CHAPTER IV. TIRANT ENTERS THE SERVICE OF THE EMPEROR

OF CONSTANTINOPLE 33

At the request of the Emperor of Constantinople, Tirant sets sail for that imperial city, and immediately upon his arrival is named commander of the Emperor’s forces.—He falls in love with the charming princess, Carmesina.—Opposition to Tirant.—Princess warns him against the treacherous Duke of Macedonia.—Tirant’s novel way of confessing his love.—Review of the Imperial troops.—First encounter with the Turks.—The Duke defies Tirant.—Two thousand soldiers sent by the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes arrive to help Tirant.—Tirant’s strategy wins another victory.—The Turks decide that Tirant must be slain.—The King of Egypt’s challenge accepted by Tirant.—Quarrel between Tirant and the Duke.—Five thousand men sent by Philip, now king of Sicily, arrive to join Tirant.—Emperor and Princess visit the camp.—Great rout of the Turks.—Tirant’s companion, Diaphebus, appointed Constable.—Tirant captures ships laden with provisions for the enemy.—Fleet of the Grand Caramany and the King of Sobirana India dispersed and the royal leaders captured.—Tirant obliged to remain in bed in Constantinople in order that a serious wound received in naval battle may heal.—Arrival of five thousand “franc archers.”—Tirant’s passionate love.—Viuda Reposada’s jealousy.—Diaphebus marries Stephania.—Tirant in Carmesina’s chamber.—Hippolyte and the Empress.—Tirant and Carmesina exchange vows.—Tirant embarks to return to camp.—Tirant’s ship is driven by a storm to the shores of Barbary, where it is wrecked.