libre."[1] Here, then, we have the conflicting statements that the book is to be divided into seven parts, and then follows the announcement that these seven parts shall be produced in a certain part of the work. But nowhere in it do we find any indications that the author attempted to make such a division. It is true, as we have already stated, that the beginning of the first part is announced, but after that no mention of the beginning or end of any other part is made. A logical division into four almost equal parts is absolutely impossible. But we do find that in Chapters XXXI-XXXVI some of the subjects mentioned in the proposed divisions of the work are treated and discussed.
An examination of Lull's Libre del Orde d'Cauayleria will explain the inconsistency. In this book we find, in the "Incipit Prologus," the following words:
"Per Significança de les .vii. planetes . . . que
gouernen e ordonen los corsos terrenals, departim
aquest libre d'cauayleria en .vii. parts. . . . La
primera part es d'l començament d'cauayleria.
La segona es del offici de cauayleria, etc."[2]
Martorell had evidently copied from Lull's book, and
the inconsistency was overlooked and found its way into
his work.
- ↑ Here commences the first part of the book of Tirant, which treats of certain great deeds done by the Earl, William of Warwick, in his last blessed days. . . . And inasmuch as Divine Providence has ordained and is pleased that the seven planets exert an influence over the world and hold dominion over human nature. . . . on account of this, with divine aid, this book of chivalry will be divided into seven principal parts. . . . The first part shall treat of the beginning of chivalry. The second shall treat of the state and profession of chivalry, etc. . . . These seven parts shall be presented in a certain part of the book.
- ↑ With the significance of the seven planets . . . which govern and control the terrestrial bodies, we divide this book of chivalry into seven parts. . . . The first part treats of the commencement of chivalry. The second treats of the profession of chivalry, etc.
