain two great & profitable good things, the first calling to the gubernation of so excellent a Monarchy, a sage, wise, and virtuous Prince, well to keep it, and to entreat you sweetly and amiably: the other, that for the love of him, I w●l give you (with liberty) the ransom that I should have of you, remaining besides as long as I shall live, your particular friend. Therefore advise what answer ye will give me, that I of my part may afterwards advise me how to use myself towards you.   

The answer of Brandaiel the most ancient of the Romans to Amadis the which declared unto him, that he was ready to obey his will, and that conferring of this matter with Flamian (with liberty to do so) and other Romans, he assured him, that all things should be after the will of Amadis. In the .4, book the .23. Chapter.  
MY Lord, true it is that we are your prisoners, and we know full well the honour that ye do unto us, & the good entreating that we have had of you, since the time that we arrived and came into the enclosed Island: therefore I will surely answer for my companions, that there is not he among us, that will not employ himself most willingly to serve you: but we can not resolve you of that, that ye labour for the Lord Arquisil, before we have spoken with Flamian, and other captains of Rome, which are in this army: and therefore we pray you that we may confer with them, swearing unto you, that we for our part shall so extend our hand, that in all things your will shall be satisfied.   

The Oration of King Lisuard to Amadis his son in law, advertising him to laud God, for the favour that he hath borne him in his great affairs, and that he most recompense those that put their bodies and their goods to secure him in his most great affairs. And also that he remember the Ladies, that have continually accompanied and comforted Oriane. In the .4. book, the .25. Chapter.  
MY son, seeing it hath pleased God, that with so great honour ye have ended your quarrels, ye must refer the glory wholly unto him, and that as long as ye shall live ye be thankful ●o your friends, the which to secure you in such business, have not spared their own lives, the which do bind you to love them, & honour them, & moreover to recompense them the best ye may possible, considering that without the aid that they have holpen you withal, it is most certain ye should have been in great doubt to lose, not only your life but your honour, the which is esteemed a hundred times more. And therefore it is reason, that even as they have been partakers of the perils and dangers, that they be now also of the pleasures and contentations that ye have received by them. So then advise you to favour them in all that ye shall know them to be affectionated unto, distributing unto them the pray that is in your hands, having the King's Aravigne, Barsinan, and other prisoners. And furthermore, to do so much for those whom ye know to pretend any affection to the Ladies which are in the company of Oriane, that they may have like contentation as ye have, marrying them to those that they do like and love. And for this cause I put into your hands your sister Melicia, to give her unto him that ye shall esteem to deserve her. You have also your cousin Mabile, the Queen Briolanie, that hath so greatly bound you unto her, Grasinde, and the Queen Sardamire, the which have had a good part of Orians annoyance & troubles: I do think that they should also feel of her ease and advancement, I commend them unto you, assuring you, that the greatest pleasure that I can have in my old age and years is, that your brethren ●alaor, and Floristan were married, that I or ever I die, may see myself revive again in them by the lineage of you all. And therefore I pray you to look unto the thing, that I have told you, and as soon as ye may.   

Amadis Oration to his companions offering them a recompense for their travels which they suffered in the wars for his love. In the .4. book the .25. Chapter.  
MY companions and friends, the great travels & pains that are paste, the which ye have sustained in this last war, do well deserve, that now ye should give yourselves and your minds to rest and pleasure. And in as much as I am bound unto you, I assay & prove by all means to 'cause you to have the thing that I shall perceive & know ye have most affection unto, for I by your good help that ye have given and shown me, have obtained the thing that I loved best in all the world, that is, my lady Oriane: Therefore I pray you with all my heart, that every one of you do presently declare & show me, if he pretend or have any mind to any of these Ladies & Damsels that be here, assuring you by the faith of a knight so to labour therein, that with the good contentation & will of their friends, they shall believe me in that, that I shall desire and pray them. And furthermore ye know how that King Aravigne, Barsinan. and many other our prisoners, leaving and forsaking the virtue whereunto they were bound by the order of chivalry, have exercised, as much as they could, so great tyranny, that they are not worthy of any ransom, but of great punishment, for the grievousness of their treasons. And therefore I do think ye should devise to part and divide their goods among you. And as touching me, I quite and refuse my part, holding myself a great deal more than satisfied, if I might find and have the means and ways particularly to do you pleasure or service, that might content you.   

The Oration of Bruneo of Good Mere, to the Citizens of the town, to the which the Queen of Dace had brought them, to succour them, admonishing them, to keep them good and true, for the just quarrel of their Prince against his enemy. In the .4. book the .27. Chapter.  
Lord's Citizens, the love that ye show to this young Prince your liege Lord, doth bind him very much, as long as he shall live to will you well. The confidence that he hath in you should move you to honour him: ye see that he is young, and hath little means and help, to chase his enemy out of his borders, the which (as ye know) did murder through treason the last King, your good Prince, and afterwards thinking to usurp his kingdom, he besieged the principal city, and keepeth it so strait, that without your aid it is in danger to be won and destroyed with those good men & knights that ●re within it. Therefore my masters the Citizens, now that the occasion doth offer itself, by the return of the Queen your good mistress, that bringeth with her the knights of the enclosed Isle (of the which I am one) propose yourselves to revenge the injury that ye have received by the traitor, and so to labour, that your liege Lords may be set into their lands again, ensuring you (if ye will follow me) that I will ●inde a means suddenly to take him and his army, and to destroy him, by the favour and help of my companions that are within the town, the which shall not fail to come forth assoon as they shall see the sign that I will give them,   

Amadis Oration to Dragonis, promising him, in favour of the travels that be past, to 'cause the Realm of the profound Isle to fall into his hands, and to accord the marriage between him and Estoillette. In the fourth book the .29. Chapter.  
MY cousin, since that ye left us, we have made many marriages of the principallest knights that be here, with those that they desired long since. And besides this, King Aravigne, Barsinan, and other our prisoners lands and countries, by the consent of all, have been parted and divided, and because of your absence, ye were forgotten: but good as ye shall understand, hath provided. I have presently been advertised by a certain Esquire, that since our departing from Luban●●, the King of the profound Isle (the which was wounded and hurt) is departed upon the sea, a few days after he took shipping, thinking to return and retire: and therefore I shall 'cause his Realm to fall into your hands, and so ye shall have by this means Estoilletti to your wife, whom ye have loved of long time, and well worthy, being fair, wise and a virtuous Princess, issued of a king of two cot●s, and aswell loved of Oriane, as any other that I know. I think that a man (for your contentation) cannot better satisfy you, than to make you joyful of the thing that ye love and esteem more than yourself.   

A complaint of Darioletta for Amadis, the which was besieged on every part by her occasion. In the fourth book the .23. Chapter.  
ALas caitiff and unfortunate that I am, should it be that by my occasion the best knight of the world should die? How shall I dare from henceforth appear are before the king his father, and the Queen or any of his friends, knowing the evil that I have purchased him? Ah, ah, unfortunate, and more unfortunate than I can say, if in times paste I was a mean to save his life, by the invention of a cradle wherein I put him when he was cast and delivered to the mercy of the waves and surges of the sea, now clean contrary I have a●aunced the end of his days, when I most trusted to have had aid and support of him. Alas, had I not my understanding & wit well advised, when I found him by the sea side, and would not suffer him so much as to return to the castle Apolidon, to take his leave of my lady Oriane, from whence he might have brought some other knights by whom he might have had some help? But what? who should receive punishment but I to much hated of good fortune, & that hath done a deed of a light and of a too evil forecasting woman.   

Belan doth sharply reprove his son Brunor of treason, and that he, against his father's promise, besieged Amadis. In the .4. book the .34. Chapter.  
INfamous villain, durst thou falsify my word in the thing that I have promised? wretch that thou art, what honour or what gain canst thou have of such an evil turn and deed as thou haste done? seeing it was not in thy power to revoke my life, if death had called me, and less, to have excused thee of treason, ending that thou hast begun so unwisely against the knight that is entered into my land and country, under the surety and assurance of my faith. Art thou hitherto ignorant, that I for nothing that ever should chance unto me, would not do contrary to my promise? but to my power keep it, esteeming it more than thee, or my own life: by the faith that I own unto God, it letteth very little that I 'cause thee not to be hanged at the corners of this place, to be an ensample to such naughty fellows as thou art, enemies to truth & virtue. Take, take me this villain, and bind his hands and his feet, and that afterwards they do bear him to the knight, saying unto him from me, that I sand him the traitor that hath offended him, and me much more, and that I pray him to take the vengeance for us both that he hath merited and deserved.   

The Oration of Belan to the chiefest of the army, presenting, himself in Amadis name, knowledging that unjustly he would have warred against him. In the fourth book the 37. Chapter.  
MY Masters, if ye marvel of my coming to you so greatly unprovided, I myself have marveled of that, that I know hath chanced unto me, being since the time and age● of my knowledge in continual deliberation to ●lea and kill him, whom I love and esteem this day as myself: and thus it is not to be doubted that the executions of men's wills are more in the hand of God, than in the power of those that will execute them, as I by myself have experimented, for there is none of you (as I believe) but knoweth me to be the son of the valiant and doughty Giant Madafabul, the Lord of the Isle of the tower Vermeile whom Amadis slew in King Cildadans wars, when he caused himself to be named the fair Tenebreus. And for as much as natural reason did incite me to take vengeance, the contrary hath chanced, for he with his own hand hath overcome me and destroyed me.   

The lamentation of Queen Brisene, for King Lisuarde which was lost, declaring the mobilites of fortune. In the .4. book the .38. Chapter.  
Deceitful and fearful fortune, the hope of the miserable and cruel enemy of the prosperous, have I now occasion to praise me of thee? for if in time paste thou madest me lady of many Realms, obeyed and honoured of so many people, and above all marriedst me to a mighty and a virtuous King, in one only moment thou hast caused me to lose him, thou hast taken from me all the overplus of my honour and goods, seeing that upon him hung all my joy, and honour, an● my life. And therefore I know well that thou rejoicest to make me pay the interest of my pleasures, the which in time paste thou hast lent me. But why do I complain me of thee, having of so long time perceived and known that this is thy fashion to do? at the furthest death shall make an end of all that thou canst invent to hurt me, and having this hope, I will comfort myself, and of thyself shall have the victory.   

The consolation of Grumendan to the Queen Brifane bei●● too much discomforted for the loss of King Lisuard. I● the .4. book the .38. Chapter.  
BY my troth Madam, ye do wrong thus to take the things to the worst, seeing that I have heard you recite a hundred times, that the ●●ertue of prudency and wisdom cannot be known in any person, except he be solicited and ve●●ed with tribulation and affliction: so than the counsel that ye were wont to give to other, is now more than necessary for yourself. And is it but now or to day that ye know that fortune hath two daughters: the one of many is called good, and the other evil. If the good have accompanied you unto this time, and that the evil doth visit you in her pla●e, arm you (as a virtuous princess) with the armour of constancy and wisdom, to defend you against her, and ye shall see that she will be annoyed to follow you, and shall leave you: or else I foresie as touching you, two accidents and chances nigh at hand, and irreparable: the one, of the perdition and loss of yourself, and the other of the king, if at his return he do find ●ou dead. To say that he is lost, are but words, for he cannot be so hidden, but we should ●ither see him or have some news of him whether he be in this country, or in any other: nor his prison or captivity can not be so strong, but by the aid of your subjects, and the favour of your friends and alliance, he may be delivered, and very shortly, if it please God● And thus I beseech you Madam, that leaving of the things that to you are hurtful, ye seek for new counsel and comfort, to come to that, that as concerning this maybe necessary.   

A le●er from Queen Brisane to Amadis, praying him to succour king Lisuard the which was prisoner. In the .4. book the .38. Chapter.  
MY Lord my son, if in times past the estate of king Lisuard your father hath been defended and augmented by your means, it is now a better time and season than ever it was to employ yourself (seeing the ruin that is prepared) to keep and to conserve him in his entire estate, for not long ●ince, some of his enemies (as it is very like) have conveyed him and imprisoned him, so that never a one of us can tell where, nor wherefore: the which thing causeth me to esteem, that without occasion of any greater enterprise, they have not premeditated or forethought this treason. And for as much as this thing toucheth you (next unto me) more than any other, I have well willed to advertise you by Brandonias this present bearer, the w●ich hath seen and understanded all, and shall tell you the passion and trouble that I am in, bet●er than I can writ it unto you: wherefore I pray you to believe him as myself, and to advise you of the rest.   

Vrgand doth comfort O●iane much troubled for the loss of her father king Lisuard, the which was taken, exhorting her to patience, and to put all to God. In the .4. book the .38. Chapter.  
MAdame (quoth Vrgand,) I pray you not to discomfort you so: know ye not that the more that men be called to great rooms, the more they be subjects to receive great tribulatione? for notwithstanding we be all of one mould, all bound to vices and passions, equal to death, yet the Lord● omnipotent hath made us divers in the goods of the world, giving to one authority, to other subjection, to some poverty and misery, to other abundance and prosperity, and all as it pleaseth him. And therefore madame, compassing and comparing the goodness that ye have had, with ●●e evils and troubles that ye are in: the dolour and heaviness, with the pleasures & pastimes which are past, ye shall have no cause, so to complain you, but to thank the Lord, seeing it is his pleasure. And as touching your father, I know long since what should happen unto him, but yet I could not remedy it: for it was so ordained by the prescience and for knowledge of God, the which shall suffer him (with the time) to returns to his country as well content as ever he was.   

The complaint of Matroco, upon the body of Arcalaus his uncle, whom Esplandian had slain. In the .5. book the .5. Chapter.  
ALas Arcalaus my good vn●le, how hard is the loss of you to me, in what place soever it should have chanced: and by a more stronger reason in this my castle, where I thought to make you good cheer and long. Alas aft●r ye had past the flower of your age, and so many dangerous chances, and infinite perils, should it come and chance you upon the end of your old years to receive such a death in my house, the which I esteemed a sure place not only for you and me, but for all my parents and friends. What vengeance may I take at any time of this traitor that so greatly hath offended me: seeing that if I should put him to death a hundred times upon a day, yet it is less than nothing in respect of the evil that he hath wrought me. At lest ways if it had been Amadis of France, so renowned among men, or one of his two brothers, or else all three together, my dolour might somewhat have suaged, for the evil that I should have caused them to suffer. But what? I must needs even by reason fight with one, and seeing the force that he continually hath done, he should already esteem himself overcome. What glory should I then obtain of his victory? certes even such, as if I had beaten or overcome a simple woman feeble as ●he is of nature. And so he unworthy of my presence, shall (if it chance that I make but a countenance only ●o outrage him) increase in glory. Yet chance what chance may to my honour, or otherwise, he must needs die.   

The Oration of Esplandian to his people being in the mountain defended, fight against king Armato, to encourage them to fight strongly, considering that it is for the glory and liberty of a christian name. In the .5. book the 26. Chapter.  
MY friends, we be not at this present entered into the adventures of England, where men fight more for fantasy, or vainglory, than upon any just occasion: but this war that we make against the enemies of our faith, doth call us, not only to do our duty, but to defend the honour and liberty of a christian name. And therefore I pray you my companions, that every one of us do purpose to cast fear behind, and to prefer virtue and manhood above all inconveniences that may chance unto us, assuring you (if we so do) that before it be day, king Armato and his army shall well feel that we be not so sleepy as they think.   

The Oration of king Lisuard to his vassals and friends, showing the goodness and pleasures that he hath received of Amadis, and for this reason and cause he giveth up unto him his crown and his Sceptre, and the right of his realm, and that they for this cause should be his faithful and true vassals. In the .5, book the .28. Chapter.  
MY good vassals and friends, first and or ever I make you understand & perceive why & wherefore I have commanded you to come together, I will show you part of the dangers & fortunes wherein I have been since the death of my brother king Falanges and since it hath pleased the Lord to call me to the government and rule of you and of this realm, in th● which (as I think) there are yet many living, that can remember the danger, into the which ●oth I and my countries as we thought should have fallen, when that by the means and subtlety of Arcalaus the enchanter, I was put in the power of those that long before had conspired my death, of the which my son Amadia hath delivered me. And nevertheless awhile after (by evil counsel) I made sore war against him, the which being raised (as every man doth know) fortune envying my rest, prepared after that, such a banquet for me, that without him being king Arauignes prisoner, I had been lost for ever. And this yet hath assonyed me more, for when I esteemed me certainly out of all such misfortunes, a worse than the other chanced me, the which I thought well, considering the place I was brought unto, to be the consumination of my troubles, and of my life together. But yet the Lord looking with pity upon me, sent my little son E●plandian into my heavy prison, from whence as ye all might have been advertised, he delivered me. Now ye see that I am old, and all white, being already threscor● and ten years of age, the which thing causeth me to think, that from henceforth it is time and season to forget worldly things, and to return to God, that hath bound me so greatly unto him. And for this cause, I am purposed from henceforth, to leave Amadis my son to be your king: unto whom even now I give over my crown, my Sceptre, and the right that I have in this realm, praying you all as much as I may possible, that from this time forth ye be unto him faithful and obedient, as ye have been to me. And although he be married to my daughter, if I knew him unworthy to rule you, believe me (my friends) I would sooner have chosen one to succeed me, that had been less unto me than he is, but the● is none of you, that knoweth not his merits, and the line that he descendeth of, the which may this day name himself one of the most noblest, and most fortunate of all the world as descending of the Trojans, whose memory shall never, pe●ish, he is a king's son, the inheriter of the kingdom of France, and at this present your Pri●●● and Lord, I leave you him with my daughter your Queen and lawful princess, retaining to myself no other thing, but the only castle of Mirefleur, where that the Queen and I (by God's help) shall finish our days religiously, serving our God, as we be bound.   

The Oration of Cormellie to Esplandian, the which was sore astonied of the thing that Leonorine sent him word of, advising him not to take in evil part the answer that Leonorine had sent his father, and that the dissimulation of the love of Ladies aught not to be taken as a refusing, in as much as it signifieth most often perfit and entire amity. In the 5. book the .33. Chapter.  
HOw now my Lord, be ye astonished of so little? by my ●oule now I know well that the affections and love of men do greatly differ from the passions that we simple women endure when we fall into this extremity: and know you wherein? ye men do commonly take pleasure to open the thing that ye love, be it by word or by countenance: and oftentimes ye fain moreover that there is no such thing, and (●hat is worse) the more that the Lady or damsel the which is loved be of a good house, and of great merit, so much the more ye do glory, whereby men know, that not only ye bear them affection, but that ye are loved, and that she beareth you good will above all other: the which is very contrary to the nature of women, I mean of such as may name themselves wise: for why, the higher that the parents be, the more fear they have that men should perceive their amorous passions, and in such sort, that ordinarily they deny with word, gesture, and countenance, the thing that they have most printed in their heart and mind. And not without cause, considering that the thing which ye turn to praise (as ye think that your love is made manifest) doth bring unto them and their honour a certain spot, the which oftentimes they cannot well deface. So than it is more than necessary to observe this modesty and constancy in us (not that I will restrain myself to this law) seeing that all my glory and felicity doth hung and depends upon you, and so, that I desire no greater thing in this world● than that the love and service that I bear unto you were published every where: to the intent that they which, shall have knowledge of your great valour, and of my little merit, may know even then what is in me, to be yours as I am. Thus my Lord, if seemeth to me that ye should take in good part, and greatly to your advantage, the purpose that Gastilles hath written unto you, that ye were bound to my Lady Leonorina, and in the presence of the Emperor: for I answer you upon my honour, that both your affections are reciprokes, and that she hath spoken very wisely, using such dissimulation. I say not but that she had some occasion to be miscontented, considering and seeing the words which I at other times have brought her from you, but that is easily amended: And if the amity & love that she so long hath borne you should be utterly broken (as I think it be not) nother more nor less than a bow that is broken, & pieced together again, the which is more stronger in the place that it is mended in, than in any other, so you being present and in her company, shall bring together and amend that ye shall find broken: and shall make her to be much more yours than ever she was. And therefore I would counsel you, that obeying her, ye go unto her, and even to morrow, if it be possible.   

A letter from Armato the king of the Turks, to all the princes of the Orient, commanding them to bring together their force and strength, to chase the Christians out of his limits, and to conquer the Empire of Constantinople. In the .5. book the .45. Chapter.  
ARmato called by the prescience of our gods immortal ●o the government and rule of the great kingdom of Turkey, Frontier and bulwark of the Pagans law, to all his caliphs, Kings, Sondans, Admirals, and governors of the lands that are in the parts of the Orient, greeting. At my returning out of prison whereof we are now delivered, I thought it good to give you knowledge, that not long since, there is come out of the North country (as men say) into these coasts a knight of the line of Brutus the Trojan, unto whom our gods have permitted for our unrighteousness (as it is very like) to conquer the mountain defended, putting to death Matroco and Furion, two knights esteemed among the best of all the Orient. And that they do, that is far worse, daily increase the number of Christians, and labour to exterminate and destroy our holy law. To withstand this, we have taken arms upon us, and prepared a strong and a puissant army, thinking at the lest, to drive them out of our limits. But yet after that we had kept a long siege before the mountain Defended, and had brought it to such extremity, that they which were within had no more victuals, he of whom we doubted most, and the first that enterprised this war, found a mean (by the favour of a vile palliard, one of ours, called Frandalo) to enter in, and by cautel and subtlety to take us, in such sort, that our army was destroyed, and we remained as prisoners in their hands, where they kept us for the space of a whole year most straightly: during the same, our affairs fell from ill to worse: so by treason & craftiness, they be in possession of Alfarin and of Galatia, two of the best havens of our realm. The which they should never have done, without the help & secure of that traitor & unfaithful Emperor of Constantinople. And now they gather so much people, that without your aid, we be in danger to fall into their mercy: a thing that shall be of great consequence, seeing that we be (as ye know) the frontier and rampire of you all. Therefore we pray you and admonish you in our Gods, that as well for the defence of our Law, as for the utility of all the country of the East, ye assemble your strength in so great a number, that we may chase and drive away these Christians from our borders, and conquer the Empire of Constantinople, unto the parts of France and England, the which shall be unto us easy and profitable.   

Esplandians letter to the Emperor of Rome, showing him of the great army of the infidel potestates, sent and prepared to destroy the Christians, and that for this cause he must give help to a thing of so great importance. In the same book the 47. Chapter.  
MY Lord, the danger that I s●e prepared for all christendom, doth constrain me to sand Enil unto you, by whom ye may understand at length the great strength and puissant army, that all the kings and potentates of the East, the enemies of our faith have prepared at the persuasion of Armato king of Turkey, to come to destroy not only the Empire of Greece, but to press further, until they have clean extermined and quenched our faith and belief. And for as much as they whose place and room ye hold, have been evermore the true defenders and protectors of our Religion, and also because the case doth touch you so nigh, I think (my Lord) that ye should spare nothing that is in your might and power, but assemble your fores in all extremity, and prepare your vassals to help that good prince, the which is the borderer (as ye know) to you, and to all the potentates that hold of the law of jesus Christ. I have written likewise to the king my father, and to the most part of all other Christian Lords, unto whom I send Gandalin. And because I have charged Enil to show you the rest, I will send you no longer letter, but pray you to believe him as myself.   

An injurious letter of Rodrigue the great Sultan of Liquie, to the knight of the great Serpent, threatening him for his enterprise, and that he should assure himself to be destroyed, and that he would combat and fight with him. In the .5. book the .48. Chapter.  
ROdrigue the great Sultan of Liquie, a friend of the gods, mortal enemy of their enemies, defender of pagan law, to thee that dost call thyself knight of the great Serpent, gre●ing. Know thou, that the occasion which hath caused us to pass over so great a sea to come to these marches, hath been upon hope to revenge the outrages that my uncle Arma●o King of Turkey hath received of thee, and of thy companions, never doing thee displeasure. And for as much as we hold ourselves sure of the ruin of that evil Emperor, that doth favour thee in so many evil and damnable enterprises, & as a few days since, he and his did pass by the edge of our sword, so should I be sorry, that this misfortune should first chance ●o thee, until I made a proof of thy person and mine, because of the renown that is of thee through all the world. Thus advise thee if thou wilt accept the combat or fight of us two alone, of ten against ten, or a hundred against a hundred, or in a more great number if thou think it good. Swearing unto thee by all the gods, that they whom thou shalt bring with thee for these affairs, shall have no more displeasure than my proper person, if it be not of those, that shall be ordained to fight with them, following the covenants that we shall make. Therefore make me an answer worthy and meet for thee, and so that thy honour be not defiled.   

Norandel and other his companions letter, for an answer to Rodrigue, accepting the combat and fight that he offered, with the assurance of the field. In the fifth book the .48. Chapter.  
THe knights and servants of jesus Christ; being now● present with the Emperor of Constantinople, for the defence and augmentation of the Christian name, to thee Rodrigue Sultan of Liquie, condign greeting. Thou hast sent to the Knight of the great Serpent, a Damsel who is called Tienna, the which hath delivered us certain letters which were sent to him, the sum whereof containeth two things: in the first thou dost complain of the enterprises that he hath made upon King's Armato thy uncle: The other, the desire that thou hast to prove thy person against his, or a great number against a greater if he thought it good. But in as much as the Knight which thou demandest is not present here, nor in place to make thee answer, we have advised to satisfy thee for him, and to accept the offers that thou hast made him, assuring thee, that there is such a parsonage in this company, a King's son and nine other with him, that shall fight with thee, and with the like number of thine, if thou wilt appoint and give them the surety of the field, nor we will not fail to be in the place established and appointed.   

Letters from Rodrigue Sultan of Liquie, and Calasia Queen of Californie, to Amadis of France, and his son Esplandian, to accept the combat and fight, to know the virtue and strength of the best combatant. In the fifth Book the 52. Chapter.  
ROdrigue Souden of Liquie the mortal enemy of the enemies of our gods, and Calasia Queen of California, a region rich of gold and precious stones more than any other, we declare unto you Amadis of France, and King of England, & to your son the knight Serpentine, that our defence and coming into this country hath been caused and standeth upon two points. The one is the hope of the ruin and destruction of Christenty, and the other to assay and to 'cause you to lose the renown that men give you, to be two the best knights of all the world: for we think ourselves such, that if ye will take this combat in your own persons to ours, we shall 'cause it to be evidently known, that our valiantness is no less than is yours. And to the end that the glory of those that win may be manifest, they that be overthrown, shall remain in their power, to dispose them as they shall think best: advise you therefore to make us an answer by this our messenger, whom we have charged to declare unto you (if ye refuse this) that from henceforth we shall have a just cause ●o attribute unto us the superiority of all the praises and favours that fortune hitherto hath borne you, and hereafter to esteem you less, than in times past ye have been esteemed.   

The Emperor of constantinople's Oration to Amedis and other his friends, to advise and to take counsel upon the marriage of his daughter with the young Esplandian, unto whom so doing. he doth promise' the rule of the Empire. In the .5. book the .54. Chapter.  
MY brethren, Lords and goodfriends, the obligation wherein I am bound unto you, is so great, that althdughe it hath pleased the Lord to make me Emperor of all Gréece, yet I know well, that it is not in my power to satisfy you, not holding all the honour and goods that I have (next unto God) be it in particular, or general, but of you. I am now three score, all hoary, and very caduke and feeble, through the pains that I took in my youth, following the feats of arms: I have but one daughter, the which is the staff and hope of my old age, whom (as I have deliberated with myself) I do purpose (if ye think it good) to marry to the valiant knight Esplandian, and by the same means to remit the Empire and the rule of all my country unto him● And to live the more solitary, and to separate myself from the world, I have also concluded with myself to retire with the Empress my wife to the Monastery that I caused to be builded, and there religiously to recognize God, and to do penance for the faults that in times paste I have committed. Therefore my good Lord● and friends, I pray you, if ye all agree to this, to declare it unto me, and you first of all my Lord and brother Amadis, whom the matter toucheth, as from the father to the child.   

The Oration of Lisuard to the Emperor of Trebisonde, praying him to show him the knight which he armed of late● to receive at his hand the feats o● knighthood. In the .6. book the .6. Chapter.  
Sir, the high renown and your great goodness, known through all the world, have moved my companions and me to come to your court not only to do you reverence, as the greatness of your majesty doth merit, but have esperance and hope to hear news of a young gentleman, the which ye have (as it is told us) made knight not long ago, at the request of a Damsel that brought him unto you. And for as much sir, as I never had intention to receive chivalry of any other hand than of his, and that my age doth seem to have done more than it hath done yet, I most humbly do pray you to tell us that ye know, that after I have found him, I may have of him that I hope for and desire above all things.   

Melies letter to the Emperor of Trebisonde, avanting herself to overrun and win the Christians, and to constrain them to believe the Pagans law. In the .6. book the .7. Chapter.  
MElie lady above all Magicians, enemy to the law of the Christians, and curious to augment day by day the law of our gods. Thou shalt know Emperor of Trebisonde, that Constantinople shall be shortly besieged by thr●e score and seven Princes of the Pagan faith. Where I personally will be to take my pleasure to see it burn, and the evil men that do possess it, and him likewise of whom all Christenty should hope to have favour as of his refuge and principal aid. But it shall happen far otherwise: for she unto whom thy daughter is delivered, hath put her in my power, and in so sure keeping, that neither Amadis her grandfather, nor yet her father Esplandian (although they were unbewitched) should have no mean nor ways to secure and to help her. And yet that is but little, in respect of the thing that I intent to do, for by little and little I shall have the rest of you, to dispose you after my own will and pleasure, constraining the overplus of the vulgar people, be it by love, or by force, to turn to our faith: and have you no doubt of this, for all this shall chance and that easily.   

Frandalo making reverence to Perion, doth offer him his service. In the .6. book the .12. Chapter.  
Sir Chevalier, I am wholly yours, so that ye may command me, as him that desireth to obey you, for the honour of King Amadis, & Esplandian your brother, whose friend and well affectioned servant I am.   

A cursed letter of the infant Melia to the Emperor of Constantinople, foretelling him that he shall receive much misfortune, and destruction. In the .6. book the .12. Chapter.  
MElia Infant the most cruelest enemy of Christianity, to the Emperor of Constantinople, ruin and entire malediction. Know thou that shortly thou shalt feel misfortune, the which by mine occasion is prepared for thee, and such as never the like was spoken off: for with thy own eyes thou shalt see the death of thy people, the destruction of thy country, a strange martyrdom of him whom thou lovest best in this world, and finally the end of thy life in misery. In witness whereof, this sword shall hung in the air over thy great C●●tie, until that a prophecy of Apolidon that remaineth to be fulfilled, have his effect. Then it shall vanish away, and shall be seen no more.   

The Oration of Alquise to the Princess Gricelleria● from his Knight Lisuard, from whom he presenteth her a Prince, and the children of the King of Jerusalem, and doth pray hi● for his love to entreat them well. In the .6. book the .14. Chapter.  
MAdam, your knight (the which far passeth all other in valiantness and in great goodness of arms) doth salute you, as her whom he desireth to serve all his life, in witness whereof he doth send you by me the thing that he hath conquered and gotten, since the day and time that he departed from you, to his very great displeasure and heaviness. That is, this gentleman, a very doughty Prince among the Pagans, and of good right, for he being at liberty may commaund● in the country and land of Liquie, no more nor less than the Emperor your father doth in his. And these other are the King of Palestines children, brother & sister, the which he doth pray you to receive, and dispose as your own. And also he charged me, to assure you, that entreating them graciously, and as he esteemeth of your goodness, he shall be singularly well pleased, for and because of the place they are issued out of, and the conquest that he hath done and had of them at his beginning.   

The letter of Perion, called the Knight of the Esphere to the Princess Gricelleria, certifying her of the great love that he beareth her, and also that he feeleth himself very fortunate, that he was sent to a lady of so high a price, unto whom he is ready to obey. In the .6. book the .14. Chapter.  
MAdam, I know not how I may satisfy the great goodness that ye granted me upon the day that ye accepted me for yours: seeing that the best knight of the world should not think him sufficient to serve so great a lady and Princess. And I then poor dumb man that hath done as yet no act of Chivalry, being come to such honour, is it any marvel then if my heart hath desired to take things in hand whereof (with reason) it hath esperance and hope to continued in this high place, putting far from him all fear and peril of death, by the continual remembrance that he hath of your good grace: the which hath so captivated my liberty, that my eyes have been incheined with the bands of your fortunable presence, even since the day that they saw the brightness of your divine face. But this prison is hidden in such liberty, that it causeth me to live, for the envy that I have to obey and serve you for ever, assured that otherwise my soul (troubled because of your absence) should not remain one hour in this body, passioned and troubled for the great love that he beareth you. Thus Madam, I beseech you command the thing that pleaseth you I should do, and having pity upon your poor slave, send him, by this Damsel which is faithful, your will, believing her as touching the overplus of the thing that she shall tell you. From him that doth kiss the hands of your highness in all humility.   

The answer of the Princess Gricelleria to Perion called the the knight of the Esphere, wherein she declareth that she is glad that she hath received his letters, revealing unto him her amorous passions, and recommendeth unto him the Damsel Lisuart, praying him to bring her out of danger. In the ●. book the .21. Chapter.  
THe great pleasure that I have received with your lette●●, and the presents the which ye have sent me by this damsel, have renewed in my heavy heart the annoyance & troubles, the which my soul suffered through your long absence. And believe me my friend, that were it not for the continual presence of your person, the which I have in the eyes of my understanding, it were impossible for me daily to resist so many assaults the which love delivered unto me, even the self same day that ye came mute and dumb into this court, not speaking one word to me, nor to no other: but the hope that I have that ye will shortly return (as this messenger hath assured, me) doth give me a certain force and strength to suffer this that I endure without any releasement. Bu● for a conclusion, and to the intent that with more occasion ye may come to see me as I trust, I pray you to keep yourself nigh unto the Emperor my father: the which will not fail (as I think) to bring you with him, his affairs being paste and ended. In the mean while I would desire you to assays and prove by all means to draw and deliver the fair damsel Lisuard out of danger: being certain, that if ye will do so much for her and me, that ye shall come to your honour, as the most favoured of fortune, and of high chivalry, that is this day among those that wear arms. For the which thing I pray you as much as I may possible for the wealth of my sister, the which is so affectionated unto her, that she cannot live if the Lord do not comfort her of the heaviness that she hath taken, from the day that she lost her out of her sight, for night and day she dieth through love & desire. And because I have charged Alquise to tell you the overplus. I pray you believe her as coming from her, the which is more yours than h●r own.   

A letter from King Armato to the Emperor of Trebisond●, presenting him the combat. In the .6. book. the .22. Chapter.  
ARmato King of pierce, the mortal enemy of the Christians, the servant of our gods, and principal protector of their holy law, to the Emperor of Trebisond condign salutation. Know thou, that to have the City of Constantinople with this country at my discretion, I not long ago am come to the field, accompanied with such a puissance, as every man knoweth. And because I understand that thou art newly come to help my enemy, I thought to sand and present to thee the combat, which art the principal defender of the Empire of Greece against me, that am the principal that doth pretend his ruin. Nor excuse not thee by thy old years, for if thou have touched fourscore of thy age, I even at ●he hour when thou wast borne, had knowledge of my nurse. The combat that I pretend to have of thy person and mine, is only to get honour, and to prove with the dint and stroke of the spear & sword whom fortune doth favour most of thee or me: therefore a●uise thee to make an answer that may be for thy honour.   

A letter of Grifilant the Lord of the isle Sawagine to Amadis the king of England, praying him to enter in like manner into the camp of battle to see and behold who shall obtain the victory. In the .6. book the .22. Chapter.  
GRifilant Lord of the isle Sawagine, servant of the Gods of the Sea, affectionated and given to the ruin of the unfortunate Christians, of whom thou Amadis king of England art buckler and protector: Nevertheless that hath not named me so much to the desire that I have to prove myself against thee, as the high chivalry, whereof thou art renoume● throughout all the parts of the world. But seeing that the principal occasion that moved me to come forth of my country hath been not only to help the mighty king of the Turks, but to get laud and reputation by arms, and that fortune hath so much favoured me, to have brought me to the time and place, where I have a mean to fight with thee: I pray thee, that we may enter into the field one against the other, assuring thee that if my Gods will grant me the victory, I shall esteem myself the most fortunate knight that ever was borne, and that most rightfully, having the upper hand of thee the head and principal of all chivalry. And although the contrary should chance unto me, yet I should not be the less esteemed among wise men: for it is sufficiently well known, what manner of men, and how many redoubted personages thou hast overcome: and if the worst fall, the honourable death that I shall receive, shall be a great quietness to my mind, being assured that my life cannot endure, being purposed to spare my body little or nothing for the me●ings and combats that shall be from henceforth between our men and yours. Grant me then the thing that I demand, and so doing, thou shalt do for me, and for thine honour.   

Letters from the Queen Pintiquinestra to the Queen Cala●i●, admonishing her that she will fight with her. In the .6. book the .22. Chapter.  
PIntiquinestra Queen of the people that have no heads, to thee Cala●ie, that dost command the strong Isles of California, salutations, such as I desire fro thee. I advertise thee, that to 'cause my valiantness to be known to those that mos●● continually do haunt arms, I have of late left my country, and am come to this camp and field, where I have certain knowledge, that thou art newly come to defend him that would entirely destroy us. And because thou art esteemed ready to fight, as much or more than the best knight of the world, I have persuaded myself, that if I may overcome thee in the camp of battle, that this honour should be unto me immortal. Now (as me thinketh) the match is well made, of a woman, to a woman, both pretending one thing, that is, the glory and renown of valiantness. Therefore advise thee if thou wilt prove thy force with mine, so that from henceforth, men may judge, who hath better right to wear the crown of a Queen, and the government of women, that can win men by lo●e and by arms.   

The Emperor of Trebisondes' Oration to his knights, upon the agreement of the combat, advertising them, that he is resolved to go and fight with his enemy. In the the .6. book the .22. Chapter.  
RIght virtuous knights, I b●ing well assured, that ye always have had so good and so entire hearts, and honour in such recommendation, that ye were never astonied for any peril or danger that might happen unto you: I pray you effectuously to think upon me, what I aught and will believe of you, that is, that for to die a thousand deaths, I would not so far forget myself, that my old years should be defamed, or to say better, put in doubt, be the reputation never so little that I got when I was young, and better and more disposed than I am now. Certes my hears are white and grey, but the heart is young and disposed, and the will as good as ever it was. Armato demandeth combat, he shall have it, he saith that he is a friend and an augmenter of his law. I am the most humble servant of jesus Christ, the which shall help me, if it so please him, and as I trust in him. Therefore I pray you as much as I may possible, not to contend or resist any more, whether I should enter into this combat against my enemy or not, for my resolution, is to win, or to die, and let God do what shall please him.   

The Emperor of Trebisondes' letter, answering together Armato, Gri●ilant and Pintiquinestra, to advertise them, that they accept the combat, being assured to obtain the victory, considering the just quarrel of the Christians. In the .6. book the .22. Chapter.  
WE, by the grace of God, Emperor of Trebisond, Amadis king of France and of England, and Calafie the Lord & ruler of the Isles of California, where gold and very precious stones do grow in great abundance, answering in like manner to the three letters that you Armato king of Persi●, Gri●ilant Prince of the isle Sawagine, and Pintiquinestra the Lady of the people without heads, have sent us, certifying you, that our journey into these borders of the East hath been for the defence and increasement of the law of jesus Christ, in whom we believe, and also to destroy those, the which are against him. Thus after we had received your letters, we have been content to agree to the combat that ye demanded, with such weapons as ye shall choose: for as concerning the camp, we mean and purpose that it shall be before this great City, trusting that our only God, (in whose hand are the victories) shall give us it over you, to the confusion of your Idols, and great damage and dishonour of your persons. And for as much as this damsel hath charge and power by us to tarry & to rest with you, as for the overplus, we have remitted it to her. Thu● much there is, that we swear unto you, and do promise in the faith and word of a king, that for ●he time of the combat, none of our camp shall move to do you any injury or hurt, providing that ye do the like on your side, whereof we will have assurance and promise by oath, as reason doth require.   

Amadis Oration to his men, upon the refusing of the peace demanded of the Pagans, exhorting them to fight strongly. In the .6. book the .26. Chapter.  
Sirs, it is certain that this cursed and reproved people are descended into these marches, more to offend our religion, and the faith of jesus Christ, than the country of Greece, or the people of Constantinople: and for this cause I think it best, (seeing that fortune hath borne us so good a face at the beginning) that we should not put her far from us, but by the aid of God to do so much, as to drive those knaves unto the wells and founta●●es of Tartary, and furthermore not to grant them any appointment, or truces as ●hey demand, for if ye hearken unto them, ye shall certainly not only give them leisure to assure themselves, but leaving off, they shall recover new force and strength: setting as much by us, as by bathed hens, or villains without shame, and full of cowardness. And this I would greatly allow, that we without dissimulation should go and visit them even at their own c●bbans. And if ye would allege unto me, that they are a greater number than we be, there is an answer, that the most part of them are sick, in anguish, and destroyed through famine and hunger, and moreover, we fight for the faith of jesus Christ, in whose hands are the victories, that which doth assure me that he will be with us, and that we should not doubt.   

The letter of the infant Onoloria, to the knight Lisuard, taxing him of dissimulation and of fancy. In the .6. book the .30. Chapter.  
Sing that your unfaithfulness (the most ingrateful man that is among the living) is now so manifest as concerning me, that no excuse, be it never so well cloaked, can cover the fault of your heart: I forbidden you from henceforth upon the pain of your life, to be in no part where I may see you, or once to have any news of you: for why it was not for me the which am of such a house as men know, and to whom ye should have come, to use dissimulation under the colour of service: the which thing doth 'cause me greatly to marvel, that ye were so foolish and hardy to tell me the thing that ye told me before ye departed from this town, and to sand me word of that, that ye charged Alquise last of all to show me of your part. Prove therefore from henceforth to deceive the simple damsels, not extending thus your nets to abuse great ladies, the which resemble me, and complain them of you, having a good mean and occasion to 'cause you to be put to death, were it not, that by the death of so unfortunate and so miserable a person as ye are, your lightness might be discovered, and my honour had and put in doubt.   

A letter of Sulpicie king of the Sawagine, to Amadis king of England, offering him the combat, under the conditions employed by the foresaid letter. In the .6. book the .51. Chapter.  
SVlpicie king of the Sawagine (by the death of our uncle Grisilant of good memory, whom our Gods do entreat with Ambrose and Nectar) Garfant and Bostrosse our v●ry dear and well-beloved brothers, will thee Amadis king of England to wit, that we having the Gods of forces, and means to revenge as well the death of our foresaid uncle, as the usurpation that thou hast made us for the Castle of Roch, where thou hast left one to govern named Sarquil●s, the which since thy departure, hath gathered together a great number of Christians, that are entered into our country, whereof have ensued many and infinite murders, and yet may chance hereafter. But to resist and to avoid this, we have thought to present unto thee the combat of us three against three of thine, upon this condition, that if we be victors, thou shalt revoke Sarquiles, restoring our Castle into our hands, and all that hath been since usurped: and if we be overthrown, the rest of our country shall also remain under thy obeisance, and we shall leave it unto thee frank and free, never more to quarrel for it: the which thing we would not put under fortune so variable, were it not for the good right that we have, and the wrong that thou dost unto us. And to the intent thou shouldest not go back from so reasonable things, we swear unto thee, and promise in the word and faith of a king, not to fail in one point: and furthermore to give thee surety unto all, and against all, except us three, if thou wilt come, or sand hither●f no, we shall appoint us to go unto thee, or to some other place, that thou shalt devise, providing also, that thou use unto us, like faithfulness, as we present unto thee.   

A brave answer of Mirammolin to Brian of Moniastes herald. In the .6. book the .59. Chapter.  
Herald return to thy master, tell him that I have not traversed the seas so much, nor taken in hand the conquest of Spain, to retire and draw myself back with threatenings: when I was but a little one, they made me afeard with Wolves, but now that I am a king, commanding men, I fear not the threatenings of those that I trust to overcome, and shall have at my discretion and commandment before it be night.   

A letter from Vrgand of Cognue, to the knight of the burning sword, foretelling the thing that shall chance unto him, the which is a certain affliction scantly able to be borne. In the .7. book and .19. Chapter.  
VRgand of Cognue, greeteth thee knight of the burning sword, know thou, that to retire to another place out of prison, thou or ever it belong shalt enter into a more and a greater captivity, where never slave was put, and thy soul and body shall be so afflicted, that this same sword, the which hath oftentimes saved the place that thou art issued of, shall thorough pierce thy body, and within a while it shall be plucked out by his hands, that thinking to save himself, shall restore thee a life worse than a thousand deaths together, & this martyrdom shall endure unto the time that thy father's house being at a point to fall down, be holpen and saved by his first possessioner: and believe me, for it shall so come to pass, as I have foretold thee. And to the intent thou mayest credit it, understand, that to save thee from one misfortune into the which thou shouldest fall this day fight with the knight of Quay, I gave thee a white shield, and did ask thee the gift that afterwards thou didst grant me, and didst keep it, whereof thou shouldest thank me, because that without my providence, thou shouldest have fallen into a repentance as long as thou hadst lived, as by the time thou shalt know better, and rather travel not thyself, to think to know nothing, for that should be but lost pain and labour, as well as to search it of me: let it suffice thee, that I know thee better, than thou knowest thyself, and for the hope of a help and succour, that I trust once to have of thee, I did bear and show thee such favour. Go on with the residue of thy enterprise without delay of any occasion that should present itself, perceiving that it is the will of him, whose man thou shalt be in time to come.   

Zirfee being praised by the knight of the burning sword, doth answer, that he did but his duty, seeing that the property of noble men is to do noble acts. In the .7. book the .30. Chapter.  
IN good faith sir knight, ye give me great praises, for the thing that hath not deserved it, and the which I could not but do, without leaving off three principal points, the which all required of mine estate, whereof the first is to know in time of adversity the pleasure that we have received of our enemy, causing every man to know, that he, whom a man may graciously recompense in season, hath also a mean and a way to revenge injuries suffered during his misfortune. The second doth show itself in all civil season and of pity, after as the case doth offer itself. And for the third, not to trouble the mind at no time, for the noyances and troubles that chance, but that reason and discretion may continually have dominion and rule. And these three points are notoriously necessary to all noble men, continually to maintain firmly and unmovably their high and great estate: for virtue that doth not perish, causeth a man to be much more noble and exalted, than all the corruptible goods of fortune and subject to her passions and mobility: seeing also that often times and too much they are given to such as never deserve them. But it goeth far otherwise with virtue, for he alone doth obtain it, that doth a deed worthy to have it. Also men by virtue only aught to be esteemed and honoured, yea and reputed more richer than if they had all the riches of the world: because that the true riches which perish not, are the renown of the good and the noble acts of a virtues man.   

The Oration of Maudan to the King, requiring his pardon for the treason that he had committed, promising, so doing to obey him more than ever he did. In the seventh book the 46. Chapter.  
Sir, ye may see in me, how that fortune doth play with such evil men as I am: nor it was never seen, but that one sin draweth unto him another, and the second many more, in so much that at the last they blind men so well, that (thinking to go the great way) they fall into the ditch that they made, whereout afterwards they cannot draw themselves. The which doth now manifest itself in me, that (envying the honour that ye did to the knight of the burning sword) found and invented the thing that I told you of him and the Queen, to drive him from your court, to have and to obtain his place. Well, I was cause of that great evil, and I know that I merit an exceeding great torment, yet Sir, I beseech you (preferring pity & mercy, above the rigour of your justice) that it will please you to pardon me, causing every man thereby to know that my sin and fault is grievous, and your clemency and goodness very extreme and great, the which shall turn to your great laud and praise, I and mine remaining for ever bound to serve you more than any other of your subjects, in as much as ye shall pardon and forgive me more, than all other.   

The Oration of Queen Baruca to the King of Saba her husband, praying him to receive her into his good grace, and not to be no more so light to believe without hearing of both parts. In the .7. book the .46. Chapter.  
MY Lord seeing this my innocency is open and known, I beseech you to receive me into your good grace as I was before, and to remember another time not to believe so lightly without using your power upon the accused, or ever ye hear his justifications: considering how ye have proceeded rigorously, not only against my chastity, but against my honour, and the honour of the house that I come of.   

The Oration of Magadan King of Saba to the knight Amadis of France, excusing himself that he received him not as he deserved, praying him not to take it in evil part. In the 7. book the .46. Chapter.  
MY great friend, if I had known you aswell yesterday, as I do at this present, I would have borne and showed you more honour: but the grief that I had of the evil words that were told me o● the Queen, caused me to forget all courtesy, yea and my own nature, the which is to receive all strangers that come to my court graciously. So I pray you not to take this fault in ill part, but to excuse it, and with this charge, that from henceforth I will take pain and labour to amend it.   

The Oration of the Duke of Buillon to those of his lineage, provoking them to take vengeance for the death of his son, and to recover their honour so abused. In the .7. book the 48. Chapter.  
MY masters, my good friends and allies, ye have seen and known the dishonour that the Emperor our Prince hath purchased, not only to me, but to you all, aswell in particular as in general: and in such a sort, that having no regard to us, which are so great and mighty, he (as every man doth know) hath only caused him most villain to be taken, that next unto me, might have called himself the head of your arms, and Duke of Buillon, whereof I have so great dolour, that I die a hundred times in a day. And as concerning you his good parents, I believe certainly, that nature doth so prie●● you, that your heart doth bleed, and that this wound shall bleed and continued as long as you or yours shall have the name of gentlemen: but yet if ye will follow mine advise, we shall not defer the time of vengeance so long: but I shall give you a mean to recover our honour so greatly abased, that shall turn you to glory and great profit.   

The courteous Oration of Branzahar Prince of Clarence, to the knight Birmartes, that would fight with him because he had slain his people. In the .7. book the .54. Chapter.  
KNight, thou hast now gotten so great honour, that the glory thereof shall remain with thee for ever: and although this thing was against my will and mind, and that my heart could not content itself, for the loss of mine that I loved so well, and whom thou hast slain: And although I am called to revenge them, yet considering that this their misfortune chanced by thy only valiantness, doing the thing that thou shouldest do to get a name among wise men, I could not refrain myself but to use courtesy to thee wards, as reason commanded me, seeing thee to be weary, without a sword and a horse. So that if I had the better hand of thee (being provided and well horsed as I am) such a victory should rather turn me to blame, than to any glory. By means whereof, I love much better to be on my feet, and being equal in arms, to let fortune rule and extend her hand to whom of us two it shall please her.   

Birmartes brave answer to Branzahar the Prince of Clare●●●, where he praiseth more his courtesy than he doth wonder of his greatness and force: but yet to avoid blame, it is expedient for to fight. In the .7. book the .54. Chapter.  
PRince, your courtesy hath more astonished me, than the greatness of your body, and the might of your members great and boistous, for the magnanimity of hearts doth not consist in the mass of the flesh, but in the properness & strength of the person, the which doth love honour, and doth desire to make his remembrance perpetual, not by bravery & pride, but doing his duty with few and sweet words, and rude execution, in such sort, that I finding in you the one of these two points, that is courtesy, I doubt not that the second be far of: considering that very seldom or never they leave each other, no more than the fire the heat, and the heat the fire. Therefore if it were to me honourable or reasonable, I would sooner and more willingly make amity with you, than pass over with advantage to prove our persons one against the other: but having no order, neither you, nor I cannot refuse the combat that is offered, in so much as it should be an injury for you to leave off the enterprise that ye have begun, and to me great blame, not to follow the fortune that this beginning as every man may see hath given me. So then, let the victory be as it shall please fortune, and him have it that can get it.   

A letter from the knight of the burning sword to Magadan, wherein he excuseth him of his departing without leave, and doth labour to enter into his grace and favour, seeing he was found without fault. In the seventh book the .16 Chapter.  
RIght high, right mighty, and right excellent Prince, if the things that be to come, were present to men, as they be unknown unto them, few men should find themselves deceived, and fewer evil men that might by falsely reporting things unto them deceive them. But such secrets being out of our power, certes we should fear more the malice of men than death itself, that causeth a man to die but once. For the death that ensueth and followeth these traitors and evil men, doth not only take away life, but the immortal honour that every virtuous person might obtain and get, converting and turning his good renown to shame and blame, wherewith they feed the ears of them, that hearken unto them. And of this (victorious King) ye may now judge much better than of any other, being at the point to fall into the reputation of an unjust King, being in will and mind so wrongfully to put the Queen to death, through the false accusation that was reported to you of her, and of your faithful subject and servant the Knight of the burning sword. Not sir, that I will excuse me of the fault that I did, absenting myself from your court, following the counsel that Maudan gave me: for where my innocency was, pain could have no place. And furthermore, not leaving my honour doubtful by my flying away, I should rather have submitted myself to your punishment, (knowing your virtue and my justice) than fearing your fury, and following the death, the which I deserved not, to tender myself suspect of the fault. But the gods (as I understand) have suffered the truth afterwards to be discovered by him, that had charged it, and that the queens honour, and mine was recovered by the invincible valiantness of Amadis the King of England, the which sustaining my right, slew the traitor in the plain field of battle, before your majesty. And nevertheless sir, if there yet do rest any sparkle of evil will against your humble servant, I beseech you to forget it, and partly to take and to receive me to your good grace & favour, perceiving that I have a desire to return to your excellency, to whom I would already have come, if it had not been for the promise that I made to these three Kings assembled, not to leave them until the war taken in hand against two other traitors were ended. Therefore it may please you to excuse me, kissing the hands of your highness in all humility.   

The Oration of Abra to her brother Zair Sultan of Babylon demanding whereof his annoyance doth proceed, to give him a remedy. In the .8. book the .2. Chapter.  
ALas my Lord, from whence may this accident proceed? I pray you not to hide the occasion any more from me, swearing unto you by the faith that I own you, that if there be any thing, wherewith I may give you any remedy, I will not spare my life for you: for why it can not continued, seeing you suffer as ye do.   

The Oration of Abra to the Princes and Lords being in the soudan's Zair her brother's court, declaring unto them the vision of the foresaid Sultan, and persuading them to take in hand the combat against the Christians. In the .8. book the .2. Chapter.  
EXcellent Princes, and great Lords, it seemeth that fortune doth present to you all, one mean and way (serving our gods) to augment their law, and to make less & diminish that, by the which they are misprysed. And to declare unto you, that I speak not without reason, ye shall understand that the great God jupiter & Mars appeared (one of these nights past) to your good Prince Zair, whereof the evil doth come that noth hold & trouble him. And they have threatened him very sore & reproved him, seeing they called him not to such a highness, to let the faith of the christians to increase, and not to ●are for that, in the which he lived. And because he would not wholly fall into their indignation, bad to command you incontinently to enterprise the conquest of Trebisonde, or else that we and he should be so well chastened, that proving the rigorousness of fortune, we should come late to repentance. Thus if we will obey them, executing their holy will, we shall be sure of the victory, and Zair shall marry Onoloria the emperors daughter of whom I spoke unto you: of these two shall come so complete a knight, that the sun is not brighter among the stars, than his renown shall be from the Orient to the Occident among men. And this is (Princes and Lords) the cause, for the which the Sultan your sovereign King hath caused him to be called for this day, purposing as touching his part, not to show himself any other, than most humble and most obedient to gods will, trusting that of your part ye will not be tardife in so good a work, but 'cause your high valiantness and chivalry that is in you, to be known throughout all the world, ye shall follow that is predestinate unto you, of the which I may bear witness, for although I be but a woman yet should I be very displeasant, that so glorious an enterprise should pass out of my presence & sight. Thus honourable Princes, make ye together a resolution upon this, that your king intended to show you with his own mouth, if the evil that he feeleth, had not forbidden and letted him to speak, purposing wholly to ensue and follow the inspiration of jupiter, and your good advise, trusting in the faithfulness & zeal that every one of you hath (as I think) to the increasement of his honour, the which shall be your wealth and advancement.   

A letter from Abra in the name of Zair her brother Sultan of Babylon, to the Infant Onoloria, of whom (being very amorous) he laboureth to have her good grace and favour. In the .8. book the .7. Chapter.  
MAdam, I pray you as much as is possible, (reading this letter) to consider how Zair the Sultan of Babylon the king of the Pagan Princes, and the most mighty Monarch that is this day upon the earth, doth find himself so beaten with the arrows of the god of love, the which being enforced freely to declare unto you the pain that he endureth to be yours hath conceived this boldness to writ this word unto you, & to 'cause you to understand, that the servitude that he beareth was divinely motioned, and by the inspiration of Venus' son: the which appearing one night among all other to me, represented to me the excellency of your beauty so lively, that he would me, the ruler and Lord of Lords, and that all my life have been free and without subjection, to become servant and slave of your good grace, the which thing I require you most humbly not to deny me: but weighing the greatness of my estate, and the noble blood whereof I take my beginning, to use me as I deserve: assuring you Madame, that having this favour, I shall esteem it more than if the rest of the whole world took me for their natural Lord: and yet more if I might receive some jewel or some sleeve of you to wear, ending the combats that I have set forth, to uphold your perfect beauty, the which far passeth all the most excellent that hath been or may be for ever: kissing for the overplus a thousand and a thousand times your divine and white hands with all reverence.   

The Oration of Abra Zair sister to the Infant Onoleria, expounding unto her the vehement love that her brother do the bear her, the which ought to move her sweetly to entreat him, and to take pity of his torment. In the eight book the .7. Chapter.  
I Marvel (Madam) how it is possible that with so great beauty and wisdom that is in you, rigour and disdain may have any part. You have (as I have understanded) slenderly regarded the letter that the Sultan my brother hath written unto you, and the evil that he suffereth in loving you so perfectly, as he hath certified you. I pray you for god's sake to consider, that his life, if ye use long such cruelty towards him, will be short, and that ye shall lose (in lieging of him) the best and the most affectionated servant, that ever ye shall get, and me also, the which hath merited more greater punishment for the wrong that he hath done you, in loving you (if it may be called wrong) than you him: for why he never thought but to obey and to please you, and I for to found some remedy for his unmeasurable passion, the which hath been the cause why I have sent you (by one of my women) the thing that hath somewhat better, (as she hath reported to me) contented you.   

The answer of Onoleria to Abra Zairs sister, reproving her of her foolish enterprise, and that if her brother make any further suit, she will 'cause it to be revenged. In the .8. book the .7. Chapter.  
I Think Madame, that it should sufficiently enough have sufficed you that ye have done already, without charging me a new, and so, that if I have had some occasion of grief or annoyance against your brother, to have been on my part too much forgetful. Now, where ye think to excuse him, ye accuse him the more, and do cause me to think, that ye doubt that I feel not myself to be the daughter of so great an Emperor, and to be extract and to come of such blood, that I had rather never to have been, than for any thing to defile the lest part of my honour. And therefore assure him that causeth you to use such words, that I, if he continued in this foolish suit, and you in your importunity, shall advertise such a one, that in advenging me, shall complain of you, and of him, even as ye merit and deserve.   

The Oration of the knight Birm●rtes, to the Emperor of Trebisond, wherein he advertiseth him of the will that he hath to fight in the honour and favour of my Lady Oriane, whom he esteemeth the most perfect in all things that is in the rest of the world. In the .8. book the .9. Chapter.  
RIght mighty and excellent prince, the representation that I bear of her that hath not her peer in perfect beauty, doth remove the fault from me that I might have received, not doing (at my coming) the honour and reverence unto you, that your highness merited. And for to declare the cause that moved me to come to this your court, ye shall understand sir, that I purpose to maintain and uphold against all men, that my Lady Oriane the Lady of all beauty, princess of Apolonia, doth exceed in perfection all the most excellent of the world, as I hope to prove by arms, under such condition, that he the which will assay it, shall be constrained, if he love the daughter of any Emperor or king, to bear her in picture, as I do this, the which ye see that I, if I remain victor, may set his tablet in that range of other, whom I have conquered and won. And also where I should have the worse, I should fr●m henceforth be enforced to leave off my enterprise, without making any more quarrels for the beauty of my lover, to the prejudice of those that have any enterprise. Therefore sir, now that ye have understanded my will and mind, if there be any, that will furnish and fulfil the conditions recited before your excellence, he shall found me to morrow without this palace, ready to receive him.   

The Oration of Zair Sultan of Babylon, to the Emperor of Trebisond, in the which he having vaunted his fortunable conquests, doth protest that by and by he will be baptized, trusting that afterwards the Emperor will not deny him his request. In the .8. book the .11. Chapter.  
RIght mighty Emperor, I esteem that it is not of late that ye have knowledge of the kingdoms and great provinces, that I have subdued and brought to my crown, since the time that the Gods called me to rule thee, best part of Asia. And leading and in my own person conducting my invincible armies these long journeys during, I never, showed myself to be tardious nor slothful: but (having no respect in the peril of heat, cold, nor of long time, nor of any other danger that presented itself,) I have freely and at will suffered them all, as the lest of my soldiers, and in such sort, that I (fortune favouring) have made fifteen great kings my tributaries, of the which the most part have followed and accompanied me into your court, where they be as yet. Yea I have been taken all my life for the most fortunatest prince that ever bore Sceptre, but all the prosperity that I have received in times past, is little or nothing, in respect of one that ye shall understand, and whereof I think that both you and all this nobility shall marvel. It hath pleased God the creator, to have kept me in this your great city, and therewith to give me the knowledge of the true faith, that you Christians do observe: and in the which I do intend to live and die, having no greater displeasure in my heart, but that I have differred so long to do it. And to the intent ye may see by the effect thereof, that I speak not in vain, by and by, and in the presence of this assembly and company, I, my sis●er, and all these princes my subjects will receive baptism & be baptized, trusting that within a while after (using your accustomed liberality) ye will not deny me the gift that I shall pray you to grant me.   

The complaint of Zair Sultan of Babylon, for the Infant Onoloria, the which had left him, to acquaint her with Lisuard. And he complaineth sore of her unfaithfulness and fault committed by her. In the .8. book the .11. Chapter.  
AH, ah, heavy thought said he, that doth freeze and burne● my heart, and advanceth the heaviness, which without ceasing doth file and knaw my soul and my spirit. Alas, what should I do, b●ing come so late, and to so evil a purpose, that another hath gathered the fruit, and I only have the sight of the tree, another hath got the spoil, and entire richesse, and I am yet to enjoy the lest goodness and ● favour, that man may or can esteem. Wherefore then being deprived (as I am, both of the flower, & of the fruit together) do I thus trouble myself, and for her that (after the ensample of a she wolf) doth leave me, and choose Lisuard, for disdaining me a servant, to make herself a servant and a slave, and to give her to him, lieging by this means the best thing that was in her. For why, a maid to say well, a virgin and chaste, is like a Rose, being joined to the fair Rosier, receiving no heart, neither of beast, nor of the injury of the time, the dauning and albe of the day full of dew inclining to her favour. And by this occasion and desire, they do aid and com●ort amorous young ladies that do make garlands, nosegays, and coronets to adorn their heads withal, and to apparel their little tetes, or round small apples, (planted and set upon their tender stomaches) do gather and possess. But she is not so soon taken from hir● green branch and maternal nourishment, but that by little and little she loseth her grace and beauty, that caused her to be desired both of God and man. In like manner the Lady or Damsel, leaving the flower of her virginity to be ravished of other, the which she should keep more dearly than her goods, or her own proper life, doth utterly altar the pricel that caused it to be esteemed, and the good will of those that bear her good affection and service. But what? It is very like, that she taketh little thought, or none, seeing that she doth continued and is beloved of him, unto whom she hath been so liberal of her body. Ah cruel fortune, fortune ingrate and blind. Lisuard alone doth triumph in abundance, and I die of necessity. Is it then possible that she at any time will be agreeable unto me? Should I thus suffer my body to perish and consume, and furthermore to require so ingrate a person? Not not, my days shall sooner die, than my affection shall at any time return to her again, nor it were no reason. And yet that evil man which hath procured me this injury and torment, shall pay the shot, causing him to lose (if I may) his life and his honour together.   

A very chaste answer of the Infant Gradafilea to Lisuart, to whom she showeth his lightness, and protesteth how she would that her conversation should be chaste with him. In the 8. book the .15. Chapter.  
IN good faith my friend (quoth she) ye are (as farforth as I can see) greatly deceived, and therewith ye do me wrong, to esteem and think to diminish my pain with a certain shame too unfortunate for my honour. I pray you fair sir, never to have your Grandafilea in such opinion, to think by her, that the forces and strength of love be sufficient to corrupt her chastity, not her chaste will, & virtues: these things being only reserved to marriage, and not for the sensual appetites worthy to be blamed. Also that I now do weep, is not to see myself frustrate of my intention, but only for the consideration that I have, that ye shall not as long as ye live, come to the thing that ye have under the shadow to mitigate and sweetly to ease the evil that tormenteth me presumed of me. For ye may be certain and sure of this, seeing that Onoloria only doth merit you, that my will shall never have more power upon me, than I have over it, the love that I bear you continuing with my chastity, and my certain hope, my desire unexecuted, and my travel in repose and rest: nor searching no nother thing but your continual presence and company, with the which I shall feel in myself more glory and contentation of mind, than if I had the entire favours, great goods, and pre-eminences, that all other kings and princes of the earth may grant and give me. Therefore I pray you, that this honest amity, and ordinary love that I desire with you, be not refused nor denied me: but to suffer me for ever to follow you under this pretext and condition, that the faithfulness that ye own to my lady your wife, be in no wise corrupted, but so certain and sure, as if she ordinarily had you hanging upon her nellie.   

Lisuart doth praise the excellent answer of Gradafilea, and the great virtue that is in her, not suffering herself to be deceived by foolish love, for the which virtue he doth very much esteem her, and doth declare that he is ready to obey her demand. In the .8. book the .16. Chapter.  
BY God Madame (as far as I may perceive and know by the things that are in you) the works of God are great and wonderful: and it should be ill and hard to be believed, without one saw it and understood it, that in the person of a damsel young and fair, might be so much force and virtue, the which truly do merit you the first place among them, whose renown doth as yet live this day. The which doth 'cause me to esteem much more the constancy which is in you, than that of the Roman, the which with joyfulness of heart burnt his own arm. Also the cruelty that he prepared for himself, is not comparable to the torment that ye have willed, and will suffer for the love of me: for he that I speak to you of, outraged only in one of his members: and you the example of all Chastity, have suffered (to save your honour) not your arm only to be burnt, but through force of love, the heart, and the body where the gentle soul, and the spirit so perfect doth repose and rest. By the occasion whereof, I promise myself full well, that there was never knight so bound to any Lady or Damsel, as I am to you, in somuch that I may vaunt myself, that fortune hath been more fortunable to me, than to any of those, bringing me so low, to exalt me in an instant to so high a degree, preparing the occasion to 'cause me to be of the most sage, fair, and chaste princess of the earth so perfectly loved, and so, that with good right I shall maintain against all, that nother the renown of Amadis of France my Grandfather, nor the hardiness of my father, and much less the high acts of the knight of the burning sword (whose valiantness hath already compassed the world) cannot reasonably be made equal to my good hour and fortune, that I rejoicing do feel in me, and with so great difference of the honourable love of two the highest Ladies of the earth. And as touching that ye demand of me, said he, whereof I myself should have first required you, I grant it you with a very good heart, reputing your company so vantagious and gainful to me, that I will never leave you against your will, so that force and prison constrain me not.   

Niquea princess of Thebes letter to the knight of the burning sword, declaring unto him, that being advertised of his virtues and great valiantness, she hath taken affection unto him, and desireth to marry him. In the .8. book the .18. Chapter.  
NIquea princess of Thebes, and whom the Gods have advantaged in such perfect beauty, that no lady nor damsel of this time is to be compared unto her, giveth salutation to the noble, greatly renowned, and right valiant knight of the burning sword. Know therefore that his excellence, of whom I have not as yet been seen, nor looked upon by any man living, for my presence is forbidden them, and my beauty no less prejudicial, than the venomous sight of the Basilisk. By the occasion whereof, they keep me close in this strong tower, accompanied with women only, the which it hath pleased my father the Sultan to give and appoint me. But that notwithstanding, the renown of your valiantness and good grace hath so flown and so spread itself here, that it hath made an entire and a whole conquest of my heart, for your wealth only, and the hurt of all other: and yet without altering herein my honour in any thing, marriage only (keeping the thing that aught most to be kept and commended to all virtuous Ladies) shall give place to my contentation, & to the goodness the ye aught to desire, being so favoured of fortune, the she shall 'cause you to love her, & to be amiable to her whom no other but you only doth merit to serve. Therefore receiving the hour and time that the Gods have reserved for you, I pray you incontinent as ye have received and read my letter, to come and see her that no man could see but to his disadvantage and certain evil, having all that is good in her, dedicated unto you, and that to join together the paragon of all beauty, with the excellence of chivalry. Busando my feeble dwarf shall tell you the rest from me, whom ye may believe, (if it please you) as myself.   

Niquea the Princess of Thebes advertisement to her dwarf Busando, to keep secret that she would ●hew him, because it is the thing that toucheth her honour. In the .8. book the 18. Chapter.  
MY little Busando, I have otherwhiles promised thee, that t●ou shouldst be the first that should be partaker of my dolours, and to whom I would show the cause of my heaviness, and that because of the confidence and trust that I have in thy faithfulness. I being a servant as thou art, will not from henceforth keep from thee the secret of my heart, tru●●ing, that putting it into thy hands, thou wilt faithfully keep it, without disclosing of it to any living creature, yet (first or ever I begin) I pray thee to consider, how sharp and how vehement the force is, that constrained me to tell thee, seeing that nother shame, nor the greatness of mine estate, could not satisfy my honesty, until the arrows of love did so wound my heart, that the wound being already putrefied the remedy is immortal and incurable. I say this, because that my life is not only in peril and danger, but my own honour, the which thing is worse. Therefore my Busando, I pray thee to have before thine eyes, the confidence that I have in thee, knowingfull well that who so delivereth his secret to another, to him is committed the thing that he aught to keep more dearly than his own affection. And so thou shalt have in remembrance as well to hide my thought, as I have had pain first to open it unto thee.   

The answer of the dwarf Busaneo to Niquea, assuring her so to be hers, that he would not to die for it do the thing that should offend her. In the .8. book the .18. Chapter.  
PArdon me (Madam) for ye do me wrong, being in doubt that I am any other than obedient to your william. Also I would sooner choose to die, than for any thing to transgress it, beseeching you most humbly to believe, that your Busando hath no more power upon himself, than it pleaseth you ●o give him. So then, command him hardly all that shall please you, and with so much faith, that he shall keep it so close as though ye had showed it to no other but to your own soul, esteeming me to be so greatly beloved of virtue, that she as touching me shall overcome all things that I may think to be contrary unto it.   

The Oration of the knight of the burning sword, to Lucelle the Princess of Siceli, declaring ●nto her, that he is vehemently wounded with her love: ●umbly beseeching her to feel in herself this great amity, and to have pity of his pain and dolour. In the .8. book the .21. Chapter.  
WOuld God Madame, that love had as well employed his forces and strength upon you to my advantage, as he hath willed to do towards me, making me wholly yours, and so greatly affectioned to honour you, and to serve you, that if all things went by reason, the flames that burn my heavy heart, should be the mean to give me such quiet and rest, that you yourself (feeling the thing that causeth me to suffer) would blame yourself, to esteem, and think yourself so cruel. But seeing that my evil hour doth consent that I alone should suffer, I esteem the travel fortunate and lucky, if it content you, trusting that (I knowing myself such as touching you) will have pity upon me, if not shortly, at lest way in time, trusting so in your goodness & honesty, that ye (knowing that ye are the cause of my martyrdom) will not be so cruel, as to suffer such a knight as I am, and only borne in this world to obey you, and to ●●e●se you in all that ye shall think good to command him, to die so miserably and wretchedly.   

The answer of Lucelle to the knight of the burning sword, causing him to understand, that she beareth him as good affection as she may in true and faithful amity, and to marry together, if she may do it. In the .8. book. the .21. Chapter.  
AH ah, my friend (quoth the Princess) how say you that to me? think ye that I hold you so far from reason, to think in your mind, that I would knowledge the services that ye have done for me, to be things unmeet for my honour? Believe me that ye shall not live being deceived in the love that ye bear me: for I love & esteem you so much, that if all the Monarchy of the world were set on the one part, and you alone on the other, and that the one and the other were at my commandment, I would accept and choose you for my only lord and husband, rather than to remain lady and empress of the rest. And this is it that causeth me to be very sure, that your heart doth not desire, nor would not think upon any thing whereof my reputation might have any ●lur, or the lest blame that any man might presume. Likewise I will swear unto you, that no other but you, shall at any time possess my heart, for it is and shall be yours, as long as I have life in my body, to will you well.   

The knight of the burning swords letter surnamed Amadis of Grece, answering to Niqueas letter, advertising her that he is ready to come to see her, seeing she hath granted him her good grace, the which shall 'cause him live content. In the .8. book the .22. chapter.  
MAdame, I have received the letter which it hath pleased you to writ to me by this bearer, and reading it, I by & by felt my heart inclined to do you all the service that shall please you to have of it, desiring no greater goodness than to see and to enjoy your presence, being well assured, that my eyes receiving this fortune, that your two sweet and pitiful eyes shall have compassion of the evil that I suffer for the thing that I never offended. So that I, ye giving me a certain part in your good grace, shall live content, and you obeyed and honoured by him, upon whom you have entirely commandment, the which desireth you to do so much for him, as to suffer and to set an order, that he may see you, and kiss your divine hands, recognizing the grace and favour that ye have showed him, sending him word of your will by Busande, the which he shall take pain to accomplish even as I have prayed him to show you by mouth, whom ye may believe if it so please you, as from your most humble and obedient servant the knight of the burning sword,   

The complaint of Onoloria for the absence of Lisuard, and and therefore she prayeth him to have pity of her extreme dolour, and to come unto her. In the .8. book, the .36. Chapter.  
ALas my dear friend, whereupon think ye now? to leave her thus alone, and not favoured, whose esperance and hope is more than half dead. For as the shadow doth augment at the departing and going down of the Sun, and rendereth terror, obscurity and darkness to fearful and not well assured hearts, in like manner fear (you being absent and out of my sight) doth hold me so assieged, that it forsakes me not one hour, but doth what it can or may, to 'cause me to lose you and my life together. Therefore now O my sweet light, and my only sun, advance you & come to give clearness to my spirit, which is now so obscured and dusked with mortal noisomeness, that the first news that ye shall hear of me poor woman, shallbe (as I think) the desperate end of your Onolorie the which doth no less serve you, and call you to her help and succour, than she is easy and joyful of your liberty and deliverance.   

The Oration of a Trumpeter to Queen Liberna from the people of Abernis, praying her to excuse them, and to pardon their fault, that they have committed against her Majesty. In the .8. book the 31. Chapter.  
MAdam your humble subjects constrained by the violence of Abernis to take arms and to war against you, do pray you in all humility, to receive them from henceforth unto your good grace, and to forget the fault that they have committed against your majesty, under this charge and condition, that in time to come, they shall be faithful and obedient, so much or more unto you as other subjects or vassals the which are in other provinces and countries.   

The Queen's answer to her people, declaring that with good heart she doth pardon them of their offence, upon the hope of their amendment. In the .8. book the .31. Chapter.  
MY friends, seeing ye have taken this journey, ye shall find me a gracious Princess and as affable, as Albernis was unto you grievous and uneasy. I know well enough that many of you were seduced and forced to make war, & that many a one also forgot themselves more than they should have done. Yet that notwithstanding, upon the promise that ye have made me, and in the hope that I have of your amendment, I am ready to make you a general pardon, and to entreat you from henceforth as a good and a virtuous Queen and Princess aught to entreat and govern her good and faithful subjects.   

The Oration of Queen Liberna to the knight without rest, causing him to understand, that she is so taken with his love, that he hath all power upon her. In the .8. book the 31. Chapter.  
I Promise you knight without rest, that considering the great valiantness that is in you, and the goods that I have recovered by your means and occasion only, I am purposed to 'cause you to lose the name that ye bear, and to give you such might and power upon me, as a Lord and spouse may take upon his wife and lover. For I confess, that there was never princess, nor no other, so taken with love, as I am towards you, although that in a manner ye are unknown unto me.   

Abra the princess of Babylon's letter to Lisuard, reproaching his great cowardness, that he killed her brother Zair, whereby he hath showed that he hath clean forgotten the love that she did bear him, and that she therefore will sacrifice herself to death, for to celebrated the remembrance of her foresaid brother. In the .8. book the .34. Chapter.  
ABra princess of Babylon, servant of the sovereign Gods, and enemy to those that are against them, to thee Constantine, and Prince Lisuart, murderer and ravisher of the spouse of the divine land of Babylon, leaving and forsaking it by the death of the most noble Zair, Orpheline of his royal chivalry, and made bore and spoiled of her hope, to recover any more such another Lord. Tell me ingrate, is this the reciproke love wherewith thou wast bound to me, giving thee knowledge of the goodness that I desired and wished thee? Is this the recognizing of the election and choice that I made of thy person, to be my Lord & spouse? Is this the fruit of my esperance and hope, that thou didst then put me in, when that in the presence of so many princes I required thee to vouchsafe to take me to thy wife and perpetual lover? having thee so well printed in my heart, that thou shouldst not departed from thence, as long as life should rest, but shouldst be resident there, to nourish my desire the better, that I have to revenge the death of my well beloved brother. But alas, who would ever have thought that the fearful sea should have been consecrated with his body and sepulture? certes I believe that the sea is ignorant, that she hath him drowned in the deepness of her waters. For if she had known it, it is very like, that the waters would already have triumphed, yea in communication with the sovereign heavens, holding themselves honoured, to enjoy his blood and divine body. And if the sea be not yet advised, nor the earth as yet hath not perceived it, it would not have delayed her complaints and dolours so long from the sovereign Gods, to have and to recover her spouse and her just possessor again, that hath been usurped from her domination, and put into so contrary an element: whereof peradventure may chance in time to come continual war between her roundness & the deepness of the abysms, each of them pretending the rejoicing and guard of his prince and magnificent dominator and ruler. But if these two do complain, the fire and his element will not hold their peace, but shall complain them for ever, through the regard and consideration of the sacrifices that the gods hoped for, if he had died and deceased upon the earth. The air than is alone, that doth enjoy the thing that th●u dost possess, that is, the assurance of the death of Zair. Also he was present and occupied in the conflict between the infernal furies, the which during the battle vomited out brimstone and filthy stinches by the mouth of an infinite sort of canons and other artillery. But alas alas, what vengeance shall be done for him, for whom the air, the ●arth, and the fire shall at sometimes feel his absence, and the deep waters glory for the possession of his body? yea and other truly, than it, at thy death, at the end I say of my life, seeing me thus deprived of my Lord & brother. At the end (I say) of my life, because that cruel love will not suffer the vengeance upon thee, but that I must sacrifice myself to adorn thy death, that shall make mine very happy and fortunate. So shall thy funerals be entirely celebrated by the death of Zair and of me, to the end that fortune make them equal at the victory, the which she would have granted thee, not only in thy life against knights and beasts most cruel, but in the death that she shall procure thee, that as long as she shall live defieth thee, the which shall be no longer, than thou shalt be resident in the world, that by such and so strange cruelty the desire of my vengeance may be executed.   

A letter of Zahara Queen of the mount Caucasus to Lisuard, containing that she is come to Babylon to marry Zair, but finding that Lisuard had slain him, she defieth him. In the .8. book the .35. Chapter.  
ZAhara Queen of the mount Caucasus, Lady of all Hiberia, victor else of great provinces, of the Sa●●ates, Corces, Hyrcany, and Massagetes, to thee Lisuard the Infant of two sovereign empires of Greece and Trebisond greeting. Know thou, that the renown of the stout Sultan Zair, hath caused me to come from my country that is far hence, into this great City of Babylon, trusting to have given him the possession of myself, and of my kingdoms together, my immortal glory continuing upon his name. But after that I knew that fortune which sometimes was his friend, had suffered his blood to be shed, leaving me by this means and for ever without a husband, that there should remain no other that might come unto the merit of my highness, being such a princess as I am, and endued with the beauty that the Gods have given me, by whose advise, the marriage of us twain had been consummated, if misfortune (as it hath done) had not said against us: but whatsoever impediment or let that unkind fortune hath done to my destiny, yet it cannot hide nor quench the glory of Zair, his death being revenged by thine. And to come thereunto, I defy thee as touching thy person and mine, and with what weapon thou wilt choose, the camp being before the palace of the right puissant Emperor of Trebisond. And to the intent thou despise not this combat, because thou art presented by a woman, I do open unto thee, that the custom of Sarmate hath gotten and procured me the possession of chivalry, and the name of a knight, and in such sort, that the victory that thou shalt obtain upon me, (if thou obtain it) shall be very noble, because of divers other that I have won upon many as valiant as thou art, the which have proved the force and strength of my arms. And thy ancient glory shall be nothing the less, (notwithstanding the good countenance that fortune hath born thee and showed thee hitherto) but greatly advanunced, having the upper hand of such a Queen, and so mighty as I am, and that desireth to extinguish (to her power) this cruelness, wherewith the beauty of thy eye can overcome (as men say) and conquer the high Ladies and damsels that see and behold thee.   

A letter from Lisuard to Abra the Empress of Babylon; wherein he showeth the causes of his coming to Zairs country, and the good cause why he slew him: and he declareth the good affection that he beareth to the foresaid Abra. In the 8. book the .36. Chapter.  
Sovereign Empress of Babylon, and of the Parthes, Lisuard of Greece, Infant of Constantinople and Trebisonde, and the servant of jesus Christ, doth greet you, and honour you as your highness doth merit. You shall understand right honourable Lady, that the imperial blood of Greece joined with the glorious and invincible England, hath brought me to the place where truly I have found the mean to revenge the injury that I received by the prince Zair. In doing whereof (and with so good and so just a cause) I think that I have not offended the great obligation wherein verily I am, (for the love that ye say ye bear me) greatly bound unto you: Also the desire to do you humble service, is not, as concerning me, diminished in me, but as long as I shall live, I will be yours (as I am) without altering the fidelity that I have born to my Lady Onoloria my dear sister and wife. Now (madame) somewhat to answer the letter that it pleased you to writ unto me, and specially upon that ye complain you of the sea, that may glory in itself, having in it the body and the blood of the Prince Zair. I think (saving the better advice) he could not have received a more glorious sepulchre, being honoured (as ye do publish it) with so great a multitude of waters, which (after your judgement) should esteem him more than their own Neptunes. And if heaven will ravish him out of the abysines, to place him more higher, who can wish him better? Certes, the one and other are more meet to lodge him than the earth, whereof he ●ath lost the possession, yea he should think it too little to contain in itself, the body of him, whose virtues and valiantnesses are inenarrable and innumerable. Thus (madame) I beseech you most ●umbly, to diminish your passions, which thing reason should sooner do, than the time, knowing you to be as sage and as virtuous a Princess, as any in all the world. By the occasion whereof, I have, considering the latter lines of your letter, conceived more pity of your evil, than of any fear of the threatening that ye threaten me withal, to purchase and to seek my death: the which chancing to me by your means, ye shall be but easily satisfied, and shall lose if ye lose me, the best and the most affectionate servant that ever ye shall have, and so ye shall find me, where and when it shall please you to employ me or command me, without sparing of life, and a doseyn (if I had th●●) in obeying of you.   

The answer of the Infant Lisuard to the Queen of Caucasus letters, by the which he doth advertise her of the receit of her letters, and that he accepteth the combat, and remitteth to her the choice of arms. In the eight book, the .36. Chapter.  
RIght high and mighty Queen of Caucasus, I have perceived and known by the brief and letter, which it hath pleased you to send me, that the occasion of your coming to Babylon, was upon the hope of the marriage that should have been between you and prince Zair, whom I caused to pass by the file and edge of my sword, saying that through his death, ye will live a widow at all points, because there is no man living worthy to have you. Truly madame, the highness of your estate, and the beauty that doth accompany you with this valiantness whereof ye are renowned, doth right well merit, that men should esteem you such a one as ye are. But I will never easily consent, that there are not other Princes, Lords, and knights enough and as good or better than Zair, to join with you in marriage, and to satisfy and supply his default. As concerning the rest, I promise' you, that I am sore displeased for the combat and fight that ye will enterprise at all utterance & assays against me. For ye being but a woman, are more to be feared for your great beauty than for the force of your arms, considering that I am more accustomed to put my life in hazard, & to serve you & other like unto you, than to defend me & to fight against them. But yet seeing that in regard of this, ye would be rather taken for a valiant & a hardy knight, than for a sweet & a gracious damsel, defying me, as concerning your own person and mine, I accept it. And to reserve apart the obligation that I own unto your service, I remit unto you the election and choice of arms. For I trust so much in your natural goodness, that you yourself, shall be won of yourself, without seeking the victory upon you, whereby I may rather defend myself against those that have occasion to enterprise to assail me. As concerning the camp and other things required by this prudent Lady, they shall be granted you as she hath of your part demanded them. The time shall be fifty days hence, to the intent that with the solemnity of so glorious an enterprise, my marriage may the better be celebrated and honoured.   

Niquea the Princess of Thebes letter to the knight of the Burning sword, by the which she praiseth him, and doth labour to insinuate herself in his love, and to come thereunto, she sendeth him the portraiture of fair Ladies. In the eight book the .40. Chapter.  
NIquea the Princess of Thebes, giveth and sendeth salutation to the knight of the Burningsword, more valiant than any other that ever bore arms. Your excellency shall understand, that I have received the letter that ye have written unto me, and I have heard at length the credence of this my faithful Busando, & the news of his high chivalries; that hath so often environed and compassed the world: so that my passioned and tormented heart shall take no rest, until my eyes have enjoyed his presence, & he the glory of my sight. And to incite and provoke you the more thereunto my only Lord and friend's, I sand you the portraiture of the most perfect Ladies, that be at this day in all the world. Among the which ye may know whether the gods have set in me any advantage above them, and the goodness and good fortune that is in you, to be beloved as I love you, my sight being invisible unto all other, and desiring but ●o much, that ye only should enjoy it, for whom I am reserved, as I have given charge to this dwarf to tell you from me, and to bring you at this time without any longer delay.   

The knight of the burning sword letter to Lucelle Princess of Sicily, advertising her, how that pursuing the vegeance of the dwarf he was caused to tarry in the spoiled and unhabited Island. In the .8. book, the .43. Chapter.  
MAdame, since my departing out of England, pursuing the vengeance of those that had outrageously used the dwarf (as the dainsell reported to me in your presence) fortune which at all purposes doth turn upside down the enterprises of men, hath so retarded my return and coming to you, that passing over many strange countries, I am come to this unhabited Island, where I found this fair company in the estate as she may declare unto you. But so much there is, that I esteem not that this adventure was granted me from heaven, but under the favour to be yours. And seeing that in very deed I am such a one, and that by your mean I live, it is reason, that the glory and grace of all my enterprises be given and ascribed unto you. And if they should be of too little merit to be offered unto your highness, yet I beseech you most humbly (madame) at lest way to receive the good will that I have to serve you, thinking myself most fortunately recompensed, if ye will so favour me. And forasmuch as I have prayed and desired this virtuous and sage Queen, to tell you the rest, it may please you to credit and to believe her in my name: beseeching the great God madame, to keep you in health, and a right long and fortunate life From the spoiled and unhabited Isle, the thirteen month, and sixth day of the Moon. By your right humble and obedient and affectionate servant for ever, Amadis of Gre●●.   

The answer of Lisuard to Abras damsel that was come to defy him. In the .8. book the .48. Chapter.  
Damsel, ye shall report unto your mistress, that she aught to content herself with that that is passed already, seeing the slender and the little right that she hath in her quarrel, I hope that in place & steed of revenging her shame, she shall double it, and her annoyance therewith if god be just. And therefore it were better for her to joined clemency with reason, than thus to continued in an evil & pernicious displeasure. wherewith she purchaseth me. But seeing she is so stiff in her opinion, and finally because she shall not esteem me otherwise than I am, I promise' her, that she shall not only have surety of the camp and field because she demandeth it, but in all other things that she shall esteem meet to do her pleasure and service: for although she doth travel all that is possible to 'cause me to lose my life, yet I will not leave off to take pain to honour her, and to serve her as long as I shall have occasion and means to do it.   

The knight of the Burning sword doth accuse Lisuarde of Greece to have falsified his promise to Abra the Princess of Babylon, and that unjustly he slew the Sultan Zair, and upon this he doth present him the combat. In the .8. book the .48.  
Sovereign Prince (said Amadis of Greece then) the accidents and chances of fortune be such, that oftentimes men do find themselves more constrained (by obligation, than by their will) to do that they aught to do, as presently I may experiment and prove in myself, whereof the peril of my enterprise hereafter shall be witness, seeing that I being but a simple knight, and unknown both of name & of arms have been bold to demand & require camp and to fight against thee most comely & valiant Prince of the earth: trusting that if I be overcome, the glory of the victory gotten upon me by you, can not redound unto me but to my honour, keeping company with so many other more esteemed than I am, and of whom ye have the vantage. And when the hour and time shall stay unto me, be it never so little, God knoweth in what reputation I shall pass forth from hence forwards the rest of my life. Upon the hope whereof, I will maintain that ye have (against the duty whereto your Royal estate doth bind you) disdained not only the love, whereof ye are indebted to the Princess of the Parthes, and failed as concerning the gift that ye promised her in the presence of so many Princes and Lords, but also shedding the noble blood of the Sultan Zair: and for this cause I defy you at all assays to the end that either by your head or mine, your ingratitude may be manifest, and that the death of the Prince Zair, Sultan of Babylon hath been too unjustly enterprised by you and your fellows. And for as much as after the right of the combats, it is my duty to choose the field, I declare unto you, that it shall be before this palace in the place where I have seen in time past a woman enchanted (as men told me) Purvey for the rest, as unto you it shall seem best.   

Lisuard doth answer Amadis of Greece, the knight of the Burning sword, praising him for the modest defiance that he hath made him. Afterwards he doth excuse him of the charges imposed and laid unto him, finally he doth accept the camp presented, and doth make the election of arms. In the .8. book the .49. Chapters.  
Sir knight, the gracious communication, and the honest fashion of the defiance that ye have used against me, hath not given me lesser estimation of your person, than of the valiantness that I certainly believe to be in you, for such courtesies are commonly accompanied with high and stout hearts. And for as much as I repute you such a one as ye are, & that it may be (through evil information) that it may hazard your honour wrongfully, and offend my justification, I am content that ye first understand how the things go in verity and truth, to the intent that under an evil quarrel ye lose not the thing, that other wise (through the valiantness that is in you) should be easy to be conquered with equity. There is nothing more certain, nor I will not deny it, but that the princess of the Parthes demanded a gift of me, the which I liberally granted her, but every man doth know, that men should not, nor are not bound to give or demand more than is possible, for the possibility failing, the obligation and promise taketh no place. Abra required me to marry her, and I was bound already, so that it was not in my power. As concerning the death of her brother, whereof she is so heavy, by God and because Zair went about and did treason, and that that was naught, the which he invented against my Lord the Emperor, the Empress, my ladies their children and other, she hath more reason and cause to complain her of his honour, than of the chastisement that he, as it is to be presumed received by the divine judgement of God. And yet I will well confess, that for the love of her, I desire that he were yet alive: but seeing that his days (fight like a good knight) are at an end, and that she hath received the crown and Empire of Babylon, as a sage & a virtuous Princess as she is, I think that she should forget her tears and quarrels, and to take reason for payment without desiring thus my head to sacrifice it to the unrighteousness of her brother. And to the verifying of the same, I will take pain (saving myself) to have yours at such mercy, as ye ●e desire mine. And to do this, I accept the defiance, and the field by you presented. The arms are these accustomed among knights of honour, shield & spear, & the day, seven night for your solace: for I suppose that ye are sore travailed, because of the long journey that ye have made. The just and the right God be the keeper both of the honour and right of him of us two, unto whom it pertaineth.   

Zahera the Queen of Cavease doth submit herself to do (her honour saved) the will of Lisuard after the conditions of the combat, in the which she (as she saith) was overcome. In the .8 book the .49. Chapter.  
THe truth is, nor I will not deny it, but that by the comnant that we made on the day that we fought together, he that of us two should lose his armour, should remain as overcome, and be bound to do the will of the victor. All you my Lords do know what chanced. And although that fortune hath done so little for me, as to take from me that was in her hands, to give it you, yet for all that I will not deny you the rest of that, that I do do own you, for doing the thing otherwise, the stroke at the entry might be attributed to such a fortune, that it should redound to my greater disadvantage, not fulfilling my promise to him, unto whom I own it. Also the gods will not suffer it, but rather sand death unto me. For notwithstanding I am but a woman, yet I know certainly that neither cord nor nail can so constrain or close the thing that they will fasten it unto, to hold it steadfast, as faith doth staightly hold a gentle spirit with his line or cord indissoluble. And for this cause (as I have learned) the old and ancient painters did paint her with a white linen cloth, declaring thereby the pureness, which may not nor ought not to be defiled with any spot, or peril, be it never so strange and dangerous. And this is the reason, whereby I submit me wholly to your will, purposing to obey you, so far yet, as my estate and honour shall permit and suffer it. Now therefore advise you what it pleaseth you, that I shall do.   

Lisuard doth answer Zahara that she overcame herself, and doth set her again in her liberty, and for all recompense h● requireth her amity. In the eight book the .49. Chapter.  
MAdame quoth Lisuard ● I think there is no princess, nor no other that hath well considered our combat, that doth not esteem the victory that ye give me, to proceed of your own voluntary will, and not of my force and strength. For (as I have oftentimes told you) it was you yourself, that overcame you and not I And so this glory that ye attribute unto me, doth return to you, and it is reason that it be associated with your good and entire liberty, without any order appointed by me otherwise than it shall please you. You have it then, and enjoy it as before, requiring of you no other recompense, for the service and goodness that I desire and wish you, but that we may continued friends: assuring you madame, that of my part I (as concerning you) as long as I live shall be no nother, what evil or displeasure so ever it be that ye have purchased and sought for me.   

Esclariana the Empress of Rome (coming to king Amadis) doth show him in few words, how that Florestan delivered her out of the hands of the Pirates, and in recompense thereof, she demandeth him to her husband and spouse. In the 8. book the .52. Chapter.  
I Believe that few of you (most excellent princes) be ignorant of the cruel death of the Emperor of Rome Arquisill, and of his son the Prince of Inerpie, by the occasion whereof, the imperial crown by the right of succession pertaineth to me. And yet that notwithstanding fortune not being content with the injury & inhumanity committed by those that touch me very nigh, assayed after that to give me yet another charge very evil to digest. That was, that the Empress my dear & dolorous mother, believing to save me from the tyrants & the usurpers of my goods, brought me by sea into a place, where that not only I and she fell almost into the peril of lieging our lives, but of our honour itself, with the greatest shame that ever chanced to any poor lady, or unfortunate damsel. The which I had never avoided, without the good succ●oure and aid of Florestan here present, the which hath done so much for me, as to have saved me, and brought me again unto your hands my Lord, whom I pray you most humbly I may found good, & agreeable, if so be I have chosen him for my Lord and husband: for it is reason, (seeing that he hath taken the care and pain, and with such honest and friendly amity for me,) that he have the enjoying of my goods, and of that that dependeth thereof.   

Amadis doth answer Esclariane, and doth accord to her demand. In the .8. book the .52. Chapter.  
IN good faith my niece (quoth king Amadis) Florestan my nephew is the son of a good father, and he himself a knight of so great merit, that ye could not appoint you in no place better. And I greatly thank you, that ye love him, and him also, that he hath showed himself so courteous, and so ready to serve you, as he hath done. You require him of me for your husband, & I agree unto your request, & pray you both, that it may be done even now, without any further delay.   

Amadis of Greece taketh pain to persuade Abra, that she should take in good part the thing that the Gods do sand her, and to hope for better in time to come. Afterwards he prayeth her to pardon Lisuard, seeing also that he with his honour is come forth from all the combats and perils that she had prepared for him. In the .8. book the .53. Chapter.  
MAdame, I beseech you (using your wisdom) to take in good part such things as are sent you after the will and mind of jupiter, unto whom we must obey without murmuring. And whereas ye may command yourself, and follow this counsel, fortune being prompt and noisome, may chance to turn her wheel, and ye shall come at the last to the thing that ye if ye be governed by reason, most desire. For otherwise neither you, nor the Gods should desire it, nor it should not be granted you by our Gods, the which are just, and of whom doth hung the self justice. And to the end madame, that ye should not esteem me to speak without reason, ye know that to overcome himself, is a work that holdeth more of the heavens, than of humanity: and yet it is eas● unto us, if we will give our consent. Forg●t then I pray you, this heaviness, the which cannot but annoy you, & trouble you, and rejoicing yourself in your troubles, take the things, not at the worst, but to the best, as much as ye may possible. For it is a comely thing to do, yea and at all times, when one hath occasion to show the virtue that man hath in himself. Nevertheless I perceive very well, that seeing your deliberations are clean turned, it is unto you a despite and a displeasure that cannot be borne. But what? ye cannot then command destinies, nor stay the course of the lest planet of Heaven. Seeing then that the will of the Gods is such, will ye strive against them? They have suffered the death of your brother; they hail conserved and kept my father, they will frustrate you of your enterprises, & favour his: will ye break the ele with your knee? For God's sake (madame) forget the remembrance of the evil that ye desire & wish him, and do so, that he may so much remain yours, as ye of your part are his but little, I am sure that with his amity, ye shall get more laud and praise, than by the pursuit that ye make to annoy him. You have seen how he hath despatched him of the combats and strifes ye prepared for him, ye have caused his forces to be experimented and proved by me and other, the issue whereof hath been such, that ye should do yourself wrong, if ye give not place to reason, having so many ways purchased the vengeance of the death of Zair, whereof ye have had so little fruit, that even that thing alone aught from henceforth to mortify both your pain, & much more your pursuit, thinking to have reason.   

Abra doth answer, that notwithstanding the counsel that Amadis of Greece gave her be right, yet it is impossible for her (although the Gods would it) to accomplish it: to this end that she will purchase the death of Lisuard as much as she can or may. In the .8. book the .53. Chapter.  
TRuly (Lord Amadis) ye are not out of purpose, to say that ye have said unto me: also it is easy for him that is whole to counsel the sick. And nevertheless, even as many (during the gross fever) do found the taste of water better, than the hope of life: so will I well confess, that notwithstanding the thing that ye counsel me be right and according to equity, yet it hath no lively part in me, nor disposeth me not to follow this good advise. And although I should feel some goodness, yet I promise you I would sooner take pain to root it out, than to keep it in my heart, being so resolved in the enmity of Lisuard, that if I cannot 'cause him to lose his life, he shall die as I may. And forasmuch as all my evil and hope lieth there, I have by this point begun to complain me, and to answer you, not by the entrance of the purpose and communication ye held me. But by the end that ye made, and yet with the time, I shall well satisfy both the one and the other. You say that it would well become me, and that I should and must obey without murmur to the will of the Gods. As touching that, I promise you that they may sooner deprive me of my life, than they may take that from my understanding, that is imprinted & better graven than ever was any writing upon copper or white marble. Therefore from henceforth judge my steadfastness & constancy such, as I surely paint it unto you. It is true that I am not ignorant (as ye have put me in remembrance) that I cannot command nother superior things nor fortune herself. And yet I know very well, that her wheel being movable, (as ye certainly have told me) that she may turn some day, & to be as gentle to me, as she hath been contrary. Then I may play another parsonage, and such a one, that the unjust death of my brother may be revenged, & myself content, & no sooner. In the mean while, I will not break the éele with my knee, but desire only to employ the forces of my body, and of my spirit and mind, to satisfy my intention. Alas, at the beginning I saw and had his acquaintance, that hath afterwards so greatly offended me. I would never have esteemed, that of so great love, there might have come forth so great and perfect hatred. I loved him more than myself, I sought his alliance, more than any other man's that liveth or shall live: and now I hate him more than death, and I will pursue his ruin more than my proper health: praying you (Lord Amadis) for a resolution, seeing that complaints cannot resuscitate and revive the dead, and that vengeance doth somewhat discharge the heart, never to speak more to me of him, for his name, and the remembrance that I have of him is so odious, that I as often as he presenteth him to my spirit, suffer but too much ruin. For this cause it is certain, that as long as I shall have life or means, his life shall not remain in safeguard. For if it continued long, yet shall I 'cause him either to be slain, or to be destroyed, yea and ye yourselves should show your strength to dispatch him.   

The Damsel that deceitfully had brought Lisuarde, Amadis of Grece, and Gradafilea (after that her ambushment was discovered by Queen Zahara, and she brought to prison to Trebisonde) doth recite the manner and cause of the treason, afterwards she requireth, that if they will show her no mercy, to put her shortly to death.  
ALas my Lords, men say commonly, that the most shortest follies are best, and that it is much better to assure one vengeance appointed with long deliberation & means, than to hast it without consideration of the dangerous issue that might chance, whereby shame increaseth to him, that thought to quench and to suage it. The which thing may now be proved by the misfortune that is chanced to my sovereign Lord the King of Crete: for he thinking to revenge the death of Sulpice and his brethren, the which Lisuarde, Pirion, and Olorius put to death, hath lost his own. And he was the first that this invincible Queen destroyed with the stroke of an arrow. But he with too little consideration began to revenge the injury, that he promised him was done by whom I spoke unto you, (without finding of any proper occasion after his own mind) until one day among other, knowing me to be crafty & malicious, as I am, he declared unto me what he thought, praying me on my part to give him counsel. The which thing I promised him to do, and when I was advertised of the great assemble and meeting that they made here, I purposed my enterprise such as ye shall understand. This it was, that I counseled him to send me towards you with feigned sword, and so forged, that they should break even at the first stroke that they should be occupied. And because I would forget nothing, I led these two dwarves with me, so well appointed, that they should assay the spears of the two knights, that which I should deliver them at the tilt, and to leave them assoon as they should see them ready to enter in, as they could do full well. The thread whereof I spoke unto you, was the ambush where my king was present with his brother, & ten other knights, that incontinent should assail my pigeons, I call them my pigeons, whom I purpose to take and deceive under the shadow of pity, the which I disguised unto them in your presence, so that all the purpose that I spoke unto you of yesterday, was false and only invented and found to take either king Amadis, the Emperor, Esplandian, or some other of their lineage, as it should happily have come to pass, if that fortune, or (to speak better) the sovereign Gods had not willed the contrary. For the king of Crete willing to make sure his enterprise, had brought with him above a thousand chosen knights, the which I cannot tell by what amazons, were hewed in pieces, of whom they doubted but little. Nor they would never have cared for it, if it had not been for the report that was brought them by his sp●es, the which the king had ordinarily in this town. But what is become of them, I cannot say, but I will say unto you, that if our purpose had taken place, the will of the king was such, that he would have caused two knights, the which I had brought from hence to have passed over the sea, to assay & prove to have won through their puissance, the Castle of Rock, and Lica, not long ago usurped upon king Mutton his brother, and then to have cut off their heads, and have sent them unto you. As touching the rest of the fortune, ye know it as well as I● therefore I will hold my peace, praying you, if ye envy to prefer mercy above my fault, to give me the shortest and readiest death that ye may possible, the which shall well content me, seeing that my Lord and Prince is departed and dead.   

Abra complaining herself of the enmities and wrongs of Cupid. In the .8. book, the .57. Chapter.  
AH, ah sir, they that have not experimented your forces and power, do think them (as I believe) far other than they ●e, I pray you most humbly either to take from henceforth a name conformable to your works, or the deeds like unto your name. For why, as concerning myself, I have more cause to name you the God of enmity, and of misknowledge, than that that ye apply & appropriate to yourself. Also the other Gods have had (as me thinketh) great wrong to suffer you to have some jurisdiction and power, to use it so as ye continued: seeing that the property of a God is goodness, justice, mansuetude, pity, liberality, and amity, wherewith he recompenseth his servants, and ye your ministers clean contrary. And seeing it is so, how can ye excuse you, or 'cause any reasonable person to found your unjustice & cruelness good, that ye have used against my brother? or with what arms can ye honour and adorn your triumph, that a HUNDRED times in a day hath given me death, not to have power, and to be able to die. But alas, what do I say? to whom do I speak? or why will I thus contestate or enter into reason with him that hath none? Certes neither your eyes nor you were never bound, but to excuse your fault upon the blindness that is in you, attributing to you upon this occasion such justice, or (to say better) such pleasure as is agreeable and pleasant unto you.   

Lucelle doth grievously complain of Amadis of Greece, that forsaketh her without offending him, in the .8. Book the 63. Chapter.  
ALas, was there ever Dam●ell more unfortunate than I am? or that hath a greater occasion to complain her? having a feigned lover set in the place of perfit amity, within a while to forsake me and mock me? But alas, where is now this promise so oftentimes sworn, and those feigned tears, that you Amadis to entrap me, hath so oftentimes shed upon your face in my presence? Ah, ah, ye evil man, one day ye reputed me for a Venus, that rested (as ye assured me) in your heart: but now the poison being manifest, I see clearly that she is the Venus that ye auauan●ed you of. The which thing shall 'cause me as long as you shall live to esteem you slothful and unfortunate, to have taken so great pain and pleasure to deceive me. Therefore all thing truly and well considered, ye should (as me thinketh) have a respect, that I being the daughter (as I am) of so great a king, deserved to be otherways entreated of you, and not with such mocks as ye have dressed me withal. But I understand full well, that as yet ye will take a glory, whereof I shall complain me for ever of you, and of the love which I now abhor more than ever I had it in reverence. For as there is no pleasure that can be made equal with the perfit amity of two lovers, so there is no hatred or impatience, that can more trouble the spirit than just jealousy, without which, all other martyrdom that mingleth itself with the sweetness of love, is not (as me thinketh) but a multiplication of love, and a true enticement wherewith she utterly destroyeth herself. An extreme brought or thirst, causeth water to be the better accepted, and long fasting giveth meat a better taste. Also the goodness of peace and rest of the mind, cannot be sound nor esteemed of him, that hath not experimented the strong, cruel, and hard war that suspicion doth make. The absence of a friend is sometimes well supported and borne withal, for the hope of a new joy at his return: And one excuse, one disdain, one refuse, one evil look, one light miscontentation: but after that hypocrisy and falseness is known to be in the heart that one esteemed faithful, it is most certain, that there is no martyrdom, nor no displeasure that tormenteth a man more than where faith and true amity make their habitation. Alas my Amadis, found ye ever in me any other thing than affection and good will toward you? Did I ever thing were it never so little, to 'cause you to be miscontent? By my God, ye do me wrong.   

The Oration of Abra to the Princes and people of Babylon, complaining her of the death of Zair their Prince, inciting them to take arms, as well for the death of Zair, as to resist the Christians. In the .8. Book, the .65. Chapter.  
ZAir the last Summer had enterprised a journey to Trebisonde, trusting with a perpetual peace and amity to take and to make an alliance, and to marry the emperors daughter. But the evil hour succeeded so, that the soldan frustrated of his intention lost his life, as it is manifest to every man. Therefore my Lords, there is not one of you, unto whom such an injury doth not redound, your Prince being so evil entreated, and finally slain, and with his hand whom I myself had chosen and elected for my Lord and spouse. Truly the love that I bore him, hath been evil recompensed, plucking out the blood out of the belly of so noble a Prince of the babylonians, and of an infinite of other your friends, parents and kinsfolk. And in such a sort, that if you well considered how all is past, it shall be found, that either your fathers, or your brothers, or your cousins in particular and general have been meat unto the monsters of the sea, their bodies being deprived of all honourable sepulture, and buried among the waters of the deep Abysms. Shall this injury be forgotten at any time? Shall the name of Babylon be made a fable unto all those that shall hear men speak of their mischief? Shall the just vengeance be ended without doing of any other thing? Ah ah, ye stout Kings, I adjure you by our high and mighty Gods, that every one of you take his armure, not only to 'cause it to be known throughout all the world, that ye be the dominators of all Princes that doth offend you, but the scourge and chastisement of all nations. The Christians (as it is reported to me) do assemble themselves, & 'cause a brute that they will come and find us, and chase us out of our proper heritage's, proclaim Axiane the son of Zirphee, Emperor of this Monarch. But if ye will believe me, we shall set them far from their accounts, and go to prevent them and to set them forwards, entering into the Empire of Trebisonde, the which being sacked and destroyed, we shall pass on to Constantinople, where that fire, and the edge of our sword shall be the executors of our vengeance, sparing neither king nor man, woman nor child, being assured that if ye would set forth your ensigns and banners in the field, that they should resist us no more, than straw against fire. And this is the cause (Princes most excellent) why I sent for you, praying and commanding you, that in most greatest, and most extreme diligence ye may possible, to 'cause the Drum to sound throughout all your Countries, and to assemble both horsemenn and footmen, Galies, Ships, and other vessels, as well for war, as to carry victuals, that we, our preparation being ready, may finish and end the rest of our enterprise so, as I have told you, the which thing shall be unto you very honourable and profitable. In the mean while I will send to my friends and allies, requiring and warning them to be favourable unto us, and to aid us, considering that this deed and matter, for the reason and cause that I have declared unto you, doth touch them, the Christians being willing to invade as well their Country as this here, if we will endure and suffer it.   

Niquea preferring Amadis of Grece honour, above the pleasure that she had of his presence, doth suffer him to go and secure his father Lisuard●. In the .8. book. the .74. Chapter.  
MY Lord, the love that I bear you is so perfit, that uneasily I may give you council that should be sound, and to me agreeable in this that ye demand: but yet greater is the force of your honour and renown, seeing that it hath been the only mean of the goodness that we have the one of the other. And for this cause ensuing and following reason, and considering that no Emperor nor King should make himself subject (if it were possible) nor pay any tribute, I think that you and I aught to neglect and forsake our pleasures, & to have a respect to the thing that beseemeth you, for the conservation of you, and of your estate. Therefore I give you (if I should so speak) all the leave that shall please you, although that in verity and truth, it be due, against my will, esteeming and holding it great glory, thus to captivate myself, to permit & suffer you to have such liberty, by the which ye shall execute and 'cause to be known more and more the excellency of your valiantness and high chivalry.   

The heaviness of Lisuarde for the death of his wife Onoloria. in the .8. book. the .73, Chapter.  
ALas, alas, fortune, what doth rest and remain from henceforth, to satisfy thee to trouble me? Wilt thou have my life? a hundred & a hundred times thou hast drawn me from the place where I had forsaken thee: and yet for all that thou hast taken fro me, to 'cause me to die a hundred times upon a day, my dear wife and spouse, and hast by this evil hour and chance, brought unto me all the other that thou hast reserved and kept for me. O God, God eternal, alas my friend, my wife, and my faithful companion, ye are (all things considered) well at ease, living in heaven, and I remaining and dwelling among such and so great melancolies and heavinesses. Pardon me I pray you, if I lament & weep for you too undiscreetly. This is not for the good chance that ye have, but for sorrow that I do not follow you and accompany you in your ●ases, as ye have fifteen or twenty years followed me, in the most part of my travels.   

Gradasilea doth comfort king Lisuarde showing him that he● must be constant in his adversity, and not to sorrow for death so much. In the .8. Book, the .73. chapter.  
HOw now my Lord, is this the magnanimity of heart that is wont to be in you? have ye forgotten that you and I are borne to die? Think ye to revive my Lady again by weeping, or thus tormenting yourself? she is certainly very fortunate and happy, wherefore then do you lament her so greatly? She hath showed you the way, and doth tarry you in the place, where one day (if it please God) we shall see her. Leave these tears, & such exterior appearances to those that have no hope in the second life, & comfort yourself in the lord, beseeching him to give you the virtue of patience, and such as is necessary for you, for the glory of his holy william.   

The letter of Abra to Lisuarde, by the which she comfor●eth him for the loss of his wife, and of his son, advertising him that he aught to search her amities, with promise to grant it him. In the .8. Book, the .71. Chapter.  
ABra the Empress of the babylonians, Princess of the Parthes, and commanding threescore kings my vassals, greeteth you Lisuard of Greece, Emperor of Trebisond, halower of the waters of the Sea, with the royal blood of Zair my very honourable Lord and brother: You shall understand noble prince, that yesterday very lately, I knew of the visitation that fortune hath made you, by the death of your dear spouse, and of your only son Amadis of Greece, whereof (I promise you) I was greatly displeased. For notwithstanding that the obligation that I have to the just vengeance of him, of whom I am sole inheriter, and to the wrong as ye know, that you yourself did me, do greatly constrain me to hate you to death, yet cruel love that doth daily undermined my heavy heart to love you but too much, will not suffer it to consent to the ruin and destruction that I have prepared for you. The which truly doth 'cause me to name you, and that of right, a lover and a friend of the high Gods, the which have found (and thought it good to prove your courage and extreme constancy) not only by the strength of many a brave man, and beasts more cruel, the which ye have conquered and tamed: but also with the rod of their might and supreme power, they have punished you with so hard and grievous persecution, that I being your enemy, as I am, have felt it in my soul, so that I wept with both my eyes, judging thereby, what that dolour and heaviness might be, that ye suffered for the loss of your wife and lover so dear, and your only son so commendable. And yet being true (as it is true indeed) that the consolation of the unfortunate, is to found their like. Yet ye have some occasion to moderate this great annoyance by that, that I bear even such another (or there lacketh very little) as yours is. You have lost (as men say, your wife, and I could never recover him, whom I only merited to have to my Lord & husband, that is yourself, that hath made me oftentimes marvel, how it was possible, that so great amity might conceive in heart so great hatred, where such conformity aught to be represented. And yet if ye way all things well, the time present doth show you him, whom ye aught to follow in time to come. And that it is so, ye see the end, whereunto your great prosperities have brought you. The heavens are not always in one being, nor Lisuard also aught not to be continually victorious, nor Abra always overcome by him. What then? must I sorrow and be heavy for the mischance that maketh and advanceth at the sight of the eye a better fortune than I may wish for, and that doth promise me a sure recompense of the love that I have nourished so long in my soul, yea and until he put him into my hands that so cruelly, and by so many long days hath illuminated and inflamed my heart, the which I already have almost distilled in the fire of jelously. Truly all things well considered, it seemeth Lisuard, that the time approacheth, in the which I may execute upon you the vengeance that ye have merited, finishing my anguishes and the hatred that I bear you, by the augmentation and increacement of love, the Gods giving you the knowledge of the evil that ye have done me, with the will to ask me pardon, and me to grant it you. Therefore I counsel you to prevent the time, and sooner to believe my advice, than your own opinative will, knowing the forces that I have so nigh unto you, and well minded to do you more harm, than I desire ye should have.   

The answer of Lisuard to Abra, giving her thanks for her good will, and that he feeleth himself very fortunate to be retained in her good grace and favour. In the .8. book the .76. Chapter.  
MAdame, I have presently received your letter that it pleased you to writ unto me, and by the same ye do certify me of the trouble and annoyance that ye felt for the unfortunable chance that happened to my dear companion and spouse, to my son Amadis, and principally to myself, for the love of them. For the which I cannot sufficiently thank you: assuring you, that I esteemed no otherwise of your honesty, knowing it to be no less accompanied with clemency, sweetness, and natural goodness, than with virtue, prudency, and kingly nouriture. Yet for all this, I at the first was astonished how it might be possible, that ye should judge me fortunate, to be thus touched as I am, with the rod of God, and to have lost so much, if it were not for this, that I hope to have for my patience a reward in another life. And moreover I do marvel of this, that ye maintain and compare your losses to mine, unto the which (under your correction) there is no similitude at all. For I have lost my Lady, and my lover, and ye have yet in me a servant well affectioned, and shall be (as touching you) all his life, (the honour and duty of the estate reserved, as it aught to be) and in such sort, that notwithstanding the great enmities that ye have against him, he will assay and enforce himself to obey, honour, and serve you. Trusting so much in the goodness of God, that promptly and within a short season my justice shall be known, and your wrong made manifest, reproved, and of your own proper conscience finished. You furthermore writ unto me, that the time doth approach, that fortune shall deliver me into your hands, in recompense of the pains that ye have suffered in loving me to much. I know not why ye should hope so, for the thing that ye have already: for I swear unto you by the God of heaven and of the earth, that there is not a gentleman in all the world that is more yours, and more at your commandment than I am, or that loveth you so much or more. The which thing ye shall know, where and when it shall please you to command me, advising you for the rest, not to trust so much in fortune, as ye seem to do. For although she hath for a troth bene now entirely against me, it is not said, that she will favour you in all points, judging in yourself, as ye very well do counsel me. One good thing I have, that the threatening that ye about the latter end of your letter do threaten me withal, doth so much assure me, that I fear a great deal more the sweet casting of your sweet eyes, than the fury of all your soldiers together, kissing for the rest the hands of your highness, even the same that desireth to have a right good part in your good grace, the which is, and shall remain for ever your ancient and perpetual friend, neighbour and servant Lisuard.   

Axianes' letter to the Empress Abra, sending her word of the war, with the destruction, and entire ruin of her, person. In the .8. book the .78. Chapter.  
WE disherited Empress of the Babylonians Axiana princess of Argenes, the most humble servant of one only God almighty, to you Abra the usurper of our Empire, and paternal goods, we 'cause you to wit and understand, that the divine justice, willing to put in execution the sentence and arrest pronounced by the sovereign judge against you, and in the favour of our repel and banishment, hath caused us to come unto this country, where you and yours shall receive the hire of their merits: yet there is, that somewhat displeaseth us, that ye are arrived even at the very point, where the fall and ruin of your unrighteousness doth threaten you. For as much as we be so nigh of kin, the which kindred and amity aught to be so much our familiar, as hatred is our domestic and neighbour, but seeing that our sovereign judge would not suffer our possession to be taken but by the price and shedding of many men's blood, we do signify and denounce unto you the battle within these four days, and in the camp & field where we be. And for our judges he alone, whom we Christians do adore in trinity of persons, God omnipotent, the first and the last of all things, the which shall give, if it so please him, for the surety of yours and ours, the rigorous justice of his eternity, and for the equal compartment of the sun, the night, or the victory. As touching our harness, ye have them in your hand, and caused them to be taken of our own vassals and subjects, so unjustly, that the men, the earth, and the waters do cry vengeance already, the which God will not deny them, as their blood being shed shall bear witness.   

A letter from Abra to Axiane, granting her the battle by her required. In the .8. book the .78. Chapter.  
ABra the Empress of Babylon, Queen of the Parthes, to you Axiana Princess of Argenes, such salutation as we esteem you to merit. We have received your letter no less accompanied with temerarious and proud words, than with unjust quarrels, and without any reason, the which things we trust we shall 'cause to be known in the self same camp, that ye have chosen, and we grant you such battle as ye demand: And for sovereign judges, your God, and ours, Mars, Cupid and Venus, from the which we cannot go in no wise: but for as much as the victory doth more consist in the effect than in many words, we remit the whole, to that, that shall chance, advising you that we may have pity upon you, that under the shadow (I cannot tell of what presumption) do take pain to lose so little land as is left you, the which we trust shortly after that we have ended this enterprise to join to our Empire. In the mean space let there be a truce between you and us, for these four days as ye have required, the which as touching our part we promise' you in the faith of a Princess to observe, without breaking them by any means.   

The heaviness of Abra, for the loss of the battle. In the .8. book the .80. Chapter.  
AH, ah, fortune, fortune, thou hast pursued me so much that the spoil of me and of my goods from henceforth shall serve thee for a triumph, fortune enemy of all virtuous persons. O troublous ingrate, and accursed fortune, the which to deceive & abuse me, didst promise', not only the Empire & Monarchy of all the Orient, but the free or the enforced enjoying of my Lisuard. Alas he was never mine, although I have deserved him more than any other that ever was borne. And yet so much there lacketh that such merit hath taken place, that he hath destroyed me both of goods and of honour, but not of the honour that all ladies should prefer above life, but of the honour and victory that he hath conquered upon my heavy vassals, being all dead, or slaves. Ah, ah Lisuard, what recompense or degree of amity is so steadfast and constant, as that I all my life have borne thee? Alas, if ye have been in doubt in time past, I beseech mighty jupiter, that the death, which I feel doth approach, may give you sure witness: for I protest, that I die not for any heaviness that I have of any loss either of men, of reputation, or of goods: but only that I have no hope hereafter to have any thing of you: esteeming that this glorious victory hath so puffed up your heart, that disdaining your Abra, ye shall nor will not receive her for the lest of your slaves.   

The letter of Niquea to the Sultan her father, by the which she prayeth him to pardon her offence that she hath committed, marrying herself, and departing from his country without his leave. In the eight book the .84. Chapter.  
MY Lord I beseech you most humbly, sooner than to blame my absence to take the pain (if it please you) to read this my letter, and reading it to consider in yourself, with what might and power love is accustomed to 'cause them to obey him, that are in his rule and dominion. And willing to exercise it in me, he presented long since, before the eyes of my spirit, not only the renown of the valiant and invincible Amadis of Greece but also his beauty, dexterity, and good grace, for the which he is commended of all men, that have had the chance to see him and to frequent him. And for this cause I set my love and affection so to him wards, that I was ready to die: also he was sorry that I could live without the mean that I found out to give him knowledge not once, but more than twice, of the pain that I endured for the great desire that I had to him, whereof he only had compassion. For love itself was so gentle unto me, that he wounded him with the like shot, that he hurted me, making him so much mine, that under the feigned habit of Nereide the slave, he came to this your Court, where that afterwards he had the combat with the usurper of his name and of his figure: what the end thereof was, my Lord, ye know sufficiently enough. So much there is, that within a while after, the hour and time was given me to know him. And we agreed so well, and so accorded our intentions together, that finally we were married, the which if it be your pleasure, ye shall not take in ill part, his person being of such merit, for why his valiantness and the noble blood whereof he is descended, seemed only worthy of my beauty, and Trebisonde more meet for the celebration of our marriage, than your town Niquea, because of so many Emperors, Kings, Princes, and high Ladies as he and I trust to find there. And for this cause and occasion, we bring in these vessels the excellent Queen of Caucase, by whose means our enterprise took place. Nor I will not deny that I have offended you: but I trust so much in your fatherly goodness, that forgotting my fault, & considering to whom I have vowed myself, ye will pardon me, the which thing I require of you with all reverence. Your most humble and most obedient daughter Niquea.   

Amadis of Greece letter to the Sultan of Niquea, declaring unto him the mean of the marriage of him and his daughter praying if he find himself offended to excuse her, and to pardon him. In the .8. book the .84. Chapter.  
Sir, the love that might have solicited you in your youth, & after, shall put you sufficiently in remembrance, in what pain and little ease they do live, that are overcome with the passion, that I have seen you suffer, waiting for the joyful hope of you Nereida, and it shall be, if it please you, to excuse the fault that I have committed against you, aswell for deceiving you under the name and habit, which was borrowed, as making the marriage of my Lady your daughter and me, whereof yet ye should not be miscontented with me, considering the beauties & the perfections wherewith she is endued from heaven, and the just occasion that I (by yourself) have had to choose her to my wife, and such a lover as she is to me: yet for all that sir, if ye find yourself in this, or otherwise offended, I pray you most humbly to blame love only, and to pardon us both, seeing that the noble blood of Niquea can receive but glory and honour by the alliance and kindred that from henceforth it shall have both of that of France, of Constantinople, and of Trebisonde, of the which I am descended, & principal heir. And for this cause we go presently towards the Emperor my father, that shall receive my lady your daughter so well, that it shall be a pleasure for you to understand it, and to me a sure contentation. Trusting sir, as touching the rest, to be from henceforth such as concerning yourself, that ye shall have a great cause for this respect to find all that is past good and reasonable unto this day, that we kiss your hands in all humility. Your most humble and most obedient son, Amadis of Greece.   

The Oration of Lisuard to Abra, Axiana and other, exhorting them to peace and perpetual amity. In the .8. book the 90. Chapter.  
Virtuous princess, & you excellent Ladies, ye have seen and sufficiently enough perceived, what issue this war hath had that was begun long since, ye know also as well as we, the occasion why it was enterprised, and afterwards sharpened and made worse, and now that the affairs be in hand, as ye may know and consider, it seemeth to us just and reasonable, (seeing it hath pleased God the creator to lend us so fair a victory) to assay and prove to make peace and amity, where war and discord hath had vigure and strength so long time. And to come to this, after long and ripe deliberation of counsel, we are of this advice & mind, and do ordain, that you madame Abra, shall leave to my Lady Axiana the Empire of Babylon even as she and Zarafiell, of good and famous memory held it and possessed it, and that ye should peaceably enjoy all the rest, notwithstanding it was conquered by the virtuous and sage Prince Zair, or any otherwise. The peace remaining perpetually between you two, the thing shall be so well parted and divided, that ye shall have greatly and abundantly wherewithal to entertain your estates, and to content you. And to the intent (quoth he to Abra) the young infants and princes which have accompanied you, may be partakers of the pleasure of this amity and confederation, we will marry them worthily, and so, that they shall have great occasion to thank us. And this for a resolution of that, that we took deliberation of to certify you, and to declare in so high and to so great assembly, praying you both to found our advice and counselll good, and as it is reasonable, for the wealth and highness of the one and the other to follow it. For as concerning us, we will hold us only to the honour that it hath pleased GOD to grant us, without usurping or taking of any thing upon those that are overcome, whether it be by ransom in money, in lands or possessions.   

An elegant and a pitiful Epistle of Lucell Princess of Sicily, to Amadis of Grece, charging him of unfaithfulness, of leafing, and of temerity. In the .8. book, the .93. Chapter.  
I Cannot tell by what occasion, thou false and unfaithful Amadis, I have taken ink and paper to writ to thee this Letter, if it be not upon the hope I have, that ye shall not so soon see it, but that the wrong that ye have done me, shall 'cause you to wax red for shame, and that remorse of conscience shall prepare in you such heaviness, that there shall not be one day of all your life, but that thing the which ye have purchased for me so cursedly, shall displease you, and in such sort, that ye shall receive part of the punishment that ye deserve, betraying me so falsely for loving you so well and faithfully. Truly when I think of the thing that is chanted, I surely think that I dream, or to be out of my wit: But alas, to whom shall I go? Is it possible that ye been the Knight of the burning Sword, that overcame the seven keepers of the Castle, and that did rule and tame the strong Giants of the Isle of Silenchi●, and of whom the renown is this day so clear, both in the East and in the West? Truly it should be hard to think it: for where that promise and chivalry is so commended, full uneasily there may be resident a heart so cruel and so full of lies as yours hath showed itself unto me, abusing and deceiving me under the colour of amity, and the assurance of marriage, to set and bring you to the place, where I trust that repentance shall be the executor of my vengeance. But what? I feel now that ye are far from honour and virtue, that hitherto ye are not ashamed of the thing that may be said unto you, and whereof ●ée may be reproached, so that it may bear good witness of the injury that ye have done to yourself, chaung●ng so famous a name, to take that with the habit and raiment of a woman very unmeet and uncomely for those that will show the estate of magnanimity and highness. Alas, when the fidelity of your Grandfather, the good King Amadis, doth present him before my eyes, the proof that he did that day when he wan the green Sword, and Queen Oriane, the Kercher none like it, the entering and coming forth of the one and other under the Ark of faithful Lovers, the glory that your father Lisuarde received by the hammette made of Diamonds, when my Lady your mother wan the inestimable Crown, and all this by the force of true and unfeigned love: I cannot (by my faith,) nor I should not say, but that all the goodness remained in them, and the evil in you alone, or that Nature in place to give you an heart like unto these, hath provided you the heart of a Tiger, or of some other more fierce beast, if ever there were any. But alas, what profit is this for you (I pray you) to see me now deprived both of you and of the world, and to have forsaken Father, Parents, goods, and all pleasure, to lament your death, the which I held for sure. Think ye nothing then, of the force of this extreme love, and of the hatred that ye show me? In good faith Amadis, ye should die for very shame, and complain with me for ever, for the wrong that you have done me, the which is to me so great a grief, and so uneasy to sustain, that I purpose to reserve my life as long as I may, not for any ease that I hope for, but to find a mean to revenge me, and in revenging of myself, to live long● and in living, to make and 'cause the fault that cannot 〈◊〉, to live in you, so long as ye shall feel and perceive that she is among the living, of whom ye never deserved the lest favour of a thousand, that she deserved. And I pray the just judge of your iniquity, and of my justice, to give you at the lest the knowledge of your sin, of my innocency, and of my too singular and perfit love.   

Amadis of Grece answering Lucelle, doth confess that he● hath done her a wrong irrecuparable, he requireth pardon, and finally he excuseth him by love. In the .8. Book. the 93. Chapter.  
MAdame, receiving the letter that it pleased you to writ to me by this Gentleman, the present bearer thereof, I have received therewith in my soul all the displeasure that reasonably ye may have in yours. Yet I pray you first or ever I enter into my purpose or matter with you, to believe that I have no envy, nor pretence in any manner of sort to use any cloaking, or any excuse towards you, that I should not confess to have done you a wrong irrecuparable, & so great an offence, that it is out of my power at any time to satisfy you, if you (using your natural goodness, & virtuous condition) do not cast the blame from me, upon the puissance & power of love. And yet that notwithstanding, it seemeth to me very convenient, to answer you somewhat to the thing that ye accuse me of, demanding by the discourse of your letter, if as yet I be the self same man of whom the renown hath left his mark of glory, both in the East, and in the West. I ensure you Madame, that I am even he himself, the which under your favour, and through the desert and merit of the excellency of your beauty, hath at sometimes obtained the renown of valiantness and chivalry, through the merit (I say) of you, for without the continual remembrance of your presence, that then did accompany me. It had been uneasy, yea truly impossible to have ended the high enterprises, that I have finished. Therefore if there chanced any glory, it redounded to you only, and not to me. But as touching the blame that ye set before my eyes, saying that I have abused you, under the colour of promise of marriage that was between you and me, ye shall pardon me if it please you, for ye know right well, that the last purpose and communication that we had together, was, that I should ask you of the king your father, to my wife, without going any further: each of us by this means remaining i●●fr●● and pure liberty, but love since that hath so ravished me, that (as ye have understanded) it constrained me to change my name and habit, and to take a woman's or a maidens, to come to the thing whereunto he presented me, whereof I am nothing reprehensible: for neither name nor strange habit shall ever diminish the force and the good hour and fortune of Amadis, being victorious upon the Prince of Torace, by the victory that happened to Nereide, the which under this colour hath obtained and enjoyed her, of whom ye yourself may give perfit witness, and of her perfit and incomparable beauty. For ye saw her twice, once in the Castle of secrets, and again in her glory with good and fair company. And as concerning the faithfulness of my Parents, the which ye paint unto me very lively, I pray you Madame, to consider that being a man as other be, it is no marvel, that such a one (the which by the gifts of grace, and of nature that are in her, might overcome the most perfectest that ever lived) hath brought me to the number of them: but this is a thing almost out of nature and incredible, that I whom ye wan in the garment of a Knight, hath won her in the habit and vesture of a Damsel, being a slave, and to conquer her to my wife and Spouse such as she is to me at this present. And nevertheless, because that it is done, and that the stone ●he which is cast is irrevocable, I pray you most humbly, not to take it to the worst, but to moderate the anger that ye have against me, as I have seen and perceived about the end of your letter, where ye say that ye will conserve your life, to purchase and that very long the vengeance of the wrong that I have done you. Certes Madame, if by my death ye might remain satisfied, I should hold and think myself very fortunate, for I know no torment, that I with a good heart would not suffer for you, so it were given me by your means, and so doing, it might also deface a part of my fault to your contentation, and to satisfy it in some sort, I purpose to see you shortlyer than you we 〈◊〉, and I (ask you pardon) to execute upon myself all the cruelness that ye shall ordain for me, and that with my own hands, for of your bringing up in all works of virtue, he cannot receive but all goodness, whom ye hold for your singular enemy, and he you for his honourable Lady, unto whom he presenteth his most humble recommendations, willing to remain for ever your most obedient and affectionate servant Amadis of Grece.   

Letters from Zahara to the Princes being at Trebisonde, praying the Emperor of Trebisonde, and Amadis of Grece, to give the order of knighthood to Anaxartes and to Alastraxerce, his Son and Daughter. In the .9. Book, the .6. Chapter.  
Lords and Ladies, since our last seeing one another, that was at Trebisonde, it hath pleased the Consistory of the sovereign Gods, to receive me into their divine company, communicating in me the seed of the God Mars, of whom I am so greatly loved, and he willeth me so well, that he receiving and accepting me for his companion, hath engendered in me a son, and a daughter, so fair and of so goodly form and proportion, that their form and shape doth show undoubtedly the fruit to be engendered of a God, the which thing causeth me to say, that their virtue, magnanimity, and valiantness shall be such, that they shall be taken among men for half Gods. Of the which pleasure and honour thus received by me, I thought it reasonable to make you partakers, to the end ye should be merry and joyful, as they do merit ye should, being the infants and children of such a God, the which is the mighty Mars, whose anger (doing the contrary) may greatly trouble and hurt you, whereof I Zahara your friend, should be marvelously displeasant, the which thing hath caused me to pray you once again, in the name of my Lord and friend, to have the nativity of these my two children in singular honour and recommendation, and from henceforth to have and to hold the mother of them in the place that she deserveth, seeing that the Deity and Godhead is joined in her, so that the world by me doth take part of the divine seed. And besides this (noble Emperor of Trebisonde) we have elected and chosen you presently to give the order of chivalry to my son Anaxartes, as soon as he shall come to the age for to receive it, and the sword by the hand of my great friend Abra, and Amadis of Grece, I require you in like case, to give it to my daughter Alaxtraxer●e, and that Niquea (whom ye love so greatly) do her confirmable office to Abras son, not knowing any other more worthy than ye are to approach to the divinity, being such as all men do esteem you, and for such I shall hereafter take you, giving peace to your Monarchies and estate royal, when these my children following the nature of their father, shall bring all the round world to obey them, and to reduce it to the obedience of the law of our Gods, the which ye have forsaken to follow him, that hath no power, and then ye shall know the power and merit of Zahara, the which doth salute you all. Your cousin and perfit lover, the divine Zahara.   

The answer of the Empress Abra, to the foresaid letter, dispraising the false Gods of Zahara, and exalting the only living God in Trinity. In the .9. book, the 6. Chapter.  
RIght high and excellent Queen of Caucase, the friend and companion of the Gods immortal. The Emperor my Lord● and spouse with the company of Kings and Princes, Ladies and damsels have seen by the letter that ye have sent hither the favour and great goodness that is chanced unto you, the gods having you (as ye do say, in so great estimation, that Mars hath engendered of you a son and a daughter, worthy for their perfection to be the children of such a father, whereof certainly we are very joyful, as my foresaid Lord and husband & this high and noble company hath commanded to certify you & to give you knowledge. But yet I marvel how ye understand this, that in time to come, ye shall have some knowledge of your amity, to leave the country and Empires of my Lord in peace and surety, I know not whether your children may conquer all the world after your devise, but I am sure that we keep the true law, and honour one God in Trinity, by whose aid we have no occasion to fear neither your Mars nor jupiter, nor any other, the which have closed up the eyes of your spirit that ye should not know him at whose foot all creatures, whether they be in heaven, in the earth, or in Hell, aught to fall down, and make obeisance: The goodness of whom hath so visited me, that he hath provided me of like lineage as ye have, that is, of a son and a daughter. And Amadis of Greece also of a little Prince, so excellent, that at the lest he may advance him, not to own your Anaxartes any thing, whereof I was well willing to advertise you, trusting that ye would be no less joyful of our good hour and fortune, than all this great and noble company hath been of yours, recommending us all to you. Your cousin and good friend Abra.   

The letters of Anaxartes and Alastraxarce to the inhabiters of the vale of Rochers, entreating of the excellency and sovereign goodness of the Gods. In the ninth book and .10. Chapter.  
ANaxartes and Alastraxarce, son and daughter of the God of battles, and of the most mighty Queen Zahara of Caucase, to the three estates of the vale of Roches, love and favour. Very dear & good friends, as it hath pleased the great immortal gods, that no inexpugnable fortress of the Castle of Lac, nor the incredible force of the horrible Giants Bradaran, and Brandavell, wi●hall their might, craftiness and subtlety, could not let that the divine justice should not be executed upon them by us (the Children of Mars) sent into this world to put in effect the justice and unmovable judgement of their supreme might and power, willing thereby to show that all resistance is vain and unprofitable against the power of heaven, and will of those that govern and rule all this that is contained under his roundness, we had a good will to advertise you of the deadly ruin of the four Giants, the tyrants of this country, that chanced unto them by the sharpness of our sword, to the end that you and all other might know, that the gods have the authority and power, (they alone) to do all things, by the same might and power, that they have made them of nothing, specially resisting those, that are greatly bound to know them, and yet do not their duty: the which thing might be alleged against the reasonable creature, that leadeth a life like unto beasts, not observing the law ordained by the infallible creator, to conduct him by reason above his will, considering also that all other creatures (by the providence and goodness of the sovereign gods) are set under the hand and subjection of men, every one of them doing their diligence to maintain itself in his order, and to keep that, whereunto the gods have established it, as we see the marvelous order of the heavens, of their planets, and clearness, of tame and wild beasts, of the birds in the air, the fishes in rivers and deep seas, of the plants and sweet herbs, whereof men see that the earth doth length, and is garnished with divers works in time and season very gracious: every one of these things feel and perceive his own nature, not going nor passing over it one point. Seeing then, that all things have been set in the hand, yea under the feet of man, what reason shall excuse him not to observe the ordinance of the creator? and if he do it not, how aught he to be the more punished and chastened by the divine laws? Truly (my dear and good friends) he deserveth no less punishment, than that, that is chanced upon the Giants your cruel tyrants and rulers, whose death and correction ye should not esteem to proceed from any other, than from the gods immortal, whereof they will give you very swift witness, seeing that two only persons have destroyed and brought to ruin such and so fearful monster's, notwithstanding the situation of the very strong and inaccessible places the Gigantine forces, and all their puissance and might both crafty and subtle. Again (my dear and good friends) we counsel and admonish you, that ye give no place to your affections, so that the anger of God f●ll not upon you, if ye disobey the children of Mars sent hither to be sovereigns, and to set peace in your country. As touching the rest, ye shall come unto us, to understand the overplus of our william.   

Arlande the Princess of Thrace letter to Dom Florisel of Niquea, praying him to come to see her, to understand and to revenge the wrong done by Amadis of Greece, to Balarte his brother. In the .9. book the .14. Chapter.  
ARlande Princess of Thrace, to the Knight of the she shepherd greeting. The renown of your excellent beauty, and glorious acts of arms that runneth, not only throughout all this country of Thrace, but almost throughout the world, hath drawn me into so great admiration and desire to know the truth, that after I had consulted with our go●● upon these affairs and matters, and that they answered 〈◊〉 after the common brute and rumour, I was well willing to send you this present, and to pray your Lordship to come hither, to understand and to perceive the wrong that the unfaithful and traitor Armadis of Greece did to my very dear and only brother Balarte Prince of Thrace, by whose death, the succession of this Realm (after the decease of my heavy father) shall pertain to me, yet with this charge, to pursue and revenge the death of my foresaid Lord and brother. Therefore, if it please you to come hither, to execute this reasonable vengeance, I have purposed, and do promise' you (in recompense of the duty that ye shall do) to make you Lord and master of myself, and of all that I possess in this world, advertising you moreover, that the gods have revealed unto me, that ye only are he, to whom this great justice, and glorious vengeance is reserved. obeying then the divine prescience of the gods, leave off from henceforth to pursue the vengeance of a sort of evil injuries and quarrels of Damsels, of to base quality, and come to take the possession and enjoying of great goods and honours, the which are prepared here for you: thus doing ye shall content me and make me joyful. She that desireth to remain for ever in your good grace and remembrance, Arlande.   

The answer of Dom Florisel of Niquea, to the letters of Arlande, graciously refusing her demand, aswell because that Balarte was justly slain, as that Amadis of Greece, was his father. In the .9. book and the .14. Chapter.  
DOm Florisel of Niquea the son of the right virtuous and stout Prince Amadis of Greece, to Arlande, the Princess of Thrace salutations, even such as her excellency deserveth. Madam, I have received the letters, which it hath pleased you to sand me by this your Damsel, and reading them, I know the great desire that ye have, to revenge the death of Prince Balart your brother, slain as I have understanded most valiantly in the camp of the battle (by the hands of my right dear father Amadis of Greece) for a good and a just quarrel, a thing that should divert and turn you to make any such sute● for the more that the cause of his death shall be published, the more dishonour shall fall both upon him, & upon those that shall enforce themselves to revenge him, every man evidently knowing his unrighteousness, for the mischievous turn that he purposed to do unto him, that (with all graciousness and good entreating) received him into his house. Therefore Madam find it not strange at all, if in this I satisfy not your desire, not for the regard of the honour and reverence that I aught to have naturally to him that hath begotten me, but for as much as I should greatly offend God, and my honour, yea I should do against all reason, to revenge so virtuous an act, putting the case that another than my father had done it. And I well assure you, that who so ever would obey you in t●at, he shall find himself justly smitten of God, augmenting the shame and dishonour of him that deserveth to be buried in the darkness of obliviousness. As concerning the goods that ye promise' me, that is, to make me possessor and to enjoy your excellent beauty, and all your possessions, ye may understand by these present letters, that I under the condition that ye damaund, have a just occasion to refuse them, nevertheless I thank you as much as I can possible, for your good will and affection that ye bear me, in recompense whereof, I promise' you, to employ me to be your servant and to serve you, in all that honour and virtue shall command me. Thus much Madam, praying the creator of all things, (unto whom vengeance aught to be reserved) to give you his holy grace, and after that I may be affectuously recommended ●o yours. He that desireth you all goodness, and increase of honour, the knight of the she shepherd.   

A letter from Dom Florizel of Niquea, to fair Helen princess of Apolonia, excusing himself of the boldness that he taketh to writ unto her, and to present her his heart. In th●●●. book the .33. Chapter.  
MAdame, if ye will measure your highness, and advise you upon the kingdom that ye possess in respect of me, that am but a wandering knight, and yet unknown unto you, I think well that ye would marvel of my temerity and foolish boldness, that durst writ unto you at this present: but if ye would consider how great the force of love is, I am well assured, that your benignity and sweetness shall excuse me, and accuse this divine beauty and good grace, the which yesterday did so ravish me of my liberty, that I had not the power nor the will, never to love or to serve any other but you. For this cause I took boldness to pray you as humbly as I may possible, to receive my faithful heart, the which hath left me to be wholly yours, and doth suffer me to keep, and to name me your knight and very affectionate servant, the which shall little esteem all his misfortunes that are past, if ye would do him so great honour, as that he might one of these days tell you by mouth, that he feareth to writ unto you, because of the little acquaintance that ye have of him: praying the creator and maker of all things (the which hath moved you with so great beauty) to give you the increase of honour and felicity. your most humble and obedient the knight of the she shepherd.   

The princess of Apolonia doth rigorously answer the letters of Dom Florizel, denying him to be the knight of the she shepherd. In the .9. book the .34. Chapter.  
I Cannot marvel enough of your presumption, that hath enterprised to writ me the letter that ye have sent me by the which it is easy to know, that ye go about to deceive me, and to rob me of the thing, that I have so dearly kept● unto this present time, and that is promised long since to another that doth deserve it: but be ye sure, that your feigned and sweet words, shall not 'cause me to consent and agree to your ill will: for I have well learned (God be thanked) to keep me and to defend me from such assaults. Furthermore, if I were at my liberty and power, esteem you that I would so much abase myself (that am a king's daughter) to give me to a wandering knight, and unknown as ye are? think you that I know not who the knight of the she shepherd is, whose name ye do usurp in your letter? Truly to make me believe that, ye should have showed yourself a little more modest, and have done an act of a greater virtue and valiantness, than that that ye did the day before, when ye outraged my dwarf in my presence. Leave off therefore to trouble me any more with your letters, or by any other manner of means, and look that from henceforth ye have a greater consideration and respect to my highness and place that I came fro, or else I may advertise such men that shall 'cause you to feel your folly.   

The letters of Dom Florizel of Niquea, to fair Helen princess of Apolonia, by the which he doth affirm that he is the knight of the she shepherd, and if that she desire his death, more than to love him, he is purposed to die. In the 9 book the .35. Chapter.  
RIght excellent princess, the knight of the she shepherd destitute of all health doth sand you such, as his misfortune doth suffer him. I have received the letters the which it hath pleased your highness to sand me, by that which I have perceived and known that ye feel yourself greatly offend●●, for that, that love only constrained me to give you knowledge of, trusting to recover of you some grace and favour, but seeing that in the place thereof, I have found anger and disdain, with hard threatenings to cause me to feel my presumption, I think that I cannot better satisfy you for the vengeance that ye desire, than with good heart to receive dolorous death, the which I shall found more sweet and amiable, than to live, not having your grace and favour. But yet before I do execution, I was well willing to send you this present letter, to give you knowledge, that my love and extreme affection towards you is not feigned, nor the surname that I bear (as ye sand me word) falsely usurped, trusting that before my death, or after, ye shall surely know it, and then it may be ye will be sorie● that ye have used so great cruelness towards him, that loveth you more than his own soul, the which (tarrying your answer, and latter sentence of death) doth pray the creator to maintain you for ever in joy and contentation. Your most humble and affectionate servant the knight of the she shepherd.   

Letters from the Princess Silvia to Dom Florizel of Niquea, advertising him that she is married, and that she is his aunt: praying him to abstain to love her, and so doing, she will move the marriage between him and Alastraxeree. In the .9. book the .38. Chapter.  
Remembering the entire and perfect love that ye have borne me Lord Florizel, in like manner the great goods and honour that I do now enjoy by yours means, I would not fail (in recognizing of this) to wright this present letter unto you, to advertise you, that since that the fortune of the Sea separated us the one from the other, being at the fountain of love of Anastarax, ready to kill myself with your own sword (for the great sorow● and heaviness that I had of your misfortune and m●●●) the Princess of Alastraxeree came suddenly unto us, and saved me from falling into this inconvenience, and conducted me to the hell of Anastarax, who was taken out and delivered by the means of her and me, and to recompense so great and so good a deed, he hath married me, and after the solemnity thereof was done, I by a strange adventure was found to be the Emperor Lisuard of Greece daughter, and so your father's sister. Therefore I pray you to transmute and to change this love and vehement affection that ye bear me, to the princess of Alastraxerce, the which for the conformity of the great virtues, valiantness and beauties that are in you both, doth only merit and deserve to have you, and as I think, I cannot give you a better, nor a more condign recompense, for so many traveles as ye have taken and suffered for me, than to move the marriage of you and her, whom I have prayed and desired not to departed from this country, until I have received news from you. Therefore I pray you, as much as I may possible, to come hither assoon as ye can have opportunity, that we may set some order, whilst occasion doth present itself. As touching the rest (because that this gentleman may show you by mouth all that is past and done here, since the deliverance of prince Anastarax my dear lover and spouse,) I will make an end at this present, of the which I desire that Darinell may be partaker: praying the Lord God to give you the fulfilling of your good desirest after that I have with good heart presented my recommendations unto your good grace. Your aunt and perfect lover Siluie.   

Dom Florizel of Niquea doth answer the letters of his aunt, saying that he is very well eased and joyful of her recognissance, as well for the place that she is come from, as to be out of the pain that he suffered for her love. In the .9. book the .41. Chapter.  
MAdame, I have received your letters, and by th●● I have understanded the news of your coming to the principality of Niquea, likewise the consanguinity between you and me, whereof I am as joyful, as of any thing that might have happened to me in this world, because that my heart from henceforth shallbe exempt from the amorous passion that it hath suffered for the love of you, not knowing the excellency of the place from whence ye are issued and come fro: and you of your side shallbe quited and delivered of the obligation and promiss that ye made me, to content and satisfy me of the thing that so often I required of you, if perchance the Prince Anastarax should have refused you, the which thing our Lord God hath not suffered, nor would not frustrate you of your virtues, whereof I give him immortal thanks, as to him, that hath kept us both from committing the thing against his honour and commandment. By my truth, this name of a she shepherd is not unconvenient nor vn●eete for you, and I believe that this was a certain foreknowledge that ye should one day conduct and lead this virtuous ●●ocke, that is to say, all this people which are so obedient unto you, whose love ye have acquired and gotten, not by the greatness of your lineage, but by your virtue only, of the which I think that there is noman that can bear more certain or truer witness than I, because I have accompanied you into the places, where it was need to show it, whereof ye merit and deserve great honour, but I will not rest nor tarry upon this, for neither my spirit nor my hand, are able to exalt, nor to give it the place that it deserveth: Therefore leaving this charge to perfect Orators and true Chroniclers, I will at this time make an end, nor I shall not send you at this time other news of adventures, that have chanced me since that we were separated by the sea, because I esteem that your Darinell (which went to seek you assoon as I had delivered him your letters) may show you them, for he hath continually kept me company, and as I hope, I will be there shortly, after I be healed of certain wounds which I took in a combat upon my journey of Apolonia, whereof this your Gentleman, the bearer of this, may tell you the occasion, and against whom. In the mean season my Lady my Aunt. I recommend me most humbly to your good grace, and to all your noble company, specially to my Lady Princess Alastraxeree, whom I greatly desire to see, praying the eternal God, to maintain you in his grace and favour. Written in the kingdom of Apolonia, by your most humble and obedient servant and nephew Florisel of Niquea.   

Astibel of Sciences letters to Arlande the Princess of Thr●●●, by the which she showeth her the manner how to revenge the death of her brother, and to enjoy her love. In the .9. Book, the .50. Chapter.  
MAdame, I have been very joyful to understand the imprisonment that ye have caused of the infant Alastraxeree, and of the Prince Dom Florisel of Niquea, trusting that your excellency shall receive by this means the contentation of your spirit and mind, and the vengeance of the death of my Lord Prince your brother: but forasmuch as I have found by my art Magic that king Amadis of France, the Emperors of Constantinople and T●ebisonde, and other Princes and Princesses their fréedes & allies are bewitched in the tower of Universe, and aught to be delivered within this year: for this cause I was well willing to advertise you, to provide for all inconveniences that may chance, and how ●ée might by this one means take vengeance of Dom Florisel of Niquea your prisoner, of his Father and Mother, and generally of all his next kinsfolks, that is, to send incontinently the infant Alastraxeree to the tower of Universe, to take heed that no person do enter to see the adventure, and to finish and make an end of the inchantement and witchcraft, knowing that it shall come well to pass, seeing the great valiantness, force, and magnanimity that doth associate her, above all other of the earth. And if she keep the peace, I (that during) assure you, that then, for all the rest of their lives, shall continued bewitched, nor Dom Florisel shall not depart from your prison, if it be not your pleasure. Thus ye shall not only revenge yourself of those that ye desire, but furthermore ye shall have a mean and a commodity to come to the possession of two Empires, by the alliance that ye may make with him whom ye love, the which he shall willingly accept to be at liberty, and out of your prisons. Therefore Madame, it shall please you speedily to advise you, in as much as ye love the repose and quietness of your mind, the which shallbe the way for me to pray him, that is, to maintain you in his favour and grace, recommending me most humbly to yours. By your humble Astibel of Sciences.   

Letters of the infant Alastraxeree to the Princess Helen of Apolonia, and Timbrie of Boetia, declaring unto them, the cautels wherewith she and Dom Florisel of Niquea abused Arlande the Princess of Thrace. In the .9. book, the 50. Chapter.  
RI●ht excellent Princesses, knowing in you the zeal of perfect amity, the which ye bear to Dom Florisel of Niquea, (as every one of you declared to me with her own mouth, when ye took me for him nigh unto the hermitage of Almond trees) I would not ●ayle, seeing the commodity, to certify you of these news. Therefore my Ladies, ye shall know & understand that he is well as concerning the disposition of his body, but I think that his spirit is somewhat troubled, because he is fallen & arrested prisoner in the hands of Arlande princess of Thrace, the which was purposed to revenge her upon him for the death of her brother Balarte, slain in the close camp by Amadis of Greece his father, and I believe that she would have put him by and by to death, after he was are s●e● in the Castle of the Glass of love, if he had not advised him to usurp my name, & say that he was Alastraxeree, because that he and I are very like, (as ye know) and so like, that the knights which took him, and believing his saying to be true, brought him into the city of Thrace, where the King and the Princess Arlande received him very humaynely for me, and he hath played his parsonage unto this day so well in a woman's garment (wherewith the Princess presented him) that it is impossible to do it better, whereof I greatly thank him. Now it chanced that I going to the Castle of the Blasse of loves, was avertised by a strange adventure of his good subtlety (whereof my Damsels will certify you) and afterward I, as fortune would, was arrested even as Dom Florisel was, whose name I usurped, because he should not be discovered, and for such a one I was carried to Arlande into a house of pleasure, where she held me fast and close, & daily solicited me to love her, using to mewards, gestures, and amorous countenances, nother less nor more than if she had spoken to Florizel, but I can so well entertain her and content her with words, that as I hope (she being more privy with me) will set him shortly at liberty, and when he shallbe so, I trust that he will find the means to set me likewise at liberty. Thus my Ladies I shall present my recommendations to your good graces, praying the great God to maintain you in his protection. Your cousin & good friend, the divine Alastraxeree the daughter of Mars.   

Letters from Helen of Apolonia, and from timber of B●etia, to the infant Alastraxeree, with the which they laud and exalt her greatly, bringing to this purpose divers old examples. In the .9. Book, the .53. Chapter.  
MOst excellent Lady, we have perceived by your Damsels, the good subtlety that ye have used to find ● m●●nes for the deliverance of Do● Flo●is●l● the which is fallen into the hands of the Princess Arlande of Thrace, a thing that aught to make you immortal for ever, seeing the danger that ye put yourself in, to show so perfect amity. And to show you truly what we do think, we find the acts that ye have done and do, so excellent and noble, that by good reason all the world should wish for such a parsonage as was the Graecian Homer to describe your high and heroical acts, to give an ensample to the posterity, and to inti●e them to ensue the like. Great Alexander needeth not to go before you, nor Hannibal, nor yet the Scipions, for if they have had great victories, it hath bene with the multitude of men, but you alone have won so much, that ye aught to hold and keep the highest room, not only among the wise and valiant men, but also among the women more noble. All the high acts of arms that the noble Queen Gradafilea did, aught in nothing to be compared to yours, for all that she ever did, was through the force of love, which is invincible, and to conserve her integrity, but ye were only moved by a certain natural and native virtue to do him good, whom ye in no manner of wise know not, and not to him only, but to all those, unto whom ye perceived injury and extortion to be done, the glory and the laud whereof, redoundeth unto you. Certainly the fair and chaste judith, that cut cruel Holof●rne● head off to observe and keep her chastity, nor Cleopatra, that overcame her brother Ptolemy, nor Queen Fantas●lea, with many other aught in no wise to be compared or made equal with you, which doth not only excel all men and women in virtue and valiantness, but also in excellence and perfect beauty, excepting none, nor this fair Syluia, the which (as we have understanded) ye preserved from cruel death, when she would have slain herself nigh unto the fountain of loves of Anasterax ● for the absence of Dom Florizel, the which is bound unto you all his life long, and I also, for the goodness that ye have done for me in saving of him: Notwithstanding truly, as I think, he should not (seeing the promise that he made me at his departing from hence to be in Apolonia, at the adventure of the contention of the four brethren) have strayed, nor have cast himself into so many jeopardous adventures, without sending me news of him: yet I will not write unto him, lest that presenting my finger unto him, he take the whole hands, considering that his coming hither shall certify us of his being so far off, and of his so grievous absence, so that it please you of your goodness to suffer him to return, unto whom you and I are so much bound for the goodness that we have received of him, that it is impossible for us to satisfy him, nor you to give him condign thanks. But Madame, we shall pray the Creator to give you such and so good peace, as we desire for the war that doth torment us, presenting our most humble recommendations to your good Grace.  
Your great friends and ready to obey you, Helen of Apoloni●, and Tymbria of Boetia.   

The defence of Raison upon the difference of honour, and love. In the .9. book the .53. Chapter.  
HOnour and you love, it greatly displeaseth me that ye cannot agree as touching the health of these two armies, yet forasmuch as the point and the truth of your rights cannot be known but by the effusion of humane blood, or by the victory of one of these two armies (the issue whereof ●oth depend of the will of God) I can give you no other counsel but to let your men join, to the end that the vengeance and judgement of God, may be umpire and arbiter of your difference and debates.   

A prophetical letter of Anaxenes, a Philosopher and a calker to Dom Florisel of Niquea. In the .9. book. the .54. Chapter.  
MY Lord, the king Arpilion, and the Queen Galathea, his very dear companion and spouse, have charged me to present with a very good heart their recommendations unto your good grace, and I of my part do no less, which am their Philosopher and a master of art Magic. Understand my Lord● that the goodness and valiantness which I know to be in you, have provoked me to advertise you o● certain & great adventures that shall chance unto you, the which I have foreseen and known by my science & learning, and by the high secrets of art Magic: and to the intent ye may avoid and escape them with your honour, I sand you the helmet that y● lost in the sea, when that by tempest ye were separated from Silvia, the which shall do you good service, in a combat that two brave Lions shall make, yea for the price of your blood, and there shall come forth of those that fight, a light that now is hidden in deep darkness, the which shall give light to all those that thought to have lost it, and so well, that your ●ead being delivered from the peril, the which ye shall see before your eyes, men shall see an old wound renewed in you, the which shall put you to extreme pain, and yet cannot be eased, until this sovereign remedy shall be multiplied in you: and in all those that shall sustain your part, shallbe new wounds, whereout shall come a blood, that shall moist all the land of Grece, by the means whereof, your body shall be delivered by a general effusion, until the payment be perfect. Nor the prince the Author of this war, nor his friends nor confederates shall have it no better cheap than you, advertising you, that the time of most greatest danger wherein ye may he, shall be even then, when that the Lion which engendereth the lawful and legitimate Lions, shall find himself in more peril than you. And a little while after, there shall come even suddenly a Bastard, the which shall beaten down with his bright and shining arms the glory not hoped for. Then shall arise the six bastards and little Lions, the which shall awake their fathers by a more strange fashion, than the lions progenitors have given life to their little ones, and all that with increasement of your great honour, and the inestimable effusion of blood on the one side and other. Therefore take good heed at the beginning of this evil, whereof ye shall have cause to laud him continually, that is laudable above all things, by whose permission and sufferance, all this shall be done, and ye shall daily hold his divine hand in your defence. Therefore doubt not at all: for all thing shall chance as I have told you, praying you not to be curious to know more, until the sovereign judge shall have executed his determination and will, to show you a war, whereof peace shall proceed. And in this behalf, I shall pray the moderator of all things continually to maintain you in his protection. Your humble servant Anaxenes, Philosopher and Magician.   

A letter from the Princess Arlande to the infant Alastraxere●, quyting her of her promise, to the end she should not lose him that she loveth, and hateth more. In the nynth● book, the .56. Chapter.  
MAdam Alastraxeree, the dolour (accompanied with an extreme anger) that I have had to see me abused by you ● Dom Florizel of Niquea, hath so much prevailed upon me, that to revenge me of such a wrong I was willing● to procure his death, and yours together, you making request to go to the Universe Tower to fight with him, thinking that ●●e meddling of you two● would make no end without the death of one or of other, or of both of you together: but yet afterwards I bethought and considered in myself, that his death should be the cause of mine. For the great and extreme love (as ye do know) that I bore him, than I thought it best to desist from this vengeance, and to use humanity and sweetness towards him, the which he hath not deserved. And therefore madame, my will was to sand this my damsel unto you, to pray you to cease and desist from the promise that ye have made me, of the which I do quite you by this present letter, wherein ye shall find my humble recommendations to your good grace, praying the sovereign God to give me so much grace and favour, that Dom Florizel may once know the entire love that I bear him, and the great wrong that he, disdaining my alliance hath done me. Your Arlanda princess of Thrace.   

Dom Florizel of Niquea excuseth himself in his letters that he hath not kept his promise, the which he made to the princess Helen of Apolonia. In the .9. book the .57. Chapter.  
MAdame, since my departing from Apolonia (where your grace did me so much good, and so well received me) I have been in divers and many strange adventures, being so far from you otherwise than I trusted, so that I had not the mean nor way to accomplish the promise that I, taking my leave of you at the Abbay of Rois, made you, whereof I have been and am in such a perplexity, that it is impossible for me to declare it by letters, assuring you for all that, that no other thing hath constrained me to absent me so long time from your presence, but the honour that all knights are bound unto. Therefore I beseech you most humbly, not to put me in any fault, and to think that assoon as I may have the ways and mean to come to you, there shall be no fault nor let, but that I will come, the which thing I trust surely to do, when I departed from hence, where I am constrained by promiss to remain for a time, as Darinell this present bearer may show you, whom ye know to be faithful and secret, the which shall let me at this time to writ any longer letters, praying you in the mean while to do me so much pleasure, as to writ me news of you, for there is nothing in this world that I desire more to know. Thus much madame, after that I prayed most humbly the Lord to maintain and to keep you in his grace and favour, recommending me with good heart to yours, and to that of my Lady Timbria. your faithful and very affectionate servant the knight of the she shepherd.   

The Princess Helen of Apolonia making an answer to Dom Florisels letters, doth sand him word, that the amity that she doth bear him, cannot suffer her to keep her faith that she hath promised Dom Lucidor. In the .9. book the .58. Chapter.  
LOrd Dom Florizel, I have received the letter, that it hath pleased you to writ me by Darinell, the which hath certified me of a great part of the adventures that have chanced unto you, since ye departed out of this country, and therewith of the enterprise that ye have done in keeping the tour of Universe for a certain time, the which I desire to be shortly accomplished, that ye might shortly come hither, to give consolation unto my feeble spirit, the which hath been continually in wrapped (since your absence) in melancholy & heaviness. Alas how oftentimes have I been at a point to put myself in jeopardy to recover you? Certainly if I could have found any good mean to have come thither where ye were, be you assured I would not have showed myself slothful to have departed, nor the honour nor reverence that I own unto my father should have turned me, and the faith much less that I have promised to Dom Lucidor, the which by my consent shall never have any part in me, for the extreme love and affection that I bear you cannot suffer it. Consider therefore my dear friend the thing that I do in your favour, and be not unthankful to acknowledge it, as I do not mistrust you, considering the purpose that ye make me by your letters, and the thing that Darinell hath told me, praying you in the mean season, to keep secret the love that is between us two, and to be a faithful keeper of my honour, considering that fortune shall show herself to you and me hereafter more favourable, than she hath done in time past. And in this hope I shall pray the creator to give us grace to come to our affectionate desire, after that I have presented my most humble recommendations unto your good remembrance: of the which my cousin Timbria doth desire to be partaker. Your perfect lover Helen of Apolonia.   

The Prince Anaxartes by letters doth show fair Oriana the love that he doth bear her, and so doing he forgetteth not to praise himself. In the .9. book the .64. Chapter.  
RIght excellent princess, the divine Anaxartes, the son of Mars God of battles, doth give you such salutations as he desireth for himself. Madame the wound and dolour that I have received by the regard and sight of your excellent beauty, is so great and so vehement, that it hath not only subdued my natural force and strength, that my glorious mother Zahara Queen of Caucase hath given ●e, but also they have so féeblished my divine virtue (whereof I take part of my father's side) that I am constrained to draw unto you to have health & remedy for my wound: for even as they that be pricked & stinged with a Scorpion do use to take remedy of them, likewise seeing that ye have been the cause of the evil that I suffer, I search remedy of you, the which ye should not deny me, considering the place of my birth, and the power that the mighty Gods have given me, of the which the most part of them have been smitten with the darts of love, as I am at this present, and so that by no means I can resist it. And therefore madame, do not wonder, seeing me to be partaker of the divinity, that my heart is kindled with your love, for they which are entirely divines, may be as well taken as I This Infant (whom I pray you receive as his highness doth merit) may show you by mouth, the torment and annoyance that I am in. Thus I pray you not to deny me your comfort, the which I ask not but with an honest intention, the which is of one true and perpetual alliance of us two. And in this hope I will pray the Almighty to give you his grace, presenting my most humble recommendations to yours. He that cannot be long without your succour, the divine Anaxartes.   

Letters from prince Anaxartes to the Infant Oriana, continuing (notwithstanding her answer) the burning affection that he doth bear her, and advertising her of the danger into the which he may fall, if she refuse him. In the .9. book the .65. Chapter.  
RIght virtuous Princess, I perceiving the answer that ye have made to the Infant Artimire, by whom I sent you my letters, I know that ye found it nother good nor decent that I have appointed myself to come to you, for the reason mentioned in them, that is, because ye are under the power of your father and mother, unto whom ye will obey, and do nothing but their pleasure, the which thing I agree with you to be reasonable and honest to all persons, be they never so high and noble, but if ye knew what power this little God of love hath upon men (I will say also upon the divines) I am assured ye should not have found my humble request so strange, for your highness would have considered that he doth so blind men, that who so it pleaseth him to smite with his golden dart, he for the most part and most often, taketh from them all discretion, as we have infinite examples by the histories, the which at the present I will not recite (fearing to trouble you with ●oo long letters) but only pray you to believe that your excellent beauty hath brought me to such a stat●, that if it please you not shortly to show me some beningne favour, I ●eare me very sore that ye shall see me fall into the greatest misfortune that may chance to any knight, presenting in this behalf my right humble commendation to your good grace, of the which I desire to be participant, considering the mean, how that I may demand you of the King your father, seeing that ye will promise' me nothing until ye know● his william. The very same that is more yours than his own, the divine Anaxartes.   

Letters of the Infant Helen to the King of Apolonia her father, by the which she doth pray him to excuse her that she is married without his leave, seeing that the destination would so have it, and that the Prince that she hath taken, hath deserved much more. In the .9. book the .70. Chapter.  
Sir, your most humble daughter Helen doth pray you or ever ye read these letters at length, to consider what power love hath eupon men, otherwise ye would judge the fault that I have committed against your goodness, greater than it is● if ye measure the obligation of obedience that all children aught to have to fathers and mothers. Well sir, to the end that I disguise nor hide nothing from you. I think that ye do it for the best, to keep me far off from amorous affections, separating me from your court, and to set me in this solitary place with my Aunt and my cousin Tymbria of Boetia: but I ensure you that love hath so assailed me, representing to me in fans●e the beauty, good grace, valiantness, and magnanimity of Prince Florisel of Niquea, that fortune so favouring me that I have seen him, and known the singular virtues that are in him, and the unspeakable love that he heareth me, I have been enforced afterwards that I had promised him marriage by present words to follow him, and hereof is witness my cousin Tymbria, the which hath kept me company, fearing that ye would have given her some evil countenance, she presenteth her humble recommendations unto your good grace, & prayeth you, & I also (asmuch as I may possible,) to excuse her unto my Lord her father, assuring you, that she is not the cause of the thing that I have done, but contrariwise, resisted it with all her power, but ye know sir, that no wisdom, nor yet no humane force nor strength can resist the fatals destinies. Thorefore sir, ye aught to believe surely that it was the will of God, nor ye can not say that I have offended my honour, nor yet yours, taking an husband not agreeable unto my highness, for he whom I have chosen, doth merit one of a greater stock than I am, for the goodness that he doth possess, aswell of fortune, as of the spirit, yea a great deal more than the Prince Lucidor, unto whom I pray you to excuse me, and to consider that I never promised him any thing, so that he need not be greatly grieved with me, nor offended with the thing that I have done, in as much truly as this hath not been to disdain his alliance, for I acknowledge that he did me much honour, willing to take me for such a one, as I am now to Dom Florisel of Niquea, the which hath conducted me to Constantinople, accompanied with Prince Falanges of Astre, a Prince as wise and as valiant, as he is virtuous and of good grace, praying in this behalf the sovereign creator of all things, to give you health, good fortune, and long life. Your most humble daughter Helen of Apolinia.   

Prince Lucidor of Vengeances letter to the Infant Alastraxeree, giving her knowledge of the just occasion that he hath to revenge him of Dom Florisel, and praying her not to let him to do it. In the .9. book the .72. Chapter.  
MAdame, were it not that I think that ye have been misinformed of the great wrong that Prince Florisel of Niquea hath done me, I esteem that your divine excellence would not have been in battle against me, to have lifted the effect of the just execution of the vengeance that I ought to take upon him, as well in my own name, as upon the occasion of the injury that Amadis of Greece his father hath done to my sister Lucelle, the which is here with me. But to the end Madam, that ye may know what hath moved me to assail him in such order, as ye have seen, ye shall understand that he ravished and led away Helen the Infant of Apollonia, the which hath been promised me of long time, to be my wife, and for such I have accepted her and will have her. I pray you then to consider how much that thing should grieve me, and show not yourself to be so great an enemy of your own highness and good renown, as to let so just a vengeance, but rather to show favour and aid to him that followeth it, thus doing ye shall observe and keep the integrity of your justice. Thus Madame presenting my humble recommendations to your good grace, I shall pray the sovereign to give you the accomplishement of your desires. Your cousin and entire good friend Lucidor of Vengeances.   

Alastraxeree doth answer the letters of Prince Lucidor of Vengeances, and doth show him that she hath done her duty in helping Dom Florisel, and doth pray him to be at one with him. In the .9. book the .72. Chapter.  
EXcellent Prince Lucidor, the divine Alastraxaree the daughter of the mighty Mars, the God of battles, and of the triumphant Zahara Queen of the Mount Caucase, and of the mountains of the Orient, doth send you salutation and amity. You shall understand that I have received and read your letter, by the which ye complain greatly that I have holpen Dom Florisel of Niquea, by whom ye maintain that ye have been greatly and sore offended. For an answer thereof, I pray you to consider, how much I am bound (as all other Princes aught to be) to favour and minister justice to those that have good right: so it is, that I am no less bound also to acknowledge a good deed and service, for I am as much bound to Dom Florisel as any person may be to any other, & that for many causes, the which to make you understand at this present time, I have no leisure. And it seemeth to me, that ye should put me in no fault, nor be miscontent with the thing that I have done in his right: and if I had or this known & perceived your difference, yet my highness doth bind me to secure him in such necessity as I found him in, so that ye aught not to procure your vengeance and justice by inequality of force, as I have seen by experience, but to summon him & advertise him to repair the injury that ye maintain he hath done you, and if he refuse to content you, and to make you amends, than ye should proceed by good counsel and moderate deliberation. Think & esteem therefore, that I have not done but my duty to Dom Florisel, nor I will not leave of to satisfy you, and to maintain your right even against him, the thing being well known and examined. Yet in the mean space I pray you, that ye will enforce yourself to agree and accord your difference without shedding of blood i● it he possible, and not to follow the impotuositie and hastiness of your choler, that hath caused you to take and to have the surname of ungeances, not convenient truly for a Prince, for the gods would that we should leave unto them all vengeance, because we cannot keep a mean in the executing & punishing of those that have offended us. As touching me, I will take pain, and pray him for peace between you, assuring myself that he will not deny it me. And in this hope I will make an end at this time, wherein you and all my lords of your company shall find my recommendations to your good graces, beseeching the Gods to maintain you all in health. Wholly yours and ready to do you pleasure, the divine Alastraxeree.   

A letter from Dom Florizel of Niquea, to the Princess Arland, excusing him of this, that he cannot bear her the amity that he desireth, being in love in another place. In the .10. book the .4. Chapter.  
MAdame, the praises of the warlike victories, published in every place by the clear trumpet, seem to me of little valour, in comparison of him that doth deserve it, the which by wisdom is an overcomer of himself. For of the first, the great part is done to fortune, the which is common among us, our Lieutenants and soldiers, on the other, no man may have any right, but he alone, unto whom all the honour doth pertain. The deed already past between you and me, doth summon and invite you to this conquest of glory that hath no peer, considering the assaults, that your own will doth both day and night deliver you, the wh●ch you aught virtuously to sustain, and by your great wisdom to quiet: for ye know, that on my side and part, I may not obey the law of your true love, having lost my entire liberty, of the which there remaineth no part, that I may bestow in your service, I would, although I may not: I confess and knowledge the deite: but I have not wherewithal to satis●ie, because of a former obligation and band, that doth bind and engage both the body and soul: therefore ye must needs take my good will in payment, without complaining upon me, as touching the fault of love to you wards, in as much as my unableness doth excuse me, seeing I had placed it before in another stead: nor unfaithfulness, considering that my faith and promise was already set and arrested in another place, from whence I could not retire it. Considering therefore that love no less than other natural things, doth continually retain his property, the which is to exercise tyranny against his vassals, as he did against Queen Dido, and diverse great Ladies, the which did sacrifice to this cruel God, with their pure blood, and at last with their life. Take an example, and look upon me, to obey his force, as ye see that I could not resist him, and ye shall win above me (that doth live in continual war) this vantage, to remain in peace and quietness of spirit: the which I wish you, with the increase of glory, prosperity, with as good an heart, as I do present these most humble recommendations to your good Grace. The self same, which is wholly yours, even as he is his own, Florizel of Niquea, Prince of two empires.   

The Oration of Prince Lucidor, desiring aid of the King, and Princes Apolloniens, to revenge him of the Princes of Grece. In the .10. book the .5. Chapter.  
SIr, and you Princes, Barons, Captains, and Soldiers Apolloniens, if our sage ancestors, (which the worlds that are past did bear) had left us in the succession of so many good documents, the certain knowledge of the train and government of fortune, her inconstancy should not give me at this time occasion to blame her, nor her certainty a law to say this that I say: but forasmuch as she herself hath prescribed the authority to execute her own mind, the Princes of this world shall win much less to will to resist her might, than to obey and acquit themselves of the obligation that she often times doth lay and entangle them withal. Not sir, that I will under this colour deny in any point that I own unto your honour, nor likewise leave of to exact of you in justice that ye own unto mine, being disposed to make of two like things, one or other, in the case of the ravishment and rape of your daughter Helen, and my spouse. In whom no less force hath been done to you, than to me, the which thing induceth me presently to require that your will conform itself to mine, for our mutual satisfaction in the enterprise of this just vengeance. Not that I doubt (Lord Birmates) or have any mistrust in this case of your frank and noble courage: but fear only of the council that may be given you to the contrary, whether it be to turn you wholly, or at the lest to slack your diligence that is required in this business, by the occasion of the ancient amity that ye have continually with the Princes of Grece, a thing that should turn me to an inestimable loss, if it should be prolonged, seeing that the array and the furniture, whereunto ye see that I am set, the which to me should be unprofitable, if it be not strengthened and augmented by yours. And therefore sir, and ye Princes, Barons, Captains and soldiers Apolloniens aught not to marvel, that I so urgently do solicit you to this enterprise, and less to refuse my request being of such consequence for you, that thinking to reject it as mine, ye shall find it as much contrary to yourselves. Who is he that can say that this outrage hath not been done as much to you as to me? As touching my part, I am disposed to vengeance, in the which if I do not content my desire in the satisfaction of my honour, in as much as Fortune is not content, I will turn upon myself the rest of the force and strength, not as a subject to serve her any more in any new cruelty. For this cause Sir, and you other Lords Apolloniens, I pray you most humbly and very effectuously, that ye will in this behalf employ and show your force and strength, and the strength of your friends and allies to be joined unto mine, to appoint and prepare such a power and might against the Princes Constantine's, that if willingly they will not make amends for this wrong and injury, we may be sufficient to execute the thing upon them, and to enforce them to reason. Here I make end of my demand, not doing it after my first intention, whether it be as concerning the vengeance to give, or to take.   

The Prince Birmates sp●●king for ●hem all, doth answers bycidor, showing him that war aught not to have, a 〈…〉 beginning, and he counseleth him to send a letter to Dom Florizel, and to dissuade the combat between them two● In the .10. book. the .5. Chapter.  
MY Lord Lucidor, seeing that the good pleasure of the king my Lord and father, and the Lords assisting, do charge me with the answer that they intend shall be made you, I will briefly show you the thing, and what they think in this matter, remitting yet my will and resolution to yours. In the first place, I confess unto you, that we have a common interest with you in the issue of this c●use, the which in condition is nothing different or unlike to that, that was begun among the greeks and the troyans, for the rape of their fair Helen, of whom I am extremely displeased, that my daughter beareth the name and effect of the second. I will not deny any more the ancient amity that I have with the Princes of G●●●ce, if it be so that the balance of my judgement be not of such weight, that the respect of my honour, & of my daughters, doth not fall nor decay: the which jestéeme aught to be bought again with what price so ever it may be, as well of the goods, as of the person. Yet the affairs of such importance require their beginning to be diligently consulted and debated, for fear lest the end shoulde-evill succeed: referning such diligent regard, that their Princes and men may be discharged before God, and principally their subjects, in case that fortune turn contrary to their estimation. She hath somewhat a regard to things that are against my own taste: for leaving of all passions (as men should do in matters of counsel) I esteem that in this enterprise we ●ouche and say the total and whole sum of our estates and treasures in the hand of Fortune, without assurance to come to any other reparation pretended, than of our own right, the which as subject to the inconstancy and variableness of the variable and wavering Goddess hath oftentimes need of help. The Princes of Greece had good right against the city of Troy, the which, that notwithstanding, did sustain their siege and assault the space of ten year, and had sustained it peradventure unto the end, saving for the treason so craftily pretenced, and so valiantly executed. But let us leave a part the great effusion of blood that I see prepared: let us only consider what issue it shall have: for in very deed, the effect of arms is almost upon fortune, nor never ground in any suretis, therefore we must descend specially to the conservation of our honour. Touching the which (notwithstanding that it hath been offended by the taking away of Helen) it may be that greater reason shallbe showed us, for the satisfaction of our injury than we hope, after that the party shall have well perceived, and discussed the ground of our complaint. Upon the which men can give no lawful judgement, before they hear the deduction of both parties. Therefore let us take heed to proceed by ripe deliberation, fearing lest we repent us to much by leisure of our foolish precipitation and hastiness: for this cause we are thus minded my Lord Lucidor, that or ever ye proceed any further, ye should show your mind and intention by writing to Prince Florisel, summoning him for the reparation of the outrageous injury, for through his refuse, ye shall make our cause a great deal the better. Then without any difficulty ye may denounce mortal war with fire and blood, unto the accomplishment and fulfilling of the vengeance: and as concerning the combat of your person with his, I am not of that opinion, for as much as the deed of so general offence, should not be charged nor laid upon the shoulders of any one alone, the which losing, the rest of the pursuit, should as touching other remain without amenyment. Not that I will in this revoke in any doubt the valour of your person, ●ut because the favour of Mars is uncertain and common, in the which a man should not put his confidence of a thing of such importance, without he had his promiss by sign and seal authentic. This is it whereunto the Kings each one & this assistance doth tend, to tarry the answer that the Prince Florisel shall make unto the Ambassadors sent by you, for to take thereby the foundation of our final resolution. In the mean space not to require, nor yet to put our friends to pain (of whom we should desire succour in these affairs) until we may show them more than duty, unto whom we shallbe sent to search for peace, and to avoid the horrible fury of the war: the which thing shall furthermore encourage them to take armour and to fight for us, against a common enemy, for right, equity, peace, and quietness of the people, besides that the loss of so little time cannot be prejudicial unto you, in the expedition of such a consequence, the order and preparation whereof requireth a longer time, lest that we for our sudden enterprise incur to late repentance.   

Lucidor the vengeor writing to Prince Florisel of Niquea, doth pray him to declare the cause of the ravishment of his wife: finally (he setting his honour before his eyes) doth counsel him to restore her again, of in refusing thereof, he denounceth him mortal war. In the .10. book, the .5. Chapter.  
MY Lord Florisel, Lucidor the vengeor, the natural prince of France, and of Apollonie by alliance, doth pray God so to inspire you, that ye may know the fault that ye have committed against me, and to repair and amend it, as right and reason commandeth. The thing that hath moved me to writ this letter unto you, is, that I, your error being known, and the amends made, may remain with you in such peace and amity, as two Christian Princes, of such highness as we ●e, aught to employ our common forces and strength against the Infidels. I desire greatly to know, what excuse ye shall find for the great wrong that ye have done me, and to your self (as I may say) in violating my Kingly estate, and likewise the amity that ye own to the father of my spouse, praying you that ye will write it unto me by parcel means, to the end I may consider that it be sufficient to accomplish the satisfaction on your part in my behalf: for if I with your good will cannot have it, I must be constrained to take it with the edge of the sword, by the way of arms, between you and me only, unto the utterance of your life or mine. I marvel me much, that your virtue so well known here in so glorious acts, is so forgetful through a disorbinate appetite of unbridled youth, to declare itself so great an enemy of reason, specially of the peace inviolable, that your Fathers and predecessors have always entertained with the parents of my spouse, assuring you, that with great pain ye shall wash you of so great a spot, with all the water of the Sea, for your estate was bound to resist this vile act, nor doing the thing that ye would not that he, that is of your quality should do to you, of ●he which ye cannot discharge you neither to God nor man. By the means whereof, although I had good right to make war upon you, as a defiler of my wife, and of her own proper faith, so it is yet that having God before mine eyes, and the businesses of the Christian common weal in recommendation, I would have invited you, to have she woe and done me right of yourself, considering that the laws as touching themselves do kind Princes, that by this means men might avoid one so cruel war as I see, to be prepared, and no less than your predecessors had before Troy, the which God through his grace turn from us, by the means of your just satisfaction. And in case no, I protest to make you such war, that one of us shall remain in gage.   

Florisel of Niquea doth answer Lucidors' letter, excusing himself of the accusations laid against him, submitting him to the judgement of his parents, or otherwise he is appointed to defend him. In the .10. book, the .6. Chapter.  
LOrd Lucidor I marvel me of this proud surname that ye occupy, causing yourself to be named the Uengeor, knowing (or else ye should know) that such a title doth not pertain but to God only. And particularly to answer to the articles of your letter, the which that Cry of Armignac your ambassafor hath presented unto me, I say, that ye yourself are bound to satisfy for the presumptuous words ye have used against me and Helen my spouse. And as touching that ye say, how that the excuse is not sufficient that love hath led & conducted me to that fault, inferring that a person of estate, as you and I, should not commit so filthy deeds, I say, that the excellent beauty of my Lady Helen, joining thereunto the parentage and place whereout she is issued, have bound me to such noble thoughts, daily drawing me out of myself, continually giving heed to the honest love that I bore her under the pure law of Marriage, the which aught to discharge me, and to deface the fault that ye lay unto me, of the which I in no wise feel myself reprehensible, if that fault were not, that I made her parents, leading her away without their consent, a thing that greatly displeaseth me, for the love of them unto whom in this respect I was bound much. To this, where ye say that I deprive myself of the thing, that good renoun●e hath always granted me: I maintain, that I in nothing have violated nor yet diminished it: but tru●●, that the thing which I have done in this case, shall fall and come forth so the augmentation of my great glory. Also the Princes of Greece are accustomed and wont to keep the point of honour, and to revenge the outrages that men enterprise to do unto them. And now the Empire is ruled by those which are more stout of mind and more warlike, than ever it had, it is not ready to fall from the degree of his ancient reputation. And as touching you, if ye will understand reason, ye should depart from this quarrel, seeing that Helen is my wife, and that the deed is irrevocable: but for the reparation and satisfaction to you wards, my Lords and parents have concluded to give you another lady of great highness, beauty and richesse, such a one as by reason ye should content yourself withal, if not, let it suffice you to remit the deed to the discretion of your parents and mine, and of my wives, promising you to condescend to every reasonable and honest condition towards the Prince Birmates and the King of Apolonia. Otherwise I protest before God to defend my just cause as long as my soul shall breathe in my body, praying you lord Lucidor for amity sake, to have and to take a regard to the doubtful and uncertain end of battles, and to the great number of friends of Greece, besides the number of vassals, not comprehending the murders that this enorm title of Vengeance the which ye under the divine power do usurp, shall stir up against you.   

Lucidor of Vengeance letters, to Zahara Queen of Caucase, demanding of hirayde and succour against Florisel of Niquea. In the .10. book the .6. Chapter.  
MAdame, I being come not long since that Florisel of Niquea enterprised upon the alliance made against me and Princess Helen of Apolonia, he hath indecently and violently ravished her from me, I could bethink me then of no better recourse than of your excellence, & in that of your noble son and daughter to obtain help & succour to revenge the wrong and shame that he hath purchased me, the which if ye will not grant me, notwithstanding any amity that may be between you, or his, I pray you to have a more regard to the divinity, whereof ye are participant, that doth bind you to do justice in earth to those that do require it of you. Thus much Madame, the high gods maintain you daily in their communication, inspiring you with a will inclined to my just quarrel. The same which is always ready to serve your royal majesty Lucidor of Vengeance.   

Lu●idor de Vengeurs letter to Florisel of Niquea. In the .10. book, the .6. Chapter.  
LVcidor the Vengeur the natural Prince of France, of Secilo, & Apolonia by alliance, to thee Florisel of Niquea, misfortune for all salutation. I required thee not long since lovingly to restore me my wife & spouse Helen, whom both against God and reason, thou hast taken from me in her father's house, the which thing thou haste refused to do, against all divine and humane law, by the means whereof, I say that thou hast done an act of a brigant, a ruffian, a ravisher, and of a wicked adulterer. So I defy thee with fire and blood, thy friends, fautors, and allies, to bring thee with mine to such reason, that shortly thou shalt come to my mercy, to receive punishment after my contentation and pleasure.   

The answer of Florisel to Lucidor the Vengeurs letter. In the 10. book the .6. Chapter.  
LVcidor the Vengeur, Florisel of Niquea, Prince of two Empirs. etc. hath received thy presumptuous letter of defiance, where upon he doth answer thee, that never did thing that a gentleman a lover of his honour aught not to do, advertising thee again, that Helen of Apolonia is my wife and spouse, the which he shall defend against thee, and all either that for her will quarrel with him, with such a charge, that thou and thine shall curse the hour that ever ye girded sword against the Grecians, for the wound sake that shall bleed upon all thy posterity, and confederates, for by the unjust refuse of the conditions and offers, unto the which I submitted me, thou hast made of thy right, thy wrong. Whereby we have God on our side the which by his justice doth continually punish the proud, nor he shall not suffer thee to usurp the right of vengeance, that is namely reserved to his divinity.   

Florisel letter to the Sultan of Niquea, demanding help of him against Lucidor. In the .10. book the .6 Chapter.  
MY Lord, fortune hath willed and favoured me so well, to join me in marriage with Helen the Princess of Apolonia, and although the form & manner be somewhat light, through the force that I was compelled to use, and so bring her to Constantinople, so it is, that to purge the foreset that men might pretend, I afterwards made them so many lawful offers, that the right remaineth on my side, having offered the alliance of our house, to Lucidor the Prince of France, (with whom there was some seeing of her marriage,) in so much that the thing done already, cannot be undone. Yet for all that he hath not ceased too importunately to trouble me, until he sent to me, my parents, fautors, and allies, a letter of defiance of fire and blood, by sea and by land, pretending (as he doth writ) not only to take my wife fro me, but also my head, whereof I was minded to advertise your imperial majesty, trusting that you will not fail me in this matter. My Lord I beseech the creator to give your highness a good and a long life.   

Anaxartes writing to Princess Oriana, doth complain him of her rigour, doth pray her to draw him out of the exile, where unto she sent him. In the .10. book .6. Chapter.  
MAdame the self same doth present you health, from whom ye have taken it, desiring the fullness of the hours & fortunes of this world to her, that hath cast him into the fountain of all misfortunes, the which he esteemeth less, than the desperation of your good grace, wherein ye have plunged him through your last rigour, the which if he felt that there were any offence in him, that might give you any occasion to be rude and hard unto him, he would not only go about to ask you mercy and forgiveness, but he would revenge you upon himself, doing more than the Pelicane for her little ones: but if this be his affection to measure this cause by your extreme beauty, he hath nevertheless restrained it with the bridle of reason against nature. And it he in so little access and conversation that he hath had with you, did not once twinkle with his eye to the interest and hurt of your highness, much less he hath hazard his tongue to change the face of his weary heart. What reason can ye pretend thus to banish him from the fruition of your sight? for lieging that, he seemeth to live in darkness, but that the continual flame of his heart cleareth him, the which had been, burnt long since, & consumed to ashes if my ordinary tears had not been, wherewith I mortified it. May it please you then for all satisfaction, that not I, but love hath merited for me, to call me, again from this exile, or at leastwise to make me understand even by your own hand the conception of your spirit and mind, that which mine cannot comprehend, if ye desire not the short● death of him, whose only thought of your excellency, doth sustain him in a sorrowful life.   

The Oration of the Prince Dom Florisel of Niquea, to the Kings, Princes, Captains, and soldiers of his army, setting before their eyes, the victories obtained by their predecessors against many nations: and that they should use modestly the victory if it be given them, and to consider that they have to do with a victorious nation. In the .10. book the 18. Chapter.  
RIght mighty Emperors, Kings, Princes, valiant captains and soldiers, if the time that is passed had not left us the memory of the noble and virtuous acts of our predecessors, and also of many that are yet alive and present in this battle, I would have esteemed it reasonable enough that I (seeing it hath pleased you to choose me the head of this army notwithstanding I am unworthy in price and comparison of divers that are among you) should have made you an Oration, to excite your hearts to magnanimity and valiantness: but your virtue known already among the Trojans, romans, and Carthagiens, the which have oftentimes proved the strength of your arms, doth excuse me of this pain, & turneth my prayer to God, beseeching him through his grace, to maintain audacity and boldness in those, from whom as yet it never departed. Our victory, if it so please him, is without doubt, the which coming, I pray you my Lords and friends to stand and persist in your ranges, moderating the heat of your execution, so that the rape and pray (y which afterwards cannot scape us) set no man out of his array, whereby we may lose that is certain, and revolt and turn fortune. Furthermore I advise you not to dispraise nor to contemn your enemies, but to esteem them as much as ye think yourselves to be worth, for of a troth the French men with whom ye shall have to do this day, are a nation of the best warriors of all the world, the which have always discomfited those that would assail and invade them, praying you furthermore to do better than I can say, & to consider that this victory upon those that overcome all other people, doth prepare you an inestimable triumph of glory, defacing or dusking at once the most noble of our ancestors & elders.   

Prince Anaxaries Oration to the Pagans, assuring them of the victory, as well for their good right, as for the presence of the Infants of the Gods. In the .10. book the .18. Chapter.  
LOrds (quoth he) Captains, and Soldiers, we see oftentimes that the Gods do so show their might in the deed of battles, that oftentimes the great number of people are broken by the less. But how much should your courages be assured of all such hazard and danger, knowing for a surety that the right is on your side. Also they have sent you hither their son and their daughter to execute their victory, of the which no man should make any doubt, seeing the multitude of our alies● and knowing the valiantness of the conductore of the army. Now I will hold my peace, being well assured that ye are more prompt and ready to the effect of the deed, than to harken to any such words.   

The Oration of Lucidor to the Christians. In the .10. book the .18. Chapter.  
MY Lords I will not use great nor many words with you, to increase the boldness that is naturally in you, and greatly experimented among all your enemies, I will only reduce unto your memory, that ye must set your assurance in the divine majesty, the which doth certainly know to harden your sinews, and to double your breath to execute his justice by our hands, upon the unjust usurpers of other men's. Yet that notwithstanding, good right hath need of aid, therefore consider all thing to maintain the order of war, that shall be appointed you by your captains and the Sergeants of your ●ands, being certain that this one point might deprive and take from us the victory which we hold as it were even now between our hands. Consider also besides the common right of this enterprise: the obligation that every man hath to assist his natural prince, to aid him, to maintain the honour that they have of long time obtained, joining thereto your own so greatly celebrated and honoured, the which by the loss of this journey, should be abolished and brought to nothing. Furthermore advise you, that we hazard ourselves much less in this battle than our enemies do, for if it were so (that God forbidden) that by them we should be broken, the loss could not be so great of our part, fight in this champion country, for why, our wives, infants, parents, and friends shall remain entire and whole without lieging of one foot of land, but if our enemies chance to be overthrown, (as I trust) all we shall be enriched occupying their lands and Lordships, with a glorious satisfaction of our injury.   

The king of Scitbes, and Dom Florizel of Portugal do defy by a letter Amadis of Greece and Florizel of Niquea upon the quarrel of Lucidor. In the .10. book the .18. Chapter.  
BEing come into this camp to favour justice, against the wrong that by you hath been done to the royal blood of France, specially by Florizel, the usurper of the true bed of prince Lucidor, we being for this cause in the battle that is paste, it seemeth to us a thing enorm, that so many good men are slain, and other ready to follow them, and all for the cause of a woman. This considered, we judge it reasonable, that ye two, which are the spring and the beginning of the deed, should also bear the whole deed and effect of the enterprise. Therefore Dom Fryse of Portugal & I have appointed to fight with you two, with eighteen knights of ours against as many of yours: trusting that God will give us vengeance upon you, with the fruit of all your glory, redounding with like mean unto ours. And that with this condition, that they which win, may drive and cast out of the camp all that be overcomed, and those that be under their charge as long as the war endureth. Offering you of our part such surety of the camp, as we shall desire of you, parting the sun by equal advantage, as well to the challengers as to the defendants: the judges of our side are the prince Anaxartes, and the princess Alastraxeree: and they of your part shall be such as ye shall name within the thirteen of the date of these present letters, of the which we make an end, as we trust to make of the whole war.   

Amadis of Greece, and Florizel answer to the kin● of Soites letter. In the .10. book the .20. Chapter.  
THe sovereign God hath in such wise reserved the oversight of all things by him created, that fortune hath no other power, but as much as it pleaseth him to suffer, he is the only stay of his holy faith, the which he will sustain, against all the invasions of infidels, and false Christians, taking their alliance, not suffering his laud to be transported to whom it pertaineth not. And to answer to your letter, Amadis of Greece, and Florizel of Niquea do accept the combat, with eighteen, gentlemen, the which they have chosen against your eighteen, with such surety of the camp, departing of the sun, wind, or dust, and other conditions as ye have capitulated and rehearsed. In the which we do name for our judges the high and excellent prince's king Amadis of France, and the Emperors Esplandian and Lisuard of Greece. Whereupon we make an end, remitting the end of our combat to the disposition of God.   

A letter of defiance from the princess Alastraxeree, to prince palanges of Astre. In the .10. book the .22. Chapter.  
THe human justice doth condemn in a great amends the vassal committing felony against his liege Lord: but they that run or fall into the crime of the divine majesty defiled, are cruelly both they and all their posterity punished. This I say for thee Phalanges, which art ataint of these two enorm vices: for thou canst not deny but that thou hast not presented me thy services with faith and homage: and against all right and duty, thou dost rebel, and even now dost take arms against me and mine. To what end doth it tend that thou didst publish the ceremony and adoration of my Image, making to me divine and godly honour, if thou labour and go about to destroy and to bring me to ruin in open war? This proud boldness doth constrain me to denounce unto thee by this letter mortal combat of my own person to thine, to make and 'cause thee to knowledge him, whom thou haste not well known: for the day, I assign thee the same, upon the which our knights shall fight against yours, that the memory of thy temerariousnesse and pride may be celebrated and showed in the Theatre of so many good men. I do assure the camp of my side, ask no sureties for thine, the sun shall part itself instely, if the brightness of my shining harness do not dazzle thy sight.   

Phalanges, answer to the defiance of the princess Alastraxeree. In the .10. book, the .22. Chapter.  
MAdame, I have received the letter of defiance sent unto me of your part, the which I will not (because I may not) accept in no manner of wise: for the offence that ye pretend to me in your first anger provoked by the flatterers that are about you, I trust in your discretion when ye have received me in my justification to deface it. I am come (say they) to Constantinople to help the Prince Florizel against them, ye have done them the honour, that they have not deserved, to camp yourself for their defence, in the which thing ye are not ignorant of such cases that doe● often times chance among Kings allied together, taking of contrary arms one against another, for some former obligation or band, such a one as mine is against the Prince Constantine. Do these lordans think to range themselves against you in the mortal conflict of him that doth die for you a thousand times every day: believe or trust they so to couple or set the faithful servant against his right honourable Mistress? for this cause most dear Lady I beseech you for the honour that ye have showed me, to receive me for your Knight, and that ye listen no more unto them, and to content you with my ordinary death, without seeking any other for me, the which taketh no respite in his langure, but by the contemplation of your divine portraiture: praying you to entreat him more humaynely hereafter, the which (will ye or not) can never be but yours.   

A letter to defiance from Macartes king of Their, to king Amadis of France. In the .10. book the .24. Chapter.  
MAcartes king of Their, to Amadis king of England greeting. Fortune long since contrary to my ancestors in the favour of yours, and the Macedoniens, turning now his wheel to my mind and pleasure, hath now commanded me to come and to take vengeance of the blood of my Syriens that are past by the edge and cutting of your sword, following the occasion of the new injury and wrong by you against the Prince Francis Lucido● committed, unto whom I adjoin myself for the restitution of the second Helen, in hope of a like issue that ye had against the Trojans for the first. Therefore I understanding that you king Amadis are chief of the rout of those that make this war, your name sounding thorough out all Asia, hath provoked me to come to this army, to prove if the effect of your virtue doth answer to his incredible renown: entering in fiercely against you in a closed ●ampe, the victory whereof should be unto me a short way to the sovereign price of arms, if I might overcome the overcomer of all other.   

The answer of king Amadis of France, to the letter of Marca●tes king of Thir. In the .10. book, the .24. Chapter.  
KIng of Their, if ye attributed to the sovereign God the glory that ye hold of fortune, and of the strength of your arms, I would have you in greater estimation: but I do know that this abuse doth proceed more of the false belief of your Gods, than of any other imperfection of the brain or judgement. But to come to the point. I accept the combat that ye present unto me with the specified conditions, choosing the seventeenth day after this, ensuring you the camp on my part. And for my judges I demand the Princess Alastraxeree, and the Prince Phalanges of Astre, they remaining to your choice, whom ye shall elect and choose for yourself.   

A letter from Queen Cleofila of Lemnos, to the Princes of Greece. In the .10. book, the .25. Chapter.  
CLeofila Queen of the isle of Lemnos salute and peace to the Princes of Greece. My Lords, although I am issued and do come of the noble blood of Troy, and of the kindred of valiant king Gedeon, yet I come not to you at this time to renew the ancient quarrel of your Helen of Greece. but hearing the news in my realm of the marvelous assembly made in this Empire, by the occasion of the rape of the second Helen, and of the great number of Princes and gentle knights that come thither aswell of your enemies side as of yours, I accompanied only with Damsels am departed from my kingdom to see this noble assemble, to remain as neuter of all your differences and strives. And being arrived to this port, I have sent you this ambassade to advertise you of the cause of my coming, the which is to judge the valiantness and the high acts that shallbe showed aswell on the one side as on the other, and that, to bestow my lands and Lordships with the gage of the beauty, wherewith the Gods have willed to endue me, upon such a knight, whom I shall see accomplished with estate, virtue, and perfection of his person. Wherefore if it please you to give me a safe conduit for me and my company of women, I will set my foot upon the earth, and come and visit you at Constantinople, to see this goodly ●ourney that shallbe solemnized at the marriage of Helen of Polonia.   

The oration of Queen Cleofila to King Amadis of France. In the .10. book, the .28. Chapter.  
MY Lord, I have heard say of wise men, that the Gods have set in the motions of heaven, and in his lights a certain force above all creatures, and that the things fatal cannot fail to fall there, where they be destinate, so that it is not in the power of men to resist it: but yet there be chances of great violence, the which may be overcome by magnanimity, such as ye have ended ●o the great admiration of all that live. Also it seemeth to me that a Lady of estate doth merit no less glory to sustain the assaults of love, and if she abtayne, yea more than other, she is more cruelly afflicted by the irrevocable sacrifice of her faith, desiring rather to die, than to bespot it or defile it. I say this, to declare unto you the inconvenience that I am fallen in by the influence of love, the which I think is inevitable, against the effect whereof, I am purposed to resist, for the conservation of my honour. For why my Lord, I pray you believe me, that since the day that I saw your Majesty come before me, accompanied with the Princes of your own blood, there was no man of all the company that pleased me so much, and I so printed my affection, that it is impossible to deface it and I hold it very dangerous to tarry long in your presence, considering your faithfulness so greatly approved, and the reason of my estate & sex, the which by all means do bind me to depart, & having made a dough never to marry but to him whom I should ●inde the paragon of all men (such as I judge you to be) nor to associate any other unworthy of the gifts and graces that nature and fortune hath most largely given me: and finding you appointed to another Lady, I remain tormented with an incurable sickness, the which doth receive some lightning and rest, discovering my heart to you. This done, I have purposed to departed from this country to return into my own realm, considering that from henceforth there is nothing more to be seen worthy of memory, and that the greatest strokes of the combats of the valiant men of both parties are fallen and given. Thus not being able to accomplish my desire as touching you, I pray you not to take it in evil part, but to lay the fault to love, of whom ye know the power and might, the which is such upon me, that my will shall never be changed nor set upon any other but by your consent, to the which I wholly submit myself, my honour saved.   

The answer of Amadis of France, to Queen Cleofila. In the 10. book, the .28. Chapter.  
MAdame, I humbly thank you for the good affection that it pleaseth you to show me, and I praise God that giving you such affection, ye draw to him that doth accept it, with such discretion and judgement as is convenient for your honesty, promising with good heart to answer it, until I have quited me to you wards, of so good a knight as I think myself to be, to the intent that your faith be no longer charged.   

The Oration of Dom Florizel of Niquea, to Lucidor● In the 10. book, the .30. Chapter.  
LVcidor, I have already by letters caused you sufficiently to understand, how little right y● have in this quarrel, offering you upon conditions more than liberal, to the which I was not bound, in respect of the tranquillity of our people, the which I neither came now to augmentable to diminish, but only to understand, whether the journeys or battles passed already, (in the which●ye have known your disadvantage) have not reduced you to reason. This is the sum of this that hath led me and brought me.   

The answer of Lucidor, to Dom Florizel of Niquea. In the 10. book the .30. Chapter.  
FLorisell if I had had so feeble a courage as ye lay unto me, I would first have parleyed and spoken of the matter, and not have accepted the battle: our continuance and preparation doth 'cause you oftentimes to do the contrary. As ●●ncerning the adversity of Fortune, that as ye allege unto us, in certain combats we have proved, and ye know ●ull well, that at times ye have felt part yourself. And if it were so, yet the hazard thereof through his ordinary variety, would now 'cause me to trust to be better, as now it hath done, joining unto us the new aid and secure that God hath sent us by the valiant king of Thir. Therefore think not to convert and turn me at all by such words, but be you certain, that through the confidence that I have in him, and in the justice of my cause, I will tarry for such an end, as he shall give us in the battle, leaving you the assurance that ye hold in Fortune, the which before this hath been favourable unto you, lifting you up to the highest part of his wheel, to abase you down the more lower.   

Phalanges Oration to his companions and Soldiers, showing them that the prognostication of birds are not to be feared, seeing that they must fight against men, and not against birds, furthermore, that their enemies do march and go in companies greatly extended & enlarged, the which is an easy thing to be broken. In the .10. book. the .31. Chapter.  
Lords, Princes, and Soldiers, the Gods in times past have given you and me great victories, by the which we in many Countries have made both the sea and the earth to tremble and quake. I doubt not at all ●o do here as much or more with the flower of the chivalry of the world, the which to assure us, and to honour us, have given us charge of the battle, willing to sustain the vanguard, and the rearward for our surety: yet I do think, that many among you, would rather desire the first rank, whereunto ye may chance to come all after the recounter and meeting is, and I have felt and perceive that some of you not well instructed, are afeard of the signs of Doves and Crows, that this day have foughten in your sight. Well, I will well it be so, and that it is an evil presage and sign. But yet I say unto you, that the Gods have sent us such signs celestial, to give us a mark of a great victory, having threatened our courages, to crown us with higher glories, because ye had not in you the magnanimity and boldness to resist such doubtful temptations, the which they would show vafor to prove us. The true assurance of arms should not be taken of birds, with whom as with our enemies we will not fight, but in the strength of the soldiers arms, and in the good art and knowledge of war of the Captains, in the which I will well assure you, and advertise you, as touching the business that I see prepared for us this day, that their square companies (as ye may see) go very large, and far extended one from the other, to represent unto us a very great multitude, and we contrariwise must and aught to go the on● nigh unto the other, as we be. The which thing they do feign purposely, to put them out of fear of the number of their enemies. This done, I hope that our good order (the which is the principal point of war) shall soon break them, being thus open, and it may be, through uncarefulnesse & negligence chancing unto them, through the hope that their Magicians have given them by this frivolous and vain flight. But ye see already at your eye their misorder, the which is your certain advantage if ye can take it. This is (my companions) the thing that I would have said unto you, recommending to you my honour and yours.   

Amadis of France with a warlike Oration doth comfort his Knights and his Soldiers, the which had been discomfited, and doth teach them a certain subtlety to deceive the enemy. In the .10. book, the .32. Chapter.  
Lords, Knights, and Soldiers, I will here rehearse or lay unto you the deed of another, to compare it unto ours: that is, that having respect unto the strong and cruel battle of Pharsalia in the which julius Caesar after diverse victories that he had against him, overcame Pompeius, how think you that it had been possible for Pompeius' children to gather so few men as they had left, but that fear & cowardness never occupied their courage? the which afterwards set him in that estate, to conquer the Empire, if he could have followed his fortune. And be it so, that now I see nothing in you but dolour and displeasure, because of those that be dead, yet I shall never think, such a fault and feebleness of heart to be in you, that any one of you should not desire to revenge himself upon his enemy, and to cell his skin dearly. Well, it is convenient for us a little to dissemble our heaviness, and take patience perforce, and not to discourage the other. ye may believe me, that the greatest part of the annoyance doth rest in my brain: but I enclose it, to open and manifestly to open it doubled perforce, when time and season shall give me occasion. Therefore I command you all to go and to rest yourselves a while, that as soon as the fair Diana or Moon shall arise, setting you in train and order to go and to invade our enemies, every man taking a white shirt upon his harness, for every one of us to know each other: assuring you that the joy which they had through our loss may 'cause them to be negligent, by the means whereof, we may give them so straight a hand, that they shall think thereof. And this shall be a demonstration that our little company hath not a faint heart against so great an host, seeing that our execution of vengeance hath no care for the travel and pain received. As touching me, my friends, although I have been hurt like as other, I feel not these wounds so much, as that, the which I have in my heart of despite and evil will, believing as much of other, and that divers of you which are not deadly wounded, shall not leave to come to this camisado, the which I would should be two hours after midnight, and as secretly as may be, for fear of waking of our enemies, but to rock them so well, that they shall sleep for ever. The which thing I esteem to be easy, considering the great cheer that ye made yester even, and the small watch that they shall make, trusting in your misfortune.   

A complaint of Amadis of Greece, being in the desert of Lions, lamenting his Lucell whom he had forsaken to take Niquea. In the .10. book the .37. Chapter.  
O Force that dost force me against my own will to break the faith and fidelity that I should rather keep, but yet thou hast made me, in changing of myself to change it. Truly my pain is greatly redoubted for the good thing that doth me so much evil. O gentle Lucell what is this to say, that when your beauty was wont to torment my heart through a mortal desire, I enticed of good hope did bear it patiently: but now that I have it no more, alas I suffer an evil not to be borne. Alas, hope was wont to maintain my life in thy absence, what doth now sustain it? it must needs be, that there be some hope against hope to deliver me a more grievous punishment for my unfaithfulness, the which doth banish me from the presence of her, whose inestimable virtue did promise me some pity: but I myself am contrary to myself, so that I cannot have repentance to require your pardon for my falsed faith, when I remember my dear Nequea, of whom I have received so great glory and contentation. O death, now make an end of my life, to finish my travel, and thou life entertain me no more to 'cause my lanlonger to endure. O ye waves of the Sea, why have ye not swallowed me now of late into your deep bottoms, to exempt and to take me from this so horrible torment? O fountain (beholding that of his cavern) thou art fortunate making thy ordinary course, and my eyes unfortunate distilling continually by unnatural constraint. Thy fresh liquor doth take from me the heat that is come from the common sun, but the fire that Lucell (my very sun) doth cause, no water can quench, but one pitiful tear by her sprinkled upon me. Niquea, Niquea, thou dost own me the pardon of this offence, whereof thou hast forgotten the obligation of my ●irst loves. Lucelle Lucelle, rejoice yourself now, that the time is come, that ye shall have vengeance of your unfaithful knight of the burning sword, with satisfaction of the fault that his son might have done against your brother.   

Anaxartes doth pitifully show princess Oriana, that the fire of love which hath inflamed him through her beauty will reduce him to ashes, if she take no pity. In the .10. book. the 41. Chapter.  
I Beseech you madame to excuse my boldness that I take to discover unto you the martyrdom that I suffer for your excellence, and so much the more it grieveth me that I keep it close and covert: for what soever reverence I bear to your highness, the strength of love is so vehement, that my reason can no longer resist and to 'cause you to perceive it well, it is such, that I for the extremity of the violence thereof cannot tell it, but that I through it do feel in me as it were in a little world (after the saying of ancient wise men) all the divers passions of the elements: Alas my poor eyes do well show and declare the running waters of the sea in my continual tears, and my deep sighs do fly as the winds in the air: and are moved by the heat of fire hidden in my heart, the which without your pity, shall turn all my body into dry earth and ashes.   

A sweet and an honest answer of princess Oriana, to Anaxartes. In the .10. book the .41. Chapter.  
MY Lord, the place that ye hold, suchas we know, doth give you a law to speak privily unto me: but of the affection the which ye would declare unto me, ye shall pardon me, if I be purposed to believe the thing that I may judge by effect more than by words, the which may easily be disguised: notwithstanding I shall judge that princess fortunate, unto whom God shall give a knight that aboundeth with great virtue, whom I esteem and honour in you, after his merit.   

The Queen Sidonia doth declare to Phalanges of Astre, the cause of the law that she hath established, and she requireth him to marry her. In the .10. book, the .44. Chapter.  
IF the excellent Ladies of Rome and Greece, have in times pas●e offered themselves in sacrifice to conserve and keep their virginity, and to obtain by such death immortal glory, there is no less reason in the law, as by me in this Isle constituted and established, for the conservation of my daughter's chastity and mine, preserving them from divers abuses that men threaten them withal, to draw them to their unclean affections by efficace promises and persuasions, by the means whereof the fire of love by semblable and like nature, doth embrace the hearts of them. Therefore I have only reserved liberty to maidens to choose their husbands, and to knights to choose them wives, and I have submitted myself to the Law, and to use it after my desire and for the wealth of my realm, the which is in my power to give to whom it shall please me as husband and wife. The which thing I do to you knight (taking Phalanges by the hand) requiring you through amity and love, to marry me, and I make you lord of my person, and of all my country, because of the grace, force, valour, and beauty that I know in you, the which I esteem no less than those that they have reported to me of the excellent prince Phalanges of Astre. Wherefore choose you now either to pass by the satisfaction that I offer you, or by rigour of my laws, in the punishment of the refuse. For I cannot annul my ordinances, that I have made, but the husband of whom I shall be provided, shall have power to abolish them.   

Phalanges doth refuse the marriage pre●ented, for the love of Alastraxeree, of whom he is amorous and in love. In the .10. book the .44. Chapter.  
MAdame, I do understand very well the sum of your constitutions, tending to the conservation of mortal honour: but of my part I am constrained to keep inviolably the divine thoughts in me infuded by the celestial princess Alastraxeree the daughter of the God Mars, and of the Queen Zahara but if they will force me to the contrary, I had rather die in the faith of my goddess, and more than that, by so ●aire hands as yours be. Therefore madame I put my life into your hands: for the soul and the will remain to her, unto whom it is dedicated long ago. For the rest, I thank the Gods, and you for the honour that ye have offered me, that which I cannot accept.   

Amadis of Greece speaking to Lucell, doth accuse and excuse him together of the fault that he as touching him hath committed, praying her to forget it. In the .10. book the .54. Chap.  
MAdame, I certainly do know, that besides the fervent desire that the beauty, such as yours is, doth cause in every person well borne, there is yet a more like nature among certain, that doth draw to one mutual affection, the which wise men do call Sympathy, and yet engendereth a certain entirely, fervent, and inviolable amity, of the which our first love between you and me doth give us witness, although it may seem unto you that my long absence hath somewhat cooled it, since that I have been allied by the force of certain secret destinies to another. But ye see that this conjunction is not durable, and that your fortune doth call mine back to his first influence, the which should 'cause you to esteem that my desire hath slept only, as the fire covered under the cinders, the which by & by doth revive more strong and more vehement than ever it was. And think not Madame that there is in the world any more than one way to such an extremity of wills, nor that ye can have any other than me, I being upon the earth, we are as it were two lutes set in one tune, so that the one giving found, the strings of the other not touched (the which is set over against it) do move, and causeth straw, if it be laid upon it, to move. Madam if these reasons take no place in your understanding, at lest wise consider you the stock, whose young ones do nourish their dame, as their turn doth fall, so you recognizing the pleasures and services that have first advanced you, if not, this rigorous penance shall make an end of my miserable days.   

Lucidors' Oration to the Lords and Ladies being at Constantinople, rehearsing unto them divers and perilous adventures and denouncing the coming of divers Princes, whereof the company marveled very sore, and rejoiced. In the .10. book and .57. Chapter.  
MY Lords, the sovereign god and maker of this world, doth 'cause us to play heavy and bloody tragedies when it pleaseth him, and afterwards comedies and joyful interludes when his godly will doth bear and suffer it. Whereunto we must apply our obedient and subject wills, doing and of necessity, following virtue without kicking against the spur, complaining in himself of his fatal ordinances, he doth send us great adversities to 'cause us to know his greatness and our weakness, and afterwards rain and fair we at her in witness of his goodness, the which will not destroy us after his might and our demerit. I will not put you in remembrance of the miseries that are past, but I will show you such news, whereof I believe that none of you shall not complain that I took the gantelet, for in such things God hath used me for a mean, as of a Scorpion (that maketh the wound) and draweth afterwards a remedy: first I will come to you Madame Niquea, declaring unto you, that your Amadis of Greece being enchanted in the pray of the Princess Arlaride, because of her brother whom he had slain for the love of you, was not only unbewitched by my sister Lucelle, but advertised of the danger whereby he saved himself, yea after that she gave him such decasion, that ●●e●●at once he restored unto my sister the pleasure that she had showed him, and converted the mortal hatred of Arlande into true and hearty amity, delivering them out of the hands of a Duke a pagan, the which brought them to Vengeance for his cousin the King Breon. O what manner of eyes of ●ortune, afterwards we coming to succour these ladies, we happened upon him and knew him not, where we had such a do, that ye may judge his virtue. In the mean while, the false Duke had scaped him, if he had not leapt into the ship, the which did carry him among all his enemies, where he had been lost, if God had not given us so good an hour to departed, & had not drawn him out of ●o certain danger and peril. The fortune of time carried us to the Isle of Rhodes, where that by strange encounters and meetings this valiant Prince had such a conflict against the valiant Florisel his son, that they both lay in the place for dead, the brave Queen Zahara, in the favour of the father sustained the matter against the Princess Alastraxeree, and the Emperor of Rome against the strong Anaxaries, and I against the hardy Prince Phalanges. But by the inconvenient chance of the father and the son, the Queen was known, and made an end of all our combats: declaring unto us (after that the solemn tears were shed upon the two Princes that lay stark and stiff) how that by force of the enchantment, they came together another time, of whom came the two I●ells Anaxartes and Alastraxeree: whereof they had had no knowledge nor remembrance, if at the second time they had not found themselves together in the self same place, that did put them first in remembrance of the end of the charm. And thus as we were in this discomfort, we were all enchanted and bewitched, until the coming of the Queen Argenes, of the sage Alquif, Vrgande, and M. Elizabeth the which set us again in our estate, joining thereunto the advertisement of the wise Mirabelle, by whom all the secrets of the Castle were discovered, the father and the son healed of their wounds, and the gentle bastards cheered of the father the which was so long unknown. Thus came all these Lords and Ladies into our company, also the Princess Oriana that was met withal upon the sea, and by a strange adventure delivered. They honoured me for this present ambassade. There resteth now, that I must return unto them, to deliver them into your hands to verify my word withal.   

Phalanges doth require of the Lords and Ladies being in Constantinople, that Alastraxeree whom he hath loved long may be given him in marriage. In the tenth book the. 57● Chapter.  
RIght high & mighty Lords, the boldness of my thoughts, the which heretofore have been given to a presumptuous divinity, doth not abase her wings, knowing it to be turned into humane lineage exalted by heroic & noble virtue above mortal fragility. Also I faint not to attempt her as before, by the means of the aid that I newly find in your majesties by the reknowledging of her kindred, unto whom I have long since vowed my heart, my honour and my goods. The which (if ye judge that I never deserved nothing of you, and if ye esteem not to much unworthy to have her) is the gentle Princess Alastraxeree, whom I require to my true and loyal spouse: first summoning in this case the Prince Florisel, to quite him towards me for the duty of mutual love, giving me like comfort and succour, as he hath received of me (as he well knoweth) in his affairs.   

A letter of credence of the Princess Arlande. In the .10. book the .58. Chapter.  
ARlande of Thrace, disherited of her lands, because she made him heritor of her heart, that had the property of her liberty so greatly alienated, that she can accept no part in his, to Florisel of Niquea, Prince of France, England, Apolonia, and Rhodes, salutation. Fortune hath in such wise conspired against me, that she hath given me no other ink to writ withal but blood, nor no other messenger but a child, nor hath sent me no succour, but against the son of my mortal enemy, for my brother's sake, and yet more than this mortal enemy, because I cannot be my own friend. Look upon me ye ladies that do complain you of the light turns of her customable inconstancy, and take an example to hope in desperation. She hath not left me as much as my surname, the which I have borrowed, because I would not too much astonish you in the first sight of the superscription of my letter missive, or in the salutation, the which she may ill send, that hath of long time her heart captive and afflicted as ye well know, and not long since the body in prison. I have no great leisure with my hand to sand my complaints, when that with my mouth I cannot 'cause them to be understranded. Praying you for the rest on my part to believe this Damsel as reason would on your behalf.   

●lorar●am doth count to Florizel of Niquea, and to the other nobles being at Constantinople, the cause of his coming, and the imprisonment of the princess of Thrace. In the .10. book, the .58. Chapter.  
MY Lord, the case is this: In the time that my Lady had left you in the Isle of Rhodes, and was at her returning in my masters the king's Court: she found there the Duke Madasanill, the tyrant of the next Islands, a fierce Giant, great and marvelous mighty, accompanied with four hundred of his cousins like unto himself, all they being issued of the lineage of Furius Cornelius, calling themselves the revengers of his blood: This Duke required of the king a wife, under the conditions of the vengeance that be undertook upon Prince Amadis of G●e●e, for whom I was nourished and instructed, if the obligation that came afterwards had not defaced this cruel enmity, by the means of the succour that the Prince gave him in his extreme business, whom I loved and honoured, and yet knew him not, and was desirous with all my heart to serve him. But the king perceiving the new reconciliation of my Lady with him that had slain his brother, he delivered her quickly into the Duke's hands, commanding him to marry her. He was even then ready with the Duchess Arhide, whom he retained to come to your marriage. Then hearing she should be sent to such other, she answered the king: believe not my Lord, that the trespass and fault that I have done to my highness, in that I could not resist the strength of the love of the son, now I make it to the father, assuring you, that I will never have other husband than the son, nor no greater enemy than him, that shall purchase evil to the father, unto whom I have sworn and given my faith of peace and concord. The king was so irrited and chafed with her answer, that even upon the field he did disherit her: and caused an oath to be given to Madasanill the Prince of Thrace, setting my Lady in his power, to lodge her incontinently in the fortress of the lake of four pavements, the which as men do esteem, is one of the strongest places of the world. So he gave him the charge of her, and of the four Pavementes, to the Giants his cousins, commanding them to keep her in prison a whole year, if she applied not her will unto him. The which if she did not within the term appointed, he would that her head should be smitten off, for the appointment that she had made of his brother. The fierce villain failed not to fulfil this ordinance most diligently, leading my Lady weeping and sobbing to the Castle, where he enclosed her alone with her cousin Arlinda, delivering the keys of the prison to a great and a vile jailer, reserving the coming into the self same Castle to himself, his cousins being established in the four Pavements, the which cause all those to swear that come thither, to be at the vengeance of the death of Furio, if not, that he will thrust them into deep and cruel prisons. At night they shut in the Gates of their Pavements, and by Caves made under the ground they return to the Castle, being distant from the Laake two shots of a crossbow, of the which the Duke himself doth open and spar the Gates. Well, I followed them● into the Castle, where they suffered me ●o walk at my case: but I enforced through sorrow to see her in such estate, not knowing how to remedy it. One day she putting out her head at a little lattice window, saw me beneath, and said unto me, Florarlan, prepare thyself by some means that thou mayst speak unto me: Incontinent I went up, leaving the Duke beneath with his men, and I prayed Bocarell the jailer to show me so much favour, as to let me speak a little to my Lady the Princess: the which answered me, that if I spoke any more unto him, he would cast me from the height of the wall. Oribaulde (quoth I to him) if I were weaponed as thou art, I should bridle thy snout well enough. Then casting my sight on every side, I saw a sword hanging, the which I took suddenly, and the villain came to me having a Part●ane in his hand, wherewith he smote once at me, the which leaping aside I avoided, and so that he pierced me not, but only my velvet Casd●k● in two parts, or else he had smitten me through the body. Then I gave him such a garter in the ham, and so right upon the joint, that by and by he fell down in the place, and cast out his arms to take me, but I laid the sword so between him and me, that it perste him unto the hilts thorough the middle of his belly. Then through pain he stretched him, and I that they which were beneath should not perceive it, took a hatchet wherewith I cut his gorge, as it had been a great Ox. So I took the keys, and went to open the gate of the prison, where I found my Lady trembling for the fear that she had of the strife and debate that she heard between Bocarel & me; the which embraced me, & kissed men hundred times, saying: Alas Florarlan, what shall become of thy life, if the Duke understand thy deed? My minion God prserue thee and keep thee to much more greater things. Madame (quoth I) the thing that is done, cannot be undone: but I see the remedy, that is, to go to the Duke, and to tell him that ye have sent me word by Bocarell, to pray him to send me to the king, ●o require him of a certain thing, and that afterwards ye will apply unto his william. Thus I shall get out and escape. Again she ●ooke me about the ne●ke, smiling for my invention. Then I said unto her, that there was no tarrying there, & that I, (she beholding the thing) being out of that place, should have business for her deliverance. You must (she said) go to Constantinople, and bear me a letter to Prince Florizel of Niquea, but we have not here wherewithal to make it. It shall not let (said I) for that, for I will go and take a reed in Bocarels chamber, and mingle it with the blood of this ruffian, with the which ye may writ this present letter. Incontinent I kissed her hands, she blessing me, and commending me to God. I shut the door, & tied the keys again to the jailers girdle, because men should not perceive that I had spoken with her. I went to the Duke, the which did grant me my demand very willingly, and caused the gate to be opened unto me, & a horse to be delivered me, upon whom I have done my business hitherto, keeping no way until I was far from Thrace. And I have bestowed one link of my chain for my expenses, and this habit, the which I have taken and made conformable and meet for the estate of my Lady. This is it my Lord, that I was charged withal to show you.   

Arlande doth show her father the king of Thrace, how that the Princes of Grece have forgiu●n her, and delivered her of the death, that she had of a long time purchased for them, and for this cause she prayeth him to receive them to his amity. In the .10. book, the .62 Chapter.  
MY Lord, I have for a time employed all my power to purchase the vengeance of my brother Balerte, upon those that slew him, as every man might have perceived: afterwards my enemies met with me in such peril, that without their succour I had lost mine honour or my life. Who then should have so inhuman a heart to procure his death, ●y whom he hath and holdeth his life? seeing also that the accident and chance of my brother doth not charge him with any treason, or unfaithfulness, and is not to be imputed but to the ordinary hazard & chance of war: I being for this cause delivered by you against my will to Madasanill, under the condition of vengeance upon the Princes of Grece, unto whom I was in d●t for my deliverance, at leastwise they are quited concerning me, for the recompense of good for evil, they have holpen me in the captivity that I was in, and in such sort as ye do see, notwithstanding the treason of the Duke, as this noble blood is always in God's protection. Therefore I beseech you my Lord, to consider my deed with reason, pacifying your courage for my sake, and making agreement with those, whose alliance receiveth no comparison of that of Furio Cornelio. As touching me, I do offer myself unto you, to dispose me after your own will, as Isaac did to his father Abraham. And of them I ensure you ye shall not be hindered nor let in any point of your royal liberty. You see here the great king Amadis of France, see Florisel of Niquea, whose father saved my life upon the sea, there is the Prince Phalanges of Astre, and the valiant Alastraxeree, the which although they have you in their hands, desire but your amity.   

The Queen Sidonia doth write to Morasiel, the which will give her daughter (of whom he had left her great) in marriage, to him that will bring her his head, to be revenged by his death of the wrong that he ha●h done her, deceiving her under the colour of marriage. In the 10. book, the .65. Chapter.  
SIdonia Queen of the isle of Guinday, founder of glorious laws to her own shame, to thee feigned Moraisel she sendeth this salutation: to deprive thee the better, I having presented to thee mine own person and royal lordship, following the rigorousness of my ordinances, thou haste fraudulently accepted it, notwithstanding thy incapacity, keeping the one part of the edict and law, and violating the other. And having thus unjustly usurped the honour of my royal bed, haste left me in long heaviness for thy absence, without at any time afterwards advertising me of the abuse that thou haste brewed me, but of the new bed that thou hast practised, what excuse can ye forge or invent: but to have willed to by again the life of the gentle Prince Phalanges of Astre? Ah ah, amity did bind thee to lay thine own life for his, and not thy honour and mine: whereof I call the Gods to avenge me of thy perjury in our marriage: and I will purchase it among men, by the fruit that is issued of the daughter of whom thou didst leave me girded and great: the which for the vantage of beauty that she hath above all the fairest of the world, I have named her Diana, to the likeness of the Plane? that in heaven doth de●ace all other. The which I nourish for the price and hire of thy head, promising her with my realm in marriage, to him that shall bring me that present. And for this, I have caused the towers of Phoebus and Diana to be builded. Wherein she shallbe enclosed not to be seen of any living man, until the coming of my avenger her husband, the which shall shine in thy place, and she shall fail in mine, after the company that my soul shall go to do to thine. For the assurance of those conditions I have signed this letter with my name, and sent it sealed with her blood in thy presence, as innocent, as thine is evil and without fault.   

The Oration of Dom Florisel of Niquea to the assistance in Constantinople, where he excuseth him of the thing that Sidonia doth accuse him of, and giveth assurance to all those, that (upon this quarrel) be willing to combat and fight. In the .10. book, the .65. Chapter.  
IF, most nob●e Lords, man aught not by the law of true amity, spare body nor goods in any business of his friend, what may he then reserve at the point of the extremity of his own life? into the which the Prince Phalang●s was run, by the rigorous laws of the isle of Guinday, if I had not suddenly succoured and holpen him: although to the prejudice of the faith that I first own unto God, and after to my dear Lady Helen, of whom I hope for no less pardon, than of the divine majesty in like offence. The Queen that accuseth me is endued with so great grace and perfection, that she alone may enforce all human hearts to her will and pleasure, and if she complain of the too solemn band of feigned marriages, the mishap that is chanced must be imputed to herself, through the constraint of her own ordinances and laws. For all that I do for satisfaction of her honour (wherewith they will charge me) I consent that this present portraiture be t●ed to a cord the which shallbe set up in the court of this palace, and the chances of these poor maidens in another, that the fact may be the better published, and that the knights through ignorance fail not her at the enterprise of this quarrel: for the which even now I swear and promise such assurance, as is convenient in such a defiance, to all those that are now in this city, and will enter in camp for her against me, that if the vengeance be due unto her, it be not delayed on my part.   

Certain complaints extract out of the Eleventh book, the first Chapter, in the which men may see Queen Sidonia complain her inconstantly enough of love.  
O True dissembling of him, the which under the image and name of an other did gather the first flower of my youth: what joy shalt thou bring me, giving me the means to quench and to mortify the fire of his love by the vengeance that I purchase upon him for the outrageous ravishment of my honour. For I have concluded and appointed to give thee with my realm to whosoever shall present the head of the Father to the Daughter, the which thing I beseech the immortal Gods to consent and grant for the just punishment of this false Prince a Graecian, and in witness of my chastity by him fraudulently defiled, my will being nothing bespotted nor violated, O dear Moraisel into what excess of torment haste thou cast me, to enforce my will so affectionated towards thee, to swear and to prepare for thee an immortal vengeance, as to sacrifice thy head to my vigorous honour, and afterwards to offer up my life to thy shadow? who ever saw such a confusion of love and hatred, or two such extremities to extinguish the mean and the way of honesty?   

another complaint of Queen Sidonia. In the .11. book, the 1. Chapter.  
O Gods, why have ye not fulfilled me with the like fortune to that of this lady in joyfulness of so excellent a Lord: if ye will not show me so much grace and favour, what reason had he to 'cause me to feel and taste the sweetness of his perfections, and afterwards to leave me a famished martyrdom of the sweetness of voluptuousness? O● love, I would gladly complain me of thee, that hath so unfaithfully entreated me, if thou didst not bear thine excuse by the privilege of thy natural reason, and therefore I should do wrong to found me in reason against him that useth none: I am in peace and in mortal war: I fear, I hope, I burn being as cold as ice, I fly to heaven, being wholly in the earth, and yet nothing is done in deed, I embrace all, I am in prison that doth nother open nor shut, they do lace and unlace me with one lace. Love doth bind me together and unbindeth me, giving me his grace, and afterwards taking it fro me, a good and an evil hour in my chase do follow me: I see my wealth, and to my hurt I do run, I am equally both life and death: yea I purchase both life and death, and I would perish, and I demand succour: in this state I am for Florisel.   

Florarlam prayeth Arlande to declare unto him what she knoweth of his parents. In the .11. book, the .5. Chapter.  
MAdame, I am enforced then to confess you a heart breaking that doth torment me of the thing that I have (as I consider) received of your grace, to have been hitherto so well entreated: the obligation whereof doth charge me with a deed that can not well be borne: in asmuch as I know not yet who I am, nor who was my father nor my mother: if I knew they were of base condition, I would so much the more acknowledge that the liberal nourishment that ye gave me was of your only favour without my deserving, or any of mine: And in case they were other, I would prepare me to pray them for the satisfaction that I am endued unto you, for the great goodness and honour that ye show me. Therefore madame I pray you to alighten me of my great sorrow that I bear and suffer, and to certify me of all that ye know.   

Arlande doth write subtly to Dom Florisel, the which doth send him his son to make him knight: finally she prayeth God to reward him for his deceitfulness. In the .11. book, the .5. Chapter.  
MY Lord I send you a jewel, whereof in time paste I rob you, and yet took nothing of yours, that was subject to the common law of the city, and yet ye have satisfied me with the greatest goodness ye may wish for in this world, I trust that the confession that ye make shall discharge me of this fault, seeing that the restitution doth follow. As long as he was in my possession, I kept him very carefully for my part that I had in him, now reason would that ye should take care for yours: whereof I am constrained to advertise you, because ye should no longer pretend any cause of ignorance. This bearer Florarlan the fair damsel willing to obtain laud, ensuing the trace of her ancestors, desireth to be made Knight at the hands of the Emperor your father. I pray you to do so much for yourself, for her, and for me, as to present her. In the mean while I affectuously recommend me to your good grace, without having of any hope, praying God (my Lord) to tender you the reward of your deceits, in like measure as ye have measured to other.   

Florisel doth write to Queen Sidonia, that although she pursued his death by the bringer of the letter, yet he for her love saved his life, and is minded to do so to all other, letting yet all that he may, that Diana drink not of the cup that she hath promised him. In the eleventh book, the .14. Chapter.  
MAdame, I send you the salute, that ye have purchased to take fro me by this bearer, to the which I have given it for the favour of your service, as my will is to do to all those that shall reclaim or speak against you, what danger so ever my life be in. The which I shall save to my power, to 'cause other to think upon a better dowry for Diana, and upon a more honest cup to drink in at her marriage than in her Father's goblet. Therefore I will sustain this war that ye deliver me, until I have won & made peace with you, and till she have found a more kind husband than he, with whom ye would 'cause her to couple and to join her hand defiled in my blood, the which is her own.   

A letter from Abra most diligently recomforting Amadis of Greece, upon the death of his wife Niquea. In the .11. book, the .24. Chapter.  
MY Lord, if ye should not suffer extreme choler and heaviness for the decease of your good companion the Empress Niquea, ye should be defiled with too great inhumanity and ingratitude, seeing the heaviness that strangers themselves do make, the which ye should have felt more nearer than all other. So sweet and so faithful a conjunction cannot be departed without a great and a natural heart breaking: but after that the first motion hath given his alarm, the spirit must come to himself again, and take his breath, considering that tears be but lost upon a thing irrecuperable, & the torment vain in a case that is without remedy. Do ye desire her yet in this world? ye are envious and do hate her wealth, do ye sorrow her ill? she is in a life immortal, much more fortunate than is yours: do ye wish to follow her to the place that she is gone unto? ye shall offend God to labour to depart from hence before ye have finished all that he hath appointed you to end in this world. You have the renown of magnanimity among all knights, but if ye suffer to be thus overthrown of yourself, ye shall lose at once all the victories that ye have won upon other: so if ye show yourself strong and virtuous to resist this grievous passion, ye shall join the height and fullness to the triumph of all your clear and noble acts. This act of lamenting is an unworthy act for a man, and much more for a Prince, that should be an ensample of light. As for the rest ye know that she was borne mortal, and that we shall not tarry long after her to set the country at liberty. Advise you then by wisdom to dry up your tears, for unto the ignorant the time doth issue at length, conforming yourself in all things to Gods william. Abra the Empress of Constantinople, and Princess of the Oriental regions.   

Arlande doth complain her of the dolors that love doth 'cause her to endure and suffer: afterwards she praiseth the beauties of Cleofila. In the .11. book, the .89. Chapter.  
AH, ah love, wherein have I offended thee, to entreat me thus cruelly? art not thou of a strange nature to torment and martyr those so extremely that hide thee and enclose thee in the closet of their breasts? and if they left thee forth to give thee air, wilt thou reward them within with refuse, and pulling them far from the wealth that they approached unto? love, if this be to assay the constancy of thy subjects, is not mine sufficiently proved by the length of time? if this be to 'cause the sugar of thy sweet drink Ambrosia, to saver better by the sourness of thy first juices, this thing is so great that it may dull the taste of the palate s● greatly, that it shall have no virtue nor power to feel the sweetness of thy celestial meat. I say not that the appetite doth not awake and quicken through falling and abstinence, but yet a man may suffer so great famine and hunger, that the bowels may shrink, and so the appetite is lost. O love I knowlodge my crime, in that I have been bold to use such amorous language and words to so chaste a Lady: I aught to have been contented with her good cheer, with her amiable devices, with her sweet looks: and to be short with hi● fair, simple and her gentle receiving, looking at her discretion for the gift of her gracious grant. Ah ah false tongue, that dost afflict and punish all the rest of the body by thy forfast, vomiting out at all adventures the thing that had been better unspoken than spoken: now I would gladly tear him, and tear him with my teeth, if I trusted not that hereafter with an honourable amends thou mayest yet unto her amend thy fault, and tender unto this weary body some pleasure in reward of the ill that thou dost 'cause it now to suffer. O God, what an evil is it to be deprived of all the goodness that I received of her riant and laughing eye, of her Golden mouth, of her hand taking mine: for there shall never be Lady better spoken, better mannered as I believe, nor hath been, nor never shall be. Doth Diana advance her of her beauty? Cleofila doth not own her very much, she maketh much ado of her whiteness defacing the snow, the brownnesse of my Queen is well mingled with ruddiness, the which is not so very smooth nor wanton: the fashion of her body is slender, and so round, as it were made after a towry, her disposition so jolly, that it seemeth (O love) that thou art tied to all the ends of her members, and that thou dost dance and play at all her ie●tes and movings: for she hath a perfect grace, and a certain good comeliness in all thing that she saith or doth (she hath no name) the which doth daily half enrich her beauty, wheresoever she doth meet with her, and where there is any fault, she doth ●●uer it with her divine clearness, and so, that I believe Venus your mother is no other thing than her grace, or if it be so, her only companion. And who would not perish by the sight of such a Basilisk? and whose eyes would not vasell at the brightness and clearness of such a Sun?   

Dom Rogel doth pray Leonida to hold and to take him for her knight. In the .12 book the .1. Chapter.  
IF ye knew the greatness of your beauty, as well as it is imprinted within my heart, I am certain Madame, that ye would easily excuse the boldness that I take upon me, to declare unto you the dolours which I feel daily to increase in me● by the sweet violence of your divine perfections. And for as much as ye are the only fountain of my wealth, I pray you not to do me so much harm, as to frustrate me of the consolation that I receive now, declaring my misery unto you. Yet if I in this thing commit any offence, it shall please you to consider that the fear the which I have of your chaste honesty, cannot resist my desire, nor the fire wherewith I burn, will not suffer me to disguise and hide my anguishes any longer from you. But if your highness will wholly deny me the convenient remedy of my sickness, at leastwise ye shall not forbidden me at all, or let me to open the evil that I suffer for your beauty, for if ye may know it, I have the contentation of this glory without looking for any other help. I then only require for this day, that I may name me your knight, and that under so great an hour and good fortune, I may find myself assured against all dangers, praying and beseeching you Madame, not to refuse me this gift, considering that having set all my power in you, there remaineth in me no force, but that the which it shall please your good Grace to give me.   

The answer of Princess Leonida to Prince Rogel. In the 12. book the .1. Chapter.  
MY Lord, content yourself with the favour that the hardiness of your thoughts hath granted you upon me, and know, that I a Damsel as I am, I have no less need of my chastity for the conservation of my honour than you (as ye say) of my good grace, to come to the head of your enterprise. Therefore to prove us both at adventure, whereunto wise men shall now conduct us, my presence shall suffice you if ye should, as ye do say, receive so great good fortune: for as touching myself, I will content me with yours, and with the arms of my chastity.   

A pitiful complaint of Diana, for the absence of Agesilan her Lover. In the .12. book. the .6. Chapter.  
AGesilan, ye should content you with the name of Daraide, and with the amity that one Damsel doth bear to another, without the increasing thus of my amorous passions, by the changing of your name, that I in your absence should suffer the fear of a hundred dangers, in the which peradventure ye are not. But what say I? For if ye loved me with the like love that I love you, ye should endure and suffer for me the self same travel, that I now suffer for you. Alas my dear friend, I think that love would that I should pay by the annoyance that I receive by your absence, the dolour that ye should now suffer for being so far from me. O that it pleased GOD, I might hold my heart in my hand, to the intent I might as well contemplate with the eyes of my heart my Agesilan, the which is there so lively printed, as I have him both night and day represented before the eyes of my thought. Alas love, wherefore is it thy will, that my sufferance far passeth his that loves me, constraining me to keep that secret, the which thou dost suffer him to open? For why, giving me a like advantage, I am sure that the publication of my dolours, might prepare me some quietness in stead of hiding them, I feel that daily their fierceness doth grow within my courage, after the fashion and manner of fire straightly kept within the furnace continually doubling his force & strength. O fountains of my tears, succour and help my life in this danger of the burning flames, in the which ye see that my heart doth consume and burn: and ye heavy sighs, faithful witnesses of my heavinesses, give me a little air to my embrused breast, that I die not, and that dying I 'cause not him to die likewise, for whom only I enforce me to live. Alas Daraide, ye have brought me out of this trumpery, by the which ye should have enjoyed my love, without opening of your thoughts to me, to torment mine the more with this cruel flame, the which being discovered, could give you no less allegiance, than it giveth me now discomfort, assaying me to hold and to keep my will and mind covert. Alas Agesilan, how should you hold and think your pains well recompensed, if I were suffered or ever I die, to 'cause you to know, that the fear of lieging my life could not win so much upon me, that I would write unto you the extreme passion that I suffer for your love. Comfort yourself my Lord and friend, by the consolation that I receive hearing you named only, although I keep this joy secret● to myself. Alas Duchess Lardenia, why have ye discovered that Daraide commanded you to keep secret? O that the reverence and the respect that she had to my honesty, had greatly overpassed your obeisance, seeing that with these cruel martyrdoms, she durst not discover to me the thing, that ye without any pain that moved you, were bold to open unto me. O how much should I hate the pleasure wherewith ye have made Agesilan so greatly in your debt, and me to travel so greatly through dolour and pain? O how much Daraide are ye bound to her, & I very little to you? O the grievous heaviness, for why I will hold my peace, but so doing, I pay for my silence that I own unto my dolour, seeing that I endure it without hope of any other reward, and I will endure and suffer it in time to come, with the reason that I have to endure it, and yet searching all means and ways, by the which I may come to the rest, that other lovers desire, and of their Lovers do look for.   

The complaint of Daraide, wishing for death, because he durst not be known to his Lady. In the .12. book. the .7. Chapter.  
ALas, I see now, that my death only shall 'cause my Lady to know me, seeing that I dare not discover and open who I am, fearing to lose utterly the favours that I have received of her. Alas my Lady Lardenia, if ye cannot secure me by some remedy, at leastwise ye shall secure me by the pity that I pray you to take of my misfortune. If ye can give me no hope, give me some consolation, that I in this travel in the which ye see me, do not utterly despair. O that my destinies are miserable, for why the thing that I seek for my comfort, that is the sight of my Lady, which doth increase my martyrdom more and more. Alas my dear Lardenia, what good counsel can ye give me, seeing that my dolour doth not suffer it? What consolation, seeing that the mean from whence I should receive it (that is the presence of my Lady) causeth me to double my annoyance and trouble? What remedy, seeing there is no hope? what life, seeing that I am in a continual death? Alas my Lady Duchess, I know that ye cannot give me the thing that I demand of you, nor I ask it not of you for any other intention, but to take the pity on me, that doth wholly lack in my Lady. O how often do I desire death, & how often in the self same hour do I fear it, to the end that I lose not the occasion evermore of continued in my mortal anguishes and pains. O how much more fortunate should I be, if I wholly had lost my understanding and yet I will not lose it, fearing to lose with it, the remembrance of the reason which proceedeth from my sense and perseverance, for the great pride of my thoughts. Alas, it shall be best to hold my peace, that I do myself no wrong, seeing that I know not, and knowing that I may not speak through the strange dolours, for the which the desire to die, and the will to live, do torment me.   

An amorous complaint of Daraide to the Princess Diana. In the .12. book, the .8. Chapter.  
O Madame, by what means may I at any time recognize the great favour, that hath pleased you now to show me? O happy words of the heart, seeing they are so great a cause of so great quiet and rest to the great wounds of the soul. O celestial hands, the which by your divine beauty may make and 'cause two springs of tears to flow out of my eyes to remedy the cruel flames, wherewith I feel me to be burned. Alas, by what mean shall I reward you ●or the good succour that ye presently give me to my mortal heaviness? And I pray you madame, seeing that words do fail me in this dolour, nor that I can not tell the thing I do endure, that it would please you to supply this fault, and to comprehend through this divine spirit, that the Gods have infuded and put in you the evil that I suffer thus cruelly, and that this little which I declare unto you, may be equal in his extremity, in the perfections, wherewith the Heavens have made you noble above all the Princes of the world. Alas madame, it seemeth to me that I do injury and wrong to myself, to live so long● having so just an occasion to die, I feel that my life doth even now complain itself and lament within me, because that my words would show you the dolours and pains that I suffer for your love, although they can no other ways be discovered, but by my death. Alas I die, and I see well that I die, and yet I cannot 'cause the nighest end of my life to be known. I am wholly brought to Ashes, and yet the fire doth not cease to martyr me. Alas Madame, pardon me, if I know not what purpose or communication I hold or have with you. For it is not to be marveled at, if I know not what I aught to do, when I know not what I aught to say. Seeing then that I lack the greatest good thing that I could have in this world, which is to 'cause you to know my evil and pain, I beseech you to consider it by my silence, and the little power that I have to declare it: or of yourself to bestow the sovereign graces that the Gods have given you, to think upon the default of my purposes, for why, by this means I am fast and sure that ye shall know the thing that I s●●fer, although I can not express it.   

The complaint of Daraida. In the .12. book the .9. Chapter.  
ALas fair Diana, how greatly doth the clearness of thy beams negligently spread in this meadow increase my anguishes and heavy thoughts? For by thy light as clear as Silver, thou renewest my memory of her, that doth shine with much greater beauty upon my heart, than thou dost now upon the earth, the which with less care than thou, doth burn by day through her sight, & by night by her remembrance, her continual clearness upon me. O Madame Diana, the too cruel Gods have willed that ye in the night should rejoice you in the portraiture of your Daraide, whom you have in your company, and that Daraida separated from you, had only the mean to contemplate her that doth shine throughout all the world with the same name that ye have, but not with such a beauty.   

The complaint of Daraide. In the .12. Book the .9. Chapter.  
Sing it i● my Lady Diana, that the Gods have given to your highness a beauty sufficient to embrace all creatures that may comprehend it never so little, how can you accuse the flames with the which I burn through your means, seeing that they discover themselves in the presence of her, that of herself did kindle them? Alas Madame, behold how your knight is well nigh brought to Ashes, and how all the tears that roll from his two eyes, (yea rather from his two Rivers,) all along his heavy face, could not suffice to temper the fires of your unjust and obstinate cruelness. O me miserable, what shall I do more, than to make you know my evil, I undo myself, and those, that do make me slack to tell you, and so much the more I slack the hope of my remedy. O love, I pray thee from henceforth to give some rest to my dolours and pains, either by a more fortunate life, or by a nigh and a short death. Alas I die, and ye Madame which is the occasion, have no pity of him, that pineth away in a desperate martyrdom and torment for your love. Consider that if for a time ye should forget your great and sovereign perf●ctions, ye would soon remember the greatness of my merits, and of that, wherein the extremity of my passion doth bind you to me wards. Alas Madame, how much the better should ye know my torments, my martyrdom, my dolours, my sighs, my traveles, and the burning flames of my love, if ye would regard them, having no respect to that divine beauty, the which doth let, that no man can be worthy to have you, if it be not one of the high and sovereign Gods immortal. But alas, my extreme evil fortune willeth that I after the fashion of a Peacock, should deface the fair wheel, conceived by the hope of my thought, beholding the sylthinesse or foulness of the feet, which is the lest and fewest merits that I know in myself. Thus madame, the knowledge of your highness, doth let you to est●●me my smallness.   

The letter of Filisell of Montespin to Marfira, praying her to take pity of the torment that he suffered for her love, and to give him a mean to speak with her. In the .12. book, the 13. Chapter.  
DOm Filisell of Montespin, doth sand to the fair and gracious la●●e Marfira, health and good fortune, the which he himself hath lost, by the violence of her divine beauty. I know not (madame) whereof I should most complain me, either of the pain that I suffer for your love, or of the thing, that I may not 'cause you to know to be such as I féle it: for by this mean, my pain is so greatly tormented, willing to express it by my words, as I am myself tormented, that I have not the power to express it. But, O I well fortunate, seeing that the power which I had to suffer my evil, hath continually supplied the fault that was in me, to 'cause you to understand it. Nevertheless madame, I believe, that ye may easily know the extremity of the pain that I can not express unto you, if at lest wise ye would have a respect unto the great beauty and good graces, wherewith ye far overpass all other ladies of our time, and of whom I should be unworthy, if my courage dedicated to your perpetual service, & the force of my dolour & pain had not given me some manner of occasion to merit them, and the boldness to discover unto you my passions, to pray you to heal them with the remedy that ye may know to be necessary for such an evil. This madame, shall be a thing very well sitting and convenient for your accustomed graciousness, that as ye are the occasion of my infirmity, so likewise to be in time to come the occasion of my health. And therefore Madame I pray you to take some compassion of the evil that ye 'cause me to suffer unjustly, and to assign me a place where I may have a mean to open unto you with my mouth, and to testify unto you by my tears, the thing that I suffer in your service. For why, after your answer, I may afterwards continued my life in a new joy, or to finish it with my ancient & old dolours, that by my miserable death I may leave unto you and to all the world a sure testimony of your inhuman cruelty, and of my mortal anguishes. I therefore pray you madame, that after I have a thousand times kissed and rekissed your fair hands, to give me the remedy that entirely doth depend upon your pity, if ye love not rather cruelly to 'cause me to die. He that hath no desire to live, but to deserve your good grace.   

A letter from Filisell to Marfira, by the which he complaineth him of the rigour that she useth in his behalf. And he prayeth her to have pity upon him. In the 2. book the .14. Chapter.  
TO the cruel and rigorous Marfira, the unfortunate and miserable Filisell sendeth thee salutation from the which he himself is abandoned & put of through your ingratitude. Alas Madame, with how much glory and pleasure have ye exalted me to the most highest degree of my contentation? verily I thought that your highness would never abased yourself so low, to show me so great favour, as ye have showed me, if it had not been for the great love wherewith ye loved me. But what have I done now against you, to be thus rigorously entreated? what offence might I have done against my Lady Marfira, seeing that I never thought to offend her? what good right might you have had Madame, to do me now ●o great wrong? See I pray you, see the outrages that ye do me in place of favours, of the which ye are endued so me for the good will that I bear you. Alas: why do ye recompense my extreme love, with so extreme battered? behold Madame, that as long as I received your favour, I was bound to live in perpetual languour because I was so hold to take upon me to win the good grace of your sovereign beauty, the which then I deserved not. But since that it hath pleased you to show me your favour, and by that means have caused me to have a virtue in me, the which doth make me worthy of an higher and a more glorious enterprise than a man may say: ye should believe Madame, that now ye are bound to entertain me in this pleasant glory, that you yourself have caused and made me to merit. I pray you then to give unto my evil, the remedy that ye do own it, and that ye so oftentimes have promised, or to deliver me out of this trumpery and deceit, in the which I see myself through the annoyance that I suffer, whereof I cannot comprehend nor think any other occasion, but that it pleaseth you by so great and so rigorous an hatred to keep we from stable and faithful love, the which I will bear you as long as I live. Thus I shall continued and remain in this mortal war until it please you to send me peace, who tarrying and looking for it, doth kiss and rekisse a thousand times your fair and white hands.   

Marfira doth write again to Dom Filisel of Montespin, that he should not complain of her, seeing that she taketh all the pain that she can to keep her promiss with him: afterwards sh● feigneth, not to understand the trumpery, that he wrote unto her of in the foresaid letter. In the .12. book, the 14. Chapter.  
DOm Filisell, ye have no occasion to complain of me, as ye complain, for if ye loved me, ye cannot deny, but that I love you in like manner. And if I have tarried a certain days to do the thing that ye would well I should have done, it was not for lack of good will (as ye say) in your letter, but for lack of time and opportunity, the which doth abound in you, and doth fail and lack in me. Also ye sand me word to deliver you of the trumpery where in ye are through the annoyance that ye suffer for my love, I answer you, that it holdeth not of me that I do it not, but in the default and lack of power: and I assure you, that if ye could do it yourself, it should be one of the greatest pleasures that might chance unto me, and would God it were his pleasure that ye might so do, for by this mean ye should deliver me of the pain and travel that I am in, to give you the remedy that ye ask and demand. Yet seeing that I have promised you, I will fulfil my promiss if it be possible for me, and sooner peradueuture than ye do think.   

A letter from Filisel to Marfira excusing him of the trumpery, whereof he wrote unto her. In the twelfth book, the .14. Chapter.  
DOm Filisel of Montespin doth send to the fair and gracious Marfira salute, the which the confusion where your letter hath set it, doth deny him. If I have decayved myself in the letter that I have sent you, ye are not less deceived in yours, in the which ye believe that praying you to deliver me of the trumpery, I would have spoken of that, wherein there could be none, as in deed there is none: that is to say, of the stable and faithful love that I bear you, as touching the which, I in your behalf could not be deceived, as ye were never in mine, considering that we love one another, our love hath been well bestowed on the one part and on the other. I only demanded of you, in asmuch as I could not think on the occasion why ye had so long a while put me so far from you, that it would please you to deliver me from the trumpery in respect and consideration of the love that ye bore me, or to say better that ye should bear me. For it seemed to me, if ye had loved me so much, as I loved you, ye would not have deferred the healing of my sickness so long as ye have done. Alas Madame, how far are ye deceived, if ye think that I at any time have the power to repent, or to go far from the great love that I have borne you, and shall bear you as long as the spirit shall breathe within my body: for truly there is nothing in the world that was more impossible for me. Think not at all Madame, loving you as I do love you, that euer● I could fall into any repentance of your love, considering the glory and pleasure that I find in loving of you. I pray you then to give me life through your favour to my great joy, or shortly to sand me death through your disfavour to make an end of my annoyance, and of the dolour in the which I shall continually remain until ye give me rest, and the tranquillity that your letter doth promise' me: and looking for so great and good and hour, I kiss a thousand times your fair and delicate hands.   

A letter from Filisell of Montespin to Marfira complaining of the long term and time that she hath set him to have the joyful pastime, whereof he had already tasted, and he prayeth her to allege it. In the twelve book the .14. Chapter.  
DOm Filisell of Montespin doth send to the fair and gracious Marfira health, the which he hath los●e by the most grievous sickness that he as yet hath proved. Alas Madam if ever I loved you with good affection, now I die wholly for your love, and if ever I had any hope to reio●ce of your divine beauties, now I am at the last in desperation, because the long time that I must tarry without having any more the joy of the goodness and pleasure, whereof through your good grace I have tasted and savoured the tranquillity and gracious sweetness. If before this I have had any desire. I have desired it after such a fashion, that I knew not the thing that I desired. But now being learned by experience, I know that I desire the most pleasure and goodness that is possible to desire, saving one other that I know, but ye may not know it, although the pleasure that I desire be extreme. Hitherto Madame, I have tormented myself to see and to behold the apparent graces of your beauty, by the which ye may make subject to your service the fierce hearts of men more than barbarous: but now I torment me to rejoice and play with your grace's secrets, of the which I among all other have merited the pleasure. Alas Madame, cause I beseech you, that so great goodness as ye have showed me, turn me not to greater evil, and deny me not the remedy, which kissing your fair and white hands, I pray you to grant me as soon as the dolorous passion in the which I am, doth require it.   

Filisels letter to Marfira, rejoicing himself, and giving her thanks for the good hour that she caused him to have, praying her to continued unto him her grace and favour. In the .12. book the .15. Chapter.  
Done Filisel of Montespin doth send to the fair and gracious Marfira, the salute whereof he enjoyeth to his great contentation. The glory wherein I am is so great, that I can not tell with what words I aught to praise it, so that the praise may be compared to his greatness. O I, the most happiest of all knights of the world, seeing it hath pleased you Madame, to make me worthy through your favours of the thing that I by myself could in no wise decern. This letter is only to 'cause you to understand my great joy by the which ye are now indebted to me for the thing that hath caused me to merit it, that is, that I return very shortly unto you, to take and to have the self same pleasure of your beauty, that it pleased you the last night to grant me, so that by this new joy, I may reward the annoyance that I endure in the time that I cannot find the opportunity of so great a pleasure. Wherefore Madame, I pray you continually to entertain me in such a good hour, that if ye have been the cause that I am now exalted to so high a degree, that hereafter ye be not the cause of my miserable fall and ruin. But to the intent ye shall not reprehend me of too great importunity, I will make an end of my letter, kissing a thousand times your white and delicate hands, in remembrance of the peace that followed the war that is past. I recommend me to my dear Caria, praying her shortly to purchase me the time so greatly desired, in the which I may renew the fortunate occasion of my glory.   

The complaint of Queen Sidonis. In the .12. book. the .21. Chapter.  
O Grave honour of my high and royal lineage, how hast thou conducted me to an evil fortune, whereof I may receive a just reward of my folly? O love, how dost thou cause to appear in me thy deceitful force and strength, causing me to use hatred and cruelty unto him that I loved much more than myself? O Fortune with what inconstancy and lightness art thou changed, putting me then in such desperation when I began to have hope, shortly to accomplish the thing that I desired most in this world? O Gods immortal, with how much rigour have ye willed to recompense the flerce pride, and the proud presumption of the Queen Sidonia? O my dear daughter, and yet the daughter of him that rob the holy rites of my chastity. Alas, how would ye have paid me for the thing that ye denied an● for the love that ye bore continually to your father, in recompense of the outrages and injuries that I daily sought for him. O my daughter the first of the world, and none like in beauty, to the end to make and to tender like unlike the delour that I endure now for thy death? O cruel death, how dost thou leave me in so miserable a life? O cruel life, how dost thou leave me in so miserable a death? O Gods immortal, wherefore do ye suffer so great an injury as is that, which I receive by my life, seeing my daughter Diana is dead? But what do I say? It is just, that ye as ye are just, do show me to rigorous justice, to 'cause me to take vengeance upon myself, confounding me in a certain dolour and heaviness, the which I have procured to myself. Alas Daraide, how dost thou give to me and my daughter the duty whereof thou wast indebted unto us: to me, giving me with thy end, the end of the folly of my vengeance, & in kill again by thy death, the hope and confidence that I had in thy life: to my daughter, recompensing her death by thine, the which is the last payment, whereof thou wast bound to the love that thou didst bear her, and to that, that she did bear thee. O fortunate Damsel, that by thy death hadst might to pay the thing thou didst own to my Diana for thy love, although that her mother could not do so much for her own. O faint Moraisell, how art then now well revenged of me, and well satisfied of the vengeance that I of so long time have sought for? O Gods immortal, seeing that ye deny me justice, leaving me in this miserable life, I will not refuse it, nor deny it to my own hands, and I will keep the privilege of my frank and free will, the which I have received of you from the time that I was borne. Well then, and kill myself with my own hands, I give myself life, the which ye have denied me, because ye promptly and readily enough gave me not to death.   

The Oration of Daraide, giving and causing himself to be known and taken of Diana, for Agesilan of Colcbos ● In the 12. book. the .22. Chapter.  
IF the great enterprises were not accompanied with danger, believe this Madame, that the praise of those that should chance to have the victory, should be very little: and for this reason and cause, the greater that the peril is, so much the more is the honour, the glory, and the mortal renown. Think not the great things can be ended by small things, nor with little travail men can not win much praise. Thus Madame, ye may know this, that to conquer and get you, must be put in adventure, seeing that I assaying now to win you, put myself in hazard to lose you. Alas, see this is the occasion that so greatly giveth fear unto my words, because that willing to have and get a great gain, I am in danger of a great loss, and fearing that seeking you too much, that I lose you not the more: for why, to adventure myself to lose myself in this pray, I adventure but little, seeing that it is now so long ago, that I am left in your love, although yet that in part of the world, I have not had so great gain, as in one fortunable loss. The cause of my amorous passions is manifest by the excellency of your beauty. The dolours past, the which I have suffered in your service, do give you a sure testimony of the regard and reverence that I have had always to your highness. The boldness that I now do take, doth sufficiently excuse itself by my pain, and the prowdnesse of my thoughts, through my royal and noble lineage, accompanied with chaste and lawful desire, wherewith I have always kept the reverence due to your honour, and shall keep it all my life, without desiring or praying you to give me any remedy for my anguishes and pains, if it be not under the title of faithful marriage, and keeping in you your chastity, even such, as ye now may have it. Or else Madame, with these conditions it may please you to know, that under the name, and under the habit of Dariade, ye have in your presence Agesilan, the son of the great Prince the prudent Phalanges of Astre, and of the strong Princess Alastraxeree. Marvel not that I have thus disguised me, and covered myself with such arms to win your good grace: for in any other habit, but in one like unto yours, I could not have hazarded myself in an enterprise, at lest way so perilous, with any hope of victory. You know now Madame, the thing that hitherto I have continually kept secret from you, ye see the dolorous wounds wherewith in this cruel war of love, your excellent beauty hath cruelly wounded me, I have now defended myself long enough, covering me under the shield of on● Daraide disguised: now Madame I confess that ye are victorious, and to you I tender my arms, to set up a triumph at and in the strength & force of your immortal beauty, beseeching you to take me to mercy, keeping the fidelity and reverence that I own unto your highness, and the which I promise' you, and do swear by my immortal God to keep it all my life under the title of marriage. But if by the rigour of your answer, ye will refuse and deny me the pity that I require, believe Madame, that very long ye cannot be rigorous unto me, and that shortly my pitiful death shall 'cause you sorrow it, to whom as long as he lived, ye were so cruel. So my unfortunate soul shall hitherto comfort herself, after that the body be buried, by your lamentations: O I most fortunate, that hath set my heart in so noble a place, that the joyfulness of my desires, do make me the most fortunatest of all the earth, and the last of my misfortunes do promise' me yet a certain consolation. Now Madame ye have heard the little that I can say of the great dolour that I suffer, and the jest of the travel, whereof I feel that I have traveled. But if I cannot sufficiently enough express unto you the evil that I endure, ye may easily comprehend it, if ye esteem it so great in me, as your beauties, and your excellencies he great in you: seeing then that by this mean ye may know by yourself the immortal anguishes that torment me, and if ye cannot perceive it by yourself, I beseech you again by the just pity that the victor should have unto him that is overcome, to receive me to mercy, seeing that I ●oe yield me, and to entreat me in your service as him, whose death and life doth depend upon your cruelty, or upon the favours of your good grace.   

The cruel answer of Diana to Daraida, because she was declared to be an other than a damsel. In the .12. book, the .22. Chapter.  
KNow Daraida, that by changing your name, ye have also changed into hatred the love, of the which by your deceitfulness ye have had so long a pleasure: and if the next parent that is between you and my accustomed benignity resisted not the execution of my courage, I would 'cause you to be chastened with such a torment as the deceit wherewith ye have abused me, doth merit. But to leave no occasion to any man, nor not to think that your proudenesse hath found any fragility in me, I will not use unto my honour the pity that I own unto it, to defend it by your death from the offence that ye have committed: for I will not ●ha● men should publish, that your temerarious ●oly should by the only sight of me, cause so great glory: neither I will that ye shall remain without any punishment, although that the pain be too much unegal for your offence, whereof ye shall excuse you. And therefore I prohibit and forbid you to be at any time in my presence wheresoever I be, for my honour in as much as it cannot be done as Daraide, and as Agesilan, doth not suffer it.   

The complaint of Daraide. In the twelfth book, the .22. Chapter.  
O Sweet death, why dost thou suffer me yet to return to life again? O miserable life, why dost thou deny me death? O love how much hatred have I proved in thee? O cruel hatred, wherefore dost thou take the name of love? Ah, ah I unfortunate, in searching of love, I have found his contrary, and thinking to find a necessary remedy for my disease, I have increased it without any comparison. O my Lady Diana, how often have I feared the cruelty, that I prove now in you? Seeing then that your will is such, I would it should not please God to send one thing, that is so impossible to me, as to live any longer with the disgrace and disfavour of my Lady. O evil hour to much miserable, for I require nothing, but it is denied me by the thing that I require it, nor I fly nothing but it is granted me by the thing that I fly. Alas madame Lardenia, I beseech you to take no pity upon me, seeing I pity not myself, and that to conform my will to my Ladies will, for I cannot will, but that she willeth, and I hate myself more than she hateth me: but if ye love me, it shallbe reason that ye will that I will, that is only to go to accomplish the promiss that I have made to my Lady the Queen, so that all that I shall do from henceforth, shallbe done against my will: for I know that in fulfilling that I have promised her, I shall yet accomplish the will of my Lady Diana. Well, now I perceive well enough, that the Queen made me not without occasion such a strange request as she made me: for that was, because that by the death which I shall receive, she may use the pity towards me, that my Lady Diana denied me, cruelly to slay me. Certainly I can hope no less of the valiantness and high Chivalry of the Prince of Greece in this combat that I have enterprised against him, but that by the death of so feeble and so disfavored a creature as I am, he shall satisfy his glorious renown, and that, unto the which he as a noble knight, was bound to do, repairing the wrong that I received to live the longer. O fortunate Prince, seeing that all things prepare themselves to his good hour, and I likewise unhappy, seeing that fortune, and the Queen, and the will of my Lady Diana, have prepared by the hands of so great a Lord, the death, which after my law I could not purchase with my own hands. O mighty God, how thou everywhere dost show thy sage providence? for in this judgement of my death pronounced by the mouth of so noble and so excellent a judge, as my Lady is, it was very reasonable that ye should help her with so excellent a minister to execute her sovereign justice, with the lamentable sentence of my cruel destinies.   

A letter from Balthasar king of Russia, and from Bruzerbe king of Gaza, to Sidonia the Queen of Guinday, requiring to marry her and her daughter, and if they refuse them, they denounce her war. In the .12. book, the .42. Chapter.  
BAlthasar king of Russia, aswell in his own name, as in that of other sovereign kings of the Orient, whose sign and seal is set to this letter, doth send salutation to Sidonia the Queen of the isle of Guinday, the which she may receive if she think it good, receiving those with her good will for her espouse, the which, otherwise are disposed by force to accomplish their wills. Therefore Queen of Guinday, ye shall understand and know, that nother the injury received for your love, nor your beauty, nor for that of your daughter Diana, are not yet out of the remembrance of Balthasar, and of Bruzerbe kings of Russia and of Gasa. Therefore we have landed in your Ile● with a mighty army, requiring you before and above all things, to grant us peace, and you and your daughter in marriage: or if ye will not do it until force do that with reason that courtesy may refuse and deny, we denounce you war with fire and blood, and we make the immortal God's judges of the losses and calamities that shall chance through your occasion, calling fortune to our aid, the which seeing our wonderful army, hath already given us the assurance, the which your subjects if ye defend them not shall want, assuring us of the amendment and healing of our wounds, whereof the pain, love, and the injuries heretofore suffered, have wounded our courages until death: you & your daughter through your beauties holding us in a more cruel war than that, the which is most cruelly prepared for you, if your graciousness give you not peace, the which wè are minded to conquer by force of arms.   

The answer of Sidonia Queen of Guindaye, to Balthasar king of Russia, by the which she advertiseth him, that she will defend her chastity asmuch as she may, and that she rather will kill herself, than to obey unto him. In the .12. book, the .42. Chapter.  
SIdonia Queen of Guinday to Balthasar king of Russia, and to all other kings of his lineage the which are come unjustly with him to invade her Isle, doth send salute and health, the which the Gods should not save very long, in so unreasonable a quarrel. I would not be so afraid king Balthasar, if it were convenient for me in time to come to prove against my breast the sword of Lucrece, as chastity doth bind me now to defend me against thine. But if neither the love that I bear to the Prince of Greece, nor the fear of his highness, could neither set nor make peace, nor truces to the strong war that I have prepared against him: scarcely the least war wherewith the king of Russia doth threaten me, can 'cause me in anywise to fear, and yet it is less possible, that the hatred I bear him may through his proudness be converted into love: nor esteem not at all that my mind and will is so flying and inconstant, that hatred shall 'cause me to seek peace with thee to my dishonour, seeing that love for my honour constraineth me to make war against the Prince of Greece. God forbid that Sidonia should less esteem the nobility of her courage, than the great force of arms wherewith thou threatenest me with fire and blood: for with fire and blood I will defend my chaste will, and I will assay to keep it with the self force, that the Gods have sometimes suffered that it was kept against themselves. And know, that making war against me, thou dost make it yet more rigorous against thy honour, and willing to consume my Country with thy fires, thou canst not consume the fire, wherewith the Prince of Greece hath inflamed me. It may be that thou shed the blood of my subjects, setting them upon the edge of thy sword: but when thou shalt have done it, swords to shed our blood shall neither fail my daughter nor me: for we had much rather to die in our chaste liberty, than to live in a vile servitude. The hatred that caused the Queen of Carthago to die for AEneas, shall not cause Sidonia to die for Dom Florisel, but she shall well defend herself from the fear of death, for to defend her faithfulness that she aught him, for the stable and burning love, that she hath continually borne him, & at this present doth bear him. Consider then king Balthasar that thinking to win me, thou dost lose me, and thinking to offend me, thou shalt offend in nothing, for a sword shall not fail me at all, to resist thy offence: but thou mayst well offend me with thy arms: the laws of the Gods immortal which govern the sword of justice, have much more force than thine, thou shalt likewise offend the Prince of Greece, whose right of marriage thou wouldst violate, for although he hath played by trumpery and deceit, yet it is so that for his honour he will not let pass the injuries without revenging of them that thou shalt do me. And seeing that for the reverence that he beareth me, he in my favour hath saved their lives that sought to have his head, as the kings of Gaza, and of the Massagenes, & other of thy company, giving sure witness, thou mayst well think, that now he shallbe as ready to 'cause them to lose their heads to please me withal, as he hath at other times been priest and ready for my love to save them. Wherefore king Balthasar, enterprise not a war whereby, through hatred thou dost hope to win her, that hateth and maketh war against herself, the great love that inflameth her, constraining nor suffering her honour to be destroyed, nor shall feel herself. Demand neither love nor peace of her, that hath neither love nor peace with herself, and with thee. So then I am minded to defend my will, and to resist thine, and continually (saving my accustomed chastity,) I will sustain my dear country and realm, calling the Gods to my justice, and men to my defence. And purchasing this peace of me, I am ready to sustain such war as thou haste denounced unto me.   

The Oration of Queen Sidonia to the Citizens of Guinday, inciting her Vassals valiantly to defends her, and sooner to suffer death, than to let their renown be defiled, and of her part she had rather die, than to fall into the power of her enemies. In the .12. book, the .43. Chapter.  
IF the duty whereof we are indebted to virtue (my dear friends and faithful Citizens) commanded us not rather to sacrifice our lives for the conservation of our honour, than to suffer it in any thing to be corrupted, in asmuch as honour being lost, we during this mortal life, can have nothing that is good, they may complain them of the uncertain issue of things, & that with good right, and to sustain their ancient renown, do give themselves with a frank courage to the inconstancy of fortune. But seeing that we be bound to defend our honour even to death, the multitude of enemies, nor the doubtful chance of one battle, should not put us in fear for nothing. We should only fear lest that the fault and faintness of heart 'cause us to incur any infamy, and that the unjustness of our enemy make us not more afeard, than our good right doth make us constant: for by such slothfulness men might doubt of the experience of fortune, the which gave long since to six thousand soldiers of Greece, the victory of one million of Perses, of the which there were slain two hundred thousand in the plain field. The self fortune granted to Lucul the Roman, having but ten thousand soldiers in his tents, to overcome by his virtue and good right, the king Tygrane, and his infinite thousands of fight men, among the which were fifty thousand horse men. This great army was overthrown and broken in battle array, and the ensign displayed, and in open field, by those which were very few in number, but many in magnanimity of courage: for by the reason of their good right, they supplied the default of their number and by the strength of their arms, they resisted the fear of fortune, as knowing that the multitude of armed men, maketh the victory never the surer, and being fewer in number than the enemies, men should not lose the assurance, and less, the hope to win the glory of the combat and field. There is not he that may flee death, when she is appointed him by the destiny of the high Gods: nor also there is not he, the which dying, is not bound to save his good renown, that the shame and infamy of his death do not defile the ancient honour of his life. ye do know the good right that I have in this war, ye may remember the obedience that hitherto ye have showed me, as to your Queen: And if I be not deceived, ye do yet remember the reward that ye have received for your faithfulness. I think that ye abhor all tyranny, and I think that each of you is ready to chase it from him, as prepared and bound to receive death for the entertainment of liberty, in the which I have always entertained you, and have hither to defended you. We shall have to our aid the Gods immortal, as those which are the certain revengers of outrageousness, and the sure defenders of innocency. If then reason, good right, and the aid of Gods fail us not at all in this quarrel, let us so do that good courage fail us not, and when fortune would envy our good hour, let us rather choose an honourable death, than a shameful life with a miserable servitude and bondage. Consider also of your part, that I refusing the alliances of these barbarous kings, that ye shall not only defend my private quarrel, but also your public, with your goods, your liberty, your wives, your children, marking the calamities that in time to come, ye (if ye have such tyrants to your Lords) shall endure and suffer. Therefore my friends take a good heart unto you, and now show the valiantness and virtue that ye have, the which is needful that ye now show, to defend yourselves from those, that have enterprised your ruin and destruction. Do so then that men may see their spoils hanging within our Temples, for an immortal triumph of your victory, and ye shall believe that the king of Russia shall never triumph of the faithfulness that Sidonia doth own unto him, that she first hath received for her husband: but contrariwise, for the Barbarian sword shall not so soon appear within our walls, but that mine shall incontinent appear within the breast of my daughter and me, that by this frank death, I shall deliver my life from subjection, leaving my dead body upon the cold earth without spot, and satisfying him by the immortality of this sacrifice, the which (as I trust in your virtue and fortitude) ye would have made of yourselves, before I should see myself in such extremity. But I am so assured of the justice of the Gods, and of the force and strength of your right hands, that I do yet assure myself to be excused of this sacrifice that I speak of, and that ye shall 'cause it to fall upon our enemies, to their great confusion, and to your perpetual glory. Now in this confidence I will make an end of my words to begin the effect, and I will call to the defence of our liberty, the favour of the Gods, and the succour of the strange knights the which are now in my Court: and because my treasures as great as they be, shall not be sufficient to recompense their virtue, I will pray them to have a respect to the honour and to the immortal renown that is prepared for them, for the true and better recompense of the travail that they shall obtain, daily wandering thorough the world, to employ the force of their high chivarlie: for now they have found in this war a very just occasion.   

A Letter from Queen Sidonia, to king Amadis of France, and ●o Orian●, by the which she doth them to understand the fulfilling of certain Prophecies already past, and that there be other, of the which they must make an end. In the .12. book. the .60. Chapter.  
TO the right excellent prince king Amadis of France, and to Queen Oriane, Sidonia, Queen of the isle Guinday, and all the Princes, Kings and Queens assembled in her great Citie● do send salute, the which Fortune hath granted them after many calamities which are past. understand then, right excellent King, that the inconstant fortune after that the disguised Daraida, had set the Prince of Grece, with his hea●e in my power, hath brought our highness in such extremity, that we and ours were ●allen into a miserable servitude, if the victorious Princes the King Dom Phalanges of Astre, and the Knightly Queen Alastraxeree, in this need and business had not holpen us: for why my City being almost taken of our enemies, that then began to enter into it, these two noble Princes did not only take and recover the City from the Kings of Russia and Gaza, and the victory the which they now esteéemed certain, but further, they broke them, and set them and their confederates in such a rout, that they set us again in our first liberty, and in our ancient heritage. By the means whereof, after the Prophecies of my fair Diana, Daraida being past, Phoebus came, did behead in my presence within the Tower of Diana the Image of Dom Florizel, whose head did deprive me of all sentimentes, and enforced Dom Rogel of Grece, to avenge the death of his father, for the trespass of Daraide. And afterwards the combat was so great between them two, and with such sheadding of blood, the which they lost the same day, that even both of them fell down upon the ground as dead, until that the brave Serpent and the victorious Queen, knowing again after the Prophecies her dear son under the habit of Daraide, revealed unto her by her dolorous cries, and mortal mourning the thing which was the occasion to lose the name of Daraide, and to recover that of Agesilan, with my daughter Diana for his spouse, whom he had won already by the faithfulness and constancy of his love, in the virtue whereof, they set at liberty, and out of prison the infant Dom Rosaran, and the duchess of Bauire, in the enchanted Tower, whose prisoners they should have remained without coming forth, until they two the most accomplished and perfect in faithfulness of love, may give them the ways and mean, and to us the consolation of the heaviness that we suffer by their absence, the which shall endure until the excellent King and Queen of England, be entered into the enchanted Castle, delivering them out of prison, to the great glory of their faithful loves, and to the consolation of us all. Therefore to found some manner of peace in this war, we pray you and beseech you by your coming, ye will find the means we may have it: the which thing shall return to your great lawde, and to our rest, without the which we shall remain and be, until by your coming ye make an end of this enchantment, and do set at liberty these two faithful lovers of your lineage.   

Amadis of France, and Amadis of Grece, letters to the princesses of the isle Solstice, praying them to accept the peace that they are minded to make between them. In the .12. book the .64. Chapter.  
TO the right excellent and most fair Princesses of the isle Solstice, Amadis of France, king of England, and Amadis of Grece, Emperor of Trebisonde, Prince of Grece, of England, of France, and king of Rhodes, salute, and therewith peace and rest of your perilous war. You shall understand that fortune and the tempest driving us into this Isle, with the Queens and Princes of our company, we have perceived the war ye make one against the other: therefore desiring to set you in amity, we sand unto you the fair Duchess Syria, the which shall tell you from us the thing that we have charged her withal, praying you to believe her, as ourselves. And desiring to make an end of your travel, we send you peace, the which ye may not refuse, neither of the one part nor of the other, at leastwise if ye have any sisterly charity before your eyes.   

A letter from the knight Afronteur to the Princes and Princesses of Grece, containing a certain Prophecy, by the which he trusteth to be revenged of them. In the .12. book. the .66. Chapter.  
TO the right excellent Princes and Princesses of Grece, Afronteur of subtleties, Lord of Cautels, chastener of the uncareful, counsellor of those that journey, and deceiver of those that be better counseled, I send you salute and health, that therewith ye may maintain yourselves in rest, until ye have had experience of my stratagems. I am come out of your power, and now I find me in mine own, after that I have been as well entreated of the Damsels, as I am minded to entreat them, if at any time I may have them in my power, to tender and to do the like unto them. This is it my Lords, that causeth me to wish and desire to have you as many as ye be in my hands, as I think it shall happen, if the prophecies of my Gods deceive me not: for I find by them, and ye, if ye think it good, do remember, that shortly the forces of the frontiers and borders shall through a certain ambushment destroy the house of Grece, and that the brave Lions of the king Licbrastron shall be brought under, and the strength of their claws effeblished, until the Lord of Russia set them again at liberty, by the obscure and dark clouds of his knowledge, to his great glory, and to the land of him that shall 'cause them to enjoy that clemency, for the reward of the rigour that is past: and considering this war, I will send you peace, without the which it is impossible to prepare the thing that is necessary for an army.   

A temerarious Letter from Bruzarte king of Russia to the Princes of Grece, threatening them destruction and ruin. In the 12. Book, and the .100. Chapter.  
Done Bruzarte king of Russia, confederate with a hundred and threescore kings of the Orient, by the counsel and divine sufferance of our sovereign Gods disdaining at and for so many offences that have been done unto them by the house of Grece, having so often times moist the fields with the blood of their servants, and set fire in their tents, they have now gathered their army together: because that the smoke of the burned temples, as it were out of a censer, is ascended before their divine Majesties, to require vengeance: and it is paste and gone into their most sovereign and heavenly Empire. Therefore we have ordained after the power granted unto us by the Gods, that all the house of Grece shall pass by the edge of the sword, and all their Cities shall be burnt with our flames, that within a while after the Russians may 'cause them to be edified and builded again to the great glory of their virtue, and to the immortal glory of our Gods: and calling upon their name, we send you this arrest signed, not advertising you otherwise of the day, nor of the hour● when we shall put it in execution, and because ye shall give entire credence unto it, we have signed it with our signs, and sealed it with our royal arms, and have sent them to you by these so very little creatures, as they shall be great that aught to execute it. And hitherto we pray our Gods to keep you in health, for your greater sickness, assuring you that for a short peace ye shall have a long war, in the which we promise' to cover the great seas, and the large champion fields with our armies, and to make them read with your blood.   

A Letter of Amadis de Gaul, and of the emperors Esplandian and Amadis of Grece, to all their friends and vassals. In the .13. book, and the first Chapter.  
WE Amadis de Gaul, the King and the emperors Esplandian and Amadis of Grece, with all the Kings, Princes, and Knights assembled in the City of Constantinople, to all our friends and vassals greeting. We let you wit that the enemy of mankind hath inflamed the heart of the king of Russia, to come against our Imperial City, with an infinite and an incredible army of an hundred and threescore crowned Kings, besides a number of caliphs, soldans, and Tamberlanes, meaning to destroy and subvert the same, and utterly to extinguish therewith the name of jesus Christ, and thereupon to advance and set up their false Prophet Mahumet, as by a letter or writing of defiance to us in that behalf sent more plainly appeareth. And for that you may understand the great importance of these affairs, and in what danger the key of Christianity standeth, we pray and beseech you our good and dear friends, and command and firmly enjoin you our subjects and vassals, that you do make all the diligence that possibly you can, to present yourselves with all your forces, within our said City. And also that you do show such faith and fidelity to this Knight the bearer hereof, as you would do to our own persons.  
The end of the extract of Amadis of France.    

Imprinted at London by Henry Synneman● for Thomas Hacket.