BY ROBERT SOUTHEY 1872.  ing Lisuarte, as he was a great hunter,
when affairs of more consequence to his
state did not occupy him, went frequently
to hunt in a forest near Windsor. The forest being
well kept, was stored with beasts of chase, and he
always went out in his hunting apparel, provided with
all things needful for the sport. In this equipage
going one day near the great road, he saw three armed
knights and a damsel on their way, and sent a squire
to call them. When they came near, the king knew
Don Galvanes, and embraced him and bade him welcome. The other knights also he courteously received,
for he was the man in the world who with the best
good will received all errant knights. Sir, quoth
Galvanes, you see here my nephew Agrayes, and I
present him to you as one of the best knights in the
world. Certes, gentle sir. said Lisuarte, I am greatly
beholden to you for this coming; and with that he
embraced the prince. Then recollecting the third,
Sir Olivas ! it is long since we have seen you, and I
do not willingly let so good a knight be absent. Sir,
quoth Olivas, mine own troubles have kept me from
your sight and service, nor am I yet free from them;
and then he told the king how the Duke of Bristol
had slain his cousin. Thereat was Lisuarte moved to
sorrow, for he who was slain had been a good knight.
Make your appeal in my court, said he, and the duke
shall answer it. They then proceeded toward Windsor,
relating as they went how they had saved the damsel
from the fire, wherein she should have been burnt for Galaor's sake. The news of their arrival soon reached the queen's palace, to the joy of all, but chiefly of Olinda. She instantly leaving the chamber, went to Mabilia: Are you not rejoiced at your brother's coming? Oh, yes! quoth Mabilia, for I love him dearly. Then ask the queen to send for him that you may see him, and that those who love you may take part in your pleasure. Brisena at this entreaty sent for the new-come knights. Right glad was Agrayes of this summons; and, leaving the queen's converse as soon as might be, he seated himself between his sister and his mistress. But his eyes were so fixed upon Olinda, and his answers to Mabilia so vague and from the purpose, that she soon saw her brother's case; and, to give him opportunity of talk, called to her uncle Galvanes. Come, said she, I would talk with you in yonder window, that Agrayes may not hear our secrets. Besure the lovers lost not their time; and it was accorded between them that Agrayes should remain in this court with Amadis, if his cousin so advised him. By this time the knights were summoned to table ; they found the boards spread with choice food, and Lisuarte bade them be seated with other knights of great worship. While they were placing the napkins, two knights entered the hall and knelt before the king, and the one asked, Sir, is Amadis of Gaul here? I would he were, replied Lisuarte. So also would I, quoth the knight, who need his assistance. Who are ye? Angriote of Estravaus; and this is my brother. When King Arban of North Wales heard that, he rose from table ; and taking Angriote, who was still kneeling, by the hand, raised him up and said, Sir, do you know Angriote ? No, quoth Lisuarte: I never till now saw him.- Certes, sir, they who know him hold him for one of the best knights in your land. Gentle sir, quoth Lisuarte, pardon me if I have not honoured you to your desert: it was because I knew you not; besure you are welcome, and that with heart. Where knew you Amadis? Angriote then related what had passed between them, and his own overthrow. No sooner had he made an end, than Ardian the dwarf arrived, and saluted the king in the name of his master Amadis. Where did you leave him?- Alive and well! but if you would learn more, let me see the queen, for to her is my bidding. We will not remain ignorant for that, quoth Lisuarte, and forthwith he sent to call Brisena, who came with fifteen of her ladies into the hall, and there were those present who blest the dwarf for this sight of their mistresses. Lady, then said the dwarf, your knight humbly saluteth you, and sends to say that he has found his brother. Then told he the whole chance, and that they would set forth as soon as their wounds were healed. So glad was the king thereof that he requested and commanded all who were there not to depart before their arrival, for he would hold the most honourable court that might be. They willingly assented, and praised him much for the design; and Lisuarte also desired the queen to collect about her the fairest and noblest damsels, that for their sake the more good knights might be drawn to Windsor. |