Meantime, by the will of God who would not that this evil race should put their crooked purposes into effect, it so befell that the good Hermit sent Child Esplandian and his nephew Sargil to the King to tell him, that he would be with him in Lubayna, as soon as he could, to give order for the meeting of the four Knights. When they came to the camp the army had already departed and they followed till they came to the place where the King had halted, and there they learnt that he had advanced in fear and with greater haste: upon that they quickened their pace; but before they came in sight of the King, they saw the army coming down the mountain, and immediately thought it was King Aravigo; for when they were with Queen Brisena they had heard of his arrival in the country, and knew that the Queen had sent out troops different ways to observe them: but now beholding how mighty a power was with him, and that King Lisuarte's army was few in number and sore wearied, Esplandian was greatly grieved to think of this danger, and said to Sargil, Brother follow me, and do not let us rest till the King be succoured, and with that they turned the reins and galloped all the remainder of the day and the night also, till at dawn they overtook King Perion who had retreated only four leagues, and had pitched his camp beside a brook among fruit trees, and set guard upon the side of the mountain; for he also had learnt of this army by the report of some shepherds. Esplandian went straight to the tent of Amadis, and found the good man who had just risen, and was preparing to set forth on his way. Good son, cried the Hermit, why are you in such haste? I cannot stay to tell you, replied the Child, till I have spoken with Amadis; so he alighted, and went in where Amadis was asleep, though in his armour, as he had been all night for the defence of the camp. Esplandian awoke him, and said, O good Sir, if at any time your heart hath desired great exploits, the hour is now come wherein its worth may be made manifest; for though you have atchieved many and perilous exploits, yet never was there one so signal as this. Know that the troops who we heard were in the mountains with King Aravigo, are advancing as fast as they can against my lord King Lisuarte; and they are so many and his force so little and in so ill a plight, that under God he hath no remedy but in you. Amadis at this arose instantly, and said, Good child, wait for me here, and if I can prevail your labour shall not be in vain: then he went to the tent of King Perion his father, and telling him these tidings, besought his permission to go to the succour of King Lisuarte, which would be greatly to his honour and praise wherever it was known; and he knelt down, and would not rise from his knees till the King had answered him. Son, quoth King Perion, do as you think good; take such troops as you choose and lead the way, and I will follow. If we are to