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+Project Gutenberg's The Seven Champions of Christendom, by W. H. G. Kingston
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Seven Champions of Christendom
+
+Author: W. H. G. Kingston
+
+Release Date: May 15, 2007 [EBook #21454]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SEVEN CHAMPIONS OF CHRISTENDOM ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
+
+
+
+
+The Seven Champions of Christendom, by W H G Kingston.
+
+________________________________________________________________________
+
+A most unusual book, especially from this author, erudite though he is.
+
+The seven champions are the Patron Saints of England, Scotland, Ireland,
+Wales, France, Italy and Spain.  These rove about Europe and beyond,
+slaying Enchanters, Dragons, and other nuisances, accompanied by their
+Squires, who, although they put on weight and become obese, help as best
+they can, and carry their masters' trophies for them.
+
+That they all knew one another and were living at the same time is a
+novel idea, but it all adds to quite a good story, however whimsical.
+
+It is alleged that the book is no more than an edited transcription of a
+book written at the end of the fifteen hundreds.  It may well be, but it
+stands quite well on its own for what it is--an amusement for the
+children: that, and no more.
+
+________________________________________________________________________
+
+THE SEVEN CHAMPIONS OF CHRISTENDOM, BY W H G KINGSTON.
+
+The following pages should not go forth into the world without due
+acknowledgment being made to that worthy old Dominie, Richard Johnson,
+to whose erudite but somewhat unreadable work the author is so largely
+indebted.  As he flourished at the end of the sixteenth century, and the
+commencement of the seventeenth, great allowances should be made for his
+style, which is certainly not suited to the taste of this generation.
+It is to be hoped that the present version, while much of his vivid
+imagery is retained, may be free from his more glaring errors.  And,
+thus quoting the Dominie's dedication:--
+
+"To all courteous readers The Author wisheth encrease of vertuous
+knowledge.
+
+"Gentle readers, in kindness accept my labours, and be not like the
+chattering cranes, nor Momus' mates, that carp at everything.  What the
+simple say I care not; what the spightful speak I pass not; only the
+censure of the conceited I stand unto; that is the mark I aym at; whose
+good likings if I obtain, I have won my race; if not, I faint in the
+first attempt, and so lose the quiet of my happy goal.
+
+"Yours in kindness and command,--
+
+"R.J."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE.
+
+THE BIRTH OF SAINT GEORGE.
+
+Who has not heard of the Seven Champions of Christendom--of the
+wonderful adventures they went through--of the dangers they encountered,
+and the heroic deeds they performed?  Should any persons exist ignorant
+of the history of those noble knights, let them with attentive ears now
+listen to my veracious chronicle.
+
+Gallant and dauntless as were all those seven heroes, yet not one
+equalled in valour "Saint George of Merrie England."  Many countries
+have in consequence claimed him as their own especial Champion.
+Portugal, Germany, Greece, and Russia, for what is known to the
+contrary, would be glad to have him; but we have proof undoubted that to
+England he alone belongs, even if we did not see him, on many a golden
+guinea, engaged in his desperate encounter with the most terribly
+terrific and greenest of green dragons.  Not only are his orders worn by
+nobles, but by British monarchs themselves, while, in memory of his
+heroic deeds, they lead forth their armies under his banner.  However,
+many long years have passed away since he astonished the world by his
+prowess.  Of royal birth was his mother, the daughter of one of
+England's early kings; a Duke and High Steward of the realm was his
+father.  Of the name of the king history is most mysteriously silent, or
+of the extent of his dominions; but there can be no doubt that the
+ancient city of Coventry was situated within them, and that, if not the
+principal, it was one of the principal cities of the realm, and,
+moreover, that a prison existed there on the silent system.  Thus, when
+people are unfit to be spoken to, it is said, by a figure of speech,
+that they are sent to Coventry.
+
+In Coventry the Lord High Steward and his royal bride resided.  Now,
+some time before the Princess was about to present her husband with a
+babe, she dreamed a dream; it was enough to terrify her, for she dreamed
+that, instead of a smiling infant, she should have to nurse a little
+green dragon.  To nurse a small crocodile or alligator, or even a young
+hippopotamus, would have been bad enough, but a green dragon, with claws
+and a long wriggling fork-pointed tail, was out of the question; the
+very idea was enough to drive her distracted.  The Lord High Steward was
+a man who always took the bull by the horns in a dilemma, and so he
+resolved forthwith to take steps to solve the mystery.  He had heard
+that in the Black Forest in Germany there lived a powerful enchantress,
+Kalyb by name, who would, without doubt, be able at once to give him all
+the information he required.  Sir Albert, for that was the High
+Steward's name, instantly set off across the seas, accompanied only by
+his faithful Squire, De Fistycuff.  They bore offerings of gold and
+silver and precious stones with which to propitiate her.
+
+For many days they voyaged, tossed by the stormy billows, and for many
+days they travelled on till they arrived at the dreary precincts of the
+Black Forest.  Boldly plunging into it, they reached a dense part of the
+wood, composed of withered, hollow, and distorted trees, whence
+proceeded sounds the most unearthly and terrific.  The dismal croaking
+of the night raven, the hissing of serpents, the hoarse bellowing of
+wild bulls, the roaring of lions, the laughing of hyenas, and other
+hideous cries of all sorts of savage beasts.  Some men would have stood
+astounded.  Not so Sir Albert and his faithful Squire.  On they went
+till they found themselves in front of a dark and lofty rock, within
+which was seen a vast and gloomy cavern.  The entrance was secured by a
+massive iron gate studded over with huge knots and bars of steel.  Near
+it hung a brazen trumpet, the use of which the Knight full readily
+guessed.  He blew a blast which rung through the vaulted cave, echoing
+away till the sounds were lost in the distance, while it made the very
+earth rock and tremble.  Scarcely had the echoes of the magic horn died
+away than a terrifically loud, discordant, hollow voice, proceeding out
+of the very depths of the cavern, inquired:--"Mortal, what want you
+here?"  Sir Albert briefly told his errand, and said that he had brought
+gifts which he desired to offer to the famous Enchantress Kalyb, the
+lady of the Black Forest.
+
+As he was a courteous knight, and had spoken the Enchantress fair, so he
+expected a courteous and satisfactory reply.  What, then, was his
+amazement when he heard these words proceeding from the cavern:--
+
+  "Whatever must be--must be there's no doubt;
+  You've got an answer, and so turn about!"
+
+In vain he protested that such a reply was far from satisfactory; that
+he should go back as wise as he came; that it would have been better had
+he stayed at home; that he should have had all his pains for nothing.
+No other answer could he get.  Though a courteous knight, he was yet
+somewhat irascible; and this was an occasion to try the temper of a
+milder man than a knight of those days.  He seized the trumpet, and blew
+till it refused to give forth any further sound.  He handed it to De
+Fistycuff, and told him to blow till he cracked his own cheeks or the
+trumpet.  In vain the Squire puffed and puffed, not a sound could he
+produce.  He holloed and shouted, and so did De Fistycuff; but to their
+united voices no answer was returned.  Then Sir Albert began to shower
+abuse on the Enchantress; he told her some awkward truths, and called
+her some names which were far from complimentary; but the only answer he
+received was in shouts of hollow and mocking laughter which proceeded
+out of the recesses of the cavern.
+
+At length Sir Albert turned his horse's head, and in high dudgeon rode
+off, followed by De Fistycuff, who first pocketed the gifts they had
+brought to propitiate the Enchantress.  Dull and dreary was their
+homeward journey; and, if truth must be told, the Lord High Steward
+could not help feeling remarkably small at the result of their
+expedition.  After having been tossed about for many days by a storm,
+and made very sick in the German Ocean, they at length reached Coventry.
+The master of his household, his family physician, and a numerous
+assemblage of knights and ladies, rushed out of his castle to tell Sir
+Albert the news.  Neither an hippopotamus nor an alligator had been born
+to him, but a right merry, rosy, bouncing infant.  Alas! however, there
+was grief in store for the gallant knight, the partner of his joys and
+cares, his beautiful princess, was dead!  Deeply he mourned his loss,
+and then he inquired if any one could solve the mystery of the dream
+which had caused him so long a journey.  He found that had he waited
+patiently at home, like a wise man, all would have been known.  The
+smiling infant was brought to him; and then, wonderful to relate, he
+discovered on its breast the portrait of a green dragon, just as his
+wife had described it to him; and, moreover, a blood-red cross marked on
+the boy's right hand, and a golden garter below his knee on the left.
+
+"He'll do something wonderful!" exclaimed the proud father; and he was
+not mistaken.
+
+The name of George was given to the boy; and forthwith the Lord High
+Steward, retiring from the cares of state, bestowed on him all his
+thoughts and attention.  He selected three nurses to watch over him,
+called Prudence, Firmness, and Gentleness.  One to prepare his
+nourishment, another to feed him, and the last to lull him to sleep.
+All would have gone well, but unhappily the boy's grandfather suggested
+that another nurse was necessary, and Carelessness was introduced into
+the household.
+
+It should be known that all this time the wicked Enchantress Kalyb had
+been well aware who it was who had come to her cavern and blown so
+furiously on her magic horn.  Every word the Knight had uttered, and
+every opprobrious epithet which he had so lavishly bestowed, had been
+heard by her.  She nourished, in consequence, in her evil heart, a
+spirit of revenge, which she waited a convenient opportunity to gratify.
+Oh, anger! oh, loss of temper! how blind art thou!  How dost thou make
+wise men become like the most foolish!  Revenge, too, how dost thou,
+malignant spirit, fall into the trap thou hast thyself laid, as will be
+soon seen!
+
+Wicked Kalyb waited her time.  She knew of the young Prince's birth,
+she knew how his father doated on him, and she resolved to carry him
+off; but when she heard of the three nurses appointed to guard over him
+she despaired of succeeding in her object.  The boy grew and flourished.
+Every day he became more beautiful, every day he gave proofs of a noble
+and gallant spirit.  Truly was he his father's pride; worthy was he of
+the admiration of all the people of Coventry.  When, however, Kalyb
+found out that Carelessness had become his nurse, instantly she hurried
+to the sea-shore; when, embarking in an egg-shell,--the shell, be it
+known, of a huge roc's egg--she set sail for the shores of England.
+Quickly she spun over the ocean, round and round, faster than any
+ordinary ship could sail, till she reached the land; and, arriving in
+the neighbourhood of Coventry, she hid herself in a thick wood, till she
+could pounce out on the young Prince and carry him off.
+
+However, she had long to wait.  Sometimes Prudence walked out with him,
+sometimes Gentleness, and sometimes Firmness; and all kept so careful a
+watch over him that she had no opportunity of effecting her purpose.  At
+length, Carelessness one fatal day had charge of him.  Kalyb immediately
+changed herself into a lovely butterfly.  Off ran the boy with his
+velvet cap to catch the fluttering insect.  Carelessness sat down on a
+bank and fell asleep.  Soon Kalyb led the boy into the recesses of the
+forest; then seizing him, in spite of his cries, she placed him in a
+chariot with ten fiery steeds which she had conjured up, and darting off
+like a flash of lightning, reached the coast, embarked in her egg-shell,
+which whirled round and round as before, and then she travelled on till
+she arrived once more, with her captive, at the magic cavern in the
+Black Forest.  The massive gates flew asunder at a touch of her silver
+wand, and the Prince found himself among wonders which his imagination
+had never before conceived, which far surpassed anything he had ever
+beheld even in the beautiful city of Coventry.  He soon, however, grew
+weary of them, and longed to return to his fond father and careful
+nurses; but he found himself a prisoner, and no outlet could he discover
+by which he could make his escape from the cavern--the massive gates
+prevented all egress to any who had once entered within them.
+
+The wicked Kalyb watched the sorrow of the boy, and knowing that his
+father was still more sorrowful, rejoiced in her revenge.  She had
+numerous attendants to do her will.  Among them was a dwarf, a
+misshapen, ill-favoured creature.  To his care the boy was confided,
+with directions to beat and teaze him whenever he had nothing else to
+do.  The noble child bore every indignity with equanimity and good
+humour, and, instead of harbouring revenge, took every opportunity of
+doing a kindness to the poor dwarf, who was himself the peculiar object
+of the wicked Kalyb's ill-treatment.  Crumpleback was the dwarf's name.
+Often poor Crumpleback's body was black and blue with the pommelling he
+received from the furious Kalyb, while his cheeks were thin and haggard
+from want of food and rest.  One day Kalyb was absent when Crumpleback
+addressed the Prince:--"Know," said he, "kind boy, that I am a fairy in
+disguise, and though less powerful than the fell Enchantress Kalyb, I
+may yet circumvent her acts.  Your kindness and gentleness, and
+forgiveness of the injuries I was forced to do you, have won my heart.
+I have vowed to serve you to the best of my power.  Let not Kalyb know
+what has passed between us, but wait patiently, and see what will
+happen."  The young Prince thanked the fairy, and his hopes of escaping
+once more revived.  He had long to wait.  In the mean time, whenever
+Kalyb was absent, the seeming dwarf gave him instructions in all the
+arts which would fit him to become an accomplished knight.  Book
+learning, though not much in vogue in those days, was not neglected.
+Sometimes the fairy put a shining sword into his grasp, and showed him
+how to wield it with a force no one could withstand; sometimes he was
+mounted on a fiery steed which few mortals could have bestrode, and with
+lance in hand he was taught to tilt against phantom knights, which, in
+the most desperate encounters, he invariably overthrew.  Thus, by the
+time he had attained to man's estate, no knight in Europe was so
+accomplished, while none surpassed him in virtue or valour.
+
+Meantime the Lord High Steward bitterly mourned the loss of his
+promising son.  In vain he sent messengers throughout the world to find
+him, and at last, remembering the ancient proverb, "Who wants goes, who
+does not want sends," he resolved to go in search of the boy himself.
+Storing himself with gold and precious jewels, he set off, attended only
+by his faithful De Fistycuff.  From place to place he wandered, year
+after year, till his locks were turned to silvery grey, and his beard
+became like the down of a thistle.  One evening his heart fainting, and
+his once firm knees trembling, he reached the gate of a monastery in
+Bohemia.  Then he sunk down before even his Squire could ring the bell
+to summon the monks to his assistance.  When the porter opened the door,
+the Lord High Steward of England had breathed his last, and poor De
+Fistycuff was bewailing his loved master's death, and his own hard fate,
+in being thus left alone in a foreign land.  The monks buried Sir Albert
+hard by, and raised a monument, covered with some of his own jewels,
+over his grave, reserving the remainder to pay the expenses of his
+funeral.  The worthy De Fistycuff they recommended to return to his
+native land, unless he wished to become a monk; an honour he declined,
+having his faithful Grumculda waiting for him at home.  So, paying a
+farewell visit to his master's tomb, the jewels on which he found had by
+enchantment been changed to glass, he set off on his journey.  Happily
+he had, however, some of the presents intended for the wicked Kalyb in
+his pockets; so, like an honest Briton, he was able to pay his way, and
+be no discredit to his country.  Leaving him to pursue his toilsome
+peregrination, we return once more to the cavern of Kalyb.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO.
+
+SAINT GEORGE RELEASES THE SIX CHAMPIONS.
+
+Even the Enchantress wondered at the progress in the arts and sciences
+her captive was making; but, as she knew that he was destined to become
+a great man, she was aware that she could not hope to stop his progress.
+All she could do was to keep him shut up till fate set him free.  One
+day the friendly fairy addressed the Prince:--"Know," she said, "the
+Enchantress sleeps once, and once only, for one week every hundred
+years.  Her magic art depends on her silver wand, which on that occasion
+she hides away so carefully that it is scarcely possible to discover it.
+Still, we will search.  For that opportunity I have long been waiting.
+If we can possess ourselves of it, she will be completely in our power,
+and we can work our will within the magic cavern.  Know also that I am
+an English fairy, Sabrina by name.  I love you because you are kind to
+me, and because you come of an honest English stock.  If we can overcome
+the Enchantress, I will enable you to commence that career of glory for
+which I know that your heart is even now thirsting."  The young Prince's
+heart beat high with joy and hope on hearing these words.
+
+Anxiously they watched the Enchantress, to try and discover where she
+would place her silver wand.  Day after day they followed her through
+all the vast interminable recesses of her magic cavern.  Every day she
+grew more drowsy and less inclined to speak; which is not surprising,
+considering how long she had been awake, and how sleepy she must have
+become.
+
+In spite of all this vigilance, however, at last she appeared without
+her silver wand; and soon after they saw her sink down on a couch of
+rose-leaves she had prepared for herself in a sumptuous apartment,
+where, had it not been for her hideous countenance, where all the
+malignant passions were portrayed, she would have looked like a
+sovereign resting on her bed of state.  The Prince was eager instantly
+to set off to look for the silver wand.
+
+"Stay," whispered the Fairy Sabrina, "she yet deeps with one eye open,
+like a weasel; wait till she closes both, and snores."  Accordingly they
+waited till both Kalyb's eyes were closed, and loud snores echoed along
+the vaulted roof.  Then off they set.
+
+"Nothing worth having can be gained without toil and trouble," observed
+the Dwarf, as he parted from the Prince.  All the other attendants of
+the Enchantress had taken the opportunity to go to sleep likewise; so
+silence profound reigned throughout the cavern, broken only by her
+snores.  The Prince searched and searched in every direction, under
+heaps of costly jewels and glittering robes, piles of gold and silver,
+and rich armour; but they had now no charms for him: the silver wand
+which was to set him free to commence his noble career was all he sought
+for--that wand, the type of knowledge, which can only be obtained by
+study and perseverance.  Day after day he sought for it; but at the end
+of each day all he could say was that he believed he could tell where it
+was not.  The Dwarf came back equally unsuccessful; but still numberless
+heaps had been turned over, intricate passages explored, profound depths
+dived into, and unthought of recesses in the cavern discovered.
+
+Five days had thus passed away; the Prince knew more about the cavern
+than he had ever known before; the sixth day came, and that, too, ended.
+He had added to his knowledge, but the silver wand had not been found.
+He became anxious, as well he might.  On the seventh the Enchantress
+would awake and resume her power.
+
+More diligently than ever he searched about; the Dwarf seconded his
+efforts.  Before him appeared, as he wandered on, a golden door.  After
+many a hearty shove he forced it open.  A steep flight of rugged stone
+steps led winding upwards he knew not where.  Boldly he entered, and
+climbed on, on, on.  Though rough and steep were the steps he did not
+weary or hesitate.  Sometimes the stair was spiral, and he went round
+and round, and sometimes it led him directly upwards.  Scarcely a
+glimmer of light enabled him to find his way; but the Dwarf was at his
+heels, encouraging him, and he recollected the silver wand of which he
+was in search, and persevered.  Strong and healthy as he was he began to
+draw his breath quickly, when the full light of the glorious sun burst
+on him, and he found himself in a magnificent temple of alabaster, on
+the summit of a lofty mountain.
+
+From the windows of the temple he could behold the whole surrounding
+country to a vast distance, far, far beyond the forest which grew round
+the base of the mountain.  There were cities and palaces, and silvery
+streams, and rich fields, and glowing orchards, and meadows full of
+cattle, and grassy downs covered with sheep--such a scene as he had not
+beheld since his boyhood, when Kalyb first got possession of him.  He
+stood contemplating it with delight.  How long he might have stood it is
+impossible to say, when the sound of a distant church-bell was wafted up
+to his ears.  It reminded him that the hour was approaching when the
+dreadful Kalyb would awake.
+
+He thought to make his escape out of the temple, but that he found was
+impossible; the walls of the tower in which he stood were a hundred feet
+high, with pointed iron spikes below, to catch any who might fall on
+them.  Again must he sink into the power of the cruel Kalyb?  His brave
+heart rebelled at the thought; he would dare and do anything to avoid
+it.
+
+He spoke aloud.  "You are right," said the Dwarf; "but look! what is
+that?"  He turned his head, and beheld before him, on a velvet cushion,
+which covered a marble table, the silver wand of which he had been so
+long in search.  He grasped it eagerly.
+
+"Follow me," said the Dwarf, hastening onward, "no time is to be lost."
+Down the steps they sped.  "No time is to be lost," cried the Dwarf
+again.  Faster, faster went the Prince's feet.  On he rattled--on--on--
+often several steps at a time.  Nothing stopped him.  The bottom was
+reached; the massive door was closed; in vain he pushed against it.  He
+touched it with his silver wand; open it flew.  Along the vaulted
+passages of the cavern he sped.  Many a hideous monster started up, but
+a wave of the silver wand put them to flight.
+
+The Prince and his attendant reached the chamber of the Enchantress.
+Her snoring had ceased.  She had begun to rub her eyes and move
+uneasily, with many a grunt and snort.  She was about to awake.  Who
+could have told what mischief one glance of her evil eye would have
+effected.  "Strike! strike!" said the Fairy.  The Prince struck the bed.
+Instantly loud shrieks and groans, and cries most terrific, were heard
+filling the air, and shouts most horrible of mocking laughter, and
+bellowings, and roarings, and hissings, and the walls of the chamber
+began to rock, and the bed began to sink, and flames burst forth, and
+stenches most overwhelming arose.  The horrible noises increased till
+dense lurid vapours concealed the spot where the Enchantress's chamber
+had been, though her helpless cries were heard far, far down in the
+depths of the earth; and the Prince found himself standing in the wild
+cavern, but, in the place of the Dwarf, there stood a beautiful Fairy by
+his side.  "I prepared you for a change," said the Fairy, with a smile;
+"but come, we are not the only ones to be set free.  Let us not forget
+our companions in misfortune any more than those in our prosperity."
+
+The Prince made the politest of bows, and said he was completely under
+the Lady Sabrina's directions.  "Then come with me," she said, and led
+the way till they reached a vast castle of brass, with battlements and
+towers glittering in the sun.  "Within this castle lie imprisoned six
+valiant knights, worthy champions of Christendom, bemoaning their hard
+fate, and longing to be free.  Had the vile Kalyb retained her power,
+you would have been shut up there likewise.  But know, brave Prince, as
+by your perseverance, valour, and judgment you have overcome her and her
+enchantments, it is destined that you shall become the seventh and most
+renowned of all, and so I hail you as `Saint George of Merrie England.'
+Thus you shall be called for ages yet to come, wherever England's might
+and England's deeds throughout the world are known."  The roseate hue of
+modesty suffused the cheek of the young knight as he heard these words,
+and he vowed that he would ever strive to prove worthy of the honourable
+title he had received.
+
+Then thrice he struck the gates of the brazen castle.  The portals flew
+open, and he and the Fairy entering, found the six knights sitting
+lonely and sad in separate chambers, not knowing what had happened.
+They started as they heard the voice of Sabrina mentioning their names.
+
+"The first is Saint Denis of France," said she.  With many a bow he
+rapidly sprang forward and saluted Saint George.  The second, Saint
+James of Spain, slowly stalked on, and lifting his casque bowed
+haughtily.  The third, Saint Anthony of Italy, advanced more rapidly,
+and, with a flourish of his helmet, gave him an embrace.  Saint Andrew
+of Scotland, the fourth, rising from his couch, inquired whence he had
+come, and whither he was going, and thanked him for the valour he had
+displayed; while Saint Patrick, the fifth, almost wrung off his hand, as
+he expressed his delight in meeting so gallant a knight; and the sixth,
+Saint David of Wales, vowed that no pleasure could surpass what he felt
+at being thus set free by a knight second only to himself in all
+knightly accomplishments.
+
+Besides the knights, six faithful squires, who had followed their
+fortunes for many years, lay imprisoned in a separate dungeon.  These
+also Saint George had the great satisfaction of setting free; when once
+more they rejoined their beloved masters, and assisted, as was their
+wont, in preparing them for their journey.
+
+Then Saint George and all the knights, following Sabrina, led the way to
+the stables of the castle, where stood, ready caparisoned, seven of the
+most superb steeds mortal eye ever beheld.  "Six of them are for those
+brave knights," she said; "the seventh, Bayard by name, is reserved for
+you; while six other most excellent horses are for their six faithful
+squires."
+
+The knights, eager to be gone, mounted their steeds, as did their
+squires theirs, while Sabrina conducted Saint George back to the castle,
+where, in a chamber, hung numberless suits of the most magnificent
+armour.  Choosing out the strongest corselet, Sabrina buckled it on his
+breast; she laced on his helmet, and completely clothed him in
+glittering steel.  Then bringing forth a mighty falchion, she placed it
+in his hand, and said:--"No monarch was ever clothed in richer armour.
+Of such strength and invincible power is your steed, that while you are
+on his back no knight shall be able to conquer you.  Your armour is of
+steel so pure that no battle-axe can bruise, no weapon pierce it.  Your
+sword, which is called Ascalon, was made by the Cyclops.  It will hew
+asunder the hardest flint, or cut the strongest steel, and in its pummel
+such magic virtue lies, that neither treason nor witchcraft can prevail
+against you, or any violence be offered as long as you wear it."
+
+The good fairy thus having spoken, Saint George, fully caparisoned, went
+forth from the castle, and mounting Bayard, prepared with the other
+champions to leave the Black Forest--Sabrina, in her own chariot, drawn
+by ten peacocks, leading the way.  Just then a stranger appeared in
+sight, sad and sorrowful, travelling on.
+
+"De Fistycuff!" exclaimed Saint George, in a cheerful voice, "my honest
+parent's faithful squire."  De Fistycuff started, as well he might, and
+rushed forward.  He knew the voice, but whence it had come he could not
+tell.  Saint George tore off his corselet, and exposed to view the green
+dragon on his bosom.  Thus De Fistycuff knew who it was, and, embracing
+him, burst into tears.  Having recovered himself, and once more buckled
+on his young master's armour, De Fistycuff mounted his steed.
+
+Then the whole party set forward, and travelled on till they reached the
+coast.  Then they took shipping, and, at Saint George's particular
+request, proceeded to his paternal castle, near the beautiful city of
+Coventry.  There having dwelt for the space of nine months, and erected
+a sumptuous monument over the grave of the hapless princess, Saint
+George's mother, they expressed their desire to set forth once more in
+search of those noble adventures to which they had devoted their lives.
+Saint George, nothing loath, promised to accompany them, and the
+faithful De Fistycuff entreated that he might not be left behind; so,
+all accoutred, and lavishly supplied with everything they required, they
+set forth with their faithful squires, and travelled on till the time
+arrived for their separating in different directions.  What then befell
+them, and what wondrous deeds they performed, shall in course of time be
+told.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THREE.
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SAINT GEORGE OF ENGLAND.
+
+The Seven Champions having crossed the British Channel to France, and
+traversed that lovely country, where they banqueted, to their heart's
+content, on fricassees and ragouts, washed down by huge draughts of
+Burgundy and claret, reached at length a broad plain where stood a
+brazen pillar.  Here seven ways met, and here the noble knights, with
+many a flourish of their spears and not a few in their speeches, though
+history does not record them, parted with expressions of mutual esteem,
+to follow out with their faithful squires their separate adventures.
+
+Saint George, accompanied only by the faithful De Fistycuff, at once
+passed over to the coast of Africa, knowing full well that in that
+unknown land of wonders he was more likely to meet with adventures
+worthy of his prowess than in any other part of the world.  He journeyed
+on for many a mile over burning sands, his polished steel armour
+glittering in the sun, striking terror into all beholders, and almost
+blinding his poor squire, who, hot and panting, followed him wearily.
+
+Far across the plains of Africa he travelled till he reached the very
+ancient, though little known kingdom of Timbuctoo.  King Bobadildo, the
+sable monarch of that empire, so wonderfully renowned in its own annals,
+if not in those of other countries, received him with all the courtesy
+due to his rank as a British knight, and the renown which the faithful
+De Fistycuff, who never lost an opportunity of putting in a good word
+for his master, stated that he intended to acquire.
+
+The Knight was feasted sumptuously, and magnificent shows were got up
+for his entertainment, while the King, who had taken a great fancy to
+him, from believing that he would be of great use in leading his
+warriors to the fight against the enemies of his realm, pressed him to
+remain, hoping that by his falling in love with his lovely daughter he
+might be induced to become his son-in-law.  The colour of the young
+princess's complexion, which was of the most sable hue, shining
+lustrously with palm oil, although much admired in her native country,
+was to the British knight an insuperable objection to a closer alliance
+than that of the friendship he enjoyed, though he did not say so; but
+stated that he was anxious to go where glory awaited him, and that all
+matrimonial arrangements he must defer till he had won that fame for
+which his heart panted.
+
+Accordingly, the next morning, followed by De Fistycuff, who had some
+difficulty in buckling his belt after the good fare he had enjoyed, he
+set forth from the southern gate of the capital towards the unknown
+regions which lay beyond.  The sweet Princess looked out of a turret
+window, and waved her coal-black hand, while tears coursed each other
+down her sable cheeks as she saw the Knight going away and leaving her
+all forlorn; for in her bright eyes not one of the neighbouring princes,
+nor any of her father's courtiers, could in any way be compared to the
+gallant Saint George.  Many other sweet princesses, at the various
+courts he visited in his travels, held the same opinion--a circumstance
+which caused a considerable amount of perplexity to the gentle-hearted
+and gallant Knight.  As she gazed she sighed, and then she sang words to
+the following effect:--
+
+"Go away, go away, oh, hard-hearted knight, Go away to glory and fame;
+If you ever come back You'll not find me slack To change my state and
+name!"
+
+Much relieved by the impromptu expressions of her feelings, she turned
+from the window, Saint George having disappeared among the distant
+sand-heaps, and went to attend her honoured sire at his matutinal meal.
+
+Saint George and his Squire travelled on day after day, mounting higher
+and higher till they reached a region where the heat was no longer so
+oppressive as in the plains, and where scenes new and beautiful opened
+on their enravished sight.
+
+There were beautiful lakes of the clearest water, full of fish of
+strange shapes and gorgeous hues, which swam up to the surface, and
+gazed with curious eyes at the strangers.  The trees and shrubs were of
+the most gigantic proportions, the former towering high into the sky,
+and a single leaf affording ample shade to the Knight and Squire and
+their horses.  So luscious and luxuriant, too, was the grass that a few
+tufts were sufficient for a meal for the noble steeds, and put such
+strength and spirit into them, that, in spite of the fatigues they
+underwent, they were ever ready for any task they might be called on to
+perform.  Even the shrubs were so high that they could ride beneath some
+of them.  Others were covered with leaves of such thickness that a spear
+could scarcely pierce them, while they were armed with spikes of length
+so formidable that it was dangerous to approach the branches, and
+impossible to force a passage through them.  Strange, too, were the
+plants.  Some were like a mass of twisting serpents which wriggled about
+and hissed as the travellers passed, and though Saint George cut off
+their heads with his sword, they so quickly again grew up that he
+perceived that the attempt to destroy them was labour lost.
+
+"So is it," he moralised, "with vicious propensities; the nature of the
+plant must be changed, or the branches will spring forth, and evil fruit
+will continually be produced."  Other plants of the most fantastic
+shapes and most lovely hues seemed endued with life.  One covering a
+wide circle of ground, and tinted with every colour of the rainbow, they
+stopped to admire.  Suddenly it darted forth feelers of great length
+high into the air, and drew back hundreds of gay-coloured butterflies,
+and moths, and beetles, which were flying near.
+
+Numerous birds also of the most gorgeous plumage, which darted down,
+attracted by the flies, were seized hold of and dragged within the
+capacious mouth of the plant.
+
+"On, on," cried Saint George, pricking forward his steed.  "If we stop
+to admire all these separate wonders we shall never attain the great
+objects of our expedition."  The Squire if he heard did not heed his
+master, for he kept gazing at the proceedings of the strange plant, and
+trying to count the number of insects it gobbled up in a minute.
+Thoughtlessly he drew closer and closer, till suddenly the monster plant
+darted forth all its feelers and grasped him round the body.  He felt
+himself dragged helplessly towards the capacious maw where he had
+already seen so many creatures conveyed.  "Oh, master, master! help,
+help!" he shouted at the top of his voice, though a feeler getting round
+his neck almost stopped his breath.
+
+Saint George, seeing what had occurred, spurred back in hot haste, and,
+slashing away with his trusty falchion, severed the feelers after vast
+exertions and rescued his frightened squire.
+
+"If you had done as I told you this would not have happened," he
+observed, as he freed him from the thick masses of sinew which
+surrounded his body.  "Oh, De Fistycuff, remember to do right and what
+you are bid by those who know best what is for your good, and then don't
+fear the consequences; but never stand gazing at what is bad or
+dangerous, and fancy that you run no risk of being drawn into the snare
+laid for you!"
+
+The Squire listened respectfully to his master's lecture, and then
+followed him at a humble distance, resolving to profit by his advice.
+
+Night with her sable wings was about to overspread the earth, and the
+tall woods resounded with strangest cries, and shrieks, and hisses of
+the wonderful wild animals which roamed through them, when the Knight
+thought it high time to look about for some place of shelter, where,
+free from their attacks, he and his squire might repose till the return
+of the rosy dawn would enable them to discern their foes, and face them
+bravely.
+
+A large rock appeared before them.  Within it was a cave with a rude
+porch in front.  In this rough habitation dwelt a hermit, whose voice
+they heard bewailing the sad fate to which his country was doomed.  The
+Knight entered; a lamp stood on a table in the centre of the cave.  The
+hermit rose from his couch and welcomed Saint George and De Fistycuff.
+He was a venerable man, with a long beard of silvery whiteness; and as
+he tottered forward he seemed bowed almost to the ground with the weight
+of years.
+
+"Gladly will I afford you shelter and such food as my cell can furnish,
+most gallant Knight," he said; and, suiting the action to the word, he
+placed a variety of provisions on the table.  "I need not inquire to
+what country you belong, for I see by the arms of England engraven on
+your burgonet whence you come.  I know the knights of that land are
+brave and gallant, and ready to do battle in aid of the distressed.
+Here, then, you will find an opportunity for distinguishing yourself by
+a deed which will make your name renowned throughout the world."
+
+Saint George pricked up his ears at this, and eagerly inquired what it
+was.  "This, you must understand, most noble Knight, is the renowned
+territory of Bagabornabou, second to none in the world in importance in
+the opinion of its inhabitants.  None was so prosperous, none so
+flourishing, when a most horrible misfortune befell the land, in the
+appearance of a terrific green dragon, of huge proportions, who ranges
+up and down the country, creating devastation and dismay in every
+direction.  No corner of the land is safe from his ravages; no one can
+hope to escape the consequences of his appearance.  Every day his
+insatiable maw must be fed with the body of a young maiden, while so
+pestiferous is the breath which exhales from his throat that it causes a
+plague of a character so violent that whole districts have been
+depopulated by it.  He commences his career of destruction at dawn every
+morning, and till his victim is ready he continues to ravage the land.
+When he has swallowed his lamentable repast he remains asleep till next
+morning, and then he proceeds as before.
+
+"Many attempts have been made to capture him during the night, but they
+have proved as fruitless as trying to catch a weasel (if you happen to
+have heard of such an animal, Saint George, in your travels) asleep.
+Fruitless I will not say to him, for he has invariably destroyed the
+brave men who have gone out to attack him, and has swallowed them for
+his supper.  For no less than twenty-four long years has this dreadful
+infliction been suffered by our beloved country, till scarcely a maiden
+remains alive, nor does a brave man continue in it.  The most lovely and
+perfect of her sex, the King's only daughter, the charming Sabra, is to
+be made an offering to the fell dragon to-morrow, unless a knight can be
+found gallant and brave enough to risk his life in mortal combat with
+the monster, and with skill and strength sufficient to destroy him.
+
+"The King has promised, in his royal word, that, should such a knight
+appear and come off victorious, he will give him his daughter in
+marriage and the crown of Bagabornabou at his decease."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed the English Knight, his whole countenance beaming with
+satisfaction, "here is a deed to be done truly worthy of my prowess!
+What think you of that, reverend hermit?"  And he bared his breast,
+exhibiting the portrait of the green dragon which had been marked there
+at his birth.
+
+"A circumstance ominous of deep import," observed the Hermit, nodding
+his head; "either the green dragon will kill you, or you will kill the
+green dragon."
+
+"Now, by my halidom, but I fully purpose to kill the dragon and rescue
+the Princess," cried the Knight, in a cheerful voice.  "Won't we, my
+brave De Fistycuff?"
+
+"What men dare they can do," answered the Squire, nodding his head, for
+he was very sleepy.
+
+Accordingly, the hermit having prepared couches of leaves, the Knight
+and his attendant rested till the cheerful cock, true messenger of day,
+gave notice that the sun was about to uprise from his sandy bed.  Then,
+springing to his feet after a hurried meal, aided by his squire and the
+trembling fingers of the hermit, he carefully buckled on his armour, and
+mounting his richly caparisoned steed, he declared himself ready for the
+combat.  Followed by De Fistycuff, and preceded by the hermit on a mule,
+who went to show the way, he proceeded to the valley where the dragon
+was asleep, and where the King's daughter was to be offered up as a
+sacrifice.
+
+As he came in sight of it his eyes rested on one of the sweetest and
+most lovely maidens he had ever beheld, arrayed in pure white Arabian
+silk, and led to the place of death by a numerous band of sage and
+modest matrons, who mourned with bitter tears her hard fate.
+
+This melancholy spectacle still further stimulated the overflowing
+courage of the English Knight, so spurring on towards the mourning
+group, he assured the lovely maiden that he was prepared to battle
+bravely in her cause, and entreated her to return to her father's court
+till the result of the coming contest became known.
+
+"He'll do it if it is to be done," observed De Fistycuff, wishing to add
+his mite of consolation to the ladies' hearts, and pointing to his
+master, who had ridden slowly on; and having thus delivered himself he
+spurred after him.
+
+The daring Knight and his faithful squire now entered the valley where
+the terrific green dragon had his abode.  No sooner did the fiery eyes
+of the hideous monster fall on the steel-clad warrior, instead of the
+fair maiden he expected to see, than from his leathern throat he sent
+forth a cry of rage louder and more tremendous than thunder, and
+arousing himself he prepared for the contest about to occur.  As he
+reared up on his hind legs, with his wings outspread, and his long scaly
+tail, with a huge red fork, extending far away behind him, his sharp
+claws wide open, each of the size of a large ship's anchor, his gaping
+mouth armed with double rows of huge teeth, between which appeared a
+fiery red tongue, and vast eyes blazing like burning coals, while his
+nostrils spouted forth fire, and the upper part of his body was covered
+with glittering green scales brighter than polished silver, and harder
+than brass, the under part being of a deep golden hue, his appearance
+might well have made even one of the bravest of men unwilling to attack
+him.
+
+Saint George trembled not, but thought of the lovely Sabra, and nerved
+himself for the encounter.  De Fistycuff did not like his looks, and had
+he been alone would have been tempted to beat a retreat, but his love
+for his master kept him by his side.
+
+"See," said the Hermit, who had come thus far, "there is the dragon!  He
+is a monster huge and horrible; but I believe that, like other monsters,
+by bravery and skill he can be overcome.  See, the valley is full of
+fruit-trees!  Should he wound you, and should you faint, you will find
+one bearing oranges of qualities so beneficial, that, should you be able
+to procure one plucked fresh from the tree, it will instantly revive
+you.  Now, farewell!  See, the brute is approaching!"
+
+"Remember," cried Saint George, turning to De Fistycuff, "this fight is
+to be all my own.  You stand by and see fair play.  Only, if I am down,
+and the brute dares to hit me, then rush in to my rescue."  The faithful
+squire nodded his assent.
+
+On came the monster dragon, flapping his wings, spouting fire from his
+nostrils, and roaring loudly with his mouth.  Saint George couched his
+sharp spear, and spurring his steed, dashed onward to the combat.  So
+terrific was the shock that the Knight was almost hurled from his
+saddle, while his horse, driven back on his haunches, lay, almost
+crushed, beneath the monster's superincumbent weight; but both man and
+steed extricating themselves with marvellous agility, Saint George made
+another thrust of his spear, with all his might, against the scaly
+breast of the dragon.  He might as well have struck against a gate of
+brass.
+
+In a moment the stout spear was shivered into a thousand fragments, and
+the dragon uttered a loud roar of derision.  At the same time, to show
+what he could do, he whisked round his venomous pointed tail with so
+rapid a movement that he brought both man and horse sorely bruised to
+the ground.
+
+There they lay, almost senseless from the blow, while the dragon
+retreated backward some hundred paces or more, with the intention of
+coming back with greater force than before, and completing the victory
+he had almost won.  Happily De Fistycuff divined the monster's purpose,
+and seeing one of the orange-trees of which the hermit had spoken, he
+picked an orange and hurried with it to his master.
+
+Scarcely had the Knight tasted it than he felt his strength revive, and
+leaping to his feet, he gave the remainder of it to his trusty steed, on
+whose back instantly mounting, he stood prepared, with his famous sword
+Ascalon in his hand, to receive the furious charge which the dragon was
+about to make.
+
+Though his spear had failed him at a pinch, his trusty falchion was true
+as ever; and making his horse spring forward, he struck the monster such
+a blow on his golden-coloured breast that the point entered between the
+scales, inflicting a wound which made it roar with pain and rage.
+
+Slight, however, was the advantage which the Knight thereby gained, for
+there issued forth from the wound so copious a stream of black gore,
+with an odour so terrible, that it drove him back, almost drowning him
+and his brave steed, while the noxious fumes, entering their nostrils,
+brought them both fainting and helpless to the ground.
+
+De Fistycuff, mindful of his master's commands, narrowly eyed the
+dragon, to see what he was about to do.  Staunching his wound with a
+touch of his fiery tail, he flapped his green wings, roaring hoarsely,
+and shook his vast body, preparatory to another attack on the Knight.
+
+"Is that it?" cried the Squire; and running to the orange-tree, whence
+he plucked a couple of the golden fruit, he poured the juice of one down
+the throat of his master, and of the other down that of Bayard.  Both
+revived in an instant, and Saint George, springing on Bayard's back,
+felt as fresh and ready for the fight as ever.  Both had learned the
+importance of avoiding the dragon's tail, and when he whisked it on one
+side Bayard sprang to the other, and so on backwards and forwards,
+nimbly avoiding the blows aimed by the venomous instrument at him or his
+rider.
+
+Again and again the dragon reared itself up, attempting to drop down and
+crush his gallant assailant; but Bayard, with wonderful sagacity
+comprehending exactly what was to be done, sprung backwards or aside
+each time the monster descended, and thus avoided the threatened
+catastrophe.  Still the dragon appeared as able as ever to endure the
+combat.  Saint George saw that a strenuous effort must be made, and
+taking a fresh grasp of Ascalon, he spurred onward to meet the monster,
+who once more advanced, with outstretched wings, with the full purpose
+of destroying him.  This time Saint George kept his spurs in the horse's
+flanks.  "Death or victory must be the result of this charge," he
+shouted to De Fistycuff.
+
+With Ascalon's bright point kept well before him, he drove directly at
+the breast of the monster.  The sword struck him under the wing; through
+the thick flesh it went, and nothing stopped it till it pierced the
+monster's heart.  Uttering a loud groan, which resounded through the
+neighbouring woods and mountains, and made even the wild beasts tremble
+with consternation, the furious green dragon fell over on its side, when
+Saint George, drawing his falchion from the wound, dashed on over the
+prostrate form of the monster, and, ere it could rise to revenge itself
+on its destroyer, with many a blow he severed the head from the body.
+So vast was the stream which flowed forth from the wound that the whole
+valley speedily became a lake of blood, and the river which ran down
+from it first gave notice, by its sanguineous hue, to the inhabitants of
+the neighbouring districts that the noble Champion of England had slain
+their long tormenting enemy.
+
+The victorious Knight now refreshed himself and his steed with a couple
+of the oranges which De Fistycuff brought him, and which completely
+restored them to the vigour with which they began the combat.  He then
+stuck the huge head of the once terrific dragon on a truncheon, which
+was formed by his faithful Squire out of the handle of the spear, the
+head of which had been shivered against the scaly sides of the monster
+at the commencement of the combat.
+
+Having delivered the trophy of his prowess to De Fistycuff, to be borne
+before him, he rode on towards the capital of the kingdom, where he
+expected to be welcomed by the lovely Sabra, to be received by the
+sovereign and his people as a conqueror, to have heard all the bells in
+the empire ringing, and to have seen every house illuminated, and
+bonfires blazing in every street.  He had to learn the bitter lesson
+that success frequently only creates enemies and detractors.
+
+Now, there was residing at the court of King Battabolo, the sovereign of
+Bagabornabou, Almidor, the black King of Morocco, who had long in vain
+sought the hand of the Princess Sabra.  For many reasons she could not
+abide him; and now, when he heard of the successful combat of Saint
+George with the dragon, he knew that he should have less chance than
+ever of winning her love.  With baseness unparalleled he resolved to
+make one desperate effort to gain her.  Accordingly, he, by the most
+extensive promises, engaged the services of twelve warriors of renown to
+waylay the British Champion, in order to deprive him of his trophy and
+of his life, intending to present himself before the fair Sabra, and to
+boast that he had himself destroyed the dragon.
+
+Passing through a narrow defile, Saint George beheld the twelve African
+knights flourishing their swords, and prepared to intercept his
+progress.
+
+"Take charge of Bayard," quoth he to De Fistycuff; "I'll meet these
+recreants sword in hand on foot."  Thus speaking, he drew Ascalon from
+the scabbard, and advanced towards his foes.  From the narrowness of the
+defile only three could engage in the fight at once.  Sharply clashed
+the steel.  Loud rang their swords upon his polished armour; but Ascalon
+soon found an entrance through their coats of mail, and one after the
+other fell breathless to the ground.  Three more then came on; but
+standing on the bodies of the prostrate steeds, he with one stroke of
+his falchion severed their heads from their bodies, which rolled over in
+the ensanguined dust.  With three equal downward strokes he cut in two,
+from the crown to the saddle, the next three which advanced, while the
+remainder turning to fly, he pierced them with Ascalon ignominiously
+through the back.
+
+Almidor had all the time stood on the summit of a mountain hard by to
+witness the defeat of the British Champion; but when he saw that instead
+he remained victor of the field, he hastened back to the city to
+announce the death of the dragon by the sword of the strange Knight.
+Pen might fail to do justice to the magnificent preparations made to do
+honour to the brave Champion who had conquered the Green Dragon.  As he
+approached the city he was met by a sumptuous chariot of massive gold,
+drawn by fifty milk-white steeds; the wheels were of the purest ebony,
+and the covering was of silk embossed with gold.  On either side rode a
+hundred of the noblest peers of Bagabornabou, attired in crimson velvet,
+and mounted on chargers of the same pure colour as those which drew the
+chariot.  Stepping into the chariot, while De Fistycuff led Bayard with
+one hand, and carried aloft the dragon's head with the other, he entered
+the city amid strains of delicious and martial music, and beneath
+banners and embroidered tapestry and rich arras waving from every
+window, from which looked down thousands of bright eyes to admire him.
+But none were so bright as those of the beauteous Sabra, who welcomed
+him in a rich pavilion prepared for his reception, where he laid at her
+feet the trophies of his prowess; and as she gazed at the dragon's
+monstrous jaws she shuddered to think that she might have had to go down
+them, and felt her gratitude and eke a warmer feeling increase for the
+gallant stranger who had preserved her from a fate so terrible.
+
+Here all the first physicians in the land stood around with precious
+salves to dress his wounds, and administer specifics against the effects
+of the dragon's poisonous breath and venom.  The Knight, having
+requested that they might all be left by his bed-side, and that he might
+be left alone, aided by De Fistycuff, emptied them all out of the
+window, and having declared himself next morning infinitely better,
+thereby gained immense popularity among the disciples of Aesculapius,
+who each rested under the pleasing belief that his own nostrum had
+worked the cure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOUR.
+
+THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF SAINT GEORGE.
+
+No sooner had the blushing morn displayed her beauties in the east, and
+gilded with her radiant beams the mountain tops, than Sabra repaired to
+the Champion's pavilion, and presented him with a diamond ring of
+inestimable value, which she prayed him to wear on his finger, not only
+as an ornament, but because it was endued with many excellent and occult
+virtues.
+
+That day the British Champion was entertained with one of the most
+magnificent banquets that had ever taken place in Africa.  Ample justice
+was done to it by all present, especially by De Fistycuff, who eat away
+most heartily, and quaffed down huge beakers of rosy wine--all, as he
+declared, for the honour of Old England.  Ere the feast was ended,
+Almidor, the black King of Morocco, under pretence of doing honour to
+the Christian Knight, rose from his seat, and presented him with a bowl
+of Samian wine.  The noble Champion took it, thoughtless of treachery;
+but as he lifted it to his lips the magic ring touched the rim, when, to
+the astonishment of all present, it shivered into a thousand fragments.
+The Princess Sabra shrieked out that some vile treachery was intended;
+but so firm was the confidence of the King, her father, in the honour of
+Almidor, that he refused to credit the accusation.
+
+Thus a second time was Saint George saved from the machinations of his
+enemy.  Like a lynx, however, Almidor watched for another opportunity of
+gratifying his hatred.
+
+In tournaments, dances, and other heroic exercises, the Champion passed
+his time, until the faithful De Fistycuff reminded him that he was sadly
+wasting it, if he wished to gain a name to be handed down to posterity.
+"You are right, my faithful monitor," he answered, "I'll bid farewell to
+the Princess, and be gone."
+
+The Knight found out Sabra seated in a bower of jessamine.  He told her
+his errand.  "Refuse not," she replied, "my dear, loved lord of England,
+her who, for thy sake, would leave parents, country, and the inheritance
+of the crown of Bagabornabou, and would follow thee as a pilgrim through
+the wide world.  The sun shall sooner lose his splendour, the pale moon
+drop from her orb, the sea forget to ebb and flow, and all things change
+their course, than Sabra prove inconstant to Saint George of England.
+Let, then, the priest of Hymen knit that gordian knot, the knot of
+wedlock, which death alone has power to untie."
+
+The Champion, suddenly recollecting that it was leap year, and delighted
+with the maiden who had so ably put in a word in her own favour, allowed
+his heart, which had never before beat with any other passion but that
+of arms, to yield to the tender one of love.  Yet, willing to try her
+longer, he replied--"Sweet Princess, not content that I have risked my
+life to preserve yours, would you have me sacrifice my honour, give over
+the chase of dazzling glory, lay all my warlike trophies in a woman's
+lap, and change my truncheon for a distaff?  No, Sabra, George of
+England was born in a country where true chivalry is nourished, and hath
+sworn to see the world, as far as the lamp of heaven can lend him light,
+before he is fettered in the golden chains of wedlock.  Why decline the
+suit of King Almidor, fit consort for one of your high rank?"
+
+"Because," she replied, with a curl of her lip, "the fell King of
+Morocco is more bloody-minded than a crocodile, but thou gentle as a
+lamb; his tongue more ominous of ill than that of a screeching
+night-owl, but thine sweeter than the morning lark; his touch more
+odious than that of a venomous serpent, but thine more pleasant than
+that of the curling vine."
+
+"But stay, Princess," put in Saint George; "I am a Christian--you a
+Pagan."
+
+"I've thought of that," she replied.  "I will forsake my country's gods,
+and, like you, become a Christian."  Saying this she broke a golden
+ring, giving, as a pledge of her love, one-half to the Knight, and
+keeping the other herself.
+
+Thereon Saint George, resisting no longer, owned his love, and promised,
+on his knightly word, to come back when he had achieved a few more
+heroic deeds and wed her.
+
+The treacherous Almidor, hiding behind the jessamine bower, had
+overheard all the uncomplimentary references to himself, and, burning
+with a desire of vengeance, hastened to the King, and told him that his
+daughter intended quitting the faith of her ancestors and flying with
+the Christian Knight.  This so enraged the King that, yielding to the
+suggestions of the wicked Almidor, he agreed to send him, with
+treacherous intent, to the court of Egypt, as bearer of a sealed letter,
+in which document he entreated King Ptolemy to take an early opportunity
+of destroying one who was a despiser and uprooter of their ancient
+belief.  Summoning Saint George, with expressions of great esteem, while
+Almidor stood at his right hand, glancing unutterable hatred from his
+large eyes, the King informed him that to do him honour he would send
+him as an ambassador to the court of the magnificent Sovereign of Egypt,
+a country in which he was sure to meet with adventures worthy of his
+arms.
+
+The true-hearted Knight fell into the trap, and, dazzled with the
+thought of fresh adventures, agreed to set forth.  Summoning De
+Fistycuff, he buckled on his armour, and set out towards the rising of
+the sun.  Many adventures he met with; many monsters he slew.  On
+approaching the famed river Nile, De Fistycuff, weary with the heat, sat
+himself down on what he took to be the trunk of a large tree, fastening
+the bridle of his steed to, as he believed, one of the branches, while
+his master was scouring over the plain after a troop of tawny lions,
+which had been committing great depredations in the neighbouring lands.
+Sleep overtook the Squire.  He slept he knew not how long, when he was
+awoke by the loud snorts and cries of his steed, and by finding himself
+borne along in a most uneasy manner.  What was his horror, on opening
+his eyes, to discover a huge head, with terrific jaws, projecting from
+the seeming log before him, snapping at everything as it moved swiftly
+towards the broad stream of the Nile, while his horse, frantic with
+terror, was tugging at the bridle behind, in vain attempting to get
+loose, or stop the progress of the monster, which was one of the largest
+of the crocodiles of that famed stream, and held in especial reverence
+by the heathen priests of that district!  The Squire dared not jump off,
+for fear of being trampled on by the hind feet of the brute, nor could
+he, for reasons into which most stout squires will enter, leap on to his
+horse's back and cut the bridle, so he sat still, waving and shouting to
+Saint George to come to his assistance.  At last, Saint George, having
+killed a dozen of the lions, beheld the peril of his faithful follower,
+and spurred onward to his aid.  Charging with a new spear, which had
+been presented to him by the matrons of Bagabornabou, as a mark of their
+admiration of his prowess in having slain the dragon, he bore down upon
+the crocodile.  He charged directly at its mouth, and inflicted a deep
+wound in its throat.  The monster snapped its jaws, hoping to bite off
+the spear-head; but the Knight was too quick for him, and again had his
+spear ready for another thrust.  Again he charged, putting out the
+brute's right eye; and the third time he charged the left was driven in.
+All the time the crocodile was wriggling his tail, greatly to the
+terror of the horse and the discomfort of De Fistycuff, who found
+himself every moment borne nearer and nearer to the Nile.  "One charge
+more, and you shall be safe," cried the Knight; and, true to his word,
+his spear entered the monster's heart, and it rolled over, very nearly,
+however, crushing the faithful Squire by its weight.  Scarcely had De
+Fistycuff been liberated by his kind master's aid, and set on his steed,
+than there sallied forth from a heathen temple hard by a procession of
+priests, some walking under silk or velvet canopies of crimson or
+yellow, or blue and gold; others swinging censers of incense; and others
+bearing aloft on platforms large images of white bulls and apes, and
+snakes and crocodiles, while gay banners floated in the air.  When they
+beheld the huge monster just slain they all set up loud lamentations,
+bitterly cursing whoever had destroyed this their god.
+
+"Now, by my halidom, this is more than I can bear!" cried Saint George.
+"On, De Fistycuff, on!  Down with the infidels!"
+
+With this shout he and his Squire rode in among them, overthrowing their
+canopies and images, tearing down their banner, and putting the priests
+and their followers to flight.
+
+King Ptolemy, having heard of this deed, sent forth a hundred of his
+best warriors, to bring before him in chains the audacious strangers;
+but Saint George treated them much the same as he did the knights of
+Bagabornabou, and not one returned alive to tell of their defeat.
+
+Then he rode on to the city of Memphis, to deliver his letter.  Weary
+and faint from his fatigues, instead of meeting with the reception he
+had a right to expect, he and his Squire found themselves surrounded by
+the whole populace of the city, set on by the King and his ministers.
+The gates were shut.  Brickbats and tiles came showering down on their
+heads.  In vain they charged right and left.
+
+Aided by a thousand warriors, clad in chain armour, the infuriated
+populace, threatening vengeance on the despisers of their religion,
+hemmed them in.  De Fistycuff was torn from his horse.  Saint George,
+after performing feats of unheard-of valour, was ignominiously dragged
+from his, and borne, faint and bleeding, into the presence of the King.
+
+"Is this the way you treat strangers?" exclaimed he, indignantly.  "I
+came to your country as an ambassador.  Here are my credentials;" and,
+drawing the letter from the lining of his helmet, he presented it in due
+form.
+
+"Ah! ah! what you are your deeds and this letter show," cried King
+Ptolemy, stamping with rage.  "You despise our ancient religion, and
+would make converts of our people.  Bear him and his attendant off to
+prison."
+
+The King pondered all night how he should destroy the strangers, and he
+resolved to make them join in combat with a hundred of the fiercest
+lions ever collected, to make sport for his subjects.  The day arrived
+when the dreadful combat was to take place, and thousands of people
+assembled in the vast amphitheatre built for the purpose, to which even
+the huge pyramids seemed as pismires' nests.
+
+Saint George claimed the right of having his sword and steed; and the
+King, little dreaming of the courage and sagacity of Bayard, and the
+virtues which existed in Ascalon, and believing that, although a few
+lions might be killed thereby, greater sport would be afforded to his
+people, as he had no doubt the rest would easily tear him from his
+horse, and crush him in his armour, granted his request.
+
+With a flourish of trumpets the Knight and his Squire entered the arena.
+De Fistycuff kept carefully behind his master.  With terrific roars the
+hundred lions rushed in at once, amidst the loud plaudits of the
+spectators.  On they bounded towards the Knight.  Ascalon was in his
+hand.  One after the other their heads fell, severed from their tawny
+bodies by the trusty steel.  The Squire's chief labour was to keep them
+off Bayard's tail, lest, when he flung his heels out behind, the
+Champion's aim might be less certain.  The plaudits of the spectators
+were changed to groans of rage when they saw the carcasses of their
+favourite lions, who had already swallowed so many thousand slaves,
+strewing the wide arena.  They shouted loudly to have an end put to the
+pleasant pastime.
+
+"Fair play!" cried De Fistycuff, in return brandishing his sword.  "In
+the name of my noble master, I demand fair play!"
+
+And Saint George went on riding round and round, and slashing away with
+Ascalon, till he had slain every one of the hundred lions.
+
+The treacherous King, fearing what might occur should so brave a
+champion wander freely through his dominions, had, in the meantime,
+summoned five thousand chosen warriors, and charged them to bring the
+Knight, dead or alive, bound before him.  Scarcely was the last lion
+killed than they rushed into the arena, and before he and his squire had
+time to offer any effectual resistance, they had borne him to the
+ground.  Then, throwing chains of steel around him, they carried him,
+helpless as an infant, before the King.  Thence, without form of trial,
+he was cast into a dungeon, so massive that no strength could break
+through it.  There, guarded night and day by lynx-eyed warders, he
+languished for many long years, his only companion being the faithful De
+Fistycuff; their chief subject of conversation being the deeds that they
+had done, and the wonders they had seen, and the deeds they would do,
+and the wonders they hoped to see.
+
+There we must leave them, to tell what became of the Princess Sabra.  In
+vain she waited and pined for the return of her gallant and true knight,
+Saint George.  He came not, because, as has been seen, he could not,
+while the black King of Morocco, with every art he could devise,
+prosecuted his hateful suit.  Whether or not he might have succeeded is
+doubtful, when one night, as the Princess slept on her couch she dreamed
+that Saint George appeared, not, as she had seen him, in shining armour,
+with his burgonet of glittering steel, and crimson plume of spangled
+feathers, but in overworn and simple attire, with pale countenance and
+emaciated form; and thus he spoke:--
+
+  "Sabra, I am betray'd for love of thee,
+  And lodged in cave as dark as night,
+  From whence in vain I seek--ah! woe is me!
+  To fly and revel in thy beauteous sight.
+  Remain thou true and constant for my sake,
+  That of my absence none may vantage take.
+
+  "Let tyrants know, if ever I obtain
+  The freedom lost by treason's wicked guile,
+  False Afric's scourge I ever will remain,
+  And turn to streaming blood Morocco's soil;
+  That hateful Prince of Barbary shall rue
+  The just reward which is his treason's due."
+
+These words so encouraged the Princess that when she awoke she went to
+her sire, and entreated him, with scalding tears, to dismiss Almidor
+from his court, and to allow her to enjoy that single blessedness for
+which she professed to have for the present so ardent an admiration.
+The King at length, softened by her grief, consented to her request,
+and, with many courteous expressions, informed the black Monarch that
+his daughter had finally resolved to decline his proposals.  This
+announcement created the greatest fury in the breast of Almidor.
+
+Calling around him all the knights and the numerous other attendants who
+had followed him to the court of Bagabornabou, he told them that, as he
+had been insulted and deceived, he was determined to be revenged.
+
+With loud cries and burning brands the treacherous Moors that night
+attacked the palace where they had been long hospitably entertained,
+and, amid the confusion, Almidor, seizing the Princess, bore her off on
+his coal-black charger.  In vain her father with his warriors pursued.
+The fierce Almidor galloped with his captive across the burning sands,
+which none but Moorish steed could traverse at the speed he went.
+Hatred, not love, animated his bosom, and thus, instead of wedding her
+as he had purposed, he cast her into a dark dungeon, where, her
+beauteous charms concealed from the light of day, she for many a long
+and anxious year bewailed her pitiable and cruel fate.  Happily, ere she
+left her father's home, a kind fairy, knowing full well what was to be
+her fate, had presented her with a golden chain of most rare
+workmanship.  Seven days had it been steeped in tiger's blood, and seven
+nights in dragon's milk, by which it had attained such excellent virtue,
+that, as the fairy told her, if she wore it wrapped seven times round
+her alabaster neck, it would preserve her from all violence, and enable
+her to retain that enchanting beauty which had won the noble Champion's
+heart, and brought so many suitors to her feet.  Thus armed, she feared
+not even the fierce Almidor's cruelty.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIVE.
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SAINT DENIS OF FRANCE.
+
+On parting from his comrades, the gallant Champion of France, the famed
+Saint Denis, attended by his squire, Le Crapeau, wandered away through
+many lands, slaying many hideous monsters, terrible wild beasts, and
+frightful giants, combating in many tournaments, and paying his devoirs
+to many fair princesses, as well as other maidens of high and low
+degree, in which latter employment he was closely imitated by his
+admiring Squire, who jocosely spoke of his master as "that gay young
+Knight who laughs and rides away."  At length he reached a magnificent
+castle in Asia, surrounded by a forest of trees of every conceivable
+hue, and bearing fruits tempting to the eye and luscious to the taste.
+
+"If the outside is so attractive, what must the inside be!" quoth he to
+Le Crapeau.  "Marbleu! but we'll knock and see."
+
+Thereupon the Squire blew the horn which hung at the iron gate; but
+instead of its being opened by a burly porter, or by a steel-clad
+warrior, a troop of fair damsels appeared, who, with sweet smiles,
+invited the Knight to enter, and told him that they would conduct him to
+their mistress.  Joyfully he followed them, when, in a superb hall, he
+beheld, seated on an ivory throne, glittering with diamonds of the
+purest water, a lady of beauty more radiant than possessed by any of the
+many he counted among his acquaintance.  With agile steps, and many a
+bow and flourish of his helmet, followed nimbly by Le Crapeau, he
+approached the lady, and knelt at her feet.
+
+"Rise, rise, brave Knight!  I have heard of your fame and the gallant
+deeds you have done, and gladly I welcome you to my humble castle," said
+the lady, with a smile so sweet that it went right through the tender
+heart of Saint Denis.  He bowed, as did his Squire, and assured the lady
+that she was in no way deceived by the reports which had reached her
+ears, but that what they had done was as nothing compared with what they
+purposed to do, and would do most assuredly.
+
+A magnificent banquet then suddenly appeared, spread out in the hall
+across which they had lately passed, and strains of softest music broke
+forth to give notice that the feast was ready.  The lady, led by the
+Knight, approached the table, and he took his seat by her side, while Le
+Crapeau stood behind his chair, as in duty bound, to serve him.
+
+"We should have guests to meet you," said the lady, "but I live alone,
+and your arrival was somewhat sudden, though not unexpected.  I have
+sent forth to summon some to appear at a ball by-and-bye, as I fancy it
+is an entertainment in which your countrymen delight."
+
+"Oui, Madam," cried Le Crapeau, making a pirouette expressive of his
+delight; "you will see what my master and I can do when the time comes."
+
+Thus, with agreeable and lively conversation, ample justice was done to
+the feast, which was composed of the lightest and most delicate viands,
+such as the Knight vowed he had not tasted since he had left his native
+land.
+
+While the Knight lay back in his chair, to luxuriate on the thought of
+the pleasure his palate had enjoyed, the banqueting-table disappeared,
+and when he looked up, troops of gallant knights, in silk attire, and
+fair dames, clad in the most dazzling garments, were entering the hall.
+Up sprang the Knight, and, offering his hand to the lady, he led her
+forth to the centre of the hall, where, to the admiration of all
+beholders, and very much to his own satisfaction, he performed a
+minuette never surpassed in all Asia.  Le Crapeau, meantime, seeing
+another damsel of radiant beauty, inferior only to that of the lady of
+the castle, led her forth, and bounded away, round and round the hall,
+to strains of the most inspiriting and lively music.  His only
+perplexity was discovering that his fair partner did not speak; indeed,
+although all the knights and ladies danced in the most lively way,
+closely imitating the two Frenchmen, not a sound escaped their lips.  A
+variety of dances succeeded, in all of which the Knight and his Squire
+excelled all competitors; nor did the festivities cease till the rosy
+dawn appearing in the eastern sky, the guests disappeared as silently as
+they had entered from the hall, and the lady and the Knight and his
+Squire remained its sole occupants.  Le Crapeau's partner was the last
+to quit it, and as he rushed after her to utter a tender adieu, instead
+of the lady, his nose came with such force in contact with a pillar that
+he was sent sprawling backwards into the hall.
+
+"Never mind," said the lady, as he picked himself up, "you will see her
+to-morrow, and then remember the lesson you have just received, and
+don't talk nonsense to her."
+
+A dozen very ugly little black dwarfs, bearing torches in their hands,
+now made their appearance, and conducted the Knight to a magnificent
+couch prepared for him, while another stood in an adjoining room, ready
+for Le Crapeau, after he had performed the duty of disrobing his master.
+The dwarfs meantime placed themselves at the door, and intimated that
+they would remain there to watch over the strangers while they
+slumbered.
+
+After a matutinal meal of delicacies, of which even the Knight had never
+heard, the lady conducted him through the castle, and exhibited to him
+statues, and pictures, and gems most rare and beautiful, and then she
+led him through gardens full of flowers, shrubs, and trees, of forms and
+hues and scents most strange and lovely and sweet.  Thus occupied, the
+banqueting time arrived, followed by a ball as on the previous evening.
+
+Unhappily, Le Crapeau, forgetting the warning he had received, followed
+his partner as before, when a hand, coming suddenly out of the wall,
+gave him so severe a cuff upon the cheek that for many minutes he lay
+unable to move, when at length, much crest-fallen, he slowly crept back
+to his post behind his master.
+
+Thus the days passed away.  Sometimes the lady led the Knight forth,
+mounted on cream-coloured steeds; at others, in a chariot drawn by
+twenty beautiful peacocks; at others, they glided over the surface of a
+lake in a barge, towed by thirty milk-white swans, and visited scenes of
+the most enchanting beauty.
+
+At length, however, the Knight began to weary of the monotony of his
+existence, and to sigh for fresh adventures and more excitement.  The
+Squire, too, wished for change, and was not altogether pleased with the
+buffet he regularly got every evening at the termination of the ball.
+
+"A parting scene is always painful," exclaimed the Knight.
+
+"It is," answered the Squire.  "I understand your wishes.  I will have
+the steeds ready, and at early dawn we will ride forth, and leave a
+sweet-scented billet to thank the lady for her courtesy, and to inform
+her of our departure."
+
+Less difficulty occurred in the execution of the design than might have
+been expected, and, rejoicing in their liberty, the Knight and his
+Squire rode gaily forth towards the confines of Armenia.
+
+"But we have got well out of that," quoth the Squire to his master.  "By
+my faith, I like more animation, less formality, and greater variety
+than we enjoyed down there."
+
+"You speak the truth, my Le Crapeau; yet she was a sweet creature, that
+lady of the castle."
+
+Now, the lady of the castle was no other than a powerful fairy, very
+kind and very woman-like, who had conceived an affection for the French
+Champion, when she chanced to see him as he journeyed through her realm.
+Even good fairies will inflict a punishment.
+
+By means for which they could not account, the Knight and his Squire
+lost their way.  Round and round they wandered among hills and forests,
+till hunger almost drove them to despair, when they were compelled to
+sustain nature on the berries and wild fruits which they could pluck
+from the trees and shrubs, and on the roots which they dug up with the
+points of their swords.  After living many months on this hard fare a
+mulberry-tree, loaded with luscious fruit, appeared before them.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Saint Denis, "on this at least we may banquet with some
+pleasure;" and filling his casque with the fruit, his example being
+imitated by Le Crapeau, they sat themselves down, with their head-pieces
+between their legs, to indulge, to their heart's content, in the
+unexpected treat.
+
+The Knight, who eat more leisurely than his Squire, had scarcely
+finished his portion when he heard a loud bray close to him, and looking
+round, instead of his Squire, to his amazement he beheld a
+starved-looking donkey standing near him, and poking his nose into Le
+Crapeau's now empty casque.
+
+While yet wondering and mechanically finishing his mulberries, he felt a
+very uncomfortable sensation coming over his own head and legs.  He rose
+from the ground and shook himself, but instead of the accustomed rattle
+of his steel armour no sound was produced.  He wished to scratch his
+nose, but his arms appeared kept down before him.  He tried to call Le
+Crapeau, but instead of his manly voice, which had so often shouted
+loudly in the battle, a timid cry alone proceeded from his throat.  He
+looked at the donkey, and the donkey looked at him, and shook its head
+with an expression truly mournful.  Something strange must have occurred
+he feared.
+
+Wherever he went the donkey followed.  He wandered away from the
+mulberry-tree till he reached a lake of crystal water; he approached it,
+when, on its mirror-like surface, instead of a steel-clad warrior, he
+beheld a deer with long antlers and shaggy hide, he started back with
+dismay.  When hunger pressed him he found himself cropping the grass or
+thrusting his nose into the purling brook, with his attendant donkey
+ever by his side.  Pitiable as was Saint George's condition that of
+Saint Denis was infinitely worse.
+
+Thus for many years he continued unable to recover his natural form.
+Often he returned to the mulberry-tree, the cause, as he believed, of
+his misfortune.  It did not occur to him that the fairy, whose
+hospitality he had enjoyed, had anything to do with it.  Once, as he
+came to the tree, so enraged was he that he ran his horns against it and
+nearly broke them.  His attendant donkey did the same, and not having
+the same protection to his scull, he received a blow so severe that he
+was sent reeling backwards till he sunk exhausted on the ground.  Saint
+Denis was a second time going to butt, when he heard a hollow voice
+breathe forth from the trunk the following words:--
+
+  "Cease to lament, thou famous man of France,
+  With gentle ears, oh, listen to my moan!
+  Once on a time it was my fatal chance
+  To be the proudest maid that ere was known.
+  By birth I am the daughter of a king,
+  Though now a breathless tree and senseless thing.
+
+  "My pride was such that Heaven confounded me--
+  A goddess in my own conceit I was:
+  What nature lent too base I thought to be,
+  But deem'd myself all others to surpass.
+  And therefore nectar and ambrosia sweet,
+  The food of demigods, for me I counted meet.
+
+  "My pride despised the finest bread of wheat,
+  And richer food I daily sought to find;
+  Refined gold was boil'd up with my meat,
+  Such self-conceit my senses all did blind.
+  For which the cruel fates transformed me,
+  From human substance to this senseless tree.
+
+  "Seven years in shape of stag thou must remain,
+  And then a purple rose, by magic's firm decree,
+  Shall bring thee to thy former shape again,
+  And end at last thy woeful misery:
+  When this is done, be sure you cut in twain
+  This fatal tree, wherein I do remain."
+
+The Knight almost fainted when he heard these strange words, and
+understood the length of time he was to remain in his transformed
+condition.  His attendant donkey had also heard the words, and treasured
+them up in his memory.  Every day, while his master slept, he ranged the
+country round, searching for the purple rose, but every evening returned
+as wise as he set out.  Thus the seven years passed mournfully away.
+
+One day, unmindful how the time had sped, as he trotted on, every now
+and then stopping and uttering a melancholy bray, his nostrils scented
+the fragrance of some roses; and though his first impulse was to eat
+them, on examining them more closely, he observed that they were of
+lustrous beauty and of a purple hue.  Plucking a number of them, he
+trotted back to Saint Denis.  He would have brayed with delight, but,
+had he done so, he would have dropped the roses, so he restrained
+himself till he had laid them before his master's nose.  Instantly the
+Knight began to devour them, as did the faithful donkey, when, a stupor
+coming over them, they couched down on the green-sward.
+
+Presently extraordinary sensations came over them both, and the horns
+and hoofs began to loosen, and the skin to roll up in folds, and a
+refreshing shower falling, both Knight and Squire, on opening their
+eyes, discovered, to their infinite satisfaction, that they were no
+longer brute beasts, but that they had recovered their former comely
+shapes, and that their hairy hides lay vacant on the ground.  Near them
+were their arms, now sadly in want of polishing, while their trusty
+steeds, long roaming the rich pastures around, no sooner beheld than
+recognising them, trotted up to bear them once more to the field of
+battle or of fame.
+
+Their first care was to burnish up their armour and their weapons.  For
+many a weary hour they rubbed.
+
+"We might have saved ourselves all this trouble, and spent the last
+seven years more pleasantly and profitably, had we not idled away our
+time in the magnificent castle of that beautiful lady down there,"
+observed Saint Denis, as he scrubbed away.
+
+"Certes, Master dear, it's a failing I for one have when I get into the
+society of the fair sex, I feel little inclination to leave them; but we
+have had a pretty sharp lesson, and I hope to amend for the future."
+
+The task was performed at last.  Then the Champion, recollecting what
+the mulberry-tree had said, drew his sword, and with one blow cut the
+stout trunk quite asunder.
+
+Instantly there issued forth a bright flame, from the midst of which
+appeared a lovely damsel, clothed in a robe of yellow silk, made from
+the cocoons of the innumerable silk-worms, which fed on the tree.
+
+"Oh, most sweet and singular ornament of nature!" exclaimed the Knight,
+bowing low before her, as did his Squire; "fairer than the feathers of
+the graceful swan, and far more beautiful than Aurora's morning
+countenance, to thee, the fairest of all fair ones, most humbly and only
+to thy beauty do I here submit my affections.  Tell me, therefore, to
+whom my heart must pay its true devotions, thy birth, parentage, and
+name."
+
+The maiden, to whom it was long since such words had been addressed, was
+highly delighted with them, and informed the Knight that her name was
+Eglantine, that she was the daughter of the King of the neighbouring
+country, Armenia, and assured him that he would be welcomed at her
+father's court.
+
+It is not recounted how many ferocious giants and furious lions he and
+Le Crapeau slew on the road while escorting the princess, though they
+were very numerous.  They put to flight also a whole army of Pagans, who
+came to carry off their precious charge.  Le Crapeau himself, however,
+took care not to omit the details, nor did Saint Denis pass them by in
+silence.  The King of Armenia, who had long mourned his daughter as lost
+to him for ever, was so grateful to the French Knight that he at once
+promised her to him in marriage, and entertained him with the most
+sumptuous banquets and balls, and other pleasant divertisements which
+his court could produce.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIX.
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SAINT JAMES OF SPAIN.
+
+Saint James, the Champion of Spain, on parting from his comrades at the
+brazen pillar, took ship, and was wrecked on the coast of Sicily.
+
+Travelling through the island, followed by his Squire, Pedrillo, he
+reached the foot of Etna, then terrifically spouting forth vast masses
+of flame and boiling metal, and ashes, and smoke.  Unappalled by the
+sight, he climbed the mountain's height, where, perched on a pinnacle of
+rock, appeared a mighty bird, with fiery pinions--a winged phoenix.  No
+sooner did the monster see him than, darting down, it attacked him with
+its red-hot beak, for having dared thus to enter its dominions.
+
+Saint James drew his trusty falchion, and, whirling it round his head,
+kept the fearful beak from approaching his helmet, for well he knew that
+one thrust from its deadly point would pierce through steel and skull as
+easily as a lady's bodkin through her kerchief.
+
+The fearful combat lasted for many hours, till the monster, hopeless of
+triumph, flew back to its nest within the crater's fiery bosom.
+
+The following day the fight was renewed, while the faithful Pedrillo
+stood at a distance, counting his rosaries, and called loudly on all the
+saints to aid his master.  At length the Knight and the monster, seeing
+that no profit or glory was to be acquired, retired, by mutual consent,
+from the combat.
+
+Saint James then passed into Africa, where, passing through a region
+infested by monsters, he slew so many that the inhabitants wished to
+adopt him as their Sovereign.
+
+Crossing the Red Sea, he was once more shipwrecked, when, had not a
+troop of mermaids carried him and his Squire, with their horses and
+furniture to the shore, they would all have been drowned.
+
+At length he reached the beautiful city of Ispahan, the capital of
+Persia.  As he stood gazing on her fortified walls, built of pure
+silver; on her towers of jasper and ebony; on her glittering spires of
+gold and precious stones; on her houses of marble and alabaster, the
+streets between which were paved with tin--he heard the cheerful echoes
+of a thousand brazen trumpets, and saw issuing from the brazen gates a
+hundred armed knights, bearing blood-red streamers in their hands, and
+riding on as many coal-black coursers; then came the Shah, guarded by a
+hundred tawny Moors, with bows, and darts feathered with ravens' wings;
+and after them rode Celestine, the Shah's fair daughter, mounted on an
+unicorn, and guarded by a hundred Amazonian dames, clad in green silk.
+In her hand was a javelin of silver, while her fair bosom was shielded
+by a breastplate of gold, artificially wrought with the scales of a
+crocodile.  A vast concourse of gentlemen and squires followed, some on
+horse-back and some on foot.
+
+Thus Nebazaradan, the Shah of Persia, rode forth with his daughter to
+the chase.
+
+The country had been terribly overrun with wild beasts, and the Knight
+heard it proclaimed that the Shah would give a corselet of finest steel,
+inlaid with gold, to whomsoever killed the first wild beast that day.
+
+"Come," cried Saint James, "let us after the savage beasts, and win the
+corselet!"
+
+Away scoured the Knight and his Squire over the plain till they reached
+a forest, in the confines of which they beheld a monstrous wild boar,
+devouring the remains of some passengers he had slain.  The eyes of the
+brute sparkled like a furnace; his tusks were sharper than spikes of
+steel; and the breath, as it issued from his nostrils, seemed like a
+whirlwind; his bristles looked like so many spear-heads, and his tail
+was like a wreath of serpents.
+
+Saint James blew his silver horn, which hung by a green silk scarf to
+the pommel of his saddle.  The blast aroused the boar, who made at him
+furiously.  His spear shivered against its bristly hide into a hundred
+fragments, when, leaping from his steed, which he directed Pedrillo to
+hold, he drew his falchion of Toledo steel, and valiantly on foot
+assailed the monster.  From side to side he sprung to avoid its fearful
+tusks; but in vain did the point of his weapon seek an entrance to its
+case-hardened flesh.  At last, unslinging his battle-axe, he clove the
+head of the monster down to the mouth, and with a second blow cut it
+completely off; then placing it on the staff of his spear, he ordered
+Pedrillo to bear it behind him.
+
+Thus, riding on, he met the Shah and his daughter.  The Shah at first
+was highly pleased with his prowess; but when he heard that he was a
+Christian Knight, his admiration was turned to rage, and he informed him
+that he must either become a Pagan worshipper of the sun or quit the
+country.
+
+The Knight proudly answered that no one should make him quit the country
+unless of his own free will.
+
+On this the Shah's army surrounded him and Pedrillo, and, after a
+desperate resistance on their parts, bore them to the ground.
+
+"Now, Sir Knight, what will you do?" sneered the Shah.  "However, you
+have killed the greatest boar in the country, and, as your reward, you
+shall choose the manner in which you and your Squire will be put to
+death."
+
+The Champion, who was gallant on all occasions, replied that he would be
+shot to death by the fair damsels he had seen going forth to the chase.
+But when they were informed of this, none were found willing to
+undertake the cruel office.
+
+This so enraged the Shah, that he ordained that they should cast lots to
+decide who should perform the task.  The lot fell on Celestine and one
+of her maidens.  She was to kill the Knight, and her maiden Pedrillo.
+Instead, however, of death's fatal instrument, a steel-tipped arrow, she
+shot a sigh--true messenger of love--as did her maiden; and then she
+hastened to her father to entreat him, with bitter, scalding tears, to
+liberate the strangers.  At last he yielded, on condition that they
+should forthwith quit the country.
+
+Already had Saint James commenced his homeward journey, when, looking
+back on the towers of Ispahan, so inflamed was his heart with the love
+of Celestine, that he resolved to return and win her.  He and Pedrillo,
+therefore, staining their skins with the juice of some blackberries, and
+at the same time habiting themselves in the costume of Moors, pretending
+to be dumb, returned to the city.
+
+Then Saint James presented himself as an Indian knight, and, entering
+the army of the Shah, won such renown by his heroic deeds, that he was
+soon raised to the highest posts of honour.
+
+Now, there came from the far east two sovereigns, claiming the hand of
+the fair Celestine; but she, thinking only of Saint James, refused to
+entertain their proposals.
+
+At a great tournament given in their honour, they both, clothed in
+glittering armour, entered the lists; so did the seeming Moorish knight.
+What was the surprise of the King and all his courtiers to behold him
+overthrow them both!  Then he rode up beneath the pavilion of the
+Princess Celestine, and exhibited to her a ring which she had long
+before given him.  By this she knew that he was her own true knight.  He
+soon found means to tell her of his love, and all that had happened,
+while Pedrillo did not forget to put in a word in his own favour with
+her maiden.
+
+They agreed that very night to fly to Spain.  Pedrillo, who was cunning
+in devices, turned their horses' shoes backwards, and thus, when they
+were seeking safety in the west, it appeared as if they were flying
+towards the east.  Thus evading pursuit, they galloped on, crossed the
+Red Sea, and, travelling through Africa, the whole party arrived safely
+in that wondrous town of Seville, in Spain, where Saint James was born,
+and which justly holds itself, in consequence, in the very highest
+estimation.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN.
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SAINT ANTHONY OF ITALY.
+
+The adventures of the great Saint Anthony of Italy, after he parted from
+his friends at the brazen pillar, are now to be described.  Taking ship,
+like Father Aeneas of old, he and his attendant Squire traversed the
+Mediterranean Sea, only he sailed eastward, while the pious Aeneas
+sailed westward, over it.  Numberless were the adventures he
+encountered.
+
+Now his ship was tossed by storms, now pursued by a huge sea monster,
+with jaws so wide that the affrighted mariners believed that it was
+about to swallow up bodily both them and their ship; but Saint Anthony,
+putting on his armour, and standing on the poop, brandished his spear so
+manfully in the monster's face that he effectually kept him at bay.  His
+faithful Squire shouted also with such good effect, that the monster was
+fain to turn tail and to leave the ship and its honoured freight to
+proceed unmolested.
+
+At length Asia's ancient shores were reached, and travelling on,
+performing every day unheard-of wonders, combating with terrible
+monsters, and destroying wild beasts innumerable, he and Niccolo arrived
+at the far-famed kingdom of Georgia.
+
+They wandered on till they began to ascend, amid narrow defiles and dark
+gorges, the rugged ranges of the mighty Caucasus, high above which
+Elborus towers with gigantic splendour.  As they climbed upwards, higher
+and higher, there appeared before them a marble castle with gates of
+brass, which they guessed, from inquiries they had made, belonged to the
+giant Blanderon.  Over the principal gate were these verses:--
+
+  "Within this castle lives the scourge of kings;
+  A furious giant, whose unconquer'd power
+  The Georgian monarch in subjection brings,
+  And keeps his daughters prisoners in his tower:
+  Seven damsels fair this monstrous giant keeps,
+  That sing him music while he nightly sleeps.
+
+  "His sword of steel a thousand knights have felt,
+  Who for these maidens' sakes have lost their lives;
+  Yet, though on many knights he hath death dealt,
+  This most inhuman giant still survives.
+  Let simple passengers take heed in time,
+  When up this mountain height they thoughtless climb.
+
+  "But knights of worth, and men of noble mind,
+  If any chance to travel by this tower,
+  That for these maidens' sake will be so kind
+  To try their strength against the giant's power,
+  Shall have a maiden's prayer, both day and night,
+  To prosper them with good successful fight."
+
+These lines were placed there by the power of the good fairy of Asia,
+and were unseen by the Giant, or he would not, it is presumed, have
+allowed them to remain.  They so encouraged the valiant Knight, that,
+resolving to liberate the ladies, he struck so mighty a blow on the gate
+of the castle, with the pommel of his sword, that it sounded like a clap
+of the loudest thunder.
+
+On hearing it, Blanderon, who had been asleep, started up, and came
+forth to the gate with a huge oak-tree in his hand, which he flourished
+about his head as if it had been a light battle-axe, in a loud voice
+comparing the Knight's spear to a bulrush, and threatening to hurl him
+and his Squire down the side of the mountain.
+
+"Words without deeds are mere empty things," retorted the Knight.  "Try
+what you can do."
+
+And giving his steed to his Squire to hold, he drew his trusty falchion,
+and stood ready to receive the onslaught of his huge antagonist.
+Blanderon, however, flourished his oak so furiously that Saint Anthony
+had to jump here and there with the greatest activity to avoid his
+strokes.
+
+Now the very earth seemed to shake; now the castle-walls resounded with
+the blows.  The Knight relaxed not a moment in his efforts, for he saw
+that the Giant was stout; and as the sun's heat was very great, he
+panted more and more till the moisture from his brows ran down into his
+eyes, and almost blinded him.  Observing this, the Knight plied him with
+his battle-axe more vigorously than before, till he was compelled to
+seek for safety within his castle-walls; but ere he reached them he let
+fall from his grasp his huge oak-tree; on which Saint Anthony,
+redoubling his efforts, smote him so fiercely, that he sunk down on his
+knees, unable to fly further.  Still undaunted, the Giant drew a dagger
+twice the size of any ordinary two-handed sword.  With this he struck
+right and left so rapidly that the Knight had hard work indeed to escape
+its blows, and still greater to discover a spot in his huge body in
+which he might plant a deadly one in return.
+
+At length, however, the Giant grew weary, and Saint Anthony, springing
+forward, with one stroke clove his hideous head almost in twain.  Then,
+with another blow he cut it off, and handed it to Niccolo, to be carried
+before him as a trophy of his prowess.  So violent, however, had been
+the efforts of the Knight that he also sank fainting on the ground, when
+his faithful Squire, believing him to be dead, knelt by his side, and,
+weeping, mourned bitterly his loss.
+
+Now, it happened that the lovely Rosalinde, one of the daughters of the
+King of Georgia, who had been taken captive by the Giant, looked over
+the battlements, and seeing his headless trunk guessed that he had been
+slain by some gallant knight, and that the end of her servitude had
+arrived.
+
+Descending to the gate, she beheld the seeming lifeless body of the
+Champion, and, kneeling opposite to Niccolo, joined her salt tears with
+his in mourning the fate of so brave a Knight.  Then, remembering that
+there were some precious balms within the castle, she went and fetched
+them; and having applied them to the limbs of the Champion, their effect
+was so great that he instantly revived, and sitting up gazed at her with
+admiration, and inquired who she was.  They entreated him to wait till
+he had been fed and rested within the castle.
+
+While the faithful Niccolo watched by his master's couch, as he slept,
+the lady Rosalinde was preparing delicates for his repast.
+
+He at length awoke, restored to health and strength; and then, by the
+lady's advice, he ordered Niccolo to drag the Giant's carcass down upon
+a craggy rock, to be devoured by hungry ravens; which being done, the
+Georgian maiden exhibited to him the wonders of the castle.  First she
+conducted him to a brazen tower where were a hundred corselets and other
+martial furniture of the knights slain by the Giant.  Then she conducted
+him to the stables, where were a hundred steeds, thin and jaded, which
+they had once bestrode.  There was also the Giant's bed of iron, with a
+covering of carved brass, and with curtains of leaves of gold.  After
+this she pointed out to him a pond of crystal water, on which swam six
+milk-white swans, with crowns of gold upon their heads.
+
+"Know, brave Champion, that these six swans are my sisters," she
+observed.  "We all seven are the daughters of the King of Georgia.  As
+we were out hunting one day the Giant from the battlements of his castle
+espied us, and, rushing down, bore us off under his arms before anyone
+could come to our rescue.  My sisters, by the power of a kind fairy who
+had attended at their birth, were transformed into swans, that they
+might escape the tyranny of the Giant, though she was unable to release
+them altogether.  I, the eldest, retained my natural form; for, from my
+skill in music, I could always quell his anger and tame him into
+subjection.  Though I might perchance have escaped, I remained, in hope
+some day of liberating my sisters.  Now, if the good fairy can be found,
+we may tell her of the Giant's death, and bring her hither to restore
+them to their natural shapes."
+
+"Most lovely lady, we will fly at once to your father's capital, and
+send the fairy hither to perform her grateful task," exclaimed the
+Knight, placing the hand of the Princess in his own.  So, taking the
+keys of the castle, which were of wonderous weight, they locked up the
+gates, and mounting their steeds, followed by Niccolo with the Giant's
+gory head, they proceeded to the Georgian Court.
+
+On reaching the gate of the city they heard a peal of bells solemnly
+tolling forth a funeral knell.  On inquiring the cause of this, the aged
+porter replied:--
+
+"The bells toll for the King's seven daughters.  There are seven bells,
+each one called after the name of a Princess, which never have ceased
+this doleful melody since the loss of the unhappy ladies, nor ever will
+till they return."
+
+"Then their tasks are finished," answered the noble-minded Rosalinde.
+"We bring you tidings of the Princesses."
+
+Whereat the aged porter, ravished with joy, ran to the steeple and
+stopped the bells.  Hearing the bells cease their wonted mournful
+melody, up started the King of Georgia, and hastened to the gate to
+inquire the cause.  There, to his joy, he beheld his long-lost daughter
+in company with a strange knight and attendant squire.  Hearing the
+wonderful tale, he commanded all his courtiers to put on the lugubrious
+weeds of mourning, and to accompany him to the castle of the Giant, that
+there perchance he might discover some means of releasing his six other
+daughters, while the noble-minded Rosalinde and Saint Anthony were left
+to take care of the city till his return.
+
+When the King of Georgia, after long delay, did not return, the Italian
+Knight declared, in impassioned words, that he must proceed in search of
+those adventures for the sake of which he had left his native land.  To
+this the noble-minded Rosalinde replied:--
+
+"Oh! most princely-minded Champion of Italy!  It is not Georgia can
+harbour me when thou art absent.  The sky shall be no sky, the sea no
+sea, the earth no earth, if thou do prove inconstant; but if you will
+not take me with you, these tender hands of mine shall hang upon your
+horse's bridle, till my body, like Theseus's son, be dashed against the
+hard flint stones; yet, hard as they are, not harder than I shall deem
+your heart."
+
+One only reply to this appeal could the princely-minded Champion make.
+It was to tell her that he would bear her away forthwith as his own true
+bride.  And they thus both being agreed, habited as a page in green
+sarcenet, her buskins of the smoothest kid-skin, and her rapier of
+Lydian steel, secured over her shoulder by an orange-coloured scarf, and
+mounted on a gentle palfrey, she quitted the land of Georgia; one of her
+maidens, habited also in page's guise, attending, whom Niccolo took
+under his especial care.  Thus they travelled; he the bravest, boldest
+knight that ever wandered by the way, and she the loveliest lady that
+ever mortal eye beheld.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT.
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SAINT ANDREW OF SCOTLAND.
+
+And now the adventures of the far-famed Saint Andrew of Scotland claim
+our attention, after he quitted the brazen pillar, followed by his
+faithful Squire, Murdoch McAlpine of that ilk.  On he travelled
+eastward, in the face of the rays of the glittering sun, which sparkled
+on his shield and casque with dazzling brightness, and so astonished all
+beholders that they fled dismayed before him, till he crossed the wild
+territories of Russia, and entered the wilder deserts of Siberia.  Then,
+turning north, he found himself in a region where, for many weary
+months, the sun never rose, and he and the faithful Murdoch had to
+discover their way by poking before them with their spears, every moment
+expecting to meet with some huge monster with whom they might be called
+to combat.  Nor did they expect in vain, for suddenly a loud growl
+assailed their ears, and the moon, just then rising, exhibited to them a
+whole army of bears, prepared to dispute their onward progress.
+
+"Draw your broad-sword, mon, and follow me," cried Saint Andrew, shaking
+his spear.
+
+The Squire, tucking up his plaid carefully, that it might not be torn or
+soiled, with loud shouts obeyed, and soon both were dashing and slashing
+away among the infuriated brutes.  The heads of numbers rolled upon the
+snow, which for miles round was ensanguined with their blood.
+
+"Few creatures are more difficult to get rid of than bears," observed
+the Knight, charging again.  "On, Murdoch, on, we'll do it if it is to
+be done, for what men dare they can do!"
+
+Thus shouting and slaying, the Knight and his Squire fought on for many
+hours, till the survivors of the bears, discovering that they were
+likely to get the worst of it in the end, took to flight, and stopped
+not till they reached the North Pole, where they stopped only because
+they could go no further, and where Saint Andrew agreed that it was not
+worth while following them.
+
+His next encounter was with a nation of people with heads like foxes,
+from whose cunning arts and guiles he had the greatest difficulty in
+escaping.  Although conquered by the power of his arms, they still
+appeared with fresh tricks to entrap him.  When, at length, he had
+fought his way out from among them, he found himself in a dismal vale,
+the air still dark as Erebus, where he heard the blowing of unseen
+furnaces, the boiling of cauldrons, the rattling or armour, the
+trampling of horses, the jingling of chains, the roaring of wild beasts,
+the hissing of serpents, and the cries of unearthly spirits, and such
+like dreadful sounds, which would have made any other hearts than those
+of Saint Andrew of Scotland, and of his faithful squire, Murdoch
+McAlpine of that ilk, quake and tremble with fear; but passing calmly
+amid them, and undergoing hardships incredible, under which knights and
+squires, born in more southern climes, would have sunk exhausted, they
+arrived in the kingdom of Georgia, nor rested till they reached the foot
+of the mountain on which stood the castle within whose iron walls the
+six fair daughters of the King were still held in durance, in the shape
+of swans, with golden crowns upon their heads.
+
+When the valiant Champion of Scotland beheld the lofty situation of the
+castle, and the invincible strength it seemed to be of, he suspected
+some strange adventure to befall him; so, buckling close his armour,
+which, on account of the heat he had loosened, and drawing his sword, he
+climbed the mountain, when he espied, on a craggy rock, the headless
+body of the Giant, on which the ravens and other birds of prey were
+feeding.  Then he approached the castle gate, when, what was his
+astonishment to see a long procession of mourners come forth, with the
+King of Georgia at their head; and, on inquiry, was told that the old
+man mourned for his six daughters, whom he could by no means get changed
+back into their natural shapes.
+
+Saint Andrew, on hearing this strange tale, expressed his firm belief,
+in language somewhat strong, that such things could not be.
+
+Whereon the King and all his courtiers were highly indignant, and
+numberless knights stepped forth, and challenged the stranger to mortal
+combat.  The lists were quickly prepared.  Then the valiant Champion of
+Christendom entered the arena, when the King, in company with many
+Georgian lords, was present to behold the contest.  Thrice had Saint
+Andrew traced his war-steed up and down the lists, flourishing his
+lance, at the top whereof hung a pendant of gold, on which, in silver
+letters, was traced, "This day a martyr or a conqueror!"  Whereon there
+entered a knight in exceeding bright armour, mounted on a courser as
+white as snow, whose caparison was the colour of the elements.
+
+A fierce encounter followed; but the Georgian was defeated, and retired
+in disgrace from the lists.
+
+Then entered a knight in green armour, his steed an iron grey.  Loud
+rang their spears against their shields, fierce clashed their swords,
+and clanged their battle-axes, till the Georgian warrior fairly took to
+flight.
+
+The third knight who entered wore a black corselet, and his huge
+war-horse was covered with a veil of sable silk.  In his hand he bore a
+baton of mighty weight, and bound round with iron; but no sooner did the
+champions meet than their lances shivered in pieces from the furious
+shock, and flew high up into the air, when, alighting from their steeds,
+they resumed the combat with their keen-edged falchions, the sparks
+flying from their helmets as from a blacksmith's anvil.
+
+The faithful Murdoch meantime looked on with anxious gaze, when he was
+accosted by a little old woman of mean aspect, who had in vain tried to
+obtain information from the other bystanders.
+
+"Why is it you want to know, Mother?" he asked, careful not to give a
+hurried answer, though he bowed politely.
+
+The old woman, who was in reality a good fairy, replied, "Because I have
+come here to do some good; but while a scene of mortal strife is taking
+place I cannot employ my power."
+
+Then Murdoch told her all he knew about the matter; whereon she advised
+him to hurry to his master when the present combat should be over, and
+to bid him declare his belief that the account was true, and to offer to
+bring the Princesses forth in their proper shapes.
+
+Meantime the combat between the Scottish Champion and the Black Knight
+continued with unabated fury.  Any advantage gained by one was foiled by
+the other, till at length Saint Andrew, uttering his battle-cry, struck
+so mighty a blow with his battle-axe, that he clave the Georgian's
+burgonet, and his head beneath, from his crown to his shoulders, and his
+body fell lifeless on the ground.
+
+This so enraged the King that he would have ordered the Scottish Knight
+to have been slain, when Murdoch rushed forward and gave the fairy's
+message.
+
+The Champion spoke as she had directed, when the King, who was of a
+placable disposition, though somewhat hasty, consented to his request.
+
+"Swear, most noble King, upon my sword, that you will not attempt any
+foul treachery to me or my follower, on account of the Champion I have
+slain, until I have accomplished the task I have now undertaken."
+
+On this the old King, descending from his throne, bent over the gallant
+Saint Andrew's sword, and swore as he desired.
+
+The Knight entered the castle, and repaired to the garden, when, instead
+of finding an ugly old woman, he beheld a lady of radiant beauty, for
+such was indeed the Fairy.
+
+"You see yonder six swans," said she; "as they approach strike boldly
+with your sword six strokes, nor fear the consequences."
+
+The Knight stood by the side of the crystal lake, and as he stood, his
+glittering falchion in his hand, the six swans swam gracefully up.  Six
+times he struck, and each time the head of one of the swans flew up; but
+in its stead appeared, wonderful to relate, a beautiful maiden, whom the
+Knight handed with true courtesy off her liquid pedestal on to dry land.
+Thus, in a few minutes, the Champion was surrounded by six of the most
+lovely damsels the world ever saw, habited in green hunting-suits, each
+almost equal to Diana herself, going forth armed for the chase.
+
+"You have done well, noble Champion," said the Fairy.  "You did not
+despise me, or my words, when I appeared old and ugly, and from
+henceforth you will find me ever ready to aid and protect you, as you
+travel on in search of those heroic adventures after which your heart
+pants.  I bid you farewell; though, remember, that I will come when you
+summon me;" saying this the Fairy mounted a golden chariot drawn by
+peacocks, and, rapidly gliding through the air, disappeared amid the
+clouds which floated round the sides of that lofty mountain.  Scarcely
+had she gone, and the six ladies were pouring forth their thanks to the
+noble Knight who had delivered them from their cruel bondage, when the
+King of Georgia, followed by all his knights and courtiers, entered the
+garden of the castle to ascertain what had become of the strange Knight.
+
+Nothing could exceed his astonishment, and delight, and gratitude, when
+Saint Andrew presented to him his six daughters in their proper forms.
+
+"You deserve them all," exclaimed the Monarch, in the warmth of his
+emotion.  To which the Scottish Knight, with true modesty, replied, that
+he considered one far more than he deserved, and that as yet he felt
+inclined to remain a bachelor.
+
+The next day, after a sumptuous banquet which the King's cooks prepared
+in the Giant's castle, the whole party marched back to the palace of the
+Georgian Monarch with banners streaming, cymbals clashing, and drums and
+trumpets sounding joyful melody.  When, however, sad to relate, the King
+inquired for his eldest daughter, he found that she had fled away with
+the Champion of Italy.
+
+This event, so grievous to the heart of the King, made him defer all the
+triumphant arrangements which were forming to do honour to the Scottish
+Knight and to his six fair daughters.
+
+When, also, Saint Andrew heard that one of his noble comrades was so
+near at hand, calling Murdoch to his side, he bade him prepare for their
+departure.  Wishing to avoid the pain of parting with the six
+Princesses, and, lest their honoured sire might renew his generous
+offer, Saint Andrew, without bidding farewell to the King of Georgia, or
+to his chief councillors and ministers of state, and other great lords
+of the realm, set off from the capital in pursuit of Saint Anthony of
+Italy and the fair Rosalinde.
+
+The next day, when the six Princesses heard of the departure of the
+Knight they so much admired, providing themselves with sufficient
+treasure and habiliments suited for travelling, they left by stealth
+their father's palace, mounted on six white palfreys, and attended by
+six maidens on asses, intending to find out the victorious and renowned
+Champion of Scotland, or to end their lives in single blessedness in
+some pious retirement in a foreign land.
+
+No sooner did the news of his daughters' flight reach the King of
+Georgia, than attiring himself in homely russet, like a pilgrim, with an
+ebony staff in his hand, tipped with silver, he took his departure, all
+alone, from his palace, resolved to recover his beloved children, or to
+lay his bones to rest in some unknown spot, where, forgotten, he might
+rest at peace.
+
+When his councillors, ministers of state, and other great lords heard of
+his sudden and secret departure, grief intolerable struck their hearts,
+the palace gates were covered with sable cloth, all pleasures were at an
+end, and ladies and courtly dames sat sighing in their chambers; where,
+for the present, we will leave them to speak of other themes.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINE.
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SAINT PATRICK OF IRELAND.
+
+The noble, illustrious, and wonderful deeds of Saint Patrick, the
+far-famed and renowned Champion of Old Ireland, that gem of the ocean,
+are now to be recounted--not forgetting those of his faithful and
+attached squire, Terence O'Grady; though of the latter many less partial
+histories are somewhat unaccountably silent.
+
+After they quitted the brazen pillar, they, too, traversed that sea so
+famed in ancient story.  But their ship being wrecked as they were
+approaching the land, and sinking beneath their feet, they mounted on
+the backs of two huge dolphins, which were swimming by at the time, and
+which Saint Patrick caught with cunningly-devised hooks; and thus towing
+their steeds, they reached in safety the sandy shores of Africa.  There
+landing, while they sat by the sea-side burnishing their arms, which
+were slightly rusty from the salt air, the sweetest strains of music
+struck upon their ears.  The Squire listened, and rising from the rock
+on which he sat, he wandered on to discover whence they proceeded.
+
+What was his astonishment, as he looked into a cavern half filled with
+water, to behold a dozen lovely nymphs, almost immersed in the crystal
+sea, combing their golden locks, while from their throats came forth
+those warbling sounds.
+
+The Squire gazed enravished.  "Och, but you are beautiful creatures!" he
+exclaimed, forgetting that his voice might be heard.  The maidens
+started, like frightened deer, at the sound; and then, seeing the
+faithful Terence as he looked over the rock, they swam towards him,
+putting out their arms, and endeavouring to grasp his hands.  A more
+prudent person would have withdrawn, and suspected treachery; but such
+an idea never occurred to the mind of the warm-hearted Irishman.
+
+"A pleasant morning to ye, my pretty damsels!" quoth he, offering his
+hand to the first who came up, expecting to assist her to land; for, as
+they were dressed in sea-green garments, and had wreaths of red and
+white coral on their heads, he thought that they would have no objection
+to come out of the water.  Instead, however, of coming out themselves,
+the first held him tight, and others arriving caught hold of him
+likewise, and began to pull and pull away till the faithful Terence
+discovered, without a doubt, that it was their purpose to pull him in.
+
+"But I can't swim, Ladies!" he exclaimed.  "I shall spoil my armour and
+wet my clothes--let me go, if you please, now."  He wished to speak them
+fair, though doubts as to what they were began to rise up in his mind.
+"Och, now, let me go, I say!  A joke's a joke all the world over; but if
+you souse me head over ears in that pool, and drown me entirely, it will
+be a very bad one to my taste now."  The more, however, he shouted and
+struggled the harder the damsels pulled.
+
+Though Terence was a stout fellow, and had been in many a hot fight in
+foreign lands, and not a few scrimmages in Old Ireland, he never had had
+such a struggle in his life.  At last his cries brought Saint Patrick to
+his aid, (for who would the Champion of Ireland have helped more
+willingly than Terence O'Grady?) and seizing the other arm, he hauled
+away lustily against the twelve sea-nymphs, whom he at once discovered
+to be mermaids, who had set their hearts on carrying off his faithful
+Squire to their coral homes beneath the waves.
+
+Between the mermaids on one side, and his master on the other, hauling
+away with all their might, poor Terence was very nearly torn in pieces.
+Still he struggled and strove, entreating his master not to let him go.
+
+Shouts of merry laughter issued from the throats of the mermaids; but
+though they diverted themselves with the terror of the faithful Terence,
+they did not cease to pull at him the less hard, till he began to fear
+that, if they could not have the whole, they would have a bit of him to
+a certainty.
+
+Saint Patrick himself saw full well that the matter was no joke; but how
+to rescue his Squire without using his sword, and against that all his
+knightly feelings revolted, even he was sorely puzzled to discover.
+
+As it happened, there dwelt not far off, in a lofty castle of iron walls
+and golden battlements, a monstrous giant, who had long sought one of
+these mermaids in marriage; but she fearing his temper, and not wishing
+to leave her watery home had ever disdainfully refused to listen to his
+proposals.  He now was wandering along the shore in search of her to
+prosecute his suit.
+
+As he looked down into the cave and saw the mermaids, one of whom was
+his beloved, pulling away on one side at the faithful Terence, while
+Saint Patrick pulled on the other, he uttered a loud roar of rage and
+fury.  The sound so alarmed the mermaids that they let go their hold,
+and fled away in terror, to hide themselves in their coral homes, while
+Saint Patrick, looking up, beheld the Giant frowning down defiance at
+him.
+
+The Irish Champion, nothing daunted, drew his falchion.  "Ah, my trusty
+weapon, thou hast at length found a worthy enemy!" he exclaimed,
+climbing up the cliff towards the Giant, closely followed by the
+faithful Terence.  Black as jet was the Giant, but blacker were his
+looks, yet blackest of all were his intentions.  Behind him stood a huge
+crocodile, opening wide its immense jaws, and threatening to devour
+anyone who came within their compass.  Many a stout warrior would have
+avoided the encounter; but Saint Patrick boldly advanced, trusting in a
+good cause, his own arm, and his well-tempered sword, feeling assured,
+also, that Terence would give a good account of the crocodile.
+
+Quickly were heard to sound the ringing strokes of the Champion's trusty
+falchion against the black shield of the Giant, whose huge battle-axe
+dealt many a fearful blow in return.  Fiercely raged the combat.  Blow
+after blow was given and taken with right good will, while the Giant
+bellowed out so loudly his threats of vengeance against the valiant
+Knight, that the rocks and distant mountains resounded with his cries
+mingled with the clang of desperate strife.
+
+Terence stood by to watch the contest, not to deprive his loved master
+of a shred of glory, till he saw the crocodile opening his monstrous
+jaws to snap at his legs.  Then he saw that the time for action had
+arrived, and, rushing up, began to assail the brute with right good
+will.
+
+The crocodile snapped and snapped his huge jaws with a sound which made
+the hills ring and ring again; but he failed to get the faithful Terence
+within the power of his grinders; at the same time, in vain the Squire
+sought a vulnerable point into which to thrust his trusty sword.  The
+length of the monster's snout prevented him from reaching his eyes, and,
+as to getting a fair thrust at his shoulders, that seemed utterly
+impossible.
+
+All this time Saint Patrick and the Giant, it must not be forgotten,
+were fighting furiously.
+
+"Let my tame crocodile alone, or I'll make mincemeat of you when I have
+killed your master!" cried the Giant hoarsely, through his clinched
+teeth.
+
+"Faith, then, I hope that time will never arrive then, my beauty,"
+answered the faithful Terence, making a spring, and leaping nimbly on
+the crocodile's back.  "It's not exactly the sort of steed I'd choose,
+except for the honour of riding, but I'll make him pay the piper, at all
+events;" whereupon he began slashing away with his trusty sword most
+furiously on the neck and shoulders of the crocodile.  A delicate maiden
+might as well have tried to pierce the hide of an aged hippopotamus with
+a bodkin.
+
+At last, losing patience, he sprang to his feet on the back of the
+monster, and plunged his sword into one of his eyes, just as he was
+about to make a snap at Saint Patrick's thigh.  The crocodile, feeling
+itself wounded, turned aside, when the Squire plunged his weapon into
+the other eye.
+
+Thus blinded, and furious with pain, the brute rushed forward, snapping
+in every direction, and running against his master, caught hold of the
+calf of his leg with a gripe so firm that the Giant, groaning with pain,
+turned aside his proud looks to see what was the matter.
+
+The opportunity was not lost on Saint Patrick, who, pressing forward,
+plunged his falchion into the neck of his antagonist, who, bellowing
+louder than ten thousand bulls, made a desperate cut with his battle-axe
+at the helm of the Knight.  The Champion sprang aside, and the blow
+descended on the neck of the tame crocodile, whereby its head was
+severed from its body, Terence narrowly escaping from the effects of the
+blow.
+
+The death of his favourite brute enraged the Giant still further; but
+rage invariably blinds judgment, and neglecting his proper guards, he
+soon found himself treated as he had treated the crocodile, his head, by
+a stroke of the Knight's battle-axe, falling on the sand, while his eyes
+continued to roll most horribly, as if still animated with fury and
+malicious hatred.
+
+The faithful Terence having found a huge brazen key, and a purse of
+gold, in the Giant's pocket, and transferred the latter to his own, to
+be ready for future emergencies, Saint Patrick and he left the two
+carcasses to be devoured by the birds of the air, and proceeded to the
+Giant's castle.  The huge brazen key opened the castle gate; when
+entering, they wandered amazed through the spacious halls, and courts,
+and galleries, admiring the wonders there collected.  In the armoury
+were numerous tall and straight trees of cocoa-nut and pine, with iron
+or steel points, which served the Giant as spears; his sword even Saint
+Patrick could scarcely lift, while near was another tree, taller than
+all the rest, with a cable at one end, and a hook bigger than a huge
+ship's anchor, with which in his hand the Giant sat on a rock and bobbed
+for whales.
+
+In the stables, instead of some vast horses, which they expected to
+find, capable of carrying so monstrous a being, they beheld rows of
+alligators and hippopotami, which the Giant was wont to harness to his
+brazen chariots when he went to war, or out a pleasuring; while, as no
+saddles or bridles were found, it was evident that he possessed no steed
+capable of bearing his ponderous weight.
+
+Saint Patrick and his Squire, making themselves at home in the Giant's
+castle, passed several pleasant days, while they recovered from the
+fatigues of their combat and refreshed themselves after their voyage.
+Then, that they might keep their own steeds ready for any emergency,
+they harnessed a dozen hippopotami, and as many tame crocodiles, to one
+of the Giant's chariots, and so, with great comfort and convenience,
+proceeded on their journey.  The canopy of the chariot was of azure silk
+fringed with silver, which sheltered them from the warm rays of the sun.
+
+"Faith, this is pleasanter far than riding along over a dusty road!"
+quoth the Squire to the Knight, with that easy familiarity which the
+superior delighted to encourage in his faithful attendant.  "What would
+they say in Old Ireland if they saw us two now a travelling along, quite
+at our ease, over the burning plains of Africa!"  Whereat Saint Patrick
+made some suitable reply.  But their pleasant conversation was cut short
+by the sounds of some terrible wails and laments, uttered by female
+voices, and at the same time of loud harsh voices and rude laughter,
+proceeding from out of a neighbouring wood, which they beheld before
+them.  On this Terence whipped on the crocodiles and hippopotami with
+right good will, their own trusty steeds trotting behind till they
+arrived at the borders of the wood; when, securely fastening their
+chariot to a stout tree, they mounted their chargers, and dashed
+forward, in the direction from whence the cries proceeded.
+
+Louder and louder grew the shrieks and lamentations, till the Knight and
+his Squire arrived at a spot whence, looking down into a sylvan dell,
+they beheld a sight which made their hearts melt with pity, and their
+blood run cold with horror.  There, with the salt tears running down
+their cheeks, and their eyes imploring mercy and pity, they saw six
+lovely damsels, clad in green garments, bound to as many trees, while
+round them danced a hundred fierce satyrs, terrible of aspect, and
+hideous to behold.
+
+Each satyr was armed with a huge club of the size of a tree, which he
+flourished wildly, and on his other arm he bore a shield of vast
+proportions, like the moon at the full, as she rises over the housetops;
+while scabbardless two-handed swords hung with brazen chains by their
+sides, and long-bows and quivers full of arrows were suspended at their
+backs; their voices as they danced giving forth those hideous sounds
+which had attracted the Knight and Squire.
+
+Near the ladies stood six milk-white palfreys, and a little way behind,
+who had not at first been seen, six other damsels, their dress and
+bearing showing them to be the serving maidens of the lovely ladies in
+green.  In an instant the heart of the Champion of Ireland, and of his
+faithful Squire, were all in a flame, burning to rescue these six lovely
+ladies and their six inestimable serving women from the power of those
+hideous satyrs; so, drawing their falchions, and uttering the war-cry of
+Old Ireland, they dashed with headlong speed in among them, cutting and
+slashing and hewing away before any of those terrific beings had any
+knowledge of their approach.
+
+Soon recovering themselves, after a few of their number had bitten the
+dust, the hideous satyrs, uniting in one body, and seeing that their
+enemies consisted but of a single knight and his squire, flourished
+their huge clubs, and with loud shouts, louder than the roaring of ten
+thousand bulls, advanced towards them.
+
+Heroically fought Saint Patrick, and manfully combated his Squire.  The
+blows from the monstrous clubs of the hideous satyrs fell like hail
+about their helmets; but their thirsty swords rapidly drank the
+life-blood of their foes, and now one satyr, now another, was
+overthrown.  Still more came on.  Some stood at a distance, shooting
+their arrows from their long-bows; others came around, with their
+two-handed swords, and struck and slashed so fiercely that it required
+all the activity and courage of both Knight and Squire, of which they
+fortunately possessed so large a portion, to keep their enemies at bay.
+Still the sight of the lovely ladies tied to the trees, not forgetting
+the six serving maidens, as well as their own honour, and desire for
+glory and renown, induced them to persevere.
+
+Full one-third of the hideous satyrs had sunk lifeless from their
+stalwart blows, while many others limped off sorely wounded and maimed;
+yet the remainder, with a perseverance worthy of a better cause,
+fiercely continued the combat.
+
+At length, Saint Patrick telling Terence to escape, wheeled his horse
+round as if to fly, but it was only a cunning device, as his faithful
+Squire well knew; for, instantly returning to the charge with redoubled
+vigour among the scattered ranks of his foes, he dealt such slaughter
+and destruction among them, that the survivors were fain to fly far
+away, howling, into the distant woods, which resounded with their
+mournful cries, leaving the six ladies and their six serving maidens to
+the care and protection of the gallant Knight and his attendant.
+
+While Saint Patrick cut loose the cords from the fair limbs of the six
+ladies all clothed in green, Terence performed the same office for the
+serving maidens.
+
+After they had been refreshed by some pure draughts from the
+neighbouring crystal brook, and partaken of such fare as the Champion
+could offer them, he led them forth from the wood, and with courteous
+attentions, and many polite expressions, placed them in his chariot
+drawn by the crocodiles and hippopotami.  Then, and not till then, did
+he inquire their names, and state, and nation.
+
+The eldest replied:--"Know, most puissant and valiant Knight, that we
+are the unfortunate daughters of the King of Georgia.  Our lives since
+our births have been unhappy.  First, we were carried off by a monstrous
+giant, and, being turned into swans for seven long years, lost sight of
+the outer world, neither knowing what dresses were worn, how fashions
+were changed, and many other important matters.
+
+"At length, through the courage of a noble Knight, Saint Andrew of
+Scotland, of whom you have doubtless heard, we were happily released
+from our thraldom.  What, however, was our astonishment when we got back
+to our father's court to find that our eldest sister had departed as the
+bride of another famed Champion, Saint Anthony of Italy, by whose mighty
+prowess the giant had been slain; and in a brief time Saint Andrew,
+hearing or this, also set off in search of his former comrade and
+brother knight.
+
+"Now--why need we be ashamed to confess it?--we had allowed a feeling of
+regard to spring up in our bosoms for that worthy Knight, and we all
+agreed that we could no longer exist out of his society; and so we also
+set off from our father's court, resolved to search for him the world
+around, and bring him back to our native land, or lie down, and mournful
+die beside his tomb."
+
+"The noble Champion for whom you took in hand this weary travel is my
+much approved good friend," exclaimed Saint Patrick.  "To get a sight of
+him I would go more miles than there are trees throughout this mighty
+continent; therefore, will my faithful squire, Terence O'Grady, whom I
+now crave leave to make known unto you, and I travel in your company,
+and in that of your six serving maidens, till we have found the right
+noble Saint Andrew, or some other of those six brave Knights of
+Christendom who for seven summers I have not seen."
+
+Much pleased with the discourse and the polished courtesy of Saint
+Patrick, the six princesses consented to his proposal; and thus we will,
+for the present, leave them journeying in the giant's chariot, drawn by
+the dozen crocodiles and hippopotami, and followed by the six maidens
+and their six milk-white palfreys, and escorted on either side by Saint
+Patrick and his faithful Squire, in the direction they believed Saint
+Andrew had taken.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TEN.
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SAINT DAVID OF WALES.
+
+The last but not the least of all the Seven Champions to be mentioned
+famed for heroic courage and gallantry is that most noble and renowned
+Knight, Saint David of Wales.  After he had quitted the brazen pillar,
+followed by his faithful attendant, Owen ap Rice, he proceeded towards
+the up-rising of the sun, visiting many of the courts of the first
+monarchs of Europe, attending many tournaments, engaging in many
+desperate battles, and performing innumerable heroic deeds; which his
+faithful Squire took very great care to recount, nor did he allow his
+histories to lose anything in the telling.  Wonderful indeed were the
+numbers of foes his master's sword had slain; huge were the giants he
+had overthrown; savage were the wild beasts he had slaughtered; terrific
+were the monsters he had put to flight; powerful were the magicians
+whose guiles he had circumvented; and horrible were the spirits, and
+ghosts, and goblins amid whom he had fought his onward way; indeed few
+could hear the faithful Owen recount his master's deeds, and eke his
+own, without being impressed with the belief that more heroic Knight did
+not exist, nor more brave and trusty Squire.
+
+Thus they journeyed on till Europe was left behind; and entering the
+ancient continent of Asia, they arrived at the court of the far-famed
+Emperor of Tartary.  Here Saint David's fame had preceded him, and they
+were received with all that courtesy which to so valiant a Knight was
+due.
+
+On the day of their arrival a sumptuous entertainment was prepared, at
+which all the chief lords and nobles of the realm were present, when
+huge beakers of rosy wine were quaffed; nor could anyone compete with
+Saint David in the quantity of the generous liquor he imbibed.  For the
+following day a grand tournament was arranged, when it was expected that
+the noblest feats of arms ever beheld in the empire would be performed.
+
+From far and near came valiant knights from all the neighbouring
+provinces, habited in every conceivable style of richest armour; yet
+none surpassed Saint David in the sumptuousness of his plume and
+burgonet, the trappings of his steed, the richness of his scarf, the
+splendour of his shield and breastplate, or of his whole armour, which,
+from his lofty helm to his knightly spurs, shone with resplendent
+beauty.  Numerous champions entered the lists, and many desperate
+encounters took place.  At length Saint David rode in, followed by the
+faithful Owen carrying his spear.  The trumpets sounded, Saint David
+took his spear, and shaking it aloft prepared for the encounter.  A
+Knight, one of the chief nobles of Tartary, was his first opponent.  Of
+blue steel was his casque, and armour, and mighty shield, while a blue
+scarf floated from his shoulders.  Bravely the Tartar Knight bore
+himself, and bravely he withstood the terrible shock of Saint David's
+lance.  A second time the two Knights charged, when Saint David,
+mustering all his powers, struck the Tartar a blow so terrible that he
+sent him reeling from his saddle, and with a hollow groan he fell
+senseless on the ground; but time will not permit an account of each
+separate combat of that far-famed tournament.
+
+Six valiant Knights did Saint David meet, each of whom was vanquished by
+his arm.  At length, the only son and heir of the Emperor, seeing that
+no more worthy antagonist could be found, and willing to retrieve the
+disgrace he conceived his countrymen had received, entered the lists,
+and bravely challenged the Champion of Wales.  The heart of the gallant
+Saint David bounded at the thought of engaging in so noble a contest as
+that with the Emperor's son, and he declared himself ready to commence
+the course whenever it was the pleasure of the noble prince to meet his
+lance.
+
+"No time like the present, Sir Knight," replied the gallant Tartar, who
+was arrayed in armour of rare and curious workmanship, studded all over
+with gold and precious gems.
+
+"It were a pity to slay so brave a prince," thought Saint David; "yet
+for the honour of my country, than which no nobler exists, as also for
+my own, than whom no..."  (what Saint David thought need not be
+repeated).  "If he presses me it must be done."
+
+The trumpets sounded, the steeds sprang forward, the ground trembled
+beneath their feet, clouds of dust arose in the air; terrific was the
+shock, but both Knights kept their seats, though both were sorely
+pressed.  Again they charged, with a like result.  A third time they
+met, and Saint David felt that he was reeling in his saddle; but
+recovering himself by a mighty effort, he prepared for another and more
+desperate encounter.  Little wotted the proud son of the great Emperor
+of all the Tartars with what a doughty Champion he had to contend;
+little thought he of the gallant heroes that far-distant land of Cambria
+was able to produce.  Shaking his spear, he shouted loudly to Saint
+David to prepare himself for an overthrow.  The Welsh Knight only
+grasped his own spear the tighter in consequence, and pressed his knees
+the firmer against his charger's sides.
+
+"And the Prince expects that he is going to throw my master, does he?"
+observed the faithful Owen.  "Let him beware of Saint David; I may tell
+him he has borne down to the ground twelve as good men as he is, with
+one thrust of his lance, before now."
+
+The trumpets sounded, and the Tartar Prince and the Champion of Wales
+met in the middle of the lists.  Terrific was the encounter; the spear
+of the Tartar Prince was shivered into a thousand fragments; but the
+Welsh Knight, with true gallantry, let his fall by his side, and grasped
+his battle-axe, that they might light on equal terms.  Already, however,
+had the spear inflicted a desperate wound on the Prince's side; but his
+pride would not let him yield.  Now sparks of fire flew thickly around
+them from the extraordinary rapidity of their strokes, so that they
+appeared to be fighting in the midst of a furnace (so Owen the faithful
+Squire ever afterwards averred), till at length Saint David's axe
+descended with force so terrific on the helm of the Tartar Prince that
+he clove it in two, nor did the cruel weapon stop till it had pierced
+the brain of the hapless heir to the throne of the great Emperor of
+Tartary.
+
+When the spectators beheld what had occurred, loud cries of grief,
+anger, and dismay rent the air; the great Emperor and all his courtiers,
+from the highest to the lowest, crying louder than anyone else.  The
+lists were immediately broken up, and the Emperor, ordering the Welsh
+Knight to be brought before him, retired into his palace.  The obsequies
+of that precious jewel of Tartary, now dimmed by death, being concluded,
+the Emperor, having ceased his woeful lamentations and sad sighs, thus
+addressed the Welsh Champion:--
+
+"Know that there dwells on the borders of Tartary a mighty Magician,
+Ormandine by name who holds an enchanted castle and garden, within the
+magic walls of which whoever enters never again returns.  Now truly,
+although thou deservest death for what thou hast done, yet if thou wilt
+adventure into the Magician's domains, and bring hither his head, I
+grant thee not only life, but therewithal the crown of Tartary after my
+death."
+
+This strange adventure highly pleased the noble Champion of Wales, and
+he expressed himself ready forthwith to depart about it.  On which the
+Emperor bound him by his oath of knighthood, and by the love he bore his
+native country, never to follow any other adventure till he had
+performed the promise he now had given.
+
+In three days he and the faithful Owen, having made all preparation,
+were ready to set out.
+
+Travelling eastward for many a weary day, though conversing pleasantly
+to beguile the way, they at length reached the confines of a dreadful
+forest, the trees twisting and twining in every direction, and briars
+and creepers of all sorts, with long thorns and hooks, hanging from all
+the branches.  Mysterious flames seemed to be bursting forth, wavering
+and flickering in the dark recesses of the forest, while amid the boughs
+flew birds of evil omen, night-owls, and ravens, and bats, and other
+winged things of hideous form, with harsh and croaking voices.  Within
+this forest, so Saint David had learned, stood the castle of the
+Magician Ormandine.
+
+"My faithful Owen," he exclaimed, "by my honour and my oath of
+knighthood, I am bound to enter and to traverse this strange and woeful
+wood; but do you wait my return without, and if I never do return, go to
+my kinsmen, in our native land, and tell them all about my sad and
+melancholy end."
+
+The faithful Owen, on hearing these words, burst into tears, and
+replied: "My long-loved honoured Master, if there were ten thousand
+forests, and if in each thrice ten thousand ill-doing necromancers
+lived, and if through each you had to fight your way, I would remain
+steadfast by your side, and fight as long as arm, and hand, and sword
+could do their work."
+
+"Then onward into this dreadful forest, my faithful Owen, let us go!"
+exclaimed Saint David, drawing his sword, and beginning to hew away at
+the creepers and briars which impeded their progress.  In this labour he
+was ably seconded by the faithful Owen; and thus, by slow degrees, they
+worked their onward way.  As they proceeded, the shouts and shrieks
+increased, the sky overhead was filled with lurid meteors, and hideous
+and ill-omened birds flew thickly around their heads, screeching their
+terrific notes into the ears of the adventurous strangers.
+
+"Few things worth having can be obtained without difficulty and
+perseverance," exclaimed Saint David, as he went on cutting and cutting
+away at the creepers.  "As to all the hooting, and the screeching, and
+crying which assail our ears, it cannot hurt us if we take no heed to
+it.  Few noble enterprises have ever been undertaken without numbers of
+people, like those hideous night-owls, endeavouring to hoot them down."
+
+Thus manfully cutting and hewing away, they at length came in sight of
+the dark and frowning, damp, and moss-overgrown walls of an ancient
+castle.  Near it was a huge rock, still more damp and moss-covered than
+the castle-walls.  In this rock, by magic art, was enclosed a sword, the
+hilt being the only part which could be seen.  It was of steel work,
+engraven curiously, and set with jaspers, sapphires, and other precious
+gems.  Around the pommel was engraven, in golden letters, the following
+words:--
+
+  "By magic spells remain most firmly bound,
+  The world's strange wonder unknown by anyone,
+  Till that a knight within the north be found
+  To pull the sword from out this rock of stone:
+  Then end my charms, my magic arts and all,
+  By whose strong hand sage Ormandine must fall."
+
+"A northern knight!--that must mean me," exclaimed Saint David.
+"Undoubtedly, I am destined to pull the magic sword from out of that
+rock.  See how I'll do it!"  On this, dismounting from his steed, he
+grasped hold of the hilt, and began to pull and pull away right
+manfully; but in vain he pulled, and tugged, and hauled; not a hundredth
+part of an inch had he drawn forth of the sword, but, still persevering,
+he would not let go.  At length, the faithful Owen entreated that he
+might be allowed to come and help.  Then Knight and Squire tugged and
+tugged away, but still the sword would not move.  Next, putting both
+their hands to the huge hilt, and their feet against the rock, they
+bethought them most surely that they would move it.  Scarcely, however,
+had they in that guise begun to pull, than there arose around them
+fearful shouts of mocking laughter, and, the gates of the castle opening
+wide, twelve hideous dwarfs, with faces black as coal, and bodies
+horribly deformed, issued forth, and bearing in their hands some iron
+chains, which clanged as they moved, approached, with grinning mouths
+and threatening gestures, the Knight and his Squire.
+
+Saint David and the faithful Owen would fain have let go the richly
+gemmed hilt of the magic sword, but when they strove to do so they found
+their hands clinched firmly to it.  Now they struggled as much to free
+their hands as before they had to draw out the sword.  But in vain was
+all their tugging and struggling.
+
+The dwarfs stood round awhile to enjoy their dismay, and then throwing
+the iron chains around them, they bound them in fetters which no earthly
+power could undo, and carried them away, helpless as infants in their
+nurses' arms, to the magic castle.  There, in the centre of an iron hall
+of vast dimensions and sombre hue--the only light emitted from a lurid
+torch burning at the further end--on iron beds, of which a countless
+number appeared ranged around, lay writhing the victims which the fell
+Magician's cruelty had left bound.  There, for many years, till the full
+term of seven was accomplished, we, too, will leave them, daily visited
+by the Enchanter Ormandine, who came to mock at, and gloat over their
+misery.
+
+"Ah! ah!" he exclaimed, with a voice croaking like ten thousand frogs,
+and loud as thunder, "you came to cut off my head, and carry the gory
+trophy to the Emperor; but now you find, my friends, you've caught a
+Tartar."
+
+Notwithstanding, however, this conduct of the Enchanter, his chief
+captive was not so miserable as he supposed.  A kind fairy all the time
+watched over him; and as Saint David lay on his couch she sent four of
+her attendant spirits, in the form of damsels, of no mean beauty, who
+tended him with the gentlest care, and brought him fruits and other
+luxuries, which they offered whenever he awoke, and then sang him to
+sleep again with their sweet voices, so that his time passed far more
+agreeably than would certainly otherwise have been the case, or the
+Enchanter had any idea of.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVEN.
+
+THE RELEASE OF SAINT GEORGE.
+
+Seven times had frosty-bearded winter covered the ground with snow, and
+behung the trees with crystal icicles, since the Champion Saint George,
+and the faithful De Fistycuff, lay groaning in their far-off dungeon in
+Egypt, for having ventured to assert that crocodiles, and apes, and
+snakes, were not fit objects of reverence.
+
+One day, as by chance the Knight was wringing his hands, in despair of
+ever getting free, he chanced to rub in a peculiar manner the magic ring
+which the Fairy Sabrina had given him.  A bright light was forthwith
+emitted from it, which increased and increased till it filled the
+chamber, and from the midst of it appeared the Fairy herself, in her
+chariot drawn by ten peacocks.
+
+"Gallant Knight, why did you not summon me before?" she asked, in her
+sweet voice; and Saint George had to confess, with shame, that he had
+forgotten all about the power of the magic ring.
+
+"I cannot free you from this prison by magic power; but I will give you
+tools with which you may free yourselves, and then you will set more
+value on your liberty than if you had gained it without toil.  I never
+afford aid to any who are not ready to labour for themselves."
+
+The Fairy having thus spoken, supplied the Knight and his Squire with
+hammers, chisels, spades, mattocks, and crowbars.
+
+"Your steeds and weapons you will find ready outside the gates," added
+the Fairy.  "When once more prepared for battle, go forth, and conquer."
+
+The Knight and De Fistycuff felt their strength and spirits wonderfully
+improved at these words, and already they fancied themselves scouring
+over the plain in pursuit of a thousand flying foes.
+
+"But is there no gallant achievement, no heroic deed, which you would
+desire me to perform, as a mark of my gratitude?" asked Saint George,
+after he had duly thanked the Fairy for the aid she had wrought him.
+
+"Well spoken," answered the Fairy; "yes, there languishes, even now, a
+brother knight, one for whose country I have a fond regard, Saint David,
+of Wales, in the gloomy castle of the Magician Ormandine, on the borders
+of Tartary.  Go and free him.  From trusting entirely to his own
+strength, and not seeking rightly for all other aids, he failed in what
+he undertook to accomplish.  A magic sword, by which alone the Magician
+can be conquered, is held in a rock near his castle.  No human strength
+can pull it out; but take this flask of oil, pour it into the rock, and,
+waiting patiently, you will find the sword easily come forth."
+
+The Knight promised to obey the Fairy's directions; and she having
+disappeared, he and De Fistycuff set to work so manfully, although not
+accustomed to handle such tools, that in a few days they hewed
+themselves a subterranean passage beneath the walls of the city.
+Through iron plates, and thick walls, and granite rocks, and mud, and
+sand, they worked, the last, like slippery people, giving them the
+greatest difficulty to deal with.  At length the sky appeared; and
+there, at the mouth of the cave out of which they emerged, stood their
+steeds, held by two dwarfs of ugly aspect, who presented them with their
+spears, and swords, and other weapons.
+
+No sooner were they mounted, and Saint George was about, to reward the
+dwarfs, than he found that they had disappeared.
+
+Accordingly, they set off, as fast as Bayard and the Squire's steed
+could carry them, along the neck of land which joins Africa to Asia, and
+then galloped rapidly northward.  In wonderful condition were the
+horses, while the pure, fresh air their riders breathed, after their
+long imprisonment, added fresh vigour to their limbs, and courage to
+their hearts.
+
+Many adventures, which cannot here be recorded, were met with; and at
+length they reached the magic forest which surrounded the castle of the
+fell Enchanter.  They witnessed the same terrific sights, and heard the
+same sounds as did Saint David and the faithful Owen; but, equally
+dauntless, they clove their onward way through brake and briar, in spite
+of the hissing of serpents and hooting of owls, groans and shrieks, and
+other similar sounds, to which they were pretty well accustomed by this
+time, till they reached the Magician's castle.
+
+There, in the rock, they beheld the hilt of the magic sword.  De
+Fistycuff was about to seize hold of it at once; but Saint George warned
+him to desist till he wisely had obeyed the Fairy's directions, and
+poured the oil upon the rock.
+
+Slowly it trickled down through many a crevice, when the Knight, waiting
+patiently for the oil to take effect, grasped the sword with his left
+hand, while he kept his own falchion ready to use in the right.
+
+"Who knows but the Magician may come forth to attack me before I have
+freed the sword?" he observed to his Squire.  Gradually, but surely, the
+sword yielded to his unwearied and long-sustained efforts.  While still
+drawing it forth, a terrific uproar was heard within the castle; the
+ground shook, trembled violently, rocking to and fro, and flames darted
+forth from the rock; but the Knight held fast the weapon.
+
+Suddenly the brazen gates of the castle burst open, and there issued
+forth the Necromancer Ormandine, arrayed in all the terrors with which
+he could clothe himself.  His helmet had a fiery plume, hissing snakes
+were writhing about his casque and shoulders, his armour seemed of
+red-hot metal.  A hooting owl of hideous aspect sat on his shoulder,
+while he brandished an iron club covered with spikes, like his armour,
+red-hot.  He made directly at Saint George; but Ascalon was in the
+Knight's grasp, and wielding it, as he well knew how, he kept the
+Magician at bay, while he tugged more vehemently than ever at the magic
+sword.
+
+With a clap louder than that of any thunder, it came at length forth
+from the rock, and taking it in his right hand he with it furiously
+assailed the Magician, who no sooner felt its keen edge than his club
+fell from his nerveless grasp, the owl flew hooting away, the serpents
+crawled hissing off, and the once-powerful Magician fell humbly on his
+knees and craved for mercy.
+
+Saint George, telling De Fistycuff to guard him, entered the castle,
+where, on iron beds, he found, bound with chains, his friend and comrade
+Saint David, and the faithful Owen, groaning, and sighing, and mourning
+their hard fate.  Cutting the chains, with as much ease as if they had
+been cords of silk, with the magic sword, he set them, to their great
+joy, on their legs, when, with a profusion of words, they poured out
+their expressions of gratitude.
+
+Saint David then told Saint George of his vow to the Emperor of Tartary;
+when the English Knight informed him that the Enchanter was in his
+power, but that he was unwilling to take his life.
+
+"But, behold the signs of his cruelty!" said Saint David, pointing out
+to Saint George the other nine hundred and ninety-eight iron beds in the
+hall.  "There lie bound many other noble knights and squires who for
+many long years have been prevented from engaging in any deeds of
+heroism.  Think how many victories they might have won; how many captive
+knights released; how many forlorn maidens rescued from durance vile;
+how many other noble deeds they might have done!"
+
+This speech so completely changed Saint George's view of things, that he
+told Saint David he would hand over the Magician to him.  Then the
+Champion of Wales went forth from the castle, and with one blow of his
+sword cut off Ormandine's hideous head, and sticking it on a pole, which
+he delivered to the faithful Owen to carry, informed his brother
+Champion that he was ready forthwith to depart for the court of the
+Emperor of Tartary.
+
+The other nine hundred and ninety-eight gallant knights and squires,
+released by the courage and wisdom of Saint George, having expressed a
+strong desire to follow his fortunes, he undertook to lead them round
+the world in search of adventures worthy of their prowess.  Saint David,
+also, promised, when he had fulfilled his vow to the Emperor of Tartary,
+to search him out and aid him.
+
+Often had the noble Champion of England thought of the lovely Sabra, but
+knew not where she was.  At length, with his army of valiant knights and
+trusty squires, having reached the kingdom of Bagabornabou, he, on
+inquiring for her, heard, with dismay, that she had been carried off a
+prisoner by Almidor, the black King of Morocco, and had ever since been
+pining in a dungeon.
+
+Calling his knights around him, he told them of the occurrence, and with
+loud shouts, waving on high their swords, they promised to accompany him
+to rescue her, or to die in the attempt.  Setting off forthwith, they
+reached the dominions of the black King; when Saint George, disguising
+himself as a humble palmer, entered the city, followed by De Fistycuff,
+in the same habit, to ascertain in what vile dungeon the lovely Sabra
+was shut up.
+
+In vain he wandered up and down, whispering her name, and inquiring of
+all he met, till, at length, he saw a beautiful white dove fly upward
+from a hole in the ground beneath the massive wall of a huge castle.
+Catching the dove, he wrote on a slip of parchment, which he placed
+under its wing, "Saint George of England has come to Sabra's rescue.
+Tell me if you are here!"
+
+Soon the dove, having entered the hole, returned to the Knight, when he
+discovered, under its wing, on the same parchment: "I, the hapless
+Sabra, am here; oh, free me, and receive a maiden's grateful love!"
+Instantly returning to his knights, and throwing off his palmer
+garments, Saint George led them to the assault.
+
+On every side the castle-walls were stormed.  Some climbed up ladders,
+some over each other's backs, with such desperate valour, that the
+Moorish soldiers gave way on every side; till Almidor, hearing the
+turmoil and loud shouts of war, rushed to the battlements.  Then ensued
+a fight most desperate between the noble Champion of England and the
+black King, in which the latter would most assuredly have been slain had
+he not, like a recreant, turned his back and fled, among his followers,
+through a postern gate, which, happily for him, stood open,--proudly
+asserting that he would return and fight another day.
+
+Having thus victoriously taken possession of the Moorish castle, Saint
+George and all his knights and squires burst open all the doors and
+gates, and explored all the passages they could find, till they arrived
+at a gloomy vault.  Within it was a little door.  Saint George thundered
+at it with his battle-axe.  It burst open; and there he beheld his
+lovely and beloved Sabra, her beauty dimmed, but not extinguished, by
+her long imprisonment.
+
+Saint George and his knights having taken possession of the Moorish
+capital, he held a grand banquet in honour of the occasion, when a
+herald announced, in due form, that the British Champion was about to
+wed the lovely African Princess.  Thrice was the announcement made; and
+no one objecting, the fair Sabra, after all her misfortune, became, as
+her reward, the bride of the noblest Knight Europe, or the world, has
+ever known.
+
+So enchanted were the Moors with the valour and courtesy of Saint
+George, that their chiefs, lords, and nobles, and the councillors of
+state, came in humble guise and proffered him the crown of their
+country; but he declared, with many expressions suitable to the
+occasion, that he had not yet won that renown for which his soul panted,
+and must decline the honour.
+
+Having dismissed the nine hundred and ninety-eight knights and squires,
+whom he had rescued from the castle of Ormandine, with warm thanks for
+the assistance they had rendered him, and sincere wishes for their
+welfare, they all departed to their separate countries and homes, and
+such as were married to their wives and children, who had long been
+mourning their absence, and in most cases, though not in all, wishing
+for their return; Saint George and his beautiful bride, the enchanting
+Sabra, set out on their travels, through many unknown and strange lands,
+attended by the faithful De Fistycuff, whose wife would much rather that
+he had gone back to look after her and their children in England.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELVE.
+
+THE TOURNAMENT AT CONSTANTINOPLE.
+
+Now it happened that the great Emperor of the East held a grand
+tournament at Constantinople, to which all the knights and nobles of
+Christendom were invited, to do honour to his nuptials with a princess
+he was about to wed.  Thither came the Seven Champions, not knowing each
+other after their long separation, but each believing the others in some
+distant quarter of the globe.  The Emperor had, however, pitched seven
+tents of seven different colours, wherein the Seven Champions might
+remain till the sound of the silver trumpets summoned them to appear.
+Seven days the tournament was to last, and each day a different Knight
+was to be Champion of the field.
+
+The first day, Saint Denis of France, under the title of the Golden
+Knight, was the Champion.  His tent was of the colour of the celandine,
+and on the summit flamed a sun of wondrous brilliancy.
+
+His horse, an iron grey, was graced with a plume of gold-bespangled
+feathers.  Before him rode the faithful Le Crapeau, bearing his banner,
+on which was designed the golden _fleur-de-lys_.  Numberless were the
+foreign knights with whom he tilted, every one of whom he overthrew.
+
+Next day, Saint James of Spain, habited in silver armour, rode forth as
+the Champion; his Squire, the faithful Pedrillo, bearing aloft four
+banners, on each of which were inscribed his names and titles, and those
+of his ancestors, so that not a spot of silk remained uncovered.  Well
+he behaved himself, to the admiration of all beholders.
+
+Clad in blue steel, and called the Azure Knight, on the third day, Saint
+Anthony of Italy rode forth as the chief Champion, attended by the
+faithful Niccolo, bearing his standard, an eagle on a field of blue.
+Above his tent was a smaller pavilion in the shape of a watch-tower, in
+which was seated, as spectatress of the fights, the Georgian Princess,
+the strong-minded Rosalinde, who had, by praiseworthy perseverance, and
+allowing no trifles to stand in her way, completely won the heart of
+Saint Anthony, and had become his bride.  Well, also, did he, the
+Italian Champion, acquit himself, and many valiant knights were by his
+spear unhorsed.
+
+On the fourth day, Saint Andrew of Scotland was the chief Challenger for
+the tournament.  His tent was framed in the manner of a ship swimming on
+the waves of the sea, environed about with dolphins, tritons, and many
+strangely-contrived mermaids; on the top stood a figure of Neptune, the
+god of the sea, bearing in his hand a streamer, whereon, in one corner,
+was wrought a cross in crimson silk.  He was called the Red Knight, for
+a blood-red cloth completely covered his charger.  His worthy
+achievements obtained such favour in the Emperor's eyes, that he threw
+him his silver gauntlet, which was prized at a thousand portagues, and
+the which Murdoch McAlpine, lifting it from the ground, bore with no
+little satisfaction to his master's tent; where the Champion also
+retired, and after his noble encounters enjoyed a sweet repose.
+
+The fifth day, Saint Patrick of Ireland, as chief Champion, entered the
+lists, mounted on an Irish hobby, covered with a green veil.  He was
+attended by the faithful Terence O'Grady, in sylvan habit, bearing on
+his shoulder a blooming tree, his motto, _virtus semper viret_.  His
+tent resembled a summer bower, formed chiefly of the shamrock, and
+beautified with wreaths of roses.  He was named the Green Knight; but he
+was green only in name, for no Knight proved himself more accomplished,
+or performed nobler deeds.
+
+Upon the sixth day, the famed Champion of Wales entered the lists,
+mounted on a Tartar steed, which was covered with a black cloth, to
+signify, as Owen ap Rice made known, that a black and tragical day was
+this for all Knights of every nation who durst approve his fortitude.
+On his shield was portrayed a silver griffin rampant, and upon a golden
+helmet, the ancient arms of Britain.  His tent was in the form of a
+castle, the battlements guarded by numerous sturdy men-at-arms.  His
+princely achievements not only obtained due commendations at the
+Emperor's hands, but all the fair and high-born dames present (so the
+faithful Owen ever afterwards averred) applauded him as the most noble
+Knight that ever shivered lance, and the most fortunate Champion that
+ever appeared at the Court of the Eastern Emperor.
+
+Upon the seventh and last day, Saint George of England entered the lists
+as chief Challenger, mounted on a sable-coloured steed, betrapped with
+bars of burnished gold, and whose forehead was beautiful with a gorgeous
+plume of purple feathers, from whence hung many pendants of gold.  The
+Knight's armour was of the purest steel inlaid with silver; his helmet
+was richly adorned with pearls and many precious stones; and on his
+banner, borne before him by the faithful De Fistycuff, was pictured, on
+a blood-red field, a lion rampant, bearing three crowns upon his head.
+His tent, white as the feathers of the swan, was supported by figures of
+four elephants of purest brass.  Before it stood an ivory chariot,
+guarded by twelve coal-black negroes, and in it sat his lovely bride,
+the Princess Sabra, spectatress of the tournament.  All eyes turned
+towards the English Champion, to gaze and admire.  His steed bore him
+right nobly, and never gave encounter to any knight but both man and
+horse were speedily hurled helpless to the ground.  That day the
+tournament lasted from the sun's up-rising till the evening star
+appeared, during which time he conquered five hundred of the hardiest
+knights of Asia, and shivered a thousand lances, to the admiration of
+all beholders.
+
+The tournament being over, the Emperor sent to Saint George's tent a
+golden tree with seven branches, to be divided equally among the seven
+foreign Champions.  There they all assembled; and what was their
+astonishment, when they removed their casques, to discover that they
+were the long parted and ancient comrades!  Warmly they grasped each
+other's hands, and talked and laughed right pleasantly.  High revelry,
+also, did they hold that evening in Saint George's tent, and told each
+other of their adventures, exploits, and achievements.  Jovially they
+quaffed full golden beakers of rosy in wine, and many a jovial song they
+sang, and many a tale they told.  All inquired who the lady could be who
+had been seen on the summit of Saint Anthony's tent; when he confessed
+that the strong-minded Princess Rosalinde of Georgia had won his heart
+and hand.
+
+"She, then, is sister of the six lovely Princesses I had the happiness
+of being instrumental in turning from swans into young ladies.  Your
+bride will be glad to hear that they appeared none the worse for their
+transformation!" exclaimed Saint Andrew.
+
+"Ah! you do not know, then, what happened after you left the country, my
+cousin of Scotland!" cried Saint Patrick.  "Ha! ha! ha!  They all set
+off to follow you, unknown to their father.  I met them in a wood with
+their six maidens, wandering alone, and had the satisfaction of rescuing
+them from the power of some unpleasant enemies, among whom they had
+fallen.  I thought they would have found you out before now."
+
+"No, indeed, I have escaped them hitherto," answered Saint Andrew,
+rubbing his hands.  "One of them might have persuaded me to marry her,
+and that would not at all have suited me.  I intend to remain a bachelor
+for many a year to come."
+
+"I wonder you did not offer to marry one of them, at least, my brave
+Irish friend," observed Saint Anthony; "it would have been but in
+accordance with the acknowledged gallantry of your countrymen.  I, too,
+should have been glad to have hailed you as a brother-in-law."
+
+"Faith! so I would have married one or all of them, if it hadn't been
+from the difficulty of making a selection, and hurting the feelings of
+the rest; for a more amiable collection of young ladies I never set eyes
+on; so I gave them a little chariot I had got, drawn by a few alligators
+and hippopotami, and advised them to go quietly back to their father's
+court, instead of gadding about the world as they were then doing.
+Whether or not they took my advice I cannot say, for when they went
+north I turned my horse's head, and, with my faithful Squire, rode away
+south."
+
+Many other similar adventures to these were told by the old comrades, of
+which there is no space to tell.
+
+But if the Knights were merry, much more so were their Squires.
+Joyfully they discovered each other, and agreed to meet together in the
+tent of the faithful De Fistycuff.  Right jovial was the meeting, and
+huge the amount of the viands they consumed, and innumerable the beakers
+of Samian and Falernian wine they quaffed.  Merry the stories they told
+of their numberless adventures, and facetious the songs they sang.  Each
+Squire boasted loudly of the deeds of his master, and of the country to
+which he belonged; but no one boasted louder than did the faithful Owen
+ap Rice, of Saint David especially, and of his own loved country, Wales.
+Terence O'Grady was not much behind him in that respect; while Murdoch
+McAlpine declared that Saint Andrew was one of the best of masters, and
+that if Scotland was not the finest and the largest country in the
+world, it was, at all events, the one he loved the best, just because it
+was Scotland and his native land.
+
+"Your hand, old comrade," exclaimed De Fistycuff, springing up, "that's
+the very reason why I like Merrie England.  She has her faults, I'll
+allow; but though I've wandered nearly all the world around, there's no
+country in my mind to be compared to her, and with all her faults I love
+her still."
+
+"Bah!" exclaimed Le Crapeau, "she is not equal to _la belle_ France, at
+all events."
+
+"Inferior to Italy, without doubt.  Look, what noble people the ancient
+Romans were!" observed Niccolo, swallowing a handful of macaroni.
+
+"The idea of comparing a little island to a magnificent territory like
+Spain!" cried Pedrillo.  "Why, we were civilised, and a province of
+Rome, while the British were painted barbarians, unknown to all the rest
+of the world."
+
+Thus they disputed, but all in good humour, and many a joke was bartered
+on the subject.  All things terrestrial must come to an end, and so did,
+at length, the Knights' banquet and the Squires' jovial supper.
+
+The next day, scarcely had the Champions arisen from their downy
+couches, whereon they had rested their weary limbs, after the fatigues
+of the numberless combats in which they had been engaged, when it was
+announced that six foreign Princesses, of great beauty, had arrived in
+the capital, and had been witnesses of the tournament, in disguise.
+Some said they had come in one way, some in another; and among other
+descriptions of the mode in which they travelled, it was asserted that
+they came in a chariot, drawn by twelve tame alligators and as many
+hippopotami.
+
+"The Georgian Princesses, a crown against a baubee!" exclaimed Saint
+Andrew, starting up from his couch.  "Murdoch, go and find out, with all
+speed, and if it is the case, get ready our steeds and baggage without
+delay, or one of these strong-minded young ladies will be insisting on
+accompanying me to my ancestral halls in bonnie Scotland."
+
+"They've run their game to earth; there's no doubt about it," cried
+Saint Patrick, who had been fond of sporting in his youth, when he heard
+the news.  "They deserve our brushes for their pains; and one thing must
+be said in their favour, that they are very pretty young women, and not
+at all afflicted with the ordinary prejudices and bashfulness which
+stands in the way of so many young ladies in finding themselves
+comfortable establishments.  What say you, Terence?  Don't you think
+that I might go further and fare worse?"
+
+"Ah! faith! noble Master, that you might, unless, mark me, you get back
+to old Ireland; and there it isn't much difficulty I'd have in finding
+many a score of sweet creatures, to whom, it's my belief, these Georgian
+Princesses couldn't hold a candle."
+
+The mention of his fair countrywomen (of whom Saint Patrick was a warm
+admirer, and who is not who knows them?) artfully thrown in by his
+Squire, turned the Knight from the intention he began to entertain of
+making one of the Princesses his bride.
+
+When the Seven Champions met at breakfast, they talked the matter over
+with due gravity.  They recollected that there were six ladies and only
+five bachelor knights, two only being benedicts.
+
+"But suppose we five were to marry five of the Princesses, one still
+would be like puss in the corner--she must be left out," observed Saint
+Andrew, who was evidently the least inclined of any of the party to wed,
+and had arranged to start away directly after breakfast.
+
+"Oh! one must become a nun," observed Saint Patrick.  "It's a mighty
+pleasant sort of life to those who don't like work, and are fond of
+being utterly useless."
+
+Scarcely was the breakfast over than the Champions were summoned into
+the presence of the Emperor; and there, seated around him, were the six
+Princesses of Georgia, radiant in beauty, and looking bewitching and
+killing in the extreme.
+
+"Fair ladies, and right noble strong-minded Princesses, here are the
+Seven Champions of Christendom.  It has come to our imperial knowledge
+that you have left the Court of my brother of Georgia, your royal
+father, for the purpose of wedding one, if not more, of these right
+valorous Champions, for in that matter there seems to be some little
+difficulty.  Make your choice, therefore, most strong-minded Princesses;
+whom will you wed?  For, from the observations I have made of these
+Knights' gallantry, I can pledge my imperial word that they will not
+refuse your moderate and modest requests."
+
+Now, the six Princesses, on hearing these words, looked unutterable
+things, and a roseate hue rushed into their lily-like cheeks; but their
+eyes did not wander up and down the hall among the Knights, for, with a
+constancy worthy of all admiration and imitation, they fixed them on
+Saint Andrew.
+
+"He is the Knight who changed us from swans into maidens, he is the
+Knight, for love of whom we left our father's home, and in search of
+whom we wandered, all forlorn, the world up and down, and with him alone
+do any of us wish to wed."
+
+"Well spoken, fair Princesses," observed the Emperor.  "That much
+circumscribes the question, and decreases the difficulty.  Which of you
+desires to wed with the gallant Christian Knight?  For, remember, that
+only one wife can he have, whatever may be the custom in Asia."
+
+Saint Andrew, who had never feared mortal foe or foes, giants, wild
+beasts, or evil spirits, began at these words to tremble in his shoes,
+and to regret that he had not recommenced his travels by daybreak.
+
+The strong-minded Princesses all sat looking at him.
+
+"I'm the one to marry him," cried the eldest.
+
+The Champion's heart began to sink within him.
+
+"I'm the one to marry him," cried the second.
+
+"But I'm the one to marry him," cried the third.
+
+"But I say that I'm the one to marry him," cried the fourth.
+
+"But I declare that I'm the one to marry him," cried the fifth.
+
+"You are all wrong!" exclaimed the sixth.  "From the very first I am
+sure that it was understood clearly that I was to be his wife."
+
+"Stay, sweet Princesses," observed the Emperor, calmly, "I see clearly
+that there has been some slight misunderstanding among you about this
+matter, and I am sure Saint Andrew is too gallant a Knight to desire to
+make any five of you unhappy, or jealous of the sixth.  I, therefore,
+purpose to send you all back, under a proper escort, to your father's
+court, and I hope that you will there speedily find six noble knights to
+lead you to the altar of Hymen."
+
+The six strong-minded Princesses made very long faces at the decision of
+the Emperor; but, as his decisions were always final, they could make no
+reply; though, when they once more turned their eyes towards the
+Scottish Knight, the spectators could not but remark that their
+expression was very much changed, and Saint Andrew evidently thought it
+wise to keep at a respectful distance from their fingers.
+
+"Certes, Master," whispered Murdoch to Saint Andrew, "you are, to my
+belief, very well out of it."
+
+"It's a mighty easy way of settling the matter," said Terence O'Grady,
+"but I wonder what the six serving maids are to do!"
+
+History reports, however, that they went back to Georgia, married six
+stalwart knights, and lived very happily afterwards, as did their six
+fair attendants, who, in like manner, married six faithful squires, who
+all in time became knights and great lords of the realm.
+
+After the tournament and all the festivities were over, the Seven
+Champions prepared to depart, each for his own country; but, ere they
+commenced their journey, news arrived that all the great Pagan Powers
+had banded together to overthrow the Christian Emperor of the East, who,
+therefore, sent to entreat all the aid they and their followers could
+afford.  With one accord they promised to raise an army, and to hurry
+back to his assistance.
+
+Saint George, leaving his youthful bride, the lovely Princess Sabra, in
+his castle near Coventry, soon levied a powerful army; and, setting
+sail, no longer as a knight-errant, but as a renowned general, he
+arrived with his forces on the coast of Portugal, where he was joined by
+the other six Champions, who each brought troops in proportion to the
+size of his country.  So enchanted were the Portuguese with Saint
+George, that, having no Champion of their own, they entreated him to
+become theirs, and have ever since retained him among their most
+honoured saints and heroes.  Here Saint George was chosen generalissimo
+of all the Christian forces, and, once more setting sail, he entered the
+Mediterranean.  Then, landing on the coast of Morocco, he bethought him
+of punishing Almidor, the black King of that country, who was about to
+join the Pagan armies.
+
+The Moors in vain endeavoured to prevent the landing of the Christian
+Champions.  The battle was hot and furious.  Almidor rushed to the van,
+where quickly he was singled out by Saint George.  Terrific was the
+combat, and never before was the Moorish Monarch so hotly pressed.
+
+Now he had prepared, in full expectation of victory, a vast cauldron of
+boiling metal, in which he purposed, with fell intent, to cast the
+Christian Champions and their followers; but when at length, unable any
+longer to withstand the far-famed sword of Saint George, he fled in
+despair, to cast himself headlong in, and his example being followed by
+his generals and chief officers, the furious battle was brought to a
+speedy end, and the Princess Sabra was well avenged for the cruelties
+the black Almidor had inflicted on her.
+
+Scarcely had this satisfactory event been brought about than Saint
+George received the unwelcome news that the Earl of Coventry was
+besieging his castle in England, for the purpose of carrying off the
+Lady Sabra, his bride, and now the mother of three blooming boys,--the
+wicked Earl having spread a report that the great Champion of England,
+whom no other foe could conquer, had yielded to the inevitable hand of
+death.
+
+The brave Knight hastened back with the speed of lightning, when sad was
+the sight which met his eyes.  His castle was burnt to the ground, and
+his lady had been carried off by the wicked Earl, and, as she had
+refused all his offers of marriage, had been accused of witchcraft, and
+lay in prison, condemned to be burned alive.  What had become of his
+three blooming boys he could not tell.
+
+Putting spurs to his horse, the Knight and De Fistycuff galloped into
+Coventry.  There he met the Earl going out hunting; and there, in mortal
+combat, he laid him low.
+
+Scarcely had the Earl breathed his last, acknowledging with his dying
+breath the lady's innocence, than the Princess Sabra was led forth to
+execution.  Quickly her guards were put to flight, and mounting her on
+his horse, he bore her off to a neighbouring forest, where he might defy
+pursuit.
+
+There, as they wandered up and down, one day they espied three beauteous
+boys, sleeping on a bed of roses, beneath a shady bower.  The parents'
+hearts told them that the children were their own.  They flew towards
+them, when they saw, seated at the further end of the bower a beautiful
+lady.  Instantly Saint George knew her as the kind Fairy who so often
+before befriended him, and who had now saved his children from the
+burning castle.  Again and again he thanked the Fairy, who, smiling
+sweetly, vanished from his sight.
+
+Leaving his children under the care of those wise tutors, named
+Industry, Attention, and Teachableness, taking his wife, he once more
+set out to rejoin the army engaged in the war with the Pagans.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEEN.
+
+SAINT GEORGE KILLS THE ENCHANTER OSMOND.
+
+Saint George and his virtuous Lady, having arrived in Africa, were
+travelling to Egypt from the west, when they chanced to arrive at a
+magnificent country, inhabited only by Amazonians.
+
+Journeying along, great was their surprise to find every town and
+village desolate of people; the fields untilled; and fields overgrown
+with weeds: nor man, nor woman, nor child was to be seen.
+
+Scarcely food even from the berries in the woods could they procure to
+satisfy their hunger.
+
+In this extremity, after many days, they arrived before a rich
+pavilion--all of green and crimson, bordered with gold and azure--the
+hooks of ivory, the cords of silk, while at the top stood a golden
+eagle, and at each corner a green silver griffin shining in the sun.
+Beautiful as was the tent, still more lovely was the lady who stood
+before it--a maiden queen--crowned with an imperial diadem, and clothed
+in a robe of green, with the body formed of lace of gold, and her
+crimson kirtle bound with violet-coloured velvet, the wide sleeves being
+embroidered with flowers of gold and rich pearls.  Around her stood her
+maiden attendants in comely attire, with silver coronets on their heads,
+and silver bows in their hands, while at their backs hung quivers full
+of golden arrows.
+
+With courteous words the Queen invited the Knight and his Lady to enter
+her pavilion, when she told him that her country was sorely afflicted by
+the arts of a wicked magician, named Osmond, who had sought her love,
+and having been rejected had conceived the most deadly hatred against
+her.
+
+"He has built," she said, "a mighty tower on the borders of my realm,
+from which issues so deadly and dark a smoke that my people are driven
+from their homes, and the country remains desolate.  He has left the
+guarding of the castle to a terrible giant, the ugliest monster eyes
+ever beheld.  He is thirty feet in height, his head three times the size
+of that of the largest ox, his eyes larger than two sunflowers, and his
+teeth, with which he can break a bar of iron, standing out a foot from
+his mouth; his arms long and bony, his skin black as coal and hard as
+brass, and his strength so great that he can carry away three knights in
+armour, and their steeds, with the greatest ease."
+
+"Now, by my halidom, but I will fetter this monster and break the
+enchantment, or never see this place again."  In vain the Princess Sabra
+entreated him not to undertake the adventure.
+
+Even the Amazonian Queen thought it beyond his power.
+
+At daybreak, accompanied by De Fistycuff, he set forth, leaving the side
+of his weeping wife, and assuring her that he would return in safety.
+As he and his Squire advanced into the enchanted district the light of
+day decreased; darker and darker it grew, till they could with
+difficulty grope their way before them, while dense clouds of smoke
+seemed to be rolling thicker and thicker over their heads.  Nothing
+could surpass the melancholy and depressing gloom of the air.
+
+At length, by a faint glimmer of lurid light, they beheld the gates of
+the enchanted tower, at which sat, on a block of rock, a huge giant in
+his iron coat, with a mace of steel in his hand.  At first sight of
+Saint George and his Squire, he beat his teeth so mightily together that
+they rang like the stroke of an anvil; and then he sprang up and rushed
+forward, thinking to take the Champion, horse and all, within his mouth,
+with the Squire under one arm, and to bear them into the tower.
+
+When, however, the giant opened his mouth, showing his teeth sharp as
+steel, Saint George thrust his trusty sword Ascalon so far down it, that
+the monster cried out loud as thunder in his pain and terror; the very
+earth trembled, his mouth smoked like a fiery furnace, and his eyes
+rolled in his head like brands of flaming fire: but the Champion pressed
+him harder and harder, the blood flowing in a great stream from his
+mouth, till he was forced to cry out for mercy, and to beg for life.
+This Saint George granted him, on condition that he would discover all
+the secrets of the tower, and ever after be his true servant.  Then the
+giant swore to speak the truth, and told him that the necromancer had
+made a huge fire in a deep vault whence all the smoke came forth, but
+that near the fire was a fair and pleasant fountain, the water of which,
+if any knight could cast it on the fire, the smoke would cease and the
+fire be put out.  This sufficed Saint George.
+
+Ordering the giant to keep the door, and leaving De Fistycuff to watch
+over him, he advanced into the tower, which was full of vast windows;
+and then he entered a long dark passage with a door at one end, set as
+thick with spikes of steel as are the prickles of a sea-urchin's skin;
+yet, dashing open the door, in spite of the clouds of smoke which rushed
+out, he descended in total darkness, thundering blows all the time
+raining down on his burgonet, which he guarded off with his shield, and
+voices from unseen spirits screeching in his ears, while the heat, great
+at first, increased so fiercely that he was almost melted, his armour
+becoming nearly red-hot.
+
+Just as he was about to faint he espied the crystal fountain, and
+quickly filling his shield from it, he cast the water on the fire.
+Backwards and forwards he went, till, to his joy, he saw the smoke
+ceasing and the blue sky appearing, when the light of the sun entering
+the dark passage, he saw on the stairs many great images of brass, with
+mighty maces of steel, which had struck him the heavy blows as he
+descended.
+
+The fire being quenched, and the enchantment being thus happily quashed,
+the country was restored to its former prosperous condition, while Saint
+George received warm thanks of the Amazonian Queen; and then, with the
+Princess Sabra by his side, and followed by De Fistycuff, and the huge
+Giant Orcus as he was called, he set off to join the Christian army in
+the south.  On their way, however, finding that they were not far from
+Bagabornabou, the native land of the lovely Sabra, they determined to
+journey thither.
+
+De Fistycuff, as a herald, went before to announce their arrival,
+whereon they were received right royally.  Such joyful sounds of bells,
+trumpets, cymbals, and drums, were scarce ever heard before in the
+kingdom; nor had such stately pageants ever been seen as those which
+welcomed them; the walls were hung with Indian coverlets and curious
+tapestry, and the pavement was strewed with odoriferous flowers of every
+lovely hue.
+
+This being over, the Princess Sabra was crowned Queen of the country,
+and for many days she and her noble lord reigned there in peace and
+prosperity, till the desire of martial glory summoned Saint George once
+more to buckle on his armour, and to join the Christian forces now
+marching towards Egypt.
+
+Time will not allow a full description of the bloody battle which took
+place between the Christians and the Pagans, or of the magic arts
+practised by the fell Enchanter Osmond, who strove with all his power to
+overthrow or circumvent the former; or how he raised an army of evil
+spirits from the earth, the air, and fire, and water; and besides a
+mighty tempest by which huge oaks were torn up by the roots, houses and
+temples were unroofed, and men and horses carried high up into the air,
+and let down again with terrific crashes.
+
+While the tempest was raging, they charged into the Christian host with
+flaming falchions, firing their horses' manes, burning their trappings,
+and consuming their banners; but undaunted they stood, headed by Saint
+George and the six other Champions, till the Pagan forces were compelled
+at length to give way, and to retire from the field.
+
+The acts of the Enchanter were not yet concluded, for he erected a magic
+tent, with arts so subtle, that the interior seemed like a large country
+full of gardens, fields, and orchards, and palaces.  There he caused six
+of his spirits to assume the guise of six lovely princesses, travelling
+the country round in search of six gallant knights who would break some
+lances in their services.  By artful guile the seeming royal ladies
+persuaded the six Champions to accompany them to their pavilion, where
+they announced that a right royal banquet was prepared to do them
+honour.
+
+The Champions departed, unsuspicious of ill; but day after day passed by
+and they did not return.  The troops, by degrees, began to complain that
+they were left without their leaders; when Saint George, inquiring into
+the matter, right wisely supposed that it might be some cunning device
+of the Enchanter Osmond.
+
+On inquiring of his slave, the Giant Orcus, he found that this was
+indeed too true, and that the Knights were kept in servile bonds in the
+magic pavilion.  Addressing his warriors, he told them of the discovery
+he had made, when, with loud shouts, they vowed to follow wherever he
+might lead.
+
+Thus trusting in the noble Champion, they neither feared the
+necromancer's charms, the flaming dragons, the fierce drakes, the
+flashing lurid lights, or the legions of hideous monsters armed with
+burning falchions, which surrounded them as they marched towards the
+enchanted pavilion.
+
+Far more dangerous were the sounds of sweet music which struck upon
+their ears, and the enchanting sights which their eyes beheld, as they
+surrounded the magic tent; but Saint George, recollecting the honour of
+his knighthood, let drive at the tent with his sword, so furiously, that
+he cut it into a thousand pieces; when there was exposed to view the
+fell Enchanter Osmond, sitting on a rock of iron, feeding hideous
+spirits, who obeyed his will, with drops of blood.
+
+The Champion and his soldiers rushed upon him so furiously that, seizing
+him unawares, they carried him off, and bound him with chains to the
+root of a blasted oak, whence neither his own art nor all the spirits he
+once commanded could release him.
+
+Saint George then set at liberty the six captive Knights, when the
+lovely princesses, turning into their proper shapes of six hideous
+spirits, flew off with loud shrieks and hisses through the air.
+
+The necromancer then shrieking forth that all his magic arts and devices
+had come to nought, tore out his eyes, bit his tongue in two, because
+that it had so often uttered curses, cut off his hands, which had held
+his silver wand, the cause of so much evil; and finally ended his
+existence by devouring his own inside, dying thus a warning to all
+magicians for future ages.
+
+This adventure being happily terminated, the Christian army advanced
+towards Egypt and Persia; nor did the Champions ever again sheathe their
+swords, or unlock their armour, till the subversion of those ancient
+Empires was accomplished.  This being done, they took truce of the
+world, and triumphantly marched towards Christendom; in which journey
+they erected many stately monuments in remembrance of their victories
+and heroical achievements; and through every country that they marched
+there flocked to them an innumerable company of Pagans, that desired to
+follow Saint George into Christendom, protesting that they wished to
+forsake their heathen gods, whose worshippers' chief delight is in the
+shedding of human blood and every cruelty.  To their requests Saint
+George at once condescended, not only in granting them their desires,
+but also in honouring them with the favour of his princely countenance.
+
+Once more did the gallant Champion return to England, with the faithful
+De Fistycuff, and this time he invited the other six Champions to
+accompany him.
+
+Pen would fail properly to describe the magnificent entertainments with
+which they were honoured, and the pleasant time they spent there, before
+they again set forward on their adventures.
+
+There, sad to relate, the Princess Sabra sickened and died, and with
+grief and anguish Saint George raised a magnificent tomb to her memory,
+and placed it above her grave.  Then, after embracing his three young
+sons, he once more set out on his travels.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTEEN.
+
+THE ADVENTURE OF THE THREE SONS OF SAINT GEORGE.
+
+Numberless were the strange adventures in which the gallant Champions of
+Christendom were engaged, and numberless the noble deeds they performed;
+of the greater number of which this history, by stern necessity, must be
+silent, and many of which can be but briefly described.
+
+For many years Saint George had travelled up and down the world, the
+faithful De Fistycuff by his side, nor had news of them been received in
+England.  His three noble sons had now grown to man's estate, and had
+received the honour of knighthood from their Sovereign.  When, as they
+were visiting one night their mother's tomb, her spirit, in the gentle
+form she wore on earth, rose from out of it before their enravished
+eyes, and counselled them, as they loved their honoured father's memory,
+to go and search him out, and bring him back in safety to his native
+land.  Thus having spoken, with a sweet smile, she vanished from their
+sight.
+
+Well furnished, they set off from England.  Scarcely had they travelled
+far through Normandy, than, as they were passing through a wood, a loud
+shriek assailed their ears.  Charging amid the trees, they beheld a
+lovely damsel in the hands of a dozen armed men; fierce pirates, from
+their dress and weapons, they appeared.  With the war-cry of their
+father's name, they rushed on the marauders, and, as none would yield,
+they slew them all, and then loosed the lady and her attendants, whom
+the pirates had bound to the surrounding trees.
+
+With grateful words and tears, which chased each other down her cheeks
+of lily white, she told them that she was the daughter of a Duke, whose
+castle was hard by.  Then the three young Knights were sumptuously
+entertained and pressed by the Duke to stay; but mindful of their duty,
+they speedily set forth again to search out their father.
+
+They journeyed on for many days, through countries where no houses or
+habitations were to be found; they rested, therefore, at night in the
+woods or on the open downs, having only the starry firmament for their
+canopy.  Thus sweetly reposing on their mother earth, they slept as
+soundly as if they had rested on beds of feathers, and had been
+surrounded with curtains of the purest Arabian silk.
+
+One night they had been sleeping securely, until such time as Aurora
+began to gild the firmament with her bright rays, and to usher in
+Phoebus's golden light, when suddenly a terrific noise, which seemed to
+arise from some deep abyss, and to be about to rend the rocks asunder,
+assailed their ears.
+
+Awaking, they leaped to their feet, and buckling on their armour, stood
+on their guard.  High time it was for them so to do; had they slept but
+another minute sad would have been their fate.  As they gazed around, to
+discover whence the noise could have proceeded, they saw coming towards
+them a most hideous monster, of excessive size and terrible shape.  His
+eyes were like burning saucers, so round and large were they; his mouth
+was like that of some huge bird of prey, and his front claws were like
+those of eagles, but infinitely larger and sharper; he had ears like a
+fox, with a scaly breast, and wings like a bird; but his body was
+shaggy, and his hinder feet were like those of a lion.
+
+Again and again he roared most terrifically, and as he moved along his
+head reached high up among the boughs of the tallest trees.  Their three
+horses, as he drew near, snorted and stamped on the earth, rearing up
+with terror, and almost broke from the ropes which secured them, for the
+young knights, disdaining to fly as they might have done, had kept on
+foot.  They felt, also, how perfectly and completely they could trust
+each other, and thus they stood, fearless of the coming danger.
+
+The monster, with loud cries, spreading out his wings, and lifting up
+his terrible talons, rushed towards them.  Side by side, at a little
+distance apart, they stood ready to receive him.  He ran at the centre
+one, who, stepping back a pace, made a furious cut at him with his
+sword, while the other two assailed him on either side.  Quick as hail
+fell their blows on his hard side, but, hard and tough as was his skin,
+their sharp swords soon found entrance, and the blood of the monster
+began to flow in torrents, rising quickly over their feet, for they
+fought in a valley from whence there was no means for it to escape;
+blood not being able of itself to run up hill in any way more easily
+than water, which cannot do it at all.  The young Knights thus saw that
+if they desired to escape drowning, they must finish the combat without
+further delay; the odour of the monster was excessively disagreeable to
+their olfactory nerves, being like the essence of ten thousand
+pole-cats, weasels, skunks, ferrets, and similar vermin.
+
+Now they plied their blows more furiously than ever, till at length Sir
+Guy, the eldest, plunged his weapon into the monster's scaly breast, and
+roars of pain and rage, louder than that which ten thousand elephants,
+lions, and donkeys united could make, were sent forth by the terrific
+brute, who threw himself headlong on the gallant knights; but they
+nimbly skipped out of the way; and, as his face lay submerged in his own
+blood, they again thrust their swords into his back and sides, while
+thousands of bubbles, floating up from the surface of the pool of Wood,
+showed that, at length, he had breathed out his hideous life.
+
+The Knights, having ascertained that he was dead, retired from the
+field; the neighbourhood of which soon became unbearable, from the
+horrid odour which proceeded from it.  Having thus washed away all the
+stains of the combat, in a neighbouring stream, for they were all three
+very nice young men, and hated to be more dirty than was necessary, they
+proceeded on their journey.
+
+Time will not allow me to dwell long on their subsequent adventures.
+
+As they journeyed on, faint and weary, and sadly wanting refreshment,
+they met a herald loudly proclaiming, on his brazen horn, the greatest
+rewards to whoever would slay the Monster Pongo, who was ravaging the
+country.
+
+They stopped him and told him that they had slain the monster.  On this,
+after they had shown him where the brute lay, the herald conducted them
+to the Court of the King, who received them with unbounded joy, and
+loaded them with honours.
+
+Now it had happened, that, while the Monster Pongo was ravaging the
+country, and the King and all his Court, and ministers, and generals,
+and his army were distracted and entirely beside themselves, a band of
+pirates, led by a noted chief, had landed on their shores, and carried
+off the fair and young daughter of the King, the Princess Urania.
+
+No sooner did the young Knights hear the tale, than they offered to go
+in search of her, as a work worthy of their arms.  In a stout vessel,
+rowed by sturdy men, they set forth.  Many tempests they met with, and
+much were they tossed about by the waves.  Little did they think at the
+time that their honoured sire and his six friends, the other Champions
+of Christendom, were likewise making a long voyage, and were the sport
+of the winds and waves; the only powers, indeed, which could make sport
+of such doughty Knights.  Weeks had passed away, and still they were
+ploughing the waves, and wishing that Britannia, when she was about it,
+had ruled them straighter, when they perceived, at a distance, several
+vessels.
+
+They made towards them.  A desperate combat was taking place, and fierce
+pirates, with burning torches in their hands, were endeavouring to set
+fire to the barks of their opponents.
+
+On the deck of one of them, yet at a little distance, who should they
+behold but two of the great Champions of Christendom, their honoured
+father, Saint George, and his dear friend, Saint Andrew, standing calm
+and undismayed, waiting the time for their vessel to approach near
+enough to take part in the combat.  As they guessed, rightly, the rest
+of the Champions lay on their couches below, overcome by the power of
+the sea, wishing themselves safe on dry land again, and caring very
+little whether they then and there went to the bottom.
+
+Instantly the three young Knights, urging on their bark, threw
+themselves on the pirates, whom, after a desperate combat, they
+compelled to surrender; many having leaped overboard, and others having
+been slain.  One of the pirate vessels was almost in a sinking state.  A
+cry proceeded from her hold; it was that of a female in distress.
+
+The young Knights rushed on board, when, ere the vessel sank, they drew
+forth a young and lovely damsel, and carried her in safety to their own
+bark.  A few words sufficed to tell them that she was no other than the
+Princess Urania, of whom they were in search.
+
+Saint George was highly delighted with the prowess of his sons, and he
+and his friends accompanied them to the Court of Urania's father, where
+they were all, as might have been expected, sumptuously entertained.
+
+From thence they again set forth in search of fresh adventures, which
+were no less wonderful than those I have already narrated, but which
+require a longer pen than mine to tell.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTEEN.
+
+THE DEATH OF SAINT PATRICK.
+
+Time, which spares not kings or princes, any more than other people, at
+length laid his heavy hand on the Seven Great Champions of Christendom,
+and eke on their once doughty Squires.  Hard knocks in battles and
+tournaments, voyages by sea, and travels by land, hard fare as well as
+gay revellings, fights with giants, monsters, wild beasts, and evil
+spirits, had done their work, unnerved their once iron arms, and turned
+their raven or auburn locks to grey; while from their chins, instead of
+full bushy beards, hung down long silvery streamers of white; and those
+lion voices, which once had been heard high above the din of battle, and
+had braved kings on their thrones and giants in their dens, were now
+changed to weak and trembling trebles, which could scarce be heard even
+above the summer breeze.
+
+First, of Saint Patrick I will tell.  Laying aside his lance, and trusty
+sword, and armour, which he committed to the care of his ancient
+follower and faithful squire, Terence O'Grady, (now the father of a fine
+family, and settled on his own estate in Ireland, which has been handed
+down to his descendants from generation to generation,) he assumed the
+humble palmer's guise, and resolved to wander up and down the world,
+not, as before, to perform feats of arms, but to collect all sorts of
+information which might be useful to his beloved native land, where he
+proposed ultimately to lay his bones.
+
+No longer was he accompanied by his faithful Terence, but solitary and
+alone did the aged Palmer go forth.  Great as he was, many sins had he
+to mourn, and much had he to be sorry for.
+
+Among the things he most regretted were the opportunities he had lost of
+doing good, and of gaining that knowledge which would have made him
+useful in his generation.  However, he thought that he would make amends
+for his early neglect; but even the great Saint had to learn that lost
+opportunities in the days of our youth and strength can seldom or never
+be recovered when years advance with rapid strides and lay a heavy hand
+upon us.  Thus, resting on his staff, with a scallop shell in front of
+his broad-brimmed hat, in russet coat and wallet at his back, the old
+hero set out once more on his adventurous journey.
+
+Many strange adventures even then befell him.  Often was he assailed by
+fierce temptations, but bravely he resisted them, as he had done his
+enemies of old.  The laws and institutions of foreign countries were the
+chief objects of his inquiries.  Nothing came amiss to him; he asked
+about everything he saw, and never seemed weary of gaining information.
+Even into cook-shops and kitchens he found his way; and some assert that
+the Irish from him learned how to cook potatoes properly, though I do
+not see exactly how that can be the case, seeing, as may be remembered,
+that potatoes came from America, and that America did not happen to be
+known in those days.  Perhaps he, however, may have been over there
+unknown to the rest of the world.  Others say that, at all events, he
+introduced the Irish-stew; but to that there seems also some little
+objection of the same character, as "praties" enter largely into its
+composition.
+
+Then, again, that objection is overruled by those who assert that some
+other root or some cereal might have been used in their stead.  No true
+Irishman, however, doubts the following fact, which is about to be
+described.
+
+Travelling onwards, he at length reached a part of Africa, often much
+infested by serpents.  He was there told of a rare and wonderful means
+which the inhabitants employed to get rid of the serpents.  Having
+caught them, they tied fish-hooks to their tails.  No sooner did the
+serpents find this incumberance attached to them, than in their rage
+they never failed to turn round and bite at their other extremities.  In
+this way they invariably caught their mouths in the hooks, and thus
+being turned into hoops or rings, from which uncomfortable position
+being utterly unable to escape, they were easily caught up on long
+sticks and thrown over the left shoulder into the nearest lake or river,
+from which they were certain never again to come back.
+
+This was only one, it must be remembered, of the many important pieces
+of information that blessed Saint and great man Saint Patrick picked up
+in his latter travels.  Some say that he taught the Irish to read and
+write.  Certain, at all events, it is that he introduced that fine and
+glorious weapon, the shillelagh, among them; and, moreover, taught them
+the use of it, for which his memory is ever to be held in due reverence,
+not to speak of many other reasons why he should be loved and admired by
+all the sons of Erin.
+
+At length, Saint Patrick, feeling that his latter days were approaching,
+got back safe to Old Ireland, there firmly purposed to leave his bones.
+The country, at that time there can be no manner of doubt about it, was
+overrun with serpents, big and little, in great numbers, whose bite was
+so venomous, that, if a man got stung by one of them, he in a minute or
+less swelled up into a mountain.  So the people came to Saint Patrick,--
+for to whom else should they go, seeing that, of course, he was one of
+the wisest men in the kingdom?--and they told him that it was their firm
+belief that the whole land, from north to south, would be depopulated
+before long if the snakes were not driven out of it.  So, just then
+thinking of something else, he told them to take their shillelaghs and
+to knock the snakes on the head, and to drive them into the sea, he
+himself setting the example; and right lustily he laid about him, as he
+was wont to do in his early days, among Pagan hosts, or wild beasts, or
+giants, or ogres.
+
+Suddenly, as he was attacking a monstrous serpent wriggling about before
+him, he recollected the way in which he had seen the snakes got rid of
+in Africa.  So, ordering all the fish-hooks to be procured throughout
+Ireland to be brought to him, he had them tied on to the tails of all
+the serpents to be found.  Instantly the serpents were turned into
+hoops, and calling his faithful followers, he showed them how to ring
+them all on their shillelaghs.  This done, staggering away with them at
+their backs, all the serpents, and snakes, and vipers, were carried off
+to the sea, into which they were thrown and drowned, and from that day
+to this not one has ever ventured to come back to the shores of Old
+Ireland, and none ever will, that we may be assured.
+
+After this great and important achievement, the pious Saint wished to
+retire altogether from public life.  So he had a hermitage cut for
+himself out of a big grey moss-overgrown rock, on an island in a lake
+surrounded by trees, where very few people ever thought of coming to see
+him; but some good pious families, who lived near, used to take him
+fish, and other provisions, to supply his daily wants, which were,
+indeed, but few.
+
+There he lived on for some years, his existence being neither very
+useful nor very interesting, and the puzzle was how he managed to pass
+his time.  His hair grew longer than ever, and so did his nails; and at
+length it was discovered that he was with them, day after day, engaged
+in digging his own grave.  Like the mole, working away, he turned up the
+earth till he had made it deep enough and long enough to suit his taste.
+When it was completed he laid himself down in it, weary of the world,
+and never rose from it again.
+
+When the peasants came the next morning, they found the old Saint dead;
+so, mournfully they threw back the earth he had turned up; and many
+years afterwards, the exact spot being ascertained, a magnificent church
+was raised over it to his memory.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTEEN.
+
+THE DEATH OF SAINT DAVID.
+
+Pen would fail to write, or man to tell, all the gallant achievements
+which the noble Knight, Saint David of Wales, and his faithful Squire,
+Owen ap Rice, performed during their foreign travels.
+
+At length even they began to weary of the constant hazardous adventures
+in which they were engaged.  Age had begun to dim the lustre of Saint
+David's eye, and to unnerve his arm, but not to lower the courage of his
+heart.
+
+News was now brought him that an army of Pagan barbarians was about to
+attack his native land.  No time was to be lost if he would render
+service to his country.  On his homeward way he collected all the
+gallant knights, and their squires, and men-at-arms, with whom he and
+the faithful Owen had, in their travels, become acquainted.  Thus, by
+the time he reached the borders of Wales, he had assembled an army
+which, though small, was well able to perform deeds such as ten times
+the number of ordinary men would not have dared to attempt.
+
+Sad was the state of Wales when they entered it in battle-array, seeking
+the enemy,--towns were unpeopled, houses overthrown, monasteries
+pillaged, corn-fields burnt, farms destroyed, while from the caves and
+woods came forth the unhappy people, to welcome him as their deliverer,
+and to pray for his success.
+
+These sights so fired the spirit of the aged Champion, that he vowed
+never to rest till he had driven the enemy from his native soil.  Still
+the task was no easy one.  They were very numerous, fierce, and brave,
+and trained to arms.
+
+The aged bards of Wales struck their harps to encourage the warriors to
+strive bravely in the fight.
+
+It was, however, discovered that many recreant knights had joined the
+forces of the Pagans; they and their followers being habited in armour
+little differing from that of the Champion of Wales and those knights
+who had accompanied him from abroad.
+
+Summoning his warriors around him, he addressed them in a speech which
+encouraged and animated their valour to the highest pitch.  Thus he
+concluded:--
+
+"Then follow me, my gallant warriors!  I will give the signal for the
+onset, which will lay thousands of our foemen low; and see, for my
+ensign, I do wear upon my burgonet this leek, which will, if we gain the
+victory, be ever after held in honour throughout Wales, and on this
+first day of March be worn by all Welshmen in commemoration of our
+victory."
+
+Thrice struck the bards their harps, while cheers, loud and long,
+replied to the speech, each warrior of Wales forthwith plucking up a
+great leek, and placing it on his casque, or head-piece, so that in the
+thickest light friends might be known from foes.
+
+Now there stepped forth a bard, and struck a mournful strain.
+
+  "Sad, sad are the notes I sing,
+  And sad the news I bring,
+  For many a gallant knight, and many a warrior bold,
+  Will fall to-day,
+  And turn to clay,
+  Before swift time grows old.
+  The noblest and the best before the eve must die,
+  Ere the fell Pagan host are taught to turn and fly."
+
+These words struck the gallant old Champion's ears.  He had never at any
+time thought little of his own prowess, while he, like a true patriot,
+had always been ready to sacrifice himself for the good of his country.
+He resolved, accordingly, should the tide of battle set strong against
+his followers, to charge onward amid the hosts of the enemy, and to fall
+nobly among them, knowing that his friends, for the love they bore him,
+would, for the sake of recovering his body, charge into the midst of the
+foe, and assuredly retrieve the fortunes of the day.
+
+With a cheerful voice, as if he had been giving orders for the
+commencement of a tournament, the noble old Champion gave the promised
+signal for the onset.  Furiously charged the army of Welshmen.  Bravely
+were they met by their Pagan foes, who, with valour worthy of a better
+cause, charged in return, and many on both sides sunk on the ensanguined
+plain never to rise again.
+
+Knight after knight sank down under the terrific blows of the Pagan
+clubs and battle-axes, till there seemed but little prospect that the
+patriot army would gain the victory.  In vain the Christian army shouted
+and charged.  The sturdy Pagans refused to give way.
+
+At length, Saint David, recollecting the words uttered by the prophetic
+bard in the morning, assembled round him his bravest knights, and,
+throwing up his visor, exhibited his countenance, whereon sat a beaming
+smile, expressive of patriotism and valour.
+
+"One of the noblest in the land, it is said, must this day fall before
+the battle is won!" he exclaimed.  "If such I am, then happy shall I be
+to be thus honoured in my death.  Charge! brave knights, charge!"
+
+With these words, the last he ever uttered, the noble Champion rushed
+into the thickest of the fight, where a hundred battle-axes rattled on
+his helmet, a hundred swords were pointed at his side, a hundred spears
+thrust against his fearless breast, and a hundred arrows shot at his
+head.  Pierced by a hundred wounds he fell, but his followers bravely
+avenged his death.  The Pagan hordes were put to flight; and Saint David
+has ever since, even to the present day, been held in affectionate
+remembrance, as he fully deserved, by all Welshmen.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.
+
+THE DEATH OF SAINT DENIS.
+
+Saint Denis of France, like his brother Champions, much desired, after
+his long wanderings, to see once more the smiling fields of _la belle_
+France, and thus he, too, followed by the faithful Le Crapeau, turned
+his steps homeward.  Time had not failed to leave its hoary marks on
+him, and his snowy locks and flowing beard showed full well that the
+winter of his life had at length overtaken him.
+
+Still he kept his armour on, though his shrunken form often seemed to
+rattle within it; and the chill blasts, as they entered the crevices,
+blew round and round him, and made him often wish for his armchair, and
+dressing-gown, and slippers, as does many another elderly gentleman, who
+would be far wiser if he kept by his own fireside, instead of allowing
+himself to be dragged about the world, in search of a very doubtful sort
+of advantage or amusement for the younger branches of his family.
+
+Saint Denis had not neglected in his travels to discover many things
+which he thought might be with advantage introduced into his native
+country.  He taught the people how to cultivate the vine, and make
+_chausse_ roads, though the latter were never very satisfactory.  But
+many cunning arts and manufactures also he introduced from the far east,
+of which there is not space now to speak.  The greatest benefit,
+however, he conferred on his countrymen was in instructing them in the
+important art of cookery.  Fricassees and ragouts were by his means
+brought to great perfection, and, more than all, he instructed them how
+to dress frogs and snails, of which art they were before his time
+totally ignorant.  Who could ever imagine that there was a time when
+Frenchmen knew nothing of that important part of the culinary art?  Till
+Saint Denis, the hero of a hundred fights, aided by the faithful Le
+Crapeau, caught the frogs and cooked them, and, moreover, eat them, the
+ignorant Frenchmen could not believe that they were intended to be used
+as food.
+
+But mark the ingratitude of a people--the fickleness of a crowd.  The
+great Saint Denis, who had fought so long, and upheld the name of France
+in so many strange lands, was accused by a recreant knight of heresy and
+of high treason, and of endeavouring to introduce bad and mischievous
+customs among the people.
+
+Old as he was, although he had long laid aside his armour, the fire of
+his youth burned up within him, and he challenged his malignant accuser
+to mortal combat.
+
+The Champion and the false knight met; but the latter, by the arts of a
+wicked enchanter, had come so prepared by talismans for the fight, that
+all the skill and courage of Saint Denis could not overthrow him.
+
+Again and again the aged Champion charged with all the agility and
+courage of a young man, and few would have supposed that he who sat
+within that iron mask, and wielded that heavy lance, had seen near
+eighty winters pass over his hoary head.  Once more he charged--his
+lance was shivered, and he was borne helpless to the ground.
+
+Then were the evil designs of his fell enemy victorious.  He was
+condemned to death.  No rescue came, and he was led, yet habited in his
+armour, to the block.  With a courageous look he lay down his head; but
+scarcely had the axe of the cruel executioner fallen upon it, than a
+fearful tempest burst forth.  The headsman, the recreant knight, and all
+who had assisted willingly at the execution, were struck to the ground,
+becoming black masses of cinder, by a flash of fearful lightning; and
+then the people learned and acknowledged that right and justice were on
+the Champion's side.
+
+Monuments were built and churches erected to his memory, and he was ever
+after reverenced as the Patron Saint of France and of all Frenchmen.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.
+
+THE DEATH OF SAINT JAMES.
+
+Saint James, as long as his arm could wield a lance, continued his
+heroic combats with pagans and infidels of all sorts, magicians and
+necromancers, giants and ogres, wild beasts and evil spirits of every
+kind, sort, and description; but he, at length, too, finding his
+strength departing, and his hair growing grey, resolved to return home.
+One day, however, as he was about to put on his armour, to ride forth as
+usual, he discovered that he could scarcely lift it.
+
+"The time has come, my faithful Pedrillo, when no longer as a steel-clad
+knight, but as a humble pilgrim, I must wander through the world," he
+remarked, sitting down again on the couch from which he had risen.  "Go
+forth, my faithful Squire, and purchase me a palmer's habit, a hat of
+grey colour, and a broad scallop shell.  Never more will I put on yonder
+coat of steel.  I should but disgrace the name I have so long borne as
+one of the bravest knights of Christendom."
+
+[Well would it be if other generals and admirals would take a hint from
+Saint James, and, following his example, would retire, when their powers
+are failing them, from public life.]
+
+With a sigh the faithful Pedrillo went forth, and procured, as he was
+directed, a palmer's habit for his master, and one for himself.  Their
+armour being packed up and carried on their war-steeds, they now, as
+pilgrims, journeyed homewards; but all who met them knew full well what
+they had been, and even midnight robbers and outlaws respected them, and
+allowed them to pass unmolested.
+
+Thus travelling on, they reached at length the wide plains of sunny
+Spain.  There Saint James resolved to build a chapel, and to devote
+himself to its service.  He erected also a hermitage hard by, where he
+and his faithful Pedrillo, who would not quit him, took up their abode
+as hermits.  Then the peasantry from far and near came to visit them.
+Much good advice Saint James could give them, and many things he taught
+them, while numberless were the strange stories he could tell of the
+wonderful things he had seen and done in foreign lands.
+
+In time, his chapel, from the gifts brought to it, became one of the
+richest in the land; and this so excited the envy and anger of the monks
+of a neighbouring convent, that they conspired together to accuse him of
+necromancy and other terrible crimes.
+
+Saint James boldly refuted the accusations, and offered, once more, to
+try his lance against any friar among them who was man enough to put on
+armour and meet him in single combat; but they all declined the honour,
+though they did not the less hurl their invectives against him, and seek
+opportunities for his destruction.
+
+At length, he and some of his more pious fellow-worshippers were caught
+one day inside their chapel.  The doors were closed upon them, and the
+wicked monks, hiring a band of Pagan mercenaries, had them all shot to
+death by poisoned arrows.  In spite of the pain they suffered, the Saint
+and his companions continued singing their hymns to the last, while a
+bright silvery light burst forth in the chapel--(so says the ancient
+chronicler)--which continued burning glorious as ever; and when, at
+length, the chapel was opened, the body of Saint James and the bodies of
+his companions were found to be perfectly embalmed.  Then they were
+placed in marble tombs with silver lids; and, to the present day, Saint
+James, by all real Spaniards, is held in the highest esteem and
+reverence.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINETEEN.
+
+THE DEATH OF SAINT ANTHONY.
+
+About the same time that his brother knights ended their martial career,
+Saint Anthony, with his faithful follower, Niccolo, likewise, for the
+same reason, resolved to turn his face homewards.  Rome was the city of
+his birth, and to Rome he went.
+
+Rome was a Christian city, but there were still many Pagans in the
+neighbourhood, and many of the shrines had as yet scarcely been
+accommodated to the new faith, so that the pious Saint Anthony had
+considerable difficulty in distinguishing one from the other.  This very
+much grieved his heart.  Even when he went among the priests he could
+not always make out to which faith they belonged.  They made him long
+harangues, and assured him that their great wish was to develop their
+ancient and time-honoured institutions into whatever form was likely to
+prove most popular.
+
+Saint Anthony, who was a simple-minded man, was sorely puzzled by all
+this; so, after vainly endeavouring to comprehend the state of things in
+the ancient capital of the world, he retired to a hermitage, where he
+lived for the remainder of his days; nor would he ever again enter Rome.
+
+Thus, in the fragrant odour of sanctity, he died at a green old age.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY.
+
+THE DEATH OF SAINT ANDREW.
+
+Saint George and Saint Andrew were the last of all the Seven Champions
+who remained together, rivalling each other in gallant deeds of arms.
+
+Where breathes the Scotchman who does not desire, when his life's work
+seems almost done, to return once more to scent the air of his own free
+heathery hills, to climb their rocky heights, and to wander around their
+fertile vales?  Strongly did the desire to turn homeward seize the heart
+of Scotland's Champion.  He, however, did not lay aside his spear and
+sword; but old as he was, still clad in his armour, bestriding his
+war-horse, and followed by the faithful Murdoch, he kept steadily
+travelling on, day by day, towards the north.
+
+Thus should the true knight do.  Life is a battle from the beginning to
+the end--as the brave Saint Andrew well knew; and never should the
+armour, the shield, or sword, be laid aside till death strikes the knell
+which summons the warrior from the world.
+
+Many were the adventures he and the faithful Murdoch met with on their
+journey.  More than one giant was slain, numbers of unhappy people
+released from slavery, and many districts cleared of wild beasts, before
+the aged Knight and his faithful Squire reached the fair shores of
+Scotia.
+
+The fame of their deeds had gone before them, and all the nobility of
+the realm, and a vast concourse of people, assembled to do them honour.
+It was a proud day for the aged Saint Andrew, when, clothed in his
+well-worn suit of armour, with Murdoch McAlpine of that ilk carrying his
+spear by his side, he rode through the streets of auld Reekie, with the
+shouts of the delighted populace sounding in his ears and singing his
+praises.
+
+"Long live Saint Andrew!  Long live Saint Andrew!  Wherever the Scottish
+name is known there will we Scotchmen boast of our own Saint Andrew--of
+the gallant deeds he has done--of the name and of the fame he has won!"
+
+Such were the cries which from far and near saluted his ears.
+
+A grand tournament was also given in Saint Andrew's honour, at which the
+aged Knight sat as umpire, though he wisely refrained from running a
+tilt, much as his heart tempted him to put on armour for the occasion.
+
+Soon after this, being assured that feats of arms were no longer suited
+to him, he resolved to instruct his countrymen in certain important
+branches of knowledge which he had acquired in his foreign travels.  To
+prepare himself for this new work he retired to a hermitage he had built
+high up on the side of a mountain.  Thither, however, in a short time,
+resorted to him all the youths of aspiring minds who desired to acquire
+information, and to receive instruction from the sage.  Thus, in process
+of time, the rude hut became a spot celebrated for learning and piety.
+
+There, happily and usefully employed, the old warrior spent many years
+of his declining life.
+
+But, alas! what virtue, what piety, can enable a man to escape from the
+snares of enemies and detractors?  Accused of witchcraft, and other
+malpractices, the aged Saint was brought before some stern judges, who
+forthwith condemned him to death.  Scarcely, however, had his head been
+cut off than his innocence was discovered, and a church was raised to
+his memory; and he has ever since been held in honourable recollection
+by all Scotchmen as the Champion of whom his country should be proud--a
+knight _sans peur et sans reproche_.
+
+Such, however, is the way of the world.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.
+
+THE DEATH OF SAINT GEORGE.
+
+The last Champion who appears in this wondrous, strange, and eventful
+history, is the great Saint George.
+
+Towards the fair land of his birth, right Merrie England, he, too, when
+he found age creeping on him, resolved to turn his steps.  Still lance
+in hand, and clad in steel, his brave lion heart yet undaunted, with the
+faithful De Fistycuff by his side, he at length homeward set his eyes.
+His faithful chronicler relates numberless adventures he met with,
+scarcely less marvellous than those he encountered in his youth.  Many a
+hard blow he got, which he still was able to return with interest, ably
+seconded by De Fistycuff, though, it must be confessed, his Squire had
+grown somewhat obese and unwieldy.
+
+At length, the chalky cliffs of Britain, which for twice twelve years
+the noble Champion had never seen, came in sight.  Joyful to him was the
+prospect; more joyful still the towns and villages, the pleasant aspect
+of the fields, and the green waving woods, as he travelled on towards
+Coventry.  There, with warm greetings, the inhabitants of high and low
+degree received him.
+
+Sadness, however, he saw on the countenances of many; and this was
+owing, as the veracious chronicler, from whose erudite work this history
+is drawn, informs us, to "a doleful report--how, upon Dunmore Heath,
+there raged up and down an infectious dragon, that so annoyed the
+country that the inhabitants thereabouts could not pass by without great
+danger; how that fifteen knights of the kingdom had already lost their
+lives in adventuring to suppress the same."
+
+Saint George no sooner heard thereof, and what wrongs his country
+received by this infectious dragon, than he purposed to put the
+adventure to trial, and either to free the land from so great a danger,
+or to finish his days in the attempt.  So, taking leave of all present,
+he rode forward with as noble a spirit as he did in Africa, when he
+combated the mighty green dragon.
+
+So, coming to the middle of the plain, he there saw his dreadful enemy,
+crouching on the ground in a deep cave.  The monster, by a strange
+instinct knowing that his death drew nigh, made such a hideous yelling,
+that it seemed as if the sky was bursting with thunder, and the earth
+rocking with an earthquake.  Then, bounding forth from his den, and
+espying the aged Champion, he ran with a fury so great against him as if
+he would devour both knight and steed, armour and all, in a moment.  But
+the brave Saint George, knowing well how to deal with dragons, and all
+such-like monsters, quickly wheeled his horse out of his way, and with
+such force did the monster rush on that he drove his sting full three
+feet into the ground.  Returning again, however, with furious rage, he
+made at the Knight, and would have carried both him and his charger to
+the ground, but that Saint George, thrusting his spear at his throat,
+the monster, to avoid it, threw himself back, and fell happily over,
+with his back on the turf and his feet in the air, wriggling about all
+the time his long forked tail.  Whereat the noble Champion taking
+advantage, leaped from his horse, and, throwing down his sword, seized
+him in his arms before he could rise, and pressed his huge body so
+tightly in his arms, and held him there, that he squeezed the very life
+out of him; but alas! the dragon's sting annoyed the good Knight in such
+sort, that the dragon being no sooner slain and weltering in his
+venomous gore, than Saint George likewise took his death's wound by the
+deep strokes of the dragon's sting, which he received in divers parts of
+his body, and bled in such abundance that his strength began to enfeeble
+and grow weak: yet, retaining his true nobleness of mind, he valiantly
+returned victor to the city of Coventry, where all the inhabitants stood
+without the gates to receive him in great royalty, and to give him the
+honour that belonged to so worthy a conqueror.
+
+No sooner, alas! had the brave old Knight arrived before the city, and
+presented the people with the head of the dragon which had so long
+annoyed the country, which was borne before him by the trusty old De
+Fistycuff, than, what with the abundance of blood that issued from his
+deep wounds, and the long bleeding without stopping of the same, he sunk
+back into the arms of his faithful Squire, and, without a sigh, he
+yielded up his breath.  Great was the moan that was made for him
+throughout the country, and all in the land, from the King to the
+shepherd, mourned him for the space of a month.  The King also, in
+remembrance of him, ordained for ever after to be kept a solemn
+procession by all the princes and chief nobility of the country upon the
+twenty-third day of April, naming it Saint George's Day; on which day
+the brave old Knight was most solemnly interred in the city where he was
+born.  The King likewise decreed, by the consent of the whole kingdom,
+that the patron of the land should be named Saint George our Christian
+Champion, in that he had fought so many battles to the honour of
+Christendom.
+
+Thus ends the ancient, authentic, and most credible chronicle from which
+I have quoted.
+
+There are many other documents extant, giving accounts of the exploits
+of Saint George's three sons, and of the sons of some of the other
+Champions of Christendom; but as I do not consider that they emanated
+from sources so reliable and unexceptionable as those chronicles from
+which I have quoted, I have not thought it advisable to introduce them
+in the present veracious narrative.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Seven Champions of Christendom, by 
+W. H. G. Kingston
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