Tirant lo Blanch; a study of its authorship, principal sources and historical settingVaeth, Joseph Anthony
History
Tirant lo Blanch; a study of its authorship, principal sources and historical setting
Vaeth, Joseph Anthony
Martorell, Joanot, -1468. Tirant lo Blanch
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)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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