Britomart and her old nurse Glaucé now took counsel together as to the
best means of finding Sir Artegall. They thought of one plan after
another, and at last the nurse hit upon a bold device. She suggested to
Britomart that, as the whole country was now disturbed by war, they
should disguise themselves, in armour, and go in search of the Knight.
It would be easy for Britomart to do this, for she was tall and strong,
and needed nothing but a little practice to render her skilful in the
use of spear and sword.
“Truly,” said Glaucé, “it ought to fire your courage to hear the poets
sing of all the brave women who have come from the royal house to which
you belong.”
She went on to name a long list of noble Princesses who had fought
gallantly against their country’s enemies, and bade Britomart follow
their example and be equally courageous.
Her stirring words sank deep into the heart of the maiden, and
immediately filled her with courage, and made her long to do brave
deeds. She resolved to go forth as an adventurous knight, and bade
Glaucé put all things at once in readiness.
[Illustration:
“=In th’ evening late old Glaucé hither led
Faire Britomart, and, that same Armory
Downe taking, her therein appareled
Well as she might.=” . . .
]
It happened fortunately for them that only a few days before, a band of
Britons riding on a foray had taken some rich spoil from the enemy.
Amongst this was a splendid suit of armour which had belonged to the
Saxon Queen, Angela. It was all fretted with gold, and very beautiful.
This, with the other ornaments, King Ryence had caused to be hung in his
chief church, as a lasting memorial of his victory. Glaucé, remembering
this, led Britomart there late one evening, and, taking down the armour,
dressed her in it. Beside the arms stood a mighty spear, which had been
made by magic; no living person could sit so fast in the saddle but it
could hurl him to the ground. Britomart took this spear, and also a
shield which hung near.
When Glaucé had dressed the maiden she took another suit of armour, and
put it on herself, so that she could go forth with her young mistress
and attend her carefully as her squire. Then they lightly mounted their
horses, which were ready for them, and rode away in the darkness of
night, so that none should see them.
They never rested till they reached the land of the Faerie Queene, as
Merlin had directed them. There they met with the Knight from Queen
Gloriana’s court, as we have already seen, with whom they had much
pleasant conversation, but especially about the gallant Sir Artegall.
When they came at last to the place where they had to part, the Knight
and Britomart, who greatly liked each other, promised always to remain
true friends, and Britomart then rode on alone with Glaucé in search of
Sir Artegall.
What her companion had told her about Artegall made her long all the
more to see him, and she fashioned in her mind a thousand thoughts as to
what he would be like, picturing him in her fancy everything that was
noble and lovable—“wise, warlike, handsome, courteous, and kind.” But
these thoughts, instead of soothing her sorrow, only made it worse, till
it seemed that nothing but death could drive away the pain. So she rode
forth, restless and unrefreshed, searching all lands, and every remotest
part, with nothing but her love to guide her.