Amadis de Gaula (Complete‪)‬

Not many years after the passion of our Redeemer, there was a Christian king in the lesser Britain, by name Garinter, who, being in the law of truth, was of much devotion and good ways. This king had two daughters by a noble lady his wife. The eldest was married to Languines King of Scotland; she was called the Lady of the Garland, because her husband taking great pleasure to behold her beautiful tresses, would have them covered only with a chaplet of flowers. Agrayes and Mabilia were their children, a knight and damsel of whom in this history much mention is made. Elisena the other daughter was far more beautiful, and although she had been demanded in marriage by many great princes, yet she would wed with none, but for her solitary and holy life was commonly called the Lost Devotee, because it was considered that for one of such rank, gifted with such beauty and sought in marriage by so many chiefs, this way of life was not fitting.


King Garinter, who was somewhat stricken in years, took delight in hunting. It happened one day, that having gone from his town of Alima to the chase, and being separated from his people, as he went along the forest saying his prayers, he saw to the left a brave battle of one knight against two. Soon had he knowledge of the twain, in that they were his own vassals, who being proud men and of powerful lineage had often by their evil rcustoms offended him. Who the third was he knew not, but not relying so much in the worth of the one, as he feared the two, he drew aside and waited the event, which sorted to such effect, as by the hand of that one the others were both slain. This done the stranger came towards the king, and seeing him alone, said, Gentle sir, what country is this wherein knights errant are thus assailed? The king replied, Marvel not at this, knight, for our country yields as others do, both good and bad: as for these men, they have often offended, even against their lord and king, who could do no justice upon them, because of their kindred, and also because they harboured in this covered mountain. This king you speak of, replied the stranger, I come to seek him from a far land, and bring him tidings from a dear friend. If you know where he may be found, I pray you tell me. The king answered, Befal what may, I shall not fail to speak what is true. I am the king. The knight then loosing his shield and helmet gave them to his squire, and went to embrace Garinter, saying that he was King Perion of Gaul who had long desired to know him. Greatly were these kings contented that their meeting was in such a manner, and conferring together they took their way through the wood to wards the city, when suddenly a hart ran before them which had escaped the toils. They followed at full speed, thinking to kill it, but a lion springing from a thicket before them, seized the hart, and having torn it open with his mighty claws, stood fiercely looking at the kings. Fierce as you are, said King Perion, you shall leave us part of the game ! and he took his arms and alighted from his horse, who being affrighted at the wild beast would not go near him, and placing his shield before him went towards the lion sword in hand. The lion left his prey and came against him, they closed, and Perion at the moment when he was under the beast and in most danger, thrust his sword into his belly. When Garinter saw him fall, he said within himself not without cause is that knight famed to be the best in the world. Meanwhile their train came up, and then was their prey and venison laid on two horses and carried to the city.


The queen being advised of her guest they found the palace richly adorned, and the tables covered. At the highest the kings seated themselves : at the other sate the queen with Elisena her daughter, and there were they served, as in the house of such a man beseemed. Then being in that solace, as that princess was so beautiful and King Perion on his part equal, in that hour and point they so regarded each other, that her great modesty and holy life could not now avail, but that she was taken with great and incurable love; and the king in like manner, though till then his heart had been free, so that during the meal both the one and the other appeared absent in thought. When the tables were removed, the queen would depart to her chamber; Elisena rising dropt a ring from her lap, which she had taken off when she washed her hands, and in her confusion of mind forgotten. She stooped for it and Perion who was near her stooped down also, so that their hands met, and he taking her hand prest it. She coloured deeply and thanked the king for his service. Ah, lady, said he, it shall not be the last, for all my life shall be spent in your service.