Claris and Laris

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Claris and Laris
 by: Lewis Porney (Editor , Translator)
 from: A New and Complete Collection of Interesting Romances and Novels (Pp. 142 - 186)  1780

 The History of Claris and Laris, A Romance of Chivalry.

 Extracted from a manuscript in the possession of Mr. De St. Palaye, and relative to the history of the Twelve Worthies of the Round Table. We can boast no proof to ascertain who was the author of this old romance, and know no other MS. than that from which the following pages have been extracted; mention being made of it only in the catalogue of the French King's library. All that we can say with certainty is, that this romance is posterior to that of the Knight of the Lion, since the latter and its author are quoted in the work now before us.

In the reign of the renowned Arthur, King of Great Britain, there lived in Gascony, a sovereign, whose name was Ladon, married to the beautiful Lidamia, daughter to an Emperor of Germany, and grand-niece to King Arthur. This Princess, who was accounted the fairest of her sex, had hardly completed her third lustre; whilst her royal consort was in his hundredth year. So disproportionate a difference of ages, which might have startled a vulgar husband, did not in the least terrify the bold Ladon. He knew that Lidamia, trained up from her infancy in all the virtues which render the fair sex as great an object of man's admiration, as nature has calculated them to captivate the heart, would never swerve from those principles; and therefore thought himself perfectly secure, and that the Emperor's daughter would prove no less dutiful than she was handsome. Among the young gentlemen or esquires who had been brought up at the court of Gascony, the most remarkable was Claris, son to a Duke, vassal to King Ladon. He was nearly of the same age with the Queen; and at that time of life the "Heyday of the blood is wild , and waits not upon the judgment." The Queen's exquisite beauty made the strongest impressions on the youthful page, who, in her presence, was so disconcerted, as not to be able to go through the duties of his office, which was to wait as decker and carver to their Majesties. This appeared in several instances, which, though trifling in themselves, are accounted very significant in love affairs. At times, setting a dish on the table, he would spill the contents; at others, he would cut his fingers instead of the meat he had to carve; for, whilst his eyes were revetted on the mistress of his heart, the amorous youth could mind nothing else. The King thought him very awkward and unhandy. The Queen proved a better judge, and laid his absence of mind to a far different cause than want of dexterity. But she was too virtuous, and too attentive to what a wife, and above all, a Princess owes to the world and herself, to boast of her sagacity in this instance: yet Lidamia was a woman, Claris graceful and handsome; two excellent reasons for even a Queen not to be displeased at the discovery.

Meanwhile Claris, whose passion daily increased, grew every day more unfit for his employment; till at last, weighed down by the conflict of love and honour, he fell dangerously ill. Nature, the strength of his constitution, and above all, perhaps, his unconquerable pugnance to physic and physicians, restored health to his body; but nothing could afford relief to his disturbed mind. As he recovered his strength apace, the King said to him one day, "My good varlet, 1 thou seemest calculated for something better than carving and waiting; so inactive a life is irksome to thy youth. Thou hadst better hie thee to England; King Arthur's court is the best school for valour and chivalry: my Queen will give thee letters to that great Prince our kinsman, and, coming with such a recommendation, thou canst not fail of being well received, and wilt be taught the art of war, more becoming thy age and high birth, than carving a joint or decking a table." The Queen, with great complacency, said, "That she rejoiced at the opportunity of serving the young man, by recommending him strongly to the notice and patronage of her royal uncle." This assurance, and the manner in which it was given, removed all the objections which the enamored Claris might have urged against undertaking a voyage that would put such distance between him and the person he adored. But considering that honour on his part, and the Queen's unshaken virtue were obstacles not to be removed; then reflecting on Lidamia's advice, and pleasingly recollecting the affability and unspeakable sweetness with which she had expressed herself, he prudently resolved to set out for England for a few days. On the eve of his departure, Laris, the Queen's brother, declared he would bear him company. A conformity of tempers and inclinations had long established a mutual friendship between the young Prince and Claris, who was of the same age, and proud of an intimacy with Laris; not because he was of so elevated a rank, but because he was Lidamia's brother. The King, who was consulted in this matter, gave a ready assent, and before they left the court they were knighted by Ladon. The Queen, with great affection, recommended her brother to the care of Claris. The latter, unable to refrain from tears, replied, "Most gracious Queen! as long as I have a drop of blood in my veins, be assured that I shall shed it with pleasure in defence of his Highness. My life is yours, and I shall be happy to lay it down in the service of so near a relation to your Majesty." He could say no more; his voice failed him, and he could hardly muster strength enough to retire. The two young Knights set out at last with only a few attendants in their train.

On their way, they met with several hazardous adventures; but we shall only mention their principal atchievements. As they were passing by a strong castle, a dwarf, with great politeness, invited them in his master's name to walk in, and take some refreshment. They got on the draw-bridge; but they had hardly reached the castle when the bridge was pulled up after them, and they were instantly beset by the master and all his servants. Their valour made amends for the imprudence they had been guilty of. They killed most of their opponents and dispersed the rest. The master, brought down by Claris from his horse, begged his life; which the generous Knight was about to grant; when a damsel of exquisite beauty addressed him in these words, "Most noble and valourous Knight! do not spare the caitiff; but rather punish him at once for his numberless crimes. It has been his constant practice to decoy every passenger; attack them, as he has done you and your brave companion, then put them to death, or keep them confined in horrid and gloomy dungeons. Thus is it that he hath used my dear Yvain, one of the most worthy and bravest Knights of the Round-table; come and break his chains; but first dispatch the traitor, or at least let him take Yvain's place."

Claris, complying with the latter part of her request, had the tyrant loaded with irons, and ordered him to be carried to the black hole, where he had confined the brave Yvain. The latter, greatly rejoiced at this unexpected turn of fortune, which restored him to liberty and love; for, as the less sagacious reader has already found out, the damsel was the Lady Paramount of Yvain's thoughts. After an abundance of thanks and compliments had passed between the happy pair and their deliverers, they all sat down quietly to supper; thinking themselves now in perfect safety. But they were soon roused to arms by the approach of the dwarf, followed by a troop of banditti, who were in league with the blood thirsty Baron, and to whom the trusty pygmy had given the alarm, as soon as he saw that victory declared against his master. Yvain, who, by his experience and his great deeds of arms, was enabled to direct and execute, ordered the necessary precautions to be taken, and to let the enemy enter the castle, and then attack them unawares. The villians fell a victim to their imprudence. Seeing they were not opposed, they rushed on heedlessly; but were so timely and vigorously assailed, that, notwithstanding their great superiority in point of number, they were all slain to a man. The master, who from his dungeon heard the outcries of his dying friends, and the victorious shouts of the conquerors, broke his chains; to run if possible to their assistance. Then, with a superior exertion of his bodily strength, wrenching the door from its hinges, he sallied out, and reached the field of battle, where he met with the fate of his accomplices. Yvain dined, and remained there the whole day. After having given the best instructions to his deliverers, both concerning the road they were to take, and how to behave at the court of King Arthur, he set out with the lady for a distant province, the name of which is not recorded by the author.

Our young Knights were crossing that part of the country, now called the Marches of Poitou. Claris, ever intent on the contemplation of Lidamia's dear image, was roused from his pleasing revery by the appearance of a horseman making towards the two friends. As he approached, they were struck with the costliness of his armour, and the magnificence of the horse's trappings. The man himself, however, did not seem to become all this finery; for he had hardly strength enough to keep in the saddle; whilst the sadness and dejection visible in his countenance, betrayed some inward grief that laid heavy on his mind. They accosted the stranger with all imaginable civility, proffering their services to help him on the road.—"Alas! gentlemen, replied he, with a heart-renting sigh, I have no further hope of peace and happiness on this side of the grave; all I hold dear and precious in this world, my fair damsel, has been estranged from me in the most treacherous manner. My name is Carados, and, though I say it, is no disgrace to my fellow worthies of the Round-table. I am now in my way to the court of King Arthur, to beg the assistance of that Prince and his noble Knights, it is amongst them only that I can hope to find an avenger." "You need not go so far, answered, unanimously, Claris and Laris, we may be perhaps, by our discretion, worthy of your confidence: and, as to redressing your grievances, we are ready to encounter, nay, to court danger undismayed." "Gentle Knights, rejoined the afflicted Carados, your appearance and courage inspire me with esteem for you, and confidence in your word; I shall therefore briefly relate to you my disastrous adventure.

"I was on the eve of being married to a most beautiful and virtuous maiden, when Ladas, Lord of Rochelles, and my neighbor, envious of my happiness, and resolved to thwart it, sent me a challenge, by which he offered to dispute with me the possession of so valuable a treasure. I might have refused to meet him, nor would it have been derogatory to the laws of chivalry, since he was hardly known even by sight to the fair damsel; nor had he in any wise asserted his pretended right before I had been solemnly betrothed to her. Yet I was so enraptured with her beauties, that I could not bear the thought of any one presuming to lift up his eyes to the idol of my heart's worship: so that, trusting to the little fame I have acquired by a few feats of arms, and well spoken of by my too partial friends, I obeyed the proud Lord's summons. Punctual to the time, I arrived on the spot before my antagonist made his appearance. But I should inform you (though you may think my rashness deserving of censure) that, in the heat of passion, I had sent word back to my rival, that I was ready to fight single against himself and two more; against six, if he would allow me a second, or against him and eight more, with two Knights beside myself. The terms were agreed to by him, but without specifying which he preferred: this I overlooked, thinking that he would meet me with two of his friends only, the first proposal being a sufficient mark of my contempt for him: upon this supposition, I brought no one with me to the appointed place. Ladas came at last, but better accompanied than I expected; for, having taken advantage of the last condition which I had mentioned, he had put himself at the head of eight of his vassal Knights. Had I the least assistance at hand, I would have attacked them, regardless of their number; but being alone, what could I expect but death? and, what was still worse, to expire with the torturing certitude, that he should be happy in her love. I therefore declined the combat, as not being prepared for it. My adored fair one was put into the hands of the Barons, who were to have been witness of the contest; and Ladas declared, that unless within forty days I should come accompanied as I had proposed, the fair prize should be assigned over to him. King Arthur is gone into Britanny; his valorous Knights, my brethren, have no doubt followed our brave and worthy leader; so that I have every reason to fear that I shall return too late, and thus lose the only woman that can make life desirable."

"Sir Knight, said Claris to him, your courage got certainly the better of your prudence; but we have engaged to serve you, and if the assistance of two young Knights, whom six adversaries cannot intimidate, proves acceptable, you need but speak; we are ready to follow you."

This bold offer, and the resolute manner in which Claris had spoke, revived the exhausted spirits of Carados, who, with joy and gratitude, closed with their proposals, and the three heroes galloped away towards Rochelles, where they immediately challenged Ladas to fulfill his promise. All the Knights of this and the adjacent countries, assembled on the appointed day, to see the issue of so important an event. The Barons to whose charge the Lady had been committed, brought her to the field of battle, where Ladas had the cowardice to appear at the head of eight Knights. But the very sight of his lovely mistress, had roused a lion within the breast of Carados; whilst indignation at Ladas's unmanliness, stimulated the undaunted courage of the two young Knights. They engaged; but, as if it had not been enough for the treacherous Ladas to have the advantage of three to one in the field, he had given particular directions to his followers to point their lances to the breasts of the horses, contrary to the express law of true chivalry. The three brave Knights had already dismounted three of their adversaries; but their own horses being now killed under them, they were obliged to fight on foot against the six that remained on horse-back. Enraged at so much perfidy, they hearkened to nothing but the loud calls of a just resentment; and, seizing the reins, to the manifest danger of being crushed to death, they endeavored to make their opponents quit the saddle, or to stab them through the openings of their armour. Carados was beside himself, and, in spite of so many obstacles, endeavoured to cut his way to his detested rival. One would have thought that he fought for death, and would have welcomed it, if he could have rendered it fatal to the treacherous Ladas. At last, fortune favoured the just cause; the Lord of Rochelles, forced from his horse, fell at the feet of Carados, who held his pointed sword to the throat of the prostrate truant. Meanwhile, the other champions did not dare advance to his rescue, seeing the menacing posture of the victor, lest he should put their master to instant death. Thus forsaken and conquered, Ladas was obliged to beg for life, which the noble Carados did not think worth taking. Having called to the Barons to witness his victory, he ran to his betrothed to take her back from them. The lively apprehension of her lover's danger had deprived her of motion, and almost of life, nor did she come to herself for a long time. At last, opening her lovely eyes, she cast on Carados a look of fondness inexpressible. The first use she made of her speech, was to ask, with all the anxiety of love, whether he was wounded. On his giving her the most positive assurances that he was not, she sprung from him, and ran towards the place where the two other Knights stood, surrounded by a number of brave warriors, who, astonished at their youth, beauty, and above all, their behaviour on so memorable a day, were lavishing their encomiums on so much bravery and conduct. The mistress of Carados broke through the valiant croud, and after having thanked the two Knights in the warmest terms her gratitude could suggest; she gave each of them a salute. The whole assembly echoed their applause at so well-deserved a favour.—Happy days of innocence, when a modest kiss, granted by the fair, was accounted an adequate reward for the noblest deeds! our present Knights would not be quite so moderate. After having been entertained some days with the greatest magnificence, and received the highest honours, Claris and his royal companion set out in their way to Britanny, where King Arthur was at that time.

The road they were to follow, led through the forest of Brosseliande, where Merlin was spell-bound by the enchantments of the fairy Viviana. Her pupil Morgana, who was likewise a fairy, had fixed herself in this forest. We read in the history of the Round Table, that Morgana was sister to King Arthur, and had spent some years at his court, where she had been for a time its greatest ornament, by the attractive charms of her youth and beauty. But at last, age having impaired her charms, she had recourse to art. That of the toilet, common to all her sex, was the first she tried; yet even this soon grew insufficient; and Morgana, convinced by experience, that no human artifice can controul the irresistible power of time, nor clog its fleeting wings, was reduced to the necesssity of employing the charms of her potent incantations. It is by such means only, that a woman of Morgana's years can flatter herself to attract the notice of the other sex: and, as the secret is lost, the old matrons of the present age, if they are not fairies, should retire in time, nor think rouge and cosmetics a sufficient spell to charm and seduce mankind, or hide the natural defects of threescore. Morgana made several conquests, and of course, many enemies amongst the damsels who found themselves forsaken by their disloyal Knights. The fairy gave proofs of her partial preference to the great Lancelot of the Lake, which Genievre, Arthur's beauteous consort, bore very impatiently. At last, whether she took a dislike to the court, or the court to her, she thought proper to retire to the forest we speak of; where, at her command, her invisible agents erected an enchanted palace. She was followed in her delicious retreats by young and beautiful Varlets, Esquires, and as many Knights as preferred the inglorious, but delightful pleasures that awaited them with Morgana, to the honourable toils of knight-errantry. The fairy was also constantly attended by spirits, and other familiars, who gave her an exact account of what passed within a certain distance from her palace, and assisted her in inveigling every traveller whom she best thought worth her notice.

Claris, and Lidamia's brother were ensnared, as many hundreds had been before them. They were at three miles distance from Morgana's retreat, when two beautiful kids, skipping before, seemed to invite them to follow their track through a most luxuriant grove. They had not gone above an hundred yards in that enchanting road, before they met with a company of hunters and huntresses, with whom they readily mixed, in order to follow the sport. As they drew nearer to the palace, a troop of dancing shepherds and shepherdesses joined their company, 'till our Knights came to the very gate; and, as it was opened, curiosity enticed them to examine the inside of a dwelling, which, from the outward appearance, promised so ample a gratification to their senses. They were not mistaken; every object they met with was equally surprising and new: 'till at last, entering the house, they were led through a range of anti-chambers, each surpassed by the next in point of elegance and splendour, to Morgana's apartment, which was hung with a pink lustring, richly fringed with gauze and artificial flowers. The fairy in a light, and attitude best calculated to set off her borrowed charms, was reclined on a couch. She negligently raised her head, and welcomed her new guests. "Princes, said she to them, by my skill in divination, I know who you are, and I am proud to see you within these walls, where you may assure yourselves of a reception equal to your rank and deserts—then, turning to her attendants, reach here two arm chairs for my noble guests—be seated, brave Sirs! But heavens! stay you awhile: armed at all points as you are now, you will tear the furniture to rags—Come, ye nymphs, unarm these gentle Knights: free their delicate limbs from these heavy and troublesome accoutrements."—The nymphs obeyed, and the fairy continued her address to the Knights:—"I flatter myself you will favour me with your company at supper. You will meet with a better fare than you could look for in some bye inns, supposing you should even find such an accommodation."—Who could refuse so polite an invitation?—"Now, gentlemen, resumed Morgana, if you have been told by some slanderer that I am a witch, I hope that you harbour no prejudice against me, and that I shall not frighten you. I freely acknowledge that I know more than the generality of women do, but all my dealings are as fair as myself; and you may see that I am not unseemly: true it is, that I love young people, they entertain and please me; but I am very far from intending them any harm; so far indeed, that I shall readily superintend your education: I shall put you in the way of thriving in the world, and I dare say you will, with my advice, get to the rugged temple of glory, through a path equally easy and pleasing. But that you may not think that I speak upon a mere guess, I shall convince you that I am no stranger to your qualities and persons. In you, Claris, I see one of the greatest Lords in Gascony or Aquitaine; and you, Laris, are brother to the fair Lidamia, Ladon's royal consort. You see that I know ye both. Come, Claris, give me your hand, and let us go to supper."

The cheer was abundant and delicate, and our two Knights rested on the best beds they had met with since their departure from the kingdom of Ladon. The next day Morgana improved upon them, by her engaging manner and civility. She resolved to take upon herself the training up of Claris, and the German Prince was committed to the trust of the most faithful of her attendants, called Madoina. "My dear, said the fairy to her, I commit Prince Laris to your care: shew him all the beauties of this place, so as to entice his curiosity, and make him wish to stay with us; but beware you do not fatigue him by too much exercise, that I may walk with him in my turn."

Whatever care the fairy took to please and entertain them, the young Princes were sensible of their disagreeable situation. A cage, for being gilt over and enriched with most costly jewels, does not change its nature; and captivity, whatever the appearance may be, is always grievous to a generous mind. Claris, whom nothing could estrange from his fidelity to Queen Lidamia, but lent an unwilling ear to the cajoling of Arthur's sister. He nevertheless dissembled, and his youth favoured the cheat. Laris acted the same part with his tutoress Madoina. It was in vain for Morgana to expostulate with them in the most endearing language—"Lovely youth; said she, what can entice ye to repair to my brother's court? Is it merely to seek after adventures? I have it in my power to satisfy you within these very walls, where, without danger, you may gain the glorious trophies of knight-errantry! At your command, by my skill in the magic art, which I mean to render subservient to your wishes, I shall raise the most frightful dragons for you to destroy; giants who will fall under your conquering swords, and whole armies that will by you be routed; by these means your eyes will be used to such horrid sights, and when real monsters come in your way, you shall be prepared to meet them undismayed." Our Knights were not to be deluded by her artful reasonings; yet, in order to keep themselves in exercise, they consented to the mock fights. But when they had an opportunity of holding a secret conversation together, the manner how to break out of their prison was the favourite theme. Yet they looked upon their deliverance as morally impossible. The palace was encompassed with the strongest walls, and of such a height that their towering tops seemed to be "cloud capt." Nor was there a door, gate, or wicket to be seen. Twenty times they had walked round, and minutely examined the place; but all in vain: till Laris bethought himself of a stratagem which had the desired success.

The Prince doubled his care and assiduity with his fair tutoress, and, improving one of those extatic moments, when prudence being thrown off her guard, a mistress can refuse nothing to a lover, he begged Madoina to give a proof of the sincerity of her love, by telling him how it was possible to get out of the enchanted palace. The nymph hesitated for some time, till unable to contain the mighty secret, she satisfied his curiosity. They were at the furthest end of the garden, when, shewing him a ring fastened to the wall, "Look here, said she, in this ring you have the master-key of the garden. You need but pull it to you, and the towering wall will instantly disappear." Laris, seemingly out of joke, tried the experiment, and saw the wall give way. The high road now appeared before him, and he might have effected his escape that very instant, had he not thought it more advisable to dissemble his intentions for a few days. He replaced the ring, and, arm-in-arm, with his dear Madoina, returned to the palace. Having imparted his discovery to Claris, they jointly begged the fairy to order a tournament for the next day, in which, by tilting with fantastical opponents, they might learn to encounter real ones. Their suit was readily granted, and Morgana appointed a day for that purpose. Meanwhile the Knights begged that their horses and armours might be returned, and that leave be granted them to ride about the park in order to be the better prepared. This was complied with, and the ladies followed them in carriages ready for the occasion. The young heroes, having clapped spurs to their steeds, were soon at the end of the garden. Having reached the spot where liberty awaited them, Laris pulled the mysterious ring, and the road lying open before them, they followed it so long, and with so much speed, that they soon found themselves out of sight of the enchanted castle, and the power of its wicked mistress.

At last, having crossed the forest and travelled on a few days, they arrived at the place where Arthur kept his court. They were welcomed in a very flattering manner; for Yvain and Carados, whom they had delivered, had not been sparing of their encomiums, and had prepared their royal master to receive them as they deserved. Here they tarried for near a year. Was there a perilous adventure to undertake, a public robber, or disloyal giant to destroy, our two Knights were ever ready to appear in the field of honour, and share in the glory as they had done in the dangers attending such noble atchievements. They were so inseparable, that each would have thought himself successful but by halves, had he conquered alone, and their intimacy was not less admired than their heroic behaviour in every perilous occasion. Amongst the ancient Knights, the greatest friendship and unanimity was ever religiously preserved by those who were, what was then termed, brethren in arms; but, besides this noble motive, our two Knights were bound to each other by a conformity of age, temper, and inclinations; and Claris above all loved Laris as being the brother of the beauteous Lidamia.

Their return to the court of Ladon, was celebrated by a grand joust and tournament, given in compliment to them, by the old Monarch. Claris, as usual, distinguished himself; but had the misfortune of being wounded; and his friend Laris ordered him to be conveyed to his own apartment in the palace. The Queen went to visit him, apparently out of mere civility; but she was guided by another impulse, which human frailty cannot withstand: namely, the love she secretly entertained for the handsome youth; a sentiment, which her unshaken virtue had hitherto forced her to conceal. One day, her Majesty being alone with the wounded Knight, and having made the accustomed enquiries concerning his health; the latter, who thought the opportunity favourable to a declaration of his love, answered, "that his outward wound gave him no sort of uneasiness; but there is one, added he, which is far more dangerous, and will never be healed. Never! no! never shall I get cured of it, as I dare not ask for relief; and if I dared, it would be refused." Lidamia begged a clearer explanation. This he gave, by entering into a detail of the progress which love had made in his heart since he had been blessed for the first time with the sight of her; of his efforts to stifle the growing flame, by tearing himself from the court of Ladon; and finally, of what he had suffered during so insupportable an absence.

Although this declaration was by no means disagreeable to the Queen; yet she thought it became her dignity to shew an apparent resentment at so much boldness. "Claris, said Lidamia, I had hitherto esteemed and respected you as the bravest of our Knights, and I valued in you my brother's friend. I did not expect that such sentiments should ever be repaid with this insulting behaviour, equally affronting to me and my royal consort. Since you have been so bold and indiscrete as to mention to me your criminal inclination, it behoves me never to visit you again; nay, and to desire you never to appear in my presence."

So severe a rebuke was more than Claris could bear; he fell motionless, and remained so long in that condition, that he was thought to have breathed out his last. Those who came into his room, after the Queen's departure, gave out the report, and the palace instantly resounded with the most lamentable accents. Matrons, maidens, knights, varlets, all paid to his memory the tribute of their grief. The alarm soon reached Lidamia's brother; he flew to his apartment, and embracing the cold body of Claris, bathed it with the tears of mourning friendship. But, having applied his hand to the Knight's breast, he felt the pulsation of his heart. This fortunate discovery, which filled Laris with joy, was soon improved to recall Claris to his senses. Considering that his wound, being but slight, could not alone have produced so alarming an effect; Laris was led to suspect that some inward, and very affecting grief, was the hidden cause that had brought his friend to death's door; he even tacitly accused his sister of having greatly contributed to this accident, and hastened to her apartments to know how far his suspicions were well founded. The Queen was disconcerted at his approach, and blushed very significantly: but, as truth and sincerity were the leading qualities of her noble mind, she frankly owned all that had passed in Claris's apartment. Laris blamed her much for so ill-timed a piece of severity; declaring, that he had long been acquainted with his friend's inclination, which, as it was no less honourable, than he knew it to be sincere, he had never thought of opposing it; but, on the contrary, approved of his sentiments, and fostered his hopes. He begged and entreated his sister; nay, required, as a proof of her friendship for him, that she would come to Claris, and not only to sooth him with good words, but even to complete his recovery, by permitting him to salute her lips. She at first strenuously remonstrated against so improper a step, which militated, she said, against her duty towards her Lord and herself. "It is not, added the Queen, that I would refuse such a favour, were my heart at my disposal; for I readily confess, that there is not a subject in this kingdom, for whom I have a greater regard than I entertain for Claris."—"Well then, my lovely sister, pledge me your word, that if you survive the old King, you will give the preference to Claris. Meanwhile come with me to his apartment, and grant him that favour, which, being urged by me, cannot be degrading, and which I consider as the only means of preserving the life of the bravest Champion of Chivalry, and your brother's dearest friend. We shall then set out for England if you should think it expedient; nor shall we return till you desire it."

Laris's reasons were well urged; but would have perhaps availed little, had they not been enforced by the powerful advocate that pleaded his friend's cause in Lidamia's gentle breast. She followed her brother to his apartment; but when she saw Claris pale and wan, ready to fall a victim to her barbarity, instead of the promised salute, she more than once kissed the fainting Claris. This revived the nearly expiring Knight, who, casting on the Queen a look expressive of all his heart-felt gratitude, exclaimed with the accent of rapture and ecstasy, "Oh, beautiful sovereign of my heart! this alone could recall your despairing Knight to life and happiness; so saying, he threw his arms round her neck and returned a hundredfold the embraces he had received." At last, disengaging herself, "My brother, said she, has insisted upon my giving you this first proof of my friendship; nay, since it is too late to dissemble, I shall call it my love. I have the more readily consented, as I firmly rely on your honour, and trust that you will, in compliance to a necessity urged by virtue and decorum, fulfil the promise he has given in your name, of leaving this kingdom as soon as your health will enable you to support the fatigue of a voyage." "Alas! replied Claris, it is but too plain that, when Laris entered into this engagement, he did not consult the inclination of his friend. But, my most gracious Queen, it is enough that you have signified your pleasure; and, were it to cost me my life, your royal commands shall be obeyed."

A few days after the two Knights set out with a numerous retinue, and twenty-four horses given them as a present by King Ladon. Night coming on, our travellers pitched their tents in a most beautiful plain, where, after a plentiful supper, they retired to rest. Towards midnight three ladies passed by this place in their way to Ladon's palace, in search of the two young Knights. The principal among them, and the only one whose name it is necessary to mention, was Madoina, who imprudently complying with the entreaties of Laris, her pupil, had favoured the escape of the two heroes from Morgana's enchanted castle. Their flight had greatly irritated Arthur's sister, who justly suspected her nymph Madoina of having betrayed a secret, which the royal fairy had imparted to no one of her attendants beside this her favourite. Madoina had some very personal reasons to be sorry for what she had done; but in vain did she endeavor to deprecate Morgana's resentment; the fairy would not listen to her tears and apologizes, which, though ever so sincere, could not bring back to her arms, her beloved Claris. She, however, took no further revenge on her repenting nymph than turning her out of the castle, with the strictest injunction never to approach it again. Madoina was followed in her exile by two of her companions. During her long servitude with Morgana, the former had acquired knowledge and skill enough in the black-art to be a very expert fairy, though of an inferior class. She took up her residence in a tower that stood on the skirts of the forest of Brosseliande; and, by her art, had transformed it into a tolerable copy of Morgana's palace. The gardens she encompassed round with magic walls, nearly similar to those which we have already described. As for the means of opening and shutting it up, they were exactly the same: but, in order to prevent any escape in future, she placed a most frightful giant, and all the horrid monsters she could raise, on the outside, near the spot where it might be attempted. When once she had settled every thing to her fancy, her next care was to sally forth in search of her dear Laris, in full confidence that, if she could once more get him within her power, he would never be able to leave her more. The intelligence which she had lately received from her airy spies, had directed her wandering steps to the place where the Knights were encamped, and her joy at being so near her beloved Laris, cannot well be expressed. By reciting a few magic words, she plunged the Princes and their attendants into a lethargical sleep, and, making a proper use of the favourable opportunity, commanded some of her nimblest spirits to seize on Laris, and convey him safe to her palace, where she soon followed.

The spell, in which Madoina had bound the whole camp, being broke, Claris and his retinue awoke and prepared for their instant departure; but let our readers imagine their surprize and terror, when, after several hours spent in a fruitless search, they found no trace of the German Prince. Claris was thrown by this accident into a situation little short of despair. He had not only lost a friend; but in him Lidamia's brother, and for whose safety he had pledged himself to the beautiful Queen. In vain the Knights who accompanied him did all they could to sooth and comfort him; he was deaf to all their remonstrances, and nothing could assuage his grief. At last it was resolved that the small party should disperse, and each take to a different road in quest of the Prince, who they thought was not far enough yet not to be overtaken; especially as their number was sufficient to divide between them the several roads. They parted, each in hopes of being the happy man who should first come up with Laris; they however met with no success, and a few of them only having found their way to the court of King Arthur, gave the alarming intelligence. The Prince of Germany had secured the friendship, and deserved the esteem of the Twelve Worthies, who, all to a man, resolved to go in search of him; but, as they did not know exactly which way he was gone; this expedition only served to procure to those brave Knights the opportunity of displaying their wonted courage in some private adventures; nor was their chief purpose answered, till an odd circumstance happened which we are about to relate; but first we beg leave to carry our readers back to Madoina's palace, where she arrived an hour after Laris had been conveyed there by her ethereal agents.

Lidamia's brother coming to himself, nearly at the same instant as his fellow-travellers were so anxious on his account, was strangely amazed, instead of the tent which he had entered that very night, to see himself placed on a most elegant bed in a room neatly furnished, the windows of which were closely shut up and barred in and out. His wonder gave way to a sensation more disagreeable, when the first object that struck him was Madoina sitting by his bed-side. Conscious of the wrong he had done to the fair sorceress, he gave himself up for lost, and expected the worst treatment; when Morgana's late waiting woman, assuming the most tender and passionate air, addressed him in the following words: "Thou art once more, gentle Knight, not in Morgana's, but offended Madoina's power. Thy destiny is in my hands, and I might take a severe revenge by embittering every hour of thy life. Thou hast imposed on my weak fond heart; but I am easily pacified; tarry with me for some time: let thy love for glory rest awhile, and enjoy the sweets of this retreat. Thou wilt be here equally happy, if not more so than thou wast at Morgana's. I shall only be more cautious, and keep thee in safer custody: and, lest thou shouldst offer to make thy escape, learn that my power is at least equal to that of my former mistress." Laris stood mute, and for some time could not recover the use of his speech, so thunderstruck was he at every thing he saw and heard. "I leave you to your meditations, continued Madoina, I shall retire for awhile; but remember, that you are now in the power of a woman, who loves, though she ought to hate you. Ponder well on the consequence, and take your resolves accordingly."

Laris, left to himself, considering where he was, and that no way was left for him to escape, thought that the only method of freeing himself from this new slavery was to have recourse to the very same means he had employed to get out of Morgana's power; fondly imagining that Madoina, though already taught by experience, might still be made his dupe. He therefore welcomed her at her return, in a manner that proved highly satisfactory; and, although she was neither young nor handsome, his own youthful vigour, and the hopes of regaining his liberty, made of our hero a perfect Hercules; so that the fairy congratulated herself for having ensnared once more her dear Laris; whilst, relying on the precautions she had taken, she flattered herself to keep him long in bondage. Madoina gave him all the freedom he could wish for in his prison; such as walking about the gardens, &c. but in vain did he endeavor to get from her the method of breaking the spell that held him fast. She stood upon her guard, and warned by her own experience, she suffered none of her female attendants to come near him, lest they should be seduced by his persuasive eloquence. Meanwhile the giant beat his rounds night and day, and the monsters protected the enchanted place from any outward attack. The Prince of Germany was now sensible that all his cunning would prove ineffectual to impose once more on Madoina's weakness, and looked upon himself as for ever sequestered from the world and his friends. An unforseen event however, which took place about this time, and which we have hinted at before, gave some relief to the melancholy that began to assail him, and impair both his beauty and constitution.

Among the Knights of the Round-table, who went in quest of Laris, the Seneschal Queux, as famous for his mischance and laughable adventures, as the others were justly celebrated for their deeds of arms, was one of the foremost, as he used to be upon all occasions, though oftener guided by a spirit of fanfaronade, than any principle of real valour. He was the first who made the discovery of Madoina's palace, and his mishap in this place surpassed, if possible, his former miscarriages. The crossing of Brosseliande forest had detained him above two days, and Morgana's sprites had not thought him worthy of being introduced to her fairyship. At last, after having fasted the whole day, he reached the outward wall of Madoina's castle, fatigued and almost starved; for he had nothing left of the provisions he had taken with him, except a few scraps, which he now got together, and swallowed down with the most voracious appetite. Having washed down his dry and uncomfortable meal with a glass or two of wine, which had likewise been spared on the preceding evening; he spied some moss gathered at the foot of the wall, and, having made his horse fast at a little distance from him, he laid down, and composed himself to rest on the bed which nature seemed to have provided for his wearied limbs. The reader must be informed that this very moss made part of the giant's provision for his own litter. He had carefully gathered it in the morning, and laid it there, till, at day close, he should come for it. Queux had hardly tasted the sweets of balmy sleep, when the giant came to take up his bed. He first spied the horse, and conveyed him into the park. Then casting his glaring eyes on the moss, he perceived the diminutive Knight, who, having been awakened by the heavy footstep of the earth-quaking giant, had buried himself deep into the moss. The monster, laying on him another load, took the whole on his shoulders, and carried it off. Having got on the other side of the wall, and, with his usual care, made the door fast, he walked up to a summer-house, where Madoina, with some of her attendants, was waiting till the sun had sunk beneath the horizon, to bathe in a chrystalline pool that stood behind the place where she sat. The giant entered, with all the brutality of such a monster, and, casting down his load altogether on the floor, "Here, madam, says he, with a voice that shook the whole room, see what is in here; methinks it speaks, for it squeaks and complains." 2 The bundle was untied, and Madoina at first sight knew the disastrous Knight, though armed cap-à-pee. She had seen him before at Arthur's court, when she was one of Morgana's attendants. She desired him to give her an account of his adventures, which greatly diverted her; and straightways leading him to Laris's apartment, "No doubt, my Lord, said she, you know this worthy Knight: let him recount to you in what manner, and by what strange accident he comes to be our guest: Besides I mean that he should stay some days for your entertainment." She left Queux in the room, and Laris was pleased for some time in his company. So true it is, that when there is no other at hand, we cherish a man, whom at the court and in the face of the world, we would think it our duty to load with contempt; but captivity reconciles a man to all sorts of company. The chief object, however, which Laris proposed to himself, by putting up with the impertinence of the Seneschal, was to try if, by consulting with him, they could not agree upon some method of effecting their escape. But Queux was not the man to answer such hazardous purpose. He could boast much, but dared little. Laris's delivery was to be the work of a real and loyal Knight.

Claris, after a long and fruitless search, bethought himself at last of Morgana's palace; supposing that by some unfortunate encounter, he had once more fallen into the hands of the wanton fairy. In order to find out whether his suspicions were well founded, he rode all round the forest of Brosseliande, and observed a palace similar to that of Morgana; and, upon this discovery, he laid a scheme, which in the end proved successful. He placed himself in such a manner as to see every thing without being observed. The Giant, whose duty it was to take care that every thing was as safe without as within the palace, came out of it at the close of the day. Claris rushed from his lurking-place, and, couching his lance, galloped up to the Giant; the latter, grinning a gastly smile, expressed his contempt in these words, spoken in a rough thundering voice: "Who art thou, saucy child?"—"Look here, replied Claris, shewing his lance, this is the bauble I have been used to from my cradle." So saying, he made a furious push at the monster, who endeavored in vain to put by the thrust with his sabre. He was wounded, and fell to the ground. Claris alighted instantly, and was preparing to cut off the Giant's head, when he earnestly begged his life; promising to disclose a secret of the highest importance. This he did, by acquainting Claris with the captivity of the Prince of Germany. At this piece of intelligence, Claris broke into a flood of tears, and only begged of the Giant, as a reward for having spared his life, to be admitted a companion in Laris's confinement.—"Hark ye, Sir Knight, said the monster, we Giants are not so hardened, but what we can relish as well as you the sweets of friendship, and be actuated by gratitude. You shall be convinced of it if you will trust to my honour." Claris nodded assent, and he suffered himself to be bundled up as Queux had been before, and in that condition was carried safe into the apartment of Laris. Let two such friends, if any such there are in this corrupted age, take the pen from our weak hands, and trace, if possible, the affecting scene that passed at this unforeseen meeting, between these sworn brothers. Locked in each other's arms, they would have died for joy at their happy reunion, had not the Giant engaged to complete their happiness by seeing them out of the enchanted castle. The circumstance was the more favourable, as Madoina was from home. He first instructed them what course they were to take, in order to tame the monsters that kept watch at a certain distance from the wall, and then let them out of the garden gate which no one could open but his mistress, her two favourite women, and himself. From thence, after a few days journey, they got safe to the court of King Arthur, where they had engaged to return; but they had not been there long before some very important news arrived which required their immediate departure to Gascony.

Ladon was no more, and his royal widow, who succeeded to his crown, was defenceless and destitute at a very dangerous crisis. Savary, King of Spain, in love with Lidamia, and perhaps more so with her rich dowry, had entered her dominions in an hostile manner at the head of a numerous and well-disciplined army. His intention was to force the Queen to a political marriage with him. The invasion was so unexpected that Lidamia had but just time to write to King Arthur for his assistance. Laris and Claris took their leave, and the British Monarch, who knew how to reward military valour, because he was himself a model of that courage which he cherished in others; granted them a body of a thousand Knights, at the head of whom were the following worthies, Gauvain, Lucan, Sacremour, Agravain, Yvain, and Galheret. This brave troop set forward, and arrived in Gascony. A few days later, and this kingdom had passed with its beauteous Queen into the hands of the ambitious and cruel Savary. Lidamia was shut up and besieged in the last fortress that acknowledged her sway. All the rest had sworn allegiance to the conqueror. The perfidious Spaniards soon experienced that a handful of British warriors, with justice and honour on their side, ever was a match for whole armies of mercenaries fighting for plunder, and in open defiance of all laws. The enemy was soon obliged to raise the siege, and evacuate their new conquest; whilst the Queen was set at liberty to the great joy of her subjects, who dreaded nothing so much as a foreign yoke.

Claris, who did not think he had done enough, since so many brave men had an equal share with him in delivering Lidamia, thought it not proper to appear before his Sovereign till he had done her some more essential service. He withdrew himself in the night, and, accompanied by Laris and a few chosen hands, he set out in pursuit of the Spaniards, whom they suddenly attacked and totally defeated. Their treacherous King fell by the hand of Claris, who, pursuing his victory, crossed the Pyrenees, penetrated into the province of Navarre, and made an easy conquest of it. Thus triumphant, and having some personal service to boast of, Claris and Lidamia's brother returned to court, where they were received by the Queen in the most affectionate manner. She soon after rewarded with her hand the modest and faithful Claris. The British Knights, having stayed a few days to be present at the royal nuptials, and take their share of the manly entertainments of those times, returned to England. As for Laris, he remained some months longer with his beloved brother, whose blissful union with Lidamia, would have compleated his own happiness, had not this very circumstance re-kindled in his breast a passion which he had kept a secret, even from Claris himself; though it had taken its first rise when they were together on the most intimate and confidential terms at the court of King Arthur.

The fair object of the Prince's love, whose name his timidity alone had forced him to conceal, was worthy so noble a suitor. She was sister to the brave Yvain, the honour of the Round-table, as she was one of the most accomplished of her sex. Laris drew now and then a painful comparison between his situation, and that of his sister and Claris. They had attained the summit of all worldly happiness; he was yet to seek for it, without any certainty of success. Those reflections preyed upon him; he grew thoughtful and melancholy. This sudden alteration could not escape the anxious and clear-sighted eye of friendship. The King and Queen were alarmed, and enquired into the cause with so much tenderness and solicitude, that Laris could not stand out any longer, and at last disclosed the mighty secret. Claris and his royal consort were happy in the thoughts that the disease was not incurable, and the former declared his intention of going over to England in person, to solicit for his brother the hand of the beautiful Marina, from those who had a right to dispose of it, namely, Arthur her royal uncle, and Yvain her brother. Lidamia approved of this resolution; but insisted upon going along with them. This was objected to, as it would have been imprudent to abandon her new conquests: but, casting an eye brimful of tears, on her beloved Claris, she seemed to reproach him with leaving her behind, when he was going to encounter perhaps new dangers by land and by sea. The King was not proof against so powerful an attack: he kissed off the starting tear, and granted her request. After having committed the reins of government into the hands of wise and able ministers, he left the kingdom, entrusting its defence to some worthy Knights, whom he invested with the necessary powers, subject nevertheless to the controul of the civil laws, the only bulwark of public liberty.

Thus, in time of yore, Kings and Queens used to travel without any ceremony, nor anxiety for their persons or possessions; as they ever took care to enslave nothing of their subjects, but their hearts and affections. It is true that by these means they were exposed to many accidents out of their own territories; but, if they ran the same hazards with other men, they enjoyed those sweets, the lot of private life, of which few Monarchs have any notion.

Our travellers met with several adventures, numberless of which are recorded in the manuscript from which this extract is taken; but, as the recital would be tedious and uninteresting, we shall only select the following:

"One day as the royal cavalcade passed by a castle, the weather being fair, and the Queen gracefully riding on a white hackney, her Majesty began to sing with all her usual taste and chearfulness. The Lord Castellain pricked up his ear at the enchanting sounds, and ran up to the window to see from whence issued so melodious a voice. The Queen's beauty completely turned his brains, and, mistaking her for quite a different sort of a woman, he sent an invitation to our travellers to tarry with him all night. It was accepted, and the drawbridge let down to introduce the company. During the supper, their host, intoxicated with wine, and mad with love; for, having now Lidamia near him, and having heard once more her melting strains, he took it into his head that, with a little management, he could bring her to consent to his passion, as he supposed her to be a strolling beauty, who had already shewn her complaisance to her male companions. He laid his plan accordingly, and having given to understand to the two Knights, that it was contrary to the custom of his family, as it palpably was so to the laws of decency, for gentlemen to sleep on the same side of the house with women; that he had for that purpose added another wing to his castle for the use of men only, as the ladies always slept in rooms adjacent to those of his sister, and her female servants. The ingenious Lord hugging himself in this excellent conceit, thought the day, or rather the night, must be his, especially as the two gentlemen seemed to join with him in opinion; but, suspecting some design, they were resolved to stand on their guard. Accordingly, as the servants were lighting them up to the mens quarter, they observed that, by means of a long gallery which reached from one wing to the other, they could easily get near the womens apartment. Instead, therefore, of taking off their armour, they sat quietly, till they thought that, if the master of the house had any sinister views, the time was come when he would go about to perpetrate his villainy. They soon had occasion to thank their stars for having inspired them with so prudent a caution. They advanced on tip-toe, and soon heard the screams of a woman calling loudly for assistance. They made towards the room from whence the noise came, and, bursting open the door, were convinced that their perfidious host had attempted to offer violence to Lidamia, whose strength was nearly exhausted. They fell on the wretch, and beat him so heartily, that his cries brought all the servants up, who, seeing their master in jeopardy, and unmindful of the laws of chivalry, which they cared little for, assailed altogether the two Knights, who fought like lions, and soon ended the tragedy by slaying the master and several of his men. After this exploit, in which they were assisted by the Knight Carados, who, by the luckiest chance happening to come by, hearing the noise, and observing that the draw-bridge was down, got admittance into the castle. He flew to the scene of action, where, discovering two Knights fighting to such disadvantage, he readily sided with them; but thought himself completely rewarded when, after the victory, he saw the persons whose part he had so generously espoused, were the very preservers to whom he owed both his life and happiness.

The next day Lidamia, and the two brothers resumed their journey, and crossed the tremendous forest of Brosseliande, without meeting with any accident. They at last came to a wide river; a boat stood on their side of the water to convey them to the opposite shore. On the stern of the boat was written the following caution, "Whoever is neither guilty of treason or dissimulation, may safely embark, and the boat will waft him over without the help of any visible agents; but will not stir, if the passenger has any reason to reproach himself with any such crime." Our royal travellers got easily on board; they were true and loyal Knights, and Lidamia was a virtuous Queen: so that they crossed the water in perfect safety, till they arrived within a few yards from the shore, when Lidamia, in the fulness of her joy, and by an impulse of female vanity, exclaimed, "Dearest Claris, the triumph of my virtue and untainted chastity, is now complete; if I have any thing to reproach myself with, it is the kiss which I gave thee whilst Ladon was yet alive. Now thou art my second husband; I love thee, and am faithful to the marriage vow. How could I be otherwise to thee, whom I adore! When married to a man who never found his way to my heart, I never, no not even in thought, swerved from"—The Queen had gone thus far, when the boat reached the shore; but when she prepared to land, it recoiled, and she fell into the water, being repulsed by an invisible hand. This accident, however, was attended with no farther consequence than her being well soaked, the Knights having soon taken her out of the water. Lidamia was copiously rallied for the punishment inflicted on her vanity, by her pretending to have loved no other man during the life of her late Lord; when, even then, her heart was full of Claris alone. They continued their journey in high spirits, and arrived safe in England.

The Queen of Gascony was received at court with all the distinction her superior merit and her kindred to King Arthur could entitle her to. Her royal uncle would have given a magnificent entertainment to his niece; but the intelligence they received at their arrival was too alarming for them to think on pleasure, when Laris's happiness was at stake. Marina was not at court, which she had left a few months before to return to her own country. Talla, King of Denmark, deadly smitten with her charms, had seized the opportunity of her being upon a visit at her father's, King Urianus, to ask her in marriage; threatening, in case of a denial, to invade the territories of Marina's father, and force him to do that, which was now asked as a favour. This imperious way of sueing for Marina's hand, greatly indisposed the old King, who, being a companion of the Round-table, had learned in England, that passive obedience to a tyrant's will is base and unmanly. He therefore returned an answer, which, being couched in terms expressive of the highest indignation at Talla's boldness, and of the contempt in which he was held by Urianus and his daughter, so enraged the irrascible Dane, that he put himself at the head of a numerous army, and laid siege to the capital of Urianus's kingdom, which was of no great extent. The news further added, that Marina's father and herself had retired to the fortress, and abandoned the town to the enemy, who seemed determined to stay before it until he had starved the King into a compliance; having experienced already to their cost, the impossibility of taking it by storm. The dangers to which his fair mistress was exposed, had such an effect on Laris, that he fainted away, and was taken up for dead. Claris, greatly alarmed, begged his royal consort to try the same means of recalling her brother to life, which had proved so successful to himself when he was in a similar case. Lidamia consented, and embracing her brother most tenderly, whispered in his ear:

Love calls thee hence to save a royal maid,

Laris, awake! or Marina's betray'd!

Revived by his sister's tender caresses, but more so by the sweet sounding name of Marina, Laris recovered from his trance, and fixing his languishing eyes on Lidamia, said to her:

A sister's kiss may some relief impart,

But love alone can ease my aching heart!

Nevertheless, sensible how degrading it would be for a Knight of his high renown to indulge a womanish grief, and sit sobbing and weeping whilst his mistress was in the most imminent danger; Lidamia's brother resolved to set out the very next day to go to the rescue of Marina and her father Urianus. The Prince was joined by Claris, the brave Yvain, whose own quarrel it was, he being son to Urianus, and by the experienced Gauvain, kinsman to Yvain, and son to King Loth.

These four heroes, each at the head of a resolute band, were well calculated to strike terror and to put to flight the perfidious Talla, and his banditti; but the enchanters who favoured the latter, as being engaged in a bad cause, found means to disperse this little army, and thus counteract the projects of the invincible Knights and their brave followers.

The whole company were now within a few miles of the kingdom of Urianus, when, one morning, they observed at a little distance from the high road, a kind of funeral procession, with a hearse supported between two black horses or mules, for they could not well make the difference. It was preceded and followed by a numerous train of mourners, amongst whom a lady appeared, mounted on a black steed. She was wrapped up in sable veils and cloaths, and cried out in the most lamentable voice, "Bemoan, ye people of Orcania! bemoan the death of your good king Loth; pray for his soul, and unite together in wishing health and prosperity to the brave and virtuous Gauvain, his worthy son and successor." Hearing this, Gauvain took leave of his friends, and went round to join the funeral procession, which seemed rather in a hurry. He galloped after it, and thus lost sight of his companions, who went on their way. About noon day an elderly man passed them, he seemed to be in the utmost confusion, and, as if in dread of being overtaken by his pursuers. His body was pierced thro' with an arrow, and the blood that trickled from the wound marked his way. Yvain looked up, and thought that the man's features bore a strong resemblance to those of his father Urianus. He screamed out, and galloping after him, was instantly out of sight. Towards evening, as Claris stood before his tent to breathe the fresh air, he thought he saw Lidamia, dishevelled and out of breath, rushing by him on horseback, and screaming as she went, "Claris, my dear Claris, assist me!" Instantly two horsemen appeared, sword in hand, running full speed after the Queen of Gascony. This was too much for Claris to bear; he mounted his steed and galloped after the supposed ravishers, till he got a great way up the forest. Laris informed of the circumstance, instantly galloped to aid him in rescuing his sister from the hands of the designing ruffians; but he had hardly advanced a few yards in the forest, when an invisible hand let fly an arrow, and shot the Prince's horse under him. He was soon on his feet again; but what was his rage and disappointment? In the person who tendered him a helping hand, Laris saw his persecuting demon, the fairy Madoina. He loaded her with reproaches couched in the bitterest terms, and would have avoided her, but alas! she was too powerful for him. With the help of her sprites and some corporeal assistants, she had him bound in order to be conveyed to her castle. They were on the way, and near to the enchanted place, when luckily Claris met him, and for the third time saved Laris from captivity. The King of Saxony was that instant returning from his pursuit after the two horsemen, whom he had seen following Lidamia, in the threatening manner above described, and had come up with the hindmost, who luckily proved to be no fantastical, but a real and palpable being, a pupil in the magic art to the detestable sorceress Madoina. Claris was about to plunge his sword deep into the traitor's heart; but he, in order to save his life, revealed to Claris the secret means made use of to separate the four Knights from their disconsolate followers; adding, that Madoina had declared to him, that the principal object she had in view, was to get Laris once more into her power.

This information determined Claris to return to his camp. It was in his way thither that he met Madoina's attendants, whom he easily dispersed and restored, as we have said before, his friend and brother to a freedom which he was on the point of losing, perhaps, for ever. Having reached the beaten road, they rested till the next day in the first hut they came to, and next morning, to their inexpressible joy, met with two other Knights, who, after a long and tedious race, had at last been convinced that they were led on by a mere illusion, and running after two empty shadows instead of their beloved parents.

They arrived in a few days in sight of Tulla's camp, and their little troop being ranged in good order, Claris and the Prince of Germany made their way through the enemy, slaying all that opposed them, and entered the town; whilst Yvain and Gauvain, with the other detachment, staid without the gates, till the besieged could sally forth, and give them an opportunity of entering the town also. Meanwhile Laris was nearly fainting with the loss of blood, occasioned by a wound which he had received in forcing the lines. Marina, who had joined her father to go and welcome their brave deliverers, was greatly disconcerted, as much through the love she entertained for Laris, and her joy at meeting him, as through her anxiety for the state of his health. These various sensations had such a violent and sudden effect on her tender and delicate frame, that she was obliged to be immediately put to bed. Our Knights were apprised of the alarming circumstance; but Claris, who had always his favourite prescription ready for the cure of persons afflicted with a love-disease, conducted Laris, whose wound upon examining had proved very trifling, and led him to Marina's bed-side; desiring him to apply to her rosy lips the never failing topic, which, as he had foreseen, proved most efficacious. Marina from that very instant recovered, and was able to attend the company next morning at breakfast. This first introduction gave the lovers an opportunity of disclosing to each other the state of their minds. They interchanged mutual vows of constancy, and promised to ratify them at the altar as soon as Urianus should be set at liberty.

In order to open the way for their friends, as agreed upon, Claris and Laris, at the head of a few chosen men, made a vigorous sally, penetrating as far as Talla's tent, who narrowly escaped being taken; whilst the two other Knights, falling on the enemy's rear, spread consternation and slaughter among the Danes, and, having effected a junction with their friends, entered the town in triumph, loaded with the spoils of the enemy, and followed by a long train of prisoners. Notwithstanding their loss, the Danes did not seem disposed to raise the siege: but a few days after, King Arthur appearing at the head of his army, the very sight of the British troops inspired the friends of Urianus with confidence, and made the Danes think on a retreat which, however, had not the desired success, as very few of the besiegers, with Talla their King, could reach the shipping and effect their escape. The circumstance of the Danish King having escaped unhurt, was more than the rash and amorous Laris could easily brooke. He thought his glory incomplete if his rival was suffered to live, and longed to lay Tulla's head at the feet of Marina. He therefore pursued the fugitive Danes as far as their ships; but his youthful ardour was severely checked, for the enemy seeing that he was accompanied only by a few attendants, surrounded him on all sides, and, though he fought bravely, took him prisoner and put him on board the fleet, which sailing before the wind, arrived safe in Denmark, where the Danish King ordered Laris to be shut up in a dark dungeon. Yet in this forlorn condition Laris seem'd less affected with his captivity, the end of which he could hardly hope for, than by the misfortune of being at such a distance from his adored Marina.

The daughter of Urianus was a prey to all the horrors of solicitude and despair. No tidings could be heard of Laris, nor was he to be found among the dead. King Arthur could hardly persuade her to follow him to England, where the good King was confident that the friendly care of his Queen Genievre, and of Lidamia who remained at the British Court, would solace and comfort the afflicted Marina; whilst his Knight companions should go in quest of her beloved Laris. The British Worthies, who all entertained the greatest friendship for Lidamia's brother, willingly undertook a task so agreeable to their inclination. They parted and went different ways to seek after the missing Prince. Claris, Gauvain, Yvain and Carados were the most successful, for, as they crossed a forest, the name of which is not mentioned in the manuscript, they passed by Merlin's cave which, it is well known, was to be found by mere chance only. A venerable Sire with hoary hair and beard, sat musing at the entrance of the cave. He held in his hand a black and white wand; his head was covered with a high pointed cap, and his garment consisted of a long sable robe covered with stars. The Knights, paying due respect to his age, noble appearance, and grave deportment, bowed to him as they passed. This act of civility was not lost upon him. The sage, calling them all distinctly by their names, addressed them in these words: "Wise Gauvain, valiant King Carados, most noble Yvain, and thou brave and gentle Claris, stop awhile and listen to me; I am Merlin, the avowed protector of the most illustrious Knights of the round-table, and in you I see the brightest ornaments of that noble and most ancient order. I know what brings you this way, and what your intentions are: be it my care to furnish you with the necessary instructions to insure your success." At these words, impell'd by a just sentiment of veneration and gratitude, the Knights alighted, and, on their knees, received the necessary directions from the reverend Sage, of whom they took the most affectionate leave, humbly entreating a continuance of his protection to themselves and their companions.

Merlin had informed them that Talla had confined Laris in a tower of a castle, the usual residence of the Danish King. They arrived in the neighbourhood of the place, dressed like Pilgrims in white garments, &c. holding their Pilgrim's staves in their hands; but they had concealed each a poniard under his cloaths: having assumed this disguise in order only to avoid being suspected. Talla, at their humble request to be received in the castle, ordered them to be admitted; not from any motive of liberal hospitality; his savage heart was not opened to the refined feelings of humanity; he only meant to make game of the four travellers. He treated them at supper for the base purpose of insulting them in the most cruel and scurrilous manner. They patiently put up with his abuse, as long as he expressed it only by words; but when, in a threatening manner, and preparing to execute his menaces, he told them, that if they could not pay for their supper with money, they must expect to be cudgelled for his diversion; they rose altogether and sheathed their daggers in his barbarous heart, laying also dead at their feet those of his servants who would have assisted him in his brutal intentions. They then made themselves masters of the castle, set Laris free, and, having soon secured a powerful party, they caused Lidamia's brother to be elected and crowned King of Denmark. Claris and Gauvain set out for England to ask Marina in marriage for the new King, whom the Danes ever after revered as their Monarch, and loved as a benevolent father, who completed their happiness by chusing so worthy and peerless a consort. All these adventures being brought to a happy conclusion, Claris and Lidamia returned into Gascony, to the inexpressible joy of their loving subjects; Gauvain remained with Arthur, and Yvain retired to the kingdom of his father Urianus. Thus we see that success ever attended the Knights of the Round-table, under Merlin's immediate protection, and, in the end, defeated the inveterate malice of those, who, like the despicable Morgana and her discarded waiting-maid, would attempt to shake those valiant sons of honour from their unwearied attachment to their moral and religious duties.

 克拉丽丝和拉里斯（Claris and Laris）
 作者： Lewis Porney （编辑、翻译）
 来自： 有趣的浪漫小说和小说的全新完整合集 （第 142 - 186 页） 1780
 from: A New and Complete Collection of Interesting Romances and Novels (Pp. 142 - 186)  1780

 Claris 和 Laris 的历史，骑士文学。

 摘自 De St. Palaye 先生拥有的手稿，与圆桌十二人的历史有关。 我们不能宣称确定谁是这段古老浪漫史的作者，也不知道其他版本手稿（ManuScript）。 以及从中提取以下页面的内容； 仅在法国国王图书馆的目录中提到它。 我们可以肯定地说，这作品是在狮子骑士之后的 ，因为在我们面前的作品中引用了狮子骑士及其作者。

在著名的大不列颠国王亚瑟统治时期，加斯科尼住着一位名叫拉登拉登的君主，娶了美丽的利达米亚，德意志皇帝的女儿，亚瑟王的侄孙女。 这位被认为是最美丽的公主，她的第三次光彩还没有完成。 而她的王妃正值一百岁。 如此不成比例的年龄差异，可能会让一个粗俗的丈夫大吃一惊，但丝毫没有吓倒大胆的拉登。 他知道，利达米亚从小就接受了所有美德的训练，这些美德使美丽的女性成为人类崇拜的伟大对象，就像大自然计算它们来俘获人心一样，她永远不会偏离这些原则。 因此，他认为自己非常安全，而且皇帝的女儿会证明她的孝顺不亚于她的英俊。 在加斯科尼宫廷长大的年轻绅士或绅士中，最引人注目的是克拉里斯，他是公爵的儿子，是拉登国王的附庸。 他与王后几乎同龄； 在生命的那个时候，“血液的荣耀是狂野 ，不能等待正义。” 女王精致的美貌在年轻的一页上给人留下了最深刻的印象，在她面前，她非常不安，以至于无法履行他的职责，这是侍候陛下，做雕刻师。这种事出现过几次，虽然本身微不足道，但在爱情中却是非常重要的。有时，他把盘子放在桌子上，把里面的东西洒出来；有时，他切他的手指，而不是他必须切的肉；因为，当他的眼睛被他的心上的情妇所吸引时，这个多情的年轻人什么都不在乎。国王认为他非常笨拙和不方便。事实证明，王后是一个更好的判断者, 把他的心不在焉归咎于一个与缺乏灵巧完全不同的原因。 但她太贤惠了，太关注一个妻子，尤其是公主对世界和她自己的责任，以至于无法夸耀她在这个例子：然而利达米亚是一个女人，克拉丽丝优雅帅气； 即使是女王也不会对这一发现感到不满的两个极好的理由。

与此同时，热情日益高涨的克拉里斯一天天地变得越来越不适合他的工作。 直到最后，由于爱与荣誉的冲突，他病倒了。 自然，他体质的力量，也许最重要的是，他对医生和医生的顽强顽固，使他的身体恢复了健康。 但没有什么可以让他不安的心灵得到解脱。 当他迅速恢复体力时，有一天国王对他说：“我的好仆人， 你似乎比刻苦等待更好；如此不活跃的生活对你的年轻人来说是令人厌烦的。你最好把你带到英国；亚瑟王的宫廷是培养英勇和骑士精神的最佳学校：我的王后会给你写信给我们的亲族那位伟大的王子，而且，有了这样的推荐，你一定会受到好评，并且会被传授战争艺术，比雕刻一个关节或装饰一张桌子更适合你的年龄和高贵的身份。” 王后洋洋得意地说：“她很高兴有机会为这个年轻人服务，强烈推荐他得到她皇室叔叔的注意和赞助。” 这种保证，以及做出这种保证的方式，消除了迷恋的克拉里斯可能会反对进行一次会使他与他所崇拜的人之间保持如此距离的航行的所有反对意见。 但考虑到他的荣誉和王后不可动摇的美德，这些障碍是无法消除的。 然后考虑到利达米亚的建议，并愉快地回忆起她表达自己的和蔼可亲和难以言喻的甜蜜，他谨慎地决定动身去英国几天。 在他离开前夕，女王的弟弟拉里斯宣布将陪伴他。 年轻的王子和同龄的克拉丽丝，以与拉丽丝的亲密关系为荣，脾气和爱好的一致早已建立起来。 不是因为他的地位如此之高，而是因为他是利达米亚的兄弟。 在这件事上被征询过的国王立即同意了，在他们离开宫廷之前，他们被拉登封为爵士。 女王怀着深情，将她的兄弟推荐给克拉丽丝照顾。 后者忍不住泪流满面，答道：“王后大人！只要我的血管里还有一滴血，放心，我会很高兴地流掉它，为殿下辩护。我的命是你的，我的命是你的。”我很乐意把它写下来，为陛下这么近的亲戚服务。” 他不能再说了。 他的声音令他失望，他几乎无法鼓起足够的力气退休。 两位年轻的骑士终于出发了，车上只有几个侍从。

在途中，他们遇到了几次危险的冒险； 但我们只提他们的主要成就。 当他们经过一座坚固的城堡时，一个侏儒非常有礼貌地以他主人的名义邀请他们走进去吃点点心。 他们上了吊桥； 可他们刚到城堡，桥就在他们身后被拉起，他们立刻被主人和他的所有仆人围住。 他们的勇敢弥补了他们曾经犯下的轻率。 他们杀死了大部分对手并驱散了其余的人。 主人被克拉里斯从马上摔下来，乞求他的性命。 慷慨的骑士即将答应； 一位绝世美人对他说：“最尊贵和勇敢的骑士！不要放过他，而是要立即惩罚他的无数罪行。诱骗每一位乘客；攻击他们，这是他一贯的做法，就像他对你和你勇敢的伙伴所做的那样，然后将他们处死，或者将他们关在可怕而阴暗的地牢中。他就是这样利用了我亲爱的伊万，圆桌会议中最有价值和最勇敢的骑士之一；过来挣断他的枷锁；但先把叛徒赶出去，或者至少让他代替伊万。”

克拉丽丝遵照她的后半部分要求，让暴君上满了铁，并命令他被带到黑洞，在那里他将勇敢的伊万囚禁起来。 后者对这出乎意料的命运转折感到非常高兴，这使他恢复了自由和爱情。 因为，正如不那么明智的读者已经发现的那样，少女是伊万思想中的至高无上的夫人。 在这对幸福的夫妇和他们的救生员之间经过了无数次的感谢和赞美之后，他们都安静地坐下来吃晚饭。 认为自己现在完全安全。 但他们很快就被矮人逼近了，紧随其后的是一群土匪，他们与嗜血的男爵结盟，可信赖的侏儒一看到胜利就向他发出了警报。反对他的主人。 伊万凭借他的经验和出色的武功，能够指挥和执行，下令采取必要的预防措施，让敌人进入城堡，然后在不知不觉中攻击他们。 恶棍们成为他们轻率行为的牺牲品。 见没有人反对，便漫不经心地往前冲去； 但遭到如此及时和猛烈的袭击，尽管他们在数量上具有极大的优势，但他们都被一个人杀死了。 主人从地牢里听到垂死的朋友的呼喊和征服者的胜利呼喊，挣断了锁链。 尽可能跑到他们的帮助下。 然后，他以超凡的体力，将门从铰链上拧开，冲出去，到达战场，在那里他遇到了他的同伙的命运。 伊万吃过饭，一整天都待在那里。 在对他的拯救者进行了最好的指示之后，关于他们要走的路，以及如何在亚瑟王的宫廷中表现，他与这位女士一起出发前往一个遥远的省份，该省份的名称没有被记录在案。作者。

我们年轻的骑士正在穿越这个国家的那部分地区，现在被称为普瓦图的马尔凯斯。 克拉里斯一心想着想着利达米亚的可爱形象，却被一个骑手朝这两个朋友冲过来的样子从令人愉悦的遐想中惊醒了。 当他走近时，他们被他昂贵的盔甲和华丽的马具所震撼。 然而，这个人自己似乎并没有变得如此华而不实。 因为他几乎没有力气坐在马鞍上； 而他脸上的悲伤和沮丧却暴露了他内心深处的悲伤。 他们以可以想象的礼貌与陌生人搭讪，在路上提供帮助以帮助他。——“唉！先生们，他回答说，带着令人心碎的叹息，我对坟墓这一边的和平与幸福再也没有希望了。 ; 我在这个世界上所珍视和珍贵的一切，我美丽的少女，已经以最危险的方式与我疏远了。我的名字是卡拉多斯，虽然我这么说，但对我的圆桌同胞来说并不丢脸……我现在正在前往亚瑟王宫廷的路上，请求那位王子和他的贵族骑士们的帮助，我希望能在他们当中找到一个复仇者。” “你不必走得太远，一致回答，克拉里斯和拉里斯，根据我们的判断，我们也许值得你信任：而且，为了解决你的不满，我们准备好面对危险，不，不灰心。” “温柔的骑士们，重新加入受苦受难的卡拉多斯，你们的外表和勇气激励着我对你们的尊重和对你们的话的信心；因此，我将简要地向你们讲述我的灾难性冒险经历。

“我正要与一位最美丽、最贤惠的少女结婚前夕，罗谢尔领主拉达斯和我的邻居嫉妒我的幸福并决心阻挠它，向我提出挑战，他提出反对和我一起拥有如此宝贵的财宝。我可能会拒绝见他，也不会贬低骑士的法律，因为即使是美丽的少女，他也几乎不认识；他也从未断言他在我与她郑重订婚之前假装。然而我对她的美貌如此着迷，以至于我无法忍受任何人抬眼对我心中崇拜的偶像：所以，相信凭着几项武功获得的小名声，被我偏心的朋友说得很好，我听从了骄傲的主的号召。准时，在我的对手出现之前我就到达了现场。但我应该通知你（尽管你可能认为我的鲁莽值得 ure）在激情澎湃的时候，我已经向我的对手发回了消息，说我已经准备好与他自己和另外两个人单打独斗了； 对抗六人，如果他允许我一秒钟，或者对抗他和另外八人，我身边有两名骑士。 他同意了这些条件，但没有具体说明他喜欢哪个：我忽略了这一点，以为他只会和他的两个朋友见我，第一个提议足以表明我对他的蔑视：基于这个假设，我没有人带我到指定的地方。 拉达斯终于来了，但比我想象的要好。 因为利用了我刚才提到的最后一个条件，他把自己置于他的八名附庸骑士的头上。 如果我手头的援助最少，我会攻击他们，不管他们有多少； 但孤身一人，除了死亡，我还能期待什么？ 而且，更糟糕的是，他会在折磨人的信念中结束，他应该在她的爱中感到幸福。 因此，我拒绝了这场战斗，因为我没有为此做好准备。 我心爱的美女被送到了男爵手中，他们本来是比赛的见证人。 拉达斯宣布，除非我按照我的提议在四十天之内随行，否则应将公平的奖品分配给他。 亚瑟王进入布列塔尼； 我的兄弟们，他英勇的骑士们无疑追随了我们勇敢而可敬的领袖； 所以我有充分的理由担心我会回来太晚，从而失去唯一能让生活变得美好的女人。”

“奈特爵士，克拉里斯对他说，你的勇气肯定胜过你的谨慎；但我们已经订婚为你服务，如果两个年轻骑士的帮助——六个敌人都无法恐吓——证明是可以接受的，你只需要说一下；我们准备好跟随你了。”

这个大胆的提议，加上克拉丽丝说话的坚决态度，使疲惫的卡拉多斯重新振作起来，卡拉多斯带着喜悦和感激之情结束了他们的提议，三位英雄疾驰向罗谢尔，在那里他们立即向拉达斯提出挑战，以完成他的任务。承诺。 这个和邻近国家的所有骑士，在指定的日子聚集在一起，看到如此重要的事件的问题。 贵妇受托的男爵们将她带到了战场，拉达斯胆怯地出现在八名骑士的头上。 但一看到他可爱的情妇，卡拉多斯胸中的狮子就惊醒了。 一边对拉达斯的粗鲁表示愤慨，一边激发了两位年轻骑士的不屈不挠的勇气。 他们订婚了； 但是，就好像奸诈的拉达斯在战场上拥有三比一的优势还不够，他特别指示他的追随者将他们的长矛指向马的胸部，这违反了明确的法律。真正的骑士精神。 三名勇敢的骑士已经下马了他们的三个对手。 但是他们自己的马现在被他们杀死了，他们不得不徒步与留在马背上的六匹马作战。 他们对这么多背信弃义感到愤怒，只听正义怨恨的大声呼唤。 他们抓住缰绳，冒着被压死的明显危险，竭力让他们的对手离开马鞍，或者刺穿他们盔甲的开口。 卡拉多斯心烦意乱，尽管障碍重重，但他还是竭力与他讨厌的对手打成一片。 人们会认为他是为死亡而战，并且会欢迎它，如果他能让奸诈的拉达斯致命的话。 终于，命运眷顾了正义的事业； 罗谢尔领主被迫下马，倒在卡拉多斯的脚下，卡拉多斯用尖剑抵住了跪倒的逃学者的喉咙。 与此同时，其他的冠军也不敢上前救援，看到胜利者的威胁姿态，生怕他将他们的主人当场死亡。 拉达斯因此被抛弃和征服，不得不乞求生命，高贵的卡拉多斯认为不值得。 在召唤男爵见证他的胜利后，他跑向他的未婚妻，将她从他们手中夺回。 对她爱人的危险的强烈担忧使她失去了行动，几乎失去了生命，她也很长时间没有清醒过来。 终于，她睁开可爱的眼睛，向卡拉多斯投去一种说不出的深情。 她说话的第一个用途就是带着爱的焦虑问他是否受伤了。 在他最肯定地向她保证他不是他之后，她从他身上跳了下来，跑向另外两个骑士站的地方，周围有许多勇敢的战士，他们对他们的年轻、美丽，尤其是他们感到惊讶。 ，他们在如此令人难忘的一天的行为，对如此多的勇敢和行为大加赞赏。 卡拉多斯的女主人冲破了英勇的人群，在以最热烈的方式感谢了两位骑士之后，她的感激之情可以暗示。 她向他们每个人致敬。 整个集会都为他们应得的恩惠报以热烈的掌声。天真快乐的日子，集市给予的一个谦虚的吻被认为是对最崇高行为的充分回报！ 我们现在的骑士不会那么温和。 在享受了几天最盛大的款待并获得了最高荣誉之后，克拉里斯和他的王室伙伴启程前往当时亚瑟王所在的布列塔尼。

他们要走的路，穿过布罗塞连德的森林，梅林在那里被仙女薇薇安的魔法迷住了。 她的弟子莫甘娜，同样是仙女，将自己定格在这片森林中。 我们在圆桌会议的历史中读到，莫甘娜是亚瑟王的妹妹，在他的宫廷里待了几年，由于她年轻和美丽的迷人魅力，她曾一度是那里最大的装饰品。 但最后，年龄削弱了她的魅力，她求助于艺术。 厕所是她所有性别都共有的，这是她第一次尝试。 然而，即使这样很快也变得不够了； 莫甘娜被经验说服，没有任何人类技巧可以控制时间的不可抗拒的力量，也不能堵塞它转瞬即逝的翅膀，因此不得不使用她强大的咒语的魅力。 只有通过这种方式，莫甘娜年纪的女人才能自吹自擂以吸引异性的注意：而且，由于秘密已经失传，现在的老太太，如果不是仙女，应该退休时间，也不认为胭脂和化妆品足以吸引和引诱人类，或隐藏三分的自然缺陷。 莫甘娜进行了几次征服，当然，少女中的许多敌人发现自己被不忠的骑士抛弃了。 仙女证明了她对湖中伟大的兰斯洛特的偏爱，亚瑟的美丽配偶吉尼弗非常不耐烦地忍受了它。 最后，不管她是讨厌宫廷，还是宫廷讨厌她，她都认为退隐到我们所说的森林里去是合适的。 在她的指挥下，她的隐形代理人在那里建造了一座魔法宫殿。 在她的美妙静修中，年轻漂亮的瓦莱特、绅士和许多骑士更喜欢与莫甘娜一起等待他们的不光彩但令人愉快的乐趣，而不是骑士游侠的光荣辛劳。 仙女也经常有精灵和其他使者陪伴，他们准确地告诉她在离她的宫殿一定距离内经过的事情，并帮助她监视每一个她认为值得她注意的旅行者。

Claris 和 Lidamia 的兄弟被困住了，在他们之前已经有数百人被困住了。 他们离莫甘娜的避难所只有三英里远，两个漂亮的孩子在前面蹦蹦跳跳，似乎在邀请他们跟着他们的足迹穿过一片最茂盛的小树林。 他们在那条迷人的道路上还不到一百码，就遇到了一群猎人和女猎手，他们很乐意与他们混在一起，以进行这项运动。 当他们越来越接近宫殿时，一群跳舞的牧羊人和牧羊女加入了他们的队伍，直到我们的骑士来到门口； 当它被打开时，好奇心驱使他们去检查一个住宅的内部，从外观上看，它承诺给他们的感官带来如此丰富的满足感。 他们没有弄错； 他们遇到的每一件物品都同样令人惊讶和新奇：“直到最后，进入房子，他们被引导穿过一系列反房间，每个房间的优雅和辉煌都超过了下一个，来到莫甘娜的公寓，它被挂着带有粉红色的光泽，带有丰富的纱布和人造花。 仙女身姿轻盈，姿态最能衬托出她借来的魅力，斜靠在沙发上。 她漫不经心地抬起头，迎接新来的客人。 “诸侯，她对他们说，凭我的占卜技巧，我知道你们是谁，我很自豪能在这些围墙内看到你们，在那里你们可以保证得到与你们的等级和应得同等的接待——然后，转向她的侍从们，把两张扶手椅递给我尊贵的客人——请坐，勇敢的先生们！但是天哪！等你一会儿：像现在这样全副武装，你会把家具撕成碎片——来吧，仙女们，解除这些武器温柔的骑士们：把他们娇嫩的四肢从这些沉重而麻烦的装备中解放出来。”——仙女们服从了，仙女继续她对骑士们的讲话：——“我自以为是，你会在晚饭时与你同行。你会遇到一个比你在一些再见旅馆找到的更好的价格，假设你甚至应该找到这样的住宿。”——谁能拒绝如此礼貌的邀请？——“现在，先生们，莫甘娜继续说，如果有人诽谤你，我我是女巫，希望你对我没有偏见，我也不会害怕 十个你。 我坦率地承认，我知道的比一般女性要多，但我所有的交易都和我一样公平； 你可能会看到我并没有不体面：确实，我爱年轻人，他们娱乐并取悦我； 但我绝非有意伤害他们； 确实到目前为止，我会很乐意监督你的教育：我会让你走上在这个世界上蓬勃发展的道路，我敢说你会在我的建议下，通过一条同样容易和赏心悦目。 但是你可能不会认为我说的只是猜测，我会让你相信我对你的品质和人并不陌生。 在你身上，克拉里斯，我看到了加斯科尼或阿基坦最伟大的领主之一； 而你，拉里斯，是美丽的利达米亚的兄弟，拉登的王室配偶。 你看我都认识你们。 来吧，克拉丽丝，把手给我，我们去吃晚饭吧。”

欢呼声充沛而细腻，我们的两位骑士在离开拉登王国以来遇到过的最好的床上休息。 第二天，莫甘娜以她引人入胜的举止和礼貌比他们有所进步。 她决定自己承担克拉丽丝的训练，而德国王子则致力于她最忠实的侍从玛多娜的信任。 “亲爱的，仙女对她说，我把拉里斯王子交给你照顾：带他去看看这个地方的所有美景，以引起他的好奇心，让他想和我们一起住；但要注意不要让他疲劳锻炼得太多， 走 。”

无论仙女如何取悦和取悦他们，年轻的王子们都清楚他们不愉快的处境。 一个笼子，因为镀金并装满了最昂贵的珠宝，它的性质并没有改变； 囚禁，无论外表如何，对慷慨的人来说总是令人痛苦的。 克拉丽丝对利达米亚王后的忠诚丝毫不能疏远，但他不情愿地听了亚瑟姐姐的哄骗。 尽管如此，他还是掩饰了，他的青年人喜欢作弊。 拉里斯和他的导师玛多娜扮演了同样的角色。 莫甘娜用最讨人喜欢的语言向他们劝告是徒劳的——“可爱的年轻人，她说，有什么能吸引你回到我兄弟的宫廷？仅仅是为了冒险吗？我有能力满足你就在这些围墙之内，在那里，你可以毫无危险地获得武侠的光荣战利品！在你的命令下，以我的魔法技巧，我的意思是服从你的意愿，我将举起最可怕的巨龙让你消灭；巨人将在你征服的剑下倒下，整个军队将被你击溃；通过这些手段，你的眼睛将习惯于这种可怕的景象，当真正的怪物挡住你的路时，你将准备好毫不气馁地迎接他们。” 我们的骑士不会被她巧妙的推理所迷惑； 然而，为了让自己保持锻炼，他们同意模拟打架。 但是当他们有机会一起秘密交谈时，如何越狱是他们最喜欢的主题。 然而，他们认为他们的解救在道德上是不可能的。 宫殿被最坚固的城墙所包围，高耸入云，高耸入云。 也没有可以看到的门、大门或检票口。 他们绕了二十圈，仔细检查了这个地方。 但一切都是徒劳的：直到拉里斯想到了一个获得预期成功的策略。

王子对他漂亮的女教师加倍关心和勤奋，并且，为了改善那些外在的时刻，当谨慎失去警惕时，情妇对情人什么都不能拒绝，他请求玛多娜证明她的诚意爱，告诉他怎么可能走出魔法宫殿。 仙女迟疑了一会儿，直到无法遏制这巨大的秘密，才满足了他的好奇心。 他们在花园的尽头，向他展示了一个固定在墙上的戒指，“看这里，她说，在这个戒指里你有花园的万能钥匙。你只要把它拉给你，然后高耸的墙壁将立即消失。” 拉里斯似乎没有开玩笑，尝试了这个实验，发现墙让位了。 大路此时出现在他面前，如果不是他认为几天掩饰自己的意图更为可取，他可能会在瞬间完成逃跑。 他把戒指放回原处，挽着他亲爱的圣母玛多娜回到了宫殿。 将他的发现传授给克拉丽丝后，他们共同恳求仙女为第二天安排一场比赛，在这场比赛中，通过与幻想的对手倾斜，他们可能会学会遇到真正的对手。 他们的诉讼很容易获得批准，莫甘娜为此指定了一天。 与此同时，骑士们请求他们的马匹和盔甲可以归还，并允许他们在公园里骑马，以便做好更好的准备。 这得到了遵守，女士们乘坐准备好的马车跟随他们。 年轻的英雄们马马蹄铁，很快就到了花园的尽头。 到达自由等待他们的地方后，拉里斯拉开神秘的戒指，他们面前的道路是敞开的，他们沿着它走了这么久，速度如此之快，以至于他们很快就发现自己看不见这座迷人的城堡了。它邪恶的情妇的力量。

终于，他们穿越了森林，走了几天，来到了亚瑟王宫的地方。 他们受到了非常讨人喜欢的欢迎。 因为他们交付的伊万和卡拉多斯并没有吝啬他们的赞美，并准备好让他们的王室主人按照他们应得的方式接待他们。 他们在这里逗留了将近一年。 是否有一场危险的冒险，一个公共强盗，或一个不忠的巨人要摧毁，我们的两位骑士随时准备出现在荣誉领域，分享荣耀，就像他们在伴随着如此崇高成就的危险中所做的那样。 他们是如此形影不离，以至于如果他独自征服，每个人都会认为自己成功了一半，而且他们的亲密关系不亚于他们在每一个危险场合中的英勇行为。 在古代骑士中，最伟大的友谊和一致意见被那些当时被称为 武装兄弟的 。 但是，除了这个崇高的动机之外，我们的两位骑士由于年龄、脾气和爱好的一致而相互联系。 克拉丽丝最喜欢拉丽丝，因为她是美丽的利达米亚的兄弟。

他们回到拉登的宫廷，举行了一场盛大的比武和锦标赛，由老君主恭维他们。 克拉丽丝像往常一样出类拔萃。 却不幸受了伤； 他的朋友拉里斯命令他被送到他自己在宫殿里的公寓。 王后去拜访他，显然是出于礼貌。 但她被另一种人性的脆弱无法承受的冲动所引导，那就是她对英俊少年的暗恋； 迄今为止，她坚定的美德一直迫使她隐瞒这种情绪。 有一天，女王陛下独自和受伤的骑士在一起，并且按照惯例询问了他的健康状况。 后者认为有机会表白他的爱，回答说：“他的外在伤口并没有让他感到不安；但他补充说，有一个更危险，永远无法治愈。从来没有。 ！不！我永远无法治愈它，因为我不敢要求救济；如果我敢，就会被拒绝。” 利达米亚恳求一个更清楚的解释。 这是他给出的，详细说明了自从他第一次见到她以来，爱在他心中所取得的进步。 他努力扼杀不断增长的火焰，将自己从拉登的宫廷中撕下来； 最后，关于他在如此难以忍受的缺席期间所遭受的一切。

虽然这个声明对女王来说绝不是不愉快的； 然而，她认为对如此大胆的表现表现出明显的怨恨成为她的尊严。 “克拉丽丝，利达米亚说，我一直把你尊为我们骑士中最勇敢的人，我把你看成是我兄弟的朋友。我没想到会以这种侮辱性的行为来报答这种感情，同样侮辱我和我的贵妃。既然你如此大胆和轻率地向我提起你的犯罪倾向，我应该永远不再拜访你；不，并且希望你永远不要出现在我面前。

如此严厉的责备让克拉丽丝无法忍受。 他一动不动地倒在地上，在那种状态下保持了很长时间，以致人们认为他已经呼出最后一口气了。 那些走进他房间的人，在王后离开后，纷纷报出，王宫顿时响起了最凄惨的腔调。 主妇、少女、骑士、男仆，都向他表示哀悼。 警报很快就传到了利达米亚的哥哥那里。 他飞到他的公寓，拥抱克拉丽丝冰冷的身体，用哀悼友谊的泪水沐浴它。 但是，将手放在骑士的胸前，他感觉到了他的心跳。 这个幸运的发现让拉里斯充满了喜悦，很快就得到了改善，让克拉里斯恢复了理智。 考虑到他的伤很轻，不可能单独产生如此惊人的效果； 拉里斯怀疑是某种内心深处的、非常感人的悲伤，是导致他的朋友濒临死亡的隐藏原因。 他甚至心照不宣地指责他的妹妹对这次事故做出了很大的贡献，并赶紧到她的公寓去了解他的怀疑有多大的根据。 王后对他的靠近感到不安，脸红得非常厉害：但是，由于真理和真诚是她高尚思想的主要品质，所以她坦率地拥有克拉丽丝公寓里过去的一切。 拉瑞斯责备她如此不合时宜的严厉。 他宣称，他早就知道他朋友的倾向了，这种倾向虽然不光彩，但他知道它是真诚的，所以他从没想过反对它； 但恰恰相反，他赞同他的观点，并培养了他的希望。 他恳求并恳求他的妹妹； 不，为了证明她对他的友谊，她要求她到克拉丽丝身边，不仅是用好话安抚他，甚至是让他向她的嘴唇敬礼，以完成他的康复。 起初，她极力反对这种不恰当的步骤，她说，这妨碍了她对她的主和她自己的责任。 “王后补充说，如果我愿意，我不会拒绝这样的恩惠；因为我欣然承认，在这个王国里，没有一个臣民，我对他的尊重超过了我对他的尊重。克拉丽丝。”——“那么，我可爱的妹妹，向我保证，如果你在老国王面前幸存下来，你会优先考虑克拉丽丝。同时跟我一起到他的公寓去，给他这个好处，在我的敦促下，这不能有辱人格，我认为这是保护最勇敢的骑士冠军和你兄弟最亲密的朋友生命的唯一方法。然后，如果你认为合适的话，我们将动身前往英国；我们也不应该回来，直到你想要它为止。”

拉里斯的理由很充分； 但是，如果不是在利达米亚温柔的胸膛中为他朋友的理由辩护的强有力的倡导者强制执行，他们可能会收效甚微。 她跟着她哥哥去了他的公寓。 但是，当她看到克拉丽丝脸色苍白，准备成为她野蛮行为的牺牲品时，她并没有向她承诺的敬礼，而是不止一次地亲吻了昏倒的克拉丽丝。 这使快要死去的骑士苏醒过来，他向女王投去一脸感激之情，用欣喜若狂的口吻喊道：“哦，我心目中美丽的君主！仅此一项就能唤起你绝望的骑士生命和幸福；说着，他搂着她的脖子，百倍地回报了他所接受的拥抱。” 最后，她脱口而出，“我的兄弟，她说，坚持要我给你我友谊的第一个证据；不，既然掩饰太迟了，我就称它为我的爱人。我更欣然同意了，因为我坚信你的名誉，并相信你会遵从美德和礼仪所催促的必要性，履行他以你的名义作出的承诺，一旦你的健康能够支持旅途的疲劳。” “唉！克拉里斯回答说，很明显，当拉里斯订婚时，他并没有考虑到他朋友的意愿。但是，我最尊贵的王后，只要您表示高兴就足够了；而且，如果以我的生命为代价，你的皇命将被服从。”

几天后，两位骑士带着众多随从出发，拉登国王将二十四匹马作为礼物送给了他们。 夜幕降临，我们的旅人在一片最美丽的平原上搭起了帐篷，吃过丰盛的晚餐后，他们就去休息了。 午夜时分，三位女士经过这个地方前往拉登的宫殿，寻找两位年轻的骑士。 他们当中的主要人物，也是唯一一个名字必须提及的人是玛多娜，她轻率地听从了她的学生拉里斯的请求，帮助两位英雄逃离了莫甘娜的魔法城堡。 他们的逃跑激怒了亚瑟的妹妹，她理所当然地怀疑她的仙女玛多娜泄露了一个秘密，除了她最喜欢的这个，皇家仙女没有告诉她的任何一个随从。 Madoina 有一些非常私人的理由为她的所作所为感到抱歉。 但她试图贬低莫甘娜的怨恨，但徒劳无功。 仙女不听她的眼泪并道歉，尽管如此真诚，但无法将她心爱的克拉丽丝带回她的怀抱。 然而，她并没有对她忏悔的仙女采取进一步的报复，而是将她赶出城堡，并发出最严格的禁令，永远不要再接近它。 玛多娜的两个同伴在流放中跟随她。 在长期为莫甘娜服务期间，前者已经掌握了足够的魔法知识和技能，成为一名非常高明的仙女，虽然是一个低等的仙女。 她在位于布罗斯利安德森林边缘的一座塔楼里住了下来。 并且，通过她的艺术，已经把它变成了莫甘娜宫殿的一个可以容忍的复制品。 她用魔法围墙环绕的花园，与我们已经描述的几乎相似。 至于开启和关闭的方式，其实是一样的，只是，为了不让以后逃跑，她把一个最可怕的巨人，以及她能养的所有可怕怪物，都放在外面，靠近大门。可以尝试的地方。 等她把所有的事情都按她的意念安顿好之后，她的下一个任务就是出动寻找她亲爱的拉瑞斯，她满怀信心地相信，如果她能再一次让他在她的权力范围内，他就再也不能离开她了。 . 她最近从空中的间谍那里得到的情报，已经将她的脚步引导到了骑士们驻扎的地方，她对离她心爱的拉里斯这么近的喜悦，无法很好地表达出来。 她念诵了几句魔语，让王子们和他们的侍从们陷入了昏昏欲睡，并利用好机会，命令一些最灵活的灵魂抓住拉瑞斯，将他安全地送回了她的宫殿。她很快跟了上去。

玛多伊娜束缚整个营地的咒语被打破了，克拉里斯和他的随从醒了过来，准备立即离开。 但是让我们的读者想象一下他们的惊讶和恐惧，经过几个小时无果而终的搜索，他们没有找到德国王子的踪迹。 克拉丽丝因这次事故而陷入了近乎绝望的境地。 他不仅失去了一个朋友； 但他是利达米亚的兄弟，为了他的安全，他向美丽的王后发誓。 陪伴他的骑士们竭尽全力安抚和安慰他，但徒劳无功。 他对他们的劝告充耳不闻，没有什么能减轻他的悲伤。 最后决定，小队应该散了，各自走不同的路去寻找王子，他们认为王子还不够远，还不能被追上。 特别是因为他们的人数足以将他们分成几条道路。 他们分手了，每个人都希望成为第一个找到拉里斯的快乐人。 然而，他们没有成功，他们中的一些人只是找到了通往亚瑟王宫廷的路，给出了令人震惊的情报。 德意志亲王获得了友谊，值得十二贤者的尊重，十二贤人都决定去寻找他。 但是，因为他们不知道他到底去了哪条路； 这次远征只是为了让那些勇敢的骑士有机会在一些私人冒险中展示他们一贯的勇气。 他们的主要目的也没有得到回答，直到发生了我们即将讲述的奇怪情况。 但首先我们请求离开，将我们的读者带回玛多伊娜的宫殿，在拉里斯被她的空灵特工运送到那里一小时后，她到达了那里。

利达米亚的哥哥几乎在他的同路人都为他担心的同时清醒过来，他奇怪地惊奇地发现，他没有在那天晚上进入的帐篷里，而是看到自己被放在一张最优雅的床上。房间布置得整整齐齐，窗户紧闭，严禁进出。 他的惊奇让位于一种更令人不快的感觉，当第一个击中他的物体是坐在他床边的麦多娜时。 意识到自己对这位美丽的女术士所做的错误，他放弃了自己，并期待着最坏的待遇。 莫甘娜迟到的女人装出最温柔、最热情的神情对他说：“你又回来了，温柔的骑士，不是在莫甘娜的手中，而是冒犯了玛多娜的力量。你的命运掌握在我手中，我可能会夺取你的命运。”用你生命中的每一刻痛苦来进行一次严厉的报复。你强加给了我软弱的好心；但我很容易平静下来；和我一起待一段时间：让你对荣耀的热爱休息片刻，享受这次撤退的甜蜜。你在这里也会同样快乐，如果不是比你在莫甘娜家更快乐的话。我只会更加谨慎，把你关在更安全的地方。而且，为了避免你提出逃跑，知道我的力量至少等于我以前的情妇的。” 拉里斯一言不发，有一段时间无法恢复说话的能力，他对所见所闻感到震惊。 “我让你静心，玛多娜继续说，我将暂时退休；但请记住，你现在处于一个爱你的女人的权力之下，尽管她应该恨你。好好考虑一下后果，并接受你的相应地解决。”

拉里斯独自一人，考虑到他在哪里，没有任何办法让他逃脱，他认为摆脱这种新奴隶制的唯一方法就是求助于他用来摆脱这种奴役的方法。莫甘娜的力量； 深情地想象着，虽然玛多伊娜已经被经验所教导，但仍有可能成为他的骗子。 因此，他以非常令人满意的方式欢迎她回来。 而且，尽管她既不年轻也不英俊，但他自己年轻的活力和重新获得自由的希望，使我们的英雄成为完美的大力士。 于是仙女庆幸自己又一次抓住了她亲爱的拉瑞丝。 同时，凭借自己采取的预防措施，她自吹自擂地让他长期束缚。 玛多伊娜给了他在监狱中所希望的一切自由； 例如在花园里散步等。 但他试图从她那里得到打破束缚他的咒语的方法，但徒劳无功。 她戒备森严，以自己的亲身经历告诫她，她不允许她的女侍者靠近他，免得被他的说服力的口才所引诱。 与此同时，巨人夜以继日地打转，怪物们保护着被施了魔法的地方免受任何外来的攻击。 德意志亲王现在明白了，他所有的狡猾都无法再一次强加给玛多伊娜的弱点，他认为自己永远与世界和他的朋友隔绝。 然而，大约在这个时候发生的一件不可预见的事件，我们之前已经暗示过，让开始袭击他的忧郁情绪得到了一些缓解，并损害了他的美貌和体质。

在追捕拉瑞斯的圆桌骑士中，总管奎克斯以他的不幸和可笑的冒险而闻名，正如其他人因他们的武功而受到公正的赞誉一样，他是最重要的人之一，正如他所使用的那样在任何情况下，尽管经常受到狂热精神的 引导 ，而不是任何真正勇敢的原则。 他是第一个发现玛多伊娜宫殿的人，他在这个地方的不幸甚至超过了他以前的流产。 穿越 Brosseliande 森林已经把他关了两天多，Morgana 的精灵不认为他值得被介绍给她的仙女。 终于，禁食了一整天后，他终于到达了玛多伊娜城堡的外墙，累得快饿死了； 因为他随身携带的食物已经一无所有，只剩下一些零碎的东西，他现在凑到一起，以最贪婪的胃口吞了下去。 用一两杯酒冲淡了他干燥而不舒服的饭菜，这也是前一天晚上喝的； 他发现墙脚上长了一些苔藓，他把马拴在离他不远的地方，然后躺下，镇定下来，靠在床上，大自然似乎为他疲惫的四肢提供了这张床上。 必须告知读者，这种苔藓是巨人为自己的垃圾提供食物的一部分。 他早上小心翼翼地把它捡起来，放在那儿，直到天快黑了，他会来拿它。 Queux 刚尝到香甜睡眠的甜头，巨人就来了他的床。 他首先发现了那匹马，然后把他带到了公园里。 紧接着，他瞪大眼睛望向苔藓，看到了被地震巨人沉重的脚步声惊醒的身材矮小的骑士，已经将自己深深地埋进了苔藓之中。 怪物在他身上放了另一重担子，把整个东西扛在肩上，把它扛了下来。 他走到墙的另一边，照例小心地把门锁好，走到一座避暑别墅前，玛多娜和她的几个侍从在那里等着太阳落山。 ，在她坐的地方后面的水晶池里洗澡。 巨人走进来，带着怪物般的凶残，把他的重担全扔在地板上，“来，夫人，他用震撼整个房间的声音说，看看里面有什么；我想它会说话，因为它会发出吱吱声和抱怨。” 2 包裹解开了，玛多娜第一眼就认出了这个灾难性的骑士，尽管他戴着帽子。 她以前在亚瑟的宫廷见过他，当时她是莫甘娜的一名随从。 她希望他向她讲述他的冒险经历，这使她大大分心。 并直接把他带到拉里斯的公寓，“毫无疑问，我的主，她说，您认识这位可敬的骑士：让他向您讲述他以何种方式，以及他是何等奇怪的意外成为我们的客人：此外，我的意思是他应该留几天给你消遣。” 她把 Queux 留在了房间里，Laris 在他的陪伴下高兴了一段时间。 确实如此，当手头没有其他人时，我们会珍惜一个人，在法庭上和面对世界时，我们会认为我们有责任轻视他。 但囚禁使一个人适应各种公司。 然而，拉里斯忍受总督的无礼，向自己提出的主要目的是尝试通过与他协商，他们是否无法就某种方法达成一致，以实现他们的逃跑。 但 Queux 不是回答这种危险目的的人。 他可以夸夸其谈，但胆子很小。 拉里斯的交付是一个真正忠诚的骑士的工作。

克拉丽丝经过漫长而徒劳的寻找，终于想到了莫甘娜的宫殿。 估计是因为什么不幸的遭遇，他又一次落入了放荡仙子的手中。 为了弄清楚自己的怀疑是否有根据，他骑着马绕着布罗塞连德的森林转了一圈，观察了一座类似于莫甘娜的宫殿。 有了这个发现，他制定了一个计划，最终证明是成功的。 他把自己置于这样一种方式，即可以看到每一件事而不被观察。 巨人的职责是确保外面的一切都像在宫殿里一样安全，在一天结束时从里面出来了。 克拉里斯从他的潜伏处冲了出来，架起他的长矛，向巨人疾驰而去。 后者咧嘴一笑，用这些话表达了他的蔑视，用粗暴的雷鸣般的声音说：“你是谁，顽皮的孩子？”——“看这里，克拉里斯回答说，展示他的长矛，这就是我一直以来的小玩意习惯于从我的摇篮中。” 说着，他猛地一推那怪物，怪物却徒劳地试图用他的刀抵住这一击。 他受了伤，倒在地上。 克拉瑞斯瞬间下车，正准备砍下巨人的脑袋，却是在恳求自己的性命； 承诺公开一个最重要的秘密。 他做到了这一点，他让克拉里斯了解了德意志亲王被俘的情况。 听到这个消息，克拉里斯泪流满面，只求巨人作为他保住性命的奖励，让他成为拉里斯囚禁的同伴。——”听好了，骑士爵士，怪物说，我们巨人没有那么坚强，但我们可以和你一样享受友谊的甜蜜，并被感激所驱使。如果你相信我的名誉，你就会相信这一点。 克拉里斯点头表示同意，他让自己像以前奎克斯一样被捆起来，安全地被抬进了拉里斯的公寓。 让两个这样的朋友，如果在这个堕落的时代有这样的朋友，从我们软弱的手中拿起笔，如果可能的话，在这些结拜兄弟之间，追溯在这次意外相遇中发生的动人场景。 如果不是巨人承诺将他们送出魔法城堡来完成他们的幸福，他们将被锁在彼此的怀抱中，他们会为他们幸福的重逢而欣喜若狂。 情况比较有利，因为麦多娜在家。 他先是吩咐他们走什么路线，以驯服在墙外一定距离守望的怪物，然后让他们走出除了他的情妇，她最喜欢的两个女人，谁都无法打开的花园大门。 ，还有他自己。 从那以后，经过几天的旅程，他们安全地到达了亚瑟王的宫廷，他们已经订婚了。 但他们刚到那里不久，就有一个非常重要的消息传来，要求他们立即启程前往加斯科尼。

拉登不在了，他的王室遗孀继承了他的王位，在非常危险的危机中手无寸铁，一贫如洗。 西班牙国王萨瓦里爱上了利达米亚，也许更爱她丰厚的嫁妆，率领一支纪律严明的军队以敌对的方式进入了她的领土。 他的意图是迫使女王与他举行政治婚姻。 入侵是如此出乎意料，以至于利达米亚只有时间写信给亚瑟王寻求帮助。 拉里斯和克拉里斯离开了，英国君主知道如何奖励军事英勇，因为他自己就是他所珍视的勇气的典范； 授予他们一千名骑士团，以他们为首的是高文、卢坎、萨克雷穆尔、阿格拉文、伊万和加勒雷特。 这支勇敢的部队出发了，到达了加斯科尼。 几天后，这个王国和它美丽的女王一起落入了野心勃勃、残忍的萨瓦里人的手中。 利达米亚被关在最后一个承认她影响力的堡垒中被围困。 其余的人都宣誓效忠征服者。 背信弃义的西班牙人很快就体验到，一小撮英勇的英勇战士，站在正义和荣誉的一边，曾经是整个雇佣军大军的对手，他们为掠夺而战，公然蔑视所有法律。 敌人很快就不得不解除围城，撤离他们的新征服。 而女王则可以自由地享受她臣民的极大欢乐，他们除了害怕外来的枷锁之外，什么都不怕。

克拉丽丝认为自己做得还不够，因为在救出利达米亚方面有这么多勇敢的人与他平分秋色，他认为在他为她完成一些更重要的服务之前出现在他的君主面前是不合适的。 他在夜里撤退了，在拉里斯和几名特工的陪同下，他开始追击西班牙人，他们突然袭击并完全击败了西班牙人。 他们背信弃义的国王落入了克拉里斯之手，克拉里斯为了取得胜利，越过比利牛斯山脉，深入纳瓦拉省，轻松征服了它。 克拉丽丝和利达米亚的兄弟因此得意洋洋，并且有一些个人服务值得夸耀，回到宫廷，女王以最深情的方式接待了他们。 不久之后，她用她的手奖励了谦虚而忠实的克拉丽丝。 英国骑士们在皇家婚礼上逗留了几天，并分享了当时的男子气概，回到了英国。 至于拉里斯，他和他心爱的兄弟再待了几个月，他与利达米亚的幸福结合，本来可以让他自己的幸福得到满足，如果不是这种情况在他的胸中重新点燃了一种他一直保密的激情，即使是对克拉里斯也是如此。自己； 尽管当他们在亚瑟王的宫廷中以最亲密和最机密的条件聚在一起时，它的第一次兴起。

王子所爱的美好对象，只是他的胆怯迫使他隐瞒了他的名字，所以配得上如此高贵的追求者。 她是勇敢的伊万的妹妹，圆桌会议的荣誉，因为她是她性别中最有成就的人之一。 拉里斯时不时地把他的处境与他姐姐和克拉里斯的处境进行痛苦的比较。 他们已经达到了世间所有幸福的顶峰； 他还没有寻求它，没有任何成功的把握。 那些思绪掠过他； 他变得沉思和忧郁。 这突如其来的变化，逃不过友情那焦急而清晰的眼睛。 国王和王后惊慌失措，以如此温柔和关切的态度询问原因，以致拉里斯再也无法脱颖而出，终于揭露了这个巨大的秘密。 克拉丽丝和他的王妃认为这种疾病不是无法治愈的，因此很高兴，前者宣布他打算亲自去英国，向他的兄弟请求美丽的玛丽娜的手，从那些有权处置它，即她的王室叔叔亚瑟和她的兄弟伊万。 利达米亚批准了这项决议； 但坚持要和他们一起去。 这遭到了反对，因为放弃她的新征服是不明智的：但是，她泪流满面地看着她心爱的克拉丽丝，似乎在责备他把她留在身后，而他可能会遇到新的危险陆路和海路。 国王并不能抵抗如此强大的攻击：他吻掉了开始的眼泪，并同意了她的请求。 在将政府的缰绳交到英明能干的大臣手中后，他离开了王国，将保卫王国的任务委托给了一些值得称道的骑士，他赋予他们必要的权力，但仍受制于民法，这是唯一的堡垒的公共自由。

因此，在过去，国王和王后旅行时没有任何仪式，也不担心他们的人身或财产。 因为他们从不注意奴役他们的臣民，只奴役他们的心和感情。 确实，通过这些方式，他们在自己的领土上遭受了许多事故。 但是，如果他们和其他男人发生同样的危险，他们会享受那些甜食，享受私人生活，很少有君主对此有任何概念。

我们的旅行者遇到了几次冒险，其中不计其数的记录在摘录本的手稿中； 但是，由于演奏会乏味且无趣，我们将只选择以下内容：

“有一天，当皇家骑兵经过一座城堡时，天气晴朗，女王优雅地骑着一辆白色的马车，女王陛下开始用她一贯的品味和欢快的心情唱歌。卡斯特兰勋爵竖起耳朵看着那迷人的声音响起，跑到窗前，看到从哪里发出如此悦耳的声音。王后的美貌彻底颠覆了他的大脑，误以为她是一个完全不同的女人，便向我们的旅行者发出邀请，与他一起逗留。整个晚上。它被接受了，吊桥放下来介绍这群人。晚餐时，他们的主人陶醉在酒中，为爱而疯狂；因为现在利达米亚在他身边，又一次听到了她融化的旋律，他认为，只要稍加管理，就能让她同意他的热情，因为他认为她是一个漫步的美人，已经对她的男性同伴表现出顺从。他据此制定了计划，并给予联合国 两位骑士都明白，绅士和女人睡在房子的同一侧，这违反了他家的习俗，显然也违反了体面的法律； 为了这个目的，他在他的城堡里增加了一个侧翼，仅供男性使用，因为女士们总是睡在他姐姐和她的女仆的房间旁边的房间里。 聪明的主在这种绝妙的自负中拥抱自己，认为白天，或者更确切地说是黑夜，一定是他的，尤其是当这两位先生似乎与他意见相投时。 但是，怀疑是某种设计，他们决心保持警惕。 相应地，当仆人将他们点燃到男房时，他们注意到，通过一条从一侧到另一侧的长廊，他们可以很容易地靠近女房。 因此，他们并没有脱下盔甲，而是静静地坐着，直到他们想，如果家主有什么阴险的想法，他就会开始犯下他的恶行。 他们很快就有机会感谢他们的明星以如此谨慎的谨慎激励他们。 他们踮着脚尖向前走，很快就听到一个女人大声呼救的尖叫声。 他们朝声音传来的房间走去，猛地打开门，确信他们背信弃义的主人企图对几乎耗尽力气的利达米亚施以暴力。 他们扑倒在这个坏蛋身上，狠狠地揍了他一顿，他的叫声把所有仆人都叫了起来。像狮子一样战斗，很快就杀死了主人和他的几个手下，结束了这场悲剧。 在这次冒险之后，他们得到了骑士卡拉多斯的帮助，他碰巧碰巧经过，听到了噪音，并观察到吊桥已经倒塌，才得以进入城堡。 他飞到了战斗现场，发现有两名骑士战斗到如此不利的境地，他欣然站在他们一边。 但是，当他在胜利之后看到他如此慷慨地拥护的那些人正是他的生命和幸福的保护者时，他认为自己完全得到了回报。

第二天，利达米亚和兄弟二人继续他们的旅程，穿越了布罗塞连德的巨大森林，没有遇到任何意外。 他们终于来到了一条宽阔的河边； 一艘船站在他们的一侧，将他们运送到对岸。 船尾写着以下警告：“谁既没有叛国罪，也没有伪装，可以安全登船，船会在没有任何可见特工帮助的情况下将他飘过；但不会动摇，如果乘客有有任何理由以任何此类罪行自责。” 我们的皇室旅客轻松上船； 他们是真正忠诚的骑士，而利达米亚是一位贤惠的王后：所以他们完全安全地渡海，直到他们到达离岸边几码的地方，这时利达米亚满心欢喜，一时冲动之下，女性虚荣心，惊呼道，“亲爱的克拉丽丝，我的美德和纯洁的贞操的胜利，现在已经完成了；如果我有什么可责备的，那就是我在拉登还活着的时候给你的吻。现在你是我的了第二任丈夫；我爱你，并且忠实于婚姻誓言。我怎么可能对你，我崇拜你！当嫁给一个从未找到通往我心的男人时，我从来没有，甚至没有想过，突然转向”——当小船靠岸时，王后已经走了这么远； 但当她准备降落时，它后退了，她掉进了水里，被一只看不见的手击退了。 然而，这起事故的后果只是她全身湿透了，骑士们很快就把她从水里救了出来。 莉达米亚因虚荣心受到的惩罚而受到极大的鼓舞，因为她假装在她已故的主人的一生中没有爱过其他男人。 即使在那时，她的心中也只有克拉丽丝。 他们兴致勃勃地继续他们的旅程，并安全抵达英国。

加斯科尼女王在宫廷中受到了她卓越的功绩和她与亚瑟王的血缘所能赋予她的所有荣誉。 她的王室叔叔会为他的侄女提供一场盛大的款待； 但是当拉里斯的幸福受到威胁时，他们到达时收到的情报太惊人了，以至于他们无法考虑快乐。 玛丽娜不在法庭上，几个月前她离开了法庭，回到了自己的国家。 丹麦国王塔拉被她的魅力深深地迷住了，抓住机会拜访她父亲乌里安努斯国王，向她求婚。 如果被拒绝，威胁要入侵玛丽娜父亲的领土，并强迫他这样做，现在被要求提供帮助。 这种为玛丽娜辩护的专横方式，使老国王非常不舒服，他作为圆桌会议的同伴，在英国就知道 ，被动地服从暴君的意志是 。 因此，他回答了一个回答，表达了对塔拉的大胆的最大愤慨，以及乌里阿努斯和他的女儿对他的蔑视，这激怒了脾气暴躁的丹麦人，以至于他把自己放在了头上。一支庞大的军队，围攻了乌里亚努斯王国的首都，规模不大。 消息进一步补充说，玛丽娜的父亲和她自己已经撤退到要塞，并把城镇交给了敌人，敌人似乎决心留在它面前，直到他饿死国王才顺从。 已经付出了代价，不可能风靡一时。 他美丽的情妇所面临的危险，对拉里斯产生了如此大的影响，以至于他昏倒了，并被认为是死了。 克拉里斯非常惊恐，恳求他的王妃尝试用同样的方法让她的兄弟复活，当他遇到类似的情况时，这对他来说是非常成功的。 莉达米娅应了一声，最温柔地抱住弟弟，在他耳边低语：

爱因此呼唤你去拯救一位王室的少女，

拉里斯，醒醒！ 或者玛丽娜被背叛了！

被妹妹温柔的爱抚唤醒了，但更因为玛丽娜这个甜美的名字，拉里斯从恍惚中恢复过来，凝视着利达米亚，对她说：

姐妹的亲吻可以带来一些安慰，

但唯有爱才能抚平我的心痛！

然而，一位声名显赫的骑士纵容女人的悲痛，在他的情妇处于最迫在眉睫的危险中时坐在那里抽泣和哭泣，这将是多么可耻的事。 利达米亚的哥哥决定第二天就出发去营救玛丽娜和她的父亲乌里亚努斯。 王子加入了克拉里斯，勇敢的伊万，这是他自己的争吵，他是乌里安努斯的儿子，还有经验丰富的高文，伊万的亲戚，以及洛斯国王的儿子。

这四位英雄，每个人都带领着一支坚定的队伍，精心策划了要制造恐怖并击退背信弃义的塔拉和他的强盗的计划。 但是支持后者的魔法师们，因为从事了一项坏事业，找到了驱散这支小军的方法，从而抵消了无敌骑士及其勇敢追随者的计划。

现在全队都在离乌里亚努斯王国几英里的地方，一天早上，他们在离大路不远的地方看到了一支送葬队伍，一辆灵车支撑在两匹黑马或骡子之间，因为他们不能很好地有所作为。 前后排着无数的哀悼者，其中出现了一位骑着黑色骏马的女士。 她裹着黑色的面纱和长袍，用最可悲的声音喊道：“哀悼，奥卡尼亚的人们！哀悼你们善良的洛斯国王的死；为他的灵魂祈祷，并团结一致，祝愿他们身体健康，繁荣昌盛。勇敢而善良的高文，他可敬的儿子和继任者。” 闻言，高文向朋友们告别，转身加入了似乎有些匆忙的送葬队伍。 他追着它疾驰而去，因此看不到一路前行的同伴。 中午时分，一位老者从他们身边经过，他似乎陷入了极度的困惑之中，似乎生怕被追赶的人追上。 他的身体被箭刺穿，从伤口流出的鲜血为他指明了方向。 伊万抬起头，觉得这个男人的容貌与他父亲乌里安努斯的容貌极为相似。 他大叫一声，跟在他身后疾驰而去，瞬间就不见了踪影。 傍晚时分，克拉丽丝站在帐篷前呼吸新鲜空气时，他以为自己看到了披头散发、气喘吁吁的利达米亚骑着马从他身边冲过，边走边尖叫：“克拉丽丝，我亲爱的克拉丽丝，帮帮我！” 顿时出现了两个骑兵，手持长剑，全速追着加斯科涅女王。 这对克拉丽丝来说太过分了。 他骑上战马，追着那些所谓的掠夺者疾驰，直到他在森林里走了一段很长的路。 拉瑞斯得知情况后，立即疾驰而去，帮助他从设计痞子手中救出妹妹； 但他刚在森林里走了几码，一只无形的手放出一箭，射中了他身下的王子的马。 他很快又站起来了。 但他的愤怒和失望是什么？ 在向他伸出援助之手的人身上，拉里斯看到了他的迫害恶魔，仙女玛多娜。 他用最严厉的措辞责备她，本来会避开她的，但是唉！ 她对他来说太强大了。 在她的精灵和一些实体助手的帮助下，她将他捆绑起来，以便被运送到她的城堡。 他们在路上，靠近魔法的地方，幸运的是克拉里斯遇到了他，第三次把拉里斯从囚禁中救了出来。 萨克森国王立即从追赶回来的那两个骑兵中回来，他看到这两个骑兵以上述威胁的方式跟随利达米亚，并想出了最后一个，幸运的是证明这不是幻想，而是一个真实而真实的人。触目惊心的存在，可憎的女术士玛多娜的魔法学生。 克拉丽丝正要把剑深深地刺进叛徒的心脏； 但他为了保住性命，向克拉丽丝透露了将四名骑士与悲惨的追随者分开的秘密手段。 补充说，玛多伊娜已经向他宣布，她的主要目标是让拉里斯再次进入她的权力之下。

这个信息决定克拉里斯返回他的营地。 正是在他去那里的路上，他遇到了马多伊纳的随从，正如我们之前所说，他轻松地驱散了他们，并恢复了他的朋友和兄弟的自由，他可能永远失去了自由。 到达人迹罕至的道路后，他们在他们来到的第一个小屋里休息到第二天，第二天早上，他们无法形容的喜悦遇到了另外两个骑士，经过漫长而乏味的比赛，他们终于确信：他们被一个幻觉引导着，追着两个空荡荡的影子，而不是他们心爱的父母。

几天后，他们到达了图拉的营地，他们的小部队排列整齐，克拉里斯和德意志亲王穿过敌人，杀死了所有反对他们的人，进入了城镇。 而伊万和高万则与另一支分队一起守在城门外，直到被围困的人可以冲出去，让他们也有机会进入城镇。 与此同时，拉瑞斯几乎因流血而昏倒，这是他在强行拉线时受的伤引起的。 玛丽娜和她父亲一起去迎接他们勇敢的拯救者，她非常不安，她对拉里斯的爱，她见到他的喜悦，以及她对他健康状况的焦虑。 各种感觉对她娇嫩的身子产生了如此剧烈而突然的影响，她不得不立即上床睡觉。 我们的骑士被告知了令人震惊的情况。 但是克拉里斯总是准备着他最喜欢的药方来治疗患有爱情病的人，他带着拉里斯，检查后发现他的伤口非常轻微，并把他带到了玛丽娜的床边。 希望他把这个永不失败的话题涂在她红润的嘴唇上，正如他所预见的那样，这证明是最有效的。 玛丽娜从那一刻起就恢复了，第二天早上的早餐就可以去公司了。 第一次介绍让恋人有机会向对方透露他们的思想状态。 他们交换了共同的坚定誓言，并承诺一旦乌里阿努斯获得自由，就会在祭坛上批准这些誓言。

按照约定，克拉丽丝和拉丽丝为了给他们的朋友开路，率领几个被选中的人进行了猛烈的突袭，一直深入到塔拉的帐篷，塔拉险些被带走。 而另外两名骑士则倒在敌人的后方，在丹麦人中散布惊恐和杀戮，并与他们的朋友建立了一个交汇点，胜利地进入了城镇，装载了敌人的战利品，随后是一列长长的火车的囚犯。 尽管他们失败了，丹麦人似乎并没有打算发动围攻：但几天后，亚瑟王率领他的军队出现，英国军队的一幕让乌里安努斯的朋友们充满信心，并让丹麦人想想撤退，然而，它并没有取得预期的成功，因为很少有围攻者和他们的国王塔拉能够到达航运并实现他们的逃跑。 丹麦国王安然无恙地逃过一劫，这可不是鲁莽多情的拉里斯所能轻易解决的。 他认为如果让他的对手活下来，他的荣耀是不完整的，并渴望将图拉的头放在玛丽娜的脚下。 因此，他追捕逃亡的丹麦人，一直追到他们的船。 但是他年轻时的热情受到了严重的抑制，因为敌人看到他只有几个随从，四面八方包围了他，尽管他勇敢地战斗，还是俘虏了他，把他押上了舰队，这艘船在前面航行风，安全抵达丹麦，丹麦国王下令将拉里斯关在黑暗的地牢中。 然而，在这种孤独的情况下，拉里斯似乎对他的囚禁（他几乎无法指望结局）的影响不如对与他心爱的玛丽娜相距如此远的不幸的影响。

乌里亚努斯的女儿是所有忧虑和绝望恐惧的猎物。 没有听到关于拉里斯的消息，也没有在死者中找到他。 亚瑟王几乎无法说服她跟随他前往英格兰，这位善良的国王相信他的王后 Genievre 和留在英国宫廷的 Lidamia 的友好照顾会抚慰和安慰受苦受难的玛丽娜。 而他的骑士伙伴们应该去寻找她心爱的拉里斯。 对利达米亚的兄弟怀有最大友谊的英国贵族，心甘情愿地承担了一项如此合乎他们意愿的任务。 他们分道扬镳，以不同的方式寻找失踪的王子。 Claris、Gauvain、Yvain 和 Carados 是最成功的，因为当他们穿过森林时，手稿中没有提到森林的名字，他们经过了 Merlin 的洞穴，众所周知，这只是偶然发现的只要。 一位有着白发和胡须的尊贵的陛下，坐在洞口沉思。 他手里拿着一根黑白相间的魔杖； 他的头上戴着一顶高尖的帽子，他的衣服是一件长长的紫貂长袍，上面覆盖着星星。 骑士们对他的年龄、高贵的外表和庄重的举止给予了应有的尊重，在他们经过时向他鞠躬。 他并没有失去这种礼貌的行为。 圣人用他们的名字清楚地称呼他们，用这样的话称呼他们：“聪明的高文，英勇的卡拉多斯国王，最高贵的伊万，你勇敢而温柔的克拉丽丝，停下来听我说；我是梅林，誓言的保护者圆桌会议上最杰出的骑士，在你身上我看到了那个崇高和最古老的秩序的最闪亮的装饰品。我知道是什么把你带到了这里，你的意图是什么：我愿意为你提供必要的指示，以确保您的成功。” 听到这些话，骑士们在一种崇敬和感激之情的驱使下下了车，跪下接受了圣人可敬的必要指示，他们向圣人致以最深情的离开，谦卑地恳求继续他的工作。保护自己和同伴。

梅林告诉他们，塔拉把拉里斯关在一座城堡的塔楼里，那是丹麦国王的惯常住所。 他们到达了这个地方的附近，穿着像朝圣者一样穿着白色的衣服，等等。 手中握着朝圣者的法杖； 但是他们把每个人都藏在了他的衣服下面：他们伪装成这样，只是为了避免被怀疑。 塔拉应他们卑微的请求，要求在城堡里接待他们，命令他们进入城堡。 不是出于任何慷慨好客的动机； 他野蛮的心没有向人类的精致感情敞开； 他只是想和四个旅行者做游戏。 他在晚餐时对待他们的卑鄙目的是用最残忍和最下流的方式侮辱他们。 他们耐心地忍受他的辱骂，只要他只用言语表达； 但是当他以威胁的方式准备执行他的威胁时，他告诉他们，如果他们不能用钱支付他们的晚餐，他们一定会因为他的消遣而受到殴打。 他们一起站起身来，将匕首插进他野蛮的心脏，将那些本会帮助他实现他残酷意图的仆人也死在他们的脚下。 They then made themselves masters of the castle, set Laris free, and, having soon secured a powerful party, they caused Lidamia's brother to be elected and crowned King of Denmark. 克拉丽丝和高文启程前往英格兰，为新国王向玛丽娜求婚，丹麦人从此将他尊为君主，并作为仁慈的父亲爱戴他，他通过追求如此尊贵和无与伦比的配偶来完成他们的幸福。 所有这些冒险都得到了圆满的结束，克拉丽丝和利达米亚回到了加斯科尼，为他们所爱的臣民带来了难以言喻的喜悦。 高文留在了亚瑟身边，而伊万则隐退到了他父亲乌里亚努斯的王国。 因此，我们看到圆桌骑士团在梅林的直接保护下取得了成功，并最终击败了那些像卑鄙的莫甘娜和她被抛弃的侍女一样试图动摇的人的根深蒂固的恶意那些英勇的荣誉之子，从他们对道德和宗教义务的不懈依恋。