CHAP. 1. Of whence the Kinges Garinter and Perion were , and the Combate betweene Perion and two Knightes , as also how he fought with a Lyon that deuoured a Hart in their presence : with the successe following theron .

SOone after the passion of our Sauiour Iesus Christ , there reigned in little Brittaine a king named Garinter , enstructed in the lawe of veritie , and highlye adorned with many laudable vertues : hauing a Noble Ladye to his Wife , by whom he had two beautifull Daughters . The eldest ( béeing maried with Languines King of Scottes , ) was commonly called the Lady of the Garland : because the King her Husband , taking great pleasure to beholde the golden tresses of her haire , would haue them no otherwise couered , then with a faire circle or chaplet of Flowers : Languines enioying by his Quéene , Agraies and Mabila , of whom this present History often maketh mention . The other yongest Daughter to this King Garinter , was named Elisena , very much excelling the eldest in beauty , and though she had beene oftentimes desired in mariage , by sundry Princes and great Lordes : yet as then she had no will therto , but for her solitarye and holy life , was commonly called of euery one , the lost Virgin in Deuotion , considering that in a person of such estate , endued with such excellent beauty , and solicited by so many great Princes , this strickt religion was not conuenient . King Garinter béeing somwhat in yéeres , for recreation tooke pleasure in Hunting , when at one time among other it happened , that hauing appointed a méeting néere one of his Cities called Alyma , a Hart was put foorth , in pursuite whereof him selfe wandred very farre : wherfore séeing he had lost both his people and game , commending him selfe to God , he began to make somewhat the more haste , til hauing trauersed first one way and then another , at the very entraunce into a Wood , he saw two Knightes fighting against one . Soone had he knowledge of the twaine , in that they were his own Subiectes , of whom he had heard sundrye complaintes : but slender order was taken in the cause , by reason of the great alliance they had in the Cuntrye , as also for that they kept themselues still in this great Forrest . Who the third should be , he meruailed , and for that time he so well liked the valour of the one Knight , as he feared not what might happen to the other twaine : wherfore he withdrew him selfe a little further into the Forrest , because he might the better beholde the issue of the fight , which sorted to such effect , as by the strength of the one Knight , both the other were vauquished and slaine . The King beholding what had happened came foorth of the Wood , when the Knight seeing one so néer him aboue , thus demaunded . Gentle Sir , what centry is this , where Knightes errant are thus assayled by robbers & théeues . Let this be no wonder to you Sir , answered the King , for this Cuntry yéeldes as other doo , both good and bad . As for them that thus assaulted you , they haue done diuers and villainous outrages , not onlye in this Wood , which hath been their accustomed receptacle : but like wise in many other places and chéefely against their Lord and King , who could not execute iustice on them , in that they were allyed to the best houses in this Realm . And where may I finde the King you speake off ? said the Knight , for I am come to séeke him , to bring him newes from a great fréend of his . Happen what shall , answered Garinter , I will tell ye so much as I knowe : vnderstand then for a trueth , that I am the man you aske for . At these woordes the Knight took of his Helmet , and throwing downe his Shéeld , ran to embrace him : saying that he was the King Perion of Gaule , who of long time had been destrous to know him . Greatly were these Kinges contented , that their méeting was in such fortunate manner , and conferring togeather on many matters , they tooke the waye through the Wood toward the Citie , where they thought to finde the Hunters : but suddenly a Hart ranne before them , which with some danger had escaped the toyles : wherfore the Princes gallopped after the Déere , hoping to kill it ere they gaue ouer . But it fell out otherwise , for in the pursuite , as they came into the thickest of the wood , a chafed Lyon ran before them : which in their sight seayed on the Hart , and hauing with his strong pawes torn it in péeces , turned againe , when running furiouslye against the two Princes , he watched his aduauntage as if they had angred him , which the King Perion perceiuing , in laughter saide . You shal not be such a glutton , maister Lyon , but you shall leaue vs parte of the game . And héerwith presently he alighted , because his Horsse would not come néer the beast , so drawing his Swoord , and clasping his shéeld on his arme , not regarding the cryes of King Garinter , who laboured to disswade him from the attempt , he marched to the Lyon , who for defence of his pray , can eagerly against the King , and so betwéene them began a new warre . But the Lyon being quick and nimble , did so much as he got his enemye vnder him , yet was the Kinges hart so good , that albeit he was in verye great perill of his person , he was not abashed one iotte : but turned him selfe in suche sorte , as he thrust his Swoord into the belly of the beast , which at that instant fell downe dead before him . The King séeing what had happened , was so ouercome with meruailing at this deed as he saide within him selfe : In sooth , it is no shame to renowne one of the best knightes in the worlde . In this meane while , the rest of the traine came thether , who for to finde their King , had searched long time vp and downe the Forrest . Then was their pray and Uenison laide on two horses , and caryed to the Citie , where the Quéene was immediatly aduertised of King Perions arriuall , and therfore made speedy prouision of all thinges necessarye , to welcome and feaste so great a Prince . At their comming they found Dinner ready , and the tables couered : wherfore ( after the welcomes and reuerences doon on all sides ) the two Kinges sat downe , so did the Quéene , and faire Elisena her Daughter . Now had Loue secretly ambushed him selfe , because he had long time assayled this yong Princesse , without any power to ouercome her : but now he saw her so vnprouided , as at this instant hower he might touch her to the quicke , and thence forward holde a sure conquest of her . The like in King Perion , who thought of nothing but a fréendlye entertainement , yet when he cast his eye on the Lady Elisena , and she in like sorte vpon him : by vertue of this pearring regarde , her wonted chaste and holye life , had no longer power to priuiledge this Princesie , but she was wonderfully thralled in extreame loue to this yong King , and he in selfe same manner to her , albeit till that power , he had his hart francke and frée , without subiection in any other place . In this sorte during dinner time , they found themselues ( for each other ) in a strange opinion , till the tables were with-drawen , when the Queene would departe to her Chamber , wherfore Elisena arose to followe her : but as she stepped forward , she let fall a King , which she had put in her bosome when she washt her handes , and so had forgot it , by reason of this new loue , that made her think on other matters Now was king Perion some what néer her , and desirous to let her know how willingly he would be hers , stooped downe as soone as she to take it vp , and so right did their handes méete together , as the King had the meane to close her fingers , yet feigning to take vp her King . Wherupon this amourous Lady began to change collour , and ( notwithstanding ) by a swéet regarde humbly thanked him . Ah Madame , quoth he , this shall not be the last seruice I hope to doo you , for my whole life time shal be imployed to obey you . Constrained was Elisena ( without answering him ) to followe the Queene her mother , so surprized and altered , as very néere she had forgotten her selfe : so that not able to endure this new fire of loue ( which so sudden and vehemently had conquered her wonted chaste and choice determination : ) with the teares in her eyes , and her hart full of anguishe , she went and discouered the same to a faithfull Damsell of hers , named Darioletta , praying her most instantly to councell her , how she might safely know , if King Perion had not else-where placed his loue , and whether the affectionate semblaunce he had showen her , might procéed from force of that impression , which had so lately seared on her hart . The Damosell mernailing at this so sudden mutation , and in a person thought so farre from any such matter : taking ( neuerthelesse ) compassion on her pitteous teares , thus answered . I see well Madame , that according to the extreame passion , wherwith the tirant Loue hath tormented ye , hee hath lefte no place in your iudgemente , where counsell or reason may be entertayned : and therfore following not what I ought for your seruice , but the will I haue to obay you , I shall doo what you haue commaunded me , by the most honest meanes that my little discretion , and the great desire I haue to please ye , will permit me . So without any more woords , Darioletta went to the Chamber where King Perion was , and at the doore she found his Squire , who brought other garmentes for his Lord to weare , which the Damosell tooke of him . For ( quoth she ) it is necessary that I perfourme this seruice , and you ( gentle Squire ) maye goe if you please about your other affaires . The Squire thinking it was the custome of the Cuntry , made no deniall , but willinglye suffered her to take the Garments , wherupon she entred the Chamber , where the found the King laide on his bed : who séeing her enter , and knowing wel it was she , whom he had séene to conferre with Elisena most priuatelye and in whom ( aboue all other ) she put chéefest trust , he thought that she would not come in that sorte to him , without bringing him some remedy for his mortall passions , for which cause , all in trembling , he saide . Faire fréend , what demaund ye ? If it may so like you my Lord , quoth she , I haue brought other garments for ye . Much rather would I , saide the King , that you had brought some comfort to my hart , which at this present is left naked and despoyled of all pleasure . As how my good Lord ? answered the Damosell . Thus quoth he . When first I arriued in this Country , I was frée from all passions , and doubled nothing , but of aduentures that might happen to knightes errant : but now ( I know not in what sorte ) entring this Courte , by some one of your Ladies , haue I receiued a deadly wound , for which if you ( faire Damosell ) knowe how to giue me any remedy , your recompence shall be so good , as you shall repute your selfe beholding to me . Certes , quoth she , I should imagine my self happy , by dooing seruice to so high a personage , and so good a Knight as you are , if I could tell wherein . If you will promise me saide the King , as you are a loyall Damosell , not to discouer me but where it is requisite , I shall tell ye . Say hold●●● your pleasure , answered Darioletta , for by me ( without your liking , it shall not be knowen to any . Damosell and my fréende , quoth he , I giue ye to vnderstand , that at what time I behelde the excellent beauty of Elisena your Mistresse . I became extreamelye tormented with her loue , and in such sorte , as I cannot excuse my selfe from death if I finde not remedy for my greefe the sooner . Darioletta ( who knew thorowly the minde of the Princesse ) hearing what the King had saide , returned him this answere . My Lord , if you will assure me by the faith of a King , which before all other thinges ought to be kept , as a person most bounden to vertue , and as a loyall Knight , who ought ( as is saide ) to suffer much , for maintenance of right and equitie , that you will take to Wife my Lady Elisena when time shall serue : right soone will I bring ye to the place , where not only your hart shal be satisfied but hers likewise , who ( it may be ) is in as much or more thought and dollour , then your are , by reason of the new anguish that toucheth her thorow the selfe same meanes . But if you doo not ( my Lord ) what I haue said , you shall not there recouer her , nor shall I haue other cause then to thinke , that your woordes procéeded from no loyall hart , nor to credit any thing you say héerafter . The King whom loue had already depriued of liberty , to vnite him selfe with Elisena , ( to the end that he might be adorned with the great and gratious fruite , which afterwarde happened , as shal be receited vnto ye ) , tooke his Swoord , and setting his right hand on the Crosse therof , saide these woordes . I sweare by this crosse , and on this Swoord , wherwith I receiued the order of Knighthood , to doo what you ( faire Damosell ) shall commaund me , at all times , and whensoeuer your mistresse Elisena shal be therto aduised . Be you then frollicke and merrye , answered Darioletta , for I shall likewise accomplishe what I haue promised . And at that instant she returned to the Princesse , declaring to her what she had concluded with King Perion , wherwith the amorous Lady was so pleased , as she had vtterly lost her former countenance , and incesfanty embracing Darioletta , thus demaunded . My déere fréend , when will the hower come , that I shall holde betwéene mine armes , my Lord whom thou hast giuen me ? I shall tell ye answered the Damosell , you know that in the Chamber where King Perion lodgeth , there is a doore on the Garden side , which your Father hath sundrye times vsed for his recreation , and which at this present is couered with the cloth of Arras , but I haue the keye thereof : wherfore at night when euery one is at rest , we may easily there enter vnséene of any , and when néedefull time of returne commeth , my selfe will call ye . When Elisena heard this deuise , she was highly contented therwith , yet breathing foorth a sighe , she said . Alas my faithfull fréend , how shall we bring this to passe ? seeing my father is determined to lodge with King Perion : and if he perceiue vs , we shal be both in very great danger . Refer that doubt to me , answered Darioletta , and I shal easilye prouide for this matter : whereupon for this time they brake off conference , because the Tables were couered for Supper . And in like manner as the feasting began in the morning , so now it continued , till the Tables béeing voyded , eche one prepared him selfe to rest . now a little before , Darioletta went to king Perions Squire , and thus saide to him . Gentle Squire and my fréend , I pray ye tel me in good faithe , whether you be a Gentleman or no. Why aske ye ? answered the Squire . For the desire I haue , said the Damosell , to know one thing of you , which I intreate ye ( by the faith you owe to God and to the King your Maister ) not to hide from me . By Saint Mary ▪ quoth he , I will tell you what you please to aske , prouided , that it be not to the domage of my Lord . Heerin , saide the Damosell will I consent with ye , for I would not demaunde any thing of you that should giue him displeasure , nor were it reasonable that you should acquaint me with any such matter : but I desire to knowe , who is the Lady he loueth most perfectlye . The King my Maister , quoth the Squire , loueth all ingenerall , and I assure ye , that I know no one , to whom he beareth such affection as you speak off .

While they were thus talking , the King Garinter came , who séeing Darioletta conferring with king Perions Squire , demaunded what we she had to doo with the Gentleman ? In sooth my Lord quoth she , he telles me that the king his Maister is woont to lye alone , and therfore I thinke he loueth not to haue any company . When Garinter vnderstood that , he went presently to king Perion , saying . My noble Brother , there are certaine affaires suddenly be fallen me , and likewise I must rise somewhat early in the morning , which hath made me thinke , that ( not to trouble you ) the best way is , that I breake company from lodging with ye . My Lord , answered king Perion , doo as shall séem best to your liking . This answer appeared to king Garinter , conformable with that the Damosell had saide , wherfore right soone he commaunded his bed to be fetcht from king Perions Chamber . When Darioletta heard therof she imagmed their affaires would fall out the better , and therfore returned to Elisena , acquainting her with all that had passed betwéene the two kinges . In good faith quoth she , I now beléeue , that séeing God hath graunted so good a beginning , our enterprise , which at this present séemeth a great sinne , will héerafter redound to his seruice : but tell me what wee shall doo ? for the great ioy which I haue , hath taken from me the most healthfull part of my iudgement . Madame , saide Darioletta , this night will we execute what we haue determined , séeing the doore ( wherof you knowe ) is certainly open . To my selfe I keepe it , answered Elisena , and to you only I commit the charge , to prouide when the hower shall permit : and so they remained attending for the fauourable time .

CHAP. II. ¶ How the Princesse Elisena and her Damosell Darioletta , went to the Chamber where King Perion was lodged .

THe time béeing come , when eche one most commonly betake themselues to rest : Darioletta ( who for the contentment of her Mistresse , had vsed extreame dilligence ) came and tolde her . Madame , now is the time to finishe our enterprise , then let vs goe if you please . When Elisena heard what she saide , you must think she gaue no occasion to be reproued with slothfulnes : but hastely arose , and without tarying , casting only a mantle about her shoulders , went forward , and afterward they bothe entred the Garden . The time was then calme and gracious , the Moone faire and splendant , giuing cléere light to the two Ladies : but surely the one had more cause of content then the other , who gladlye would haue tasted this good hap , or such an other for her selfe , if she could any way haue compast the meane , and so much she gaue in outward appearance , as Elisena perceiued well , that she wanted but the executour to perfourme the same : for Darioletta féeling in her spirit , the ease at hand which she should receiue whome she conducted , could not but very pleasantly iest and dally with her Mistresse , breaking many a bitter sigh among , as though she were to participate in Elisenaes future good fortune , to whome she saide . Alas Madame , how happye is the Prince , by whom this night you shall receiue such pleasure ? You say true , answered Elisena , but what ? thinke you not that Fortune is as fauourable to me , as to him ? for if I be faire , is not he one of the most perfect men that hath béene heard off , either in personage , good grace or hardines ? assure thy selfe , Darioletta my fréend , that I imagine my self so happy , sa I thinke it is impossible for me to be more , and therfore let vs make haste I praye thee . These woordes she vttered with such affection , that she trembled like the little leafe on the high tree , and as she ended those spéeches , they arriued at the Chamber doore where king Perion was lodged : who ( for the strangenes of this new amorous flame , as also the hope he had in Darioletta ) had not as yet taken any rest . Neuerthelesse , béeing at this instant wearye with trauaile , and ouercome with sléepe : began ( euen as they opened the doore ) to slumber , and dreamed that one entred his Chamber at a false doore , without knowledge who it should be : but he thought that he thrust his handes into his sides , and rent foorth his hart , afterward he saw him throw it into the Riuer , when the King said . Wherefore commit ye such crueltie ? This is nothing at all , answered he that did this outrage , for with you shall remaine an other hart , which I must take from ye against my will . In great feare he suddenlye awaked , and making the signe of the Crosse , commended him selfe to God . Now had the Ladies opened the doore and entred the Chamber , wherfore he hearing the noyse , suspected some treason , especially by reason of his fearefull dreame , and lifting vp his head : behelde thorowe the Curtaynes the doore open wherof he knew nothing , and afterwarde by the light of the Moone , he sawe the shadowe of the Ladyes that were entred . For this cause , in feare he started out of bed , tooke his Swoord , and went to the place where he had seene them : but when Darioletta sawe him so affrighted , she spake to him in this manner . What shal be doone héere ? Doo you my Lord draw armes against vs , that come to you with so slender defence ? The king who quickly knew them , especially Elisena whom he so much desired , threw his Swoord to the ground , and casting a mantle about him which lay néere at hand : in great affection he came to her whom he loued better then him selfe , kissing , embracing and shewing the best countenance could be deuised , which Darioletta seeing , as one iealous and enuious of such fauour , saide to Elisena , Now are you somewhat better contented , for in my iudgement , although till this time you defended your selfe from many , and he likewise hath withstood sundrye assaultes : notwithstanding at this present , neither the one or other of you hath force or meane , which way any longer to warrant or defend your selues . As thus she spake , she looked where the King had throwen his Swoord , which she tooke vp , as a witnesse of the oathe and promise he made her , concerning the future mariage of Elisena and him selfe : then shutting the doore after her , she went into the Garden , and so the King remained alone with his fair fréend , whom ( after many amourous embracinges , infinite kissinges , and execution of delightes ) he behelde , verily perswading him selfe , that all the beautye of the Worlde was in her , reputing him self much more then happy , that the heauens had allowed him so good an aduenture . Sée now how it chaunced to this Princesse , that for so long time , in the chéefest flower of her youth , being requested by so many mighty Princes and great Lordes , she had withstood all , to remaine in the libertie of a Maiden : now wun in lesse space then one day , and at such time as her fancie ( in her owne thinking ) was farthest off from such matters .

Thus Loue breaking the strong bandes of her holye and chaste life , caused a sudden alteration of her purpose , making her soone after , of a faire virgen , a faire woman : seruing for example to many other , who assaying to withdrawe their thoughtes from worldly thinges , and despising the great beauty wherwith nature hath endowed them , and tender youth , which maketh them ignorant of the pleasures and delightes in their Fathers Courtes ' wherof sometime they might haue tasted : yeelde themselues ( for saluation of their soules ) into poore and religious houses , therto in all obedience offering their frée will , vowing themselues to the subiection of others , hoping to passe their time without any renowne or glory of this world . Certes such Ladies , ought with great sollicitude to stop their eares , close their eyes , and giue themselues to continuall deuoute contemplations and prayers , accepting them as their true and singuler pastimes , as to such they are : and aboue all , they should exempt them selues from sight of Parents , neighbours & fréends , because that oftentimes the talk and frequenting of such , procureth a change of their holye and chaste will . And not without cause haue I made this little discourse , for it is to the ende that it happen not to them , as it did vnto the faire Princesse Elisena , who so long laboured in thought to preserue her selfe : yet notwithstanding in one only moment , seing the beauty and good grace of King Perion , changed her will in such sorte , as without the aduise and discretion of Darioletta , who would couer the honor of her Mistresse vnder the mantle of mariage : you may sée she was at the point to fall , into the very lowest parte of all dishonor . As it hath happened to many other , of whom hath commonly béen heard speech : who not keeping themselues from what I haue saide before , haue béene taken bad enough , and taken will be , if they admit no better foresight .

Now then are these two louers in their sollace , Elisena demaunding of the King , if his departure should be shortlye or no. Wherfore Madame doo you aske ? saide King Perion . Because , quoth she , this happy fortune , that with so great delight hath giuen ease to our affectionate desires ; dooth threaten me already with extreame anguish and sorrow , which by your absence I shall receiue , and feare it will rather cause my sudden death , then long life . Haue no doubt therof saide the King , for although my body be seperated from your presence , my hart for euer shall remaine with ye , which shall giue strength to vs bothe , to you to suffer , and to me by my spéedye returne . These two contented louers are thus deuising , when she that had been the cause of their meeting ( seeing it was time to call her mistresse , who by this pleasure forget her selfe in her louers armes ) entred the Chamber , and speaking somewhat loude saide . Madame , I know that heertofore you thought my company more agréeable then you doo at this present : but it is néedfull that you arise , and let vs goe , for the time calleth vs . When the King heard her , knowing that perforce it must be so , he praied Darioletta to walke into the Garden , and to bring him woord in what corner the winde sat : in meane while he tooke his amourous conge , with such reciprocall pleasure , as you that loue may easily iudge , then swéetly kissing her , he saide . I assure you Madame , that for your sake I will stay longer in this Cuntry then you imagine , therfore I pray ye be not unmindefull of this place . So arose . Elisena , and went vnto her Chamber with Darioletta , leauing the King alone , not a little contended with his new acquaintance : but dreading his dreame , as you haue heard , and willing to know what it might signify , he became desirous to return to his owne Countrey , where as then were good store of Philosophers , that were well seene in those Sciences : him self likewise in former times took great pleasure therin , and vnderstood sundry rules therof . Neuerthelesse , he soiourned ten dayes with King Garinter , after his sporting with Elisena , who neuer a night failed to visit her louely haunte . The ten dayes béeing spent , King Perion ( forcing his will and notwithstanding the teares and intreaties of Elisena which were excessiue ) resolued to departe , and therefore tooke his leaue of the Courte : but as he would haue mounted on horseback ▪ he perceiued that he wanted his good Swoord , wherat he became somewhat offended , because it was one of the best , and fayrest in the world , yet durst he not demaund it , fearing least the loue of him and Elisena shoulde thereby be discouered , or King Garinter angry with them that visited his chamber , In these thoughtes , accompanied with infinite regrets , without longer stay , he tooke his way toward Gaule : albeit before his departure , Darioletta came and intreated him , to be mindefull of the great gréefe wherein he left his Elisena , and of the sollemne promise he had made her . Alas my déere freend , saide the King , I pray ye to assure her on my parte , that she shall haue no cause of offence , and that right soone I meane to fée her , in meane while , I commend her to you as mine own proper hart . Then taking from his finger a King , semblable to an other that he had , he sent it to the desolate louer , intreating her earnestly ( for his sake ) to giue it her . This present did no whit lessen her great gréefe , but encrease it , so that if she had not béene comforted by Darioletta , without doubte she had then finished her dayes : but so wel she perswaded her to take good hope , that by the allegations she laid before her of dangerous occurrences , she came somewhat better to her selfe , and learned thence forward more smoothely to dissemble her sorrowe , till she felte her selfe great with Childe , by meanes wherof , she not onlye lost the taste of her food , but also the pleasure of rest , and the faire cullour of her countenance .

Now on the highest step of mishap was her sorrow set , and not without cause , for in that time was there an inuiolable law , that any woman or maiden , of what quality or estate soeuer , offending in such sorte , could no way excuse her self from death . This sharpe & cruell custome , endured till the comming of the vertuous King Arthur , the best Prince that euer raigned in that country : which he reuoked at the time , as he killed Floian in battaile before the Gates of Paris . But many other Kinges were betwéene him and Garinter , who maintained that lawe , and for this cause the sorrowfull Lady coulde not be absolued by ignoraunce therof : albeit that by the oathes and promises of King Perion on his Swoord , God would remit the offence , yet knew she not how to excuse her faulte to the world , because it was doon so secretly as you haue heard . Sée héere the distresse wherin King Perion left his Elisena , which gladly she would giue him to vnderstand if possible she could : but it might not be , for she knew the promptitude of this yong King , that tooke no rest in any place where he came , nor was his hart satisfied , except in this , with following armes , as also séeking strange and hazardous aduentures , and therfore he was the harder to be found , Thus dispayring of this succour , she thought there was no remedy for her life , for which she made not so much mone , as the losse of the sight of her true fréend and only Lord . But at that instant the great and puissant maker of all thinges , by whose permission this act was appointed to his seruice , inspired Darioletta with such counsell , as she only should remedie these occurrences , in such sort as you shall presently vnderstand .

In the Pallace of King Garinter , there was a Chamber vaulte seperated from the rest , neere to which was a riuer , wherto one might easilye discend by a little Iron doore , this Chamber ( by the aduise of Darioletta ) did Elisena request of her father , as well for her ease , as to continue her accustomed solitarye life , and would haue none other companion than Darioletta , who ( as you haue heard ) knew the occasion of her dollorous gréefes . This request she lightly obtained , the King thinking his daughters intent to be as she feigned , and heeruppon was the Keye of the Iron doore giuen to Darioletta , to open when it pleased Elisena to recreate her selfe on the water . By this meane had she a place proper to her affaires , and so was in better rest and assurance then before : for well was she aduised , that in this place more commodiously then any other , might she prouide to escape without danger . Wherfore béeing there one day alone with her Damosell , they fell in conference , and she required councell , what should be doone with the fruite that she trauailed withall , What ? answered Darioletta : mary it must suffer to redéeme you . Ah poore maidenly mother , saide Elisena , how can I consent to the death of the creature , begotten by the only man of the world whom most I loue ? Offend not your selfe , quoth Darioletta , for if you should dye , hardly would it be permitted after you to liue , In sooth , said Elisena , although I dye béeing culpable , it were no reason the little innocent should suffer . Leaue wee this talke , answered Darioletta , seeing it were great follye to hazard the safetie of that , which héerafter may be the onlye cause of your losse , and your freend likewise : for well you know , that if you be discouered , you shall dye , and the infant shall not liue , and you dying , no longer can he liue that so deerely loueth you So shall you alone cause the death of al thrée , where contrarywise , if you escape the perill , the time will come , when you may haue together children enow , which will make you forget the affection you bare to this first . And as this Damosell was thus inspired , so would she before hand séeke to preuent the inconuenience , in this manner . She got foure little boords , of such largenes as was necessary , to make a Chest wherin to put the infant , with the clothes & the swoord which she kept , then did she glue them together in such sorte , as the water should haue no place to enter . This beeing doon and made fit , she put it vnder the bed , without declaring any thing therof to Elisena , vntil the time of Childe-birthe approched , and then Darioletta saide . What thinke ye Madame this little Cofer is made for ? In good faith I know not , quoth she . This shal be to serue vs , saide the Damosell , when we haue neede . Beleeue me answered Elisena wéeping , but little doo I care for any thing that may happen , for I féele my selfe too néere the losse of my good , and all my ioy . Uery soone after , the Princesse felt the anguish of trauaile , which was to her very strange and troublesome , oppressing her hart with sundrye bitter passions : yet notwithstanding all her yrk some plundges , poore soule she durst not but be silent , greatlye fearing least she should be heard . Her agonies thus redoubling , the most mighty ( without danger of her person ) gaue her in deliueraunce a faire Sonne , which the Damosell receiued , and as she held it , it séemed to her of wonderfull feature , and happy would she haue reputed him , had he not beene borne to hard fortune , where-to Darioletta was constrained to send him , for the redemption of the sorrowfull mother , and therfore she deferred it not . But euen as before was concluded , she wrapped the infant in riche clothes , and afterward brought it with the Cofer to Elisena : which when the good Lady sawe , she demaunded what she would doo therwith . Madame , quoth she , héerein shall your little Sonne be put , then will I send it foorth on the water , and if it please God , he may escape and liue . Alas my swéete infant , saide Elisena how full of danger is thy destiny ? In meane while , Darioletta tooke incke and parchement , and writ therin these woords , This is Amadis without time , Sonne to a King : by these woordes without time , she meant , that she thought his death to be néere at hand , and the name of Amadis was of great reuerence in that Country , because of a Sainte there so called , to whom this little infant was recommended . The letter béeing written and sealed , was couered and wrapped in waxe , and then with a little golden Chayne fastened about the Childes necke , with the Ring that King Perion sent Elisena at his departure . Eache thing thus appointed , Darioletta came to the wofull mother , and in her sight put the Childe into the Chest , laying by him the King his Fathers Swoord , which he threw on the ground the first night he came to Elisena , and this the cause wherfore the Damosell had so well kept it : then after the Mother had kist her Sonne as her last farwell , the Cofer was made fast very arteficiallye , and Darioletta opening the yron doore , commending the babe to the heauenlye protection , she set it on the Water , the course wherof béeing very spéedy , full soone caried the Cofer into the Sea , which was lesse then halfe a mile from the place .

Now began the break of day to appéere , and the little infant followed his fortune , now throwne héere , then there , according as the boystrous waues pleased : but by the will of the highest , who ( when he pleaseth ) makes impossibilities easie , caused it so to fall out , that at the same time as this was doone , a Scottishe Ship sayled on the Sea , wherin was a Gentleman named Gandales , who from little Brittaine sailed with his wife into Scotland , she hauing béene lately deliuered of a Sonne called Gandalin . The morning was both calme and cléere , wherfore Gandales might easilye perceiue the Chest floting on the waues , which he presently sent out for , thinking it to be some matter of great value : then the Mariners casting foorth a Skiffe , made toward the Cofer and tooke it vp : when they had brought it to Gandales , he got open the couer , and beholding the goodly Infant within , as also the rich clothes wherin it was wrapped , he suspected that it came from no meane place , as he gathered by the King and the good Swoord . So taking it in his armes , he was filled with such compassion , as he began to cursse the mother therof , who through feare had forsaken so cruellye such a beautifull creature : and carefully did he cause all things to be kept which he found in the Cofer , desiring his Wife , that this infant might be nourished as his own Sonne . She was heerewith very wel contented , & so the two children were equally fostered together , for neuer had young Amadis suckte the teat , but to soone as it was giuen him by his new Nursse , he made no refusall therof , but beeing very thirstie sucked hartely , wherat Gandales and his wife were excéeding glad . Now had they the time so fauourable , as shortlye they landed in Scotland , néere to a Citie named Antailia , and soone after they came to their owne Country , where little Gandalin , and the Childe found in the sea were nourished together . And because Gandales forbad his seruants to vse any speech of his good hap , requesting the like of the Mariners , to whom the ship belonged , and were to saile els where : the two children were estéemed bretheren by such as were ignorant of their fortune .