Oriana made towards the Queen her mother: after Queen Elisena had saluted her, and when her mother saw the thing in the world that she loved best, she took her in her arms, and if the Knights had not supported them they would both have fallen; and Brisena kissed her eyes and her face saying, O my child, God in his mercy grant that your beauty which has brought upon us such trouble and such dangers, may remedy all and bring about peace and happiness for ever more! but Oriana could only weep for joy, and made no answer. Queen Briolania and Sardamira now came up and took her from her mother's arms, and they spake to the Queen and all the other Ladies afterward, with that courtesy which was due to one of the best and most honourable Queens in the world. Leonoreta came to kiss her sister's hand, but Oriana embraced her and kissed her; and then all the other Dames and Damsels of Brisena's Court joyfully accosted Oriana, whom they loved better than themselves, for she was the noblest Lady of her time, and the most affable, and for that reason was she so beloved by all who knew her. Thus is the meeting described, not as it was, for that would be impossible, but as is convenient for the order of the book. They now proceeded all together toward the Island. When Queen Brisena saw so goodly a company of Knights, and how they all looked to Amadis, he thinking himself the most honoured who was nearest him, she was astonished thereat, and though till now she had thought there was no household in the world equal to King Lisuarte's, she now thought that his Court was in comparison like that of a poor Count: she marvelled how a Knight who had nothing but his arms and his horse could have attracted such state, and though he was the husband of her daughter, yet could she not help envying him, desiring that power and dignity for her husband, and afterward for Amadis by inheritance; howbeit she concealed this feeling, and went with a cheerful countenance, though in her heart she was disturbed. Thus as they went along Oriana could not keep her eyes from Esplandian, and the Queen seeing this, said, Daughter, let this Child lead you. Oriana then stopped, and the Child came humbly to kiss her hand; she longed to kiss him, but was obliged to refrain now. Then Mabilia drew near him, and said, My friend, I must have a share of your embraces; at this he looked round with so sweet a countenance that it was marvellous to behold, and they went on with the Child between them, talking to him, who answered them so well, that they looked at each other, and Mabilia said, was not this nice food for the Lioness and her cubs? For God's sake, cried Oriana, do not remind me of that! His father, replied Mabilia, underwent no less a peril when he was in the sea, but God preserved him to be what you behold him, and in like manner has preserved the son to excel him and all others in the world. At this Oriana smiled from her heart, and answered, true Sister