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Title: Stories from the Faerie Queene
Author: Mary Macleod
Edmund Spenser
Author of introduction, etc.: John W. Hales
Illustrator: Arthur George Walker
Release date: August 20, 2026 [eBook #79406]
Language: English
Original publication: New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1905
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/79406
Credits: Mairi and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORIES FROM THE FAERIE QUEENE ***
Stories from the
Faerie Queene
[Illustration:
“=She nigher drew, and saw that joyous end:
Then God she praysd, and thankt her faithfull Knight
That had atchievde so great a conquest by his might.=”
—_Page 86._
]
[Illustration]
STORIES FROM THE FAERIE QUEENE
BY MARY MACLEOD
WITH INTRODUCTION BY
JOHN W HALES
DRAWINGS BY
A.G. WALKER. Sculptor.
NEW YORK: FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY,
PUBLISHERS.
[Illustration: Two men on horseback, one blowing a trumpet with a banner
and the other reading a document.]
Introduction
The object of this volume is to excite interest in one of the greatest
poems of English literature, which for all its greatness is but little
read and known—to excite this interest not only in young persons who are
not yet able to read “The Faerie Queene,” with its archaisms of
language, its distant ways and habits of life and thought, its exquisite
melodies that only a cultivated ear can catch and appreciate, but also
in adults, who, not from the lack of ability, but because they shrink
from a little effort, suffer the loss of such high and refined literary
pleasure as the perusal of Spenser’s masterpiece can certainly give.
Assuredly, when all that cavillers can say or do is said and done, “The
Faerie Queene” is deservedly called one of the greatest poems of English
literature. From the high place it took, and took with acclamation, when
it first appeared, it has, in fact, never been deposed. It has many
defects and imperfections, such as the crudest and most commonplace
critic can discover, and has discovered with much self-complacency; but
it has beauties and perfections that such critics very often fail to
see; and, so far as the status of “The Faerie Queene” is concerned, it
is enough for the ordinary reader to grasp the significant fact that
Spenser has won specially for himself the famous title of “the poets’
poet.” Ever since his star appeared above the horizon, wise men from all
parts have come to worship it; and amongst these devotees fellow-poets
have thronged with a wonderful enthusiasm. In one point all the poetic
schools of England have agreed together, viz., in admiration for
Spenser. From Milton and Wordsworth on the one hand to Dryden and
Pope—from the one extreme of English poetry to the other—has prevailed a
perpetual reverence for Spenser. The lights in his temple, so to speak,
have never been extinguished—never have there been wanting offerers of
incense and of praise; and, to repeat in other words what has already
been said, as it is what we wish to specially emphasise, amidst this
faithful congregation have been many who already had or were some day to
have temples of their own. We recognise amongst its members not only the
great poets already mentioned, but many others of the divine
brotherhood, some at least of whom rank with the greatest, such as
Keats, Shelley, Sidney, Gray, Byron, the Fletchers, Henry More, Raleigh,
Thomson, not to name Beattie, Shenstone, Warton, Barnefield, Peele,
Campbell, Drayton, Cowley, Prior, Akenside, Roden Noel. To this long but
by no means exhaustive list might be added many of high eminence in
other departments of literature and of life, as Gibbon, Mackintosh,
Hazlitt, Craik, Lowell, Ruskin, R. W. Church, and a hundred more.
Now, of course, the acceptance of a poet is and must be finally due to
his own intrinsic merits. No amount of testimonials from ever so highly
distinguished persons will make a writer permanently popular if he
cannot make himself so—if his own works do not make him so. Of
testimonials there is very naturally considerable distrust—very
naturally, when we notice what second-rate penmen have been and are
cried up to the skies. But in the present case the character of the
testifiers is to be carefully considered; and, secondly, not only their
words but their actions are to be taken into account. Many of our
greatest poets have praised Spenser not only in formal phrases, but
practically and decisively, by surrendering themselves to his influence,
by sitting at his feet, by taking hints and suggestions from him. He has
been their master not merely nominally but actually, and with obvious
results. If all traces of Spenser’s fascination and power could be
removed from subsequent English literature, that literature would be a
very different thing from what it is: there would be strange breaks and
blanks in many a volume, hiatuses in many a line, an altered turning of
many a sentence, a modification of many a conception and fancy. And we
are convinced that the more Spenser is studied the more remarkable will
his dominance and his dominion be found to be. To quote lines that have
been quoted before in this connection—
“Hither, as to their fountain, other stars
Repairing, in their urns draw golden light.”
“The Faerie Queene” is one of the great wellheads of English poetry; or,
in other words, Spenser’s Faerie Land has been and is a favourite haunt
of all our highest poetic spirits.
And yet it is incontrovertible that this poem is very little known as a
whole to most people. Everybody is familiar with the story of Una and
the Lion, and with two or three stanzas of singular beauty in other
parts of “The Faerie Queen,” because these occur in most or all books of
selections: in every anthology occur those fairest flowers. But the
world at large is content to know no more. The size of the poem appals
it. “A big book is a big evil,” it thinks, and it shudders at the idea
of perusing the six twelve-cantoed books in which Spenser’s genius
expressed itself—expressed itself only in an incomplete and fragmentary
fashion, for many more books formed part of his enormous design. “Of the
persons who read the first canto,” says Macaulay in a famous Essay, “not
one in ten reaches the end of the First Book, and not one in a hundred
perseveres to the end of the poem. Very few and very weary are those who
are in at the death of the Blatant Beast. If the last six books, which
are said [without any authority] to have been destroyed in Ireland, had
been preserved, we doubt whether any heart less stout than that of a
commentator would have held out to the end.” And Macaulay speaks truly
as well as wittily. He is as accurate as Poins when Prince Hal asks him
what he would think if the Prince wept because the King his father was
sick. “I would think thee a most princely hypocrite,” replies Poins. “It
would be every man’s thought,” says the Prince: “and thou art a blessed
fellow to think as every man thinks. Never a man’s thought in the world
keeps the roadway better than thine.” Even so is Macaulay “a blessed
fellow to think as every man thinks,” and no doubt his blessedness in
this respect is one of the characteristics—by no means the only one—that
account for his widespread popularity. He not only states that people do
not read “The Faerie Queen,” but he shows that he himself, voracious
reader—_helluo librorum_—as he was, had not done so, or had done so very
carelessly; for, alas! the Blatant Beast, as at all events every student
of the present volume will know, does not die; Sir Calidore only
suppresses him for a time; he but temporarily ties and binds him in an
iron chain, “and makes him follow him like a fearful dog;” and one day
long afterwards the beast got loose again—
“Ne ever could by any, more be brought
Into like bands, ne maystred any more,
Albe that, long time after Calidore,
The good Sir Pelleas him tooke in hand,
And after him Sir Lamoracke of yore,
And all his brethren borne in Britaine land;
Yet none of them could ever bring him into band.
“So now he raungeth through the world againe,
And rageth sore in each degree and state;
Ne any is that may him now restraine,
He growen is so great and strong of late,
Barking and biting all that him doe bate,
Albe they worthy blame, or clear of crime;
Ne spareth he most learned wits to rate,
Ne spareth he the gentle Poets rime;
But rends without regard of person or of time.”
And Spenser goes on to declare that even his “homely verse of many
meanest” cannot hope to escape “his venemous despite;” for, in his own
day, as often since, Spenser by no means found favour with everybody.
Clearly even Macaulay’s memory of the close of “The Faerie Queene” was
sufficiently hazy. But even Milton, to whom Spenser was so congenial a
spirit, and whom he acknowledged as his “poetical father,” on one
occasion at least forgets the details of the Spenserian story. When
insisting in the _Areopagitica_ that true virtue is not “a fugitive and
cloistered virtue, unexercised and unbreathed, that never sallies out
and sees her adversary,” but a virtue that has been tried and tested, he
remarks that this “was the reason why our sage and serious poet Spenser,
whom I dare be known to think a better teacher than Scotus or Aquinas,
describing true temperance under the person of Guion, brings him in with
his Palmer through the cave of Mammon and the bower of earthly bliss,
that he may see, and know, and yet abstain.” But the Palmer was not with
Sir Guyon in the Cave of Mammon, Phædria having declined to ferry him
over to her floating island. See “The Faerie Queene,” ii, 6, 19:—
“Himselfe [Sir Guyon] she tooke aboord,
But the Black Palmer suffred still to stond,
Ne would for price or prayers once affoord
To ferry that old man over the perlous foord.
“Guyon was loath to leave his guide behind,
Yet being entred might not back retyre;
For the flitt barke, obeying to her mind,
Forth launched quickly as she did desire,
Ne gave him leave to bid that aged sire
Adieu.”
So Macaulay’s lapse must not be regarded too severely, though, as may be
seen, much more prominence is given by Spenser to the fact that the
Blatant Beast was not killed, than to the absence of the Palmer from
Guyon’s side in Mammon’s House. It seems probable, indeed, that Macaulay
mixed up the fate of the Dragon in the eleventh canto of the First Book
with that of the Blatant Beast in the twelfth of the Sixth. But we
mention these things only to prevent any surprise at the general
ignorance of Spenser, when such a confirmed book-lover as Macaulay, and
such a devoted Spenserian as Milton, are found tripping in their
allusions to his greatest work.
Now this ignorance, however explicable, is, we think, to be regretted. A
poet of such splendid attributes, and with such a choice company of
followers, surely deserves to be better known than he is by “the general
reader”; and we trust that this volume may be of service in making the
stories of “The Faerie Queene” more familiar, and so in tempting the
general reader to turn to Spenser’s own version of them, and to
appreciate his amazing affluence of language, of melody, and of fancy.
Clearly, Spenser does not appeal to everybody at first; we mean that to
enjoy him fully needs some little effort to begin with—some distinct
effort to put ourselves in communication with him, so to speak; for he
is far away from us in many respects. His costume and his accent are
very different from ours. He does not seem to be of us or of our world.
“His soul” is “like a star”: it dwells “apart.” We have, it would appear
at first sight, nothing in common with him: he moves all alone in a
separate sphere—he is not of our flesh and blood. What strikes us at
first sight is a certain artificiality and elaborateness, as we think.
We cannot put ourselves on confidential terms with him; he is too
stately and _point devise_. His art rather asserts than conceals itself
to persons who merely glance at him. But these impressions will be
largely or altogether removed, _if the reader will really read “The
Faerie Queene.”_ He will no longer think of its author as a mere
phrase-monger, or only a dainty melodist, or the master of a superfine
style. He will find himself in communion with a man of high intellect,
of a noble nature—of great attraction, not only for his humanism, but
for his humanity. To Spenser, Wordsworth’s lines in “A Poet’s Epitaph”
may be applied with particular and profound truth:—
“He is retired as noontide dew,
Or fountain in a noonday grove;
And you must love him ere to you
He will seem worthy of your love.”
The very opulence of Spenser’s genius stands in the way of his due
appraisement. There can scarcely be a doubt that if he could have
restrained the redundant stream of his poetry, he might have been more
worthily recognised. Had he written less, he would have been praised
more; as it is, with many readers, _mole ruit sua_: they are overpowered
and bewildered by the immense flood. The waters of Helicon seem a
torrent deluge. We say his popularity would have been greater, if he
could have restrained and controlled this amazing outflow; but, after
all, we must take our great poets as we find them. In this very
abundance, as in other ways, Spenser was a child of his age, and we must
accept him with all his faults as well as with all his excellences. Both
faults and excellences are closely inter-connected. _Il a les défauts de
ses qualités._
He said that Chaucer was his poetical master, and more than once he
mentions Chaucer with the most generous admiration:—
“Dan Chaucer, well of English undefyled,
On Fames eternal beadroll worthy to be fyled.”
“That old Dan Geffrey, in whose gentle spright
The pure well head of Poesie did dwell.”
And Chaucer too may be said to suffer from a very plethora of wealth.
Chaucer is apt to be superabundant; but yet he was a model of
self-restraint as compared with Spenser. One cannot say in this case,
“Like master, like man,” or, “Like father, like son.” Their geniuses are
entirely different—a fact which makes Spenser’s devotion to Chaucer all
the more noticeable and interesting; and the art of the one is in sharp
contrast with the art of the other. Chaucer is a masterly tale-teller:
no one in all English poetry equals him in this faculty; he is as
supreme in it as Shakespeare in the department of the drama. In his
tales Chaucer is, “without o’erflowing, full.” The conditions under
which they were told beneficially bounded and limited them. Each is
_multum in parvo_. They are very wonders of compression, and yet produce
no sense of confinement or excision. Spenser could not possibly have set
before himself a better exemplar; but yet he so set him in vain. The
contrast between the two poets, considered merely as narrators or
story-tellers, is vividly exhibited in the third canto of the Fourth
Book of “The Faerie Queene,” where, after a reverent obeisance to his
great predecessor, he attempts to tell the other half of the half-told
story.
“Of Cambuscan bold,
Of Camball and of Algarsife,
And who had Canace to wife,
That owned the virtuous ring and glass,
And of the wondrous horse of brass,
On which the Tartar king did ride.”
It is not without some misgiving that he adventures on such a daring
task:—
“Then pardon, O most sacred happie Spirit!
That I thy labours lost[1] may thus revive,
And steale from thee the meede of thy due merit,
That none durst ever whilest thou wast alive,
And being dead in vain yet many strive.
Ne dare I like; but through infusion swete
Of thine own Spirit which doth in me survive,
I follow here the footing of thy feete,
But with thy meaning so I may the rather meete.”
Footnote 1:
Spenser thought that the latter Part or Parts of the “Squire’s Tale”
had actually been written but been lost—been “quite devoured” by
“cursed eld,” and “brought to nought by little bits,” as he quaintly
expresses it. But it may be taken as certain Chaucer left the tale as
we have it, that is, “half told.” The closing lines of what we have
are clearly unrevised. For some reason or another—trouble or sickness,
or his growing infirmity—what would have been one of the most
brilliant works of the Middle Ages was never completed, and, like
“Christabel” and “Hyperion,” remains only a glorious fragment.
But it can scarcely be allowed either that he follows the footing of his
master’s feet, or that he caught the breath of his master’s spirit.
There are “diversities of operations”; and Spenser’s method and manner
were not those of Chaucer, however sincere the allegiance he professed,
and however sincere his intentions to tread in his footsteps and march
along the same road. He wanted some gifts and some habits that are
necessary for the perfect story-teller—gifts and habits which Chaucer,
by nature or by discipline, possessed in a high degree, such as humour,
concentration, realism. The very structure of “The Faerie Queene” is
defective. It begins in the middle—at its opening it takes us _in medias
res_, seemingly in accordance with the precedent of the _Iliad_ or of
the _Æneid_, but only seemingly, for both Homer and Virgil very soon
finish the explanation of their opening initial scenes, and their
readers know where they are. But the first six books of “The Faerie
Queene” are very slightly connected together; and what the connection is
meant to be we learn only from the letter of the poet to Sir Walter
Raleigh, which it was thought well to print with the first three books,
no doubt in consequence of some complaints of obscurity and
disattachment. This letter is significantly described as “expounding
his” (the author’s) “whole intention in the course of this work,” and as
“hereunto annexed, for that it giveth great light to the reader for the
better understanding.” Certainly a story ought not to require a prose
appendix to set forth its arrangement and its purpose, even if only a
fourth of it is completed. The exact correlation of eleven books was to
remain unrevealed till the Twelfth Book appeared. In fact, had the poem
ever been completed, we should have had to begin its perusal at the end!
Thus “The Faerie Queene,” as has often been remarked, lacks unity and
cohesion. It is not so much one large and glorious mansion as a group of
mansions. To use the metaphor of Professor Craik, to whom many
subsequent writers on Spenser have been so considerably indebted, and
often without any at all adequate acknowledgment, it is a street of fine
houses, or, to use another metaphor of Professor Craik’s, which also has
been freely adopted by other critics, it is in parts a kind of
wilderness—a wilderness of wonderful beauty and wealth, in which it is a
delight to wander, but yet a wilderness with paths and tracks dimly and
faintly marked, often scarcely to be discerned.
Such was the abundance of Spenser’s fancy, and so various and extensive
was his learning, that he wrote, it would seem, with an amazing
facility, never checked by any paucities of either knowledge or ideas.
His pen could scarcely keep pace with his imagination. His material he
drew from all accessible sources—from the Greek and Latin classics (his
sympathetic acquaintance with Plato is one of his distinctions), from
the Italian poets (not only from Ariosto and Tasso, but Berni, Boiardo,
Pulci, and others), from the old Romances of Chivalry (especially the
Arthurian in Malory’s famous rendering, Bevis of Southampton, Amadis de
Gaul), from what there was of modern English literature (above all,
Chaucer’s works, but also Hawes and other minor writers) and of modern
French literature (especially Marot), from contemporary history (all the
great personages of his time are brought before us in his pages): but
all these diverse elements he combines and assimilates in his own
fashion, and forms into a compound quite unique, and highly
characteristic both of the hour and of the man. No wonder if the modern
reader is at first somewhat perplexed and confused; no wonder if he
often loses the thread of the story, and fails to comprehend such an
astonishing prodigality of incident and of personification. Figure after
figure flits before his eyes—the cry is still “They come”; one seems to
be in the very birthplace and home of dreams, knights, ladies, monsters,
wizards, and witches; all forms of good and evil throng by in quick
succession, and we are apt to forget who is who and what is what.
Probably some candid good-natured friend complained to Spenser of this
complicatedness, which is certainly at its worst in the Third and Fourth
Books; and in a certain passage in the Sixth he makes some sort of
defence of himself for what might seem divisions or aberrations in the
story of Sir Calidore. He compares himself to a ship that, by reason of
counter-winds and tides, fails to go straight to its destination, but
yet makes for it, and does not lose its compass; see VI. xii. 1 and 2.
We are sure that for all young readers such a version of Spenser’s
stories as is given in this volume may be truly serviceable in preparing
them for the study of the poem itself. And with some older readers
too—and it is to them this Introduction is mainly addressed—we would
fain hope this volume may find a hearty welcome, as providing them with
a clue to what seems an intricate maze. What we should like to picture
to ourselves is young and old reading these stories together, and the
elder students selecting for their own benefit, and for the benefit of
the younger, a few stanzas here and there from “The Faerie Queene” by
way of illustration. Of course we do not make this humble suggestion to
the initiated, but to those—and their name is Legion—who at present know
nothing or next to nothing of what is certainly one of the masterpieces
of English literature.
JOHN W. HALES.
[Illustration: Woman gazing into a crystal ball labeled "CONTENTS".]
CONTENTS
THE RED CROSS KNIGHT—
PAGE
THE COURT OF THE QUEEN 1
THE WOOD OF ERROR 4
THE KNIGHT DECEIVED BY THE MAGICIAN 8
THE KNIGHT FORSAKES UNA 12
HOLINESS FIGHTS FAITHLESS, AND MAKES FRIENDS WITH FALSE
RELIGION 15
UNA AND THE LION 17
IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY 23
THE HOUSE OF PRIDE 26
THE BATTLE FOR THE SHIELD 36
UNA AND THE WOODLAND KNIGHT 41
THE FALSE PILGRIM 43
GIANT PRIDE 47
PRINCE ARTHUR 50
THE WONDROUS BUGLE AND THE MIGHTY SHIELD 54
THE KNIGHT WITH THE HEMPEN ROPE 63
IN THE CAVE OF DESPAIR 68
HOW THE RED CROSS KNIGHT CAME TO THE HOUSE OF HOLINESS 73
THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING 79
THE LAST FIGHT 84
“EASE AFTER WAR” 86
THE GOOD SIR GUYON—
SIR GUYON MEETS THE MAGICIAN 92
FRIEND OR FOE? 96
THE STORY OF THE KNIGHT AND THE LADY 100
THE THREE SISTERS 104
BRAGGADOCHIO 108
FURY’S CAPTIVE 112
THE ANGER OF FIRE 116
THE IDLE LAKE 121
THE REALM OF PLUTO 127
THE CAVE OF MAMMON 132
THE CHAMPION OF CHIVALRY 139
THE HOUSE OF TEMPERANCE 144
THE ROCK OF REPROACH AND THE WANDERING ISLANDS 150
SEA-MONSTERS AND LAND-MONSTERS 156
THE BOWER OF BLISS 158
THE LEGEND OF BRITOMART—
HOW SIR GUYON MET A CHAMPION MIGHTIER THAN HIMSELF 167
HOW BRITOMART FOUGHT WITH SIX KNIGHTS 172
HOW IT FARED WITH BRITOMART IN CASTLE JOYOUS 177
HOW BRITOMART LOOKED INTO THE MAGIC MIRROR 181
HOW BRITOMART WENT TO THE CAVE OF THE MAGICIAN MERLIN 186
HOW BRITOMART SET FORTH ON HER QUEST 192
HOW BRITOMART CAME TO THE CASTLE OF THE CHURL MALBECCO 196
HOW BRITOMART WALKED THROUGH FIRE 200
WHAT BRITOMART SAW IN THE ENCHANTED CHAMBER 206
HOW BRITOMART RESCUED A FAIR LADY FROM A WICKED ENCHANTER 212
WHAT STRANGE MEETINGS BEFELL ON THE WAY 217
HOW SIR SATYRANE PROCLAIMED A GREAT TOURNAMENT 223
WHAT BEFELL ON THE FIRST AND SECOND DAYS OF THE TOURNAMENT 229
HOW BRITOMART DID BATTLE FOR THE GOLDEN GIRDLE 234
HOW THE GOLDEN GIRDLE WAS AWARDED TO THE FALSE FLORIMELL 239
HOW SIR SCUDAMOUR CAME TO THE HOUSE OF CARE 244
HOW THE “SAVAGE KNIGHT” MET THE “KNIGHT WITH THE EBONY SPEAR” 250
HOW BRITOMART ENDED HER QUEST 255
THE SQUIRE OF LOW DEGREE—
THE GIANT WITH FLAMING EYES 260
“FOR HIS FRIEND’S SAKE” 268
THE GIANT’S DAUGHTER 274
THE ADVENTURES OF SIR ARTEGALL—
THE SWORD OF JUSTICE AND THE IRON MAN 280
THE ADVENTURE OF THE SARACEN’S BRIDGE 286
THE GIANT WITH THE SCALES 290
BORROWED PLUMES, AND THE FATE OF THE SNOWY LADY 294
HOW THE GOOD HORSE BRIGADORE KNEW HIS OWN MASTER 301
THE ADVENTURE OF THE TWO BROTHERS AND THE COFFER 305
RADIGUND, QUEEN OF THE AMAZONS 311
HOW SIR ARTEGALL THREW AWAY HIS SWORD 318
THE HOUSE OF GUILE 323
THE BATTLE OF QUEEN RADIGUND AND BRITOMART 331
THE ADVENTURE OF THE DAMSEL, THE TWO KNIGHTS, AND THE SULTAN’S
HORSES 336
THE ADVENTURE AT THE DEN OF DECEIT 345
THE ADVENTURE OF THE TYRANT GRANTORTO 352
SIR CALIDORE, KNIGHT OF COURTESY—
THE QUEST OF THE BLATANT BEAST 360
THE PROUD DISCOURTEOUS KNIGHT 369
CORIDON AND PASTORELLA 374
IN THE BRIGANDS’ DEN 381
THE BEAST WITH A THOUSAND TONGUES 389
[Illustration: A young man and woman sitting together on a bench,
holding hands.]
[Illustration: Artist carving a "List of Illustrations" onto a stone
slab.]
LIST OF
ILLUSTRATIONS
FRONTISPIECE—On the morning of the third day he slew the Dragon.
TITLE-PAGE.
PAGE
Heading to Introduction vii
„ Contents xxi
„ List of Illustrations xxv
Arming the Knight 1
There rode into the city a fair lady 3
Rushing at his foe 6
At last they chanced to meet an old man 9
“The Lady Una has left you!” 13
Sleeping quietly in her bower 14
The two knights levelled their spears and rushed at each other 16
When she slept, he kept watch 19
He was afraid to go too near 23
Tearing off his helmet 24
With his sword he struck the lion 25
They saw in front of them a grand and beautiful building 26
High above all sat the Queen 29
The coach was drawn by an ugly and ill-matched team 33
Duessa stole secretly to the lodging of the pagan knight 37
A poor, simple pilgrim 45
The Knight tried to seize his weapons 48
The Prince carried him out of the castle 59
They saw a knight galloping towards them 65
They came to the place where Despair had his dwelling 69
The third daughter, whose name was Love 77
It was called “The City of the Great King” 81
The Red Cross Knight and Una were betrothed 87
Sir Guyon and the Black Palmer 92
He saw marching to meet him a noble Knight 93
A beautiful lady sat alone, weeping bitterly 97
An end to all her sorrow 103
They came to a Castle on a rock near the sea 105
“Yield thyself my captive!” 110
A savage man beating a handsome youth 113
“There is now coming a knight of wondrous power” 119
“Lady, you have not done right to mislead me like this” 123
He began with trembling hands to pour them through a hole into the
earth 129
“Behold what living eye has never seen before” 135
Watched over by a beautiful angel 140
The Knights soon drove them into confusion 147
The ferryman had to put forth all his strength and skill 153
A pack of wild beasts rushed forward 159
Acrasia tried to set herself free 164
Disguising themselves in poor clothes 167
Hurled from his horse 169
Britomart saw six knights 173
One of them shot a keen arrow at her 179
Britomart looked well at the figure of this Knight 184
Deep in some work of wonder 189
Glaucé, taking down the armour, dressed her in it 193
The valiant stranger was a beautiful maiden 198
The flames parted on either side 203
He rode on a ravenous lion 209
Fastened to a brazen pillar 214
They presently saw two knights in armour 219
Feeding on the dead body of a milk-white palfrey 225
Both champions were felled to the ground 231
Smote him sorely on the visor 237
Britomart showed her lovely Amoret 241
They heard the sound of many iron hammers 247
Threatening to strike 254
At last she was obliged to leave him 258
The rescue of Amoret 260
A mighty man, riding on a dromedary 265
The Giant’s daughter came one day in glee to the prison 271
He found Pœana playing on a rote 275
The Saracen’s Bridge 280
Wild beasts ... wrongfully oppressing others of their own kind 283
Sir Artegall gripped him fast by his iron collar 288
They beheld a giant on a rock, holding a pair of scales 291
Straightway the enchanted damsel vanished into nothing 299
He scourged him out of the court 303
“I helped to save her from the jaws of death” 308
In the midst of them he saw a Knight pinioned 312
He was dazzled with astonishment 320
She came to a window opening to the west 326
In the temple of Isis 333
The Sultan’s horses, like hungry hounds, cruelly chased him 342
The noise of her weeping speedily brought forth the villain 347
Artegall, with his sword Crysaor, swiftly cut off his head 359
Sir Calidore and the shepherds 360
A comely Squire, bound hand and foot to a tree 363
The Knight invited him to sit down beside them 373
He saw seated on a little hillock a beautiful maiden 375
The brigands made search to see who was slain 383
He threw his shield on him, and pinned him to the ground 391
[Illustration: A dragon flying over a rocky landscape.]
The Red Cross Knight
“_Right faithful true he was in deed and word_”
The Court of the Queen
[Illustration]
Once upon a time, in the days when there were still such things as
giants and dragons, there lived a great Queen. She reigned over a rich
and beautiful country, and because she was good and noble every one
loved her, and tried also to be good. Her court was the most splendid
one in the world, for all her knights were brave and gallant, and each
one thought only of what heroic things he could do, and how best he
could serve his royal lady.
The name of the Queen was Gloriana, and each of her twelve chief knights
was known as the Champion of some virtue. Thus Sir Guyon was the
representative of _Temperance_, Sir Artegall of _Justice_, Sir Calidore
of _Courtesy_, and others took up the cause of _Friendship_,
_Constancy_, and so on.
Every year the Queen held a great feast, which lasted twelve days. Once,
on the first day of the feast, a stranger in poor clothes came to the
court, and, falling before the Queen, begged a favour of her. It was
always the custom at these feasts that the Queen should refuse nothing
that was asked, so she bade the stranger say what it was he wished. Then
he besought that, if any cause arose which called for knightly aid, the
adventure might be entrusted to him.
When the Queen had given her promise he stood quietly on one side, and
did not try to mix with the other guests who were feasting at the
splendid tables. Although he was so brave, he was very gentle and
modest, and he had never yet proved his valour in fight, therefore he
did not think himself worthy of a place among the knights who had
already won for themselves honour and renown.
Soon after this there rode into the city a fair lady on a white ass.
Behind her came her servant, a dwarf, leading a warlike horse that bore
the armour of a knight. The face of the lady was lovely, but it was very
sorrowful.
Making her way to the palace, she fell before Queen Gloriana, and
implored her help. She said that her name was Una; she was the daughter
of a king and queen who formerly ruled over a mighty country; but, many
years ago, a huge dragon came and wasted all the land, and shut the king
and queen up in a brazen castle, from which they might never come out.
The Lady Una therefore besought Queen Gloriana to grant her one of her
knights to fight and kill this terrible dragon.
[Illustration: Woman riding a donkey with a dwarf walking alongside and
a horse behind.]
Then the stranger sprang forward, and reminded the Queen of the promise
she had given. At first she was unwilling to consent, for the Knight was
young, and, moreover, he had no armour of his own to fight with.
Then said the Lady Una to him, “Will you wear the armour that I bring
you, for unless you do you will never succeed in the enterprise, nor
kill the horrible monster of Evil? The armour is not new, it is
scratched and dinted with many a hard-fought battle, but if you wear it
rightly no armour that ever was made will serve you so well.”
Then the stranger bade them bring the armour and put it on him, and Una
said, “Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and
having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of
faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked, and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the SPIRIT,
which is the word of GOD.”
And when the stranger had put off his own rough clothes and was clad in
this armour, straightway he seemed the goodliest man in all that
company, and the Lady Una was well pleased with her champion; and,
because of the red cross which he wore on his breastplate and on his
silver shield, henceforth he was known always as “the Red Cross Knight.”
But his real name was _Holiness_, and the name of the lady for whom he
was to do battle was _Truth_.
So these two rode forth into the world together, while a little way
behind followed their faithful attendant, _Prudence_. And now you shall
hear some of the adventures that befell the Red Cross Knight and his two
companions.
The Wood of Error
The first adventure happened in this way. Scarcely had the Red Cross
Knight and the Lady Una started on their journey when the sky suddenly
became overcast, and a great storm of rain beat down upon the earth.
Looking about for shelter, they saw, not far away, a shady grove, which
seemed just what they wanted. The trees here had great spreading
branches, which grew so thickly overhead that no light could pierce the
covering of leaves. Through this wood wide paths and alleys, well
trodden, led in all directions. It seemed a truly pleasant place, and a
safe shelter against the tempest, so they entered in at once.
At first, as they roamed along the winding paths they found nothing but
pleasure. Deeper and deeper into the heart of the wood they went,
hearing with joy the sweet singing of the birds, and filled with wonder
to see so many different kinds of beautiful trees clustered in one spot.
But by-and-by, when the storm was over and they wished to go forward on
their journey, they found, to their sorrow, that they had lost their
way. It was impossible to remember by which path they had come; every
way now seemed strange and unknown. Here and there they wandered,
backwards and forwards; there were so many turnings to be seen, so many
paths, they knew not which to take to lead them out of the wood.
In this perplexity, at last they determined to go straight forward until
they found some end, either in or out of the wood. Choosing for this
purpose one of the broadest and most trodden paths, they came presently,
in the thickest part of the wood, to a hollow cave. Then the Red Cross
Knight dismounted from his steed, and gave his spear to the dwarf to
hold.
“Take heed,” said the Lady Una, “lest you too rashly provoke mischief.
This is a wild and unknown place, and peril is often without show. Hold
back, therefore, till you know further if there is any danger hidden
there.”
“Ah, lady,” said the Knight, “it were shame to go backward for fear of a
hidden danger. Virtue herself gives light to lead through any darkness.”
“Yes,” said Una; “but I know better than you the peril of this place,
though now it is too late to bid you go back like a coward. Yet wisdom
warns you to stay your steps, before you are forced to retreat. This is
the Wandering Wood, and that is the den of Error, a horrible monster,
hated of all. Therefore, I advise you to be cautious.”
[Illustration: Knight fighting a dragon while a woman and dwarf watch
with horses.]
“Fly, fly! this is no place for living men!” cried timid Prudence.
But the young Knight was full of eagerness and fiery courage, and
nothing could stop him. Forth to the darksome hole he went, and looked
in. His glittering armour made a little light, by which he could plainly
see the ugly monster. Such a great, horrible thing it was, something
like a snake, with a long tail twisted in knots, with stings all over
it. And near this wicked big creature, whose other name was _Falsehood_,
there were a thousand little ones, all varying in shape, but every one
bad and ugly; for you may be quite sure that wherever one of this
horrible race is found, there will always be many others of the same
family lurking near.
When the light shone into the cave all the little creatures fled to hide
themselves, and the big parent Falsehood rushed out of her den in
terror. But when she saw the shining armour of the Knight she tried to
turn back, for she hated light as her deadliest foe, and she was always
accustomed to live in darkness, where she could neither see plainly nor
be seen.
When the Knight saw that she was trying to escape, he sprang after her
as fierce as a lion, and then the great fight began. Though he strove
valiantly, yet he was in sore peril, for suddenly the cunning creature
flung her huge tail round and round him, so that he could stir neither
hand nor foot.
Then the Lady Una cried out, to encourage him, “Now, now, Sir Knight,
show what you are! Add faith unto your force, and be not faint! Kill
her, or else she will surely kill you.”
With that, fresh strength and courage came to the Knight. Gathering all
his force, he got one hand free, and gripped the creature by the throat
with so much pain that she was soon compelled to loosen her wicked hold.
Then, seeing that she could not hope to conquer in this way, she
suddenly tried to stifle the Knight by flinging over him a flood of
poison. This made the Knight retreat a moment; then she called to her
aid all the horrid little creeping and crawling monsters that he had
seen before, and many others of the same kind, or worse. These came
swarming and buzzing round the Knight like a cloud of teasing gnats, and
tormented and confused him with their feeble stings. Enraged at this
fresh attack, he made up his mind to end the matter one way or another,
and, rushing at his foe, he killed her with one stroke of his sword.
Then Lady Una, who, from a distance, had watched all that passed, came
near in haste to greet his victory.
“Fair Knight,” she said, “born under happy star! You are well worthy of
that armour in which this day you have won great glory, and proved your
strength against a strong enemy. This is your first battle. I pray that
you will win many others in like manner.”
The Knight deceived by the Magician
After his victory over Falsehood, the Red Cross Knight again mounted his
steed, and he and the Lady Una went on their way. Keeping carefully to
one path, and turning neither to the right hand nor the left, at last
they found themselves safely out of the Wood of Error.
But now they were to fall into the power of a more dangerous and
treacherous foe than even the hateful monster, Falsehood.
They had travelled a long way, and met with no fresh adventure, when at
last they chanced to meet in the road an old man. He looked very wise
and good. He was dressed in a long black gown, like a hermit, and had
bare feet and a grey beard; he had a book hanging from his belt, as was
the custom with scholars in those days. He seemed very quiet and sad,
and kept his eyes fixed on the ground, and all the time, as he went
along, he seemed to be saying prayers, and lamenting over his own
wickedness.
[Illustration: An old bearded hermit standing on a path as a knight and
woman approach.]
When he saw the travellers he made a very humble salute to them. The Red
Cross Knight returned the greeting with all courtesy, and asked him if
he knew of any strange adventures that were then taking place.
“Ah, my dear son!” said the hermit, “how should a simple old man, who
lives in a lonely cell, and does nothing all day but sorrow for his own
faults—how should such a man know any tidings of war or worldly trouble?
It is not fitting for me to meddle with such matters. But, if indeed you
desire to hear about danger and evil near at hand, I can tell you about
a strange man who wastes all the surrounding country.”
“That,” said the Knight, “is what I chiefly ask about, and I will reward
you well if you will guide me to the place where he dwells. For it is a
disgrace to knighthood that such a creature should be allowed to live so
long.”
“His dwelling is far away from here, in the midst of a barren
wilderness,” answered the old man. “No living person may ever pass it
without great danger and difficulty.”
“Now,” said the Lady Una, “night is drawing near, and I know well that
you are wearied with your former fight. Therefore, take rest, and with
the new day begin new work.”
“You have been well advised, Sir Knight,” said the old man. “Day is now
spent; therefore take up your abode with me for this night.”
The travellers were well content to do this, so they went with the
apparently good old man to his home.
It was a little lowly hermitage, down in a dale by the side of a forest,
far from the beaten track of travellers. A small chapel was built near,
and close by a crystal stream gently welled forth from a never-failing
fountain.
Arrived at the house, they neither expected nor found any entertainment;
but rest was what they chiefly needed, and they were well satisfied, for
the noblest mind is always the best contented. The old man had a good
store of pleasing words, and knew well how to fit his talk to suit his
visitors. The evening passed pleasantly, and then the hermit conducted
his guests to the lodgings where they were to spend the night.
But when they were safely asleep a horrid change came over the old man,
for in reality he was not good at all, although he pretended to be so.
His heart was full of hatred, malice, and deceit. He called himself
Archimago, which means a “Great Magician,” but his real name was
_Hypocrisy_. He knew that as long as Holiness and Truth kept together,
no great harm could come to either of them; so he determined to do
everything in his power to separate them. For this purpose he got out
all his books of magic, and set to work to devise cunning schemes and
spells. He was so clever and wily that he could deceive people much
better and wiser than himself. He also had at his bidding many bad
little spirits, who ran about and did his messages; these he used to
help his friends and frighten his enemies, and he had the power of
making them take any shape he wished.
Choosing out two of the worst of these, he sent one on a message to King
Morpheus, who rules over the Land of Sleep. He bade him bring back with
him a bad, false dream, which Archimago then carried to the sleeping
Knight. So cunningly did he contrive the matter, that when the Knight
awoke the next morning he never knew that it had only been a dream, but
believed that all the things he had seen in his sleep had really
happened.
In the meanwhile, Archimago dressed up the other bad spirit to look like
Una, so that at a little distance it was impossible to tell any
difference in the two figures. He knew that the only way to part
Holiness and Truth was to make Holiness believe by some means that Truth
was not as good as she appeared to be. He knew also that the Red Cross
Knight would believe nothing against the Lady Una except what he saw
with his own eyes. Therefore he laid his plans with the greatest care
and guile.
Now we shall see how he succeeded in his wicked endeavour.
The Knight forsakes Una
The next morning at daybreak the Knight awoke, sad and unrested after
the unpleasant dreams that had come to him in the night. He did not know
he had been asleep; he thought the things that troubled him had really
happened.
It was scarcely dawn when Archimago rushed up to him in a state of
pretended sorrow and indignation.
“The Lady Una has left you,” said this wicked man. “She is not good as
she pretends to be. She cares nothing at all for you, nor for the noble
work on which you are bound, and she does not mean to go any farther
with you on your toilsome journey.”
The Red Cross Knight started up in anger. This was like his dream, and
he knew not what was true nor what was false.
“Come,” said Archimago, “see for yourself.”
He pointed to a figure in the distance whom the Knight took to be Una.
Then, indeed, he was forced to believe what the wicked magician told
him. He now took for granted that Una had been deceiving him all along,
and had seized this moment to escape. He forgot all her real sweetness
and goodness and beauty; he only thought how false and unkind she was.
He was filled with anger, and he never paused a moment to reflect if
there could be any possibility of mistake. Calling his servant, he bade
him bring his horse at once, and then these two immediately set forth
again on their journey.
[Illustration: Hermit gesturing toward a doorway while a man sits up in
bed.]
Here the Red Cross Knight was wrong, and we shall see presently into
what perils and misfortunes he fell because of his hasty want of faith.
If he had had a little patience he would soon have discovered that the
figure he saw was only a dressed-up imitation. The real Lady Una all
this time was sleeping quietly in her own bower.
[Illustration: Woman sleeping in bed beside a vase of lilies.]
When she awoke and found that her two companions had fled in the night
and left her alone behind, she was filled with grief and dismay. She
could not understand why they should do such a thing. Mounting her white
ass, she rode after them with all the speed she could, but the Knight
had urged on his steed so fast it was almost useless to try to follow.
Yet she never stayed to rest her weary limbs, but went on seeking them
over hill and dale, and through wood and plain, sorely grieved in her
tender heart that the one she loved best should leave her with such
ungentle discourtesy.
When the wicked Archimago saw that his cunning schemes had succeeded so
well he was greatly pleased, and set to work to devise fresh mischief.
It was Una whom he chiefly hated, and he took great pleasure in her many
troubles, for hypocrisy always hates real goodness. He had the power of
turning himself into any shape he chose—sometimes he would be a fowl,
sometimes a fish, now like a fox, now like a dragon. On the present
occasion, to suit his evil purpose, it seemed best to him to put on the
appearance of the good knight whom he had so cruelly beguiled.
Therefore, Hypocrisy dressed himself up in imitation armour with a
silver shield and everything exactly like the Red Cross Knight. When he
sat upon his fiery charger he looked such a splendid warrior you would
have thought it was St. George himself.
Holiness fights Faithless, and makes Friends with False Religion
The true St. George, meanwhile, had wandered far away. Now that he had
left the Lady Una, he had nothing but his own will to guide him, and he
no longer followed any fixed purpose.
Presently he saw coming to meet him another warrior, fully armed. He was
a great, rough fellow, who cared nothing for God or man; across his
shield, in gay letters, was written “Sans Foy,” which means _Faithless_.
He had with him a companion, a handsome lady, dressed all in scarlet,
trimmed with gold and rich pearls. She rode a beautiful palfrey, with
gay trappings, and little gold bells tinkled on her bridle. The two came
along laughing and talking, but when the lady saw the Red Cross Knight,
she left off her mirth at once, and bade her companion attack him.
Then the two knights levelled their spears, and rushed at each other.
But when Faithless saw the red cross graven on the breastplate of the
other, he knew that he could never prevail against that safeguard.
However, he fought with great fury, and the Red Cross Knight had a hard
battle before he overcame him. At last he managed to kill him, and he
told his servant to carry away the shield of Faithless in token of
victory.
[Illustration: Two knights jousting on horseback while a woman watches
from her horse.]
When the lady saw her champion fall, she fled in terror; but the Red
Cross Knight hurried after her, and bade her stay, telling her that she
had nothing now to fear. His brave and gentle heart was full of pity to
see her in so great distress, and he asked her to tell him who she was,
and who was the man that had been with her.
Melting into tears, she then told him the following sad story:—She said
that she was the daughter of an emperor, and had been engaged to marry a
wise and good prince. Before the wedding-day, however, the prince fell
into the hands of his foes, and was cruelly slain. She went out to look
for his dead body, and in the course of her wandering met the Saracen
knight, who took her captive. “Sans Foy” was one of three bad brothers.
The names of the others were “Sans Loy,” which means _Lawless_, and
“Sans Joy,” which means _Joyless_. She further said that her own name
was “Fidessa,” or _True Religion_, and she besought the Knight to have
compassion on her, because she was so friendless and unhappy.
“Fair lady,” said the Knight, “a heart of flint would grieve to hear of
your sorrows. But henceforth rest safely assured that you have found a
new friend to help you, and lost an old foe to hurt you. A new friend is
better than an old foe.”
Then the seemingly simple maiden pretended to look comforted, and the
two rode on happily together.
But what the lady had told about herself was quite untrue. Her name was
not “Fidessa” at all, but “Duessa,” which means _False Religion_. If Una
had still been with the Knight, he would never have been led astray; but
when he parted from her he had nothing but his own feelings to guide
him. He still meant to do right, but he was deceived by his false
companion, who brought him into much trouble and danger.
Una and the Lion
All this while the Lady Una, lonely and forsaken, was roaming in search
of her lost Knight. How sad was her fate! She, a King’s daughter, so
beautiful, so faithful, so true, who had done no wrong either in word or
deed, was left sorrowful and deserted because of the cunning wiles of a
wicked enchanter. Fearing nothing, she sought the Red Cross Knight
through woods and lonely wilderness, but no tidings of him ever came to
her.
One day, being weary, she alighted from her steed, and lay down on the
grass to rest. It was in the midst of a thicket, far from the sight of
any traveller. She lifted her veil, and put aside the black cloak which
always covered her dress.
“Her angel’s face,
As the great eye of Heaven shinèd bright,
And made a sunshine in the shady place.”
Suddenly, out of the wood there rushed a fierce lion, who, seeing Una,
sprang at her to devour her; but, when he came nearer, he was amazed at
the sight of her loveliness, and all his rage turned to pity. Instead of
tearing her to pieces, he kissed her weary feet and licked her lily hand
as if he knew how innocent and wronged she was.[2]
Footnote 2:
The figure of the lion may be taken as the emblem of _Honour_, which
always pays respect to _Truth_.
When Una saw the gentleness of this kingly creature, she could not help
weeping.
Sad to see her sorrow, he stood gazing at her; all his angry mood
changed to compassion, till at last Una mounted her snowy palfrey and
once more set out to seek her lost companion.
The lion would not leave her desolate, but went with her as a strong
guard and as a faithful companion. When she slept he kept watch, and
when she waked he waited diligently, ready to help her in any way he
could. He always knew from her looks what she wanted.
[Illustration: Lion sitting on a cliff above a sleeping woman while a
donkey grazes nearby.]
Long she travelled thus through lonely places, where she thought her
wandering Knight might pass, yet never found trace of living man. At
length she came to the foot of a steep mountain, where the trodden grass
showed that there was a path for people to go. This path she followed
till at last she saw, slowly walking in the front of her, a damsel
carrying a jar of water.
The Lady Una called to her to ask if there were any dwelling-place near,
but the rough-looking girl made no answer; she seemed not able to speak,
nor hear, nor understand. But when she saw the lion standing beside her,
she threw down her pitcher with sudden fear and fled away. Never before
in that land had she seen the face of a fair lady, and the sight of the
lion filled her with terror. Fast away she fled, and never looked behind
till she came at last to her home, where her blind mother sat all day in
darkness. Too frightened to speak, she caught hold of her mother with
trembling hands, while the poor old woman, full of fear, ran to shut the
door of their house.
By this time the weary Lady Una had arrived, and asked if she might come
in; but, when no answer came to her request, the lion, with his strong
claws, tore open the wicket-door and let her into the little hut. There
she found the mother and daughter crouched up in a dark corner, nearly
dead with fear.
The name of the poor old blind woman was _Superstition_. She tried to be
good in a very mistaken way. She hid herself in her dark corner, and was
quite content never to come out of it. When the beautiful Lady Una, who
was all light and truth, came to the hut, the mother and daughter,
instead of making her welcome, hated her, and would gladly have thrust
her out.
Trying to soothe their needless dread, Una spoke gently to them, and
begged that she might rest that night in their small cottage. To this
they unwillingly agreed, and Una lay down with the faithful lion at her
feet to keep watch. All night, instead of sleeping, she wept, still
sorrowing for her lost Knight and longing for the morning.
In the middle of the night, when all the inmates of the little cottage
were asleep, there came a furious knocking at the door. This was a
wicked thief, called “Kirkrapine,” or _Church-robber_, whose custom it
was to go about stealing ornaments from churches, and clothes from
clergymen, and robbing the alms-boxes of the poor. He used to share his
spoils with the daughter of the blind woman, and to-night he had come
with a great sackful of stolen goods.
When he received no answer to his knocking, he got very angry indeed,
and made a loud clamour at the door; but the women in the hut were too
much afraid of the lion to rise and let him in. At last he burst open
the door in a great rage and tried to enter, but the lion sprang upon
him and tore him to pieces before he could even call for help. His
terrified friends scarcely dared to weep or move in case they should
share his fate.
When daylight came, Una rose and started again on her journey with the
lion to seek the wandering Knight. As soon as they had left, the two
frightened women came forth, and, finding Church-robber slain outside
the cottage, they began to wail and lament; then they ran after Una,
railing at her for being the cause of all their ill; they called after
her evil wishes that mischief and misery might fall on her and follow
her all the way, and that she might ever wander in endless error.
When they saw that their bad words were of no avail, they turned back,
and there in the road they met a knight, clad in armour; but, though he
looked such a grand warrior, it was really only the wicked enchanter,
Hypocrisy, who was seeking Una, in order to work her fresh trouble. When
he saw the old woman, Superstition, he asked if she could give him any
tidings of the lady. Therewith her passion broke out anew; she told him
what had just happened, blaming Una as the cause of all her distress.
Archimago pretended to condole with her, and then, finding out the
direction in which Una had gone, he followed as quickly as possible.
Before long he came up to where Una was slowly travelling; but seeing
the noble lion at her side, he was afraid to go too near, and turned
away to a hill at a little distance. When Una saw him, she thought, from
his shield and armour, that it was her own true knight, and she rode up
to him, and spoke meekly, half-frightened.
“Ah, my lord,” she said, “where have you been so long out of my sight? I
feared that you hated me, or that I had done something to displease you,
and that made everything seem dark and cheerless. But welcome now,
welcome!”
“My dearest lady,” said false Hypocrisy, “you must not think I could so
shame knighthood as to desert you. But the truth is, the reason why I
left you so long was to seek adventure in a strange place, where
Archimago said there was a mighty robber, who worked much mischief to
many people. Now he will trouble no one further. This is the good reason
why I left you. Pray believe it, and accept my faithful service, for I
have vowed to defend you by land and sea. Let your grief be over.”
[Illustration: Lion and a woman on a donkey facing a knight on
horseback.]
When Una heard these sweet words it seemed to her that she was fully
rewarded for all the trials she had gone through. One loving hour can
make up for many years of sorrow. She forgot all that she had suffered;
she spoke no more of the past. True love never looks back, but always
forward. Before her stood her Knight, for whom she had toiled so sorely,
and Una’s heart was filled with joy.
In the Hands of the Enemy
Una and the Magician (who was disguised as the Red Cross Knight) had not
gone far when they saw some one riding swiftly towards them. The
new-comer was on a fleet horse, and was fully armed; his look was stern,
cruel, and revengeful. On his shield in bold letters was traced the name
“Sans Loy,” which means _Lawless_. He was one of the brothers of “Sans
Foy,” or Faithless, whom the real Red Cross Knight had slain, and he had
made up his mind to avenge his brother’s death.
When he saw the red cross graven on the shield which Hypocrisy carried,
he thought that he had found the foe of whom he was in search, and,
levelling his spear, he prepared for battle. Hypocrisy, who was a mean
coward, and had never fought in his life, was nearly fainting with fear;
but the Lady Una spoke such cheering words that he began to feel more
hopeful. Lawless, however, rushed at him with such fury that he drove
his lance right through the other’s shield, and bore him to the ground.
Leaping from his horse, he ran towards him, meaning to kill him, and
exclaiming, “Lo, this is the worthy reward of him that slew Faithless!”
[Illustration: Knight standing over a defeated knight on the ground
while a lion and a woman on a donkey watch nearby.]
Una begged the cruel knight to have pity on his fallen foe, but her
words were of no avail. Tearing off his helmet, Lawless would have slain
him at once, but he stopped in astonishment when, instead of the Red
Cross Knight, he saw the face of Archimago. He knew well that crafty
Hypocrisy was skilled in all forms of deceit, but that he took care to
shun fighting and brave deeds. Now, indeed, had Hypocrisy’s guile met
with a just punishment.
[Illustration: Knight fighting a lion beneath a tree.]
“Why, luckless Archimago, what is this?” cried Lawless. “What evil
chance brought _you_ here? Is it your fault, or my mistake, that I have
wounded my friend instead of my foe?”
But the old Magician answered nothing; he lay still as if he were dying.
So Lawless spent no more time over him, but went over to where Una
waited, lost in amazement and sorely perplexed.
Her companion, whom she had imagined was her own true Knight, turned out
to be nothing but an impostor, and she herself had fallen into the hands
of a cruel enemy.
When the brave lion saw Lawless go up to Una and try to drag her roughly
from her palfrey, full of kingly rage he rushed to protect her. He flew
at Lawless and almost tore his shield to pieces with his sharp claws.
But, alas! he could not overcome the warrior, for Lawless was one of the
strongest men that ever wielded spear, and was well skilled in feats of
arms. With his sharp sword he struck the lion, and the noble creature
fell dead at his feet.
Poor Una, what was to become of her now? Her faithful guardian was gone,
and she found herself the captive of a cruel foe. Lawless paid no heed
to her tears and entreaties. Placing her on his own horse, he rode off
with her; while her snow-white ass, not willing to forsake her, followed
meekly at a distance.
[Illustration: Knight and a woman on horseback looking toward a distant
castle.]
The House of Pride
Now the Red Cross Knight, because of his lack of loyalty to Una, fell
into much danger and difficulty. His first fault was in believing evil
of her so readily, and leaving her forlorn; after that he was too easily
beguiled by the pretended goodness and beauty of Duessa. All who fight
in a good cause must beware of errors such as these. If matters do not
go exactly as we wish, we must not lose heart and get impatient; even if
we cannot understand what is happening, we must trust that all will be
well. We must keep steadily to the one true aim set before us, or else,
like the Red Cross Knight, we may be led astray by false things that are
only pleasant in appearance, and have no real goodness.
Duessa and the Knight travelled for a long way, till at last they saw in
front of them a grand and beautiful building. It seemed as if it were
the house of some mighty Prince; a broad highway led up to it, all
trodden bare by the feet of those who flocked thither. Great troops of
people of all sorts and condition journeyed here, both by day and night.
But few returned, unless they managed to escape, beggared and disgraced,
when, ever afterwards, they lived a life of misery.
To this place Duessa guided the Red Cross Knight, for she was tired with
the toilsome journey, and the day was nearly over.
It was a stately palace, built of smooth bricks, cunningly laid together
without mortar. The walls were high, but neither strong nor thick, and
they were covered with dazzling gold-foil. There were many lofty towers
and picturesque galleries, with bright windows and delightful bowers;
and on the top there was a dial to tell the time.
It was lovely to look at, and did much credit to the workman that
designed it; but it was a great pity that so fair a building rested on
so frail a foundation. For it was mounted high up on a sandy hill that
kept shifting and falling away. Every breath of heaven made it shake;
and all the back parts, that no one could see, were old and ruinous,
though cunningly painted over.
Arrived here, Duessa and the Red Cross Knight passed in at once, for the
gates stood wide open to all. They were in charge of a porter, called
“Ill-come,” who never denied entrance to any one. The hall inside was
hung with costly tapestry and rich curtains. Numbers of people, rich and
poor, were waiting here, in order to gain sight of the Lady of this
wonderful place.
Duessa and the Knight passed through this crowd, who all gazed at them,
and entered the Presence Chamber of the Queen.
What a dazzling sight met their eyes! Such a scene of splendour had
never been known in the court of any living prince. A noble company of
lords and ladies stood on every side, and made the place more beautiful
with their presence.
High above all there was a cloth of state, and a rich throne as bright
as the sun. On the throne, clad in royal robes, sat the Queen. Her
garments were all glittering with gold and precious jewels; but so great
was her beauty that it dimmed even the brightness of her throne. She sat
there in princely state, shining like the sun. She hated and despised
all lowly things of earth. Under her scornful feet lay a dreadful
dragon, with a hideous tail. In her hand she held a mirror in which she
often looked at her face; she took great delight in her own appearance,
for she was fairer than any living woman.
[Illustration:
“=Lo! underneath her scornful feet was layne
A dreadful dragon with an hideous trayne;
And in her hand she held a mirrhour bright,
Wherein her face she often viewed fayne,
And in her self-loved semblance took delight.=”
]
She was the daughter of grisly Pluto, King of Hades, and men called her
proud Lucifera. She had crowned herself a queen, but she had no rightful
kingdom at all, nor any possessions. The power which she had obtained
she had usurped by wrong and tyranny. She ruled her realm not by laws,
but by craft, and according to the advice of six old wizards, who with
their bad counsels upheld her kingdom.
As soon as the Knight and Duessa came into the presence-chamber, an
usher, by name _Vanity_, made room and prepared a passage for them, and
brought them to the lowest stair of the high throne. Here they made a
humble salute, and declared that they had come to see the Queen’s royal
state, and to prove if the wide report of her great splendour were true.
With scornful eyes, half unwilling to look so low, she thanked them
disdainfully, and did not show them any courtesy worthy of a queen,
scarcely even bidding them arise. The lords and ladies of the court,
however, were all eager to appear well in the eyes of the strangers.
They shook out their ruffles, and fluffed up their curls, and arranged
their gay attire more trimly; and each one was jealous and spiteful of
the others.
They did their best to entertain the Knight, and would gladly have made
him one of their company. To Duessa, also, they were most polite and
gracious, for formerly she had been well known in that court. But to the
knightly eyes of the warrior all the glitter of the crowd seemed vain
and worthless, and he thought that it was unbefitting so great a queen
to treat a strange knight with such scant courtesy.
Suddenly, Queen Lucifera rose from her throne, and called for her coach.
Then all was bustle and confusion, every one rushing violently forth.
Blazing with brightness she paced down the hall, like the sun dawning in
the east. All the people thronging the hall thrust and pushed each other
aside to gaze upon her. Her glorious appearance amazed the eyes of all
men.
Her coach was adorned with gold and gay garlands, and was one of the
most splendid carriages ever seen, but it was drawn by an ugly and
ill-matched team. On every animal rode one of her evil Councillors, who
was much like in nature to the creature that carried him.
The first of these, who guided all the rest, was _Idleness_, the nurse
of Sin. He chose to ride a slothful ass; he looked always as if he were
half asleep, and as if he did not know whether it were night or day. He
shut himself away from all care, and shunned manly exercise, but if
there were any mischief to be done he joined in it readily. The Queen
was indeed badly served who had Idleness for her leading Councillor.
Next to him came _Gluttony_, riding on a pig; then _Self-indulgence_ on
a goat, _Avarice_ on a camel, _Envy_ on a wolf, and _Wrath_ on a lion.
Each in his own way was equally hideous and hateful.
As they went along, crowds of people came round, shouting for joy;
always before them a foggy mist sprang up, covering all the land, and
under their feet lay the dead bones of men who had wandered from the
right path.
[Illustration:
“=... This was drawne of six unequall beasts
On which her six sage Counsellours did ryde.=”
]
So forth they went in this goodly array to enjoy the fresh air, and to
sport in the flowery meadows. Among the rest, next to the chariot, rode
the false Duessa, but the good Knight kept far apart, not joining in the
noisy mirth which seemed unbefitting a true warrior.
Having enjoyed themselves awhile in the pleasant fields, they returned
to the stately palace. Here they found that a wandering knight had just
arrived. On his shield, in red letters, was written the name “Sans Joy,”
which means _Joyless_, and he was the brother of _Faithless_, whom the
Red Cross Knight had slain, and of _Lawless_, who had taken Una captive.
He looked sullen and revengeful, as if he had in his mind bitter and
angry thoughts.
When he saw the shield of his slain brother, Faithless, in the hands of
the Red Cross Knight’s page, he sprang at him and snatched it away. But
the Knight had no mind to lose the trophy which he had won in battle,
and, attacking him fiercely, he again got possession of it.
Thereupon they hastily began to prepare for battle, clashing their
shields and shaking their swords in the air. But the Queen, on pain of
her severe displeasure, commanded them to restrain their fury, saying
that if either had a right to the shield, they should fight it out
fairly the next day.
That night was passed in joy and gaiety, feasting and making merry in
bower and hall. The steward of the court was _Gluttony_, who poured
forth lavishly of his abundance to all; and then the chamberlain,
_Sloth_, summoned them to rest.
The Battle for the Shield
That night, when every one slept, Duessa stole secretly to the lodgings
of the pagan knight Joyless. She found him wide awake, restless, and
troubled, busily devising how he might annoy his foe. To him she spoke
many untrue words.
“Dear Joyless,” she said, “I am so glad that you have come. I have
passed many sad hours for the sake of Faithless, whom this traitor slew.
He has treated me very cruelly, keeping me shut up in a dark cave; but
now I will take shelter with you from his disdainful spite. To you
belongs the inheritance of your brother, Faithless. Let him not be
unavenged.”
“Fair lady, grieve no more for past sorrows,” said Joyless; “neither be
afraid of present peril, for needless fear never profited any one, nor
is it any good to lament over misfortunes that cannot be helped.
Faithless is dead, his troubles are over; but I live, and I will avenge
him.”
“Oh, but I fear what may happen,” she answered, “and the advantage is on
his side.”
“Why, lady, what advantage can there be when both fight alike?” asked
Joyless.
“Yes, but he bears a charmed shield,” said Duessa, “and also enchanted
armour that no one can pierce. None can wound the man that wears them.”
“Charmed or enchanted, I care not at all,” said Joyless fiercely, “nor
need you tell me anything more about them. But, fair lady, go back
whence you came and rest awhile. To-morrow I shall subdue the Red Cross
Knight, and give you the heritage of dead Faithless.”
[Illustration: Woman with her hand raised standing over a man reclining
on a couch.]
“Wherever I am, my secret aid shall follow you,” she answered, and then
she left him.
At the first gleam of dawn the Red Cross Knight sprang up and dressed
himself for battle in his sun-bright armour. Forth he stepped into the
hall, where there were many waiting to gaze at him, curious to know what
fate was in store for the stranger knight. Many minstrels were there,
making melody to drive away sadness; many singers that could tune their
voices skilfully to harp and viol; many chroniclers that could tell old
stories of love and war.
Soon after, came the pagan knight, Joyless, warily armed in woven mail.
He looked sternly at the Red Cross Knight, who cared not at all how any
living creature looked at him. Cups of wine were brought to the
warriors, with dainty Eastern spices, and they both swore a solemn oath
to observe faithfully the laws of just and fair fighting.
At last, with royal pomp, came the Queen. She was led to a railed-in
space of the green field, and placed under a stately canopy. On the
other side, full in all men’s view, sat Duessa, and on a tree near was
hung the shield of Faithless. Both Duessa and the shield were to be
given to the victor.
A shrill trumpet bade them prepare for battle. The pagan knight was
stout and strong, and his blows fell like great iron hammers. He fought
for cruelty and vengeance. The Red Cross Knight was fierce, and full of
youthful courage; he fought for praise and honour. So furious was their
onslaught that sparks of fire flew from their shields, and deep marks
were hewn in their helmets.
Thus they fought, the one for wrong, the other for right, and each tried
to put his foe to shame. At last Joyless chanced to look at his
brother’s shield which was hanging near. The sight of this doubled his
anger, and he struck at his foe with such fury that the Knight reeled
twice, and seemed likely to fall. To those who looked on, the end of the
battle appeared doubtful, and false Duessa began to call loudly to
Joyless,—
“Thine the shield, and I, and all!”
Directly the Red Cross Knight heard her voice he woke out of the
faintness that had overcome him; his faith, which had grown weak,
suddenly became strong, and he shook off the deadly cold that was
creeping over him.
This time he attacked Joyless with such vigour that he brought him down
upon his knees. Lifting his sword, he would have slain him, when
suddenly a dark cloud fell between them. Joyless was seen no more; he
had vanished! The Knight called aloud to him, but received no answer:
his foe was completely hidden by the darkness.
Duessa rose hastily from her place, and ran to the Red Cross Knight,
saying,—
“O noblest Knight, be angry no longer! Some evil power has covered your
enemy with the cloud of night, and borne him away to the regions of
darkness. The conquest is yours, I am yours, the shield and the glory
are yours.”
Then the trumpets sounded, and running heralds made humble homage, and
the shield, the cause of all the enmity, was brought to the Red Cross
Knight. He went to the Queen, and, kneeling before her, offered her his
service, which she accepted with thanks and much satisfaction, greatly
praising his chivalry.
So they marched home, the Knight next the Queen, while all the people
followed with great glee, shouting and clapping their hands. When they
got to the palace the Knight was given gentle attendants and skilled
doctors, for he had been badly hurt in the fight. His wounds were washed
with wine, and oil, and healing herbs, and all the while lovely music
was played round his bed to beguile him from grief and pain.
While this was happening, Duessa secretly left the palace, and stole
away to the Kingdom of Darkness, which is ruled over by the Queen of
Night. This queen was a friend of her own, and was always ready to help
in any bad deeds. Duessa told her of what had befallen the pagan knight,
Joyless, and persuaded her to carry him away to her own dominions. Here
he was placed under the care of a wonderful doctor, who was able to cure
people by magic, and Duessa hastened back to the House of Pride.
When she got there she was dismayed to find that the Red Cross Knight
had already left, although he was not nearly healed from the wounds
which he had received in battle.
The reason why he left was this. One day his servant, whose name you may
remember was Prudence, came and told him that he had discovered in the
palace a huge, deep dungeon, full of miserable prisoners. Hundreds of
men and women were there, wailing and lamenting—grand lords and
beautiful ladies, who, from foolish behaviour or love of idle pomp, had
wasted their wealth and fallen into the power of the wicked Queen of
Pride.
When the good Red Cross Knight heard this, he determined to stay no
longer in such a place of peril.
Rising before dawn, he left by a small side door, for he knew that if he
were seen he would be at once put to death. To him the place no more
seemed beautiful; it filled him with horror and disgust. Riding under
the castle wall, the way was strewn with hundreds of dead bodies of
those who had perished miserably. Such was the dreadful sight of the
House of Pride.
Una and the Woodland Knight
We left Una in a piteous plight, in the hands of a cruel enemy, the
pagan knight Lawless.
Paying no heed to her tears and entreaties, he placed her on his horse,
and rode off with her till he came to a great forest.
Una was almost in despair, for there seemed no hope of any rescue. But
suddenly there came a wonderful way of deliverance.
In the midst of the thick wood Lawless halted to rest. This forest was
inhabited by numbers of strange wild creatures, quite untaught, almost
savages. Hearing Una’s cries for help, they came flocking up to see what
was the matter. Their fierce, rough appearance so frightened Lawless
that he jumped on to his horse and rode away as fast as he could.
When the wild wood-folk came up they found Una sitting desolate and
alone. They were amazed at such a strange sight, and pitied her sad
condition. They all stood astonished at her loveliness, and could not
imagine how she had come there.
Una, for her part, was greatly terrified, not knowing whether some fresh
danger awaited her. Half in fear, half in hope, she sat still in
amazement. Seeing that she looked so sorrowful, the savages tried to
show that they meant to be friendly. They smiled, and came forward
gently, and kissed her feet. Then she guessed that their hearts were
kind, and she arose fearlessly and went with them, no longer afraid of
any evil.
Full of gladness, they led her along, shouting and singing and dancing
round her, and strewing all the ground with green branches, as if she
had been a queen. Thus they brought her to their chief, old Sylvanus.
When Sylvanus saw her, like the rest he was astonished at her beauty,
for he had never seen anything so fair. Her fame spread through the
forest, and all the other dwellers in it came to look at her. The
Hamadryads, who live in the trees, and the Naiades, who live in the
flowing fountains, all came flocking to see her lovely face. As for the
woodlanders, henceforth they thought no one on earth fair but Una.
Glad at such good fortune, Una was quite contented to please the simple
folk. She stayed a long while with them, to gather strength after her
many troubles. During this time she did her best to teach them, but the
poor things were so ignorant, it was almost impossible to make them
understand the difference between right and wrong.
It chanced one day that a noble knight came to the forest to seek his
kindred who dwelt there. He had won much glory in wars abroad, and
distant lands were filled with his fame. He was honest, faithful, and
true, though not very polished in manner, nor accustomed to a courtly
life. His name was Sir Satyrane. He had been born and brought up in the
forest, and his father had taught him nothing but to be utterly
fearless. When he grew up, and could master everything in the forest, he
went abroad to fight foreign foes, and his fame was soon carried through
all lands. It was always his custom, after some time spent in labour and
adventure, to return for a while to his native woods, and so it happened
on this occasion that he came across Una.
The first time he saw her she was surrounded by the savages, whom she
was trying to teach good and holy things. Sir Satyrane wondered at the
wisdom which fell from her sweet lips, and when, later on, he saw her
gentle and kindly deeds, he began to admire and love her. Although noble
at heart, he had never had any one to teach him, but now he began to
learn from Una faith and true religion.
The False Pilgrim
Una’s thoughts were still fixed on the Red Cross Knight, and she was
sorry to think of his perilous wandering. She was always sad at heart,
and spent her time planning how to escape. At last she told her wish to
Sir Satyrane, who, glad to please her in any way, began to devise how he
could help her to get free from the savage folk. One day, when Una was
left alone, all the woodlanders having gone to pay court to their chief,
old Sylvanus, she and Sir Satyrane rode away together. They went so fast
and so carefully that no one could overtake them, and thus at last they
came to the end of the forest, and out into the open plain.
Towards evening, after they had journeyed a long distance, they met a
traveller. He seemed as if he were a poor, simple pilgrim; his clothes
were dusty and travel-worn; his face brown and scorched with the sun; he
leant upon a staff, and carried all his necessaries in a scrip, or
little bag, hanging behind.
Sir Satyrane asked if there were any tidings of new adventures, but the
stranger had heard of none. Then Una began to ask if he knew anything
about a knight who wore on his shield a red cross.
“Alas! dear lady,” he replied, “I may well grieve to tell you the sad
news! I have seen that knight with my own eyes, both alive and also
dead.”
When Una heard these cruel words she was filled with sorrow and dismay,
and begged the pilgrim to tell her everything he knew.
Then he related how on that very morning he had seen two knights
preparing for battle. One was a pagan, the other was the Red Cross
Knight. They fought with great fury, and in the end the Red Cross Knight
was slain.
This story was altogether false. The pretended pilgrim was no other than
the wicked enchanter Archimago, or _Hypocrisy_, in a fresh disguise. But
Sir Satyrane and Una believed everything he told them.
[Illustration:
“=The Knight, approaching nigh, of him inquired
Tidings of warre, and of adventures new.=”
]
“Where is this pagan now?” asked Satyrane.
“Not far from here,” replied the pilgrim; “I left him resting beside a
fountain.”
Thereupon Sir Satyrane hastily marched off, and soon came to the place
where he guessed that the other would be found. This pagan knight turned
out to be Lawless, from whom, you may remember, Una had escaped in the
forest, before she was found by the woodlanders. Sir Satyrane challenged
Lawless to fight, and they were soon engaged in a fierce battle. Poor
Una was so terrified at this new peril, and in such dread of Lawless,
that she did not wait to see what the end would be, but fled far away as
fast as she could.
Archimago had been watching everything from a secret hiding-place. Now,
when he saw Una escaping, he quickly followed, for he hoped to be able
to work her some further mischief.
Giant Pride
When Duessa found that the Red Cross Knight had left the palace of Queen
Lucifera, she immediately set out in search of him. It was not long
before she found him where he sat wearily by the side of a fountain to
rest himself. He had taken off all his armour, and his steed was
cropping the grass close by. It was pleasant in the cool shade, and the
soft wind blew refreshingly upon his forehead, while, in the trees
above, numbers of singing birds delighted him with their sweet music.
[Illustration: Woman standing near a tree and a man on the ground as a
figure approaches in the distance.]
Duessa at first pretended to be angry with the Knight for leaving her so
unkindly, but they were soon good friends again. They stayed for some
time beside the fountain, where the green boughs sheltered them from the
scorching heat.
But although it looked so lovely and tempting, the fountain near which
they sat was an enchanted one. Whoever tasted its waters grew faint and
feeble.
The Knight, not knowing this, stooped down to drink of the stream, which
was as clear as crystal. Then all his strength turned to weakness, his
courage melted away, and a deadly chill crept over him.
At first he scarcely noticed the change, for he had grown careless both
of himself and of his fame. But suddenly he heard a dreadful sound—a
loud bellowing which echoed through the wood. The earth seemed to shake
with terror, and all the trees trembled. The Knight, astounded, started
up, and tried to seize his weapons. But before he could put on his
armour, or get his shield, his monstrous enemy came stalking into sight.
It was a hideous Giant, great and horrible. The ground groaned under
him. He was taller than three of the tallest men put together. His name
was Orgoglio, or _Pride_, and his father’s name was _Ignorance_. He was
puffed up with arrogance and conceit, and because he was so big and
strong he despised every one else. He leant upon a gnarled oak, which he
had torn up by its roots from the earth; it also served him as a weapon
to dismay his foemen.
When he saw the Knight he advanced to him with dreadful fury. The
latter, quite helpless, all in vain tried to prepare for battle.
Disarmed, disgraced, inwardly dismayed, and faint in every limb, he
could scarcely wield even his useless blade. The Giant aimed such a
merciless stroke at him, that if it had touched him it would have
crushed him to powder. But the Knight leapt lightly to one side, and
thus escaped the blow. So great, however, was the wind that the club
made in whirling through the air that the Knight was overthrown, and lay
on the ground stunned.
When Giant Pride saw his enemy lying helpless, he lifted up his club to
kill him, but Duessa called to him to stay his hand.
“O great Orgoglio,” she cried, “spare him for my sake, and do not kill
him. Now that he is vanquished make him your bond-slave, and, if you
like, I will be your wife!”
Giant Pride was quite pleased with this arrangement, and, taking up the
Red Cross Knight before he could awake from his swoon, he carried him
hastily to his castle, and flung him, without pity, into a deep dungeon.
As for Duessa, from that day forth she was treated with the greatest
honour. She was given gold and purple to wear, and a triple crown was
placed upon her head, and every one had to obey her as if she were a
queen. To make her more dreaded, Orgoglio gave her a hideous dragon to
ride. This dragon had seven heads, with gleaming eyes, and its body
seemed made of iron and brass. Everything good that came within its
reach it swept away with a great long tail, and then trampled under
foot.
All the people’s hearts were filled with terror when they saw Duessa
riding on her dragon.
Prince Arthur
When the Red Cross Knight was made captive by Giant Pride and carried
away, Prudence, his servant, who had seen his master’s fall, sorrowfully
collected his forsaken possessions—his mighty armour, missing when most
needed, his silver shield, now idle and masterless, his sharp spear that
had done good service in many a fray. With these he departed to tell his
sad tale.
He had not gone far when he met Una, flying from the scene of battle,
while Sir Satyrane hindered Lawless from pursuing her. When she saw
Prudence carrying the armour of the Red Cross Knight, she guessed
something terrible had happened, and fell to the ground as if she were
dying of sorrow.
Unhappy Prudence would gladly have died himself, but he did his best to
restore Una to life. When she had recovered she implored him to tell her
what had occurred.
Then the dwarf told her everything that had taken place since they
parted. How the crafty Archimago had deceived the Red Cross Knight by
his wiles, and made him believe that Una had left him; how the Knight
had slain Faithless and had taken pity on Duessa because of the false
tales she told. Prudence also told Una all about the House of Pride and
its perils; he described the fight which the Knight had with Joyless,
and lastly, he told about the luckless conflict with the great Giant
Pride, when the Knight was made captive, whether living or dead he knew
not.
Una listened patiently, and bravely tried to master her sorrow, which
almost broke her heart, for she dearly loved the Red Cross Knight, for
whose sake she had borne so many troubles. At last she rose, quite
resolved to find him, alive or dead. The dwarf pointed out the way by
which Giant Pride had carried his prisoner, and Una started on her
quest. Long she wandered, through woods and across valleys, high over
hills, and low among the dales, tossed by storms and beaten by the wind,
but still keeping steadfast to her purpose.
At last she chanced by good fortune to meet a knight, marching with his
squire. This knight was the most glorious she had ever seen. His
glittering armour shone far off, like the glancing light of the
brightest ray of sunshine; it covered him from top to toe, and left no
place unguarded. Across his breast he wore a splendid belt, covered with
jewels that sparkled like stars. Among the jewels was one of great
value, which shone with such brilliancy that it amazed all who beheld
it. Close to this jewel hung the knight’s sword, in an ivory sheath,
carved with curious devices. The hilt was of burnished gold, the handle
of mother-of-pearl, and it was buckled on with a golden clasp.
The helmet of this knight was also of gold, and for crest it had a
golden dragon with wings. On the top of all was a waving plume, decked
with sprinkled pearls, which shook and danced in every little breath of
wind.
The shield of the warrior was closely covered, and might never be seen
by mortal eye. It was not made of steel nor of brass, but of one perfect
and entire diamond. This had been hewn out of the adamant rock with
mighty engines; no point of spear could ever pierce it, nor dint of
sword break it asunder.
This shield the knight never showed to mortals, unless he wished to
dismay some huge monster or to frighten large armies that fought
unfairly against him. No magic arts nor enchanter’s spell had any power
against it. Everything that was not exactly what it seemed to be faded
before it and fell to ruin.
The maker of the shield was supposed to be Merlin, a mighty magician; he
made it with the sword and armour for this young prince when the latter
first took to arms.
The name of the knight was Prince Arthur, type of all Virtue and
Magnificence, and pattern of all true Knighthood.
His squire bore after him his spear of ebony wood; he was a gallant and
noble youth, who managed his fiery steed with much skill and courage.
When Prince Arthur came near Una, he greeted her with much courtesy. By
her unwilling answers he guessed that some secret sorrow was troubling
her, and he hoped that his gentle and kindly words would persuade her to
tell him the cause of her grief.
“What good will it do to speak of it?” said Una. “When I think of my
sorrow it seems to me better to keep it hidden than to make it worse by
speaking of it. Nothing in the world can lighten my misfortunes. My last
comfort is to be left alone to weep for them.”
“Ah, dear lady,” said the gentle Knight, “I know well that your grief is
great, for it makes me sad even to hear you speak of it. But let me
entreat you to tell me what is troubling you. Misfortunes may be
overcome by good advice, and wise counsel will lessen the worst injury.
He who never tells of his hurts will never find help.”
His words were so kind and reasonable that Una was soon persuaded to
tell him her whole story. She began with the time when she had gone to
the Court of Queen Gloriana to seek a champion to release her parents
from the horrible dragon, and ended with the account of how the Red
Cross Knight had fallen a prey to Giant Pride, who now held him captive
in a dark dungeon.
“Truly, lady, you have much cause to grieve,” said Prince Arthur when
the story was finished. “But be of good cheer, and take comfort. Rest
assured I will never forsake you until I have set free your captive
Knight.”
His cheerful words revived Una’s drooping heart, and so they set forth
on their journey, Prudence guiding them in the right way.
The Wondrous Bugle and the Mighty Shield
Badly indeed would it now have fared with the Red Cross Knight had it
not been for the Lady Una. Even good people daily fall into sin and
temptation, but as often as their own foolish pride or weakness leads
them astray, so often will Divine love and care rescue them, if only
they repent of their misdoings. Thus we see how Holiness, in the guise
of the Red Cross Knight, was for a while cast down and defeated; yet in
the end, because he truly repented, help was given him to fight again
and conquer.
Prince Arthur and the Lady Una travelled till they came to a castle
which was built very strong and high.
“Lo,” cried the dwarf, “yonder is the place where my unhappy master is
held captive by that cruel tyrant!”
The Prince at once dismounted, and bade Una stay to see what would
happen. He marched with his squire to the castle walls, where he found
the gates shut fast. There was no warder to guard them, nor to answer to
the call of any who came.
Then the squire took a small bugle which hung at his side with twisted
gold and gay tassels. Wonderful stories were told about that bugle;
every one trembled with dread at its shrill sound. It could easily be
heard three miles off, and whenever it was blown it echoed three times.
No false enchantment or deceitful snare could stand before the terror of
that blast. No gate was so strong, no lock so firm and fast, but at that
piercing noise it flew open or burst.
This was the bugle which Prince Arthur’s squire blew before the gate of
Giant Pride. Then the whole castle quaked, and every door flew open. The
Giant himself, dismayed at the sound, came rushing forth in haste from
an inner bower, to see what was the reason of this sudden uproar, and to
discover who had dared to brave his power. After him came Duessa, riding
on her dragon with the seven heads; every head had a crown on it, and a
fiery tongue of flame.
When Prince Arthur saw Giant Pride, he took his mighty shield and flew
at him fiercely; the Giant lifted up his club to smite him, but the
Prince leaped to one side, and the weapon, missing him, buried itself
with such force in the ground, that the Giant could not quickly pull it
out again. Then with his sharp sword Prince Arthur struck at the Giant,
and wounded him severely.
Duessa, seeing her companion’s danger, urged forward her dragon to help
him, but the brave squire sprang in between it and the Prince, and with
his drawn sword drove it back. Then the angry Duessa took a golden cup,
which she always carried, and which was full of a secret poison. Those
who drank of that cup either died, or else felt despair seize them. She
lightly sprinkled the squire with the contents of this cup, and
immediately his courage faded away, and he was filled with sudden dread.
He fell down before the cruel dragon, who seized him with its claws, and
nearly crushed the life out of him. He had no power nor will to stir.
When Prince Arthur saw what had happened, he left Giant Pride and turned
against the dragon, for he was deeply grieved to see his beloved squire
in such peril. He soon drove back the horrible creature, but now once
again the Giant rushed at him with his club. This time the blow struck
the Prince with such force, that it bore him to the ground. In the fall,
his shield, that had been covered, lost by chance its veil, and flew
open.
Then through the air flashed such a blazing brightness, that no eye
could bear to look upon it. Giant Pride let fall the weapon with which
he was just going to slay the Prince, and the dragon was struck blind,
and tumbled on the ground.
“Oh, help, Orgoglio, help, or we all perish!” cried Duessa.
Gladly would Giant Pride have helped her, but all was in vain; when that
light shone he had no power to hurt others, nor to defend himself; so
Prince Arthur soon killed him.
When he was dead, his great body, that had seemed so big and strong,
suddenly melted away, and nothing was left but what looked like the
shrivelled skin of a broken balloon; for, after all, there was no real
substance in him, but he was simply puffed out with emptiness and
conceit, and his grand appearance was nothing but a sham.
So that was the end of Giant Pride.
When false Duessa saw the fall of Giant Pride she flung down her golden
cup, and threw aside her crown, and fled away. But the squire followed,
and soon took her prisoner. Telling him to keep safe guard on her,
Prince Arthur boldly entered the Giant’s Castle. Not a living creature
could he spy; he called loudly, but no one answered; a solemn silence
reigned everywhere, not a voice was to be heard, not a person seen, in
bower or hall.
At last an old, old man, with beard as white as snow, came creeping
along; he guided his feeble steps with a staff, for long ago his sight
had failed. On his arm he bore a bunch of keys, all covered with rust.
They were the keys of all the doors inside the castle; they were never
used, but he still kept possession of them.
It was curious to see the way in which this old man walked, for always,
as he went forward, he kept his wrinkled face turned back, as if he were
trying to look behind. He was the keeper of the place, and the father of
the dead Giant Pride; his name was _Ignorance_.
Prince Arthur, as was fitting, honoured his grey hair and gravity, and
gently asked him where all the people were who used to live in that
stately building. The old man softly answered him that he could not
tell. Again the Prince asked where was the Knight whom the Giant had
taken captive?
“I cannot tell,” said the old man.
Then the Prince asked which was the way into the castle, and again he
got the same answer, “I cannot tell.”
At first he thought the man was mocking him, and began to be much
displeased. But presently, seeing that the poor old thing could not help
his foolishness, he wisely calmed his anger. Going up to him he took the
keys from his arm, and made an entrance for himself. He opened each door
without the least difficulty; there was no one to challenge him, nor any
bars to hinder his passage.
Inside the castle he found the whole place fitted up in the most
splendid manner, decked with royal tapestry, and shining with gold, fit
for the presence of the greatest prince. But all the floors were dirty,
and strewn with ashes, for it was here that the wicked Giant Pride used
to slay his unhappy victims.
Prince Arthur sought through every room, but nowhere could he find the
Red Cross Knight. At last he came to an iron door, which was fast
locked, but he found no key among the bunch to open it. In the door,
however, there was a little grating, and through this the Prince called
as loudly as he could, to know if there were any living person shut up
there whom he could set free.
Then there came a hollow voice in answer. “Oh, who is that who brings to
me the happy choice of death? Here I lie, dying every hour, yet still
compelled to live, bound in horrible darkness. Three months have come
and gone since I beheld the light of day. Oh, welcome, you who bring
true tidings of death.”
[Illustration:
“=Whome when his Lady saw, to him she ran
With hasty joy: to see him made her glad,
And sad to view his visage pale and wan.=”
]
When Prince Arthur heard these words his heart was so filled with pity
and horror at any noble knight being thus shamefully treated, that, in
his strength and indignation, he rent open the iron door. But entering,
he found no floor; there was a deep descent, as dark as a pit, from
which came up a horrible deadly smell.
Neither darkness, however, nor dirt, nor poisonous smell could turn the
Prince from his purpose, and he went forward courageously. With great
trouble and difficulty he found means to raise the captive, whose own
limbs were too feeble to bear him, and then he carried him out of the
castle.
What a mournful picture was now the Red Cross Knight! His dull, sunken
eyes could not bear the unaccustomed light of the sun; his cheeks were
thin and gaunt; his mighty arms, that had fought so often and so
bravely, were nothing now but bones; all his strength was gone, and all
his flesh shrunk up like a withered flower.
When Una saw Prince Arthur carrying the Red Cross Knight out of the
castle she ran to them joyfully; it made her glad even to see the
Knight, but she was full of sorrow at the sight of his pale, wan face,
which had formerly been radiant with the glory of youth.
“My dearest lord,” she cried, “what evil star has frowned on you and
changed you thus? But welcome now, in weal or woe, my dear lord whom I
have lost too long! Fate, who has been our foe so long, will injure us
no further, but shall pay penance with threefold good for all these
wrongs.”
The unhappy man, dazed with misery, had no desire to speak of his
troubles; his long-endured famine needed more relief.
“Fair lady,” then said the victorious Prince, “things that were grievous
to do or to bear it brings no pleasure to recall. The only good that
comes from past danger is to make us wiser and more careful for the
future. This day’s example has deeply written this lesson on my
heart—perfect happiness can never be lasting while we still live on
earth.
“Henceforth, Sir Knight,” he continued, “take to yourself your old
strength, and master these mishaps by patience. Look where your foe lies
vanquished, and the wicked woman, Duessa, the cause of all your misery,
stands in your power, to let her live or die.”
“To kill her would be to act unworthily,” said Una, “and it would be a
shame to avenge one’s self on such a weak enemy. But take off her
scarlet robe and let her fly!”
So they did as Una bade them. They took from Duessa all her finery—her
royal robe, and purple cloak, and all the rich ornaments with which she
was decked. And when this disguise was taken from her, they saw her as
she really was—old, and ugly, and bad. She would no longer be able to
deceive people by her pretended goodness, and youth, and beauty, for
every one who saw her shrunk away in horror.
“Such,” said Una, “is the face of Falsehood when its borrowed light is
laid aside, and all its deceitfulness is made known.”
Thus, having taken from Duessa her power to work evil, they set her free
to go where she pleased. She fled to a barren wilderness, where she
lurked unseen in rocks and caves, for she always hated the light.
But Prince Arthur, and the Red Cross Knight, and fair Una stayed for
awhile in the castle of Giant Pride, to rest themselves and to recover
their strength. And here they found a goodly store of all that was
dainty and rare.
The Knight with the Hempen Rope
When the two Knights and the Lady Una had rested awhile in the castle of
Giant Pride, they set out again on their journey. Before they parted,
Prince Arthur and the Red Cross Knight gave each other beautiful
gifts—tokens of love and friendship. Prince Arthur gave a box of
adamant, embossed with gold, and richly ornamented; in it were enclosed
a few drops of a precious liquid of wonderful power, which would
immediately heal any wound. In return the Red Cross Knight gave the
Prince a Bible, all written with golden letters, rich and beautiful.
Thus they parted, Prince Arthur to go about his own work, and the Knight
to fight the terrible Dragon that was laying waste the kingdom that
belonged to Una’s father and mother. But she, seeing how thin and ill
her champion looked, and knowing that he was still weak and weary, would
not hasten forward, nor let him run the chance of any further fighting,
until he had recovered his former strength.
As they travelled, they presently saw an armed knight galloping towards
them. It seemed as though he were flying from a dreaded foe, or some
other grisly thing. As he fled, his eyes kept looking backwards as if
the object of his terror were pursuing him, and his horse flew as if it
had wings to its feet.
When he came nearer they saw that his head was bare, his hair almost
standing on end with fright, and his face very pale. Round his neck was
a hempen rope, suiting ill with his glittering armour.
The Red Cross Knight rode up to him, but could scarcely prevail upon him
to stop.
“Sir Knight,” he said, “pray tell us who hath arrayed you like this, and
from whom you are flying, for never saw I warrior in so unseemly a
plight.”
The stranger seemed dazed with fear, and at first answered nothing; but
after the gentle Knight had spoken to him several times, at last he
replied with faltering tongue, and trembling in every limb: “I beseech
you, Sir Knight, do not stop me, for lo! he comes—he comes fast after
me!”
With that he again tried to run away, but the Red Cross Knight prevented
him, and tried to persuade him to say what was the matter.
“Am I really safe from him who would have forced me to die?” said the
stranger. “May I tell my luckless story?”
“Fear nothing,” said the Knight; “no danger is near now.”
[Illustration:
“=So as they traveíled, lo! they gan espy
An armed knight towards them gallop fast,
That seemed from some feared foe to fly,
Or other griesly thing that him aghast.=”
]
Then the stranger told how he and another knight had lately been
companions. The name of his friend was Sir Terwin. He was bold and
brave, but because everything did not go exactly as he wished, he was
not happy. One day when they were feeling very sad and comfortless, they
met a man whose name was _Despair_. Greeting them in a friendly fashion,
Despair soon contrived to find out from them what they were feeling, and
then he went on to make the worst of everything. He told them there was
no hope that things would get any better, and tried to persuade them to
put an end to all further trouble by killing themselves. To Sir Terwin
he lent a rusty knife, and to the other knight a rope. Sir Terwin, who
was really very unhappy, killed himself at once; but Sir Trevisan,
dismayed at the sight, fled fast away, with the rope still round his
neck, half dead with fear.
“May you never hear the tempting speeches of Despair,” he ended.
“How could idle talking persuade a man to put an end to his life?” said
the Red Cross Knight. He was ready to despise the danger, and he trusted
in his own strength to withstand it.
“_I_ know,” said the stranger, “for trial has lately taught me; nor
would I go through the like again for the world’s wealth. His cunning,
like sweetest honey, drops into the heart, and all else is forgotten.
Before one knows it, all power is secretly stolen, and only weakness
remains. Oh, sir, do not wish ever to meet with Despair.”
“Truly,” said the Red Cross Knight, “I shall never rest till I have
heard what the traitor has to say for himself. And, Sir Knight, I beg of
you, as a favour, to guide me to his cabin.”
“To do you a favour, I will ride back with you against my will,” said
Sir Trevisan; “but not for gold, nor for anything else will I remain
with you when you arrive at the place. I would rather die than see his
deadly face again.”
In the Cave of Despair
Sir Trevisan and the Red Cross Knight soon came to the place where
Despair had his dwelling. It was in a hollow cave, far underneath a
craggy cliff, dark and dreary. On the top always perched a melancholy
owl, shrieking his dismal note, which drove all cheerful birds far away.
All around were dead and withered trees, on which no fruit nor leaf ever
grew.
When they arrived, Sir Trevisan would have fled in terror, not daring to
go near, but the Red Cross Knight forced him to stay, and soothed his
fears.
They entered the gloomy cave, where they found a miserable man sitting
on the ground, musing sullenly. He had greasy, unkempt locks, and dull
and hollow eyes, and his cheeks were thin and shrunken, as if he never
got enough to eat. His garment was nothing but rags, all patched, and
pinned together with thorns. At his side lay the dead body of Sir
Terwin, just as Sir Trevisan had told.
[Illustration:
“=Ere long they come where that same wicked wight
His dwelling has, low in a hollow cave,
For underneath a craggy cliff ypight,
Dark, doleful, dreary, like a greedy grave,
That still for carrion carcases doth crave.=”
]
When the Red Cross Knight saw this sad sight, all his courage blazed up
in the desire to avenge him, and he said to Despair, “Wretched man! you
are the cause of this man’s death. It is only just that you should pay
the price of his life with your own.”
“Why do you speak so rashly?” said Despair. “Does not justice teach that
he should die who does not deserve to live? This man killed himself by
his own wish. Is it unjust to give to each man his due? Or to let him
die who hates to live longer? Or to let him die in peace who lives here
in trouble? If a man travels by a weary, wandering way, and comes to a
great flood between him and his wished-for home, is it not a gracious
act to help him to pass over it? Foolish man! would you not help him to
gain rest, who has long dwelt here in woe?”
Thus spoke Despair, and he said many beautiful and persuasive words
concerning Death. And as the Red Cross Knight listened, all his courage
and all his anger melted away, and it seemed to him that there would be
no sweeter thing in the whole world than to lie down and be at rest.
“What is the good of living?” said Despair. “The longer you live the
more sins you commit. All those great battles that you are so proud of
winning, all this strife and bloodshed and revenge, which are praised
now, hereafter you will be sorry for. Has not your evil life lasted long
enough? He that hath once missed the right way, the farther he goes, the
farther he goes wrong. Go no farther, then—stray no farther. Lie down
here and take your rest. What has life to make men love it so? Fear,
sickness, age, loss, labour, sorrow, strife, pain, hunger, cold, and
fickle fortune, all these, and a thousand more ills make life to be
hated rather than loved. Wretched man! you indeed have the greatest need
of death if you will truly judge your own conduct. Never did knight who
dared warlike deeds meet with more luckless adventures. Think of the
deep dungeon wherein you were lately shut up; how often then did you
wish for death! Though by good luck you escaped from there, yet death
would prevent any further mischance into which you may happen to fall.”
Then Despair went on to speak to the Red Cross Knight of all his sins.
He pointed out the many wrong things he had done, and said that he had
been so faithless and wicked that there was no hope for him of any mercy
or forgiveness. Rather than live longer and add to his sins, it would be
better for him to die at once, and put an end to all.
The Knight was greatly moved by this speech, which pierced his heart
like a sword. Too well he knew that it was all true. There came to his
conscience such a vivid memory of all his wrongdoings that all his
strength melted away, as if a spell had bewitched him. When Despair saw
him waver and grow weak, and that his soul was deeply troubled, he tried
all the harder to drive him to utter misery.
“Think of all your sins,” he said. “God is very angry with you. You are
not worthy to live. It is only just that you should die. Better kill
yourself at once.”
Then Despair went and fetched a dagger, sharp and keen, and gave it to
the Red Cross Knight. Trembling like an aspen-leaf, the Knight took it,
and lifted up his hand to slay himself.
When Una saw this, she grew cold with horror, but, starting forward, she
snatched the knife from his hand, and threw it to the ground, greatly
enraged.
“Fie, fie, faint-hearted Knight!” she cried. “What is the meaning of
this shameful strife? Is _this_ the battle which you boasted you would
fight with the horrible fiery Dragon? Come, come away, feeble and
faithless man! Let no vain words deceive your manly heart, nor wicked
thoughts dismay your brave spirit. Have you not a share in heavenly
mercy? Why should you then despair who have been chosen to fight the
good fight? If there is Justice, there is also Forgiveness, which
soothes the anguish of remorse and blots out the record of sin. Arise,
Sir Knight, arise and leave this evil place.”
So up he rose, and straightway left the cave. When Despair saw this, and
that his guest would safely depart in spite of all his beguiling words,
he took a rope and tried to hang himself. But though he had tried to
kill himself a thousand times, he could never do so, until the last day
comes when all evil things shall perish for ever.
How the Red Cross Knight came to the House of Holiness
The bravest man who boasts of bodily strength may often find his moral
courage fail in the hour of temptation. If he gain the victory, let him
not ascribe it to his own skill, but rather to the grace of God.
From what had happened in the Cave of Despair, Una saw that her Knight
had grown faint and feeble; his long imprisonment had wasted away all
his strength, and he was still quite unfit to fight. Therefore she
determined to bring him to a place where he might refresh himself, and
recover from his late sad plight.
There was an ancient house not far away, renowned through all the world
for its goodness and holy learning, so well was it guided and governed
by a wise matron. Her only joy was to comfort those in trouble and to
help the helpless poor. She was called Dame Celia—the “Heavenly
Lady”—and she had three beautiful daughters, Fidelia (_Faith_), Speranza
(_Hope_), and Charissa (_Love_).
Arrived at the House of Holiness, they found the door fast locked, for
it was warily watched, night and day, for fear of many foes. But when
they knocked, the porter straightway opened to them. He was an aged man,
with grey hair and slow footsteps; his name was _Humility_. They passed
in, stooping low, for the way he showed them was strait and narrow, even
as all good things are hardest at the beginning. But when they had
entered they saw a spacious court, very pleasant to walk in. Here they
were met by a frank, honest-looking man, called _Zeal_, who gladly acted
as their guide till they came to the hall.
The squire of the household received them, and made them welcome; his
name was _Reverence_. He was very gentle, modest, and sincere, always
treating every one with the greatest kindness and courtesy, not from any
pretended politeness, but because of his own good and sweet disposition.
He conducted them to the lady of the house, who was busied as usual in
some good works. Directly Dame Celia saw Una, she knew who she was; her
heart filled with joy, and she put her arms round her and kissed her.
“Oh, happy earth,” she cried, “whereon your innocent feet still tread!
What good fortune has brought you this way, or did you wander here
unknowingly? It is strange to see a knight-errant in this place, or any
other man, for there are few who choose the narrow path or seek the
right.”
Una replied that they had come to rest their weary limbs, and to see the
lady herself, whose fame and praise had reached them.
Then Dame Celia entertained them with every courtesy she could think of,
and nothing was lacking to show her generosity and wisdom. Whilst they
were talking, two beautiful maidens came in; they were Faith and Hope,
the daughters of the lady. Faith was arrayed all in lily-white, and her
face shone like the light of the sun; in one hand she held a book. Her
younger sister, Hope, was clad all in blue, and carried a silver anchor;
her face was not as cheerful as Faith’s, but it was very noble and
steadfast.
Presently a servant, called _Obedience_, came and conducted the guests
to their rooms, in order that they might rest awhile. Afterwards Una
asked Faith if she would allow the Red Cross Knight to enter her
schoolhouse, in order that he might share in her heavenly learning, and
hear the divine wisdom of her words.
So the Knight went to school to learn of Faith, and many were the
wondrous things she taught him. Now he saw in its true light all the
error of his ways, and he began truly to repent of all his wrongdoings.
The thought of them was so bitter, that he felt he was no longer worthy
to live.
Then came Hope with sweet comfort, and bade him trust steadily and not
lose heart. And Dame Celia, seeing how unhappy he was, sent to him a
wonderful doctor, called _Patience_. Thanks to his skill and wisdom, and
to the careful nursing of his attendant, _Repentance_, the Red Cross
Knight presently recovered, and grew well and strong again.
After this Una took him one day to visit the third daughter, whose name
was Love. She was so wonderfully beautiful and good that there were few
on earth to compare with her. They found her in the midst of a group of
happy children; she wore a yellow robe, and sat in an ivory chair, and
at her side were two turtle-doves.
Una besought Love to let the Red Cross Knight learn of her whatever she
could teach, and to this request Love gladly agreed. Then she began to
instruct the Knight in all good things. She spoke to him of love and
righteousness, and how to do well, and bade him shun all wrath and
hatred, which are displeasing to GOD. And when she had well taught him
this, she went on to show him the path to heaven.
[Illustration:
“=The Knight and Una entering fayre her greet,
And bid her joy of that her happy brood;
Who them requites with court’sies seeming meet,
And entertaynes with friendly cheerefull mood.=”
]
The better to guide his weak and wandering steps, she called an ancient
matron, named _Mercy_, well known for her gracious and tender ways. Into
her careful charge Love gave the Knight, to lead in the right path, so
that he should never fall in all his journeying through the wide world,
but come to the end in safety.
Then Mercy, taking the Knight by the hand, led him away by a narrow
path; it was scattered with bushy thorns and ragged briars, but these
she always cleared away before him, so that nothing might hinder his
ready passage. And whenever his footsteps were cumbered, or began to
falter and stray, she held him fast, and bore him up, so that he never
fell.
The City of the Great King
Soon after leaving the House of Holiness, the Red Cross Knight and his
guide, Mercy, came to a hospital by the wayside. Some bedesmen lived
here, who had vowed all their life to the service of the King of Heaven,
and who spent their days in doing good. Their gates were always open to
weary travellers, and one of the brothers sat waiting to call in all
poor and needy passers-by. Each of the brothers had a separate duty to
perform. The first had to entertain travellers; the second, to give food
to the needy; the third, clothing to those who had none; the fourth, to
relieve prisoners and to redeem captives; the fifth, to comfort the sick
and the dying; the sixth, to take charge of those who were dead, and to
deck them with dainty flowers; the seventh had to look after widows and
orphans. Mercy was a great friend of theirs, and Love was the founder of
their order.
They stayed at the hospital for some time, while the Knight was taught
all kinds of good works. He was very quick at learning, and soon became
so perfect that no cause of blame or rebuke could be found in him.
Leaving the hospital, he next came with his guide to a steep and high
hill, on the top of which was a church, with a little hermitage close
by. Here there dwelt an old man, called _Contemplation_. He spent all
his days in prayer and meditation, never thinking of worldly business,
but only of God and goodness. When he saw the travellers approaching, at
first he felt vexed, for he thought they would distract his thoughts to
earthly matters. But recognising Mercy, whom he loved and respected, he
greeted them civilly, and asked why they had climbed that tedious
height.
“For that same purpose which every living person should make his aim—the
wish to go to Heaven,” replied Mercy. “Does not the path lead straight
from here to that most glorious place which shines with ever-living
light? The keys were given into your hands by Faith, who requires that
you show the lovely city to this knight in accordance with his desire.”
Then Contemplation took the Red Cross Knight, and, after the latter had
fasted awhile and prayed, he led him to the highest part of the hill.
[Illustration:
“=From thence, far off he unto him did shew
A little path that was both steepe and long,
Which to a goodly Citty led his vew,
Whose wals and towres were builded high and strong
Of perle and precious stone that earthly tong
Cannot describe, nor wit of man can tell.=”
]
From there he showed him a little path, steep and long, which led to a
goodly city. The walls and towers were built very high and strong, of
pearl and precious stones, more beautiful than tongue can tell. It was
called “The City of the Great King,” and in it dwelt eternal peace and
happiness.
As the Knight stood gazing, he could see the blessed angels descending
to and fro, and walking in the streets of the city, as friend walks with
friend. At this he much wondered, and he began to ask what was the
stately building that lifted its lofty towers so near the starry sky,
and what unknown nation dwelt there.
“Fair Knight,” said his companion, “that is Jerusalem—the New Jerusalem,
which GOD has built for those to dwell in that are His chosen people,
cleansed from sinful guilt by CHRIST, who died for the sins of the whole
world. Now they are saints together in that city.”
“Until now,” said the Knight, “I thought that the city of Queen
Gloriana, whence I come, was the fairest that might ever be seen. But
now I know otherwise, for that great city yonder far surpasses it.”
“Most true,” said the holy man. “Yet for an earthly place the kingdom of
Queen Gloriana is the fairest that eye can behold. And you, Sir Knight,
have done good service by aiding a desolate and oppressed maiden. But
when you have won a famous victory, and high amongst all knights have
hung your shield, follow no more the pursuit of earthly conquest, for
bloodshed and war bring sin and sorrow. Seek this path which I point out
to you, for it will in the end bring you to Heaven. Go peaceably on your
pilgrimage to the City of the Great King. A blessed end is ordained for
you. Amongst the saints you shall be a saint, the friend and patron of
your own nation. Saint George you shall be called—‘Saint George for
merry England, the sign of Victory.’”
“O holy Sire!” said the Knight, “how can I requite you for all that you
have done for me?”
His eyes were dazzled by the brightness of the glory at which he had
been gazing, so that he could scarcely see the ground by which to
return; so dark are earthly things compared with divine.
Thanking and rewarding the good man for all his trouble, the Red Cross
Knight returned to Una, who was anxiously awaiting him. She received him
with joy, and after he had rested a little, she bade him be mindful of
the task still before him. So they took leave of Dame Celia and her
three daughters, and once more set out on their journey.
The Last Fight
At last Una and the Knight came to Una’s kingdom, where her parents were
held captive, and all the land lay wasted by the terrible dragon. As
they drew near their journey’s end, Una began to cheer her companion
with brave words.
“Dear Knight,” she said, “who for my sake have suffered all these
sorrows, may Heaven reward you for your weary toil! Now we have come to
my own country, and the place where all our perils dwell. This is the
haunt of the horrible monster, therefore be well on your guard and ready
for the foe. Call up all your courage, and do better than you have ever
done before, so that hereafter you shall be renowned above all knights
on earth.”
At this moment they heard a hideous roaring sound, which filled the air,
and almost shook the solid ground. Soon they saw the dreadful dragon
where he lay stretched on the sunny side of a great hill. Directly he
caught sight of the glittering armour of the Knight, he quickly roused
himself, and hastened towards them.
The Red Cross Knight bade Una go to a hill at some distance, from where
she might behold the battle and be safe from danger. She had scarcely
done so when the huge beast drew near, half flying, and half running in
his haste.
He was a dreadful creature to look at, very big, covered with brazen
scales like a coat of steel, which he clashed loudly as he came. He had
two immense wings with which he could fly, and at the point of his
great, knotted tail were two stings, sharper than the sharpest steel.
Worse even than these, however, were his cruel claws, which tore to
pieces everything that came within their clutches. He had three rows of
iron teeth, and his eyes, blazing with wrath, sparkled like living fire.
Such was the terrible monster with whom the Red Cross Knight had now to
do battle.
All day they fought; and when evening came, the Knight was quite worn
out and almost defeated. As it chanced, however, close by was a spring,
the waters of which possessed a wonderful gift of healing. The Knight
was driven backwards and fell into this well. The dragon clapped his
wings in triumph, for he thought he had gained the victory. But so great
was the power of the water in this well that although the Knight’s own
strength was utterly exhausted, yet he rose out of it refreshed and
vigorous. The dawn of the next day found him stronger than ever, and
ready for battle.
The name of the spring was called the Well of Life.
All through the second day the battle lasted, and again, when evening
came, the Knight was almost defeated. But this night he rested under a
beautiful tree laden with goodly fruit; the name of the tree was the
Tree of Life. From it flowed, as from a well, a trickling stream of
balm, a perfect cure for all ills, and whoever ate of its fruit attained
to everlasting life.
The strength of the Red Cross Knight alone would never have been
sufficient to overcome the terrible Dragon of Sin, but the water of the
Well of Life, and the balm from the Tree of Life, gave him a power that
nothing could resist.
On the morning of the third day he slew the dragon.
“Ease after War”
The sun had scarcely risen on the third day, when the watchman on the
walls of the brazen tower saw the death of the dragon. He hastily called
to the captive King and Queen, who, coming forth, ordered the tidings of
peace and joy to be proclaimed through the whole land.
[Illustration:
“=And to the Knight his daughter deare he tyde
With sacred rites and vowes for ever to abyde.
* * * * *
His owne two hands the holy knotts did knitt,
That none but death for ever can divide.=”
]
Then all the trumpets sounded for victory, and the people came flocking
as to a great feast, rejoicing at the fall of the cruel enemy, from
whose bondage they were now free.
Forth from the castle came the King and Queen, attended by a noble
company. In front marched a goodly band of brave young men, all able to
wield arms, but who now bore laurel branches in sign of victory and
peace. These they threw at the feet of the Red Cross Knight, and hailed
him conqueror.
Then came beautiful maidens with garlands of flowers and timbrels;
troops of merry children ran in front, dancing and singing to the sound
of sweet music. When they reached the spot where Una stood, they bowed
before her, and crowned her with a garland, so that she looked—as indeed
she was—a queen.
The King gave goodly gifts of gold and ivory to his brave champion, and
thanked him a thousand times for all that he had done. Then the Red
Cross Knight and Una were brought in triumph to the palace; the trumpets
and the clarions sounded, and all the people sang for joy, and strewed
their garments in the way. At the palace everything was splendid and
beautiful, as befitted a prince’s court, and here a great feast was
held.
The King and Queen made their guest tell them all the strange adventures
and perils that had befallen him. They listened with much interest and
pity to his story. Then said the King:—
“Dear son, great are the evils which you have borne, so that I know not
whether most to praise or to pity you. Never has living man passed
through a sea of more deadly dangers. But since you have arrived safely
at the shore, now let us think of ease and everlasting rest.”
“Ah! dearest sovereign,” replied the brave Knight, “I may not yet think
of ease or rest. For by the vow which I made when I first took up arms,
I plighted myself to return to Queen Gloriana, and to serve her in
warlike ways for six years.”
The King, when he heard this, was very sorry, but he knew that the vow
must be kept.
“As soon as the six years are over,” said he, “you shall return here and
marry my daughter, the Lady Una. I proclaimed through the world that
whoever killed the dragon should have my only daughter to be his wife,
and should be made heir of my kingdom. Since you have won the reward by
noble chivalry, lo! here I yield to you my daughter and my kingdom.”
Then Una stepped forward, radiant as the morning star and fair as the
flowers in May. She wore a garment of lily-white, that looked as if it
were woven of silk and silver. The blazing brightness of her beauty and
the glorious light of her sunshiny face can scarcely be told. Even her
dear Knight, who had been with her every day, wondered at the sight.
So the Red Cross Knight and Una were betrothed. Every one, young and
old, rejoiced, and a solemn feast was held through all the land. Now,
indeed, the Knight thought himself happy. Whenever his eye beheld Una,
his heart melted with joy; no wickedness nor envy could ever again harm
their love.
Yet even in the midst of his happiness he remembered the vow he had made
to return to Queen Gloriana. His work was not yet done, and at last the
day came when he had to leave Una, and set forth again on his travels.
We know, however, that whatever new perils lay before him, he would be
able to overcome them all by the help of his heavenly armour, and that
in the end he would be restored to Una, to dwell happily with her for
ever.
[Illustration: Knight in armor standing next to a seated monk.]
“The Good Sir Guyon”
Sir Guyon meets the Magician
Archimago, the wicked magician, who had worked such mischief to Una and
the Red Cross Knight, was very angry when he found that in the end all
his evil wiles were defeated, and that the Knight and the lady were
happily betrothed. He would willingly have brought more trouble on them,
but he was powerless to do any harm to Una, for she was now safely
restored to her own kingdom, and living in the care of her father and
mother. He therefore directed all his spite against the Knight, who had
once more to set forth on his adventures, as he had promised Queen
Gloriana to serve her faithfully for six years. At the end of that time
he hoped to return and marry Una, and the King, her father, had made him
heir to the throne.
[Illustration:
“=Upon the way him fortuned to meete,
Faire marching underneath a shadie hill,
A goodly Knight, all armed in harnesse meete.=”
]
Archimago, whose other name you may remember was _Hypocrisy_, set all
his wits to work to see what harm he could do the Knight, for he knew
that, after all the troubles he had fallen into, he would be more than
usually careful. He kept laying snares for him, and placed spies
wherever he went, but the Knight had now become so wise and wary that he
always found out and shunned the danger. Archimago, however, still kept
on hoping he should find some way to hurt him, and at last his
opportunity came.
It happened, one day, that the enchanter saw marching to meet him a
noble knight. The stranger was clad in shining armour and rode a
splendid war-horse; his bearing was very stately, and his face, although
calm and beautiful, was so stern and noble that all his friends loved
him and his foes feared him. He was one of the chief knights of Queen
Gloriana’s court, a man of great honour and power in his native land.
His name was Sir Guyon.
As the Red Cross Knight was known as the Champion of _Holiness_, so Sir
Guyon was known as the Knight of _Temperance_.
With him now there was an aged palmer or pilgrim, clad in black; his
hair was grey and he leant on a staff. To judge by his look he was a
wise and grave old man, and he seemed to be acting as guide to the
Knight, who carefully checked his prancing horse to keep pace with his
slow footsteps.
The name of the black palmer was _Conscience_, and he went with Sir
Guyon as his companion and adviser, somewhat in the same fashion as
_Prudence_ had gone as servant with the Red Cross Knight.
When Archimago saw Sir Guyon, he immediately stopped him, just as on a
former occasion he had stopped the Red Cross Knight.
This time he had a fresh story to tell, which, of course, was perfectly
false. He implored Sir Guyon to come to the help of a beautiful maiden,
cruelly ill-treated by a rough knight, who had cut off her golden locks,
and threatened to kill her with his sharp sword.
“What!” cried Sir Guyon, his gentle nature roused to indignation, “is
the man still alive who could do such a deed?”
“He is alive, and boasts of it,” said wicked Hypocrisy. “Nor has any
other knight yet punished him for it.”
“Take me to him at once,” said Sir Guyon.
“That I can easily do,” said Archimago. “I will show you where he is,”
and he hurried off in high glee, because he thought that at last he had
found a way of revenging himself on the Red Cross Knight.
Friend or Foe?
Archimago and Sir Guyon came presently to a place where a beautiful lady
sat alone, with torn clothes and ruffled hair; she was weeping bitterly
and wringing her hands, and when Sir Guyon asked her the cause of her
grief, she said it was because she had been most cruelly treated by a
rough knight.
[Illustration: A weeping woman seated on the ground while a knight and a
man approach.]
This lady who seemed so good and gentle was, in reality, no other than
Duessa (or _Falsehood_), who had formerly led the Red Cross Knight into
such trouble. Her old companion, Archimago, had found her wandering
forlorn in the desert whither she had been banished by Prince Arthur,
and had again decked her out in fine clothes and ornaments, so that she
might help him in his wicked schemes.
Her cunning quite deceived Sir Guyon, who believed everything she told
him.
“Be comforted, fair lady,” he said, “and tell me who did this, so that I
can punish him at once.”
“I do not know his name,” she replied, “but he rode a dappled grey
steed, and on his silver shield there was a red cross.”
When Sir Guyon heard this he was amazed.
“I cannot think how that knight could have done such a deed,” he said,
“for I can say boldly he is a right good knight. I was present when he
first took arms and started out to help the Lady Una, since when he has
won great glory, as I have heard tell. Nevertheless, he shall be made to
explain this, and if he cannot clear himself of all blame, be sure he
shall be well punished.”
Duessa was greatly pleased when she heard this, for now she hoped there
would be a quarrel between the two knights.
Archimago then led Sir Guyon by an unknown way through woods and across
mountains, till they came at last to a pleasant dale which lay between
two hills. A little river ran through this valley, and by it sat a
knight with his helmet unlaced, refreshing himself with the cool water
after his long journey and hard work.
“Yonder is the man!” cried Archimago. “He has come here thinking to hide
himself, but in vain, for you will soon make him repent of his cruelty.
All success to you! We will stay here, and watch from a distance.”
Archimago and Duessa left Sir Guyon, who immediately rushed forward to
the attack. The stranger, seeing a knight hurrying so fiercely towards
him, seized his own weapons, prepared for battle, and sprang to meet
him. The two had almost met when Sir Guyon suddenly lowered his spear.
“Mercy, Sir Knight! Mercy!” he cried. “Pardon my rashness, that had
almost led me to disgrace my honour by raising my weapon against the
sacred badge on your shield.”
When the Red Cross Knight, for he indeed it was, heard the other’s
voice, he knew him at once.
“Ah! dear Sir Guyon,” he said, bowing courteously, “it is I rather who
should be blamed. In my reckless haste I almost did violence to the
image of Queen Gloriana which I now see inscribed on your shield. The
fault is mine!”
So the two knights made friends, and talked very happily together, and
Sir Guyon explained how he had been cheated by Archimago and Duessa, who
had both now fled away. Then up came Guyon’s guide, Conscience, and as
soon as his eye fell on the Red Cross Knight, he knew him, for he had
seen him at the court of Queen Gloriana.
“Joy be with you, and everlasting fame, for the great deeds you have
done!” he cried. “Your glorious name is enrolled in the heavenly
register, where you have won a seat among the saints. But we luckless
mortals are only now beginning to run the race in which you have gained
such renown.” Then to his master he said, “God grant you, Guyon, to end
your work well, and bring your weary bark safely to the wished-for
haven.”
“Palmer,” said the Red Cross Knight, “give the praise to GOD, to whom
all honour is due, and who made my hand the organ of His might.
Attribute nothing to me except a willing heart; for all that I did, I
only did as I ought. But as for you, fair sir, whose turn it is now,” he
added to Guyon, “may you prosper as well as you can wish, and may we
hear thrice happy tidings of you; for you are indeed worthy, both in
courage and gentle manners.”
Then the two Knights took leave of each other with much courtesy and
goodwill. Sir Guyon went forward on his journey, still guided by the
Black Palmer, who led him over hill and dale, pointing out the way with
his staff, and by his wise judgment guarding his master from all dangers
into which his own hasty nature might have made him fall.
The Story of the Knight and the Lady
After leaving the Red Cross Knight, Guyon and the Black Palmer (or
_Conscience_) travelled for some distance, fighting and winning many
battles as they went, which brought much honour to the Knight.
But the chief adventure in Sir Guyon’s life began in this way:
One day, passing through a forest, they heard sounds of bitter weeping
and lamentation.
“If I cannot be revenged for all my misery,” cried a voice, “at least
nothing can prevent my dying. Come then, come soon, come, sweetest
death! But, thou, my babe, who hast seen thy father’s fall, long mayest
thou live, and thrive better than thy unhappy parents. Live to bear
witness that thy mother died for no fault of her own.”
When Sir Guyon heard these piteous words, he dismounted, and rushed into
the thicket, where he found a beautiful lady dying on the ground. In her
arms there was a lovely baby, and the dead body of an armed knight lay
close beside them.
Horrified at the sight, Sir Guyon did all he could to restore the lady
to life, but she begged him to leave her alone to die in peace; her
sorrows, she said, were more than she could bear, and therefore she had
tried to kill herself.
“Dear lady,” said Sir Guyon, “all that I wish is to comfort you, and to
bring you some relief, therefore tell me the cause of your misfortune.”
“Listen, then,” she answered. “This dead man, the gentlest, bravest
knight that ever lived, was my husband, the good Sir Mordant. One day he
rode forth, as is the custom of knights, to seek adventures, and it
chanced most unhappily he came to the place where the wicked Acrasia
lives—Acrasia, the false enchantress, who has brought ruin on so many
knights. Her dwelling is within a wandering island, in Perilous Gulf.
Fair sir, if ever you travel there, shun the hateful place! I will tell
you the name—it is called the _Bower of Bliss_. Acrasia’s one aim in
life is _Pleasure_. In the Bower of Bliss nothing is thought of but
eating and drinking, and every kind of luxury and extravagance. All
those who come within it forget everything good and noble, and care for
nothing but to amuse themselves. When my dear knight never returned to
me, I set forth in search of him, and here I found him, a captive to the
spells of Acrasia. At first he did not even know me; but by-and-by, with
great care, I brought him back to a better state of mind, and persuaded
him to leave the Bower of Bliss. But the wicked enchantress, angry at
losing one of her victims, gave him a parting cup of poison, and
stooping to drink at this well, he suddenly fell dead. When I saw
this——” Here the lady’s own words failed, and, lying down as if to
sleep, quiet death put an end to all her sorrow.
Sir Guyon felt such grief at what had happened that he could scarcely
keep from weeping. Turning to the Palmer, he said: “Behold here this
image of human life, when raging passion like a fierce tyrant robs
reason of its proper sway. The strong it weakens, and the weak it fills
with fury; the strong (like this Knight) fall soonest through excess of
pleasure; the weak (like this Lady) through excess of grief. But
Temperance with a golden rule can measure out a medium between the two,
neither to be overcome by pleasure, nor to give way to despair. Thrice
happy man who can tread evenly between them! But, since this wretched
lady did wrong through grief, and not from wickedness, it is not for us
to judge her. Let us give her an honourable burial. Death comes to all,
the good and the bad alike, and, after death, each must answer for his
own deeds. But both alike should have a fitting burial.”
[Illustration: Knight standing near a woman and a knight lying dead on
the ground, with an old man sitting nearby.]
So Sir Guyon and the Black Palmer dug a grave under the cypress-trees,
and here they tenderly placed the dead bodies of the Knight and the
Lady, and bade them sleep in everlasting peace. And before they left the
spot, Sir Guyon swore a solemn vow that he would avenge the hapless
little orphan child for the death of his parents.
The Three Sisters
After the burial of the Knight and the Lady, Sir Guyon gave the little
baby into the care of the Palmer, and, lading himself with the heavy
armour of the dead Sir Mordant, the two started again on their journey.
But when they came to the place where Sir Guyon had left his steed, with
its golden saddle and costly trappings, they found, to their surprise
and vexation, that it had quite disappeared. They were obliged,
therefore, to go forward on foot.
By-and-by they came to a famous old Castle, built on a rock near the
sea. In this castle lived three sisters, who were so different in
character that they could never agree. The eldest and the youngest were
always quarrelling, and they were both as disagreeable as possible to
the middle sister. Elissa, the eldest, was very harsh and stern; she
always looked discontented, and she despised every kind of pleasure or
merriment. It was useless ever to attempt to make her smile; she was
always frowning and scolding in a way not at all becoming to any gentle
lady.
Perissa, the youngest sister, was just as bad in the other direction;
she cared for nothing but amusement, and was so full of laughter and
play that she forgot all rules of right and reason, and became quite
thoughtless and silly. She spent all her time in eating, and drinking,
and dressing herself up in fine clothes.
[Illustration:
“... =At last they to a Castle came,
Built on a rocke adjoyning to the seas.=”
]
These two sisters showed the evil of two extremes; but the middle
sister, Medina, or “_Golden Mean_,” as she was sometimes called, was the
type of moderation, and all that was right and proper. She was sweet,
and gracious, and womanly; not harsh and stern, like Elissa, nor yet
heedless and silly, like Perissa. She dressed richly, but quietly, and
her clothes suited her well: they were different alike from Elissa’s
stinginess and Perissa’s extravagance.
When Medina saw Sir Guyon approaching the castle, she met him on the
threshold, and led him in like an honoured guest. But her sisters were
very angry when they heard of his arrival. There were two other visitors
at the castle just then, and they also were very angry. Sir Hudibras was
a friend of the eldest sister. He was very savage and sullen,
slow-witted, but big and strong. Sans-loy, or _Lawless_, was the friend
of the youngest sister. He was the same Lawless who had been so cruel to
poor Una, and he was just as bold and unruly now as he had been then,
and he never cared what wrong he did to any one.
These two hated each other, and were always quarrelling, but when they
heard of the coming of the stranger knight, they both flew to attack
him. On the way, however, they began fighting with each other, and,
hearing the noise, Sir Guyon ran to try to stop them, whereupon they
both turned upon him. The two sisters stood by, and encouraged them to
go on fighting; but Medina ran in amongst them, and entreated them to
stop. Her gentle words at last appeased their anger, and they laid down
their weapons, and consented to make friends.
Then Medina invited them all to a feast, which she had prepared in
honour of Sir Guyon. Elissa and Perissa came very unwillingly, though
they attempted to hide their grudging and envy under a pretence of
cheerfulness. One sister thought the entertainment provided far too
much, and the other sister thought it far too little. Elissa would
scarcely speak or eat anything, while Perissa chattered and ate far more
than was right or proper.
After the feast, Medina begged Sir Guyon to tell them the story of his
adventures, and to say on what quest he was now bound.
Then Sir Guyon told them all about the court of the Faerie Queene,
Gloriana, and how he had sworn service to her, and promised to go out
into the world to fight every kind of evil. The task he had now in hand
was to find out the wicked enchantress, Acrasia, and to destroy her
dwelling, for she had done more bad deeds than could be told, and, among
them, had brought about the deaths of the father and mother of the poor
little baby he had taken under his care.
By the time Sir Guyon’s tale was finished the night was far spent, and
all the guests in the castle betook themselves to rest.
Braggadochio
As soon as it was dawn, Sir Guyon arose, and, mindful of his appointed
work, armed himself again for the journey.
The little baby whom he had rescued he entrusted to the tender care of
Medina, entreating her to train him up as befitted his noble birth.
Then, since his good steed had been stolen from him, he and the Palmer
fared forward on foot.
It will be remembered that when Sir Guyon heard the cries for help of
the Lady Amavia, he dismounted, and ran into the thicket, leaving his
horse outside. While he was absent, there wandered that way an idle,
worthless fellow, called Braggadochio. This was a man who never did
anything great or good, but who was extremely vain and boastful, and
always trying to make out that he was somebody grand. When he saw the
beautiful horse with its golden saddle and rich trappings, and Sir
Guyon’s spear, he immediately took possession of them, and hurried away.
He was so puffed up with self-conceit that he felt now as if he were
really some noble knight, and he hoped that every one else would think
the same of him. He determined to go first to court, where he thought
such a gallant show would at once attract notice and gain him favour.
Braggadochio had never been trained in chivalry; he rode very badly, and
could not manage Sir Guyon’s splendid high-spirited horse in the least.
He managed, however, to stick on somehow, and presently, seeing a man
sitting on a bank by the roadside, and wishing to show off, he rode at
him, pretending to aim at him with his spear. The silly fellow fell flat
down with fear, crying out for mercy. Braggadochio was very proud and
delighted at this, and shouted at him in a loud voice, “Die, or yield
thyself my captive!” The man was so terrified that he promised at once
to become Braggadochio’s servant. So the two went on together. They were
excellently well suited, for both were vain, and false, and cowardly,
while Braggadochio tried to get his own way by bluster, and his
companion by cunning.
[Illustration: A horseman holding a long spear rides past a man lying on
the ground.]
Trompart (or _Deceit_), for that was the man’s name, speedily discovered
the folly of his master. He was very wily-witted and well accustomed to
every form of cunning trickery, and, to suit his own purpose, he
flattered up Braggadochio, and did all he could to encourage his idle
vanity.
Presently, as the two went along, they met the wicked magician,
Archimago (or _Hypocrisy_), who was now just as angry with Sir Guyon as
he had been before with the Red Cross Knight. When he saw Braggadochio,
he thought he had found a good opportunity to be revenged on both the
knights, and, going up to him, he asked if he would be willing to fight
them.
Braggadochio immediately pretended to fall into a great rage against
them, and said he would slay them both. Then Archimago, seeing that he
had no sword, warned him that he must arm himself with the very best
weapons, for they were two of the mightiest warriors living.
“Silly old man!” said Braggadochio boastfully. “Stop giving advice.
Isn’t one brave man enough, without sword or shield, to make an army
quail? You little know what this right hand can do. Once, when I killed
seven knights with one sword, I swore thenceforward never to wear a
sword in battle again, unless it could be the one that the noblest
knight on earth wears.”
“Good!” said the magician quickly; “that sword you shall have very
shortly. For now the best and noblest knight alive is Prince Arthur, who
lives in the land of the Faerie Queene. He has a sword that is like a
flaming brand. I will undertake that, by my devices, this sword is found
to-morrow at your side.”
At these words the boaster began to quake, for he could not think who it
was that spoke like this. Then Archimago suddenly vanished, for the
north wind, at his command, carried him away, lifting him high into the
air.
Braggadochio and Deceit looked all about, but could find no trace of
him. Nearly dead with fright, they both fled, never turning to look
round till, at last, they came to a green forest where they hid
themselves. Even here fear followed them, and every trembling leaf and
rustle of the wind made their hair stand on end.
Fury’s Captive
As Sir Guyon and his guide, the Black Palmer, went on their way, they
presently saw at some distance what seemed to be a great uproar and
commotion. Hurrying near, they found a big savage man dragging along and
beating a handsome youth. An ugly old woman followed them, shouting and
railing, and urging the man not to let go the youth, but to treat him
worse and worse.
The name of the bad man was _Fury_; the old woman was his mother, and
was called _Occasion_. The youth was a young squire, named Phaon.
Fury had Phaon completely in his power, but in his blind and senseless
rage he scarcely knew what he was about, and spent half his force in
vain. He often struck wide of the mark, and frequently hurt himself
unawares, like a bull rushing at random, not knowing where he hits and
not caring whom he hurts.
[Illustration:
“=A mad man, or that feigned mad to bee,
Drew by the haire along upon the grownd
A handsom stripling with great crueltee,
Whom sore he bett.=”
]
When Sir Guyon saw the sad plight of the young squire, he ran to help
him; but Fury grappled with the Knight and flung him to the ground. Sir
Guyon sprang to his feet, and drew his sword, but, seeing this, the
Palmer cried, “Not so, O Guyon; never think the monster can be mastered
or destroyed in that fashion. He is not a foe to be wounded by steel or
overthrown by strength. This cruel wretch is Fury, who works much woe
and shame to knighthood. That old hag, his mother, is the cause of all
his wrath and spite. Whoever will conquer Fury, must first get hold of
Occasion and master her. When she is got rid of, or strongly withstood,
Fury himself is easily managed. But she is very difficult to catch, for
her hair hangs so thickly over her eyes, it is often impossible to know
her, and when she has once slipped past, you can never overtake her.”
When Sir Guyon heard this, he left Fury and went to catch Occasion. All
happened as the Palmer said. Directly the wicked old woman was captured,
and her angry tongue silenced, her son turned to fly. Sir Guyon
followed, and soon made him prisoner; but even when bound in iron
chains, Fury kept grinding and gnashing his teeth, shaking his
copper-coloured locks, and threatening revenge.
Then Sir Guyon turned to the young squire, and asked him how he had
fallen into the power of such a wretch.
Phaon said all his misfortunes arose from his giving way to wrath and
jealousy. He had a dear friend, about whom malicious stories were told,
and without waiting to find out whether or not they were true, he killed
this friend in sudden anger. When he discovered that he had been misled,
and that his friend was innocent, he was filled with grief, and swore to
be revenged on the two people who had deceived him. To one he gave a
deadly draught of poison, and the other he was pursuing with a drawn
sword, when he himself was overtaken by Fury, who completely mastered
him.
“As long as I live,” he ended, “I shall never get over the agony caused
me by Grief and Fury.”
“Squire,” said Sir Guyon, “you have suffered much, but all your ills may
be softened if you do not give way to such violence.”
Then said the Palmer, “Wretched is the man who never learns to govern
his passions. At first they are feeble and can be easily managed, but
through lack of control they lead to fearful results. Fight against them
while they are young, for when they get strong they do their best to
overcome all the good in you. Ungoverned wrath, jealousy, and grief have
been the cause of this squire’s downfall.”
“Unlucky Phaon,” said Sir Guyon; “since you have fallen into trouble
through your hot, impatient disposition, henceforth take heed, and
govern your ways carefully, lest a worse evil come upon you.”
While Sir Guyon spoke, they saw far off a man running towards them,
whose flying feet went so fast that he was almost hidden in a cloud of
dust.
The Anger of Fire
The man soon reached Sir Guyon and the Palmer, hot, panting, and
breathless. He was a bold-looking fellow, not in the least abashed by
Sir Guyon, but casting scornful glances at him.
Behind his back he bore a brazen shield, which looked as if it belonged
to some famous knight. On it was drawn the picture of a flaming fire,
round which were the words “_Burnt, I do burn._” In his hand the man
carried two sharp and slender darts, tipped with poison.
When he came near, he said boldly to Guyon, “Sir Knight—if you be a
knight—I advise you to leave this place at once, in case of further
harm. If you choose to stay, you do so at your own peril!”
Sir Guyon wondered at the fellow’s boldness, though he scorned his idle
vanity. He asked him mildly why any harm should come to him if he
remained.
“Because,” replied the man, “there is now coming, and close at hand, a
knight of wondrous power, who never yet met an enemy without doing him
deadly harm, or frightening him dreadfully. You need not hope for any
better fate, if you choose to stay.”
“What is his name?” said Sir Guyon, “and where does he come from?”
“His name is Pyrocles, which means _the Anger of Fire_,” was the answer,
“and he is called so from his hot and cruel temper. He is the brother of
Cymocles, which means _the Anger of the Sea-Waves_, for Cymocles is wild
and revengeful. They are the sons of _Malice_ and _Intemperance_. I am
_Strife_, the servant of Pyrocles, and I find work for him to do and
stir him up to mischief. Fly, therefore, from this dreadful place, or
your foolhardiness may bring you into danger.”
“Never mind about that,” said Sir Guyon, “but tell me whither you are
now bound. For it must be some great reason that makes you in such a
hurry.”
“My master has sent me to seek out Occasion,” said Strife. “He is
furious to fight, and woe betide the man who first falls in his way.”
“You must be mad,” said the Palmer, “to seek out Occasion and cause for
strife. She comes unsought, and follows even when shunned. Happy the man
who can keep away from her.”
“Look,” said Sir Guyon, “yonder she sits, bound. Take that message to
your master.”
At this Strife grew very angry, and seizing one of his darts, he hurled
it at Sir Guyon. The Knight caught it on his shield, whereupon Strife
fled away, and was soon lost to sight.
Not long after, Sir Guyon saw a fierce-looking knight riding swiftly
towards him. His armour sparkled like fire, and his horse was bright
red, and champed and chafed at his bit as his master spurred him roughly
forward. This was Pyrocles.
Not waiting to speak, he furiously attacked Sir Guyon, but after a sharp
battle he was utterly defeated, and obliged to beg for mercy.
This Sir Guyon courteously granted, and asked the reason why Pyrocles
had attacked him so fiercely.
The knight replied it was because he heard that Sir Guyon had taken
captive a poor old woman, and chained her up. He demanded that she and
her son Fury should be set free.
“And is that all that has so sorely displeased you?” said Sir Guyon,
smiling. “There they are; I hand them over to you.”
[Illustration:
“=He boldly spake, ‘Sir Knight, if knight thou bee,
Abandon this forestalled place at erst,
For fear of further harme, I counsell thee,
Or bide the chaunce at thine owne jeopardie.’=”
]
Pyrocles, delighted, rushed to set free the captives, but they were
scarcely untied before their rage and spite burst forth with double
fury. They did everything they could to make Pyrocles and Sir Guyon
fight again. They not only railed against Sir Guyon for being the
conqueror, but also against Pyrocles for allowing himself to be
conquered.
Sir Guyon stood apart and refused to be drawn into the quarrel; but
Pyrocles could not help getting enraged, and he and Fury were soon in
the midst of a terrible fight.
Seeing that Pyrocles was getting the worst of it, Sir Guyon would have
gone to his help, but the Palmer held him back, and refused to let him
interfere.
“No,” he said firmly, “it is idle for you to pity him. He has brought
this trouble upon himself by his own folly and wilfulness, and he must
now bear the punishment.”
So, as there was nothing more to be done, Sir Guyon and the Palmer
started again on their journey.
The Idle Lake
In the course of their journey, Sir Guyon and the Palmer came at last to
the shores of a great lake. The water of this lake was thick and
sluggish, unmoved by any wind or tide. In the midst of it floated an
island, a lovely plot of fertile land, set like a little nest among the
wide waves. The island was full of dainty herbs and flowers, beautiful
trees with spreading branches, and with birds singing sweetly on every
branch. But everything there—the flowers, the trees, and the singing
birds—only served to tempt weak-minded people to be slothful and lazy.
Lying on the soft grass in some shady dell, they forgot there was any
such thing as work or duty, and cared for nothing but to sleep away the
time in idle dreams.
Up to the present, Sir Guyon had only had to face adventures of a stern
and painful kind, but now he was to be put to quite a different test.
Would he fall a prey to the sloth and luxury of this island, or would he
remain faithful to his knightly duty?
When Sir Guyon and his companion, Conscience, came to the shore of the
lake, they saw, floating near, a little gondola, all decked with boughs.
In the gondola sat a beautiful lady, amusing herself by singing and
laughing loudly. She came at once when Guyon called, and offered to
ferry him across the lake; but when the Knight was in the boat, she
refused to let the Palmer get in, and neither money nor entreaties would
induce her to take the old man with them. Sir Guyon was very unwilling
to leave his guide behind, but he could not go back, for the boat,
obeying the lady’s wish, shot away more swiftly than a swallow flies. It
needed no oar nor pilot to guide it, nor any sails to carry it with the
wind; it knew how to go exactly where its owner wanted, and could save
itself both from rocks and shoals.
The name of the lady in the gondola was Phædria; she was one of the
servants of the wicked enchantress, Acrasia, whom Sir Guyon was now on
his way to attack. She hoped that the beautiful island would entrap the
Knight, and make him delay his journey and forget his purpose.
[Illustration:
“=But whenas Guyon of that land had sight,
He wist himselfe amisse, and angry said;
‘Ah, Dame! perdy ye have not doen me right,
Thus to mislead mee, whiles I you obaid:
Mee litle needed from my right way to have straid.’=”
]
On the way, as was her custom, she began joking and laughing loudly,
thinking this would amuse her guest. Sir Guyon was so kind and courteous
that he was quite ready to join in any real merriment; but when he saw
his companion grow noisier and sillier every moment, he began to despise
her and did not care to share her foolish attempts at fun. But she went
on still in the same manner till at last they reached the island.
When Sir Guyon saw this land, he knew he was out of his way, and was
very angry.
“Lady,” he said, “you have not done right to me, to mislead me like
this, when I trusted you. There was no need for me to have strayed from
my right way.”
“Fair sir,” she said, “do not be angry. He who travels on the sea cannot
command his way, nor order wind and weather at his pleasure. The sea is
wide, and it is easy to stray on it; the wind is uncertain. But here you
may rest awhile in safety, till the season serves to attempt a new
passage. Better be safe in port than on a rough sea,” she ended
laughingly.
Sir Guyon was not at all pleased, but he checked his anger and stepped
on shore. Phædria at once began to show off all the delights of the
island, which grew in beauty wherever she went. The flowers sprang
freshly, the trees burst into bud and early blossom, and a whole chorus
of birds broke into song. And the lady, more sweetly than any bird on
bough, would often sing with them, surpassing, as she easily could,
their native music with her skilful art. She strove, by every device in
her power, so to charm Sir Guyon that he would forget all deeds of
daring and his knightly duty.
But Sir Guyon was wise, and took care not to be carried away by these
delights, though he would not seem so rude as to despise anything that a
gentle lady did to give him pleasure. He spoke many times of his desire
to leave, but she kept on making excuses to delay his journey.
Now it happened that Phædria had already allured to the island another
knight. This was Cymocles, whose name means _the Anger of the Sea_. He
was the brother of Pyrocles (_the Anger of Fire_), whom you may remember
Sir Guyon had already fought and conquered. Cymocles had been sunk in a
heavy sleep when Sir Guyon arrived, but when he woke up and discovered
the new-comer, he flew at once into a furious rage, and rushed to attack
him.
Sir Guyon, of course, was quite ready to defend himself, and Cymocles
soon found that he had never before met such a powerful foe. The fight
between them was so terrible that Phædria, overcome with pity and
dismay, rushed forward, and implored them, for her sake, to stop. She
blamed herself as the cause of all the mischief, and entreated them not
to disgrace the name of knighthood by strife and cruelty, but to make
peace and be friends.
So great is the power of gentle words to a brave and generous heart,
that at her speech their rage began to relent. When all was over, Sir
Guyon again begged the lady to let him depart, and to give him passage
to the opposite shore. She was now quite as glad as he was for him to
go, for she saw that all her folly and vain delights were powerless to
tempt him from his duty, and she did not want her selfish ease and
pleasure to be troubled with terror and the clash of arms. So she bade
him get into the little boat again, and soon conveyed him swiftly to the
farther strand.
The Realm of Pluto
Sir Guyon having lost his trusty guide, who was left behind on the shore
of the Idle Lake, had now to go on his way alone. At last he came to a
gloomy glade, where the thick branches and shrubs shut away the
daylight. There, lurking in the shade, he found a rude, savage man, very
ugly and unpleasant-looking. His face was tanned with smoke, his eyes
dull, his head and beard streaked with soot, his hands were coal-black,
as if burnt at a smith’s forge, and his nails were like claws.
His iron coat, all overgrown with rust, was lined with gold, which,
though now darkened with dirt, seemed as if it had been formerly a work
of rich and curious design. In his lap he counted over a mass of coin,
feasting his eyes and his covetous wishes with the sight of his huge
treasury. Round about on every side lay great heaps of gold, which could
never be spent: some were the rough ore, others were beaten into great
ingots and square wedges; some were round plates, without mark of any
kind, but most were stamped, and bore the ancient and curious
inscription of some king or emperor.
As soon as the man saw Sir Guyon, he rose, in great haste and fright, to
hide his mounds of treasure, and began with trembling hands to pour them
through a wide hole into the earth. But Sir Guyon, though he was himself
dismayed at the sight, sprang lightly forward to stop him.
“Who are you that live here in the desert, and hide away from people’s
sight, and from their proper use, all these rich heaps of wealth?” he
asked.
Looking at him with great disdain, the man replied, “You are very rash
and heedless of yourself, Sir Knight, to come here to trouble me, and my
heaps of treasure. I call myself ‘King of this world and
worldlings’—Great Mammon—the greatest power on earth. Riches, renown,
honour, estate, and all the goods of this world, for which men
incessantly toil and moil, flow forth from me in abundance. If you will
deign to serve and follow me, all these mountains of gold shall be at
your command, and, if these will not suffice, you shall have ten times
as much.”
“Mammon,” said the Knight, “your boast of kingship is in vain, and your
bribe of golden wages is useless. Offer your gifts to those who covet
such dazzling gain. It would ill befit me, who spend my days in deeds of
daring and pursuit of honour, to pay any attention to the tempting baits
with which you bewitch weak men. Any desire for worldly dross mixes
badly with, and debases the true heroic spirit which joys in fighting
for crowns and kingdoms. Fair shields, gay steeds, bright armour are my
delight. These are the riches fit for a venturous knight.”
[Illustration: Knight with a sword approaching a man who is kneeling
near a hole or cave opening on the ground.]
Mammon went on trying to tempt the Knight with all sorts of alluring
promises, but Sir Guyon stood firm. He pointed out the evils that had
come through riches, which he considered the root of all
unquietness—first got with guile—then kept with dread, afterwards spent
with pride and lavishness, and leaving behind them grief and heaviness.
They were the cause of infinite mischief, strife and debate, bloodshed
and bitterness, wrong-doing and covetousness, which noble hearts despise
as dishonour. Innocent people were murdered, kings slain, great cities
sacked and burnt, and other evils, too many to mention, were caused by
riches.
“Son,” said Mammon at last, “let be your scorn, and leave the wrongs
done in the old days to those who lived in them. You who live in these
later times must work for wealth, and risk your life for gold. If you
choose to use what I offer you, take what you please of all this
abundance; if you don’t choose, you are free to refuse it, but do not
afterwards blame the thing you have refused.”
“I do not choose to receive anything,” replied the Knight, “until I am
sure that it has been well come by. How do I know but what you have got
these goods by force or fraud from their rightful owners?”
“No eye has ever yet seen, nor tongue counted, nor hand handled them,”
said Mammon. “I keep them safe hidden in a secret place. Come and see.”
Then Mammon led Sir Guyon through the thick covert, and found a dark way
which no man could spy, that went deep down into the ground, and was
compassed round with dread and horror. At length they came into a larger
space, that stretched into a wide plain; a broad beaten highway ran
across this, leading straight to the grisly realm of Pluto, ruler of the
Lower Regions.
It was indeed a horrible road. By the wayside sat fiendish Vengeance and
turbulent Strife, one brandishing an iron whip, the other a knife, and
both gnashing their teeth and threatening the lives of those who went
by. On the other side, in one group, sat cruel Revenge and rancorous
Spite, disloyal Treason and heart-burning Hate; but gnawing Jealousy sat
alone out of their sight, biting his lips; and trembling Fear ran to and
fro, finding no place where he might safely shroud himself. Lamenting
Sorrow lay in the darkness, and Shame hid his ugly face from living eye.
Over them always fluttered grim Horror, beating his iron wings, and
after him flew owls and night-ravens, messengers of evil tidings, while
a Harpy—a hideous bird of ill omen—sitting on a cliff near, sang a song
of bitter sorrow that would have broken a heart of flint, and when it
was ended flew swiftly after Horror.
All these lay before the gates of Pluto, and passing by, Sir Guyon and
Mammon said nothing to them, but all the way wonder fed the eyes and
filled the thoughts of Sir Guyon.
At last Mammon brought him to a little door that was next adjoining to
the wide-open gate of Hades, and nothing parted them; there was only a
little stride between them, dividing the House of Riches from the mouth
of the Lower Regions.
Before the door sat self-consuming Care, keeping watch and ward, day and
night, for fear lest Force or Fraud should break in, and steal the
treasure he was guarding. Nor would he allow Sleep once to come near,
although his drowsy den was next.
Directly Mammon arrived, the door opened, and gave passage to him. Sir
Guyon still kept following, for neither darkness nor danger could dismay
him.
The Cave of Mammon
As soon as Mammon and Sir Guyon entered the House of Riches, the door
immediately shut of itself, and from behind it leapt forth an ugly
fiend, who followed them wherever they went. He kept an eager watch on
Guyon, hoping that before long the Knight would lay a covetous hand on
some of the treasures, in which case he was ready to tear him to pieces
with his claws.
The form of the house inside was rude and strong, like a huge cave hewn
out of the cliff; from cracks in the rough vault hung lumps of gold, and
every rift was laden with rich metal, so that they seemed ready to fall
in pieces, while high above all the spider spun her crafty web,
smothered in smoke and clouds blacker than jet. The roof, and floor, and
walls were all of gold, but covered with dust and hid in darkness, so
that no one could see the colour of it; for the cheerful daylight never
came inside that house, only a faint shadow of uncertain light, like a
dying lamp. Nothing was to be seen but great iron chests and strong
coffers, all barred with double bands of metal, so that no one could
force them open by violence; but all the ground was strewn with the
bones of dead men, who had lost their lives in that place, and were now
left there unburied.
They passed on, and Guyon spoke not a word till they came to an iron
door, which opened to them of its own accord, and showed them such a
store of riches as the eye of man had never seen before.
Then Mammon, turning to the warrior, said, “Behold here the world’s
happiness! Behold here the end at which all men aim, to be made rich!
Such favour—to be happy—is now laid before you.”
“I will not have your offered favour,” said the Knight, “nor do I intend
to be happy in that way. Before my eyes I place another happiness,
another end. To those that take pleasure in them, I resign these base
things. But I prefer to spend my fleeting hours in fighting and brave
deeds, and would rather be lord over those who have riches than have
them myself, and be their slave.”
At that the fiend gnashed his teeth, and was angry because he was kept
so long from his prey, for he thought that so glorious a bait would
surely have tempted his guest. Had it done so, he would have snatched
him away lighter than a dove in a falcon’s claws.
But, when Mammon saw he had missed his object, he thought of another way
to entrap the Knight unawares. He led him away into another room where
there were a hundred furnaces burning fiercely. By every furnace were
many evil spirits horrible to see, busily engaged in tending the fires,
or working with the molten metal. When they saw Guyon they all stood
stock still to wonder at him, for they had never seen such a mortal
before; he was almost afraid of their staring eyes and hideous figures.
“Behold what living eye has never seen before,” said Mammon. “Here is
the fountain of the world’s good. If, therefore, you will be rich, be
well advised and change your wilful mood, lest hereafter you may wish
and not be able to have.”
“Let it suffice that I refuse all your idle offers,” said Guyon. “All
that I need I have. Why should I covet more than I can use? Keep such
vain show for your worldlings, but give me leave to follow my quest.”
Mammon was much displeased, but he led him forward, to entice him
further. He brought him through a dark and narrow way to a broad gate,
built of beaten gold. The gate was open, but there stood in front of it
a sturdy fellow, very bold and defiant-looking. In his right hand he
held an iron club, but he himself seemed as if he were made of gold. His
name was Disdain. When he saw Guyon he brandished his club, but Mammon
bade him be still, and led his guest past him.
He took him into a large place, like some solemn temple; great golden
pillars upheld the massive roof, and every pillar was decked with crowns
and diadems, such as princes wore while reigning on earth. A crowd of
people of every sort and nation were there assembled, all pressing with
a great uproar to the upper part, where was placed a high throne. On it
sat a woman, clad in gorgeous robes of royalty. Her face seemed
marvellously fair; her beauty threw such brightness round that all men
could see it; it was not all her own, however, but was partly made up by
art.
[Illustration:
“=Behold thou Faeries sonne, with mortall eye,
That living eye before did never see:
* * * * *
Here is the fountaine of the worldes good:
How, therefore, if thou wilt enriched bee,
Avise thee well, and chaunge thy wilfull mood.=”
]
As she sat there, glittering, she held a great gold chain, the upper end
of which reached high into heaven, and the other end deep down into the
lower regions; and all the crowd around her pressed to catch hold of
that chain, to climb aloft by it, and excel others.
The name of the chain was _Ambition_, and every link was a step of
dignity. Some thought to raise themselves to a high place by riches,
some by pushing, some by flattery, some by friends—and all by wrong
ways, for those that were up themselves kept others low, and those that
were low held tight hold of others, not letting them rise, while every
one strove to throw down his companions.
When Guyon saw this he began to ask what all the crowd meant, and who
was the lady that sat on the throne.
“That goodly person, round whom every one flocks, is my dear daughter,”
said Mammon. “From her alone come honour and dignity, and this world’s
happiness, for which all men struggle, but which few get. She is called
Philotime, _the Love of Honour_, and she is the fairest lady in the
world. Since you have found favour with me, I will make her your wife,
if you like, that she may advance you, because of your work and just
merits.”
“I thank you much, Mammon,” said the gentle Knight, “for offering me
such favour, but I am only a mortal, and, I know well, an unworthy match
for such a wife. And, if I were not, yet is my troth plighted and my
love declared to another lady, and to change one’s love without cause is
a disgrace to a knight.”
Mammon was inwardly enraged, but, hiding his feelings, he led him away,
through the grisly shadows, by a beaten path, into a garden well
furnished with herbs and fruits of an unknown kind. They were not such
as men gather from the fertile earth, sweet and of good taste, but
deadly black, both leaf and flower. Here grew cypress and ebony, poppy
and deadly nightshade, hemlock, and many other poisonous plants. The
place was called the Garden of Proserpine. In the midst was a silver
seat, under a thick arbour, and near by grew a great tree with spreading
branches, laden with golden apples.
Mammon showed the Knight many wonders in the Garden of Proserpine, and
tried to tempt him to sit in the silver seat, or to eat of the golden
apples. If Guyon had done so, the horrible monster who waited behind
would have pounced on him and torn him to pieces; but he was wary and
took care not to yield to temptation, so the beguiler was cheated of his
prey. But now he began to feel weak and ill for want of food and sleep,
for three days had passed since he entered the cave. So he begged Mammon
to guide him back to the surface of the earth by the way they had come.
Mammon, though very unwilling, was forced to obey; but the change was
too much for Guyon in his feeble state, and as soon as he came into the
light, and began to breathe the fresh air, he fainted away.
The Champion of Chivalry
During the time that Guyon stayed in the house of Mammon, the Palmer,
whom the maid of the Idle Lake had refused to take in her boat, had
found a passage in some other way. On his journey he came near the place
where Guyon lay in a trance, and suddenly he heard a voice calling loud
and clear, “Come hither, hither! Oh, come quickly!”
He hurried in the direction of the cry, which led him to the shady dell
where Mammon had formerly counted his wealth. Here he found Guyon
senseless on the ground, but watched over by a beautiful angel.
At first he was dismayed, but the angel bade him not be frightened, for
that life and renewed vigour would soon come back to the Knight. He now
handed him over to the charge of the Palmer, and bade him watch with
care, for fresh evil was at hand.
Thus saying, the angel vanished, and the Palmer, turning to look at
Guyon, was rejoiced to find a feeble glimmer of life in him, which he
cherished tenderly.
At last there came that way two Pagan knights in shining armour, led by
an old man, and with a lightfooted page far in front, scattering
mischief and enmity wherever he went. These were the two bad brothers,
Pyrocles and Cymocles, the sons of Anger, guided by the false Archimago,
while their servant, Atin (or _Strife_) stirred them up to quarrelling
and vengeance.
[Illustration: An angel sitting beside a fallen knight on the ground
while the Palmer looks on.]
When they came to the place where the Palmer sat watching over the
sleeping body of the Knight, they knew the latter at once, for they had
both lately fought with him. They reviled the Palmer, and began heaping
abuse on Sir Guyon, whom they thought dead, and declared that they would
strip him of his armour, which was much too good for such a worthless
creature. The Palmer implored them not to do such a shameful and
dishonourable deed, but his entreaties were in vain; one brother laid
his hand on the shield, the other on the helmet, both fiercely eager to
possess themselves of the spoil.
At this moment they saw coming towards them an armed knight of bold and
lofty grace, whose squire bore after him an ebony spear and a covered
shield. Well did the magician know him by his arms and bearing when he
saw his prancing Libyan steed, and he cried to the brothers, “Rise
quickly, and prepare yourselves for battle, for yonder comes the
mightiest knight alive—Prince Arthur, the flower of grace and chivalry.”
The brothers were so impressed that they started up and greedily
prepared for battle. Pyrocles, who had lost his own weapons in the fight
with Fury, snatched a sword from Archimago, although the latter warned
him it was a magic sword, and would do no harm to Prince Arthur, for
whom it had been made long ago, and who was its rightful owner. Pyrocles
only laughed at the magician’s warning, and having bound Guyon’s shield
to his wrist, he was ready for the fray.
By that time the stranger Knight had come near, and greeted them
courteously. They returned no answer, but looked very disdainful, and
then, turning to the Palmer, Prince Arthur noticed that at his feet lay
an armed man, in whose dead face he read great nobility.
“Reverend sir,” he said, “what great misfortune has befallen this
Knight? Did he die a natural death, or did he fall by treason or by
fight?”
“Not by one or the other,” said the Palmer; “but his senses are drowned
in sleep, and these cruel foes have taken advantage of it to revenge
their spite and rob him of his armour; but you, fair sir, whose
honourable look promises hope of help, may I beseech you to take pity on
his sad plight, and by your power protect him?”
“Palmer,” he said, “there is no knight so rude, I trust, as to do
outrage to a sleeping spirit. Maybe, better reason will soften their
rash revenge. Well-chosen words have a secret power in appeasing anger.
If not, leave to me your Knight’s last defence.”
Then, turning to the brothers, he first tried what persuasion would do.
He took for granted that their wrath was provoked by wrongs they had
suffered, and did not challenge the right or justice of their actions;
but, on behalf of the sleeping man, he entreated pardon for anything he
might have done amiss.
To this gentle speech the brothers made rude and insulting answers, and
Pyrocles, not waiting to set the Prince on guard, lifted high the magic
sword, thinking to kill him. The faithful steel refused to harm its
master, and swerved from the mark, but the blow was so furious it made
man and horse reel. Prince Arthur was such a splendid rider that he did
not fall from the saddle; but, full of anger, he cried fiercely—
“False traitor! you have broken the law of arms by striking a foe
unchallenged, but you shall soon right bitterly taste the fruit of your
treason, and feel the law which you have disgraced.”
With that he levelled his spear at Pyrocles, and the two were soon
engaged in a fiery battle. Cymocles rushed to his brother’s aid, and
they both fell on the Prince with terrific fury, so that he had hard
work to defend himself. So mighty was his power that neither of his foes
could stand against it; but whenever he smote at Pyrocles, the latter
threw in front of him Guyon’s shield, on which was portrayed the face of
the Faerie Queene, and when he saw this, the Prince’s hand relented, and
he stayed the stroke, because of the love and loyalty he bore the
picture. This often saved the Pagan knight from deadly harm, but at last
Prince Arthur overcame and killed both him and his brother, while false
Archimago and Strife fled fast away.
By this time Sir Guyon had awakened from his trance, and was much
grieved when he found that his shield and sword had disappeared; but
when he saw beside him his faithful companion, whom he had lost some
days before, he was very glad. The Palmer was delighted to see him rise
looking so well, and told him not to trouble about the loss of his
weapons, for they would soon be restored to him. Then he told Guyon all
that had happened, and how the strange Knight had fought for him with
the two wicked brothers.
When he heard this, Sir Guyon was deeply touched, and felt all his heart
fill with affection. Bowing to Prince Arthur with due reverence, as to
the defender of his life, he said, “My lord, my liege, by whose most
gracious aid I live this day and see my foes subdued, what reward would
be sufficient to repay you for your great goodness, unless to be ever
bound——”
But the Prince interrupted. “Fair sir, what need is there to reckon a
good turn as a debt to be paid? Are not all knights bound by oath to
withstand the power of the oppressor? It is sufficient that I have done
my duty properly.”
So they both found that a good deed is made gracious by kindness and
courtesy.
The House of Temperance
After the Pagan brothers were conquered, and Prince Arthur had recovered
his stolen sword and Guyon his lost shield, the two went on their way
together, talking pleasantly as they journeyed along. When the sun was
near setting they saw in the distance a goodly castle, placed near a
river, in a pleasant valley. Thinking this place would do to spend the
night in, they marched thither, but when they came near, and dismounted
from their tired steeds, they found the gates barred and every fastening
locked, as though for fear of foes. They thought this was done as an
insult to them, to prevent their entrance, till the Squire blew his horn
under the castle wall, which shook with the sound as if it would fall.
Then a watchman quickly looked forth from the highest tower, and called
loudly to the knights to ask what they required so rudely. They gently
answered that they wished to enter.
“Fly, fly, good knights!” he said; “fly fast away if you love your
lives, as it is right you should. Fly fast, and save yourselves from
instant death. You may not enter here, though we would most willingly
let you in if only we could. But a thousand enemies rage round us, who
have held the castle in siege for seven years, and many good knights who
have sought to save us have been slain.”
As he spoke, a thousand villains, with horrible outcry, swarmed around
them from the adjoining rocks and caves—vile wretches, ragged, rude, and
hideous, all threatening death, and all armed in a curious manner, some
with unwieldy clubs, some with long spears, some with rusty knives, some
with staves heated in the fire. They looked like wild bulls, staring
with hollow eyes, and with stiff hair standing on end.
They assailed the Knights fiercely, and made them recoil, but when
Prince Arthur and Sir Guyon charged again their strength began to fail,
and they were unable to withstand them, for the champions broke on them
with such might that they were forced to fly like scattered sheep before
the rush of a lion and a tiger. The Knights with their shining blades
soon broke their rude ranks, and drove them into confusion, hewing and
slashing at them; and now, when faced boldly, they found that they were
nothing but idle shadows, for, though they seemed bodies, they had
really no substance.
When they had dispersed this troublesome rabble, Prince Arthur and Guyon
came again to the castle gate, and begged entrance, where they had been
refused before. The report of their danger and conflict having reached
the ears of the lady who dwelt there, she came out with a goodly train
of squires and ladies to bid them welcome.
The lady’s name was Alma. She was as beautiful as it was possible to be,
in the very flower of her youth, yet full of goodness and modesty. She
was clad in a robe of lily-white, reaching from her shoulders to the
ground; the long, loose train, embroidered with gold and pearls, was
carried by two fair damsels. Her yellow-golden hair was trimly arranged,
and she wore no head-dress except a garland of sweet roses.
She entertained the Knights nobly, and, when they had rested a little,
they begged her, as a great favour, to show them over her castle. This
she consented to do.
First she led them up to the castle wall, which was so high that no foe
could climb it, and yet was both beautiful and fit for defence. It was
not built of brick, nor yet of stone, sand, nor mortar, but of clay. The
pity was that such goodly workmanship could not last longer, for it must
soon turn back to earth.
Two gates were placed in this building, the one (_mouth_) by which all
passed in far excelling the other in workmanship. When it was locked, no
one could pass through, and when it was opened no man could shut it.
Within the barbican sat a porter (the _tongue_), day and night keeping
watch and ward; nobody could go in or out of the gate without strict
scrutiny. Utterers of secrets he debarred, babblers of folly, and those
who told tales of wrong-doing; when cause required it, his alarm-bell
might be heard far and wide, but never without occasion.
Round the porch on each side sat sixteen warders (the _teeth_), all in
bright array; tall yeomen they seemed, of great strength, and were
ranged ready for fight.
[Illustration:
“=But soone the knights with their bright-burning blades
Broke their rude troupes, and orders did confound,
Hewing and slashing at their idle shades;
For though they bodies seem, yet substaunce from them fades.=”
]
Alma then took the Knights over the rest of the castle, and showed them
so many curious and beautiful things that their minds were filled with
wonder, for they had never before seen so strange a sight. Presently she
brought them back into a beautiful parlour (the _heart_), hung with rich
tapestry, where sat a bevy of fair ladies (the _feelings_, _tastes_,
&c.), amusing themselves in different ways. Some sang, some laughed,
some played with straws, some sat idly at ease; but others could not
bear to play—all amusement was annoyance to them. This one frowned, that
one yawned, a third blushed for shame, another seemed envious or shy,
while another gnawed a rush and looked sullen.
After that, Alma took her guests up to a stately turret (the _head_), in
which two beacons (the _eyes_) gave light, and flamed continually, for
they were most marvellously made of living fire, and set in silver
sockets, covered with lids that could easily open and shut.
In this turret there were many rooms and places, but three chief ones,
in which dwelt three honourable sages, who counselled fair Alma how to
govern well. The first of these could foresee things to come; the second
could best advise of things present; the third kept things past in
memory, so that no time or occasion could arise which one or other of
them could not deal with.
The first sat in the front of the house, so that nothing should hinder
his coming to a conclusion quickly; he made up his mind in advance,
without listening to reason; he had a keen foresight, and an active
brain that was never idle and never rested. His room held a collection
of the oddest and queerest things ever seen or imagined. It was filled,
too, with flies, that buzzed all about, confusing men’s eyes and ears,
with a sound like a swarm of bees. These were idle thoughts and fancies,
dreams, visions, soothsayings, prophecies, &c., and all kinds of false
tales and lies.
The second counsellor was a much older man. He spent all his time
meditating over things that had really happened, and in studying law,
art, science and philosophy, so that he had grown very wise indeed.
The third counsellor was a very, very aged man. His chamber seemed very
ruinous and old, and was therefore at the back of the house, but the
walls that upheld it were quite firm and strong. He was half blind, and
looked feeble in body, but his mind was still vigorous. All things that
had happened, however ancient they were, he faithfully recorded, so that
nothing might be forgotten.
The names of Alma’s three counsellors were Imagination, Judgment, and
Memory.
The Rock of Reproach and the Wandering Islands
The next morning, before it was light, Sir Guyon, clad in his bright
armour, and accompanied by the Palmer in his black dress, started once
more on his journey to find the wicked enchantress, Acrasia, and the
Bower of Bliss. At the river ford, they found a ferryman, whom Alma had
commanded to be there with his well-rigged boat. They went on board, and
he immediately launched his bark, and Lady Alma’s country was soon left
far behind.
For two days they sailed without even seeing land; but on the morning of
the third day, they heard, far away, a hideous roaring that filled them
with terror, and they saw the surges rage so high, they feared to be
drowned.
Then said the boatman, “Palmer, steer aright, and keep an even course,
for we must needs pass yonder way. That is the Gulf of Greediness, which
swallows up all it can devour, and is in a constant turmoil.”
On the other side, stood a hideous rock of mighty magnet stone, whose
craggy cliffs were dreadful to behold. Great jagged reefs ran out into
the water, and threatened death to all who came near. Yet passers-by
were unable to keep away, for trying to escape the devouring jaws of the
Gulf of Greediness, they were dashed to pieces on the rock.
As they drew near this dreadful spot, the ferryman had to put forth all
his strength and skill to row them past. On the one hand, they saw the
horrible gulf, that looked as if it were sucking down all the sea into
itself; and on the other hand, they saw the perilous rock, on whose
sharp cliffs lay the ribs of many shattered vessels, together with the
dead bodies of those who had recklessly flung themselves to destruction.
The name of the rock was the “Rock of Reproach.” It was a dangerous and
hateful place, to which no fish nor fowl ever came, but only screaming
sea-gulls and cormorants, who sat waiting on the cliff to prey on the
unhappy wretches whose extravagant and thriftless living had brought
them to ruin.
Sir Guyon and his companions passed by this dangerous spot in safety,
and the ferryman rowed them briskly over the dancing billows.
At last, far off, they spied many islands floating on every side among
the waves. Then said the Knight, “Lo, I see the land, so, Sir Palmer,
direct your course to it.”
“Not so,” said the ferryman, “lest we unknowingly run into danger; for
those same islands, which now and then appear, are not firm land, nor
have they any certain abiding-place; they are straggling plots, which
run to and fro in the wide waters, wherefore they are called the
‘Wandering Islands,’ and are to be shunned, for they have drawn many a
traveller into danger and distress. Yet from far off, they seem very
pleasant, both fair and fruitful, the ground spread with soft, green
grass, and the tall trees covered with leaves, and decked with white and
red blossoms that might well allure passers-by. But whoever once sets
his foot on those islands can never recover it, but evermore wanders,
uncertain and unsure.”
Sir Guyon and the Palmer listened to their pilot, as seemed fitting, and
they passed on their way.
“Now,” said the cautious boatman, when they had left behind them the
Wandering Islands (or, _listless idleness_), “we must be careful to take
good heed of our safety here, for a perilous passage lies before us.
There is a great quicksand, and a whirlpool of hidden danger; therefore,
Sir Palmer, keep a steady hand, for the narrow way lies between them.”
[Illustration:
“=Said then the Boteman, ‘Palmer, stere aright,
And keepe an even course; for yonder way
We needes must pas (God doe us well acquight).’=”
]
Scarcely had he spoken, when near at hand they spied the quicksand; it
was almost covered with water, but they knew it at once by the waves
round it and the discoloured sea. It was called the Quicksand of
Unthriftiness.
Passing by, they saw a goodly ship, laden from far with precious
merchandise, and well fitted as a ship could be, which through
misadventure or carelessness had run herself into danger. The mariners
and merchants, with much toil, laboured in vain to recover their prize
and to save the rich wares from destruction, but neither toil nor
trouble served to free her from the quicksand.
On the other side, they saw the dangerous pool that was called the
Whirlpool of Decay, in which many had haplessly sunk, of whom no memory
remained. The circling waters whirled round, like a restless wheel,
eager to draw the boat into the outer limit of the labyrinth, and to
drown the travellers. But the heedful ferryman rowed with all his might,
so that they passed by in safety and left the dreaded danger behind.
Suddenly they saw in the midst of the ocean, the surging waters rise
like a mountain, and the great sea puffed up, as though threatening to
devour everything. The waves came rolling along, and the billows roared
in fury, though there was not a breath of wind. At this, Sir Guyon, the
Palmer, and the ferryman were greatly afraid, for they knew not what
strange horror was approaching.
Sea-Monsters and Land-Monsters
Presently they saw a hideous crowd of huge sea-monsters, such as
terrified any one to behold; every shape of ugliness and horror was
there—water-snakes, and whales, and sword-fish, and hippopotamuses, and
sharks, and every kind of sea-monster, and they came along in thousands,
with a dreadful noise and a hollow, rumbling roar. No wonder the Knight
was appalled, for, compared with these, all that we hold dreadful on
earth were but a trifle.
“Fear nothing,” then said the Palmer, “for these creatures that look
like monsters are not so in reality; they are only disguised into these
fearful shapes by the wicked enchantress to terrify us, and to prevent
our continuing our journey.”
Then, lifting up his magic staff, he smote the sea, which immediately
became calm, and all the make-believe monsters fled to the bottom of the
ocean.
Free from that danger, the travellers kept on their way, and as they
went, they heard a pitiful cry, as of some one wailing and weeping. At
last, on an island, they saw a beautiful maiden, who seemed in great
sorrow, and who kept calling to them for help. Directly Guyon heard her,
he bade the Palmer steer straight to her rescue; but the latter, knowing
better, said, “Fair sir, do not be displeased if I disobey you, for it
would be a bad thing to listen to her, for really there is nothing the
matter; it is only a trick to entrap you.”
The Knight was guided by his advice, and the ferryman held steadily
straight on his course.
The next temptation they had to face was of a different kind. They came
to a lovely bay, sheltered on the one side by a steep hill, and on the
other by a high rock, so that between them was a still and pleasant
haven. In this bay lived five mermaids, who could sing in the sweetest
manner possible, but the only use they made of their skill in melody was
to allure travellers, whom, when they had got hold of, they killed. So
now to Guyon as he passed, they began to sing their sweetest tunes,
greeting him as the mightiest knight that had ever fought in battle, and
bidding him to turn his rudder into the quiet bay, where his
storm-beaten vessel might safely ride.
“This is the port of rest from troublous toil,” they sang; “the world’s
sweet inn from pain and wearisome turmoil.”
The rolling sea and the waves breaking on the rock mingled with their
singing, and the wind whistled in harmony. The sound so delighted Guyon
that he bade the boatman row slowly, to let him listen to their melody.
But the Palmer wisely counselled him not to do this, and so they got
safely past the danger, and soon after they saw, in the distance, the
land to which they were directing their course.
Then suddenly a thick fog came down upon them, hiding the cheerful
daylight, and making the whole world seem a confused mass. They were
much dismayed at this, not knowing which way to steer in the darkness,
and fearing that they would fall into some hidden danger. To add to
their confusion, they were attacked by a flock of horrible birds, which
flew screaming round them, beating at them with their wicked wings—owls,
and ravens, and bats, and screech-owls. Yet the travellers would not
stay because of these, but went straight forward, the ferryman rowing,
while the Palmer kept a firm hand on the rudder, till at last the
weather began to clear, and the land showed plainly. Then the Palmer
warned Sir Guyon to have his armour in readiness, for peril would soon
assail him.
The Knight obeyed, and when the boat reached the shore, he and the
Palmer stepped out, fully armed, and carefully prepared against every
danger.
They had not gone far, before they heard a hideous bellowing, and a pack
of wild beasts rushed forward as if to devour them. But when they came
near, the Palmer lifted up his wonderful staff, and immediately they
were quelled, and shrank back trembling.
Passing these, Sir Guyon and the Palmer soon came to the place the
Knight was seeking—the object of his long and toilsome quest—the home of
the wicked enchantress—the “Bower of Bliss.”
The Bower of Bliss
It was a lovely spot, a place adorned in the most perfect way by which
art could imitate nature; everything sweet and pleasing, or that the
daintiest fancy could devise, was gathered here in lavish profusion. A
light fence enclosed it, and a rich ivory gate, wonderfully carven,
stood open to all those that came thither.
[Illustration:
“=Ere long they heard an hideous bellowing
Of many beasts, that roared outrageously.
* * * * *
But soone as they approcht with deadly threat,
The Palmer over them his staffe upheld.=”
]
In the porch sat a tall, handsome porter, whose looks were so pleasant
that he seemed to entice travellers to him, but it was only to deceive
them to their own ruin. He was the keeper of the garden, and his name
was _Pleasure_. He was decked with flowers, and by his side was set a
great bowl of wine, with which he pleased all new-comers. He offered it
to Sir Guyon, but the latter refused his idle courtesy, and overthrew
the bowl.
Passing through the gate, they beheld a large and spacious plain, strewn
on every side with delights. The ground was covered with green grass,
and made beautiful with all kinds of lovely flowers; the skies were
always bright, and the air soft and balmy; no storm or frost ever came
to harm the tender blossoms; neither scorching heat nor piercing cold to
hurt those who dwelt therein.
Guyon wondered much at the loveliness of that sweet place, yet would not
suffer any of its delights to allure him, but passed straight through,
and still looked forward. Presently he came to a beautiful arbour,
fashioned out of interlacing boughs and branches. This was arched over
with a clustering vine, richly laden with bunches of luscious
grapes—some were deep purple like the hyacinth—some like rubies,
laughing red—some like emeralds, not yet well ripened, and there were
others of burnished gold. They almost broke down the branches with their
weight, and seemed to offer themselves to be freely gathered by the
passers-by.
In the arbour sat a finely dressed lady; she held in her left hand a
golden cup, and with her right hand she gathered the ripe fruit, and
squeezed the juice of the grapes into the cup. It was her custom to give
a draught of this wine to every stranger that passed, but when she
offered it to Guyon to taste, he took the cup out of her hand, and flung
it to the ground, so that it was broken and all the wine spilt.
_Excess_, for that was the lady’s name, was very angry at this, but she
could not withstand the Knight, and was obliged to let him pass, and he
went on, heedless of her displeasure.
Then before his eyes appeared a most lovely paradise, abounding in every
sort of pleasure: rainbow-coloured flowers, lofty trees, shady dells,
breezy mountains, rustling groves, crystal streams—it was impossible to
tell which was art and which nature, they were so cunningly mingled;
both combined made greater the beauty of the other, and adorned this
garden with an endless variety.
In the midst of all, stood a fountain made of the most precious
materials on earth, so pure and bright that one could see the silver
flood running through every channel. It was wrought all over with
curious carving, and above all was spread a trail of ivy of the purest
gold, coloured like nature, so that any one who saw it would surely
think it was real ivy. Numberless little streams continually welled out
of this fountain, and formed a little lake, through the shallow water of
which one could see the bottom, all paved with shining jasper.
Then at last Sir Guyon and the Palmer drew near to the “Bower of Bliss,”
so called by the foolish favourites of the wicked enchantress.
“Now, sir, consider well,” said the Palmer, “for here is the end of all
our travel. Here dwells Acrasia, whom we must surprise, or else she will
slip away, and laugh at our attempt.”
Soon they heard the most lovely melody, such as might never be heard on
mortal ground. It was almost impossible to say what kind of music it
was, for all that is pleasing to the ear there joined in harmony—the
joyous singing of birds, angelic voices, silver-sounding instruments,
murmuring waters, and the whispering wind; and through it all they heard
the singing of one voice, sweeter than all the others.
But in spite of the lovely music heard on every side, Sir Guyon and the
Palmer never left their path; they kept on through many groves and
thickets, till at last they came in sight of the wicked enchantress
herself. She lay, half-sleeping, on a bed of roses, clad in a veil of
silk and silver; all round were many fair ladies and boys singing
sweetly. Not far off was her last victim, a gallant-looking youth, over
whom she had cast an evil spell. His brave sword and armour hung idly on
a tree, and he lay sunk in a heavy slumber, forgetful of all the noble
deeds in which he had once delighted.
Sir Guyon and the Palmer cautiously drew near, then suddenly rushed
forward, and flung over Acrasia a net which the skilful Palmer had made
for the occasion. All her attendants immediately fled in terror. Acrasia
tried all her arts and crafty wiles to set herself free, but in vain;
the net was so cunningly woven, neither guile nor force could
disentangle her.
[Illustration: A knight and an old man standing near a fallen knight on
the ground while a woman lies nearby reaching out toward them.]
Then Sir Guyon broke down without pity all the pleasant bowers, and the
stately palace, and trampled down the gardens, and burnt the
banqueting-hall, so that nothing was left of the beautiful place to
tempt other people to ruin.
As for Acrasia, they led her away captive, bound with adamantine chains,
for nothing else would keep her safe; and when they came back to the
place where they had met the wild beasts, these again flew fiercely at
them, as if they would rescue their mistress. But the Palmer soon
pacified them.
Then Guyon asked what was the meaning of these beasts that lived there.
“These seeming beasts are really men whom the enchantress has thus
transformed,” replied the Palmer. “Now they are turned into these
hideous figures, in accordance with their bad and ugly minds.”
“A sad end of an ignoble life, and a mournful result of excess in
pleasure,” said the Knight. “But, Palmer, if it may so please you, let
them be returned to their former state.”
So the Palmer struck them with his staff, and immediately they were
turned into men. Very queer and ill at ease they looked. Some were
inwardly ashamed, and some were angry to see the Lady Acrasia captive.
But one in particular, who had lately been a hog, Grill by name, loudly
lamented, and abused the Knight for bringing him back from the shape of
a hog into that of a man.
Then said Guyon, “See how low a man can sink, to forget so soon the
excellence in which he was created, and to choose rather to be a beast
without intelligence!”
“Worthless men delight in base things,” said the Palmer. “Let Grill be
Grill, and have his hoggish mind. But let us depart hence, while wind
and weather serve.”
So Sir Guyon, having overthrown the power of the wicked enchantress,
went back to the house of Alma, where he had left Prince Arthur. The
captive Acrasia he sent under a strong guard to the court of the Faerie
Queene, to be presented to Queen Gloriana as a proof that he had
accomplished his hard task; but he himself travelled forth with Prince
Arthur, to make further trial of his strength and to seek fresh
adventures.
[Illustration: Person in a cloak holding a staff standing next to a
hooded figure.]
The Legend of Britomart
How Sir Guyon met a Champion mightier than himself
After the capture of the wicked enchantress Acrasia, Prince Arthur and
Sir Guyon travelled long and far together in all sorts of dangerous
places. They met with many perilous adventures, which won them great
glory and honour, for their aim was always to relieve the weak and
oppressed, and to recover right for those who had suffered wrong.
At last one day, as they rode across an open plain, they saw a Knight
spurring towards them. An aged squire rode beside him, and on the
Knight’s shield was emblazoned a lion on a golden field.
When they saw him, Sir Guyon begged Prince Arthur to let him be the one
to face the attack, and the Prince agreeing, Guyon levelled his spear
and galloped towards the Knight. They met with such fury that the
stranger reeled in his saddle, and Guyon himself, before he was aware,
was hurled from his horse.
His fall filled him with shame and sorrow, for never yet since he bore
arms had such a disgrace happened to him. He need not, however, have
been so grieved, for it was no fault of his own that he was dismounted.
The spear that brought him to the ground was enchanted, and no one could
resist it.
But Guyon would have felt far more sorry and ashamed had he known that
the Knight who overthrew him was in reality a maiden. The stranger was
no other than the famous Princess Britomart, daughter of Ryence, King of
South Wales. She was roaming the world in search of Artegall, the
champion Knight of Justice, whose image she had once beheld in a magic
mirror given by the magician Merlin to her father. So grand and noble
was the image of this splendid Knight that Britomart felt she could
never rest until she had seen him in reality. She dressed herself in the
armour of a knight, and her old nurse, Glaucé, disguised herself as her
squire, and together the two left the court of King Ryence and wandered
through the world in search of Sir Artegall.
[Illustration:
“=But Guyon selfe, ere well he was aware,
High a speares length behind his crouper fell.=”
]
Sir Guyon, full of anger at his fall, and eager to revenge himself, rose
hastily, drew his sword, and rushed at the foe; but his attendant, the
Black Palmer, who had been his faithful companion and guide in all his
former adventures, implored his master not to run into fresh danger. By
his great wisdom he could tell that Britomart’s spear was enchanted, and
that no mortal power could withstand it.
Prince Arthur joined his entreaties to the Palmer’s, and they both spoke
so wisely that Guyon’s anger melted away. Britomart and he became
reconciled, and swore a firm friendship. In those days, when knights
fought together, it was often not at all in malice, but only to test
their strength and manliness. The one who conquered won much renown, but
the vanquished felt no spite nor envy. It is a great thing to be able to
lose with a good grace, without becoming sulky and disagreeable. Later
ages might do well in this respect to learn a lesson from the days of
chivalry.
So Britomart, Prince Arthur, and Sir Guyon then travelled on together in
the most friendly fashion, seeking further adventures. For some time
nothing happened, but at length they came to a wide forest, which seemed
very horrible and dreary. They rode a long way through this, but found
no track of living creature, except bears, and lions, and bulls, which
roamed all around. Suddenly, out of the thickest part of the wood,
something rushed past them.
How Britomart fought with Six Knights
The creature that rushed from the wood, across the path of Britomart,
Sir Guyon, and Prince Arthur, was a milk-white pony. On its back was a
lovely lady, whose face shone as clear as crystal, though it was now
white with fear. Her garments were all worked with beaten gold, and the
trappings of her steed were covered with glittering embroidery. The pony
fled so fast that nothing could hold it, and they could scarcely see the
lady. She kept casting backward glances, as if she feared some evil that
closely pursued her, and her bright yellow hair flew out far behind in
the wind like the trail of a blazing comet.
The name of the lady was Florimell.
As the Knights stood gazing after her, there rushed from the same
thicket a rough, clownish woodman, fiercely urging on his tired horse
through thick and thin, over bank and bush, hoping by some means to get
hold of Florimell. He was a huge, cruel-looking fellow, and in his hand
he carried a sharp boar-spear.
Directly Prince Arthur and Sir Guyon saw this they stayed not a moment
to see which would be first, but both spurred after as fast as they
could to rescue the lady from the villain.
Britomart waited some time to see if they would return, but finding they
did not come back she again set forward on her journey with steadfast
courage. She intended no evil, nor did she fear any.
[Illustration:
“=But faire before the gate a spatious playne
Mantled with greene, it selfe did spredden wyde,
On which she saw six knights, that did darrayne
Fiers battail against one with cruel might and mayne.=”
]
At last, when she had nearly reached the edge of the wood, she spied far
away a stately Castle, to which she immediately directed her steps. This
castle was a fine building, and placed for pleasure near the edge of the
forest, but in front of the gate stretched a wide, green plain.
On this plain Britomart saw six knights, who were all engaged in cruel
battle against one Knight. They attacked him with great violence all at
the same time, and sorely beset him on every side, so that he was nearly
breathless; but nothing could dismay him, and he never yielded a foot of
ground, although he was sorely wounded. He dealt his blows stoutly, and
whichever way he turned he made his enemies recoil, so that not one of
all the six dared face him alone. They were like cowardly curs having
some savage creature at bay, who run about here and there to snatch a
bite at their prey whenever his back is turned.
When Britomart saw this gallant Knight in such distress and danger, she
ran quickly to his rescue, and called to the six others to cease their
attack on a single enemy. They paid no attention, but rather increased
their spiteful fury, till Britomart, rushing through the thickest crowd,
broke up their band, and compelled them, by force, to listen to peace.
Then she began mildly to inquire the cause of their dispute and
outrageous anger.
Thereupon the single Knight answered, “These six tried by force to make
me give up my own dear lady, and love another. I would rather die than
do such a thing. For I love one lady, the truest one on earth, and I
have no desire to change. For her dear sake I have endured many a bitter
peril and met with many a wound.”
“Then, certainly, you six are to blame,” said Britomart, “for it would
be a great shame for a knight to leave his faithful lady—it would be
better to die. Neither can you compel love by force.”
Then spoke one of the six. “There dwells within this Castle a fair lady
whose beauty has no living rival. She has ordained this law, which we
approve—that every knight who comes this way, and has no lady of his
own, shall enter her service, never to leave it. But if he has already a
lady whom he loves, then he must give her up, or else fight with us to
prove that she is fairer than our lady.”
“Truly,” said Britomart, “the choice is hard. But, suppose the knight
overcame, what reward would he get?”
“Then he would be advanced to high honour, and win the hand of our
lady,” was the answer. “Therefore, sir, if you love any one——”
“I certainly will not give up my love, nor will I do service to your
lady,” replied Britomart. “But I will revenge the wrong you have done to
this Knight.”
Then she rode at the six with her enchanted spear, and overthrew three
of them before they were well aware of it. The fourth was dismayed by
the Knight to whose rescue she had come, and the two others gave in
before she touched them.
“Too well we see our own weakness and your matchless power,” they said.
“Henceforth, fair sir, according to her own law, the lady is yours, and
we plight our loyalty to you as liegemen.”
So they threw their swords under Britomart’s feet, and afterwards
besought her to enter into the castle, and reap the reward of her
victory.
Britomart consenting, they all went in together.
How it fared with Britomart in Castle Joyous
The stately mansion into which Britomart and the rescued Knight now
entered was called “Castle Joyous,” and the owner of it was known to her
retainers by the name of “the Lady of Delight.” It would be impossible
to tell all the wonderful richness and beauty of this building, which
was adorned fit for the palace of a prince.
Passing through a lofty and spacious chamber, every pillar of which was
pure gold, set with pearls and precious stones, the knights came to an
inner room, hung with the most costly tapestry. The place was filled
with the sweetest music and the singing of birds, but the wasteful
luxury they saw on every side did not please Britomart nor the Knight,
and they looked with a scornful eye on such lavish profusion.
Then they came into the presence of the Lady of the Castle. They found
her seated on a splendid couch, glittering with gold and embroidery. She
seemed very generous and of rare beauty, but she was neither gentle nor
modest, and she never hesitated to gratify her own desires at any cost.
When she saw Britomart, who, in her armour, appeared to be a young and
handsome knight, she took a great liking to her, and thought how nice it
would be if she would enter into her service, and stay altogether at the
Castle. All through the splendid supper which was presently served, she
tried to make herself as agreeable as ever she could, hoping that
Britomart would be tempted to remain. After supper, she begged her to
lay aside her armour, and enjoy some sport; but this the maiden refused
to do, for she wore it as a disguise. Britomart would not be so
discourteous as to repulse the kindly spoken offers of goodwill, but she
in her heart thought that such a sudden affection for a wandering guest
could not be worth very much.
When the supper-tables were cleared away, all the knights, and squires,
and dames began to make merry. There was dancing and gambling, and every
kind of revelry; but through it all Malecasta (which was the real name
of the Lady of Delight) was plotting in her own mind how she could get
hold of Britomart. If the gallant young Knight (as she thought him)
would not consent to stay of his own free will, she determined to detain
him by guile.
So that night, when Britomart had taken off her armour and was fast
asleep, Malecasta went to her room. Britomart sprang up in a great
fright, and ran to seize her weapon; but Malecasta shrieked for her six
knights, and they all came rushing in, armed and half-armed. When they
saw Britomart, with her sword drawn, they were afraid to go near her;
but one of them drew a deadly bow, and shot a keen arrow at her, which
wounded her in the side. But the noise had also wakened the other
Knight, who now ran to her help, and, fighting together side by side,
they soon defeated their foes.
[Illustration:
“=But one of these sixe knights, Gardanté hight,
Drew out a deadly bow and arrow keene,
Which forth he sent, with felonous despight
And fell intent, against the virgin sheene.=”
]
When they were all put to shameful flight, Britomart arrayed herself
again in her armour, for she would stay no longer in a place where such
things were done by those who were apparently noble knights and ladies.
Quite early, therefore, while the dawn was still grey, she and her
companion-knight took their steeds and went forth upon their journey.
How Britomart looked into the Magic Mirror
As Britomart and the Knight journeyed away from Castle Joyous, it came
into the Knight’s mind to ask the Princess what had brought her into
that part of the country, and why she disguised herself thus: for she
seemed a beautiful lady when she was dressed as one, but the handsomest
knight alive when she was clad in armour.
“Fair sir,” replied Britomart, “I would have you know that from the hour
when I left my nurse’s arms, I have been trained up in warlike ways, to
toss spear and shield, and to meet and overthrow warrior knights. I
loathe to lead the lazy life of pleasure that most ladies do, fingering
fine needle and fancy thread; I would rather die at the point of the
foeman’s spear. All my delight is set on deeds of arms, to hunt out
perils and adventures wherever they may be met by sea or land, not for
riches nor for reward, but only for glory and honour. For this reason, I
came into these parts, far from my native country, without map or
compass, to seek for praise and fame.
“For report has blazed forth that here, in the land of the Faerie
Queene, many famous knights and ladies dwell, and many strange
adventures can be found, out of which much glory may be won; and to
prove this, I have begun this voyage. But may I ask of you, courteous
Knight, tidings of one who has behaved very badly to me, and on whom I
am seeking to revenge myself; he is called Artegall.”
Britomart did not mean what she said of Artegall; she only spoke like
this to conceal her real feelings. As soon as the words were uttered she
repented, and would have recalled them, but her companion answered
almost before she had finished speaking. He said she was very wrong to
upbraid so scornfully a gentle Knight, for of all who ever rode at tilt
or tourney, the noble Artegall was the most renowned. It would be very
strange, therefore, if any shameful thought ever entered his mind, or if
he did any deed deserving of blame, for noble courage does nothing
unworthy of itself.
Britomart grew wonderfully glad to hear her love thus highly praised,
and rejoiced that she had given her heart to one so gallant; but in
order to lead the Knight to speak further in the same style, she still
pretended to find fault with Artegall, and asked where he might be
found, because she wanted to fight with him.
“Ah, if only reason could persuade you to soften your anger!” said the
Knight. “It is a bold thing to imagine you can bind a man like this down
to hard conditions, or to hope to match in equal fight one whose prowess
has no living rival. Besides, it is not at all easy to tell where or how
he can be found, for he never dwells in any settled spot, but roams all
over the world, always doing noble deeds, defending the rightful cause
of women and orphans, whenever he hears they are oppressed by might or
tyranny. Thus he wins the highest honour.”
These words sank into Britomart’s heart, and filled her with rapture;
but still she would not let her companion see it.
“Since it is so difficult to find Sir Artegall,” she said, “tell me some
marks by which he may be known, in case I happen to meet him by chance.
What is he like? What is his shield—his arms—his steed—and anything else
that may distinguish him?”
The Knight set himself to point out all these, and described Sir
Artegall in every particular.
But Britomart knew already exactly what Sir Artegall was like; and this
is how she came to know it.
Long ago in Britain she had seen his image plainly revealed in a magic
mirror, and ever since then she had loved no one else.
For in the days when her father, King Ryence, reigned over South Wales,
Merlin, the great magician, had by his spells devised a wonderful
looking-glass, the fame of which soon went through all the world.
[Illustration: A woman holds her chin in her hands as she sits gazing at
a crystal ball on a table.]
For this mirror had the power of showing perfectly whatever thing the
world contained, between heaven and earth, provided it had to do with
the person who looked into it. Whatever a foe had done, or a friend had
feigned, was revealed in this mirror, and it was impossible to keep
anything secret from it.
The mirror was round and hollow, and seemed like a great globe of glass.
Merlin gave it to King Ryence as a safeguard, so that if foes ever
invaded his kingdom he would always know it at home before he heard
tidings, and thus be able to prevent them. A present which could thus
detect treason and overthrow enemies, was a famous one for a prince.
One day Britomart happened to go into her father’s private room. Nothing
was kept hidden from her, for she was his only daughter, and his heir.
When she spied the mirror, she first looked in to see herself, but in
vain. Then, remembering the strange power it was said to possess, she
tried to think of some interesting thing that concerned herself, and
thus she wondered what husband fortune would allot to her.
Immediately there was presented to her eyes the picture of a gallant
Knight, clad in complete armour. His face, under the uplifted visor of
the helmet, showed forth like the sun, to terrify his foes and make glad
his friends. His heroic grace and noble bearing added to the grandeur of
his figure.
His crest was a crouching hound, and all his armour seemed of an antique
fashion, but was wonderfully massive and stout, and fretted all round
with gold; written on it in ancient lettering were the words—
“=Achilles’ arms, which Artegall did win.=”
On his shield he bore the device of a little crowned ermine on an azure
field.
Britomart looked well at the figure of this Knight, and liked it well,
and then went on her way, never dreaming that her future fate lay hidden
at the bottom of this globe of glass.
How Britomart went to the Cave of the Magician Merlin
After Britomart had seen the figure of Sir Artegall in the magic mirror,
a strange thing happened. She grew pale and ill, and lost all her merry
spirits, and she no longer cared to do any of the things in which she
had formerly delighted. At night, instead of sleeping, she tossed about,
and sighed and wept; or if she did close her eyes for a few minutes, it
was only to dream of dreadful things, and to start awake again suddenly,
with cries of terror.
Her old nurse, Glaucé, was much distressed to see such a sad change in
her dear young mistress, and one night when Britomart had been more
restless than usual, she begged her to say what was troubling her, and
if she were secretly fretting over anything.
Then Britomart told Glaucé of the splendid Knight she had seen in the
magic mirror, and how she longed to see him again. If it were some
living person, there might have been some hope for her, but now there
was none, for it was only the shade or semblance of a knight. So grand
and noble was the appearance of Artegall that Britomart’s heart ached
with sorrow to think she should never see him in real life.
Glaucé tried to comfort her, and spoke cheerfully, but at first
Britomart would not be consoled, for she did not see how things could
ever be better for her. It was very foolish of her, she owned, to love
only a shadow, but she knew the remembrance of Sir Artegall would never
fade as long as life lasted, and she felt that death only could put an
end to her grief.
“Well,” said the faithful old nurse, “if it is a choice between death
and seeing him again, I swear to you by right or wrong to discover that
Knight.”
Her cheerful words quite soothed Britomart’s sad heart, and she lay down
again in bed, and actually got a little sleep; as for Glaucé, she turned
the lamp low, and sat by the bedside to watch and weep over her dear
young lady.
After that, Glaucé tried every way she could think of to cure
Britomart’s grief; but neither medicine, nor charms, nor good advice did
her any good, and the nurse began to fear the King would be very angry
with her when he heard what had happened to his dear daughter.
At last she thought that he who made the mirror in which Britomart had
seen the strange vision of the Knight, would surely be able to tell
where the real man could be found. Disguising themselves, therefore, in
poor clothes, so that no one would know who they were, she and Britomart
took their way to the place where the great magician, Merlin, had his
dwelling, low underneath the ground, in a deep dell, far from the light
of day. It was a hideous, hollow cave, under a rock that lay near a
swift river foaming down the woody hills.
Arrived here, Glaucé and Britomart at first loitered about outside,
afraid to go into the cave, and beginning to doubt whether they had done
well to come. The brave maiden, with love to befriend her, was the first
to enter, and there she found the magician deep in some work of wonder,
busily writing strange characters on the ground.
Merlin was not in the least surprised at their bold visit, for he knew
quite well beforehand of their coming; but he bade them unfold their
business,—as though anything in the world were hidden from him!
Then Glaucé told him that for the last three months some strange malady
had taken hold of the young maiden; what it was, or whence it sprang,
she knew not, but this she knew, that if a remedy were not found, she
would soon see her dead. Merlin began to smile softly at Glaucé’s smooth
speeches, for he knew quite well she was not telling him the whole
truth, and he said, “By what you say, your young lady has more need of a
doctor than of my skill. He who can get help elsewhere, seeks in vain
wonders from magic.”
Glaucé was rather taken aback at hearing these words, and yet she was
unwilling to let her purpose appear plainly.
“If any doctor’s skill could have cured my dear daughter,” she said, “I
should certainly not have wished to trouble you; but this sad illness
which has seized her is far beyond natural causes.”
[Illustration:
“=Deepe busied ’bout worke of wondrous end,
And writing straunge characters in the grownd.=”
]
The wizard could stand no more of this, but burst out laughing, and
said, “Glaucé, what need is there for these excuses to cover the cause
which has already betrayed itself? And you, fair Britomart, although
dressed in these poor clothes, are no more hidden than the sun in a veil
of clouds. You have done well to come to me for help, for I can give it
you.”
Britomart was quite abashed at finding herself discovered, and grew very
red; but the old nurse was not in the least discomfited.
“Since you know all our grief—for what is there that you do not
know?”—she said to Merlin, “I pray you to pity our trouble, and grant us
relief.”
Merlin reflected for a few minutes; then he spoke to Britomart, and told
her many things that would happen in the future. He bade her not to be
in the least troubled, for all would end well, and it was no misfortune
for her to love the most powerful knight that had ever lived.
The man whom she had seen in the magic mirror was Sir Artegall, the
champion Knight of _Justice_, and he dwelt in the land of the Faerie
Queene. He was a mighty warrior, and would fight many battles for his
native country, in which Britomart would aid him. He would win again for
himself the crown that was his father’s by right, and he would reign
with great happiness. His son would succeed him, and after him would
come a long race of kings.
When Britomart and her old nurse, Glaucé, had heard all they wanted to
know, they both felt very glad and hopeful, and they returned home with
much lighter hearts than they had set out.
How Britomart set forth on her Quest
Britomart and her old nurse Glaucé now took counsel together as to the
best means of finding Sir Artegall. They thought of one plan after
another, and at last the nurse hit upon a bold device. She suggested to
Britomart that, as the whole country was now disturbed by war, they
should disguise themselves, in armour, and go in search of the Knight.
It would be easy for Britomart to do this, for she was tall and strong,
and needed nothing but a little practice to render her skilful in the
use of spear and sword.
“Truly,” said Glaucé, “it ought to fire your courage to hear the poets
sing of all the brave women who have come from the royal house to which
you belong.”
She went on to name a long list of noble Princesses who had fought
gallantly against their country’s enemies, and bade Britomart follow
their example and be equally courageous.
Her stirring words sank deep into the heart of the maiden, and
immediately filled her with courage, and made her long to do brave
deeds. She resolved to go forth as an adventurous knight, and bade
Glaucé put all things at once in readiness.
[Illustration:
“=In th’ evening late old Glaucé hither led
Faire Britomart, and, that same Armory
Downe taking, her therein appareled
Well as she might.=” . . .
]
It happened fortunately for them that only a few days before, a band of
Britons riding on a foray had taken some rich spoil from the enemy.
Amongst this was a splendid suit of armour which had belonged to the
Saxon Queen, Angela. It was all fretted with gold, and very beautiful.
This, with the other ornaments, King Ryence had caused to be hung in his
chief church, as a lasting memorial of his victory. Glaucé, remembering
this, led Britomart there late one evening, and, taking down the armour,
dressed her in it. Beside the arms stood a mighty spear, which had been
made by magic; no living person could sit so fast in the saddle but it
could hurl him to the ground. Britomart took this spear, and also a
shield which hung near.
When Glaucé had dressed the maiden she took another suit of armour, and
put it on herself, so that she could go forth with her young mistress
and attend her carefully as her squire. Then they lightly mounted their
horses, which were ready for them, and rode away in the darkness of
night, so that none should see them.
They never rested till they reached the land of the Faerie Queene, as
Merlin had directed them. There they met with the Knight from Queen
Gloriana’s court, as we have already seen, with whom they had much
pleasant conversation, but especially about the gallant Sir Artegall.
When they came at last to the place where they had to part, the Knight
and Britomart, who greatly liked each other, promised always to remain
true friends, and Britomart then rode on alone with Glaucé in search of
Sir Artegall.
What her companion had told her about Artegall made her long all the
more to see him, and she fashioned in her mind a thousand thoughts as to
what he would be like, picturing him in her fancy everything that was
noble and lovable—“wise, warlike, handsome, courteous, and kind.” But
these thoughts, instead of soothing her sorrow, only made it worse, till
it seemed that nothing but death could drive away the pain. So she rode
forth, restless and unrefreshed, searching all lands, and every remotest
part, with nothing but her love to guide her.
How Britomart came to the Castle of the Churl Malbecco
One night, as Britomart was riding on her way, a fearful storm came on,
great blasts of wind and a pelting shower of hail. Seeing a Castle in
front of her, she went up to it, and earnestly begged to be let in. But
the Castle belonged to a miserly churl, called Malbecco, who, because of
his jealous and peevish disposition, refused to allow any strangers to
enter his doors. He cared nothing what men said of him, good or bad; all
his mind was set upon hoarding up heaps of ill-gotten gain. He was old
and ugly, and lacking in all kindness and courtesy. Instead of opening
his doors to all wandering knights, as was the custom of the time, he
kept them close-barred, and even in the midst of the terrible tempest
which was then raging, Britomart was flatly refused entrance. She was
greatly displeased at this, and determined when the time came to punish
the churl for his discourtesy.
But, in order to escape the fury of the gale, she was compelled to seek
some refuge near. Beside the Castle gate was a little shed, meant for
swine, but when she tried to enter she found it already full of guests.
Another party of knights had been refused admittance at the Castle, and
were forced to fly there for shelter. These would not at first allow
Britomart to enter, whereupon she grew very angry, and declared she
would either lodge with them in a friendly fashion, or she would turn
them all out of the shed, whether they were willing or not, and then she
challenged them to come forth and fight.
The knights would now have been willing to let her come in, but her
boastful tone irritated them; one of them, Paridell by name, was
especially annoyed, and hastily mounting his steed he rode forth to
fight with her. Their spears met with such fury that both man and horse
were borne to the ground, and Paridell was so sorely bruised that he
could scarcely arise to continue the combat on foot, with swords, as was
then the custom.
But his companion, Sir Satyrane (who was the good Knight who had
formerly befriended Una in the forest), stepped forward to prevent
Britomart and Paridell from fighting further, and his wise speeches soon
soothed their anger. When peace was restored, they agreed to join
together to punish the unmannerly churl, who had acted so ungraciously
in refusing them shelter from the tempest, and they went towards the
gates to burn them down.
Malbecco, seeing that they were really resolved to set fire to the
building, ran frantically, and called to them from the castle wall,
beseeching them humbly to have patience with him, as being ignorant of
his servants’ rudeness and inattention to strangers. The knights were
willing to accept his excuses, though they did not believe them, and
they did not refuse to enter.
[Illustration: Several people gathered inside a room with a fireplace,
including a knight removing a helmet and other figures seated or
standing nearby.]
They were brought into a beautiful bower, and served with everything
needful, though their host secretly scowled at them, and welcomed them
more through fear than charity. They took off their wet garments, and
undid their heavy armour, to dry themselves at the fire. Britomart, like
the rest, was forced to disarray herself. When she lifted her helmet,
and her golden locks fell like a cloud of light to the ground, they were
all amazed to find the valiant stranger was a beautiful maiden. They
stood gazing at her, silent with astonishment, for eye had never seen a
fairer woman, but chiefly they marvelled at her chivalry and noble
daring. They longed to know who she might be, yet no one questioned her,
and every one loved her on the spot.
Supper was then served, and when the meal was over the Lady Hellenore,
wife of Malbecco, invited all the knights to tell their name and
kindred, and any deeds of arms they had done. They talked so long about
their various strange adventures, and the daring feats and many dangers
they had passed through, that old Malbecco grew quite impatient. He took
no interest in conversation of this kind. At last, when the night was
half spent, he persuaded them to go to rest; so they all retired to the
rooms prepared for them.
The next day, as soon as the sun shone in the sky, Britomart rose up and
set forth on her journey. Sir Satyrane went with her, but Paridell
pretended to have been so much hurt by his fight with Britomart that he
must stay behind at the Castle till his wounds were cured.
How Britomart walked through Fire
Britomart and Sir Satyrane had not long left the Castle of the churl
Malbecco when they saw in front of them a huge Giant chasing a young
man. Filled with anger, Britomart immediately galloped to the rescue,
and Sir Satyrane followed close behind. Seeing them approach, the Giant
quickly resigned his prey, and fled to save himself. He ran so fast that
neither of them could overtake him, and presently he came to a great
forest, where he hid himself. It was not Sir Satyrane he feared so much
as Britomart, for some instinct told him that his evil nature would be
powerless to fight against any one so good.
Britomart and Sir Satyrane entered the wood, and searched everywhere for
the Giant, and, each going a different way, they soon got separated.
Britomart went deep into the forest, and at last came to a fountain by
which lay a Knight. He had tossed aside his coat and mail, his helmet,
his spear, and his shield, and had flung himself face downwards on the
grass. At first, Britomart would not disturb him, for she thought him
asleep, but, while she stood still looking at him, she presently heard
him sob and sigh as if his heart would break.
Filled with pity, Britomart begged him to say what was the matter, as
perhaps she might be able to help him. The Knight, whose name was
Scudamour, did not think this at all likely, and would scarcely speak,
but, after some further gentle words from Britomart, he told her that he
was in such deep sorrow because the lady he loved had been seized by a
wicked enchanter called Busirane, and shut up in a horrible dungeon,
from which no living power could release her. The enchanter had done
this because he wanted to marry her himself, and when she refused, and
declared she would never forsake her own true Knight, he had taken this
cruel revenge.
Then Britomart bade him take courage, for she would either deliver the
Lady Amoretta from her dungeon, or she would die with her.
“Ah, gentlest Knight alive,” cried Scudamour, “how brave and good you
are! But keep your happy days and use them to better purpose. Let me die
that ought. One is enough to die.”
“Life is not lost by which is bought endless renown,” said Britomart.
Thus she persuaded Sir Scudamour to rise and go with her to see what
success would befall him in this fresh attempt. She gathered up his
armour, which he had flung away in despair, and helped him to put it on,
and she fetched his steed, which had wandered to some distance.
Then they went forth together, and soon arrived at the place where their
venture was to be made. There they dismounted, drew their weapons, and
boldly marched up to the Castle. Here they found no gate to bar their
passage, nor any warder, but in the porch, which greatly terrified them,
was a huge flaming fire, mixed with smoke and sulphur, which choked all
the entrance, and forced them to go back.
Britomart was dismayed at this, and did not know what to do, for it
seemed useless danger to attempt to brave the fire, which prevented any
one going near. Turning back to Scudamour, she asked what course he
thought it would be safest to take, and how they should get at their foe
to fight him.
“This is the reason why I said to you at first the quest was hopeless,”
replied Scudamour, “for this fire cannot be quenched either by strength
or cunning, nor can it be moved away, so mighty are the enchantments
that keep it here. What else is to be done but to stop this useless
labour, and leave me to my former despair? The Lady Amoretta must stay
in her wicked chains, and Scudamour die here with sorrowing.”
“No, indeed,” said Britomart, “for it would be a shameful thing to
abandon a noble enterprise at the mere sight of peril, without even
venturing. Rather let us try the last chance than give up our purpose
out of fear.”
So saying, resolved to try her utmost, she threw her shield in front of
her face, and, holding the point of her sword straight in front of her,
she advanced to the fire. The flames immediately gave way, and parted on
either side, so that she walked through without hindrance.
When Scudamour saw Britomart safe and untouched on the other side of the
fire, he also tried to pass, and bade the flames make way for him; but
the fire would not obey his threatening command, and only raged the more
fiercely, forcing him to retire all scorched and painfully burnt.
Furious at his failure, more even than at the pain of his burns, he
flung himself impatiently down on the grass, but Britomart had now
passed the first door and entered the Castle.
[Illustration:
“=Her ample shield she threw before her face,
And her swords point directing forward right
Assayld the flame; the which eftsoones gave place,
And did it selfe divide with equall space.=”
]
The first room she came to was splendid to see, for it was all hung
round with rich tapestry, woven with gold and silk. Beautiful pictures,
representing well-known fables and stories, were worked in the tapestry,
and at the upper end of the room was a great Image which the people of
the house were accustomed to worship. This image was made of massive
gold, and had wings that shone with all the colours of the rainbow. It
was blindfolded, and held in its hand a bow and arrows, which it seemed
to shoot at random; some of the arrows were tipped with lead, some with
pure gold. A wounded dragon lay under its feet.
Britomart was so amazed at this wonderful figure, that she kept gazing
at it again and again, though its brightness quite dazzled her. But,
casting her eyes round the room, to discover every secret of the place,
she saw written over the door these words:—
“=Be bold.=”
She read this over and over, but could not think to what it could refer;
but, whatever it might mean, it did not in the least discourage her from
following out her first intention, so she went forward with bold steps
into the next room.
This second room was even fairer and richer than the first one, for it
was not hung round with tapestry, but was all overlaid with pure gold
carved into the most curious and grotesque figures.
Britomart marvelled much to see all this wealth and luxury, but, still
more, that there was no trace of living person—nothing but wasteful
emptiness and solemn silence over all the place; it seemed strange that
there was no one to possess such rich belongings, nor to keep them
carefully.
And as she looked about she saw how over that door, too, was written
“_Be bold, be bold_;” and everywhere, “_Be bold_.” She meditated much
over this, but could not understand it. At last, at the upper end of the
room, she saw another iron door, on which was written
“=Be not too bold=,”
but, though she bent all her wise mind to the subject, she could not
tell what it might mean.
Thus she waited there until evening, yet saw no living creature appear.
And now gloomy shadows began to hide the world from mortal view and wrap
it in darkness. Britomart did not dare to take off her tiring armour,
nor to go to sleep, for fear of secret danger, but she held herself in
readiness, and saw that all her weapons were in good order.
What Britomart saw in the Enchanted Chamber
As darkness fell, Britomart heard the sound of a shrill trumpet, the
sign of an approaching battle or a victory gained. This did not in the
least daunt her courage, but rather strengthened it, while she expected
each moment to see some foe appear.
Then arose a hideous storm of wind, with thunder and lightning, and an
earthquake as if it would shake the foundations of the world. This was
followed by a horrible smell of smoke and sulphur, which filled the
whole place. Yet still the brave Princess was not afraid, but remained
steadfast.
Suddenly a whirlwind swept through the house, banging every door, and
bursting open the iron wicket. Then stepped forth a grave-looking
person, in costly raiment, and bearing in his hand a branch of laurel.
Advancing to the middle of the room, he stood still, as if he had
something to say, and beckoned with his hand to call for silence. After
making various other signs, as if he were explaining some play that was
going on, he softly retired, and then his name could be seen written on
his robe in golden letters—“_Ease_.”
Britomart, still standing, saw all this, and marvelled what his strange
intention could be.
Then through the iron wicket came a joyous band, minstrels and poets
playing and singing the sweetest music, and after them followed a number
of strange figures in curious disguise, marching all in order like a
procession.
The first was _Fancy_, like a lovely boy. His garment was neither silk
nor stuff, but painted plumes, such as wild Indians deck themselves
with. He seemed as vain and light as these same plumes, for he walked
along as if he were dancing, bearing in his hand a great fan, which he
waved to and fro. At his side marched _Desire_. His dress was
extravagant, and his embroidered cap was all awry. He carried in his two
hands some sparks, which he kept so busily blowing that they soon burst
into flame.
Next after these came _Doubt_, in a faded cloak and hood, with wide
sleeves. He glanced sideways out of his mistrustful eyes, and trod
carefully, as if thorns lay in his path; he supported his feeble steps
with a broken reed, which bent whenever he leant hard on it. With
_Doubt_ walked _Danger_, clothed in a ragged bear’s skin, which made him
more dreadful, though his own face was grisly enough, and needed nothing
to make it more so. In one hand was a net, in the other a rusty
blade—Mischief and Mischance. With the one he threatened his foes, with
the other he entrapped his friends.
After Danger walked _Fear_; he was all armed from top to toe, yet even
then did not think himself safe. He was afraid of every shadow, and when
he spied his own arms glittering, or heard them clashing, he fled fast
away. His face was pale as ashes, and he kept his eyes fixed on Danger,
against whom he always bent a brazen shield, which he held in his right
hand.
Side by side with Fear marched _Hope_, a handsome maid, with a cheerful
expression and lovely to see. She was lightly arrayed in silken samite,
and her fair locks were woven up with gold. She always smiled, and in
her hand she held a little phial of dew, from which she sprinkled
favours on any one she chose. She showed a great liking to many people,
but true love to few.
After them, _Dissembling_ and _Suspicion_ marched together, though they
were not in the least alike; for Dissembling was gentle and mild,
courteous to all, and seemingly gracious, well adorned, and handsome.
But all her good points were painted or stolen; her deeds were forged,
her words false. In her hand she always twined two clues of silk.
[Illustration:
“=After all these there marcht a most faire Dame,
Led of two grysie Villains, th’ one Despight,
The other cleped Cruelty by name.=”
]
_Suspicion_ was ugly, ill-favoured, and grim, for ever looking askance
under his sullen eyebrows. While Dissembling constantly smiled at him,
he scowled back at her, showing his nature by his countenance. His
rolling eyes never rested in one place, but wandered all round, for fear
of hidden mischief; he held a screen of latticework in front of his
face, through which he kept peering.
Next him came _Grief_ and _Fury_, fit companions—Grief clad in sable,
hanging his dull head, carrying a pair of pincers, with which he pinched
people to the heart; Fury all in rags, tossing in her right hand a
firebrand. Then followed _Displeasure_, looking heavy and sullen, and
_Pleasure_, cheerful, fresh, and full of gladness. Displeasure had an
angry wasp in a bottle, and Pleasure a honey-laden bee.
After these six couples came a beautiful lady, led by two villains,
_Spite_ and _Cruelty_. She looked pale as death, and very ill, but in
spite of this was most lovely and graceful. Her feeble feet could
scarcely carry her, but the two wretches held her up, and kept urging
her forward.
Then the Tyrant of the Castle appeared—the winged figure of _Love_, whom
Britomart had already seen in the first room as a golden image. He rode
on a ravenous lion, and had unbound his eyes, so that he might gloat
over the distress of the lovely lady, which seemed to please him
greatly. He looked round him with stern disdain, and, surveying his
goodly company, marshalled them in order. Then he shook the darts that
he carried in his right hand and clashed his rainbow-coloured wings, so
that every one was terrified.
Behind him came his three chief attendants, _Reproach_, _Repentance_,
and _Shame_, and after them flocked a rude, confused crowd, who owned
him as master—_Strife_ and _Anger_, _Care_ and _Unthriftiness_, _Loss of
Time_ and _Sorrow_, fickle _Change_, false _Disloyalty_, _Rioting_,
_Poverty_, and, lastly, _Death-with-infamy_.
All these and many other evil followers passed in disguise before
Britomart, and, having thrice marched round the enchanted chamber,
returned to the inner room whence they had come.
How Britomart rescued a Fair Lady from a Wicked Enchanter
As soon as the strange procession had passed into the inner room, the
door shut tight, driven by the same stormy blast with which it had first
opened. Then the brave maiden, who all this while had remained hidden in
shadow, came forth, and went to the door to enter in, but found it fast
locked. In vain she thought to open it by strength when charms had
closed it, and, finding force of no avail, she determined to use art,
resolving not to leave that room till the next day, when the same
figures would again appear.
At last the morning dawned, calling men to their daily work, and
Britomart, fresh as the morning, came out from her hiding-place. All
that day she spent in wandering and in gazing at the adornment of the
chamber, till again the second evening spread her black cloak over
everything. Then at midnight the brazen door flew open, and in went bold
Britomart, as she had made up her mind to do, afraid neither of idle
shows nor of false charms.
As soon as she entered, she cast her eyes round to see what had become
of all the persons she had seen in the outside room the night before,
but, lo! they had all vanished. She saw no living mortal of that strange
company except the same hapless lady, whose two hands were bound fast,
and who had an iron chain round her small waist, fastened to a brazen
pillar by which she stood.
In front of her sat the vile Enchanter, drawing in blood strange
characters of his art, to try to make her love him. But who could love
the cause of all her trouble? He had already tried a thousand charms,
but a thousand charms could not alter the lady’s steadfast heart.
As soon as the Enchanter saw Britomart, he hastily overthrew his wicked
books, not caring to lose his long labour, and, drawing a knife out of
his pocket, ran fiercely at the lady, thinking, in his villainy, to kill
her. But Britomart, leaping lightly to him, withheld his wicked hand,
and overpowered him.
Then, turning the weapon from the one whom he had first meant it, he
struck at Britomart and wounded her. The hurt was slight, but it so
enraged the maiden that she drew her sword, and smote fiercely at the
tyrant. He fell to the ground half dead, and the next stroke would have
slain him, had not the lady who stood bound called to Britomart not to
kill him. If she did so, the prisoner’s pain would be without remedy,
for no one but the Enchanter who had put the spell on her could take it
off again.
[Illustration: A woman chained to a pillar while a seated figure tends
to a small fire and a knight stands holding a shield behind them.]
Then Britomart unwillingly stayed her hand, for she grudged him his
life, and longed to see him punished.
“Thou wicked man,” she said to him, “whose huge mischief and villainy
merit death or worse than death, be sure that nothing shall save thee,
unless thou immediately restore the lady to health and to her former
condition. This do and live, or else thou shalt undoubtedly die.”
The Enchanter, glad to live, for he had expected nothing but death,
yielded willingly, and, rising, began at once to look over the wicked
book, in order to reverse his charms. He read aloud many dreadful
things, so that Britomart’s heart was pierced with horror. But all the
time he read, she held her sword high over him, in case he tried to do
further mischief.
Presently the house began to quake, and all the doors to rattle. Yet
this did not dismay her nor make her slacken her threatening hand. But,
with steadfast eye and stout courage, she waited to see what would be
the end. At last the mighty chain which was wound round the lady’s waist
fell down, and the great brazen pillar broke into small pieces.
Gradually her look of terrible suffering passed, and she became restored
to perfect health, as if she had never been ill.
When she felt herself unbound, and quite well and strong, she threw
herself at the feet of Britomart.
“Ah, noble Knight!” she said, “what recompense can a wretched lady,
freed from her woeful state, yield you for your gracious deed? Your
virtue shall bring its own reward, even immortal praise and glory, which
I, your vassal, freed by your prowess, shall proclaim throughout the
world.”
But Britomart, lifting her from the ground, said, “Gentle lady, this I
ween is reward enough for many more labours than I have done, that now I
see you in safety, and that I have been the means of your deliverance.
Henceforth, fair lady, take comfort, and put away remembrance of your
late trouble. Know, instead, that your loving husband has endured no
less grief for your sake.”
Amoret, for that was the lady’s name, was much cheered to hear this
mention of Sir Scudamour, for she loved him best of all living people.
Then the noble champion laid her strong hand on the Enchanter who had
treated Amoret so cruelly, and, with the great chain with which he had
formerly kept prisoner the hapless lady, she now bound himself, and led
him away captive.
Returning the way she came, Britomart was dismayed to find that the
goodly rooms which she had lately seen so richly and royally adorned had
utterly vanished, and all their glory had decayed. Descending to the
perilous porch, she found also that the dreadful flames, which had
formerly so cruelly scorched all those who tried to enter, were quenched
like a burnt-out torch. It was now much easier to pass out than it had
been to come in. The Enchanter, who had framed this fraud to compel the
love of the fair lady, was deeply vexed to see his work all wasted.
But when Britomart arrived at the place where she had left Sir Scudamour
and her own trusty squire (her old nurse, Glaucé), she found neither of
them there. At this she was sorely astonished, and, above all, Amoret,
who had looked forward to seeing her own dear Knight, being deprived of
this hope, was filled with fresh alarm.
Sir Scudamour, poor man, had waited long in dread for Britomart’s
return, but not seeing her, nor any sign of her success, his expectation
turned to despair, for he felt sure that the flames must have burnt her.
Therefore he took counsel with her old squire, who mourned her loss no
less deeply, and the two departed in search of further aid.
What Strange Meetings befell on the Way
Leaving the Enchanter’s Castle behind them, Britomart and Amoret started
in search of Sir Scudamour and Glaucé.
As they went, Amoret told Britomart the story of how she came into the
power of the wicked Busirane. On the very day of her marriage to Sir
Scudamour, at the wedding feast, while all the guests were making merry,
Busirane found means to introduce the strange procession which had so
amazed Britomart in the enchanted chamber. Amoret was persuaded in sport
to join it, and was carried away quite unknown to any one. Seven months
she had been kept in cruel imprisonment, because she would not consent
to give up her own dear husband and become the wife of the wicked
Enchanter. Now, at last, she was free, and when she discovered that her
deliverer was not after all a knight, but in reality a beautiful maiden
like herself, her heart overflowed with love and gratitude, and she and
Britomart speedily became the best and dearest friends.
In the course of their journey they presently saw two knights in armour
coming to meet them, each with what seemed at that distance a fair lady
riding beside him. But ladies they were not, although in face and
outward show they seemed so. Under a mask of beauty and graciousness
they hid vile treachery and falsehood, which were not apparent to any
but the wise and cautious.
One was the false Duessa, who had formerly beguiled the Red Cross Knight
and Sir Guyon. She had changed her usual appearance, for she could put
on as many different shapes as a chameleon can new colours.
Her companion was, if possible, worse than herself. Her name was Até,
_Mother of Strife_, cause of all dissension both among private men and
in public affairs of state. False Duessa, knowing that she was just the
most fitting person to aid her in mischief, had summoned her from her
dwelling under the earth, where she wasted her wretched days and nights
in darkness. Her abode was close to the Kingdom of Evil, where plagues
and harms abound to punish those who do wrong. It was a gloomy dell, far
under ground, surrounded with thorns and briars, so that no one could
easily get out; there were many ways to enter, but none by which to
leave when one was once in; for it is harder to end discord than to
begin it.
All the broken walls inside were hung with the ragged memorials of past
times, which showed the sad effects of strife. There were rent robes and
broken sceptres, sacred things ruined, shivered spears, and shields torn
in twain, great cities ransacked, and strong castles beaten down,
nations led into captivity, and huge armies slain—relics of all these
ruins remained in the house of Até. All the famous wars in history found
a record here, as well as the feuds and quarrels of private persons too
many to mention.
[Illustration: A woman and a knight on horseback riding along a path
near a forest, with other horsemen visible in the distance.]
Such was the house inside. Outside, the barren ground was full of
poisonous weeds, which _Strife_ herself had sown; they had grown great
from small seeds—the seeds of evil words and wrangling deeds, which,
when they come to ripeness, bring forth an infinite increase of trouble
and contention, often ending in bloodshed and war. These horrible seeds
also served Até for bread, and she had been fed upon them from
childhood, for she got her life from that which killed other people. She
was born of a race of demons, and brought up by the Furies.
_Strife_ was as ugly as she was wicked; she could speak nothing but
falsehood, and she never heard aright. She could not even walk straight,
but stumbled backwards and forwards; what one hand reached out to take,
the other pushed away, or what one hand made, the other destroyed. Great
riches, which had taken many a day to collect, she often squandered
rapidly, dismaying their possessors; for all her study and thought was
how she might overthrow the things done by Concord. So far did her
malice surpass her might that she tried to bring all the world’s fair
peace and harmony into confusion. Such was the odious creature that rode
with Duessa.
The two knights who escorted them, Blandamour and Paridell, were young
and handsome, but both equally foolish, fickle, and false. When they saw
Britomart and the lovely Lady Amoret approaching, Blandamour jestingly
tried to make his companion attack Britomart, so that he might win
Amoret for himself. But Paridell remembered how he had already fought
with a knight bearing those arms and that shield, outside the castle of
the churl Malbecco, and he had no desire to provoke a new fight.
“Very well,” said Blandamour; “I will challenge him myself;” and he rode
straight at Britomart.
But he had soon cause to repent his rashness, for Britomart received his
advance with so rude a welcome that he speedily left his saddle. Then
she passed quietly on, leaving him on the ground much hurt, an example
of his own folly, and as sad now as he had formerly been merry, well
warned to beware in future with whom he dared to interfere.
Paridell ran to his aid and helped him to mount again, and they marched
on their way, Blandamour trying as well as he could to hide the evil
plight he was in. Before long they saw two other knights coming quickly
to meet them, and Blandamour was enraged to see that one was Sir
Scudamour, whom he hated mortally, both because of his worth, which made
all men love him, and because he had won by right the Lady Amoret.
Blandamour was greatly vexed that his bruises prevented his wreaking his
old spite, and he immediately spoke thus to Paridell:—
“Fair sir, let me beg of you in the name of friendship, that, as I
lately ventured for you and got these wounds, which now keep me from
battle, you will now repay me with a like good turn, and justify my
cause on yonder Knight.”
Paridell willingly agreed, and sped at the stranger like a shaft from a
bow, but Sir Scudamour was on his guard, and prepared himself to give
him a fitting welcome. So furiously they met that each hurled the other
from his horse, like two billows driven by contrary tides, which meet
together, and rebound back with roaring rage, dashing on all sides and
filling the sea with foam. So fell these two, in spite of all their
pride.
But Scudamour soon raised himself, and upbraided his foe for lying there
so long.
Blandamour, seeing the fall of Paridell, taunted Sir Scudamour as a
traitor, and heaped abuse on him, saying that he only attacked knights
who were too weak to defend themselves.
Scudamour gave no answer to this, trying to restrain his indignation;
but then Duessa and Até both chimed in, wickedly doing all they could to
rouse his passion.
They spoke jeering words, and said they wondered Sir Scudamour should
care to fight for any lady, for Amoret was faithless, and had forgotten
him and gone off with another Knight.
This Knight, we know, was in reality the Princess Britomart; but Sir
Scudamour did not know this. He swore, in a fearful rage, to be
revenged; he even threatened to kill the squire, Glaucé, who was still
with him, since he could not get hold of his master. In vain the poor
old nurse tried to appease him, for she dared not disclose Britomart’s
secret. Three times Sir Scudamour lifted his hand to kill Glaucé, and
three times he drew back, before at last he became a little pacified.
How Sir Satyrane proclaimed a Great Tournament
The fickle and quarrelsome couple, Blandamour and Paridell, having been
defeated by Britomart and Sir Scudamour, next fell in with a party of
two knights and two masked ladies. They sent their squire to find out
who these were, and he brought back word that they were two doughty
knights of dreaded name, Cambell and Triamond, and the two ladies were
their wives, Cambina and Candace. All four were very famous people, and
the dearest friends possible. They had had many wonderful adventures of
their own, about which perhaps you will read some day.
Blandamour, in his usual vainglorious spirit, would gladly have tested
his strength against the knights, but he was still sore from the late
unlucky fight with Britomart. However, he went up to them, and began to
abuse and insult them, thinking in this way to win admiration from the
ladies. Of course this enraged the two knights, who were both bent on
punishing Blandamour for his base behaviour. But Cambina, wife of
Cambell, soothed them with her mild words, so, for the present, they
were reconciled.
The whole party rode on together, talking of daring deeds and strange
adventures, and, among other things, of the great tournament to which
they were then all bound.
This tournament had been set on foot by Sir Satyrane, the same woodland
knight who had formerly befriended Una, and who had met Britomart at the
castle of the churl Malbecco. Some time before, ranging abroad in search
of adventure, he had come to the sea-coast, where he was horrified to
find a vile monster, something like a hyena, feeding on the dead body of
a milk-white palfrey. He knew the horse at once as the one on which
Florimell was accustomed to ride, and, moreover, he found beside it her
golden girdle. This girdle had fallen from her in flight, for Florimell
had escaped in a small boat; but Sir Satyrane did not know this—he
thought she had been killed by the savage brute. Filled with fury, he
fell on the creature. He was unable to slay it, for it was protected by
the magic spells of its mistress, a wicked witch; but he led it away
captive for the time, though it afterwards escaped.
The golden girdle which Sir Satyrane found he kept as a sacred treasure,
and wore for the sake of Florimell. But when she herself was lost and
gone, many knights who also loved her dearly were jealous that Sir
Satyrane alone should wear the ornament of the lost lady, and began to
bear much spite against him. Therefore, to stop their envy, he caused a
solemn feast, with public tourneying, to be proclaimed, to which every
knight was to bring his lady. She who was found fairest of them all was
to have the golden girdle as a reward, and she was to bestow it on the
stoutest knight.
[Illustration:
“=He sett upon her Palfrey, tired lame,
And slew him cruelly ere any reskew came.=”
]
Now it happened after the flight of Florimell, that the wicked witch
from whom she had escaped made up another person to represent her, in
order to deceive people. This imitation maiden was most beautiful to
see. The substance of which her body was made was purest snow frozen in
a mass, and mixed with virgin wax, tinted with vermilion; her eyes shone
like stars, her hair was yellow gold. Any one who saw her would surely
say it was Florimell herself, or even fairer than Florimell, if such a
thing could be.
But this false Florimell had a wicked and deceitful spirit, full of
fawning guile, and she excelled in all manner of wily cunning.
In the course of her wandering, this creature, who was known by the name
of the “Snowy Lady,” came across Braggadochio, whom you may remember as
the cowardly boaster that stole Sir Guyon’s horse and armour. But as she
rode along with Braggadochio the latter was attacked and beaten by
another knight, who thought the lady was the real Florimell. He in turn
was vanquished by Blandamour, who also imagined that she was the true
Florimell, and was very proud of himself for getting possession of such
a paragon. Though he was so false himself, and had deceived hundreds of
others, he was no match for the “Snowy Lady” in cunning, and was
completely taken in by her.
When Blandamour heard of the great tournament held by Sir Satyrane in
honour of Florimell’s golden girdle, he immediately determined to go
there and claim the prize on behalf of its rightful owner, whom he then
believed to be under his protection. Thus it came to pass that the false
Florimell journeyed with Blandamour and the others to the tournament.
Not long after Cambell and Triamond, with their wives, Cambina and
Candace, had joined the party, they saw a man in bright armour, with
spear in rest, riding towards them as though he meant to attack them.
Paridell immediately prepared his own weapons, whereupon the other
slackened his pace, and seemed to alter his intention, as if he meant
nothing but peace and pleasure now that he had fallen by chance into
their fellowship. Seeing this, they greeted him civilly, and he rode on
with them.
This man was Braggadochio. When his eyes fell on the false Florimell, he
remembered her as the lady who had been taken from him not long before.
He therefore began to challenge her as his own prize, and threatened to
seize her again by force.
Blandamour treated his words with much disdain, saying, “Sir Knight,
since you claim this lady, you shall win her, as I have done, in fight.
She shall be placed here, together with this hideous old hag, Até
(_Strife_), that whoso wins her may have her by right. But Até shall go
to the one that is beaten, and he shall always ride with her till he
gets another lady.”
That offer pleased all the company, so the false Florimell was brought
forward with Até, at which every one began to laugh merrily. But
Braggadochio now tried to back out of his challenge. He said he never
thought to imperil his person in fight for a hideous old creature like
that. If they had sought to match the lady with another one equally fair
and radiant, he would then have spent his life to justify his right.
At this vain excuse they all began to smile, scorning his unmanly
cowardice. The Snowy Lady reviled him loudly for refusing to venture
battle for her sake when it was offered in such knightly fashion, and
Até secretly taunted him with the shame of such contempt. But nothing
did he care for friend or foe, for in the base mind dwells neither
friendship nor enmity.
But Cambell jestingly stopped them all, saying, “Brave knights and
ladies, certainly you do wrong to stir up strife when most we need rest,
so that we may keep ourselves fresh and strong against the coming
tournament, when every one who wishes to fight may fight his fill.
Postpone your challenge till that day, and then it shall be tried, if
you will, which one shall have Até and which one still hold the lady.”
They all agreed, and so, turning everything to sport and pleasantness,
they passed merrily on their way, till at length, on the appointed day,
they came to the place where the tournament was to be held.
What befell on the First and Second Days of the Tournament
On arriving at the scene of the tournament, the little company divided,
Blandamour and those of his party going to one side and the rest to the
other side; but boastful Braggadochio, from vain-glory, chose rather to
leave his companions, so that men might gaze more on him alone. The rest
disposed themselves in groups, as seemed best to each one, every knight
with his own lady.
Then, first of all, came forth Sir Satyrane, bearing the precious relic
in a golden casket, so that no evil eyes should profane it. Then softly
drawing it out of the dark, he showed it openly, so that all men might
mark it—a gorgeous girdle of marvellous workmanship, curiously embossed
with pearls and precious stones of great value. It was the same girdle
which Florimell had lately lost. Sir Satyrane hung it aloft in open
view, to be the prize of might and beauty. The moment it was uncovered,
the glorious sight attracted every one’s gaze and stole the hearts of
all who looked on it, so that they uttered vain vows and wishes. Thrice
happy, it seemed to them, would be the lady and knight who gained such a
splendid reward for their peril and labour.
Then the bold Sir Satyrane took in his hand a great spear, such as he
was accustomed to wield, and, advancing forward from all the other
knights, set his shield in place, showing that he was ready for the
fray. The warriors who fought on his side were called the “Knights of
Maidenhood.” They were the challengers, and their aim was to keep the
golden girdle in their own possession.
Against him, from the other side, stepped out a Pagan knight, well
skilled in arms, and often tried in battle. He was called “Bruncheval
the Bold.” These two met together so furiously that neither could
sustain the other’s force, and both champions were felled to the ground,
where they lay senseless.
Seeing this, other knights rode quickly to their aid, some fighting on
one side and some on the other. Only Braggadochio, when his turn came,
showed no desire to hasten to the help of his party, but stood still as
one who seemed doubtful or dismayed. Then Triamond, angry to see him
delay, sternly stepped forward and caught away his spear, with which he
so sorely assailed one of the knights that he bore both horse and rider
to the ground. To avenge his fall one knight after another pressed
forward, but Triamond vanquished them all, for no one seemed able to
withstand his power.
[Illustration: Knights on horseback jousting or fighting with spears and
swords near a camp with tents.]
By this time Sir Satyrane had awakened from his swoon. When he looked
around and saw the merciless havoc that Sir Triamond had wrought to the
knights of his party, his heart was almost broken with bitterness, and
he wished himself dead rather than in so bad a plight. He began at once
to gather up his scattered weapons, and, as it happened, he found his
steed ready. Like a flash of fire from the anvil, he rode fiercely to
where Triamond was driving his foes before him, and, aiming his spear at
him, he pierced his side badly. Triamond could scarcely keep from
falling, but he withdrew softly from the field as well as he could, so
that no one saw plainly what had happened.
Then the challengers—the Knights of Maidenhood—began to range the field
anew, and pride themselves on victory, since no one dared to maintain
battle against them. By that time it was evening, which forced them to
refrain from fighting, and the trumpets sounded to compel them to cease.
So Sir Satyrane was judged to be the best knight on that first day.
The next morning the tournament began anew. Satyrane, with his gallant
band, was the first to appear, but Sir Triamond was unable to prepare
for battle, because of his wound. This grieved him much, and Cambell,
seeing this, and eager to win honour on his friend’s behalf, took the
shield and armour which were well known to belong to Triamond, and
without saying a word to any one, put them on and went forth to fight.
There he found Satyrane lord of the field, triumphing in great joy, for
no one was able to stand against him. Envious of his glory, and eager to
avenge his friend’s indignity, Cambell at once bent his spear against
him. After a furious battle, he overthrew Sir Satyrane; but, before he
could seize his shield and weapons, which were always the reward of the
victor, a hundred knights had pressed round him to rescue Satyrane, and
in the hope of taking Cambell prisoner. Undismayed, the latter fought
valiantly, but what could one do against so many? At last he was taken
captive.
When news of this was brought to Triamond, he forgot his wound, and,
instantly starting up, looked for his armour. But he sought in vain, for
it was not there—Cambell had taken it. Triamond therefore threw on
himself Cambell’s armour, and nimbly rushed forward to take his chance.
There he found the warrior band leading away his friend—a sorry sight
for him to see.
He thrust into the thickest of that knightly crowd, and smote down all
between till he came to where he had seen Cambell, like a captive
thrall, between two other knights. Triamond attacked them so fiercely
that they were obliged to let their prisoner go, and then the two
friends, fighting together, scattered their foes in alarm, as two greedy
wolves might a flock of sheep. They followed in pursuit till the sound
of the trumpet warned every one to rest.
Then all with one consent yielded the prize of this second day to
Triamond and Cambell as the two best knights. But Triamond resigned it
to Cambell, and Cambell gave it back to Triamond, each trying to advance
the other’s deed of arms, and make his praise preferred before his own.
So the judgment was deferred to another day.
How Britomart did Battle for the Golden Girdle
The last day of the tournament came, when all the knights again
assembled to show their feats of arms. Many brave deeds were done that
day, but Satyrane above all the other warriors displayed his wondrous
might; from first to last he remained fighting, and though sometimes for
a little while fortune failed him, yet he always managed to retrieve his
honour, and with unwearied power he kept the prize secure for his own
party.
The field was strewn with shivered spears, and broken swords, and
scattered shields, showing how severe the fight had been; there might be
seen also loose steeds running at random, whose luckless riders had been
overthrown, and squires hastening to help their wounded masters. But
still the Knights of Maidenhood came off the best, till there entered on
the other side a stranger knight.
Whence he came no man could tell. He was in a quaint disguise, hard to
be discovered, for all his armour was like a savage dress, decked with
woody moss, and his steed had trappings of oak-leaves, that seemed fit
for some savage mortal. Charging the enemy, this stranger smote down
knight after knight, till every one began to shun the dreadful sight of
him. They all wondered greatly who he was and whence he came, and began
to ask each other his name; but when they could not learn it anyhow, it
seemed most suitable to his wild disguise to term him the _Savage
Knight_.
But, truly, his right name was otherwise. Though known to few, he was
called Sir Artegall, the champion of _Justice_, the doughtiest and the
mightiest Knight then living.
Sir Satyrane and all his band were so dismayed by his strength and
valour that none of them dared remain in the field, but were beaten and
chased about all day till the evening. Then, as the sun set, out of the
thickest rout rushed forth another strange knight, who put the glory of
the “Savage Knight” to shame—so can nothing be accounted happy till the
end.
This strange Knight charged his mighty spear at Artegall in the midst of
his pride, and smote him so sorely on the visor that he fell back off
his horse, and had small desire to rise again. Cambell, seeing this, ran
at the stranger with all his might and main, but was soon likewise to be
seen lying on the field. Triamond thereupon was inwardly full of wrath,
and determined to avenge the shame done to his friend; but by his friend
he soon found himself lying, in no less need of help. Blandamour had
seen everything from beginning to end, and when he beheld this he was
sorely displeased, and thought he would soon mend matters; but he fared
no better than the rest before him.
Many others likewise ran at the Knight, but in like manner they were all
dismounted; and of a truth it was no wonder. No power of man could stay
the force of that enchanted spear, for the stranger was no other than
the famous Britomart.
Thus the warrior Princess restored that day to the Knights of Maidenhood
the prize which was well-nigh lost, and bore away the prize of prowess
from them all.
Then the shrill trumpets began to bray loudly, and bade them leave their
labour and long toil for the joyous feast and other gentle play, for now
the precious golden girdle was to be awarded to the most beautiful lady.
Through all ages it has been the custom that the prize of Beauty has
been joined with the praise of arms and Chivalry. And there are special
reasons for this, for each relies much on the other; that Knight who can
best defend a fair Lady from harm, is surely the most fitting to serve
her; and that Lady who is fairest and who will never swerve from her
faith, is the most fitting to deserve his service.
So after the proof of prowess well ended came next the contest of the
sovereign grace of beauty, in which the girdle of Florimell should fall
to her who most excelled. Many wished to win it only from vanity, and
not for the wondrous virtues which some said it possessed. For the
girdle gave the gift of constant and loyal love to all who wore it; but
whosoever was false and fickle could never keep it on, for it would
loosen itself, or else tear asunder. It was said to be of magic origin,
and Florimell, to whom it had been given long ago, held it dear as her
life. No wonder, then, that so many ladies sought to win it, for she who
wore it was accounted to be peerless.
[Illustration:
“=He at his entrance charg’d his powrefull spear
At Artegall, in middest of his pryde,
And therewith smote him on his umbriere
So sore, that tombling back, he downe did slyde.=”
]
The feast, therefore, being ended, the selected judges went down into
the late field of battle to decide this doubtful case, for which all the
ladies contended. But, first, inquiry was made as to which of those
knights who had lately tourneyed had won the wager. Then it was judged
that Satyrane had done best on the first day, for he ended last, having
begun first; the second day was adjudged to Triamond, because he saved
the victor from disaster, for Cambell was in all men’s sight the victor
till by mishap he fell into the hands of his foemen; the third day’s
prize was adjudged to the stranger knight, whom they all termed the
“Knight of the Ebony Spear,” and it was given by good right to
Britomart, for she had vanquished the “Savage Knight,” who until then
was the victor, and appeared at the last unconquered; for the last is
deemed best.
To Britomart, therefore, the fairest lady was adjudged as a companion.
But Artegall greatly grudged this, and was much vexed that this stranger
had forestalled him both of honour and of the reward of victory. He
could not dispute what was decreed, but he inwardly brooded over the
disgrace, and awaited a fit time to be avenged.
This matter being settled and every one agreed, it next followed to
decide the Paragon of Beauty, and yield to the fairest lady her due
prize.
How the Golden Girdle was awarded to the False Florimell
Then each Knight in turn began to claim the golden girdle on behalf of
his own lady. First, Cambell brought to their view his fair wife,
Cambina, covered with a veil. The veil being withdrawn at once revealed
her surpassing loveliness, which stole all wavering hearts. Next, Sir
Triamond uncovered the face of his dear Candace, which shone with such
beauty that the eyes of all were dazzled as with a great light. After
her, Paridell produced his false Duessa. With her forged beauty, Duessa
entrapped the hearts of some who considered her the fairest; and, after
these, a hundred more ladies appeared in turn, each one of whom seemed
to excel the others.
At last Britomart openly showed her lovely Amoret, whose face uncovered
seemed like the heavenly picture of some bright angel. Then all who saw
her thought that Amoret would surely bear away the prize.
But Blandamour, who imagined that he had the real, true Florimell, now
displayed the Snowy Lady, and the sight, once seen, dismayed all the
rest.
For all who had seemed bright and fair before, now appeared base and
contemptible; compared with her, they were only like stars in comparison
with the sun. Every one who saw her was ravished with wonder; they
thought she could be no mortal, but must be some celestial being. They
were all glad to see Florimell, yet thought Florimell was not so fair as
this lady. Like some base metal overlaid with gold, which deceives those
who see it, was this false image who passed for the true Florimell. Thus
do forged things sometimes show the fairest.
Then, by the decision of all, the golden belt was granted to her as to
the fairest lady; and, bringing it to her, they thought to place it
round her waist, as became her best. But this they could by no means do,
for every time they fastened the girdle, it grew loose and fell away, as
if there were some secret fault in her. Again and again she put it round
her waist, but again and again it fell apart. All the people wondered at
the strange sight, and each one thought according to his own fancy. But
the Snowy Lady herself thought it was some spiteful trick, and it filled
her with wrath and shame as a thing devised to bring disgrace on her.
[Illustration: An armored knight and a seated woman among a group of
people outdoors.]
Then many other ladies likewise tried to put on the girdle, but it would
stay on none of them. As soon as they thought it fast, immediately it
was untied again.
Seeing this, a scornful knight began to jest and sneer, saying it was a
pity that, among so many beautiful ladies, not one was found worthy to
wear the girdle. All the knights began to laugh and all the ladies to
frown, till at last the gentle Amoret also essayed to prove the girdle’s
power. She set it round her waist, and immediately it fitted perfectly,
with no difficulty whatever.
The others were very envious, and the Snowy Lady was greatly fretted.
Snatching the belt angrily from Amoret, she again tied it round her own
body, but none the more would it fit her.
Nevertheless, to her, as her due right, was the girdle yielded, for
every one thought she was the true Florimell, to whom it really
belonged. And now she had to choose her companion knight. Then she
adjudged the prize to the “Knight of the Ebony Spear,” who had won it in
fight. But Britomart would not assent to this, nor give up her own
companion, Amoret, for the sake of that strange lady, whose wondrous
beauty she esteemed less than the wisdom and goodness of Amoret.
When the other knights saw Britomart refuse, they were all very glad,
for each hoped Florimell would choose himself. But the judges said that
after Britomart she must next choose the second best, and that was the
“Savage Knight.” But Sir Artegall had already left in displeasure
because he had not won the prize. Then she was offered Triamond, but
Triamond loved Candace, and no one else. Then Sir Satyrane was adjudged
to Florimell, and he was right glad to gain so goodly an award; but
Paridell and Blandamour and many other knights were very angry, and
wanted to fight Sir Satyrane. The hideous old woman, Até, with her
wicked words, stirred them all up to demand and challenge Florimell as
their right, the recompense which they deserved for their peril.
Amongst the rest, with boastful, vain pretence, Braggadochio stepped
forward and claimed her as his thrall, having won her in battle long
ago. He called the Snowy Lady herself to witness this, and being asked,
she confessed that it was the case.
Thereupon all the other knights were more angry than ever, and they were
quite ready to prepare anew for battle. But Sir Satyrane hit on a plan
to appease them. He suggested that the Lady herself should choose which
knight she preferred, and all the others should abide by her choice.
This they agreed to. So Florimell was placed in the midst of them all,
and every knight hoped she would choose him. Then, having looked a long
time at each one, as though she wished to please them all, the Snowy
Lady walked up to Braggadochio, and the two went off together.
Britomart took no part in the struggle for Florimell, for as soon as she
saw that discord had arisen, she left the place. Taking with her the
lovely Amoret, who was still looking for Sir Scudamour, Britomart rode
off on her first quest, to seek her beloved Knight, Sir Artegall, whose
image she had seen in the magic mirror. Little did she know that he was
the “Savage Knight” with whom she had so lately fought, and who was even
now waiting to be revenged on her. Unlucky maid, to seek her enemy!
Unlucky maid to seek far and wide for him whom, when he was nearest, she
could not discover because of his disguise!
How Sir Scudamour came to the House of Care
Thus Britomart, with much toil and grief, still sought the Knight whom
she had seen in the magic mirror, and in all her sad misfortunes she
found her fellow-wanderer, Amoret, a great comfort. But the gentle
Scudamour, whose heart the malicious Até had filled with jealous
discontent, was bent on revenge—on revenge against the blameless
Princess. The wicked tale told by Até pricked his jealous heart like a
thorn, and pierced his soul like a poisoned arrow. Nothing that Glaucé
could do or say would alter his feeling; the more she tried to excuse
Britomart, the worse it fretted and grieved him night and day, so that
nothing but dire revenge might abate his anger.
Thus as they travelled, night, gloomy with cloud and storm and bitter
showers, fell upon them before its usual hour. This forced them to seek
some shelter where they might hide their heads in quiet rest. Not far
away, unfitting for any guest, they spied a little cottage, like some
poor man’s dwelling. It was placed under a steep hillside, where the
mouldering earth had hollowed out the bank. A small brook of muddy
water, bad-smelling as a puddle, passed close to it, bordered by a few
crooked willows.
When Sir Scudamour and Glaucé came nearer, they heard the sound of many
iron hammers ceaselessly beating in turn, so that it seemed as though
some blacksmith dwelt in that desert place. Entering, they found the
good man himself bent busily at work. He was a wretched, worn creature,
with hollow eyes and wasted cheeks, as if he had been long pent in
prison. His face was black and grisly-looking, smeared with smoke that
nearly blinded his eyes. He had a ragged beard and shaggy hair, which he
never cut nor kept in order. His garment was rough and all torn to rags;
he had no better, nor cared for any better. His hands were blistered and
burnt from the cinders, all unwashed, with long nails fit to rend the
food on which he lived.
This creature was called _Care_. He was a blacksmith by trade, who never
ceased working, day or night, but made iron wedges of small use. (These
are unquiet thoughts, that invade anxious minds.)
He kept six servants hard at work, always standing round the anvil with
great huge hammers, who never rested from battering stroke on stroke.
All six were strong men, but each was stronger than the one before, so
they went up, as it were, in steps. So likewise the hammers which they
bore succeeded, like bells, in due order of greatness. The last servant
far exceeded the first in size; he was like some monstrous giant. So
dreadfully did he beat the anvil that it seemed as if he would soon
drive it to dust. So huge was his hammer, and so great his energy, that
it seemed as though he could break and rend asunder a rock of diamond if
he cared to try.
Sir Scudamour greatly wondered at the manner of their work and weary
labour, and having beheld it for a long time, at last inquired the cause
and end of it. But all his questions were in vain, for they would not
stop from their work for anything, nor listen to what he said. Even the
gusty bellows blew fiercely, like the north wind, so that no one could
hear. “_Sadness_” moved them, and the bellows were “_Sighs_.”
The warrior, seeing this, said no more, but lay down to rest in his
armour. To rest he lay down on the floor—in olden days the best bed for
adventurous knights—and thought to have refreshed his weary limbs. And
the aged nurse, Glaucé, his faithful squire, also laid her feeble joints
down, for her age and weakness much needed rest after so long and tiring
a journey.
There lay Sir Scudamour, long expecting the moment when gentle sleep
would close his weary eyes, turning often from side to side, and often
choosing a new place where it seemed he might repose better. And often
in wrath he again rose from there, and often in wrath lay down again.
But wherever he disposed himself, he could by no means obtain the
desired ease; every place seemed painful, and each alteration useless.
And evermore when he thought to sleep, the sound of the hammers jarred
his nerves, and evermore when he began to get drowsy, the noise of the
bellows disturbed his quiet rest. All night the dogs barked and howled
around the house, scenting the stranger-guest; and now the crowing cock,
and now the owl shrieking loudly, fretted his very soul.
[Illustration:
“=Whereto approaching nigh they heard the sound
Of many yron hammers beating ranke.=”
]
If by fortune a little drowsiness chanced to fall on his heavy eyelids,
immediately one of the villains rapped him on the head with his iron
mallet, so that he awoke at once and started up quickly, as one afraid,
or as if one had suddenly called him. Thus he was often roused, and then
he lay musing on the unhappy cause that had led him to the House of
Care.
At last his weary spirit, too tired to resist further, gave place to
rest; yet even now he was troubled with bad dreams. Then the wicked
creature, the master-smith, took a pair of red-hot iron tongs and nipped
him in the side, so that his heart quite quaked at the pain. Thereupon
he started up to be avenged on the person who had broken his quiet
slumber, but looking round about him he could see no one, yet the smart
remained, though the giver of it fled.
In such disquiet and heart-fretting pain, Sir Scudamour passed all that
long night, and now the day began to peep over the earth, sprinkling the
morning grass with pearly dew. Then up he rose, like a heavy lump of
lead, and one could plainly read in his face, as in a looking-glass,
signs of the anguish he had gone through.
He mounted his war-horse and set forth again on his former journey, and
with him also went Glaucé, the aged squire, ready to share whatever pain
and peril might be in store.
How the “Savage Knight” met the “Knight with the Ebony Spear”
The day after Sir Scudamour left the House of Care, as he rode sadly on
his way, he unexpectedly saw an armed Knight sitting in the shade on the
edge of a forest, while his steed grazed beside him. Directly this
Knight saw Scudamour, he mounted and rode eagerly towards him, as if he
intended mischief; but, as soon as he saw the arms borne by him, he
lowered his spear and turned aside. Sir Scudamour wondered at this, but
the other said, “Ah, gentle Scudamour, I submit myself to your grace,
and ask pardon of you for having this day almost done you an injury.”
Whereupon Scudamour replied, “Small harm is it for any warrior to prove
his spear, without malice, on a venturous knight. But, sir, since you
know my name, pray tell me what is your own?”
“Truly, you must excuse me from making known my right name now, for the
time has not yet come for it,” was the reply; “but call me the _Savage
Knight_, as others do.”
“Then tell me, Sir Savage Knight,” said Scudamour, “do you dwell here,
within the forest, which would answer well with your array?—Or have you
put it on for some special occasion, as seems more likely, as you shun
known arms?”
“The other day a stranger Knight brought shame and dishonour on me,”
replied the Savage Knight. “I am waiting to revenge the disgrace
whenever he shall pass this way, by day or night.”
“Shame be his reward who purposes shame!” said Scudamour. “But what is
he by whom you were shamed?”
“A stranger Knight, unknown by name, but known by fame and by an ebony
spear, with which he bore down all who met him. He, in an open tourney
lately held, stole away from me the honour of the game, and having
felled me (already weary), reft me of the fairest lady, whom he has ever
since withheld.”
When Scudamour heard mention of the spear, he knew right well it was
Britomart, who also, as he imagined, had taken Amoret from himself. Then
his jealous heart swelled with rage, and he said sharply, “And that is
not the first unknightly act which that same knight has done to other
noble warriors, for he has lately stolen my lady from me, for which he
shall pay dearly before long; and if to the vengeance decreed by you
this hand can supply any help or succour, it shall not fail whensoever
you need it.”
So they both agreed to wreak their wrath on Britomart.
While they thus talked together, lo! far away they saw a Knight gently
riding towards them. He was attired in foreign armour and strange array,
and when he came near they saw plainly he was the same for whom they
waited.
Then said Scudamour, “Sir Savage Knight, let me beg this, that since I
was the first to be wronged, let me be the first to requite it, and if I
happen to fail, you shall recover my right.”
This being yielded, Sir Scudamour prepared his spear for battle, and ran
fiercely against Britomart. But she gave him so rude a welcome that she
smote both man and horse to the ground, from which they were in no hurry
to rise. The sight of his mischance added fresh fuel to Artegall’s
burning rage, and thrusting forward his steel-headed lance at a venture,
he rode against Britomart; but his evil intention recoiled on himself,
for unawares he suddenly left his saddle, and in great amazement found
himself on the ground.
Starting up lightly, he snatched forth his deadly blade, and assailed
Britomart with such vigour that, although she was mounted and he on
foot, she was forced to give ground. As they darted here and there, it
chanced in her wheeling round that one stroke fell on her horse and
wounded him so badly that Britomart was forced to alight.
Now she could no longer use her enchanted spear. Casting it from her,
she betook herself to her sword and shield, and fought so valiantly that
even now she was almost a match for Sir Artegall; but towards the end,
while his strength seemed to get greater, hers grew less. At last, he
raised his hand, and gathering all his force, struck such a terrible
blow that it seemed as if nothing but death could be her fate.
The stroke fell on her helmet, and with its force sheared off the visor,
and from there glanced harmlessly downwards, and did her no more injury.
With that, her angel face, unseen before, shone forth radiant as the
dawn; and round about it her yellow hair, loosed from its usual bands,
appeared like a golden border, cunningly framed in a goldsmith’s forge.
Yet goldsmith’s cunning never knew how to fashion such subtle wire, so
clear and shining; for it glistened like the golden sand which the
bright water of Pactolus throws forth on the shore around him.
As Sir Artegall again lifted up his hand, thinking to work his utmost
vengeance on her, his powerless arm, benumbed with secret fear, shrunk
back from his revengeful purpose, and his cruel sword fell from his
slack fingers to the ground; as if the steel had sense and felt some
compassion that his hand lacked, or as if both of them thought to do
obedience to such divine beauty. And Artegall himself, gazing long
thereon, at last fell humbly down upon his knee; and imagining he saw
some angelic being—for he did not know what else it could be—he besought
her to pardon his error, which had done her such infinite wrong, while
trembling horror seized him, and made every limb quake and his brave
heart quail.
Britomart, nevertheless, full of wrath for that last stroke, kept her
angry hand uplifted all the while; she stood over him, with a stern
look, threatening to strike, unless he prevented her, and bidding him
rise, or he should surely die. But die or live, nothing would make Sir
Artegall stand up. He prayed more earnestly that the warrior-maiden
would either pardon him or do with him as she chose, because of the
great wrong he had done her.
When Scudamour saw this, where he stood not far away, he was wondrously
dismayed, and, drawing near and seeing plainly this peerless image of
perfection, he too was terrified, and did homage to Britomart as to some
celestial vision.
[Illustration: An armored knight kneeling before another armored figure
holding a sword and shield, with a horse and rider visible in the
distance.]
But Glaucé, seeing all that happened, knew well how to put right their
error. Glad at such a good ending, and rejoiced to see Britomart safe
after her long toil, she advanced, and saluted her with a hearty
greeting. Then she besought her, as she was dear to her, to grant truce
for awhile to these warriors, which being yielded, they lifted their
beavers and showed themselves to her such as indeed they were.
How Britomart ended her Quest
When Britomart, with keen, observant eye, beheld the beautiful face of
Artegall, tempered with sternness, strength, and majesty, her mind at
once recalled it as the same which in her father’s palace she had seen
long since in that enchanted mirror. Then her wrathful courage began to
falter, and her haughty spirit to grow tame, so that she softly withdrew
her uplifted hand. Yet she tried again to raise it, as if feigning the
anger which was now cold; but always when she saw his face, her hand
fell down, and would no longer hold the weapon against him. Then having
tried in vain to fight, she armed her tongue, and thought to scold him.
Nevertheless, her tongue would not obey her will, but when she would
have spoken against him, brought forth mild speeches instead.
Sir Scudamour, glad at heart because he had found all his jealous fears
false, now exclaimed jestingly, “Truly, Sir Artegall, I rejoice to see
you bow so low, and that you have lived to become a lady’s thrall, who
formerly were wont to despise them!”
When Britomart heard the name of Artegall, her heart leaped and trembled
with sudden joy and secret fear. She flushed deeply, and thought to hide
her agitation by again feigning her former angry mood.
Then Glaucé began wisely to put all matters right. First, she told both
the knights not to marvel any more at the strange part Fate had made
Britomart play; then she bade Sir Artegall not to lament because he had
been conquered by a woman, for love was the crown of Knighthood; and,
lastly, she entreated Britomart to relent the severity of her anger,
and, wiping out the remembrance of all ill, to grant pardon to Artegall,
if he would fulfil the penance she would impose on him. “For lovers’
happiness is reached by the path of sorrow,” she added.
At this, Britomart blushed, but Sir Artegall smiled to himself and
rejoiced in his heart; yet he dared not speak too suddenly of the love
he bore her, for her grave and modest face and royal bearing still kept
him in awe.
But Scudamour, whose heart hung all this while in suspense between hope
and fear, longing to hear some glad and certain news of his Lady Amoret,
now addressed Britomart. “Sir, may I ask of you tidings of my love, my
Amoret, since you freed her from her long and woeful captivity? Tell me
where you left her, so that I may seek her, as is fitting.”
“Indeed, Sir Knight, what has become of her, or if she has been stolen
away, I cannot rightly tell you,” replied Britomart. “From the time I
freed her from the Enchanter’s captivity, I have preserved her from
peril and fear, and always kept her from harm, nor was there ever any
one whom I loved more dearly; but one day, as we travelled through a
desert wild, both being weary, we alighted and sat down in the shadow,
where I fearlessly lay down to sleep. When I awoke, I did not find
Amoret where I had left her, but thought she had wandered away or got
lost. I called her loudly, I sought her near and far, but nowhere could
find her, nor hear any tidings of her.”
When Scudamour heard this bad news his heart was thrilled with fear, and
he stood dazed and silent. Glaucé tried to comfort him, bidding him not
give way to needless dread until he was certain what had happened, “for
she may yet be safe, though she has wandered away,” she said. “It is
best to hope the best, though afraid of the worst!”
But he took no heed of her cheerful words, till Britomart said, “You
have, indeed, great cause of sorrow, sir; but take comfort, for by the
light of heaven I swear not to leave you, dead or living, till I find
your Lady, and be avenged on him who stole her!”
With that he was contented.
So, peace being established amongst them all, they took their horses and
rode forward to some resting-place, guided by Sir Artegall. Here a
hearty welcome greeted them, with daily feasting, both in bower and
hall, until their wounds were well healed, and their weary limbs
recovered after their late rough usage.
And all the time Sir Artegall and Britomart grew more and more in love
with each other, though Britomart did all she could to hide her feeling.
But so winningly did Sir Artegall woo her that at last she was obliged
to listen to him, and to relent. She consented to be his wife, and the
marriage took place.
[Illustration: An armored knight on a horse, with another armored person
standing beside and touching the horseman’s hand.]
But their happiness was not yet complete. Sir Artegall was all this
while bound upon a hard adventure, which had still to be fulfilled, and
when a fitting time came, he had to depart on his quest. Poor Britomart
would scarcely let him go, though he faithfully promised to return
directly he had achieved his task, which would probably take him not
longer than three months. With that she had to be appeased for the
present, however unhappy she really felt; and early the next morning Sir
Artegall started. Britomart went with him for a while on his journey.
She could not bear to part from him, but all the way kept trying to find
excuses for delay. Many a time she took leave, and then again invented
something to say, so unwilling was she to lose his company. But at last
she could find no further excuse, so, with a sad heart, she left him and
returned to Scudamour, whom she had promised to aid in his search for
Amoret.
Sir Scudamour and Britomart went back to the desert forest, where the
latter had lately lost Amoret. They sought her there, and inquired
everywhere for tidings, yet found none.
But by what hapless fate or terrible misfortune the Lady Amoret had been
conveyed away is too long to tell here. In another story may be read the
adventures that befell her after she parted from Britomart.
[Illustration: A man kneeling beside a woman lying on the ground.]
The Squire of Low Degree
The Giant with Flaming Eyes
Britomart, the Warrior Princess, having rescued the fair lady Amoret
from the wicked Enchanter, then started forth with her to find her
husband, the good Knight Scudamour. Riding through a forest, they
alighted to rest, and here Britomart, overcome with weariness, lay down
to sleep.
Amoret, meanwhile, fearing nothing, roamed at pleasure through the wood.
Suddenly from behind, some one rushed out, who snatched her up and bore
her away. This was a huge, hideous savage, who killed and ate all the
beautiful maidens he could get hold of. He carried Amoret fainting in
his arms, right through the forest, till he came to his dwelling, a
horrible cave, far from all people’s hearing. Into this he flung her,
and went off to see if he could secure any other victims.
Amoret was roused by her fall, but when she looked about and found
nothing around her but darkness and horror, she almost fainted again,
and did not know whether she were above or under the ground. Then she
heard some one close by sighing and sobbing, and found this was another
beautiful lady whom the savage had taken prisoner.
Amoret asked her who she was, and the lady told her sad story.
She said her name was Emilia; she was the daughter of a great lord, and
everything went joyously with her till she happened to fall in love with
a gentle youth, a Squire in her father’s household. He was gallant and
worthy enough for any lady to love, but he was not of noble birth like
herself, and her father refused to let her marry him, and was angry with
her for her folly. Nothing, however, would make her alter her mind, and
rather than forsake her faithful Amyas she resolved to leave friends and
family, and fly with him. A meeting-place in the wood was arranged, to
which she came, but there, instead of her gallant Squire, she found the
savage monster, who pounced on her like an eagle, and carried her to his
cave.
While Emilia and Amoret were talking of their troubles, the hideous
villain who was the cause of them came rushing back, rolling away the
stone which he used to stop the entrance, in order that no one might go
out. Directly he entered, Amoret slipped past him, and escaped from the
cave with a loud scream of horror. Fast she fled, but he followed as
swiftly. She did not feel the thorns and thickets prick her tender feet;
neither hedge, nor ditch, nor hill, nor dale could stop her; she
overleaped them all like a deer, and made her way through the thickest
brushwood. And whenever she looked back with anxious eyes and saw the
grisly monster approaching, she quickened her pace, spurred on by fear.
Long she fled thus, and long he followed, and it seemed as if there were
no living aid for her on earth. But it chanced that the glorious
Huntress-Queen, Belphœbe, with her companions the wood-nymphs, were that
day chasing the leopards and the bears in that wild forest. A gentle
squire, who was also one of the party, got separated from the others,
and he came in sight of Amoret just as she was overtaken by the savage,
who carried her away under his arm, grinning, and yelling with laughter.
The squire immediately attacked the savage, but it was difficult to do
him any harm, for the latter held Amoret all the while as a shield, and
the squire was afraid of hurting her. But at last he did succeed in
wounding the wretch, who then flung Amoret rudely on the ground, and
flew at the squire so fiercely that he forced him back.
In the midst of their battle, Belphœbe drew near. The robber, seeing her
approach with bow in hand and arrows ready bent, would no longer stay to
fight, but fled away in ghastly fear, for he knew she was the only one
who could kill him. But fast as he flew, Belphœbe kept pace with him,
and before he reached his den she sent forth an arrow with mighty force
which caught him in the very doorway and slew him.
Amoret and Emilia were now safe, and they lived together in the wood for
some time; but both were very ill—Emilia from having been kept so long a
prisoner in the cave, where she was nearly starved, and Amoret from the
hurts she had received in the rough handling of the savage.
One day it chanced that through this wood rode Prince Arthur, and he
came to the place where the two ladies dwelt. He was greatly grieved to
see the sad state in which they were, especially Amoret, who looked as
if she could not live long. He immediately drew forth some of that
precious liquor which he always kept about him, and which had the power
of healing all wounds. It was the same wonderful medicine that he had
long ago given to the Red Cross Knight, when he rescued him from the
dungeon of Giant Pride. Prince Arthur sprinkled a few drops of this on
Amoret’s wounds, and she soon recovered her strength.
When the ladies were well, Prince Arthur began to ask what evil guide
had brought them there, and how their harms befell. They told him all
that had happened, and how they had been released from thraldom by the
beautiful Belphœbe. Then the Prince said he would restore them safely to
their friends, and placing them both on his war-horse, he went beside
them himself on foot, to shield them from fear.
Thus, when they had passed out of the forest they spied far away a
little cottage, to which they came before nightfall. But entering, they
found no one dwelling there, except one old woman who sat upon the
ground in tattered raiment, her dirty locks scattered all about her,
while she gnawed her nails with cruelty and rage. She was a hideous
creature to see, and no less hateful by nature, for she was stuffed full
with rancour and spite, which often broke forth in streams of poison,
bitterness, and falsehood against all who held to truth or virtue. Men
called her name _Slander_.
It was Slander’s nature to abuse all goodness, and continually to invent
crimes of which to accuse guiltless people, so that she might steal away
their fair name. No knight was ever so bold, nor any lady so good and
loyal, but what Slander strove to defame them falsely; never thing was
done so well but she would blot it with blame, and deprive it of due
praise. Her words were not, as common words are meant, to express the
meaning of the mind, but they were sharp and bitter to pierce the heart
and grieve the soul; like the stings of asps that kill with their bite,
her spiteful words pricked and wounded inwardly.
Such was the hag, unfit to receive these guests, whom the greatest
Prince’s court would have been glad to welcome; but their necessity bade
them look for no better entertainment. It was, besides, an age which
despised luxury. People were accustomed to hardness and homely fare,
which trained them to warlike discipline, and to endure carelessly any
hard fortunes or luckless mishaps which might befall them.
All that evening, then, welcomed with cold and cheerless hunger, they
spent together, and found no fault, except that the hag scolded and
railed at them for lodging there without her consent. But they mildly
and patiently endured it all, regardless of the unjust blame and bitter
reviling of such a worthless creature.
[Illustration:
“=A Squire came galloping, as he would flie,
Bearing a little Dwarfe before his steed,
Whom after did a mightie man pursew,
Ryding upon a Dromedare on hie,
Of stature huge, and horrible of hew.=”
]
Directly it was daylight they prepared again for their journey, and went
forth, Amoret and Emilia as before riding on the horse, and the Prince
walking beside them. As soon as they departed, wicked old Slander
followed, reviling them, and calling them bad names. The more they were
vexed at this, the worse she raged and railed; and even when they had
passed out of sight and hearing she did not stop her spiteful speeches,
but railed anew against the stones and trees, until she had dulled the
sting that grew in the end of her tongue.
As the travellers went slowly on their way, they saw galloping towards
them, as if in flight, a Squire who bore before him on his steed a
little dwarf, shrieking loudly for help. They were pursued by a mighty
man, riding on a dromedary, huge of stature, and horrible to behold.
From his terrible eyes came two fiery beams, sharper than needles’
points, which had the power of working deadly poison to all who looked
on him without good heed, and of secretly slaying his enemies. All the
way he raged at the Squire, and hurled threats at him, but the latter
fled so fast he could not overtake him. Seeing the Prince in his bright
armour, the Squire called to him to pity him and rescue him from his
cruel foe.
Then Prince Arthur at once took down the two ladies from his war-horse,
and mounting in their place came to the Squire. In another moment the
Giant was upon them. He aimed a furious blow at the Squire, which would
certainly have killed him, had not the noble Prince defeated the stroke
by thrusting forward, and meeting it on his own shield. It fell with
such force that it drove the shield aside, and knocked both the Squire
and the dwarf to the ground. Then Prince Arthur, enraged, smote at the
Pagan with all his might and main, and killed him.
When the Squire saw his foe dead he was indeed glad, but the dwarf
howled aloud to see his lord slain, and tore his hair, and scratched his
face for grief.
Then the Prince began to inquire about everything that had happened, and
who he was whose eyes flamed with fire. And all this the Squire then
told him:—
“For his Friend’s Sake”
“This mighty man whom you have slain,” said the Squire, “is the son of a
huge giantess. By his strength he gained rule to himself and led many
nations into thraldom, conquering them, however, not in battle, by
armies of men with waving banners, but by the power of his malignant
eyes, with which he killed all who came within his control. Never before
was he vanquished, but always vanquished all with whom he fought. Nor
was there any man so strong but what he bore him down, nor any woman so
fair but he made captive of her; for his chief desire was to make spoil
of strength and beauty, and utterly to destroy them. Because of his
wicked eyes, which cast flakes of fire into the hearts of those who
looked at him, he was rightly called _Corflambo_.
“He has left one daughter who is named the fair Pœana, who seems
outwardly as fair as living eye ever yet saw; and if her virtue were as
bright as her beauty, she would be as fair as any one on earth. But she
is too much given to folly and pleasure, and is also too fickle and too
fanciful.
“Well, as it happened, there was a gentle Squire who loved a lady of
noble birth; but because his low rank forbade his hoping to marry so
high, her friends sagely counselled her against letting herself down to
his level. But Emilia would not break the promise she had given Amyas,
for she loved him truly, and holding firmly to her first intention, she
resolved to marry him, in spite of all her friends. They appointed,
therefore, a time and place of meeting, but when accordingly the Squire
repaired there, a sad misadventure happened. Instead of finding his fair
Emilia, he was caught unawares by Corflambo, who carried his wretched
captive, dismayed with despair, to his dungeon, where he remained
unaided, and unsought by any one.
“The Giant’s daughter came one day in glee to the prison, to view the
captives who lay in bondage there. Among the rest she chanced to see
this gallant youth, the Squire of low degree. She took a great liking to
him, and she promised that if he would love her in return he should have
his liberty.
“Amyas, though plighted to another lady to whom he firmly meant to keep
his faith, thought he had better take any means of escape offered by
fortune, and therefore pretended to like Pœana a very little, in order
to win her favour and get his liberty. But the Giant’s daughter still
kept him in captivity, fearing that if she set him free he would leave
at once and forget her. Yet she showed him so much favour above the
other prisoners that he was allowed sometimes to walk about her pleasure
gardens, having always a keeper with him. The keeper was this dwarf, her
pet menial, to whom as a special favour she commits the keys of all the
prison doors. He can, at his will, release those whom he chooses, and
those also whom he chooses he can reserve for more severe punishment.
“When tidings of this reached me, I was deeply grieved because of the
great love I bear to Amyas, and I went to the Castle of Corflambo. There
I concealed myself for a long time, till one day the dwarf discovered
me, and told his mistress that her Squire of low degree had secretly
stolen out of prison; for he mistook me for Amyas, because no two people
were ever more alike.
“I was taken and brought before the Giant’s daughter, who being also
beguiled by the likeness, began to blame me for seeking to escape by
flight from one who loved me so dearly; and then she ordered me again to
prison. Glad of this, I did not contradict her, nor make any resistance,
but suffered that same dwarf to drive me to the dungeon.
“There I found my faithful friend in heavy plight and sad perplexity,
for which I was sorry, yet bent myself to comfort him again with my
company. But this, I found, grieved him the more; for his only joy in
his distress, he said, was the thought that Emilia and I were free. He
loved Emilia well, as I could guess, and yet he said his love for me was
even greater.
[Illustration:
“=This Gyant’s daughter came upon a day
Unto the prison in her joyous glee,
To view the thrals which there in bondage lay.=”
]
“But I reasoned with him and showed him how easy it would be to manage a
disguise because of our likeness, so that either we could change places
or his freedom might be gained. He was most unwilling to agree, and
would not for anything consent that I, who was free and out of danger,
should wilfully be brought into thraldom. Yet, over-ruled at last, he
consented.
“The next day, at about the usual hour, the dwarf called at the door of
the dungeon for Amyas to come directly to his lady’s bower. Instead of
Amyas, I—Placidas—came forth, and, undiscovered, went with him. The fair
Pœana received me with joy, and gave me an affectionate greeting,
thinking that I was Amyas. Not having any former love of my own, I was
quite willing to accept her kindness and favour, as indeed it was
expedient to do. I pretended to make excuses for my former coldness, and
promised to be more amiable in future. All this I did, not for my own
sake, but to do good to my friend, for whose liberty alone I staked love
and life.
“Thenceforward I found more favour at Pœana’s hand. She bade the dwarf
who had charge of me lighten my heavy chains and grant me more scope to
walk abroad. So, one day, as I played with him on the flowery bank of a
stream, finding no means of gaining our freedom unless I could convey
away the dwarf, I lightly snatched him up and carried him off.
“He shrieked so loudly that at his cry the tyrant himself came forth and
pursued me. Nevertheless I would not give up my prey, and hither by
force I have brought him.”
As Placidas spoke thus to Prince Arthur, the two ladies, still doubtful
through fear, came near, wishing to hear tidings of all that had
happened.
Directly Emilia spied her captive lover’s friend, young Placidas, she
sprang towards him, and throwing her arms round him, exclaimed, “Does
Amyas still live?”
“He lives,” said Placidas, “and loves his Emilia.”
“Not more than I love him,” she cried. “But what misfortune has kept him
so long from me?”
Then Placidas told her how Amyas had been taken captive. It filled her
tender heart with pity to hear of the misery in which he had lain so
long, and she eagerly begged Prince Arthur to set him free. This the
Prince readily consented to do, and well he performed his work.
The Giant’s Daughter
Of all human affection the love of one friend for another is surely the
noblest and most unselfish; and this true friendship Amyas and Placidas
had for each other—not even their affection for kindred or fairest lady
could shake their loyalty. For though Pœana were as beautiful as the
morning, yet Placidas, for his friend’s sake, scorned her offered
favours. His only thought was what he could do to set Amyas free.
[Illustration:
“=There did he find in her delicious bower
The fair Pœana playing on a rote.=”
]
Now after Prince Arthur had promised to succour the Squire who had lain
so long in prison, he next began to consider how best he could effect
his purpose. Taking up the dead body of the Giant, he firmly bound it on
the dromedary, and made it so to ride as if it were alive. Then he took
Placidas and placed him in front of Corflambo, as if he were a captive;
and he made the dwarf (though very unwillingly) guide the beast till
they drew near the castle. When the watchman who kept continual guard
saw them thus coming home, he ran down, without doubt or fear, and
unbarred the gate, and the Prince following passed in with the others.
There in her delicious bower he found the fair Pœana playing on a rote,
complaining of her cruel lover, and singing all her sorrow in music. So
sweet and lovely she seemed that the Prince was half-entranced, but
wisely bethinking himself of what was right, he caught her unawares and
held her captive.
Then he took the dwarf and compelled him to open the prison door, and to
bring forth the thralls which he kept there. Over a score of unknown
knights and squires were brought to him, all of whom he freed from their
bitter bondage, and restored to their former liberty. Among the rest
came the Squire of low degree, all weak and wan. As soon as Emilia and
Placidas beheld him they both ran and embraced him, holding him fast
between them, and striving all they could to comfort him.
The Giant’s daughter, seeing this, envied them both, and bitterly railed
at them, weeping with rage and jealousy. But when they had been for some
time together, talking over their adventures, although Pœana had often
seen Amyas and Placidas separately, she began to doubt which was really
the captive Squire whom she had loved so dearly; for they appeared so
alike in face and person that it was difficult to discover which was
which. So also Prince Arthur was amazed at their resemblance, and gazed
long in wonder, as did the other knights and squires who saw them.
Then they began to ransack the Giant’s castle, in which they found great
store of hoarded treasure, which the tyrant had gathered by wicked
means. Prince Arthur took possession of this, and afterwards remained a
little while at the castle to rest himself, and refresh the ladies
Amoret and Emilia, after their weary toil. To these also he gave part of
the treasure.
To add to the rejoicing, he set free the captive lady, the fair Pœana,
and placed her in a chair of state with the rest, to feast and frolic.
But she would show no gladness nor pleasant glee, for she was grieved
for the loss both of her father and of her lands and money. But most of
all she deeply grieved for the loss of the gentle Squire Placidas, whom
she now really loved.
But Prince Arthur, with his accustomed grace, charmed her to mild
behaviour from the sullen rudeness which spoilt her. With gentle words
and manner he calmed her raging temper, and softened the bitterness that
gnawed at her heart and kept her from the feast; for although she was
most fair to see, she spoilt all her beauty by cruelty and pride. And in
order to end everything with friendly love—since love was the cause of
her grief—Prince Arthur wisely urged the trusty Squire Placidas not to
despise without better trial the lady who loved him so dearly, but to
accept her to be his wedded wife. Placidas was quite willing to marry
Pœana; so all their strife came to an end.
From that day forth they lived long together in peace and happiness: no
private quarrel nor spite of enemies could shake the calm security of
their position. And she whom Nature had created so fair that she could
match the fairest of them all, and yet who had spoilt it by her own
wayward folly, henceforth reformed her ways, so that all men marvelled
at the change, and spoke in praise of her.
Thus having settled these friends, Amyas and Placidas, in peace and rest
(for Amyas, of course, married his dear Emilia), Prince Arthur again
went on his way; and with him went the Lady Amoret, for she had still to
find her husband, the good Knight Scudamour.
[Illustration: Two knights on horseback jousting with lances on a bridge
leading to a castle.]
The Adventures of Sir Artegall
“_The champion of true Justice, Artegall._”
“_Wise, warlike, personable, courteous, and kind._”
The Sword of Justice and the Iron Man
One of the noblest heroes at the Court of the Faerie Queene was
Artegall, the champion of _Justice_. After his marriage with Britomart,
it may be remembered, he started on a hard adventure, which led him into
much peril. This was to succour a distressed lady whom a strong tyrant
unjustly kept captive, withholding from her the heritage which she
claimed. The lady was called Irene (_Peace_), and the Tyrant, Grantorto
(_Great Wrong_).
When Irene came to the Faerie Queene to beg redress, Queen Gloriana,
whose delight it was to aid all poor suppliants, chose Artegall to
restore right to her, because he seemed the best skilled in righteous
learning.
Even from his cradle Artegall had been brought up to justice; for one
day when he was a little child playing with his companions, he had been
found by a great and wonderful lady called Astræa, who, while she dwelt
here among earthly men, instructed them in the rules of justice. Seeing
that the boy was noble and fit for her purpose, she persuaded him to go
with her. She took him far away to a lonely cave, in which she brought
him up, and taught him all the discipline of justice. She taught him to
weigh equally both right and wrong, and where severity was needed to
measure it out according to the line of conscience. For want of mankind
she caused him to practise this teaching on wild beasts which she found
in the woods wrongfully oppressing others of their own kind. Thus she
trained him, and thus she taught him to judge skilfully wrong and right
till he reached the years of manhood, so that even wild beasts feared
him, and men admired his over-ruling might. Nor was there any living
person who dared withstand his behest, much less match him in fight. To
make him more dreaded, Astræa gave Artegall a wonderful sword, called
“Chrysaor,” which excelled all other swords. It was made of most perfect
metal, tempered with adamant, all garnished with gold upon the blade,
whereby it took its name. It was no less powerful than famous, for there
was no substance so firm and hard but it could pierce or cleave, nor any
armour that could guard off the stroke, for wherever it lighted, it cut
completely through.
In course of time Astræa left this world, and went to live among the
stars, from which she had first come. But she left behind her on earth
her servant, an Iron Man, who always attended on her to execute her
judgments, and she bade him go with Artegall and do whatever he was
told. The man’s name was Talus; he was made of iron mould, immovable,
irresistible, unchanging; he held in his hand an iron flail, with which
he threshed out falsehood and unfolded the truth.
Talus, therefore, went with Sir Artegall on this new quest, to aid him,
if he chanced to need aid, against the cruel tyrant who oppressed the
Lady Irene and kept the crown from her. Nothing is more honourable to a
knight, nor better becomes brave chivalry, than to defend the feeble in
their right, and redress the wrongs of those who go astray. So the
heroes of old won their greatest glory, and herein this noble Knight
excelled, who now went forth to dare great perils for the sake of
justice.
As Artegall and Talus went on their way they chanced to meet the servant
of Florimell, who told the good news that his lady was safe and well,
and engaged to be married to her own true knight, Marinell. Sir Artegall
was very glad to hear this, and asked when the wedding was to take
place, for if he had time he would like to be present to do honour to
the occasion.
[Illustration:
... “=For want there of mankind,
She caused him to make experience
Upon wyld beasts, which she in woods did find
With wrongfull powre oppressing others of their kind.=”
]
“The wedding will be within three days,” said the man, “at the Castle of
the Strand; at which time, if nothing hinders me, I shall be there to do
her service, as I am bound. But in my way, a little beyond here, dwells
a cruel Saracen who keeps with strong hand the passage of a bridge. He
has killed there many a knight-errant, wherefore all men, out of fear,
shun the passage.”
“What sort of person, and how far away, is he who does such harm to
travellers?” asked Artegall.
“He is a man of great defence, expert in battle and in deeds of arms,”
was the answer; “and he is made much bolder by the wicked spells with
which his daughter supports him. He has got large estates and goodly
farms by oppression and extortion, with which he still holds them. His
crimes increase daily, for he never lets any one pass that way over his
Bridge, be he rich or poor, without paying him toll-money. His name is
called Pollenté, because he is so strong and powerful; he conquers every
one,—some by his strength, and some also he circumvents by cunning. For
it is his custom to fight on the bridge, which is very narrow, but
exceedingly long, and in this bridge are fixed many trap-falls, through
which, not noticing, the rider falls down. Underneath the bridge flows a
swift and dangerously deep river, into which falls headlong, destitute
of help, any one whom the Saracen overthrows. But the tyrant himself,
because of his long practice, leaps forth into the flood, and there
assails his foe, confused by his sudden fall, so that horse and man are
both equally dismayed, and either drowned or treacherously slain. Then
Pollenté robs them at will, and brings the spoil to his daughter, who
dwells hard by. She takes everything that comes, and fills her wicked
coffers, which she has heaped so high by wrong-doing that she is richer
than many a prince, and has purchased all the country lying near with
her ill-gotten revenue. Her name is Munera.
“She is very beautiful and richly attired; her hands are made of gold,
and her feet of silver. Many great lords have wished to marry her, but
she is so proud that she despises them all.”
“Now by my life, and with Heaven to guide me,” said Sir Artegall, “no
other way will I take this day but by that bridge where the Saracen
abides; therefore lead me thither.”
The Adventure of the Saracen’s Bridge
Sir Artegall soon came to the place where he saw the Saracen ready armed
on the bridge, waiting for spoil. When he and Talus drew near to cross
it, an ugly-looking rascal came to them to demand passage-money,
according to the custom of the law. “Lo, there are your wages!” said Sir
Artegall, and smote him so that he died.
When the Pagan saw this he grew very angry, and at once prepared himself
for battle; nor was Sir Artegall behind, so they both ran at each other
with levelled spears. Right in the middle, where they would have met
breast to breast, a trap was let down to make them fall into the river.
The wicked wretch leaped down, knowing well that his foe would fall; but
Sir Artegall was on his guard, and also leaped before he fell.
Then both of them being in the stream they flew at each other violently,
the water in no way cooling the heat of their temper but rather adding
to it. But there the Saracen, who was well used to fighting in the
water, had great advantage, and often almost overthrew Sir Artegall. The
charger, also, which he rode could swim like a fish.
When Sir Artegall saw the odds against him, he knew there was no way but
to close hastily with his foe, and driving strongly at Pollenté he
gripped him fast by his iron collar, and almost throttled him. There
they strove and struggled together, each trying to drag the other from
his horse, but nothing could make Artegall slacken his grip. At length
he forced Pollenté to forsake his horse’s back, for fear of being
drowned, and to betake himself to his swimming. There Pollenté had no
advantage, for Artegall was skilful in swimming, and dared venture in
any depth of water. So every knight exposed to peril should be expert in
swimming and able to make his way through water.
For some time the end of the contest was doubtful, for besides being
skilled in that exercise, both were well trained in arms and thoroughly
tried. Artegall, however, kept his breath and strength better, so that
his foe could no longer withstand him, nor bear himself upright, but
fled from the water to the land. Artegall, with his bright sword,
Chrysaor, pursued him so closely that Pollenté had scarcely set foot on
shore before his head was cut off.
[Illustration: Two armored knights on horses wading in water beneath a
stone bridge.]
This done, Sir Artegall took his way to the castle in which Munera
dwelt, guarded by many defenders. Artegall sought entrance, but was
refused and defied with a torrent of evil abuse. He was also beaten with
stones flung down from the battlements, so that he was forced to retire,
and he bade his servant Talus invent some way by which he could enter
without danger.
Then Talus went to the castle gate, and let fly at it with his iron
flail, so that it sorely terrified all the warders, and made those stoop
who had borne themselves so proudly. He battered and banged on the door,
and thundered strokes so hideously that he shook the very foundations of
the building, and filled all the house with fear and uproar.
At this noise the Lady Munera appeared on the castle wall. When she saw
the dangerous state in which she stood, she feared she would soon be
destroyed, and began with fair words to entreat the Iron Man below to
cease his outrage; for neither the force of the stones which they threw,
nor the power of charms which she wrought against him could make him
stop.
But when she saw him proceed, unmoved by pity or by prayers, she tried
to bribe him with a goodly reward. She caused great sacks with countless
riches to be brought to the battlements, and poured over the castle
wall, so that she might gain some time, though dearly bought, whilst he
gathered up the gold.
Talus was not in the least moved or tempted by this, but still continued
his assault with the iron flail, so that at length he rent down the
door, and made a way for his master. When Artegall entered, it was no
use for any one to try to withstand him. They all fled; their hearts
failed them, and they hid in corners here and there; and their wicked
lady herself, half-dead, hid in terror. For a long time no one could
find her, but Talus, who, like a bloodhound, could track out secret
things, at length found her where she lay hidden under a heap of gold,
and dragged her forth. Sir Artegall himself pitied her sad plight, but
he could not change the course of justice. Like her father, Munera had
to be punished, in order to warn all mighty people who possess great
power that they must use it in the right way, and not oppress the
feeble. The Tyrant’s daughter was thrown into the water, and the stream
washed her away.
Then Talus took all the ill-gotten gold and treasure which her father
had scraped together by hook and crook, and burning it into ashes,
poured it into the river. Lastly, he pulled down the castle to its very
foundation, and broke up all the hewn stones, so that there could be no
hope of its being restored, nor memory of it among any nation. All which
Talus having thoroughly performed, Sir Artegall reformed the evil
fashion and wicked customs of the bridge; and this done, he returned to
his former journey.
The Giant with the Scales
After travelling a long, weary way, Sir Artegall and Talus came near the
sea, and here one day they saw before them an immense crowd of people,
stretching out as far as the eye could reach. They were much astonished
at this great assembly, and therefore approached to ask what had brought
them together. There they beheld a mighty giant standing on a rock, and
holding high in his hand a great pair of scales, with which he boasted
in his presumption that he would accurately weigh the whole world, if he
had anything to match it in the other scale. He said he would take up
all the earth, and all the sea, divided from each other; so would he
also make one balance of the fire, and one of air, without wind or
weather; then he would balance heaven and hell together, and all that
was contained within them, and would not miss a feather of their
weight—any surplus of each that remained over he would restore to its
own part. For, said he, they were all unequal, and had encroached on
each other’s share, like the sea which had worn the earth, as the fire
had done the air. So all the rest took possession of each other’s parts,
and thus countries and nations had gone awry. All of which he undertook
to repair in the way they had anciently been formed, and everything
should be made equal. He would throw down the mountains and make them
level with the plain; the towering rocks he would thrust down into the
deepest sea; he would suppress tyrants, so that they should no longer
rule; and all the wealth of the rich men he would take away and give to
the poor.
[Illustration: A person standing on a rock by the water holding up a set
of scales, while a group of people look on from the foreground.]
All the silly ignorant folk flocked about the giant, and clustered thick
to hear his vain delusions, like foolish flies round a jar of honey; for
they hoped to gain great benefits by him, and uncontrolled freedom. When
Artegall saw and heard how he misled the simple people, he disdainfully
drew near, and thus spoke to him without fear:—
“You that presume to weigh the world anew, and restore all things to an
equality, it seems to me show great wrong instead of right, and boast
far more than you are able to perform.” And then he went on to rebuke
the giant for his folly and presumption, and showed him that if he could
not understand nor weigh properly even the things that he saw, how much
less could he attempt to balance unseen matters, or call into account
the works of the great Ruler of the universe.
But the giant would not listen to reason, for he had no real desire for
the right, and he still tried to continue his false and wicked teaching.
Talus, therefore, seeing his mischievous ignorance, came up, and toppled
him over into the sea, where he fell with a great splash and was
drowned.
When the people who had long waited there saw his sudden destruction,
they began to gather in a turbulent mob, and tried to stir up strife,
because of the loss of all their expectations. For they had hoped to get
great good, and wonderful riches, by the giant’s new schemes, and
resolving to revenge his death, they rose in arms, and stood in order of
battle.
When Artegall saw this lawless multitude advancing in hostile fashion,
he was much troubled, and did not know what to do; for he was loath to
soil his hands by killing such a rascally crew, and yet he feared to
retire, lest they should follow him with shame. Therefore he sent Talus
to them to inquire the cause of their array, and to request a truce. But
as soon as they saw him coming they began to attack him with their
weapons, and rudely struck at him on every side; yet they could not in
the least hurt or dismay him. Then Talus lay about him with his flail
and overthrew them like a swarm of flies. Not one of them dared come in
his way, but they flew here and there, and hid themselves out of his
sight in holes and bushes. When Talus saw that they all forsook the
field and none of the rascal rout were left, he returned to Sir
Artegall, and they went on together.
Borrowed Plumes, and the Fate of the Snowy Lady
After long storms and tempests the sun’s face again shines forth
joyfully, so when fortune has shown all her spite some blissful hours at
last must needs appear. So it was with the Lady Florimell. After
escaping from the cruel hyena that killed and devoured her milk-white
palfrey, she met with many troubles and misfortunes; but they were all
over now, and she was happily betrothed to her own true Knight,
Marinell.
The time and place of the bridal were blazed far and wide, and solemn
feasts and tournaments were arranged, to which a countless throng of
lords and ladies resorted from all directions, nor was there any brave
knight absent. It would need the tongue of a herald to tell the glory of
the feast that day—the splendid service, the brilliant variety of
entertainments, the pomp of the bridegroom, the richness of the bride’s
array, the crowd of noble ladies and gallant knights, the royal
banquets, and the general rejoicing. When all the people had
sufficiently feasted, they began to prepare themselves for deeds of arms
and contests of chivalry.
Then first of all rode forth Sir Marinell, and with him six more
knights, to challenge all on behalf of Florimell, and to maintain that
she excelled all other ladies. Against them came every one that cared to
joust, from every coast and country under the sun: no one was debarred;
all had leave who chose. Many brave deeds were done that day, and many a
knight unhorsed, but little was lost or won. All that day the greatest
praise redounded to Marinell. So also the second day. At the end of the
fighting the trumpets proclaimed that Marinell was the best.
The third day came, which would test all the others, and the warriors
met together to finish the tournament. Then Marinell again showed great
valour, and flew like a lion through the thickest of the press, so that
every one fled from the danger, and was amazed at his might. But the
greater the prowess, the greater the peril; Marinell pressed so far into
the ranks of the enemy that they closed up behind him, so that he could
by no means make a way out. He was taken prisoner, and bound with
chains, and would have been led away, forsaken of all, had not some
succour overtaken him in time.
It happened that while Marinell was thus sorely beset, Sir Artegall came
into the tilt-yard, with Braggadochio, whom he had lately met on the way
with the false Florimell, the “Snowy Lady.” When Artegall heard the bad
fortune that had betided Marinell, he was much excited at his undeserved
disgrace. He immediately begged the braggart with whom he was riding to
change shields with him, in order that he might be the better concealed,
and thus armed he went forth, and soon overtook the knights who were
leading Marinell away. There were a hundred of them altogether. Half of
them set upon Sir Artegall, and half stayed behind to guard the prey.
Artegall was not long in beating the first fifty, and soon snatched the
prisoner from the other fifty. Then he quickly armed Marinell again, and
together they overcame all the rest of the knights, and were left lords
of the field. So Marinell was rescued from his foes.
Having done this, Sir Artegall restored his shield to Braggadochio, who
all this while had remained in the background. Then the trumpets
sounded, and the judges rose, and all the knights who had borne armour
that day came to the open hall to listen to whom the honour of the prize
should be adjudged.
There also in open sight came the fair Florimell into the public hall,
to give his guerdon to every knight, and the best to him to whom the
best should fall. Then they loudly called for the stranger Knight, to
whom they should yield the garland, but he came not forth; but instead
of Sir Artegall came Braggadochio, and showed his shield, which bore the
device of the sun, broadly blazoned on a golden field.
The sight filled them with gladness, so to him they adjudged the prize
of all that triumph. Then the shrill trumpets thrice resounded the name
of Braggadochio, and thus courage lent a cloak to cowardice. Then the
beautiful Florimell came to Braggadochio, and spoke graciously in praise
of his gallantry, and gave him a thousand thanks for so well defending
her cause.
To this the boaster (which filled all knights with utter contempt for
him) made scornful answer that what he did that day he did, not for her,
but for his own lady’s sake, who excelled both her and every one else;
and he added further bragging and unseemly speeches. His words much
abashed the gentle lady, and she turned aside, ashamed to hear what he
said.
Then he brought forth his snowy Florimell, who was standing near, in
charge of Trompart, covered with a veil from people’s gaze; and when
they had thoroughly eyed her they were stupefied with great amazement,
saying that it was surely Florimell, or if it were not, then she
surpassed Florimell herself. Such feeble skill have the vulgar with
respect to perfect things!
Marinell, likewise, when he beheld, was exceedingly amazed, not knowing
what to think or to do. He stood for a long time lost in astonishment,
his eyes fixed fast on the Snowy Maid, whom the more he looked at, the
more he thought was the true Florimell.
When Artegall, who stood all this while close covered in the crowd, saw
everything that passed, and the boasting and ungrateful cheating of
Braggadochio, he could stand it no longer, but came forth, and showed
himself openly to every one, and said to the boaster—
“Base wretch, thou hast defaced another’s worth with thy lies and decked
thyself with borrowed plumes; when they are all restored, thou shalt be
left in disgrace. That shield which thou bearest was indeed the one
which saved the day’s honour to Marinell; but that was not the arm, nor
thou the man who did that service to Florimell. For proof, show forth
thy sword, and let it tell what strokes, what dreadful battle it stirred
up this day. Or show the wounds which befell you!
“But _this_ is the sword which wrought such havoc; and this the arm
which bore that shield; and these the signs” (he pointed to his wounds)
“by which it is apparent the glory was got. As for that lady which he
shows here,” he continued, turning to the others, “it is not Florimell
at all, but some worthless creature, fit for such a mate, who has fallen
into his hand by misfortune;” and for proof he bade them call the true
Florimell.
So the noble Lady was brought, adorned with honour and all comely grace,
blushing with modesty, so that the roses mixed with the lilies in her
lovely face, for she still felt deep shame at the rude words which
Braggadochio had flung at her. And when the people saw her they shouted
aloud, and all showed signs of gladness.
Then Sir Artegall placed her by the Snowy Lady, like a true saint beside
some painted image, to make trial of their beauty, and to see which
should get the honour. Straightway, as soon as they were both met
together, the enchanted damsel vanished into nothing. Her body of snow
melted as with heat, and nothing remained of all her goodly appearance
except the empty girdle, which had been clasped round her waist.
When the people present beheld this, they were struck with astonishment,
and their hearts quailed with horror, to see the thing which seemed so
excellent stolen away, so that no one understood what became of it.
Braggadochio himself was so daunted with despair that he stood
immovable, like a lifeless body.
[Illustration:
“=Streight-way, so soone as both together met,
Th’ enchaunted Damzel vanisht into nought,
Her snowy substance melted as with heat,
Ne of that goodly hew remayned ought.=”
]
But Artegall took up the golden belt, the only thing left of all the
spoil, which was not the Snowy Lady’s, as many mistakenly believed, but
Florimell’s own girdle, reft from her when she fled from the vile
monster; unbuckling it, he presented it to Florimell, who fitted it
perfectly round her slender waist. The girdle possessed the magic power
of breaking or becoming unfastened when it was put on by any unworthy
person. Many ladies had often tried to wear it, but it fitted no one
till it came into the hands of its rightful owner, Florimell.
How the Good Horse Brigadore knew his own Master
While every one was busied about Florimell, and in hearing the truth
about Braggadochio, Sir Guyon, as it befell, came forward from the
thickest of the crowd to claim his own good steed, which Braggadochio
had stolen long ago. Seizing the golden bit with one hand, he drew his
sword with the other, for he meant to smite the thief heavily, and had
he not been held he would certainly have done so.
Then a great hurly-burly arose in the hall because of that war-horse,
for Braggadochio would not let him pass, and Sir Guyon was quite
resolved to have him, or to put the matter to the proof over his dead
body. The uproar being perceived by Artegall, he drew near to stay the
tumult, and began to ask how the steed had been taken away, whether
extorted by might or stolen by cunning.
Then Sir Guyon told him about the Knight and the Lady, whom he and the
Palmer had found, and to avenge whom he had gone on his quest against
the wicked enchantress, Acrasia. He described how, when he had gone into
the thicket to help the dying lady, his horse had been purloined by
craft, for which he now challenged the thief to fight. But Braggadochio
would by no means consent to this, for he hated such doings, and would
rather lose than make trial of his right by an appeal to arms.
Sir Artegall, hearing this, might then have handed over the horse to Sir
Guyon, for according to knightly custom there was no need to try one’s
cause by the law of arms, if a foe refused to meet one in the field. But
wishing to establish Guyon’s claim properly, he asked him to describe
any secret token borne by the horse.
“If that will satisfy you,” said Sir Guyon, “there is within his mouth a
black spot, shaped like a horse’s shoe, for any one who cares to seek
for it.”
In order to test this, some one took hold of the horse, to look into his
mouth; but the creature immediately struck at him so savagely with his
heels that he broke his ribs to pieces. Another, who seemed to have a
little more sense, took him by the bright embroidered headstall, but the
horse bit him so sharply on the shoulder that he was quite disabled. Nor
would he open his mouth to a single person until Sir Guyon himself spoke
to him, and called him by his name, “Brigadore.”
[Illustration:
“=And out of court him scourged openly;
So ought all faytours that true knighthood shame,
And armes dishonour with base villanie,
From all brave knights be banisht with defame.=”
]
The instant the horse understood his voice he stood stock-still, and
allowed every one to see the secret mark; and when his master called him
by name he broke all his fastenings with joy, and gleefully followed
him, frisking, and prancing, and bending his head in submission.
Thereupon Sir Artegall plainly saw to whom he belonged, and said—
“Lo, there, Sir Guyon, take to yourself the steed, arrayed as he is in
his golden saddle, and let that worthless fellow fare hence on foot,
until he has gained a horse.”
But the vain braggart began to rate and revile Sir Artegall for giving
such an unjust judgment against him. The Knight was so incensed at his
insolence that he was tempted to punish him, and thrice he laid his hand
on his sword to slay him. But Sir Guyon pacified Sir Artegall, saying it
would only dishonour him to wreak his wrath on a churl like that. It
would be punishment enough that every one saw his disgrace.
Then Talus seized the boaster, and dragging him out of the hall
inflicted this punishment on him. First he shaved off his beard; then he
took his shield, and turned it upside down, and blotted out the device;
and then he broke his sword in two, and scattered all his armour. After
that he openly scourged him out of the court.
So should all traitors who shame true chivalry be banished with infamy
from among brave knights, for their evil doings often bring disgrace on
just merit.
The Adventure of the Two Brothers and the Coffer
When the wedding festivities of Marinell and Florimell were over, Sir
Artegall left the Castle of the Strand, to follow his first quest; and
the only person who went with him to help him was his servant Talus, the
Iron Man.
As he passed along the sea-shore he chanced to come where two comely
squires were having an angry quarrel. They were brothers, but were just
now stirred up by some matter of debate. Two good-looking damsels stood
beside them, trying by every means to soothe their ire—now by fair
words, but words did little good—now by threats, but threats only made
them angrier. Before them stood a strong coffer, fast bound on every
side with iron bands, but seeming to have received much injury either by
being wrecked upon the shore, or by being carried far from foreign
lands. It appeared as if it were for this coffer the squires were
fighting; and though the ladies kept interfering to prevent their
furious encounter, yet they were firmly resolved to try their rights by
dint of sword. Thus they both stood ready to meet in cruel combat when
Sir Artegall, happily arriving, stopped for awhile their greedy
bickering till he had inquired the cause of their dispute. To whom the
elder made this answer:—
“You must know, sir, we are two brothers, to whom our father, Milesio by
name, equally bequeathed his land, two islands, which you see there
before you, not far off in the sea. Of these the one appears but like a
little mount, of small size, yet it was as great and wide, not many
years ago, as that other island, which is now so much larger.
“But the course of time, which destroys everything, and this devouring
sea, which spares nothing, have washed away the greater part of my land,
and thrown it up to my brother’s share, so his is increased but mine is
lessened. Before which time I loved, as it happened, the maid over
there, called Philtera the Fair, with whom I should have received a
goodly dower, and to whom I was to have been married.
“At that time my younger brother, Amidas, loved the other damsel—Lucy—to
whom but little dower was allotted. Her virtue was the dowry that
delighted—and what better dowry can a lady possess? But now when
Philtera saw my lands decay, and my former livelihood fail, she left me,
and went over to my brother, who, taking her from me, completely
deserted his own love.
“Lucy, seeing herself forsaken, in despair flung herself into the sea,
thinking to take away her grief by death. But see how her purpose was
foiled! Whilst beaten to and fro amidst the billows, hovering between
life and death, she chanced unawares to light upon this coffer, which
offered to her, in her danger, hope of life.
“The wretched maiden, who had formerly desired death, now that she had
had a taste of it began to repent that she had been so foolish, and
caught hold of the sea-beaten chest, which after long tossing in the
rough waves, at last rested on my island. Here I, wandering by chance on
the shore, espied her, and with some difficulty helped to save her from
the jaws of death, which threatened to swallow her up. In recompense for
this she then bestowed on me those goods which fortune had given her,
together with herself, a free gift—both goodly portions, but herself the
better of the two.
[Illustration: A man carrying a woman in his arms through shallow water
near a shoreline.]
“In this coffer which she brought with her we found great treasure,
which we took as our own, and so considered it. But this other damsel,
Philtera, my brother’s wife, pretends now that the treasure belongs to
herself, that she transported the same by sea, to bring it to her newly
made husband, but suffered shipwreck by the way. Whether it be so or not
I cannot say. But whether it indeed be so or not, this I do say, that
whatsoever good or ill Providence or fortune throws to me, not purposely
wronging any one else, I hold as my own, and will so hold it still. And
though Amidas first won away my land, and then my love (though now that
matters little), yet he shall not also make prey of my good luck, but I
will defend it as long as ever I can.”
Bracidas, the elder brother, having thus spoken, the younger one
followed on.
“It is quite true what my brother here has declared to you about the
land; but the dispute between us is not for that, but for this treasure,
thrown upon his shore, which I can prove, as shall appear by trial, to
belong to this lady, to whom I am married. It is well known by good
marks and perfect witnesses, and therefore it ought to be rendered to
her without denial.”
When they had thus ended, the Knight spoke:—
“Truly it would be easy to reconcile your strife, if you would submit it
to some just man.”
“Unto yourself!” they both cried. “We give you our word to abide the
judgment you pronounce to us.”
“Then in token that you will accept my verdict, let each lay down his
sword under my foot,” said Sir Artegall, “and then you shall hear my
sentence.”
So each of them laid down his sword out of his hand.
Then Artegall spoke thus to the younger brother:—
“Now tell me, Amidas, if you can, by what good right do you withhold
to-day that part of your brother’s land which the sea has plucked away
from him, and laid on your share?”
“What other right,” quoth Amidas, “would you deem valid, except that the
sea laid it to my share?”
“Your right is good,” said Sir Artegall, “and so I judge it. That which
the sea sent unto you should be your own.”
Then, turning to the elder brother, he spoke thus:—
“Now, Bracidas, let this likewise be plain: your brother’s treasure,
which has strayed from him, being well known to be the dowry of his
wife—by what right do you claim this to be your own?”
“What other right,” quoth Bracidas, “would you deem valid, except that
the sea has thrown it unto me?”
“Your right is good,” said Sir Artegall, “and so I judge it. That which
the sea sent unto you should be your own; for equal things have equal
rights. What the mighty sea has once possessed and quite plucked from
its owner’s hands—whether by the rage of the unresting waves, or
tempest, or shipwreck—it may dispose of by its imperial might to
whomever it chooses, as a thing left at random. So in the first place,
Amidas, the land was declared to be yours; and so, in like manner,
Bracidas, the treasure is yours by right.”
When Sir Artegall had thus pronounced sentence, both Amidas and Philtera
were displeased, but Bracidas and Lucy were very glad, and immediately
took possession of the treasure, in accordance with the judgment.
So their discord was appeased by this sentence, and each one had his
right; and Sir Artegall, having stopped their contention, went on his
way.
Radigund, Queen of the Amazons
As Sir Artegall travelled on his way he saw far off a crowd of many
people, to whom he hastened, in order to discover the cause of such a
large assembly. When he came near he saw a strange sight—a troop of
women clad in warlike fashion, with weapons in their hands, as if ready
to fight; and in the midst of them he saw a Knight, with both hands
pinioned behind him, and round about his neck a halter tight, ready
prepared for the gallows. His head was bare and his face covered, so
that it was not easy to distinguish him. He went along with a heavy
heart, grieved to the soul, and groaning inwardly that he should die so
base a death at the hands of women. But they, like merciless tyrants,
rejoiced at his misery, and reviled him, and sorely reproached him with
bitter taunts and terms of disgrace.
When Artegall, arriving at the place, asked what cause had brought the
man to destruction, the women swarmed eagerly around him, meaning to lay
their cruel hands on him, and to do him some unexpected mischief. But he
was soon aware of their evil mind, and drawing back defeated their
intention. He was ashamed to disgrace himself by fighting with women, so
he sent Talus to punish them for their rash folly. With a few strokes of
his iron flail the latter speedily dispersed their troop, and sent them
home to tell a piteous tale of their vain prowess turned to their own
injury.
The wretched man doomed to death they left behind them, glad to be quit
of them. Talus soon set him at liberty, and released him from his horror
at such a shameful death, unfitting a knight, which he dreaded more than
loss of life; and uncovering his face, he brought him to his master, who
then knew him at once.
[Illustration: A group of armored figures walking along a path, with one
man raising a sword and shield in the foreground.]
“Sir Terpin!” cried Artegall. “Hapless man, what are you doing here?
Have you lost yourself and your senses? Or have you, who can boast of
subduing men, yielded to the oppression of women? Or what other deadly
misfortune has fallen on you, that you have run so foolishly far astray
as to lead yourself to your own destruction?”
The man was so confused, partly with shame, partly with dismay, that he
stood lost in astonishment, and could find little to say in excuse.
“You may justly term me hapless, who am brought to this shame, and am
to-day made the scorn of knighthood,” was his only answer. “But who can
escape Fate? The work of Heaven’s will surpasses human thought.”
“True,” said Sir Artegall, “but faulty men often attribute their own
folly to Fate, and lay on Heaven the guilt of their own crimes. But tell
me, Sir Terpin—and do not let your misery daunt you—how you fell into
this state.”
“Since you needs will know my shame,” said the Knight, “and all the ill
which has lately chanced to me, I will briefly relate it, and do not
turn my misfortune to my blame.
“Being desirous, as all knights are, to try deeds of arms through hard
adventures, and to hunt after fame and honour, I heard a report which
flew far abroad that a proud Amazon lately bade defiance to all brave
knights, and wrought them all the villainy her malice could devise,
putting some to shame, and doing many of them to death.
“The cause of her hate is for the sake of a Knight called Bellodant the
Bold, whom a short time ago she liked greatly, and tried in every way to
attract; but finding nothing of any avail, her love turned to hatred,
and for his sake she vowed to do all the ill she could to other
knights,—which vow she now fulfils.
“For all those knights whom by force or guile she subdues she treats
shamefully. First she despoils them of their armour, and clothes them in
women’s garments; then with threats she compels them to work to earn
their food—to spin, to card, to sew, to wash, to wring. She gives them
nothing to eat but bread and water, or some such feeble food, to disable
them from attempting revenge.
“But if with manly disdain any of them withstand her insolent commands,
she causes them to be immediately hanged on that gibbet over there, in
which condition I stood just now; for being conquered by her in fight,
and put to the base service of her band, I chose rather to die than to
live that shameful life, unworthy of a knight.”
“What is the name of that Amazon?” asked Artegall. “And where, and how
far hence does she live?”
“Her name is called Radigund,” replied Sir Terpin, “a princess of great
power, and greater pride, Queen of the Amazons, well tried in arms and
sundry battles, which she has achieved with great success, and which
have won her much glory and fame.”
“Now, by my faith,” said Sir Artegall, “I will not rest till I have
tested her power, and avenged the shame that she shows to knights.
Therefore, Sir Terpin, throw from you those squalid clothes, the pattern
of despair, and go with me, that you may see and know how Fortune will
repair your ruined name and knighthood, whose praise she would tarnish.”
Sir Terpin joyfully threw off his iron fetters, and eagerly prepared to
guide the way to the dwelling of the Amazon, which was not more than a
mile or two distant—a goodly and a mighty city, called after her own
name Radigund.
On their arrival they were immediately espied by the watchman, who
warned all the city of the appearance of three warlike persons, of whom
one seemed like a Knight fully armed, and the other two likely to prove
dangerous. The people ran at once to put on their armour, swarming in a
cluster like bees, and before long their Queen herself, looking half
like a man, came forth into the crowd, and began to set them in array.
And now the Knights, being arrived near, beat upon the gates to enter
in; threatening the porter, who scorned them for being so few, to tear
him to pieces if they won the city. When Radigund heard them her heart
was torn with rage. She bade her people to unbar the gates at once, and
to make way for the Knights with well-prepared weapons.
As soon as the gates were set open the Knights pressed forward to make
an entrance, but midway they were met by a sharp shower of arrows, which
stopped them. Then all the mob attacked them savagely heaping strokes so
fast on every side, and with such a hail of arrows, that the Knights
could not withstand them. But Radigund herself, when she espied Sir
Terpin freed from her cruel doom, was suddenly seized with a fit of
fury, and flying at him like a lioness, smote him so fiercely that he
fell to the ground. Then she leaped to him, and placed her foot on his
neck.
When Sir Artegall saw the Knight’s peril, he sprang at once to his
rescue, and assailed Radigund with such vigour that he drove her back.
For a moment she was stunned, but as soon as she collected her senses
she turned on Sir Artegall, half-mad with revengeful anger and pride,
for she had never suffered such a rebuff. But before they could meet in
fight her maidens flocked round her so fast that they parted them, in
spite of their valour, and kept them far asunder. But amongst the others
the fight lasted till the evening.
And all the while the great Iron Man sorely vexed the Amazons with his
strange weapon, to which they had never been accustomed in war. He
chased and outran them, and broke their bows, and spoilt their shooting,
so that not one of them all dared to go near him. They scattered like
sheep before a wolf, and fled before him through all the fields and
valleys.
But when the daylight grew dim with the shadows of night, Radigund, with
the sound of a trumpet, caused her people to cease fighting, and
gathering them to the gate of the city, made them all enter, and had the
weak and wounded conveyed in, before she would retreat herself.
When the field was thus empty and all things quiet, Sir Artegall, weary
with toil and travel, caused his pavilion to be richly prepared in full
view of the city gate. He himself, together with Sir Terpin, rested here
in safety all that night; but Talus was accustomed, in times of
jeopardy, to keep a nightly watch for fear of treachery.
Radigund, full of heart-gnawing grief for the rebuke she had met that
day, could take no rest nor relief, but tossed about in her mind in what
way she could revenge her disgrace. Then she resolved to try her fortune
in single fight herself, rather than see her people destroyed, as she
had seen that day.
She called to her a trusty maid, named Clarinda, whom she thought
fittest for the business, and said to her—
“Go, damsel, quickly; get ready to do the message which I shall tell
you. Go you to the stranger Knight who yesterday drove us to such
distress; tell him that to-morrow I will fight with him, and try in a
fair field which is the mightier.
“But these conditions you must propound to him—that if I vanquish him he
shall obey my law, and ever be bound to do my bidding. And so will I, if
he vanquish me, whatever he shall like to do or say. Go straight, and
take with you as witness six of your companions of the highest rank; and
carry with you wine and rich delicacies, and bid him eat: henceforth he
shall often sit hungry.”
The damsel instantly obeyed, and putting all in readiness went forth to
the town gate, where, sounding a trumpet loudly from the wall, she sent
warning to the warrior Knights. Then Talus, issuing from the tent, took
his way fearlessly to the wall, to know what that sounding of the
trumpet meant, whereupon the damsel called to him, and explained that
she wished to parley with his lord.
Then he conducted them at once to his master, who gave them a cordial
greeting, and to whom they told their message, word for word. Sir
Artegall, gladly accepting it, entertained them with fitting courtesy,
and gave them rich and handsome gifts. So they turned their steps
homeward again, but Artegall went back to rest, that he might be fresher
against the next day’s fight.
How Sir Artegall threw away his Sword
As soon as day dawned, the noble warriors, mindful of the fight before
them, duly prepared themselves, the Knight as beseemed a knight, and the
Amazon in the way she liked best to dress.
She wore a light loose robe of purple silk, woven with silver, quilted
upon white satin, and plentifully trimmed with ribbons; not to hinder
her movements it was tucked up to her knee, but could when she liked be
lowered to her heel. Over that she wore for defence a small coat of
mail. On her legs were painted buskins, laced with bands of gold; her
scimitar was lashed at her thigh in an embroidered belt; and on her
shoulder hung her shield, decked with glittering stones, so that it
shone like the full moon.
Thus she came forth, stately and magnificent, from the city gate,
guarded with many damsels who waited on her to defend her, playing on
shalms and trumpets, the sound of which reached high into heaven; and so
she marched into the field, where there was a rich pavilion ready
prepared to receive her, until it was time to begin the fight.
Then forth from his tent came Artegall, armed from head to foot, and
first entered the lists. Radigund soon followed, cruel of mind, and with
a fierce countenance, fully bent on daring the utmost trial of battle.
The lists were shut fast, to prevent the mob from rudely pressing to the
centre, and they circled round in huge crowds to see how fortune would
decide the dangerous problem.
The trumpets sounded, and the fight began—bitterly it began and ended.
The Amazon flew at Sir Artegall frantic with fury, but the more she
raged the more resolute he stood. She hewed, she thrust, she lashed, she
laid on every side. At first the Knight bore her blows, and forbore to
return them; but presently in his turn he began to attack, and so
mightily did his strokes fall on her steel armour, that flakes of flame
were seen flashing all round her as if she had been on fire. But
Radigund with her shield so well warded off the danger of his keen
weapon that she safely guarded her life, until at last, with one stroke
of his blade, Sir Artegall cut away half her shield.
This so enraged Radigund that she flew at Artegall with her sharp
scimitar, like a bear on her prey, and wounded him badly in the thigh.
Thereupon she began to boast of her triumph, and taunt the Knight with
spiteful speeches, as if she had already got the prize.
Indignant at her idle vaunting, Sir Artegall struck at her again with
such power that he shattered the other half of her shield, and then he
smote on her helmet so that she sank senseless on the grassy field.
[Illustration: An armored knight standing over another fallen knight on
the ground, with a tent and other figures in the background.]
When he saw her lying on the ground, he sprang towards her, and unlaced
her helmet, thinking to cut off her head; but when he had uncovered her
face such a miracle of loveliness shone forth that he was dazzled with
astonishment. His heart was so pierced with pity that he threw away his
sharp sword, reviling his hand that had done injury to such a vision of
beauty.
Radigund meanwhile awakened from her swoon, and stared about her in
confusion. As soon as she saw the Knight standing there beside her with
no weapon in his empty hands, she flew at him with fresh cruelty, and
though he kept retiring she laid on him huge redoubled strokes. The more
he meekly entreated her to stay her hand from greedy vengeance, the more
she increased her merciless attack.
Sir Artegall could do nothing but shun her angry onslaught, and ward off
with his shield alone, as well as he could, the fierceness of her rage.
He begged her to stay her strokes, and said that he would yield himself;
yet she would not hearken, nor give him time to breathe, till he had
delivered to her his shield, and submitted himself to her mercy in the
open field.
Thus was Sir Artegall overcome—though indeed he was not overcome, but
yielded of his own accord. Yet was he justly doomed by his own judgment
when he had said unwarily that he would be her thrall and do her
service. For though he first gained the victory, yet afterwards, by
abandoning his sword, he wilfully lost that which before he had
attained.
Then Radigund struck him with the flat of her sword, in token of true
subjection to her power, and as a vassal took him to thraldom. But the
more hapless Terpin she caused to be pinioned and led away to the cruel
fate from which he had but lately been rescued.
But when the Amazons thought to lay hands on Talus, he thundered amongst
them with his iron flail, so that they were glad to let him escape, for
the heaps of those he slew and wounded, besides the rest which he
dismayed, were too many to number. But all this while he did not once
attempt to rescue his own lord, for he thought it just to obey.
Then Radigund took this noble Knight, left at her disposal by his own
wilful blame, and caused him to be disarmed of all the knightly
ornaments with which he had formerly won great fame. In place of these
she had him shamefully dressed in woman’s clothes, and put on him a
white apron instead of a cuirass.
Thus clad, she brought him from the battlefield into a long, large
chamber, decked with memorials of the ruin of many knights whom she had
subdued; amongst these she caused his armour to be hung on high, to
betray his shame, and she broke his sword for fear of further harm.
Entering, he saw round about him many brave knights whose names he knew
well, who were there bound to obey the Amazon’s arrogant law, all
spinning and carding in an orderly row, so that Sir Artegall’s brave
heart loathed the unseemly sight. But the captive knights were forced
through hunger and want of food to do the work appointed them, for
nothing was given them to eat or drink, but what their hands could earn
by twisting linen twine.
Radigund placed Sir Artegall the lowest among them all, and gave a
distaff into his hand, that he should spin thereon flax and tow—a sordid
office for so brave a mind; thus hard is it to be the slave of a woman!
Yet Sir Artegall took it even in his own despite, and obeyed her without
murmuring, since he had plighted his faith to become her vassal if she
won him in fight.
The House of Guile
Thus for a long while Sir Artegall continued obediently serving proud
Radigund, however much it galled his noble heart to obey the dictates of
a tyrannous woman. Having chosen his lot, he could not now change.
As the days went by, the Amazon Queen began to have a great liking for
her strange captive, but for a long time she kept this carefully
concealed, for her pride would not allow her to own to such a feeling
for her lowly vassal. At last, when she could bear it no longer, she
sent for her trusted maid, Clarinda, and told her to devise some means
by which to discover whether there were any chance of Sir Artegall’s
loving her, if she gave him his liberty. Clarinda promised to do her
best, and tried by all the means in her power to win favour with the
Knight, but the more she saw of him the better she liked him herself, so
she ended by being false both to her mistress and to Sir Artegall. To
the Queen she pretended that Sir Artegall was very stern and obstinate,
and scorned all her offers of kindness and gentler treatment; and to the
Knight she declared that she had earnestly besought Radigund to grant
him freedom, but the Queen would by no means be persuaded, and had
ordered instead that he should be more harshly treated and laden with
iron chains. This command, however, Clarinda said she would not carry
out, because of her own regard for the Knight, and she further promised
that if she found favour in his sight she would devise some means of
setting him free.
Sir Artegall, glad to gain his liberty, answered her civilly, but
determined in his heart that nothing should make him forsake his own
true love, Britomart; and deceitful Clarinda had not the least intention
of freeing him from bondage, but considered rather how she might keep
him more securely. Therefore every day she unkindly told her mistress
that the Knight spurned her offers of goodwill, and Sir Artegall she
told that the Queen refused him his freedom. Yet in order to win his
affection, she showed him this much friendship, that his scanty fare was
improved, and his work lessened.
Thus for a long while Sir Artegall remained there in thraldom.
Britomart, meanwhile, waited and longed for news of her absent lord, and
when the utmost date assigned for his return had passed, a thousand
fears assailed her doubting mind. Sometimes she feared lest a terrible
misfortune had befallen him; sometimes lest his false foe had entrapped
him in a snare; at other times a jealous fear troubled her that perhaps
Sir Artegall had forgotten her, and found some other lady whom he loved
better. Yet she was loath to think so ill of him as this. One moment she
blamed herself; another, condemned him as faithless and untrue; then,
trying to cheat her grief, she pretended she had reckoned the time
wrong, and began to count it all over a different way.
When months went on, and still he never came back, she thought of
sending some one to seek him, but could find no one so fitting to do
this as her own self.
One day, unable to rest quietly in any place, she came to a window
opening to the west, which was the way Sir Artegall had gone. There,
looking forth, she felt many vain fancies disquiet her, and sent her
winged thoughts swifter than wind to carry her heart’s message to her
love. As she looked long, she spied some one coming hastily towards her.
Then she knew well before she saw him plainly, that it was some one sent
from Sir Artegall; and as he drew near, she found it was his servant,
Talus. Filled with hope and dread she ran to meet him, exclaiming—
“And where is he, thy lord, and how far hence? Tell me at once. And has
he lost or won?”
Then Talus told the whole story of Sir Artegall’s captivity.
Britomart listened bravely to the end, and then a sudden fit of wrath
and grief seized her. Without waiting to make any answer, she got ready
at once, donned her armour, and mounting her steed, bade Talus guide her
on.
So she rode forth to seek her Knight; sadly she rode, speaking no word
good or bad, and looking neither to the right or left. Her heart burned
with rage to punish the pride of that woman who had pent her lord in a
base prison, and had tarnished his great honour with such infamous
disgrace.
[Illustration: A woman seated by a window looking outside, with a vase
of flowers in the foreground.]
Thus riding, she chanced to meet towards evening a knight strolling on
the plain as if to refresh himself. He seemed well on in years, and
inclined rather to peace than to needless trouble, his raiment and his
modest bearing both showing that he meant no evil. Coming near, he began
to salute Britomart in the most courteous fashion. Though the Princess
would rather have remained mute than joined in commonplace conversation,
yet sooner than despise such kindness she set her own wishes aside, and
so returned his greeting in due form. Then the other began to chat
further about things in general, and asked many questions, to which she
gave careless answer. For she had little desire to talk about anything,
or to hear about anything, however delightful; her mind was wholly
possessed by one thought, and there was no place for any other.
When the stranger observed this, he no longer forced her to talk
unwillingly, but begged her to favour him, since the skies were growing
dark and wet, by lodging with him that night, unless good cause forbade
it. Britomart, seeing night was at hand, was glad to yield to his kind
request, and went with him without any objection.
His dwelling was not far away, and soon arriving, they were received in
the most gracious and befitting manner, for their host gave them
excellent good cheer, and talked of pleasant things to entertain them.
Thus the evening passed well, till the time came for rest. Then
Britomart was brought to her bower, where attendants waited to help her
to undress. But she would not for anything take off her armour, although
her host warmly besought her; for she had vowed, she said, not to lay
aside this warrior garb till she had wrought revenge on a mortal foe for
a recent wrong; which she would surely perform, let weal or woe betide
her.
When their host perceived this, he grew very discontented, for he was
afraid lest he should now miss his purpose; but taking leave of her, he
departed.
Britomart remained all night restless and comfortless, with deeply
grieved heart, not allowing the least twinkle of sleep to refresh her.
In sorrowful thoughts she wore away the weary hours, now walking softly
about, now sitting still, upright. Neither did Talus let sleep close his
eyelids, but kept continual guard, lying in much discomfort outside her
door, like a spaniel, watching carefully lest any one should by
treachery betray his lady.
Just at cock-crow Britomart heard a strange noise in the hall below, and
suddenly the bed, on which she might have been lying, by a false trap
was let to fall down into a lower room; then immediately the floor was
raised again, so that no one could spy the trap.
At the sight of this, Britomart was sorely dismayed, plainly perceiving
the treason which was intended; yet she did not stir, in case of more,
but courageously kept her place, waiting what would follow.
It was not long before she heard the sound of armed men coming towards
her chamber, at which dreadful peril she quickly caught her sword, and
bound her shield about her. As she did so, there came to her door two
knights, all armed ready to fight, and after them a rascally mob, rudely
equipped with weapons.
As soon as Talus spied them he started up from where he lay on the
ground, and caught his thresher ready in his hand. They immediately let
drive at him, and pressed round in riotous array, but as soon as he
began to lay about with his iron flail, they turned and fled, both the
armed knights and the unarmed crowd. Talus pursued them wherever he
could spy them in the dark, then returning to Britomart, told her the
story of the fray, and all the treason that was intended.
Though greatly enraged, and inwardly burning to be avenged for such an
infamous deed, Britomart was compelled to wait for daylight. She
therefore remained in her chamber, but kept wary heed, in case of any
further treachery.
The cause of this evil behaviour was unknown to Britomart, but this is
how it was.
The master of the house was called Dolon (_Guile_), a subtle and wicked
man; in his youth he had been a knight, and borne arms, but gained
little good and less honour by that warlike kind of life; for he was not
in the least valorous, but with sly shifts and wiles got the better of
all noble and daring knights, and brought many to shame by treachery.
He had three sons, all three like their father treacherous, and full of
fraud and guile. The eldest, named Guizor, had, through his own guilty
cunning, been slain by Artegall, and to avenge him, Dolon, with his
other two sons, had lately devised many vile plots. He imagined by
several tokens that his present guest was Artegall, but chiefly on
account of the Iron Man who was always accustomed to remain with
Artegall. Dolon, therefore, meant surely to have slain the Knight, but
by the grace of heaven and her own good heed, Britomart was preserved
from the traitor.
The next morning, as soon as it was dawn, she came forth from the
hateful chamber, fully intending to punish the villain and all his
family. But coming down to seek them where they dwelt, she could not see
father, nor sons, nor any one. She sought in each room, but found them
all empty; every one had fled in fear, but whither neither she nor Talus
knew.
She saw it was in vain to stay there longer, so took her steed, and
lightly mounting, started again on her former way. She had not ridden
the distance of an arrow’s flight before she saw in front of her the two
false brethren on the perilous Bridge, where Sir Artegall had fought
with the Saracen. The passage was narrow, like a ploughed ridge, so that
if two met, one must needs fall over the edge.
There they thought to wreak their wrath on her, and began to reproach
her bitterly, accusing her of murdering Guizor by cunning. Britomart did
not know what they meant, but she went forward without pausing till she
came to the perilous Bridge. There Talus wanted to prepare the way for
her, and scare off the two villains, but her eyes sparkled with anger at
the suggestion. Not staying to consider which way to take, she put spurs
to her fiery steed, and making her way between them, she drove one
brother at the point of her spear to the end of the Bridge, and hurled
the other brother over the side of it into the river.
Thus the Warrior Princess slew the two wicked sons of Goodman Guile.
The Battle of Queen Radigund and Britomart
That night Britomart spent in the great Temple of Isis, which was
dedicated in days of old to the worship of Justice. Here in her sleep
she had a wondrous vision, which at first filled her with dread. But
when she described it next morning to the priests in the Temple, they
told her that her dream had a good meaning, and that everything would
end well. Greatly relieved to hear this, she bestowed rich rewards on
the priests, and made royal gifts of gold and silver to the Temple. Then
taking leave of them, she went forward to seek her love, never resting
and never relenting till she came to the land of the Amazons.
When news of her approach was brought to Radigund she was filled with
courage and glee instead of being dismayed. Glad to hear of fighting, of
which she had now had none for a long time, she bade them open the gates
boldly, so that she might see the face of her new foe; but when they
told her of the Iron Man who had lately slain her people, she bade them
hold them shut.
So there outside the gate, as seemed best, her pavilion was pitched, in
which brave Britomart rested herself, while Talus watched at her door
all night. All night, likewise, those of the town, in terror, kept good
watch and ward upon their wall.
The next morning, as soon as it was dawn, the warlike Amazon peeped out
of her bower, and caused a shrill trumpet to sound to warn her foe to
hasten to the battle. Britomart, who had long been awake and arrayed for
contest, immediately stepped haughtily from the pavilion, ready for the
fight, and on the other side her foe soon appeared.
But before they lifted hand, Radigund began to propound the strict
conditions with which she always fettered her foes—that Britomart should
serve her as she had bound the rest to do. At this, Britomart frowned
sternly, in disdain of such indignity, and would no longer parley, but
bade them sound the advance, for she would be tied by no other terms
than those prescribed by the laws of chivalry.
The trumpets sounded, and they rushed together with greedy rage, smiting
with their falchions; neither sought to shun the other’s stroke, but
both savagely hacked and hewed, furious as a tiger and a lioness
fighting over the same prey. So long they fought that all the grassy
floor was trampled with blood. At last Radigund, having espied some near
advantage, let drive at Britomart with all her might, thus taunting her
with savage scorn—
“Bear this token to the man whom you love so dearly, and tell him you
gave your life for his sake!”
The cruel stroke glanced on Britomart’s shoulder plate, and bit to the
bone, so that she could hardly hold up her shield for the smart of it.
Yet she soon avenged it, for the furious pain gave her fresh force, and
she smote Radigund so rudely on the helmet that it pierced to the very
brain, and felled her to the ground, where with one stroke Britomart
killed her.
[Illustration:
“=Thence forth unto the Idole they her brought=;
* * * * *
=To which the Idole, as it were inclining,
Her wand did move with amiable looke,
By outward shew her inward sense designing.=”
]
When Radigund’s warrior band saw this dreadful sight they all fled into
the town, and left Britomart sole victor. But they could not retreat so
fast but that Talus could overtake the foremost. Pressing through the
mob to the gate, he entered in with them, and then began a piteous
slaughter; for all who came within reach of his iron flail were soon
beyond the skill of any doctor.
Then the noble Conqueror herself came in, and though she had sworn a vow
of revenge, yet when she saw the heaps of dead bodies slain by Talus,
her heart was torn with pity, and she bade him slack his fury. Having
thus stayed the massacre, she inquired for the iron prison where her
love lay captive. Breaking it open with indignant rage, she entered, and
went all over it; when she saw the strange and horrible sight of the men
dressed up in womanish garb, her heart groaned with compassion for such
unmanly and disgraceful misery.
When at last she came to her own Knight, whom the like disguise had no
less disfigured, abashed with shame she turned aside her head, and then
with pity and tender words she tried to comfort him. She caused the
unsightly garments to be immediately taken off, and in their stead
sought for other raiment, of which there was great store, as well as
bright armour reft from many a noble knight whom the proud Amazon had
subdued. When Sir Artegall was clad anew in this apparel Britomart’s
spirits revived, and she rejoiced in his gallant appearance.
They remained for awhile in the city of Queen Radigund, so that Sir
Artegall might recover his strength, and Britomart be healed of her
wounds. During this time Britomart reigned as a Princess, and changed
all the order of government. The women were deposed from the rule which
they had usurped, and true justice was dealt them, so that, worshipping
Britomart as a goddess, they all admired her wisdom and listened to her
teaching. All those knights who had long been hidden in captivity, she
freed from their thraldom, and made magistrates of the city, giving them
great wealth and authority. And in order that they should always remain
faithful, she made them swear fealty to Artegall.
As the latter Knight was now fully recovered, he proposed to proceed
upon the first adventure which had called him forth, the release of the
Lady Irene from the villain Grantorto. Very sad and sorrowful was
Britomart at his departure, yet wisely moderated her own grief, seeing
that his honour, which she put above all things, was much concerned in
carrying out that adventure. For a little while after he had gone she
remained there in the city, but finding her misery increase with his
absence, and hoping that change of air and place would somewhat ease her
sorrow, she too departed, to appease her anguish in travel.
The Adventure of the Damsel, the Two Knights, and the Sultan’s Horses
As Sir Artegall rode forth on his way, accompanied only by Talus, he saw
far off a damsel on a palfrey flying fast in terror before two knights,
who pursued her. These in turn were themselves pursued by another
knight, who pricked after them with all his might, his spear ready
levelled. At length the latter overtook the hindmost of the two knights,
and compelled him to turn and face him; but the other still pursued the
maid, who flew as fast in front of him, and never stopped till she saw
Sir Artegall. To him she ran at once, in glad haste, hoping to get help
against her enemy; and Artegall, seeing her approach, went forward to
relieve her fear, and to prevent her foe from hurting her.
But the pursuing knight, greedy as a hound after his prey, still
continued his course, thinking to overthrow Sir Artegall with his spear.
Thus alike sternly resolved they met fiercely. But Artegall was the
stronger, and better skilled in tilt and tournament, and he hurled the
other out of his saddle quite two spears’ lengths. The Pagan knight,
unluckily for himself, pitched on his head, broke his neck, and was
killed on the spot.
Meanwhile the third Knight had defeated and slain the second of the
villains, and leaving him there dead, he ran on to overtake his
companion. Instead of him he found Sir Artegall, and not knowing he was
also on the side of the damsel, he ran at him without thinking; and the
latter, seeing him approach so fiercely, made against him again. So they
met, and struck strongly, and broke their spears; yet neither was
dismounted, though they both shook to and fro, and tottered like two
towers quaking in a tempest.
But when they had recovered their senses they drew their swords, meaning
to make amends with them where their spears had failed. When the damsel,
who had seen the end of both her foes, now beheld her friends beginning
for her sake a more fearful fray, she ran to them in haste, crying to
them to stay their cruel hands until they both heard what she had to say
to them.
“Ah, gentle Knights,” she cried, “why do you thus unwisely wreak on
yourselves another’s wrong? I am the injured one whom both of you have
aided. Witness the two Pagan knights whom ye may see dead on the ground!
What more revenge, therefore, do you desire? If more, then I am she who
was the root of all. End your revenge on me.”
When they heard her speak thus, and saw that their foes were indeed
dead, they immediately stayed their hands, and lifted up their visors to
look at each other; and then Sir Artegall saw that his adversary was
none other than Prince Arthur himself.
Filled with admiration for his gallant and noble bearing, and touched
with the deepest affection, he drew near, and prayed pardon for having
unknowingly wronged him, offering to yield himself to the Prince for
ever, or to any penance he chose to inflict.
To whom the Prince replied—
“Truly, I need more to crave the same pardon, for having been so misled
by error as to mistake you for the dead man. But since it pleases you
that both our faults shall be forgotten, amends can soon be made, since
neither is much damaged thereby.”
Thus their perfect friendship was easily restored, and they embraced
lovingly, each swearing faithfully on his blade never thenceforth to
nourish enmity against the other, but always mutually to maintain each
other’s cause.
Then they called the damsel, and asked her who were the two foes from
whom she was flying so fast, and who she was herself, and what was the
reason why she was pursued by them.
The maiden, whose name was Samient, replied that she was in the service
of a great and mighty queen called Mercilla, a Princess of great power
and majesty. She was known above all for her bounty and sovereign grace,
with which she supported her royal crown, and strongly beat down the
malice of her foes, who envied her, and fretted, and frowned at her
happiness. In spite of them she grew greater and greater, and even to
her foes her mercies increased.
Amongst the many who maligned her was a mighty man dwelling near, who,
with cruel spite and hatred, did all in his power to undermine her crown
and dignity. Her good knights, of whom she had as brave a band as any
Princess on earth, he either destroyed, if they stood against him, or
else tried to bribe slyly to take his part. And not content with this,
he was always trying by treacherous plots to kill Queen Mercilla.
“He is provoked to all this tyranny, they say, by his bad wife, Adicia,”
continued Samient, “who counsels him, because of his strength, to break
all bonds of law and rule of right; for she professes herself a mortal
foe to justice, and always fights against it, working deadly woe to all
who love it, and making her knights and people do so likewise.
“My liege lady, seeing this, thought it best to deal with Adicia in a
friendly fashion, in order to put an end to strife, and to establish
rest both for herself and her people. She therefore sent me on a message
to treat with her, by way of negotiation, as to some final peace and
fair arrangement, which might be concluded by mutual consent.
“At all times it is customary to afford safe passage to messengers who
come on a just cause, but this proud dame, disdaining all such rules,
not only burst into bitter words, reviling and railing at me as she
chose, but actually thrust me like a dog out of doors, miscalling me by
many a bitter name, who never did any ill to her. Then lastly she sent
those two knights after me to work me further mischief, but thanks to
Heaven and your valour, they have paid the price of their own folly.”
So said the damsel, and showed herself most grateful to Prince Arthur
and Sir Artegall for their aid.
The Knights, having heard of all the wrongs done by the proud dame
Adicia, were very indignant, and eagerly desired to punish her and her
husband, the Sultan. But thinking to carry out their design more easily
by a counterfeit disguise, they arranged this plot: first, that Sir
Artegall should array himself like one of the two dead knights, then
that he should convey the damsel Samient as his prize to the Sultan’s
court, to present her to the scornful lady, who had sent for her.
This was accordingly done.
Directly the Sultan’s wife saw them, as she lay looking out of the
window, she thought it was the Pagan knight with her prey, and sent a
page to direct him where to go. Taking them to the appointed place, the
page offered his service to disarm the Knight, but Sir Artegall refused
to take off his armour, fearing to be discovered.
Soon after, Prince Arthur arrived, and sent a bold defiance to the
Sultan, requiring of him the damsel whom he held as a wrongful prisoner.
The Sultan, filled with fury, swearing and cursing, commanded his armour
to be brought at once, and mounted straight upon a high chariot,
dreadfully armed with iron wheels and hooks, and drawn by cruel steeds,
whom he fed with the flesh of slaughtered men.
Thus he came forth, clad in a coat of mail, all red with rust. The
Prince waited ready for him in glistering armour, right goodly to see,
that shone like the sun. By the stirrup Talus attended, playing his
page’s part, as his master had directed.
So they went forth to battle, both alike fierce, but with different
motives. For the proud and presumptuous Sultan, with insolent bearing,
sought only slaughter and revenge; but the brave Prince fought for right
and honour against lawless tyranny, on behalf of wronged weakness,
trusting more to the truth of his cause than in his own strength.
The Sultan in his folly thought either to hew the Prince in pieces with
his sharp wheels, or to bear him down under his fierce horses’ feet, and
trample him in the dust. But the bold Knight, well spying that peril if
he came too near the chariot, kept out of the way of the flying horses.
Yet as he passed by, the Pagan threw a dart with such force that, had he
not shunned it heedfully, it would have transfixed either himself or his
horse. Often Prince Arthur came near, hoping to aim some stroke at him,
but the Sultan was mounted so high in his chariot, and his wing-footed
coursers bore him so fast away, that before the Prince could advance his
spear, he was past and gone; yet still he followed him everywhere, and
in turn was followed by him.
[Illustration: An armored figure standing in a horse-drawn chariot and
holding a spear, with other horses and a rider in the background.]
Again the Pagan threw another dart, which, guided by some bad spirit,
glided through Prince Arthur’s cuirass, and made a grisly wound in his
side. Furious as a raging lion, the Prince sought to get at his foe; but
whenever he approached, the chariot wheels whirled round him, and made
him fly back again as fast; and the Sultan’s horses, like hungry hounds
hunting after game, so cruelly chased and pursued him that his own good
steed, although renowned for courage and hardy race, dared not endure
the sight of them, but fled from place to place.
Thus for a long while they rushed to and fro, seeking in every way to
find some opening for attack; but the Prince could never get near enough
for one sure stroke. Then at last from his victorious shield he drew the
veil which hid its magic light, and coming full before the horses as
they pressed upon him, flashed it in their eyes.
Like the lightning which burns the gazer, so did the sight of the shield
dismay their senses, so that they turned back upon themselves and ran
away with their driver. Nor could the Sultan stay their flight with
reins or accustomed rule, as he well knew how; they did not fear him in
the least—their only fear was that from which they fled dismayed, like
terrified deer. Fast as their feet could bear them they flew over hill
and dale. In vain the Pagan cursed and swore and railed, and dragged
with both hands at the reins; he called and spoke to them, but nothing
availed. They heard him not, they forgot his training, they went which
way they chose, heedless of their guide. Through woods and rocks and
mountains they drew the iron chariot, and the wheels tore the Sultan,
and tossed him here and there from side to side, crying in vain to those
who would not hear his crying.
And all the while Prince Arthur pursued closely behind, but could find
no means of smiting his foe.
At last the horses overthrew the chariot, which was turned topsy-turvy,
and the iron hooks and sharp knives caught hold of the Sultan and tore
him all to rags. Nothing was left of him but some bits of his battered
and broken shield and armour. These Prince Arthur gathered up and took
with him that they might remain as a token, whenever the tale was told,
of how worthily that day, by Heaven’s decree, justice had avenged
herself of wrong, so that all men might take warning by the example.
Therefore, on a tree in front of the tyrant’s door, he caused them to be
hung in the sight of all men, to be a memorial for ever.
When the Lady Adicia from the castle height beheld them she was
appalled, but instead of being overcome with fright, as another woman
might have been, she immediately began to devise how to be revenged.
Knife in hand, she ran down, vowing to wreak her vengeance on the maiden
messenger whom she had ordered to be kept prisoner by Sir Artegall,
mistaking him for her own knight; and coming into her presence she ran
at her with all her might. But Artegall, being aware thereof, stayed her
cruel hand before it reached Samient, and caught the weapon from her.
Thereupon, like one distracted, she rushed forth, wherever her rage bore
her, frantic with passion. Breaking out at a postern door, she ran into
the wild wood, where, it is said, on account of her malice and cruelty
she was transformed into a tiger.
The Adventure at the Den of Deceit
After the defeat of the Sultan and the flight of his wicked wife, Prince
Arthur and Sir Artegall wished to hand over the place and all its wealth
to Samient to hold for her lady, while they departed on their quest; but
the maiden begged them so earnestly to go with her to see Queen Mercilla
that at last they consented.
On the way she told them of a strange thing near at hand—to wit, a
wicked villain who dwelt in a rock not far off, and who robbed all the
country round, and took the pillage home. In this his own wily wit, and
also the security of his dwelling-place, both of which were
unassailable, were of great assistance. For he was so crafty both to
invent and execute, so light of hand and nimble of foot, so smooth of
tongue and subtle in his tale, that any one looking at him might well be
taken in. Therefore he was called Deceit.
He was well known for his achievements, and by his tricks had brought
many to ruin. The rock, also, where he dwelt was wondrous strong, and
hewn a dreadful depth far under ground; within it was full of winding
and hidden passages, so that no one could find his way back who once
went amiss.
The Knights, hearing this, longed to see the villain where he lurked,
and bade Samient guide them to the place. As they came near, they agreed
that the best plan would be for the damsel to go on in front, and sit
alone near the den, wailing and raising a pitiful uproar. When the
wretch issued forth, hoping to find some spoil, they, lying in wait,
would closely ensnare him before he could retreat to his den, and thus
they hoped to foil him easily.
Samient immediately did as she was directed, and the noise of her
weeping speedily brought forth the villain, as they had intended.
He was as dreadful a creature as ever walked on earth, with hollow,
deeply set eyes, and long shaggy locks straggling down his shoulders. He
wore strange garments all in rags and tatters, and in his hand he held a
huge long staff, the top of which was armed with many iron hooks, to
catch hold of everything that came within reach of his clutches, and he
kept casting looks around in all directions. At his back he bore a great
wide net, with which he seldom fished in the water, but which he used to
fish for silly folk on the dry shore, and in fair weather he caught
many.
When Samient saw close beside her such an ugly creature she was really
frightened, and now in earnest cried aloud for help. But when the
villain saw her so afraid, he tried guilefully to persuade her to banish
fear; smiling sardonically on her, he diverted her mind by talking
pleasantly and showing her some amusing tricks, for he was an adept at
jugglery and conjuring feats. Whilst her attention was engaged, he
suddenly threw his net over her like a puff of wind, and snatching her
up before she was well aware, ran with her to his cave. But when he came
near and saw the armed Knights stopping his passage, he flung down his
burden and fled fast away.
[Illustration:
“=The Damzell straight went, as she was directed,
Unto the rocke; and there upon the soyle
Gan weepe and wayle, as if great grief had her affected.=
=The cry whereof entering the hollow cave
Eftsoones brought forth the villaine, as they ment.=”
]
Sir Artegall pursued him, while Prince Arthur still kept guard at the
entrance of the den. Up to the rock ran Deceit, like a wild goat leaping
from hill to hill, and dancing on the very edge of the craggy cliffs. It
was useless for the armed Knight to think of following him, but he sent
his Iron Man after him, for Talus was swift in chase.
Then wherever Deceit went Talus pursued him, so that he soon forced him
to forsake the heights and descend to the low ground. Now Deceit tried a
new plan: he suddenly changed his form. First he turned himself into a
fox, but Talus still hunted him as a fox; then he transformed himself to
a bush, but Talus beat the bush till at last it changed into a bird, and
passed from him, flying from tree to tree, and from reed to reed; but
Talus threw stones at the bird, so that presently it changed itself into
a stone, and dropped to the ground; whereupon Talus took the stone up in
his hand and brought it to the Knights, and gave it to Sir Artegall,
warning him to hold it fast for fear of tricks. While the Knight seized
it in a tight grip, the stone went unawares into a hedgehog, and pricked
him, so that he threw it away; then it began to run off quickly,
returning to Deceit’s own shape; but Talus soon overtook him and brought
him back.
But when he would have changed himself into a serpent, Talus drove at
him with his iron flail, and thrashed him so that he died. So that was
the end of Deceit the self-deceiver.
Leaving his dead body where it fell, the two Knights went on with the
maiden to see her Lady, as they had agreed. Presently they beheld a
stately palace, mounted high with terraces and towers, and all the tops
were glistering with gold, which seemed to outshine the sky, and with
their brightness dazzled the eyes of strangers. There alighting, they
were directed in by Samient, and shown all that was to be seen. The
magnificent porch stood open wide to all men, day and night; yet it was
well guarded by a man of great strength, like a giant, who sat there to
keep out guile and malice and spite, which often under a feigned
semblance works much mischief in Princes’ courts. His name was _Awe_.
Passing by him they went up the hall, which was a wide large room,
filled with people, making a great din. In the thickest of the press the
marshal of the hall, whose name was _Order_, came to them, and
commanding peace, guided them through the throng. All ceased their
clamour to gaze at the Knights, half terrified at their shining armour,
which was a strange sight to them; for they never saw such array there,
nor was the name of war ever spoken, but all was joyous peace, and
quietness, and just government.
So by degrees they were guided into the presence of the Queen. She sat
high up, on a throne of bright and shining gold, adorned with priceless
gems. All over her was spread a canopy of state, glittering and gleaming
like a cloud of gold and silver, upheld by the rainbow-coloured wings of
little cherubs. Thus she sat in sovereign majesty, holding a sceptre in
her royal hand, the sacred pledge of peace and clemency. At her feet lay
her sword, the bright steel brand rusted from long rest, yet when foes
forced it, or friends sought aid, she could draw it sternly to dismay
the world. Round about her sat a bevy of fair maidens, clad in white,
whilst underneath her feet lay a great huge lion, like a captive thrall,
bound with a strong iron chain and collar.
Now at the instant when the two stranger Knights came into the presence
of the Queen, she was holding, as it happened, a great and important
trial. Having acknowledged their obeisance with royal courtesy, she gave
orders to proceed with the trial; and wishing that the Knights should
see and understand all that was going on, she bade them both mount up to
her stately throne, and placed one on each side of her.
Then there was brought forward as prisoner a lady of great beauty and
high position, but who had blotted all her honour and titles of nobility
by her wicked behaviour. This was no other than the false Duessa, who
had wrought so much mischief by her malice and cunning. Seeing the
piteous plight in which she now stood, Prince Arthur’s tender heart was
touched with compassion; but when he heard the long roll of her crimes
read forth, he could no longer wish that she should escape punishment.
Sir Artegall, for the sake of justice, was against her, and she was
judged guilty by all. Then they called loudly to the Queen to pronounce
sentence. Mercilla was deeply moved at the sight of Duessa’s wretched
plight, and even then would gladly have pardoned her; but in order to
save her land from further evil, which would grow if not checked, she
was obliged to keep to the stern law of justice. Melting to tears, she
suddenly left her throne, unable to speak the words that doomed the
prisoner to death; and she never ceased to lament with bitter remorse
the fate which the wretched Duessa had brought on herself.
The Adventure of the Tyrant Grantorto
While Prince Arthur and Sir Artegall were staying at the court of Queen
Mercilla, there came one day two noble youths to implore aid for their
mother, for their father was dead. A cruel tyrant, the son of a giant,
had ravaged all her land, setting up an idol of his own, and giving her
dear children one by one to be devoured by a horrible monster. Prince
Arthur, seeing that none of the other knights were eager for this
adventure, boldly stepped forward, and begged the Queen to let him
undertake it. She gladly granted permission, and the following morning
he started on his journey. In due course he reached the land which had
been laid waste, fought with the tyrant, and overcame him, slew the vile
monster, and restored the lady to her rightful possessions.
Sir Artegall, meanwhile, had started again on his first quest, which was
to set free the Lady Irene and punish Grantorto. He fared forward
through many perils, with Talus, as usual, his only attendant, till he
came at length near the appointed place.
There, as he travelled, he met an old and solitary wayfarer, whom he
knew at once as the attendant of Irene, when she came in sorrow to the
court of the Faerie Queene to entreat protection. Saluting him by name,
Sir Artegall inquired for news of his Lady, whether she were still
alive, and if so why he had left her. To whom the aged knight replied
that she lived and was well, but had been seized by treachery and
imprisoned by the tyrant Grantorto, who had often sought her life. And
now he had fixed a day by which, if no champion appeared to do battle
for her and prove her innocent of those crimes of which she was accused,
she should surely suffer death.
Sir Artegall was much cast down to hear these sad tidings, and sorely
grieved that it was owing to his own long delay in captivity that the
misfortune had happened.
“Tell me, Sir Sergis,” he said, “how long a space hath he lent her to
provide a champion?”
“Ten days he has granted as a favour,” was the answer; “for he knows
well that before that date no one can have tidings to help her. For all
the shores, far and wide, which border on the sea, he guards night and
day, so that no one could land without an army. Already he considers her
as good as dead.”
“Now turn again,” said Sir Artegall; “for if I live till those ten days
are ended, be assured, Sir Knight, she shall have aid, though I spend my
life for her.”
So he went back at once with Sir Sergis.
Then as they rode together they saw in front of them a confused crowd of
people, rudely chasing to and fro a hapless Knight, who was in much
danger from their rough handling. Some distance away, standing helpless
in the midst of the mob, they spied a lady, crying and holding up her
hands to him for aid. Sir Artegall and Talus put to flight the rascally
rout who were assailing the Knight, and then inquired of him the cause
of his misadventure. He replied that his name was Burbon, and that he
had been well known and far renowned till mischief had fallen on him and
tarnished his former fame. The lady was his own love, whom the tyrant
Grantorto had tried to bribe from him with rich gifts and deceitful
words, and now he had sent a troop of villains to snatch her away by
open force. Burbon had for a long time vainly tried to rescue her, but
was overcome by the multitude of his assailants.
“But why have you forsaken your own good shield?” said Artegall. “This
is the greatest shame and deepest scorn that can happen to any knight,
to lose the badge that should display his deeds.”
“That I will explain to you, lest you blame me for it, and think it was
done willingly, whereas it was a matter of necessity,” said Sir Burbon,
blushing half for shame. “It is true that I was at first dubbed knight
by a good Knight—the Knight of the Red Cross, who, when he gave me arms
to fight in battle, gave me a shield on which he traced his dear
Redeemer’s badge. That same I bore for a long time, and with it fought
many battles, without wound or loss. With it I appalled Grantorto
himself, and oftentimes made him fall in field before me. But because
many envied that shield, and cruel foes greatly increased, to stop all
strife and troublous enmity I laid aside the battered scutcheon, and
have lately gone without it, hoping thereby to obtain my Lady;
nevertheless I cannot have her, for she is still detained from me by
force, and is perverted from truth by bribery.”
“Truly, Sir Knight,” said Artegall, “it is a hard case of which you
complain, yet not so hard as to abandon that which contains the blazon
of your honour—that is, your warlike shield. All peril and all pain
should be accounted less than loss of fame. Die rather than do aught
that yields dishonour.”
“Not so,” quoth Sir Burbon, “for when time serves I may again resume my
former shield. To temporise is not to swerve from truth, when advantage
or necessity compels it.”
“Fie on such forgery!” said Artegall. “Under one hood to hide two faces!
Knights should be true, and truth is one in all. Down with all
dissembling!”
“Yet help me now for courtesy against these peasants who have oppressed
me,” said Burbon, “so that my lady may be freed from their hands.”
Sir Artegall, although he blamed his wavering mind, agreed to aid him,
and buckling himself at once to the fight, with the help of Talus and
his iron flail soon dispersed the rabble.
But when they came to where the lady now stood alone, and Burbon ran
forward to embrace her, she started back disdainfully, and would listen
to nothing he said. The Knights rebuked her for being so fickle and
wayward, and Sir Artegall’s grave words so abashed her, that she hung
down her head for shame, and stood speechless. Seeing this, Burbon made
a second attempt, and she allowed him to place her on his steed without
resistance. So he carried her off, seemingly neither well nor ill
pleased.
Then Sir Artegall took his way to the sea-shore, to see if he could find
any shipping to carry him over to the savage island where Grantorto held
the Lady Irene captive. As good fortune fell, when they came to the
coast they found a ship all ready to put to sea. Wind and weather served
them so well that in one day they reached the island, where they found
great hosts of men in order of battle ready to repel them, who held
possession of the ground and forbade them to land. Nevertheless they
would not refrain from landing, but as they drew near, Talus jumped into
the sea, and wading through the waves, gained the shore, and chased the
enemy away. Then Artegall and the old Knight landed, and marched forward
to a town which was in sight.
By this time those who first fled in fear had brought tidings to the
tyrant, who summoned all his forces in alarm, and marched out to
encounter the enemy. He had not gone far when he met them; he charged
with all his might, but Talus set upon the tyrant’s troops and bruised
and battered them so pitilessly, that he killed many. No one was able to
withstand him; he overthrew them, man and horse, so that they lay
scattered all over the land, as thick as seed after the sower.
Then Sir Artegall, seeing his rage, bade him to stop, and made a sign of
truce. Calling a herald, he sent him to the tyrant to tell him that he
did not come thither for the sake of such slaughter, but to try the
right of Irene’s cause with him in single fight. When Grantorto heard
this message, right glad was he thus to stop the slaughter, and he
appointed the next morrow for the combat betwixt them twain.
The following morning was the dismal day appointed for Irene’s death.
The sorrowful maiden, to whom none had borne tidings of the arrival of
Artegall to set her free, looked up with sad eyes and a heavy heart,
believing her last hour to be near. Rising, she dressed herself in
squalid garments fit for such a day, and was brought forth to receive
her doom.
But when she came to the place, and found there Sir Artegall in battle
array, waiting for the foe, her heart was cheered, and it lent new life
to her in the midst of deadly fear. Like a withered rose, dying of
drought, which glows with fresh grace when a few drops of rain fall on
her dainty face, so was Irene’s countenance when she saw Sir Artegall in
that array waiting for the tyrant.
At length, with proud and presumptuous bearing, Grantorto came into the
field. He was armed in a coat of iron plate, and wore on his head a
steel cap, rusty brown in colour, but sure and strong. He bore in his
hand a great pole-axe, with which he was accustomed to fight, the blade
of which was iron-studded, but not long. He was huge and hideous in
stature, like a giant in height, surpassing most men in strength, and
had moreover great skill in single fight. His face was ugly, and his
expression stern enough to frighten one with the very sight of it; and
when he grinned, it could scarcely be discerned whether he were a man or
a monster.
As soon as he appeared within the lists he surveyed Artegall with a
dreadful look, as if he would have daunted him with fear, and grinning
in a grisly fashion flourished his deadly weapon. But the Knight of the
Faerie Queene, who had often seen such a sight, was not in the least
quelled by his ghastly countenance, but began straight to buckle himself
to the fight, and cast his shield in front of him to be in readiness.
The trumpets sounded, and they rushed together with terrific force, each
dealing huge and dangerous strokes. But the tyrant thundered his blows
with such violence that they rent their way through the iron walls of
his enemy’s armour. Artegall, seeing this, took wary heed to shun them,
and often stooped his head to shield himself; but Grantorto wielded his
iron axe so nimbly that he gave him many wounds. But lifting his arm to
smite him mortally, the Knight spied his advantage, and slipping
underneath, struck him right in the flank. Yet the tyrant’s blow, as he
had intended, kept on its course, and fell with such monstrous weight
that it seemed as if nothing could protect Sir Artegall from death. But
betwixt him and the blow he cast his shield, in which the pole-axe
buried itself so deep that Grantorto could in no way wrest it back
again. He tugged and strove, and dragged the Knight all about the place,
but nevertheless he could not free the axe from the shield.
Artegall, perceiving this, let go of his shield, and attacking the
tyrant with his sword Crysaor, swiftly cut off his head.
When the people round about saw this they all shouted for joy at his
success, glad to be freed from the tyrant who had so long oppressed
them. Joyously running to the fair Lady Irene, they fell at her feet,
doing homage to her as their true liege and princess, while the glory of
her champion was sounded everywhere.
Then Sir Artegall led Irene with fitting majesty to the palace where the
kings reigned, and established her peaceably therein, and restored her
kingdom again to her. And all such persons as had helped the tyrant with
open or secret aid he punished severely, so that in a very short space
not one was left who would have dared to disobey her. During the time he
remained there all his study was how to deal true justice, and day and
night he gave his anxious thoughts as to how he might reform the
government.
[Illustration: An armored knight holding up a severed head while
standing over a fallen body, with onlookers in the background.]
Thus, having freed Irene from distress, he took his leave, and left her
sorrowing at his departure.
[Illustration: A person giving drink to a seated armored knight, with
shepherds and sheep in the distance.]
Sir Calidore, Knight of Courtesy
The Quest of the Blatant Beast
One of the best loved knights at the court of the Faerie Queene was Sir
Calidore, for even there, where courteous knights and ladies most did
throng, not one was more renowned for courtesy than Calidore. Gentleness
of spirit and winning manners were natural to him, and added to these,
his gallant bearing and gracious speech stole all men’s hearts.
Moreover, he was strong and tall, and well proved in battle, so that he
had won much glory, and his fame had spread afar. Not a knight or lady
at the Court but loved him dearly; and he was worthy of their affection,
for he hated falsehood and base flattery, and loved simple truth and
steadfast honesty.
But like all Queen Gloriana’s other knights, Sir Calidore was not
allowed to spend his days in slothful ease at the court. He had his task
to perform, and the adventure appointed to him was a hard and perilous
one.
As he travelled on his way, it happened by chance that he met Sir
Artegall, who was returning half sadly from the conquest he had lately
made. They knew each other at once, and Sir Calidore was the first to
speak.
“Hail, noblest Knight of all that live and breathe!” he cried. “Now tell
me, if it please you, of the good success you have had in your late
enterprise.”
Then Sir Artegall told him the whole story of his exploits from
beginning to end.
“Happy man to have worthily achieved so hard a quest!” said Calidore,
when he had finished. “It will make you renowned for evermore. But where
you have ended I now begin to tread an endless track, without guide or
direction how to enter in or issue forth—in untried ways, in strange
perils, and in long and weary labour. And even although good fortune may
befall me, it will be unseen of any one.”
“What is that quest which calls you now into such peril?” asked Sir
Artegall.
“I pursue the Blatant Beast,” said Sir Calidore, “and incessantly chase
him through the world until I overtake and subdue him. I do not know how
or in what place to find him, yet still I fare forward.”
“What is that Blatant Beast?” asked Artegall.
“It is a hideous monster of evil race, born and brought up in dark and
noisome places, whence he issues forth to be the plague and scourge of
wretched men. He has oftentimes annoyed good knight and true lady, and
destroyed many, for with his venomous nature and vile tongue he wounds
sorely, and bites, and cruelly torments.”
“Then, since I left the savage island, I have seen such a beast,” said
Artegall. “He seemed to have a thousand tongues, all agreeing in spite
and malice, with which he barked and bayed at me, as if he would have
devoured me on the spot. He was set on by two hideous old hags, _Envy_
and _Detraction_. But I, knowing myself safe from peril, paid no regard
to his malice nor his power, whereupon he poured forth his wicked poison
the more.”
“That surely is the beast which I pursue,” said Calidore. “I am right
glad to have these tidings of him, having had none before in all my
weary travels. Now your words give me some hope.”
“God speed you!” said Sir Artegall, “and keep you from the dread danger,
for you have much to contend against.”
So they took a kindly leave of each other, and parted on their several
ways.
Sir Calidore had not travelled far when he came upon a comely Squire,
bound hand and foot to a tree, who seeing him in the distance called to
him for aid. The Knight at once set him free, and then asked him what
mishap had brought him into such disgrace. The Squire replied it was
occasioned not by his fault, but through his misfortune.
[Illustration:
“=Sir Calidore thence travelled not long,
When as by chaunce a comely Squire be found,
That thorough some more mighty enemies wrong
Both hand and foote unto a tree was bound.=”
]
“Not far from here, on yonder rocky hill,” he said, “stands a strong
Castle, where a bad and hateful custom is kept up. For whenever any
knight or lady comes along that way (and they must needs go by, for it
is the pass through the rocks), they shave away the lady’s locks and the
knight’s beard to pay toll for the passage.”
“As shameful a custom as ever I heard of, and it shall be put a stop
to!” said Sir Calidore. “But for what cause was it first set on foot?”
“The lady who owns the castle is called Briana, and no prouder one
lives,” replied the Squire. “For a long time she has dearly loved a
doughty Knight, and sought to win his love by all the means in her
power. Crudor, for that is his name, in his scornful and selfish vanity
refuses to return her affection until she has made for him a mantle,
lined with the beards of knights and the locks of ladies. To provide
this, she has prepared this castle, and appointed a Seneschal, called
Maleffort, a man of great strength, who executes her wicked will with
worse malice.
“As I came along to-day with a fair damsel, my dear love, he set upon
us. Unable to withstand him, we both fled, and first capturing me he
bound me to this tree till his return, and then went in pursuit of her.
Nor do I know whether he has yet found her.”
While they were speaking they heard a piteous shriek, and looking in the
direction whence the cry came, they saw the churl dragging the maiden
along by her yellow hair. When Calidore beheld the shameful sight he
immediately went in pursuit, and commanded the villain to release his
prey. Hearing his voice, Maleffort turned, and running towards him, more
enraged than terrified, said tauntingly—
“Are you the wretch who defies me? And will you give your beard for this
maid, whose part you take? Yet it shall not free her locks from ransom.”
With that he flew fiercely at him and laid on the most hideous strokes.
But Calidore, who was well skilled in fight, let his adversary exhaust
his strength, and then attacked him with such fury that the churl’s
heart failed him, and he took flight to the Castle, where his hope of
refuge remained. But just as the warders on the Castle wall opened the
gates to receive him, Calidore overtook him in the porch, and killed
him, so that his dead body fell down inside the door. Then Calidore
entered in and slew the porter.
The rest of the Castle inmates flocked round him, but he swept them all
aside. Passing into the hall he was met by the Lady Briana herself, who
bitterly upbraided him for what she termed his unknightly conduct in
slaying her servants.
“Not unto me the shame, but award it to the shameful doer,” replied the
Knight. “It is no blame to punish those who deserve it. Those who break
the bonds of civility and make wicked customs, those are they who defame
both noble arms and gentle courtesy. There is no greater disgrace to man
than inhumanity. Then for dread of disgrace forego this evil custom
which you here keep up, and show instead kindly courtesy to all who
pass. This will gain you more glory than that man’s love which you thus
seek to obtain.”
But the Lady Briana only replied to Sir Calidore with the most scornful
insolence, and despatching a hasty message to Crudor, bade him come to
her rescue. While they waited for the return of the messenger, she
treated Sir Calidore with every indignity, so that an iron heart could
scarcely have borne it; but the Knight wisely controlled his wrath, and
bravely and patiently endured her womanish disdain.
In due course the answer came back that Crudor would succour his lady
before he tasted bread, and deliver up her foe, dead or alive, into her
hand. Then Briana immediately became quite blithe, and spoke more
bitterly than ever, yet Calidore was not in the least dismayed, but
rather seemed the more cheerful. Putting on his armour, he went out to
meet his foe, and soon spied a Knight spurring towards him with all his
might.
He guessed at once this was Crudor, and without staying to ask his name
couched his spear and ran at him. The Knights met with such fury that
both rolled to the ground; but while Calidore at once sprang lightly
again to his feet, it was some time before Crudor rose slowly and
heavily. Then the battle was renewed on foot, and after a fierce and
terrible struggle Calidore at last brought his foe to the ground. He
could easily have killed him, but Crudor, seeing the danger in which he
was placed, cried out—
“Ah, mercy, Sir! Do not slay me, but spare my life which fate has laid
under your foot.”
“And is this the boast of that proud lady’s threat, which menaced to
beat me from the field?” said Calidore quietly. “By this you may now
learn not to treat strangers so rudely. But put away proud looks and
stern behaviour, which shall gain for you nothing but dishonour. However
strong and fortunate he may be in fight, nothing is more blameful to a
Knight, who professes courtesy as well as arms, than the reproach of
pride and cruelty. In vain he seeks to suppress others who has not
learned first to subdue himself. All flesh is frail and full of
fickleness, subject to the chance of ever-changing fortune: what happens
to me to-day may happen to you to-morrow. He who will not show mercy to
others, how can he ever hope to obtain mercy? To pay each in his own
coin is right and just.
“Yet since you now need to crave mercy, I will grant it, and spare your
life, on these conditions: First that you shall behave yourself better
to all errant knights, wherever they may be; and next, that you aid
ladies in every place and in every trouble.”
The wretched man, who had remained all this while in dread of death,
gladly promised to perform all Sir Calidore’s behests, and further swore
to marry Briana without any dowry, and to release her from his former
shameful conditions. Then Calidore called the Lady, and soothing her
terror, told her of the promise he had compelled Crudor to make.
Overcome by his exceeding courtesy, which quite pierced her stubborn
heart, Briana threw herself at his feet, and acknowledged herself deeply
indebted to him for having restored both life and love to her. Then they
all returned to the Castle, and she entertained them joyfully with feast
and glee, trying by all the means in her power to show her gratitude and
goodwill. To Sir Calidore, for his trouble, she freely gave the Castle,
and professed herself bound to him for ever, so wondrously was she
changed from what she had been before.
But Calidore would not keep for himself land or fee as wages for his
good deed, but gave them at once as a rightful reward to the Squire whom
he had lately freed, and to his damsel, in recompense for all their
former wrong. There he remained happily with them till he was well and
strong from the wounds he had received, and then he passed forth again
on his first quest.
The Proud Discourteous Knight
As Sir Calidore rode on his way he saw not far off a strange sight—a
tall young man fighting on foot against an armed Knight on horseback;
and beside them he saw a fair lady standing alone on foot, in sad
disarray. Before he could get near to ask what was the matter, the armed
Knight had been killed by the youth.
Filled with amazement, Sir Calidore steadfastly marked the latter, and
found him to be a goodly and graceful youth, still only a slender slip,
not more than seventeen years old, but tall and fair of face, so that
the Knight surely deemed him of noble birth. He was clad in a woodman’s
jacket of Lincoln green, trimmed with silver lace; on his head he wore a
hood with spreading points, and his hunter’s horn hung at his side. His
buskins were of the costliest leather, adorned with golden points, and
regularly intersected with stripes, as was then the fashion for those of
gentle family. In his right hand he held a quivering dart, and in his
left a sharp boar-spear.
Calidore, having well viewed him, at length spoke, and asked him how it
came that he, though not yet a Knight, had dared to slay a Knight, which
was plainly forbidden by chivalry.
“Truly,” said the youth, “I was loath to break the law of chivalry, but
I would break it again rather than let myself be struck by any man. He
assailed me first, regardless of what belongs to chivalry.”
“By my troth,” then said Sir Calidore, “great blame is it for an armed
Knight to wrong an unarmed man. But tell me why this strife arose
between you?”
Then the youth, whose name was Tristram, told him that, as he was
hunting that day in the forest, he chanced to meet this man, together
with the lady. The Knight, as Sir Calidore had seen, was on horseback,
but the lady walked on foot beside the horse, through thick and thin,
unfit for any woman. Yet not content with this, to add to the disgrace,
whenever she lagged behind, as she must needs do, he would thump her
forward with his spear, and force her to go on, while she vainly wept,
and made piteous lament.
“When I saw this, as they passed by,” continued Tristram, “I was moved
to indignation, and began to blame him for such cruelty. At this he was
enraged, and disdainfully reviled me, threatening to chastise me as one
would a child. I, no less disdainful, returned his scornful taunts,
whereupon he struck me with his spear, and I, seeking to avenge myself,
threw a slender dart at him, which struck him, as it seems, underneath
the heart, so that he quickly died.”
Sir Calidore inquired of the lady if this were indeed true, and as she
could deny nothing, but cleared Tristram of all blame, then said the
Knight—
“Neither will I charge him with guilt. For what he spoke, he spoke it
for you, Lady; and what he did, he did it to save himself, against both
of whom that Knight wrought unknightly shame.”
Then turning back to the gallant boy, who had acquitted himself so well
and stoutly, and seeing his beautiful face, and hearing his wise words,
Sir Calidore was filled with admiration, and felt certain that he came
of heroic blood. Then, because of the affection he bore him, he begged
the youth to reveal who he was, “for since the day when I first bore
arms,” added the Knight, “I never saw greater promise in any one.”
Then Tristram replied that he was the son of a King, although by fate or
fortune he had lost his country and the crown that should be his by
right. He was the only heir of the good King Meliogras of Cornwall, but
his father dying while he was still a child, his uncle had seized the
kingdom. The widowed Queen, his mother, afraid lest ill should happen to
the boy, sent him away out of the country of Lyonesse, where he was
born, into the land of Queen Gloriana, and here he had dwelt since the
time he was ten years old.
His days had not been spent in idleness, for he had been well trained
with many noble companions in gentle manners and other fitting ways. His
chief delight was in following the chase, and nothing that ranged in the
green forest was unknown to him. But now that he was growing older he
felt it was time to employ his strength in a nobler fashion, and he
besought Sir Calidore to make him a Squire, so that henceforth he might
bear arms, and learn to use them aright.
So Sir Calidore caused him to kneel, and made him swear faith to his
Knight, and truth to all ladies, and never to be recreant for fear of
peril, nor for anything that might befall. So he dubbed him, and called
him his Squire.
Then young Tristram grew full glad and joyous, and when the time came
for Sir Calidore to depart, he prayed that he might go with him on his
adventure, vowing always to serve him faithfully. Sir Calidore rejoiced
at his noble heart, and hoped he would surely prove a doughty Knight,
yet for the time he was obliged to make this answer to him:—
“Glad would I surely be, my courteous Squire, to have you with me in my
present quest, but I am bound by a vow which I swore to my Sovereign,
that in fulfilling her behest I would allow no creature to aid me. For
that reason I may not grant what you so earnestly beg. But since this
lady is now quite desolate, and needs a safeguard on her way, you would
do well to succour her from fear of danger.”
Tristram gladly accepted this new service, so, taking a courteous leave,
the two parted.
[Illustration: An armored knight talking to a man and a woman sitting
together under the trees.]
Not long after this, Sir Calidore came upon a Knight and a lady sitting
in the shade of some trees. Sir Calidore greeted them courteously, and
the Knight invited him to sit down beside them, so that they might talk
over all their adventures. While they were chatting together, the Lady
Serena wandered away into the fields to pluck some flowers. Then
suddenly, from the forest near, the Blatant Beast rushed forth, and
catching up the lady, bore her away in his great mouth. Starting up,
both Knights at once gave chase, and Calidore, who was swiftest of foot,
overtook the monster in the midst of his race, and fiercely charging
him, made him leave his prey and take to flight.
Knowing that the Knight was close at hand, Sir Calidore did not pause to
succour the lady, but quickly followed the brute in his flight. Full
many paths and perils he passed; over hill and dale, through forest and
plain; so sharply did he pursue the monster that he never suffered him
to rest, day or night. From the court he chased him to the city, from
the city to the village, from the village into the country, and from the
country back to remote farms. Thence the Blatant Beast fled into the
open fields, where the herds were keeping the cattle, and the shepherds
were singing to their flocks.
Coridon and Pastorella
As Sir Calidore followed the chase of the Blatant Beast he came upon a
group of shepherds piping to their flocks. In reply to his questions
they answered they had never seen the creature, and if there were any
such they prayed heaven to keep him far from them. Then one of them,
seeing that Calidore was travel-worn and weary, offered him such simple
food and drink as they had with them, and the Knight, who was courteous
to all men alike, both the lowly and the high-born, accepted their
gentle offer.
[Illustration:
“=Upon a little hillocke she was placed
Higher than all the rest, and round about
Environ’d with a girland, goodly graced
Of lovely lasses.=”
]
As he sat amongst these rustics he saw seated on a little hillock,
higher than all the rest, a beautiful maiden, wearing a crown of flowers
tied with silken ribbons. She was surrounded by the other shepherdesses,
as with a lovely garland, but her beauty far excelled theirs, and all
united in singing the praises and carolling the name of the “fairest
Pastorella.” Not one of all the shepherds but honoured her, and many
also loved her, but most of all the shepherd Coridon. Yet neither for
him nor for any one else did she care a whit; her lot was humble, but
her mind was high above it.
As Sir Calidore gazed at her and marked her rare demeanour, which seemed
to him far to excel the rank of a shepherd, and to be worthy of a
Prince’s paragon, all unawares he was caught in the toils of love, from
which no skill of his own could deliver him. So there he sat still, with
no desire to move, although his quest had gone far before him. He stayed
until the flying day was far spent, and the dews of night warned the
shepherds to hasten home with their flocks.
Then came to them an aged sire, with silver beard and locks, and
carrying a shepherd’s crook. He was always supposed to be the father of
Pastorella, and she indeed thought it herself. But he was not so, having
found her by chance in the open field as an infant. He took her home,
and cherished her as his own child, for he had none other, and in course
of time she came to be accounted so.
Melibee, for so the good old man was called, seeing Calidore left all
alone and night at hand, invited him to his simple home, which, although
only a mud cottage, with everything very humble, was yet better to lodge
in than the open fields. The Knight full gladly agreed, this being his
heart’s own wish, and went home with Melibee. There he was made heartily
welcome by the honest shepherd and his aged wife, and after the frugal
supper, which they ate with much contentment, Sir Calidore listened
half-entranced while Melibee discoursed on all the joys of a pastoral
life. So tempting was the picture he painted that Calidore resolved to
lay aside for awhile his toilsome quest and the pursuit of glory, and
take a little rest in this peaceful spot. If he were allowed to share
the cabin and the scanty fare he promised to reward Melibee well, but
the good old man refused the offered gift of gold.
“If you really wish to try this simple sort of life that shepherds
lead,” he said, “make it your own, and learn our rustic ways for
yourself.”
So Sir Calidore dwelt there that night, and many days after, as long as
it pleased him, daily beholding the fair Pastorella, and all the while
growing more deeply in love with her. He tried to please her by all the
kindly courtesies he could invent, but she, who had never been
accustomed to such strange fashions, fit for kings and queens, nor had
ever seen such knightly service, paid small heed to them, and cared more
for the shepherds’ rustic civility than for anything he did.
Sir Calidore, seeing this, thought it best to change the manner of his
appearance. Doffing his bright armour, he dressed himself in shepherd’s
attire, taking in his hand a crook instead of a steel-headed spear. Clad
thus, he went every day to the fields with Pastorella, and kept her
flocks diligently, watching to drive away the ravenous wolf, so that she
could sport and play as it pleased her.
Coridon, who for a long time had loved her, and hoped to gain her love,
was greatly troubled, and very jealous of this stranger. He often
complained scowlingly of Pastorella to all the other shepherds, and
whenever he came near Calidore, would frown and bite his lips, and was
ready to devour his own heart with jealousy. The Knight, on the other
hand, was utterly free from malice or grudging, never showing any sign
of rancour, and often taking an opportunity to praise Coridon to
Pastorella. But the maiden, if ever she had cared for her uncouth
admirer, certainly did so no longer now that she had seen Calidore.
Once when Calidore was asked to lead the dance with Pastorella, in his
courtesy he took Coridon, and set him in his place; and when Pastorella
gave him her own flowery garland, he soon took it off and put it on the
head of Coridon.
Another time Coridon challenged Calidore to a wrestling match, thinking
he would surely avenge his grudge, and easily put his foe to shame, for
he was well practised in this game. But he greatly mistook Calidore, for
the Knight was strong and mightily tough in sinew, and with one fall he
almost broke Coridon’s neck. Then Pastorella gave the oaken crown to
Calidore as his due right, but he who excelled in courtesy gave it to
Coridon, saying he had won it well.
Thus did that gentle Knight bear himself amidst that rustic throng, so
that even they who were his rivals could not malign him, but must needs
praise him; for courtesy breeds goodwill and favour even amongst the
rudest. So it surely wrought with this fair maiden, and in her mind
sowed the seeds of perfect love, which at last, after long trial,
brought forth the fruit of joy and happiness.
But whatever Sir Calidore did to please Pastorella, Coridon immediately
strove to emulate; and if the Knight succeeded in winning favour, he was
frozen with jealousy.
One day, as they all three went together to the greenwood to gather
strawberries, a dangerous adventure befell them. A tiger rose up out of
the wood and rushed with greedy jaws at Pastorella. Hearing her cry for
help, Coridon ran in haste to rescue her; but when he saw the fiend he
fled away just as fast in cowardly fear, holding his own life dearer
than his friend. But Calidore, quickly coming to her aid when he saw the
beast ready to rend his dear lady, ran at him enraged, instead of being
afraid. He had no weapon but his shepherd’s crook, but with that he
struck the monster so sternly that he fell stunned to the ground, and
then, before he could recover, Sir Calidore cut off his head, and laid
it at the feet of the terrified maiden.
From that day forth Pastorella grew more and more fond of the Knight,
but Coridon she despised, because of his cowardice. Then for a long time
Sir Calidore dwelt happily among these shepherd folk, forgetting his
former quest, so full of toil and pain, and rejoicing in the happy peace
of rustic bliss.
But at last malicious fortune, which envies the long prosperity of
lovers, blew up a bitter storm of adversity.
In the Brigands’ Den
One day, when Sir Calidore was away hunting in the woods, a lawless
tribe of brigands invaded the country where the shepherds dwelt, ravaged
their houses, murdered the shepherds, and drove away their flocks. Old
Melibee and all his household were led away captive, and with them also
was taken Coridon. In the dead of night, so that no one might see or
rescue them, the robbers carried their prey to their dwelling. This was
on a little island, so covered with dense brushwood that there seemed no
way for people to pass in or out, or to find footing in the overgrown
grass; for the way was made underground, through hollow caves that no
man could discover, because of the thick shrubs which hid them from
sight. Through all the inner parts of their dwelling the darkness of
night daily hovered; they were not lighted by any window or opening in
the roof, but with continual candle-light, which made a dim and
uncertain gloom.
Hither the brigands brought their prisoners, and kept them under
constant watch and ward, meaning, as soon as they conveniently could, to
sell them as slaves to merchants, who would either keep them in bondage
or sell them again. But the Captain of the brigands was enchanted with
the loveliness of Pastorella, and determined to keep her for himself.
When, therefore, the other prisoners were brought forward to be sold, so
that the money received for them might be divided equally among the
band, he held back Pastorella, saying that she was his prize alone, with
whom no one else had anything to do. Besides, he added, she was now so
weak and wan through illness that she was worth nothing as merchandise;
and then he showed her to them, to prove how pale and ill she was.
The sight of her wondrous beauty, though now worn and faded, and only to
be dimly seen by candle-light, so amazed the eyes of the merchants that
they utterly refused to buy any of the other prisoners without her, and
offered to pay large sums of gold. Then the Captain bade them be silent.
He refused to sell the maiden; they could take the rest if they
would—this one he would keep for himself.
Some of the other chief robbers boldly forbade him to do this injury,
for the maiden, much as it grieved him, should be sold with the rest of
the captives, in order to increase their price. The Captain again
refused angrily, and, drawing his sword, declared that if any one dared
to lay a hand on her, he should dearly rue it, and his death should pay
the price.
From words they rapidly fell to blows, and, the candle being soon
quenched in the conflict, the fight raged furiously in the dark. But,
first of all, they killed the captives, lest they should join against
the weaker side or rise against the remnant. Old Melibee and his aged
wife were slain, and many others with them; but Coridon, escaping
craftily, crept out of doors, hidden in the darkness, and fled away as
fast as he could. Unhappy Pastorella was defended all the time by the
Captain of the brigands, who, more careful of her safety than of his
own, kept his target always stretched over her. At length he was slain,
yet, even in his fall, continued with his extended arms to shelter
Pastorella, who, wounded with the same stroke, fell to the ground with
him.
[Illustration:
“=Their Captaine there they cruelly found kild
And in his armes the dreary, dying mayd.=”
]
With the death of the Captain the fray ceased, and the brigands,
lighting fresh candles, made search to see who was slain, friends and
foes. There they found their Captain cruelly killed, and, in his arms,
the dying maiden; but, seeing that life still lingered, they busily
applied all their skill to call her soul back to its home, and so well
did they work that at last they restored her to life. This done, they
placed her in charge of one of the brigands, who kept her in harsh and
wretched thraldom, scarcely allowing her food or rest, or suffering her
wounds to be properly tended.
Sir Calidore, meanwhile, having returned from the wood, and found the
cottage despoiled and his love reft away, waxed almost mad with grief
and rage. To add to his anguish, there was not a soul of whom he could
inquire anything. He sought the woods, but could see no man; he sought
the plains, but could hear no tidings. The woods only repeated vain
echoes; the plains were waste and empty. Where once the shepherds played
their pipes and fed a hundred flocks, there now he found not one.
At last, as he roamed up and down, he saw a man coming towards him, who
seemed to be some wretched peasant in ragged clothes, with hair standing
on end, as if he fled from some recent danger, which still followed
close behind. As he came near, the Knight saw it was Coridon. Running up
to him, Sir Calidore asked where were the rest—where was Pastorella?
Bursting into tears, Coridon told how they had been seized by the
brigands, and carried to their den. He described how they were to have
been sold as slaves, and the quarrel that had arisen over Pastorella. He
told how the Captain had tried to defend her. “But what could he do
alone against them all?” he added. “He could not save her; in the end
she must surely die. I only escaped in the uproar and confusion, and it
were better to be dead with them than to see all this place, where we
dwelt together in joy, desolate and waste.”
Calidore was at first almost distracted at hearing this dreadful news;
but presently, recovering himself, he began to cast about in his mind
how he might rescue Pastorella if she were still alive, or how he should
revenge her death; or, if he were too weak to avenge her, then at least
he could die with her.
Therefore, he prayed Coridon, since he knew well the readiest way into
the thieves’ den, that he would conduct him there. Coridon was still so
frightened that at first he refused; but at last he was persuaded by Sir
Calidore’s entreaties and promises of reward.
So forth they went together, both clad in shepherd’s dress and carrying
their crooks; but Calidore had secretly armed himself underneath. Then,
as they approached the place, they saw upon a hill, not far away, some
flocks of sheep and some shepherds, to whom they both agreed to take
their way, hoping to learn some news.
There they found, which they did not expect, the self-same flocks which
the brigands had stolen away, with several of the thieves left to look
after them. Coridon knew quite well his own sheep, and, seeing them,
began to weep for pity; but, when he saw the thieves, his heart failed
him, although they were all asleep. He wanted Calidore to kill them as
they slept and drive away the sheep, but the Knight had another purpose
in view. Waking the brigands, he sat down beside them, and began to chat
of different things, hoping to find out from them whether Pastorella
were alive or slain. The thieves, in their turn, began to question Sir
Calidore and Coridon, asking what sort of men they were and whence they
came; to which they replied that they were poor herdsmen who had fled
from their masters, and now sought hire elsewhere.
The thieves, delighted to hear this, offered to pay them well if they
would tend their flocks, for they themselves were bad herdsmen, they
said, not accustomed to watch cattle or pasture sheep, but to foray the
land or scour the sea. Sir Calidore and Coridon agreed to keep the
flocks; so there they stayed all day, as long as the light lasted.
When it grew towards night the robbers took them to their dens, which
they soon got to know quite well, and where they sought out all the
secret passages. There they found, to their joy and surprise, that
Pastorella still lived. Watching their opportunity, one dead of night,
when all the thieves were sound asleep after a recent foray, Sir
Calidore made his way to the Captain’s den. When he came to the cave he
found it fast, but he assailed the door with irresistible might and
burst the lock. One of the robbers, awaking at the noise, ran to the
entrance, but the bold Knight easily slew him. Pastorella, in the
meanwhile, was almost dead with fright, believing it to be another
uproar such as she had lately seen. But when Sir Calidore came in, and
began to call for her, knowing his voice, she suddenly revived, and her
soul was filled with rapture. No less rejoiced Calidore when he found
her, and like one distracted he caught her in his arms and kissed her a
thousand times.
By this time the hue and cry was raised, and all the brigands came
crowding to the cave; but Calidore stood in the entry, and slew each man
as he advanced, so that the passage was lined with dead bodies. Then,
when no more could get near him, he rested till the morning, when he
made his way into the open light. Here all the rest of the brigands were
ready waiting for him, and, fiercely assailing him, fell on him with all
their might. But Calidore, with his raging brand, divided their thickest
troops and scattered them wide. Like a lion among a herd of deer, so did
he fly among them, hewing and slaying all that came near, so that none
dared face the danger, but fled from his wrath to hide from death in
their caves.
Then, returning to his dear lady, he brought her forth into the joyous
light, and did everything he could to make her forget the troubles
through which she had passed. From the thieves’ den he took all the
spoils and treasures of which they had robbed other people, and all the
flocks which they had stolen from Melibee he restored to Coridon.
The Beast with a Thousand Tongues
Sir Calidore, having rescued Pastorella from the brigands’ den, took her
to the Castle of Belgard, where the good Sir Bellamour was lord, and
there a strange thing happened.
Years before, Sir Bellamour had secretly married a beautiful maiden,
called Claribel, the daughter of a rich and powerful man, known by the
name of the “Lord of Many Islands.” Her father had hoped, because of his
great wealth, that his daughter would marry the Prince of a neighbouring
country, and when he found that she loved Sir Bellamour, he was in such
a rage that he threw them in two deep dungeons, forbidding them ever to
see each other. When Claribel was in prison, a little daughter was born
to her; but, fearing lest her father should get hold of it, she
entrusted it to her handmaid, Melissa, to have it brought up as a
stranger’s child. The trusty damsel carried it into an empty field, and
having kissed and wept over it, placed it on the ground, and hid herself
behind some bushes near, to see what mortal would take pity on the poor
little infant. At length a shepherd, who kept his fleecy flocks on the
plains around, led by the infant’s cry, came to the place, and when he
found there the abandoned treasure, he took it up, and wrapping it in
his mantle, bore it home to his honest wife, who ever afterwards brought
it up as her own child.
Claribel and Bellamour remained a long time in captivity, till at last
the “Lord of Many Islands” died, and left them all his possessions. Then
the tide of fortune turned, they were restored to freedom, and rejoiced
in happiness together. They had lived for a long time in peace and love
when Sir Calidore brought Pastorella to the castle. Here they both
received the heartiest welcome, for Sir Bellamour was an old friend of
Calidore’s, and loved him well; and Claribel, seeing how weak and wan
Pastorella was after her long captivity, tended her with the greatest
love and care.
Now, it happened that before the handmaiden parted with the infant she
noticed on its breast a little purple mark, like a rose unfolding its
silken leaves. This same maiden, Melissa, was appointed to wait on
Pastorella, and one morning, when she was helping her to dress, she
noticed on her chest the rosy mark which she remembered well on the
little infant, Claribel’s daughter. Full of joy, she ran in haste to her
mistress, and told her that the beautiful lady was no other than the
little child who had been born in prison. Then Claribel ran quickly to
the stranger maiden, and finding it was even as Melissa said, she
clasped her in her arms and held her close, weeping softly and saying,
“And do you now live again, my daughter, and are you still alive whom
long I mourned as dead?”
Then there was great rejoicing in the Castle of Belgard.
[Illustration:
“=Putting his puissance forth, pursued so hard
That backward he enforced him to fall;
And being down, ere he new help could call,
His shield he on him threw, and far down held.=”
]
Meanwhile Sir Calidore was pursuing the quest of the Blatant Beast,
seeking him in every place with unresting pain and toil, and following
him by his destroying track, for wherever the monster went he left
behind him ruin and devastation.
At last, in a narrow place, Sir Calidore overtook him, and, fiercely
assailing, forced him to turn. Then the Blatant Beast ran at him with
open mouth, huge and horrible; it was all set with a double row of iron
teeth, and in it were a thousand tongues of every kind and quality—some
were of dogs, that barked day and night; some of cats that yawled; some
of bears that growled continually; some of tigers that seemed to grin
and snarl at all who passed by; but most of them were tongues of mortal
men, who poured forth abuse, not caring where nor when; and among them
were mingled here and there the tongues of serpents, with three-forked
stings, that spat out poison at all who came within reach, speaking
hateful things of good and bad alike, of high and low, not even sparing
kings or kaisers, but either blotting them with infamy or biting them
with their baneful teeth.
But Calidore, not in the least afraid of this horrid spectacle, met him
with such impetuous might that he checked his violence and beat him
back. Then the monster, rearing up, ramped upon him with his ravenous
paws, as if his cruel claws would have rent him; but the Knight, being
well on guard, cast his shield between, and putting forth all his
strength, forced him to fall back; and when he was down, he threw his
shield on him and pinned him to the ground. In vain did the Beast rage
and roar; for the more he strove, the more firmly the Knight held him,
so that he was almost mad with spite. He grinned, he bit, he scratched,
he spat out venom, and acted like a horrible fiend.
When the monster saw force was of no avail, he began to use his hundred
tongues, and reviled and railed at the Knight with bitter terms of
infamy, weaving in many a forged lie, whose like Sir Calidore had never
heard or thought of; yet for all that he did not let the creature go,
but held him so tight that he nearly choked him.
At last, when he found his strength failing and his rage lessening, Sir
Calidore took a strong muzzle of the stoutest iron, made with many a
link, with which he fastened up his mouth, shutting up therein his
blasphemous tongue, so that he should never more defame gentle knight or
wrong lovely lady; and to this he tied a great long chain, with which he
dragged him forth in spite of himself. The hideous Beast chafed inwardly
at these strange bonds, which no one till then had dared to impose on
him; yet he dared not draw back nor attempt to resist the power of the
noble Calidore, but trembled before him, and followed like a frightened
dog.
All through Faerie Land he followed him thus, as if he had learnt
obedience, so that all the people wherever he went thronged out of the
town to see Sir Calidore lead the Blatant Beast in bondage, and seeing
it were amazed at the sight; and all such people as he had formerly
wronged rejoiced to see him a captive, and many wondered at the Beast,
but more wondered at the Knight.
Thus was this monster suppressed and tamed by the mastering might of the
doughty Calidore, and so for a long time he remained. But at last,
either by wicked fate or the fault of men, he broke his iron chain, and
got again at liberty into the world; and here he still ranges, barking
and biting, sparing no one in his malice, and doing an infinite deal of
mischief wherever he goes; and since the days of the good Sir Calidore
no man has ever been able to master him.
THE END
LONDON: WELLS GARDNER, DARTON, AND CO., LIMITED
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
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