son and prayed him in gentle words to tell her which one of the
sea-nymphs he loved. She felt sure it must be a sea-nymph, and was the
less concerned since the god's warning had been only against a mortal
maid. She therefore promised, whoever it might be, to aid him in his
suit. Great was her dismay when Marinell replied that he loved
Florimell. But it was no time to indulge in fruitless grief, for her son
lay in danger of his life. Cymoent therefore went straight to Neptune,
and telling him of Proteus' cruelty towards Florimell, begged him to
order her release. This Neptune at once did, and armed with his warrant
she went to Proteus' cave, and there saw the maiden whom her son loved.
The old sea-god read his monarch's mandate in moody silence, but was
forced to obey, and therefore yielded his prisoner to Cymoent. She,
charmed by Florimell's grace and gentle loveliness, took her by the
hand, and welcomed her lovingly, rejoicing that her son should have so
fair a wife. Then Cymoent showed her son the fair maiden, and his heart
and spirit were so cheered within him that his strength gradually
returned, and he became himself again. Nor was Florimell less glad.
After a time Marinell took her back to Faeryland, where he married her,
and there was a great banquet held in honour of the wedding, and after
the feast a tournament, in which Marinell did deeds of great renown, of
which you shall hear more in the tale of Braggadochio.
BRAGGADOCHIO.
Faerie Queene. Book II., Canto III.; Book III., Canto VIII.;
Book IV., Cantos IV., V.; Book V., Canto III.
Among the good and brave knights who fought in Faeryland was a false one
named Braggadochio.
Wandering aimlessly about the forests, this man had one day come upon a
noble horse, fully caparisoned, and a spear lying by its side. Here was
his chance! He made no endeavour to find the owner of the steed, but
straightway appropriated both horse and spear.
Finding himself thus armed and mounted, his ambition rose; he determined
to call himself a knight, and to set out for the famous court of
Gloriana.
He had not gone far when he saw a man sitting idly on a sunny bank. At
this Braggadochio puffed himself out in order to look grand, pricked on
his horse, and ran at the man full tilt. In terror the man fell flat
upon the ground, and lifting up his hands, cried out piteously for
mercy. Thereupon Braggadochio thought himself a great warrior, and
thundered at his victim in a loud voice, calling him all sorts of names,
and commanding him to yield or die, adding that he might think himself
happy to be permitted a choice.
The man cried out that he yielded. Then Braggadochio told him, that if
he would prostrate himself on the earth and kiss his stirrups he would
accept him as his thrall. Immediately the coward cringed at his feet,
and did him homage as his liege lord.
By-and-bye this craven thrall became emboldened, for he found out
Braggadochio's character, and being full of cunning, resolved to keep in
his master's favour by humouring his vanity.
So they went forth. Braggadochio the knight, and Trompart the squire, a
fitting pair.
Very soon after they had cast in their fortunes together, they met
Archimago, the great and cruel wizard. Now Archimago had a secret grudge
against certain knights, and was in search of some one to avenge his
fancied wrong. Delighted to see so imposing a personage as Braggadochio,
he inquired of Trompart what mighty man this was that rode on a golden
saddle, yet carried no weapon save a single spear. Trompart replied that
his lord was a great adventurer, who had lost his sword in a hard fight,
and had sworn never to wear another until he had avenged himself of his
loss. His master's spear, he alleged, was weapon enough to make a
thousand combatants quake.
Archimago was much delighted, and he bowed low to Braggadochio, and told
the story of his wrongs.
When Braggadochio heard it, he pretended to be very angry, and
threatened the offending knights with instant death if Archimago would
only tell him where to find them. This the enchanter at once did; but he
warned Braggadochio that his enemies were two of the mightiest knights
that lived, and begged him to arm himself with a sword as well as his
spear.
But Braggadochio scorned his advice, laughed at the notion of measuring
his might by the arms he bore, and taunted the enchanter with the
weakness of old age, declaring that Archimago little knew what his right
arm had done. At this the old man grew ashamed of his mistrust, yet
could not dismiss it from his mind.
As he hesitated whether to speak again Braggadochio broke out into a
loud boast, declaring that he had once slain seven knights with a single
blade, and had then sworn never again to wear a sword unless it were
that belonging to the noblest knight alive.
By this grand speech he thought to get rid of Archimago and his
troublesome request. But not so, for the enchanter at once promised to
bring him by next day the flaming sword of Prince Arthur, "noblest
knight alive"; and as he spoke he vanished, leaving no trace behind.
And now the boaster began to fear, and to wonder who this strange man
might be. His wonder soon changed to panic, and the bold champions,
Trompart and Braggadochio, fled from the spot as if the very ground
Archimago had trod would rise and pursue them.
They did not once look back until they reached a green forest, and there
they concealed themselves. But their terror was by no means gone: every
leaf that moved, every sound the wind made caused their valiant hearts
to quake, while all the time they feigned that they were only pretending
fear.
At length a shrill horn echoed through the wood, and some one was heard
moving quickly in the thicket. This new cause of fright so overcame
Braggadochio that he tumbled hastily from his horse and crept into a
bush. Trompart waited to see what would happen. Presently there issued
from the brushwood a lady in hunting dress. She was very beautiful: her
habit was adorned with rich jewels, and her stately bearing showed her
to be of princely birth. In her hand she carried a boar-spear, and at
her back was slung a bow and a quiver full of steel headed darts.
When Trompart saw the lady, fear seized upon him, and he could not tell
whether to flee away or to remain in hiding, but she soon spied him out,
and asked whether he had seen a wounded hind pass by. Addressing her in
most respectful terms, Trompart replied that he had not, and then begged
of her to tell him which of the goddesses she was. She was on the point
of replying when something moved in the thicket. It was Braggadochio,
but the damsel thought it was her prey, and, bending her bow, would have
made a speedy end of the boaster had not Trompart stayed her hand, and
explained that his lord, far-famed for bold achievement, lay shrouded
there.
As he spoke Braggadochio crept forth on hands and knees; then, rising up
boldly, shook his helmet fiercely, trying to appear as if he had just
been awakened from deep slumber. The sight of her beauty restored him to
self-confidence, and he was beginning to resume airs of vanity when a
vision of the weapons she carried cowed him. Her manner, however, again
reassured him. She addressed him as a companion-in-arms, and
Braggadochio, taking up the strain, recounted the wondrous deeds he had
done, then boldly asked who she was that thus ranged the forest and did
not dwell at court. To this she replied, that honour was only truly to
be found in toil, and that he who idled at home need not hope to win it.
While she spoke Braggadochio, presuming on her graciousness, grew more
and more insolent in his demeanour. Indignant, the goddess bent her
javelin threateningly, then turned and fled apace. Braggadochio was at
first dismayed, but was far too great a coward to pursue. So, concluding
that he had better depart lest worse things should befall, he mounted
his steed and rode away in so clumsy and untrained a manner that the
noble animal chafed under him, and yearned to be eased of his burden.
Some time after this, as Braggadochio and Trompart, who now also
possessed a steed, were going on their way, they saw a rude rustic
seated on the roadside by a beautiful lady, richly decked with jewels.
Now, these were no other than the false Florimell and her lover, son of
the old witch who had sent the cruel beast after Florimell the true.
Braggadochio thought a knight such as himself more suited to the fair
lady than any rustic. He therefore couched his spear, rode up to the
man, declaring that the damsel was his, and must be yielded to him on
pain of death.
The rustic, greatly alarmed, and not daring to fight against so
powerful-looking an enemy, let his lady go, and Braggadochio mounted her
on Trompart's horse and led her off, a proud and happy man. As they
journeyed he began to make love to her, but presently their love-making
came to an abrupt end, for they encountered an armed knight, who
advanced towards them on a heavy charger that trampled the ground with a
sound like thunder.
The appearance of this knight greatly disconcerted Braggadochio, but he
looked as fierce as he could, and made a show of cheering his lady, who
also was afraid. The knight came on, fierce and powerful, and bade
Braggadochio give up the lady or else do battle for her. This challenge
made the boaster quake with terror, but he put on the best appearance of
bravery he could, and addressing the stranger declared that man to be
very foolish who sought to win with words what he had gained with blows.
At this the knight grew angry, and told Braggadochio to prepare to
fight.
"Then," said Braggadochio, "since die thou wilt, let us both turn our
steeds, ride back a certain distance, and meet in equal tilt." They did
as he suggested, and retired one from the other about a furlong's space,
when Braggadochio, whose last intention was to fight, rode away, and
without looking back, left his lady-love to take her chance, caring only
for his own safety. Thus did his valour show itself!
After several further adventures, Braggadochio one day encountered a
party of knights and ladies who were on their way to a great tournament.
He rode up to them and they treated him courteously, and allowed him to
accompany them.
Now, it happened that the fair but false Florimell whom Braggadochio had
so basely deserted was of this company, and rode with a knight named
Blandamour. No sooner did Braggadochio see her than he wished to have
her back again. He therefore declared that he had before won her in
battle and that she was his by right. But Blandamour would not listen to
his claim, and taunting him with having lost his lady-love decreed that
Braggadochio must fight for her once more if he wished to make good his
pretended right. He further proposed that the false Florimell should
stand side by side with a wicked old witch named Ate, who was of their
company, and that he who won the day should have the lady, and he who
was beaten, the witch. The company were all pleased with this proposal,
and false Florimell and the hag were brought forward, whereupon all
began to laugh. Then Braggadochio, glad of any excuse which saved him
from fighting, declared that he would be no party to any such bargain;
if Blandamour liked to offer another lady as fair as Florimell, he would
agree to fight, but he would not risk his life on the chance of gaining
so poor a prize as Ate. At this they all smiled, the false Florimell
upbraided him with want of gallantry and Ate, the witch, tried to urge
him on, but he cared for none of them, and remained obstinate.
In order to keep the peace, a brave knight, Cambello, who chanced to
ride with them, reminded the company that they were on their way to a
great tournament, and had better not waste their strength in quarrelling
on the way, but wait until they arrived where each could fight his fill
and, if they wished, fight out this quarrel also. So they passed off
Blandamour's proposal as a joke, and went on together; but all the way
they mocked at Braggadochio and made a laughingstock of him.
Now, the tournament to which this company was going was one arranged by
the good knight Satyrane, he who had picked up the lost girdle of the
true Florimell.
It was to be held in her honour, and to last for three days. To the
combatant who most distinguished himself the right was reserved of
claiming the hand of the fairest lady present, and to that lady Satyrane
would yield Florimell's golden girdle.
On the first day, Sir Satyrane himself was judged the victor. On the
second, Braggadochio's opportunity arose; but when his turn came to
fight, he looked so uncertain and fearful that the knight Triamond,
indignant at his cowardly hesitation, stepped forward and took his
place. The third day was no more favourable to the braggart, for a
strange knight appeared within the lists, who bore all others down, and
won the honours of the tournament.
Then followed a contest as to which was fairest of the many damsels who
had graced the combat. Knight after knight advanced his lady, but of
them all, Florimell the false was deemed most lovely, and to her the
girdle was awarded.
Now, this girdle had been framed by magic skill, and could not be made
to clasp upon falsehood of any kind. It would not therefore fasten on
the false Florimell, who, however, insisted upon wearing it, although
she was forced to tie it on.
And here fortune favoured Braggadochio, for there arose a great quarrel
as to whose Florimell should be. The knight who had rightfully won her
was no other than Britomart, who cared nothing for her prize. Then
Braggadochio stepped forward and called Florimell to witness that he had
before won her in battle. At his audacity the uproar grew more loud, for
all the knights hated and despised Braggadochio. At length Sir Satyrane
proposed that all should forego their claim, and that the false
Florimell should be placed in their midst, and of her own free will
choose her rightful lord. To this the knights agreed, and after looking
long at each one, as if she would fain have pleased them all, Florimell
turned to Braggadochio. The knights were almost mad with disappointment
and anger at her choice, so Braggadochio, feeling rather uncomfortable
and not very safe among them, bore her off in the night, and left them
to complain.
Soon after this the true Florimell was married, as you have already
heard, to Marinell. Immediately after the wedding, Marinell held a great
tournament, in which he and six friendly knights maintained Florimell's
beauty against that of any lady all the world over.
The lists were open to all who cared to enter them, and many were the
honours lost and won, but when the third day dawned, Marinell still wore
the victor's laurel. This day was to end the tournament, and as the
fight grew more and more fierce, Marinell became surrounded, and was in
serious danger. At that moment the brave Sir Artegal, whom Britomart
sought, entered the tilting-yard, and at the same time, Braggadochio,
Trompart, and the lady. Sir Artegal saw Marinell's danger, and hastened
to his aid, but not wishing to be recognized, he changed shields with
Braggadochio before entering the lists. After a hard combat, he
succeeded in rescuing Marinell from the opposing knights, and together
they won every honour of the field.
The tournament ended, Sir Artegal returned his shield to Braggadochio,
and the whole company repaired to the great hall, where the judges of
the tilting match were to announce the name of him who had won the
prize. There also stood the true Florimell, ready to greet every knight
according to the deeds he had done. Then the judges called for the
stranger knight who had rescued Marinell, but Artegal did not move, and
in his stead Braggadochio advanced and showed his shield, which all
recognized as that belonging to the victor. The trumpets sounded three
times in his honour, the judges awarded him the prize, and Florimell
came forth to greet him and to thank him for the honour he had done her
name. But Braggadochio received her courteous words with scorn,
declaring that what he had done had been for his own lady's sake, and
not for hers.
At these rude words, Florimell turned aside, and Braggadochio, who had
kept his lady veiled until now, brought her boldly forth before all the
people, maintaining that she and not the other was Florimell the true.
She was indeed fair, and for a moment the assemblage was stupified, and
agreed that if this were not the Florimell famed throughout Faeryland,
she was yet more beautiful. Even Marinell was dismayed, and knew not
what to believe. Then arose Sir Artegal, and no longer able to contain
his anger against Braggadochio, plainly discovered himself, and charging
the boaster with utter falsehood, declared it was he and not
Braggadochio who had rescued Marinell; for proof of which he pointed to
the false knight's unused sword. He next called for Florimell, and
leading her up to the other, caused the two to stand side by side.
Behold, the false could not abide the presence of the true, and the
false Florimell faded away before their eyes, and no trace of her was
left but the empty girdle. The people were struck dumb with
astonishment, and Braggadochio was seized with despair and remained as
still as if he were lifeless. Artegal broke the silence, for he stooped
and lifted the girdle, and presented it to Florimell. She fastened it on
her waist, and it fitted perfectly; and all were convinced that this was
indeed Florimell, and crowded around her, giving her tokens of their
joy.
Meantime, a commotion arose in the hall. The knight Guyon, to whom the
stolen horse belonged, had arrived, and seeing Braggadochio's horse
recognized it as his own. Seizing its reins with one hand and drawing
his sword with the other, he insisted on having it restored.
Braggadochio refused, and a quarrel ensued, which bade fair to be a
bloody one. Then Artegal came forward and asked Guyon whether he could
prove the steed to be his own. Guyon replied that there was a mark
inside the horse's mouth by which he could certainly recognize it. At
this several of those present tried to open its mouth, and were severely
bitten for their pains. Then came Guyon himself, and called his steed by
its name, at which the horse broke loose from its bonds in its joy and
followed Guyon, opening its mouth so that all could see whose he was.
Now Artegal was deemed the just, and all looked to him for judgment in
the quarrel. He decreed the proof sufficient, and condemned Braggadochio
to go on foot until he could obtain a horse honestly. Braggadochio raged
and raved in fury, and made Artegal at length so angry that he three
times laid his hand on his sword to kill him, but Sir Guyon stayed his
anger, saying that Braggadochio was unworthy the vengeance of a true
knight.
So was Sir Artegal pacified, but Talus, his servant, seized
Braggadochio, and, dragging him out of the hall, shaved off his beard,
reversed his shield, blotted out his device, broke his sword, and
scattered his armour. Then, rushing after Trompart, who had tried to
make away, he disarmed him also, and scourged him out of the court; and,
amidst the laughter and scorn of the knights and their ladies,
Braggadochio and his follower finally disappeared.
HOW BRITOMART FOUND ARTEGAL.
Faerie Queene. Book IV. Cantos IV., V., VI.
After leaving the abode of Busyran, the cruel enchanter, Britomart and
Amoret met with many adventures, but in none of these did they encounter
either Scudamour or Artegal. At length Britomart heard of Sir Satyrane's
famous tournament, and to it, accompanied by Amoret, she repaired.
It was the last day of the tournament when they arrived. Many brave
combats had already taken place, but for this day was reserved the most
eager display of valour. Full many a knightly deed was wrought, and when
fortune seemed to forsake the side of Satyrane, he himself was ever
ready to assist his knights and uphold their honour, proving once again
his far-famed prowess. Nor was there one that day who did not put forth
his utmost strength, as might be well seen from the many wounds
received, the shivered spears and broken swords, and horses that ran
riderless. Still the knights of Sir Satyrane kept the ascendency. But
when the day had dragged on a weary pace, there appeared from out the
other side a stranger. Whence he came no man could say, nor could they
discover aught from the arms which he bore. His steed was caparisoned
with oaken leaves, his armour looked like wild weeds decked with wood
mosses, and on his ragged shield was the strange device, "Salvagesse
sans finesse." On entering the lists this new-comer levelled his spear
at the first knight he met, and overthrew him at the first encounter.
Knight after knight he vanquished, until his spear split, and then he
drew his sword, and with it hewed and slashed at helmets until everyone
began to shun the very sight of him as of death itself. And now all men
wondered who this was, and whence he came, inquiring one of another by
what name he was called, and when they could learn nothing they dubbed
him the Savage Knight because of his wild appearance. He was, however,
no knight of the woods, but Artegal, the brave and mighty.
Thus were Sir Satyrane and his knights dismayed by the sole power of
Artegal, and none of them durst stand in the field before him, but were
beaten back and chased about all the day, until evening came, and the
sun began to slant downwards in the heavens. Then, again, there rushed
out from the thickest press, an unknown knight, who in turn put to shame
even the glory of Sir Artegal.
This was Britomart, who, eager to restore the day to Sir Satyrane, bent
her powerful spear towards Artegal's helmet, and smote him so sore a
blow that he fell from his charger, and was for a time unable to arise.
Nor did others who crossed spears with the stranger fare better; and
when the fighting was over, Britomart, content with having restored the
glory of the field to Satyrane, went on her way with Amoret, ignorant
that she had, all unawares, seen and fought with Artegal her love.
He, however, was sore at heart, by reason of his defeat, and eager to
have his revenge on the unknown warrior.
Meantime, Scudamour still sought his wife. He had, by this time, heard
of her rescue, but instead of feeling grateful to Britomart, he was
jealous and suspicious of her, for the wicked hag Ate had spoken ill of
the noble maid, and tried to create enmity against her.
From being suspicious, Scudamour became unjust, and in his wrath against
Britomart, had nearly slain old Glauce, her faithful squire. In vain did
the aged dame try to pacify his wrath; the more calmly she spoke, the
more angry he grew, and yet their common interest held them together. At
length, after various wanderings, they one day encountered an armed
knight, who, when he saw them approach, rode rapidly towards them as if
bent on an attack. Scudamour, perceiving his purpose, rode forward,
ready for the combat, but, as the other knight came near and saw the
arms which Scudamour bore, he checked his charger, and riding quietly
up, addressed him courteously, calling him by his name, and praying to
be pardoned for the offence against a friend which he had so nearly
committed.
To this, Scudamour replied, that at worst it were a slight offence to
try his sword with any venturous knight, and begged to know who it was
that had thus called him by name.
"Call me the Savage Knight," said Artegal, "as others do."
"Then," said Scudamour, "interpret your name; have you taken it for some
secret purpose, or only because your home is in the forest?"
"The other day," Artegal replied, "a stranger knight did me shame, and I
wait to wreak revenge upon him when he shall pass this way."
At this answer, Scudamour asked who the stranger knight might be, and
Artegal told him that he was one whose name was unknown, although his
fame was far renowned. He was called the Knight of the Heben Spear, and
having borne down all opponents in a great tournament lately held by Sir
Satyrane, had departed, carrying with him the fairest lady ever seen.
When Scudamour heard mention of the dread spear, he knew it must be
Britomart of whom Artegal spoke, and his rage kindling afresh, he
exclaimed in angry accents--
"This is not the first uncourtly deed of which that knight is guilty; he
hath stolen from me my true love, and if this hand can aid in the
revenge you purpose, it shall not fail you when the time arrives."
So together they plotted vengeance on the unconscious and noble
Britomart.