TIRANT ENTERS THE SERVICE OF THE EMPEROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE
Tirant had been back in Sicily only a week when the king called him
into his presence and read to him a letter which he had received from
the Emperor of Constantinople. In this letter the emperor described
the sad state of affairs in the empire, and he begged the king to ask
Tirant to come to his assistance. Tirant was pleased to go, since it
was the king’s wish that he should. The ruler of Sicily ordered eleven
ships to be fitted out and provided with all things necessary for
the expedition. When all was ready Tirant sailed for Constantinople
with his small fleet, and on his arrival the gloom of the city was
changed to joy. Tirant, Diaphebus, Ricart, together with the other
knights, disembarked and went to the emperor to do him homage. His
Imperial Majesty immediately appointed Tirant Commander-in-chief of
his army, and Administrator of Justice. The latter wished to decline
these high positions, but finally accepted them to please the emperor.
Heralds then proclaimed throughout the city that Tirant lo Blanch was
appointed Capita Major by His Imperial Majesty. When Tirant went to
pay his respects to the empress and the infanta, he found them dressed
in mourning and afflicted with great grief, for the prince, the only
son of the emperor, had recently fallen in battle. He suggested that
in order to give courage to the people, and to inspire them with
confidence in regard to the final outcome of the war with the Moors,
gloom and despair ought to give way to hope and cheerfulness. The
emperor immediately ordered the court to cease its mourning. (Chaps.
115-117)
When Tirant beheld the charming princess, it must be said that his
eyes had never had such a feast. He confided to Ricart how much he
admired the wonderful beauties of the palace, but more than all these
he admired the beauty of the princess, Carmesina. After taking leave of
the imperial family, he retired to the abode which had been prepared
for him. He entered a room and rested his head on a cushion at the foot
of the bed. Soon afterwards he was invited to eat, but he answered that
he had pains in his head and did not wish to eat—he was really wounded
by that passion that deceives so many. Diaphebus came and asked what
was ailing him, to which he answered that it was an ailment caused by
the air of the sea, but a moment later, he turned his face from his
friend and said: “I am in love.” Tears began to flow from his eyes, and
he sighed and sobbed. Becoming somewhat ashamed of himself, he arose
and went to dinner, but could not eat. (Chaps. 117-119)
Diaphebus and another knight went to the palace and were welcomed
by the imperial family and the ladies of the court. He announced
that Tirant was indisposed, whereupon doctors were immediately sent
to attend him. They returned a little later, and reported that the
slight indisposition was due to change of climate. At the request of
the emperor, Diaphebus gave an account of the festivities connected
with the General Court of the King of England. He told of the great
deeds of Tirant, and showed them the document signed by the King of
England, in which Tirant lo Blanch was proclaimed the best knight. All
those who heard of the hero’s exploits were filled with admiration
for him. When Diaphebus and Carmesina were a little apart from the
others, she questioned him concerning Tirant, and Diaphebus told her
that Tirant had come to Constantinople for no other reason than to
see and to serve her, for he had heard much concerning her beauty and
her excellent qualities. Upon hearing these words, her cheeks became
suffused with blushes, and she could not say a word. (Chap. 119)
This interview with Diaphebus left the princess in a pensive mood. The
daughter of the late Duke of Macedonia, Stephania, brought up with
Carmesina and of the same age, was one of her dearest friends. The
princess told her about the conversation with Diaphebus, and confided
to her that her heart was much inclined to obey all the wishes and
commands of Tirant. Stephania encouraged her by saying that there was
no lady in the world who would not be pleased to be loved by such a
one as he. Carmesina did not sleep that night. When Tirant saw the
princess again, her beauty charmed him even more than at first, and he
became really lovesick. Diaphebus consoled him as best he could, and
promised to do all in his power to advance his interests with regard to
Carmesina. (Chaps. 119-121)
One day, at a meeting of the General Council, Tirant was requested
to make ready to go against the Genoese, who were coming in great
numbers. At this session of the Council it came to light that there was
some opposition to the newly appointed Capita Major, for one of the
members protested that the Duke of Macedonia, who was still acting as
Commander-in-chief, should not be superseded, and especially not by a
foreigner. The aged emperor grew very angry when he heard these words,
and declared that the Duke of Macedonia was a coward and had never won
a battle. He further declared that he himself would choose the Capita
Major, and that those who opposed his wishes in the matter should be
punished in such manner as would never be forgotten. Then he gave
orders that a proclamation be made throughout the city instructing all
those who had grievances to appear before the imperial tribunal, where
their complaints would be given due consideration. The following day
Tirant, the imperial judge, heard complaints and administered justice.
(Chaps. 122-124)
The new Commander soon occupied himself with his military duties. He
reorganized the guards who watched over the emperor, and made many
innovations that contributed to the general order and security of the
city. He took charge of the food supply and caused it to be evenly
distributed among the inhabitants. (Chap. 124)
One day the princess sent for him. She warned him to beware of the Duke
of Macedonia, who was very adroit in committing acts of treachery. She
related how he had cut the thongs of the helmet of her brother while
the latter was bravely fighting the Moors, so that it fell from his
head and he was easily slain. Indeed, the duke was the very incarnation
of all the seven mortal sins. (Chap. 125)
Tirant was happy sometimes, but more often he was sad. His conduct and
his speech revealed that something was preying on his mind. His was
the lot of the uncertain lover, swaying between hope and fear. One
day Carmesina asked him why he was so sad. He answered that he was in
love. Then she requested him to tell her who the lady was that caused
him so much anxiety. As an answer, he took something out of his sleeve
and handed it to the princess with these words: “The image that you
will see there can make me die or live.” She took the object, went to
her room, and looked at it. Instead of the painted picture that she
expected to find, she saw an image of herself, for the object was a
precious and beautiful mirror. Carmesina admired greatly this novel
manner of making a confession of love. While she was in her room, Viuda
Reposada, who had been the nurse of the princess and still had much
influence over her, entered the room, and with her came Stephania.
They saw the mirror and inquired how it came into her hands. She told
them all about it. Viuda Reposada then reproached her for being on such
intimate terms with one who was no more than her father’s servant. She
denounced the whole affair as absolutely improper. The princess was
very much affected by this harsh rebuke and, on the verge of weeping,
she retired to her private chamber. Stephania followed and tried to
console her. (Chaps. 126-127)
The next day Tirant sent Diaphebus to see the princess, in order to
find out how she felt disposed towards him since the mirror episode.
When he began to speak to her about Tirant, she exclaimed: “Oh! if
you knew of the trick that he played on me; with a mirror he made a
confession of love to me; just let me see him and I shall tell him
things that he will not care to hear.” (Chap. 127)
The next time that Tirant saw her, she received him coldly, and rebuked
him severely, charging him with being untrue to the trust imposed
upon him; ungrateful and disrespectful to the emperor, her father;
and insolent towards her, because he made a confession of love to her
as one would to a woman of low degree. Tirant answered that he would
avenge the insult by taking his own life. He hastened to his abode.
Immediately upon his departure, she became sorry that she had spoken to
him so severely, and fearing that in his despair he might do himself
harm, sent Stephania to beg him to forgive her, and by no means to take
his life. She was so afraid that Stephania might fail in her mission,
that she herself went to Tirant, expressed her sorrow for what she had
said, and humbly asked pardon. Tirant was deeply moved by the love that
her words and actions revealed, and his woe was changed to joy. (Chaps.
127-130)
Bad news came from the imperial forces that were in the field opposing
the Moors. Under the leadership of the Duke of Macedonia, they had
again suffered defeat, and were obliged to seek refuge in a city not
far away from the place where the battle was fought. The Moors followed
and besieged the city. The provisions in it were almost exhausted,
and unless relief came from Constantinople within a very short time,
the besieged forces would be compelled to surrender. When Tirant
heard this, he made preparations to lead a relief expedition to the
threatened city within six days. (Chaps. 130-131)
Five days afterward there was a review of all the troops within
Constantinople, and on the morning of the sixth day the banners were
blessed, and all the soldiers armed themselves and mounted their
steeds. A knight whose name was Fontsequa, and who was riding a large
and beautiful snow-white charger, carried the imperial banner and
led the assembled host as it marched out of the city. Many dukes,
marquises, earls, viscounts, and other leaders were in this impressive
military parade, all with their squadrons. The last division to march
out was Tirant’s. (Chap. 132)
Our hero, the newly appointed Capita Major, was in command of all these
troops. The expedition moved along in perfect order. Tirant’s wonderful
sense of organization and his ability to cope with any and all
difficulties were not long in revealing themselves. His army arrived at
the city of Pelidas, which was only a league and a half from the camp
of the Turks who were besieging the city in which the forces of the
Duke of Macedonia had sought refuge. The sultan and the Grand Turk, who
were in command of the troops of the enemy, knew that a Greek army had
entered Pelidas, but they were little concerned, for of the ten parts
of the emperor’s dominion they already held nine and one-half parts.
All that was necessary for them to do to become the undisputed masters
of the whole empire was to capture the duke’s besieged forces and then
take Constantinople. In view of their vastly superior numbers, they
felt confident that the complete conquest of the Greek empire was near
at hand. (Chap. 133)
After Tirant had carefully observed the lay of the land and the
disposition of the hostile forces, he prepared his plan of attack.
In the darkness of night he led his troops out of Pelidas, all ready
for battle. A large number of mares brought from Constantinople were
quietly led to the camp of the Turks, and when the steeds of the latter
heard them, they broke loose and ran towards them. The whole camp was
thrown into confusion. The Turks, unarmed, went to look after their
horses, and were met by the Greeks, who slaughtered them in great
numbers and put the rest to flight. (Chap. 133)
The loud tumult occasioned by the fighting was heard by the duke in the
besieged city. Thinking that the enemy was about to attack the place,
he ordered all his men to take up their arms and defend the city. At
daybreak he was surprised to see imperial banners outside the city
walls, and soldiers in pursuit of the fleeing Turks. He then came out
with his men and plundered the deserted tents of the enemy. They found
there a large quantity of gold, silver, and jewels. They took the booty
into the city and hid it, then came out again and rode towards the
imperial banners. When Tirant saw them, he rode in their direction, and
on approaching the duke, dismounted and showed him great respect and
honor. But the latter only raised his hand to his head. He spoke not a
word. All the kind and deferential words and actions of our hero were
met with scorn and contempt. (Chap. 133)
When Tirant sent ambassadors to the duke to ask him to give an account
of the booty taken from the camp of the Turks, the latter refused to do
so, and he bade the messengers tell the foreigner, Tirant, to return
to his country, and if he did not do so, he would make him drink so
much water that half of the amount would be too much. This speech was
bitterly resented by Tirant’s men. A battle between the forces of the
two leaders was imminent, but was averted by the calmness and prudence
of our hero. (Chap. 134)
Immediately after the victory over the Turks, Diaphebus had sent a
messenger to the emperor to announce the glad tidings. The good news
was then proclaimed throughout the city, all the bells were rung, and
the inhabitants went to the Church of Saint Sophia to render thanks
unto the Lord for the great victory. (Chap. 134)
In the meantime, Armini, the Grand Sultan of Babylon, sent three
ambassadors to Tirant to ask for a truce of six months, and also for
the liberation of a youth who was a brother of the sultan’s wife.
The generosity and magnanimity of our hero led him to set free the
youthful prisoner of war, and with him forty others. But the truce was
not granted, for it was the opinion of Tirant and his Council that
permanent peace could be secured only by vanquishing the infidel host.
(Chaps. 135-138)
On the same day that the ambassadors left the camp of Tirant, he
sent Diaphebus to Constantinople to deliver to the emperor the large
number of prisoners captured in the first battle with the enemy. This
gave Diaphebus an excellent opportunity to speak to his dearly loved
Stephania and to the princess. He told the latter that Tirant was
always thinking of her, and that whenever he went into battle, the name
of Carmesina was on his lips. And Stephania suggested that there was
no one more worthy and better qualified to be the next emperor than
Tirant, and he ought to be the husband of the princess. As for herself,
she confided to Carmesina, she would marry his kinsman, Diaphebus.
(Chap. 138)
While Tirant was storming a strongly fortified city, held by the Turks,
two thousand soldiers, under the command of the Prior of St. John,
joined him and placed themselves under his direction. These had been
sent by the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John from Rhodes. They
assisted in the plundering of the city, for a breach had already been
made in the walls of the place when they arrived. (Chap. 139)
In the meanwhile the Turks had received reinforcements in great
numbers. They encamped on one side of a river, and the imperial
forces on the other side. About a league farther up the river there
was a stone bridge held by a faithful subject of the emperor. It was
protected by a castle at each one of the approaches, so that the Turks
were unable to cross over it. One of these castles was guarded by the
knight Mal Vehi, and the other by his son, Hypolite (Hippolyte). The
latter was a bold and valiant youth, who soon became an enthusiastic
admirer of Tirant. At the earnest request of both father and son, our
hero conferred the honors of knighthood upon Hypolite. (Chap. 140)
The Turks began to construct a bridge in order that they might cross
the river to attack the Greek forces. When Tirant saw this, he ordered
his men to build a considerable number of boats. These were then
fastened together, and upon them was erected a framework to support
a large quantity of light and inflammable wood. When this peculiar
construction was completed, it was fastened to the stone bridge and
“camouflaged” with branches so that the enemy might not see it. (Chap.
140)
As soon as the Turks had finished their wooden bridge, they crossed
over it. As they were coming over, Tirant led his forces up to the
stone bridge. By the time that the enemy arrived there, the Greeks
were already on the other side, and the passage over the bridge was
closed. Then the Turks went back over their bridge to the other side,
whereupon Tirant crossed back over the stone bridge. These maneuvers
continued for three days. Finally the Moors decided to divide their
forces, and that was exactly what Tirant desired them to do. When one
of the divisions came over, the Greeks went up a mountain near the
wooden bridge. Since it was growing dark, the Turks decided to stop
at the foot of the mountain and make an attack the next morning. In
the darkness of the night, Tirant sent the floating construction down
the stream, and it was set on fire just before it reached the wooden
bridge. When the Turks who had crossed saw the fire and realized that
their bridge would be destroyed, they became panic-stricken and rushed
wildly to return to the other side of the river. In the disorder and
confusion many were pushed off the bridge and were drowned. Twenty-two
thousand of them were unable to get back, and these surrendered to
Tirant the next morning. (Chaps. 140-141)
In the meantime the Duke of Macedonia had sent a messenger to
Constantinople to report to the emperor that the vile foreigner, Tirant
lo Blanch, had led the whole army to destruction and had fled no one
knew whither. The false news plunged the aged emperor into gloom and
dejection, and the whole city was filled with weeping and lamentation.
(Chap. 141)
As soon as those of the Turks who had not been able to rejoin the main
body of the army surrendered, Diaphebus again sent a messenger to the
imperial city to announce the successful event. But when he arrived
there, the emperor would not receive him. Finally he succeeded in
delivering the message to the princess. She immediately reported it to
her father, who fell unconscious from excess of joy. And again all the
bells of the city were rung, and thanks were offered up to God. (Chap.
141)
The Constable and Diaphebus took the prisoners to Constantinople. In
recounting the exploits of Tirant in the field, the Constable gave
unlimited praise to the young Capita Major. Diaphebus naturally made
an effort to see the princess and Stephania, and not without success.
The words he spoke to Carmesina increased greatly her admiration for
Tirant. His own love affair made wonderful progress during this visit.
(Chaps. 144-148)
The Turks, having lost one hundred thousand men since Tirant became the
leader of the imperial army, held a council, in which it was decreed
that the foreign captain, Tirant lo Blanch, must be slain. The King of
Egypt was designated as the one to accomplish this, since he was the
most skillful of them all in the use of arms. The sultan himself said:
“If this devil of a man had not come from France, we should even now be
in the palace of Constantinople, and should already have made a mosque
of the beautiful church there. We shall never be able to accomplish
that, if this captain lives much longer.” (Chaps. 148-149)
The King of Egypt accordingly challenged Tirant to mortal combat. In
the challenge this king stated that he had made a vow to his lady-love
that he would engage in a _combat à outrance_ with a king or a king’s
son, or with the best captain of the Christian army, and that it was
his intention to send her the head of Tirant to show that his vow had
been accomplished. He also suggested that each one of them should
champion the cause of a lady, and then the combat should also determine
which one of these ladies excelled in beauty, dignity, virtue,
lineage, grace, and wisdom. The challenge and the suggestion were
accepted. It was agreed that the King of Egypt should fight in behalf
of his lady-love, the Grand Turk’s daughter, and Tirant, in behalf of
Carmesina, the emperor’s daughter. The combat was to take place on the
field of battle, on August the twentieth, four days earlier, or four
days later. (Chaps. 149-152)
Tirant was making preparations for a supreme effort to win a decisive
victory over the enemy. But the Duke of Macedonia was opposed to his
plans, and, in a speech full of bitter invectives, he declared that
Tirant had made a bargain with the Turks to deliver the Greeks into
their hands. He called him a second Judas, who, on account of his
treachery, ought to be thrown into burning oil. He protested against
the leadership of this foreigner and declared that he would obey his
orders no longer. A great uproar followed this speech. Many soldiers
took up their arms, and some of them mounted their steeds. In reply,
Tirant denounced the duke for never having won a single battle; he
accused him of having cut the thongs of the late prince’s helmet in
the thick of a battle, whereupon the heir of the empire was slain; and
he spoke of the great loss in lives and in territory that the empire
suffered while the duke was in command of the armies. In the name of
the emperor, he asked them to prepare to attack the enemy. But the
duke replied that neither he nor any of his men would take part in the
proposed attack. (Chaps. 153-154)
The following day the council of war met, and Tirant suggested that a
new leader should be selected. He assured the members that he would
remain with them to serve His Imperial Majesty. But they would not hear
of this. In strong language they expressed their confidence in him.
(Chap. 154)
It was at this time that some more foreign soldiers came to place
themselves under the command of Tirant. Philip, the son of the King
of France, had become King of Sicily, and in grateful memory he sent
five thousand men under the leadership of the Duke of Messina, and
Queen Ricomana sent two thousand under the leadership of the Senyor de
Pantalea. (Chap. 154)
When the emperor heard of the quarrel between the duke and Tirant,
he went to the camp to settle the dispute once for all. The princess
accompanied him, and with her went Stephania, Viuda Reposada, Plaer de
mi Vida, and other ladies of the court. While they were in camp, the
greatest battle of all that had been fought up to this time took place.
It was waged fiercely on both sides, from early in the morning until
late in the afternoon. The contending foes fought with determination
and desperation. Tirant wielded his battle-ax wherever help seemed to
be needed most. The King of Egypt recognized him on the field, and he,
together with the King of Cappadocia and the King of Africa, agreed to
make it their special duty to slay him that day. While Tirant was in
the midst of violent fighting, the Duke of Macedonia came up behind him
and with a vigorous blow of his sword wounded him in the neck. A few
moments later the King of Cappadocia and the King of Egypt suddenly
came upon our hero, and they attacked him with such force that both
he and his steed fell. He had some difficulty in getting up, for his
charger had fallen on one of his legs, but fortunately one of his men
came to the rescue. The latter, with his lance, wounded the King of
Egypt in the thigh. A moment later the king’s lance struck Tirant on
his cheek and knocked out four of his teeth. Then the king withdrew
from the field on account of his wound. Tirant searched for him, but in
vain. He met, however, the King of Cappadocia and slew him. Finally,
the sultan, seeing that the tide of battle was going against him,
withdrew from the battlefield, and soon afterward the Turks were put to
flight. Tirant and his forces pursued them and continued to slaughter
many until it was very late. The sultan and his defeated army sought
refuge in a certain city, and this was taken by Tirant’s forces the
following morning. Among the many prisoners captured there, was the
King of Egypt. Tirant was notified that this important royal personage
was a prisoner, and was invited to come to slay him, but he replied
that for nothing in the world would he take the life of a prisoner.
Thereupon the Marquis of Saint George dispatched the unfortunate
king. In this battle and pursuit the Turks lost 103,000 men, including
those who were taken prisoners. Among the Greeks that were slain were
the Duke of Macedonia and the Constable. The brave Ricart, too, was
among the dead. A messenger announced the result of the battle to the
emperor, and immediately the venerable monarch knelt down and offered
thanks to Christ and His Most Blessed Mother, Our Lady. (Chaps. 155-158)
After this disastrous defeat of the Moors, the sultan and all the
men who had been able to escape with him found refuge in the city of
Bellpuig, which was four leagues distant from that in which the King of
Egypt was slain. The imperial forces did not attack the sultan’s army,
but confined their operations for the time to recapturing some of the
other places that had recently been taken by the enemy. The emperor
accompanied the troops from Sicily, who succeeded in recovering several
cities. (Chap. 159)
After the emperor’s return to the castle of Mal Vehi, where he lived
during his visit to the camp, he asked Tirant to recommend some one
to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the Constable. The name of
Diaphebus was suggested. And it was the pleasure of the emperor to
appoint Diaphebus Constable of the Empire. Then he turned to Tirant
and said: “And you I shall make the Earl of Sent Angel.” But Tirant
declined the honor, and this greatly displeased His Majesty. And the
Capita Major, not wishing to wound the feelings of the aged monarch,
said that since whatever belonged to Diaphebus was his, and whatever
was his belonged to Diaphebus, he would accept the earldom, but that
the title should be bestowed on his friend, the newly appointed
Constable. The princess was very curious to know why he would not
accept the title, and in his reply to her question, he told her that
he would never accept any title as long as he lived except that of
emperor—either that or none. (Chap. 161)
The appointment of Diaphebus as Constable, and his elevation to the
dignity of Earl of Sent Angel, were celebrated with great splendor.
But Tirant was sad during the festivities. The princess noticed this,
and she asked what grieved him so. He answered that he was filled with
sorrow because she was about to return to Constantinople. Carmesina
told this to Stephania, and they invited Tirant and Diaphebus to visit
them secretly that night. When the visitors came, all the attendants
and companions of the princess were asleep, with the exception of Plaer
de mi Vida, who was wide awake with curiosity, although she pretended
to be sleeping. She heard and saw all that happened, and the next
morning she told Carmesina and Stephania that she had had a wonderful
dream during the night. Being asked to relate it, she told all about
the secret visit of Tirant and Diaphebus. And then she added, with a
sigh, that she regretted deeply that Hypolite and she had not been
invited to the party. (Chaps. 162-163)
That same day the emperor and all who had come with him returned to
Constantinople. The heart of the princess was heavy when the time came
for her to leave Tirant. She veiled her face in order that no one might
see her tears. (Chap. 163)
Five large ships arrived at a port which was at a considerable
distance from the camp of the imperial army, and these were laden with
provisions for that army. Tirant placed the camp under the command of
the Constable and went to see about the unloading of the ships. The
owners of these vessels and the mariners were delighted to see the
great Captain. They informed him that seven Genoese ships had entered
the port of Bellpuig with provisions for the sultan’s army. Tirant
remarked that he would do all in his power to eat some of those
provisions. As soon as all the vessels were unloaded, Tirant embarked
with a large number of armed men, and, in the darkness of night,
started out for the port of Bellpuig. They arrived there early the
following morning, and, with little difficulty, captured the ships. The
provisions were sent to the camp of the Greek army. (Chap. 163)
From the prisoners taken in this venture, Tirant learned that the
Grand Caramany and the King of Upper India were on their way to join
the sultan. They were coming with fifty thousand men. Following
the advice of one of the prisoners, and aided by the men from
the island of Rhodes, who were well-trained in seafaring, Tirant
prepared a formidable fleet and waited for the arrival of the Moorish
reinforcements. Finally the expected fleet came in sight, and Tirant’s
vessels went out to meet it. The hostile fleet was dispersed, and after
a long chase and a terrible fight, Tirant’s ship captured the vessel
which bore the Grand Caramany and the King of Upper India. Our hero,
in person, took the royal prisoners to Constantinople and delivered
them to the emperor. This naval victory caused great rejoicing in
the imperial city. The inhabitants came out to greet and honor their
invincible Captain. They fixed their eyes upon him as if he had been
sent to them from heaven. (Chaps. 163-166)
Tirant had been severely wounded in the sea fight, and the emperor’s
physicians ordered him to remain in bed until his wounds were healed,
for there was great danger that he might be permanently maimed. During
the period of his recovery the imperial family visited him daily, and
Viuda Reposada, moved more by love than piety, was his faithful and
devoted attendant. (Chap. 166)
During his absence from the camp the imperial army was faring badly.
The Turks won two great victories, and as a result the Greeks lost
their courage and their confidence. They offered up special prayers
for the rapid recovery of their valiant Captain. Without him, they
considered their cause lost. They sent him a letter in which they
declared that they would fight no more battles until he had rejoined
them. While he was waiting for his wounds to heal, his martial spirit
seemed to desert him. Carmesina noticed this, and, in one of their
private conversations, said to him: “Cease to be a lover, and win
honors; I do not say that you should cease to be a lover altogether,
for in times of peace men take great delight in loving, but in time of
war men are obliged to undergo much toil and many hardships.” (Chaps.
166-172)
When Tirant was about to return to the camp, the sultan sent
ambassadors to the emperor. Their mission was concerned with three
things: first, a truce for three months; secondly, ransom of the Grand
Caramany and the King of Upper India; and thirdly, an agreement whereby
the emperor’s daughter should be given in marriage to the sultan, in
consideration whereof all the cities and territory captured by the
Turks should be restored to the emperor. (Chaps. 177-178)
Many of the members of the Imperial Council were in favor of the
proposed marriage for the sake of the peace that would follow. Tirant’s
heart was filled with fear and anxiety at this state of affairs. The
princess consoled him with the following words: “How can you believe
that my royal person will submit to a Moor? How can you even imagine
that my noble heart will condescend to become the friend of one of
those Moorish dogs, who have as many women as they wish, and none of
these a wife, for they can leave them any hour that they wish.” (Chaps.
178-179)
A great festival was arranged in honor of the Moorish ambassadors. The
celebration lasted nine days. On the very last day a large number of
galleys were observed coming towards the shore. They were French ships
bringing five thousand “francs archers,” and each of these archers
was accompanied by a squire and a page. They were coming to enter the
service of the emperor. The galleys had been fitted out and furnished
with provisions by the King of France. Tirant’s cousin, the Viscount of
Branches, was in command of these soldiers. Our hero warmly welcomed
him and all those who had come with him. The emperor was delighted at
their coming, and his pleasure was considerably increased by the fact
that the Moorish ambassadors had witnessed the arrival of these foreign
warriors. (Chap. 189)
At the close of these festivities the emperor gave his answer to the
ambassadors in regard to the ransom of the royal prisoners and the
marriage of the princess to the sultan, the proposal of the truce
having been accepted immediately after the Turkish representatives had
announced their mission. He bade them tell the sultan that the emperor
of Constantinople would not liberate the Grand Caramany and the King
of Upper India until the empire had been wholly restored; and that he
would not give his daughter in marriage to a man who was not of the
Christian faith, for that would be against the precepts of the Holy
Catholic Church. (Chaps. 207-208)
While the truce was in effect, Tirant remained in the imperial city.
He pretended to be occupied with military matters, but, in reality,
his mind was centered upon Carmesina. His one dominant purpose was to
obtain from the princess the “compliment de amor.” He made strong and
repeated efforts to attain his end, but she was firm. She loved him
with all her heart, but she would not sacrifice her honor. Tirant had
helpful allies in Plaer de mi Vida, Stephania, and Hypolite, but their
arguments, plans, and schemes availed him naught. Carmesina was young
and in love with him whom she considered the only person that could
save the empire. She was human and could not force herself to forbid
him to approach her. The temptations to fall were strong, but her
religious training and her moral courage sustained her in the hour of
need. (Chaps. 208-215)
Viuda Reposada, whose affectionate and passionate advances to Tirant
had always been met with scorn, was burning with unrequited love and
jealousy. She determined to make a desperate effort to sever the bond
of love that existed between Tirant and the princess. To accomplish
this she told Carmesina base lies about her lover, and advised her
gradually to avoid meeting him. As a result the heart of the princess
was filled with fear and torment. (Chap. 215)
A short time before the termination of the truce Diaphebus, Constable
and Earl of Sent Angel, was married to Stephania. The wedding was
celebrated with great splendor. To add to the importance of the
occasion, he was appointed Duke of Macedonia. And Tirant and his
friends kissed the foot and the hand of the emperor, and gave him
infinite thanks for the great favor he had shown them by giving his
niece to their companion. (Chaps. 219-222)
But while Diaphebus and Stephania were happy, and all were making
merry, the princess and Tirant were downcast and wretched. Carmesina
was following the advice of Viuda Reposada. She avoided Tirant. He
became aware of this, and it tormented him. (Chap. 224)
Plaer de mi Vida was always ready and eager to help Tirant. One night
she led him into Carmesina’s chamber. When the latter suddenly saw him
beside her, she gave a scream which caused great excitement in the
palace. Plaer de mi Vida helped him escape through a window by means of
a rope, but it was too short, and he was obliged to let himself fall
a distance of twelve yards. One of his legs was broken as a result
of the fall. Fortunately, Hypolite and the Viscount of Branches found
him, and they spread the report that Tirant’s steed had fallen on his
leg and broken it. The emperor sympathized with his esteemed Captain in
his misfortune. The accident happened at an inopportune time, for the
Moors had received strong reinforcements. The aged monarch feared that
as long as Tirant was absent from the army, it would not give a good
account of itself. (Chaps. 225-238)
Hypolite remained at the court with Tirant, and gradually a love affair
began between him and the empress, which finally resulted in an illicit
liaison. He and Plaer de mi Vida continued to act as intermediaries in
Tirant’s relations with the princess. One day Carmesina, in order to
prove her love for the Capita Major, took his right hand in her own and
spoke these words: “I, Carmesina, give myself to you, Tirant lo Blanch,
as your faithful wife, and accept you as my loyal husband.” Then she
took a formal oath that she would never leave him for any other man in
the world, and that she would always be true, faithful, and without
blemish. Great was Tirant’s joy when he heard these words, for they
gave him a feeling of assurance that in a short time not only the
princess, but also the imperial crown would be his. And he, too, made a
vow similar to the one pronounced by Carmesina. (Chaps. 248-272)
After Tirant’s leg had completely mended, and when he was ready to
resume active command of the army in the field, a great celebration was
given in his honor. The Imperial Council felt that he well deserved
such manifestation of respect and esteem, for in four and one-half
years he had recovered three hundred and seventy-two cities, towns, and
castles. (Chap. 275)
During Tirant’s absence from the camp the Duke of Pera and Diaphebus
were in command of the Greek army. On account of a disagreement between
the two commanders, the whole imperial army suffered a disastrous
defeat, which plunged all Constantinople in grief. Tirant made haste to
rejoin his troops. Having decided to go by sea instead of by land, he
embarked. He informed no one concerning his departure except those who
were to go with him. He did not take leave of Carmesina, for jealous
Viuda Reposada had carried out a diabolical plot which shook Tirant’s
faith in the purity of the princess. When the latter heard that he had
embarked, she was disconsolate, and sent Plaer de mi Vida to Tirant
for the purpose of finding out why he had not bidden her farewell. The
messenger succeeded in reaching the vessel on which Tirant was about
to set sail. The infamous plotting of Viuda Reposada was discovered,
and the Capita Major was sorry for having permitted himself to be so
basely deceived, and asked Plaer de mi Vida to express his regret to
the princess and to beg her to pardon him. But suddenly a violent storm
came up, which drove the boat far out on the sea. Finally the ship was
wrecked off the coast of Barbary. Both Tirant and Carmesina’s messenger
succeeded in reaching the shore, but not together. (Chaps. 286-299)