BY ROBERT SOUTHEY 1872.  alaor was then conducted by two damsels
to a castle in a forest, seated upon a rock,
where the murderer Palingues dwelt. He
called at the gate, and a knight appeared above it,
demanding what he wanted. To enter the castle.
This gate is only used to let those out who are within.
I will show you how to enter; but I fear my labour
will be lost, for you will not have courage. So help
me God as I will go in.! quoth Galaor.- Alight, then,
and go to the foot of that tower.Presently that knight appeared again upon the tower, and another greater than himself completely armed; and they two winding a winch about, let down a basket by a cord, saying, This is the way in. Will ye promise to draw me up in safety? said Galaor. -Yea, truly; but afterwards we will not warrant you. Wind up, then, quoth he, I take your word! and he placed himself in the basket. God protect thee, thou gentle knight, cried the damsels, for thou hast a good heart! They drew him safely up, and he leapt from the basket. Then said they, Knight, you must swear to defend the Lord of this castle against those who challenge him for Antebon's death, else you shall never depart. What! quoth Galaor, did one of you twain kill him?- Why demand you?- That I may make him know the great treason he hath therein committed. The knights answered, How canst thou be such a fool to threaten us, being in our power? and then drawing their swords they laid upon him furiously. He seeing himself in peril, for they were two perilous knights, made no trifling. Ah God, quoth the damsels below, hark! what a battle! what will become of our champion?- presently the two knights were thrown from the tower, and Galaor called to them, Look if either of these be Palingues. You have so handled them, sir, quoth they, that it is not easy to know, but we believe neither of these is he. Then Galaor descended the tower, and entering a large hall beheld a fair damsel, and she was exclaiming, Palingues! why flyest thou? art thou so brave in arms as to slay my father in battle, and wilt thou not meet this knight? At these words Galaor looked round, and espied a knight well armed, endeavouring to open the door of another tower. He ran to him,- Palingues, fly or fight; you shall not escape! The traitor seeing no choice turned to battle, and fiercely smote at Galaor, his sword entering so deep into the shield that he could not draw it back. But Galaor with one blow cut off his arm, and overtaking him with a second as he fled, cleft him to the teeth: Take this for thy treason to Antebon! When the damsel heard her father's name, and saw the vengeance, she came and blest the knight for what he had done. On my faith, fair friend, quoth he, he deserves shame who would wrong one like you! but tell me, are there any more to combat?- None but servants are left, who are ready to obey you.- Let the gate be opened then for your mother's damsels, who led me here. Great joy did they make when they saw their young mistress for her deliverance. When Galaor had laid aside his shield and helmet, they were astonished to see one so young and beautiful ; and Brandueta ran to her deliverer and embraced him:- My honourable lord and friend, more cause have I to love you than any other living! tell me who you are? -They call me Galaor.- God be thanked that Antebon is revenged by such a knight! my father often rejoiced in your fame, and in that of your brother Amadis, for he said you were the sons of King Perion, his liege lord ; and it was for fear of ye, as Antebon's countrymen, that Palingues so fearfully kept his castle. That night they returned to her mother's castle; and Brandueta so requited his services, that Galaor did not regret the Duke of Bristol's niece. |