themselves; but while they were all thus amazed, they saw a boat let down from the side of the serpent, all covered with cloth of gold, and in it was a Dame, having on each side of her a child richly clad, upon whose shoulders she was leaning, and two dwarfs marvellously ill-favoured; and in this manner the boat came towards the land. Never trust me, quoth Lisuarte, if this be not Urganda the Unknown! When the boat came near, they knew it was she, for she manifested herself to them in her own natural shape, in which she was seldom, for, for the most part she assumed other appearances, seeming sometimes an old woman, at others like a girl. She landed, and approached to kiss the King's hand, but he embraced her, and so also did the Kings Perion and Cildadan; and then she turned to the Emperor and said, Good Sir, though you know me not, I know you, and shall be your friend, and you must remember me whenever you need my help, for though you may think my dwelling place is far from your country, it would be for me no labour to perform the whole journey in a day. Courteously did the Emperor thank her, saying, that he had gained more in gaining her good will, than by great part of his dominions. She then looked at Amadis, and said, I must not lose your embrace, noble Knight! though now you will regard little what such as we can do! Good Lady, quoth he, my will will always be to serve you for the great favours which I have received at your hands, but my power will alway be weak to requite them. Then having saluted her other friends, she proceeded to the garden gate, and there giving the two fair children into Esplandian's care, she went in, and was so well received as never other woman was in other place. She looked round, and seeing all that goodly company, exclaimed, O my heart! see what thou wilt hereafter, thou wilt feel it like solitude, after having in one day seen the best Knights in the world, and the fairest and most honourable Queens and Damsels that ever were born, and the truest love? So she besought leave of the Queen that she might be Oriana's guest; and there she was honoured of them as though she had been the Lady of all. _CHAPTER 43._