The famous history of the seven champions of Christendom St. George of England, St. Denis of France, St. James of Spain, St. Anthony of Italy, St. Andrew of Scotland, St. Patrick of Ireland, and St. David of Wales. Shewing their honourable battels by sea and land: their tilts, justs, turnaments, for ladies: their combats with gyants, monsters and dragons: their adventures in foreign nations: their enchantments in the Holy Land: their knighthoods, prowess, and chivalry, in Europe, Africa, and Asia; with their victories against the enemies of Christ. Also the true manner and places of their deaths, being seven tragedies: and how they came to be called, the seven saints of Christendom. The first part.

CHAP. III.

How St. George slew the burning Dragon in Egypt, and Redeemed Sabra the King's Daughter from Death: How he was betray'd by Elmido the black King of Morocco, and sent to the Soldan of Per∣sia, where he slew two Lions, and remained seven years in Prison.

AFter the Seven Champions departed from the Enchanted Cave of Kalyb, they made their abode in the City of Coventry for the space of nine Months, in which time they erected a costly Monument over the Herse of S. George's Mother, and ••o in that time of the Year, when the Spring had overspread the Earth with the Mantles of Flota, they Armed themselves like wandring Knights, and took their Iourney to seek for Foreign Adventures, accounting no Dishonour so great as to spend their days in Idleness, Atchieving no Memorable Accident. So travelling for the space of thirty days without any Adventure worthy the noting, at length they came to a broad Plain, whereon stood a Brazen Pillar, where seven several ways met, which cau∣sed the seven Knighis to forsake each others Company, and to take every one a contrary way; where we leave six of the Champions to their contented Travels, and wholly discourse upon the Fortunate Success of our Worthy English Knight, who after some few Months Travel, happily arrived within the Territories of Aegypt, which Country as then was then was greatly annoyed with a dangerous Dragon: but before he had Iournied fully within the distance of a Mile, the silent Night approached, and solitary stillness took pos∣session of all living things: at last he espied an old poor Hermitage, wherein he purposed to rest his Horse, and to take some repast af∣ter his weary Iourney, till the Sun had renewed his Morning Light, that he might fall to his Travel again: but entring the Cot∣tage, he found an Ancient Hermit overworn with years, and almost consumed with Grief, with whom in this manner he began to confer.

Father (said he) for so you seem by your Gravity, may a Traveller for this Night crave Entertainment within your Cottage, not only for himself but his Horse, or is there some City near at hand, where unto I may take my Journey without danger? The old Man start∣ing at the sudden approach of St. George, replyed unto him in this order.

Sir Knight (quoth he) of thy Country I need not demand, for I know it by thy Burgonet, (for indeed thereon was graven the Arms of England) but I sorrow for thy hard Fortune, that it is thy Destiny to arrive in this our Country of Egypt, wherein is not left sufficient alive to bury the Dead, such is the Distress of this Land, through a Dangerous and Terrible Dragon, now rang∣ing up and down the Country, which if he be not every day ap∣peased with the Body of a true Virgin, which he devoureth down his Venomous Bowels; that day so neglected, will he breathe such a stink from his Nostrils, whereof grows a most grievous Plague and Mortality of all things, which use hath been observed four and twenty years, and now there is not left one true Virgin but the King's Daughter throughout Egypt, which Damsel to morrow must be offered up in Sacrifice to the Dragon: therefore the King hath made Proclamation, that if any Knight dare prove so adven∣turous as to Combat with the Dragon, and preserve his Daughter's Life, he shall in Reward have her to his Wife, and the Crown of Egypt after his Decease.

This large proffer so encouraged the English Knight, that he vowed either to Redeem the King's Daughter, or else to lose his Life in that honourable Enterprize. So taking his repose and nightly rest, in the old Man's Hermitage, till the chearful Cock, be∣ing the true Messenger of Day, gave him warning of the Sun's uprise which caused him to buckle on his Armour, and to furnish his Steed with strong Habiliments of War, the which being done, he took his Journey, guided only by the old Hermit, to the Valley, where the King's Daughter should be offered up in Sacrifice: But when he approached the sight of the Valley, he espied afar off a most fair and beautiful Damsel, attired in pure Arabian Silk, going to Sacrifice, guarded to the place of Death only by ••age and modest Matrons: Which woful sight encouraged the English Knight to such a forwardness, that he thought overy minute a day, till he had Re∣deemed the Damsel from the Dragon's Tyranny; so approaching the Lady, he gave her comsort of Delivery, and returned her back to her Father's Palace again.

After this, the Noble Knight, like a bold adventurous Champion, entred the Valley; where the Dragon had his Residence, who no sooner had a sight of him, but he gave such a terrible••peal, as though it had thundered in the Elements: the bigness of the Dragon was fearful to behold, for betwixt his Shoulders and his Dail were fifty soot in distance, his Scales glittering as bright as Silver, but far more hard than Brass, his Belly of the colour of Gold, but bigger

than a Tun. Thus weltred he from his hideous Den, and so fiercely Assailed the sturdy Champion with his burnings Wings, that at the first Encounter he had almost felled him to the ground; but the Knight nimbly recovering himself, gave the Dragon such a thrust with his Spear, that it shivered in a thousand pieces; whereat the furious Dragon so fiercely ••m••te him with his veno∣mous Tail, that down fall Man and Horse, in which fall two of St. George's Ribs were sore bruised; but yet stepping backward, it was his chance to leap under an Drange-Tree, which Tree had such precious Uertue, that no Uenomous Worm durst come with∣in the compass of the Branches, nor within seven foot thereof, where this Ualiant Knight rested himself untill he had recovered his former strength; who no sooner feeling his Spirits revived, but with an eager Courage smote the burning Dragon under his yellow burnished Belly with his trusty Sword Ascalon, whereout came abundance of ugly Uenome, that it sprinkled upon the Cham∣pions Armour, whereby immediately through the impoisoned strength of the Uenome, his Armour burst in twain, and the good Knight fell into so grievous a dead swoon, that for a time he lay breathless: but yet having that good Memory remaining that he tumbled under the Branches of the Drange-Tree, in which place the Dragon could proffer him no farther Uiolence. The fruit of the Tree being of such an excellent Uertue, that whosoever tasted thereof, should presently be cured of all manner of Diseases and Infirmities whatsoever. So it was the Noble Champions good and happy Fortune, a little to recover through the vertue of the Tree, and to espy an Drange which a little before had dropped down, wherewith he so refreshed himself, that he was in short time as sound as when he began the Encounter. Then kneeled he down, and made his Diuine Supplication to Heaven, That God would send him (for his dear Sons sake) such strength and agility of Body, as to stay the Furious and Terrible Monster; which being done, with a Bold Couragious Heart, he smo••e the Dragon under the Wing, where it was tender without Scale, whereby his good Sword Ascalon, with an easie passage, went to the very Hilt through both the Dragons Heart, Liver, Bone and Blood, whereout issued such abundance of purple gore, that it turned the Grass which grew in the Ualley into crimson colour; and the Ground which was before parched through the burning stench of the Dragon, was now drenched with overmuch moi∣sture proceeding from his Uenomous Bowels, where at last through want o•• blood, and long continuance in Fight, the Dragon yeelded his vital Spirits to the force of the Conquering Champion.

The which being happily performed, the Noble Knight S. George for England, first yielding due honour to Almighty God for the Uictory, then with his good Sword Ascalon cut off the Dragon's Head, and pitched it upon the Trunchion of a Spear, which at the beginning of the Battel shivered against the Dragon's scaly back. During this long and dangerous Combat, his trusty Steed lay al∣together in a Swoon without any moving, which caused the En∣glish Champion with all speed to crush the juice of an Orange into his mouth; the Uertue whereof presently expelled the Uenomous Poyson, and recovered his former strength again.

There was then remaining in the Aegyptian Court one Al∣midor, the Black King of Morocco, who long had prosecuted (in the way of Marriage) the Love of Sabra the King's Daughter, but neither by Policy, Means, nor Manhood, could he accomplish what his heart desired: and now finding opportunity to express his Treacherous mind, intended to Rob and spoyl St. George of his Uictory, whereby he thought to attain the gracious favour and sin∣gular good liking of his Lady and Mistriss, who loathed his com∣pany like the detested Crocodiles: even as the Wolf, though all in vain, barks at the Moon, so this Fantastical and Cowardly Al∣midor, through many Gifts and fair Promises, hired twelve Aegyp∣tian Knights to beset the Ualley where St. George flew the burning Dragon, and by Force bereave him of his Conquest, and so when this Magnanimous Champion of England came riding in Triumph from the Ualley, expecting to have been entertained like a Conque∣ror, with Drums and Trumpets, or to have heard the Bells of Egypt ••ing a joyful sound of Uictory, or to have seen the Streets beautified with Bonefires, contrary to his expectation, he was met with Troops of Armed Knights, not to conduct him peace∣fully to the Egyptian Court, but by Falshood and Treachery to de∣spo••l him of his Life and Honour: for no sooner had he ridden past the entry of the Ualley, but he espied how the Egyptian Knights brandished their Weapons and divided themselves to intercept him in his Iourney to the Court, by which he knew them to be no trusty Friends but vowed Enemies. So tying his Horse to a Haw∣thorn-Tree▪ he intended to try his Fortune on foot, for fear of disadvantage, they being twelve to one; in this Skirmish S. George so valiantly behaved himself with his trusty Sword Ascalon, that at one stroke he flew three of the Egyptian Knights, and before the Golden Diamond of Heaven had wandred the Zodiack the compass of an hour, some he dismembred of their ••eads, some had their Lambs opt off, some their Bodies cut in twain, and some their in∣stalls trailing down; so that not one was left ••••ive to carry News

to Almidor, the Black King, which stood (during all the time of the Skirmish) afar off upon a Bountain top, to behold the success of his hired Champions. But when he saw the Egyptians bloody Tragedies, and how the happy Fortune of the English Knight had won the Honour of the Day, he accursed his Destiny, and accused the Queen of Chance with Cruelty for disappointing his pretended Enterprize: but having a heart still fraught with all wicked moti∣ons, secretly Uowed in his Soul, to pradise by some other Trea∣chery, S. George's utter Confusion: so running before to the Court of King Ptolomy, not revealing what had hapned to the twelve Egyptian Knights, but crying, Victoria, Victoria, the Enemy of Egypt is slain. Then Ptolomy immediately commanded every Street of the City to be hung with Rich Arras and Embroider∣ed Tapestry, and likewise provided a sumptuous Chariot of Gold, the wheels and other timber-work of the purest Ebony, the cove∣ring thereof of pure Silk, cross-barr'd with pure staves of Gold; likewise an hundred of the Noblest Peers of Egypt Attired in Crimson Uelvet, Mounted on Milk-white Coursers, with Rich Caparisons attended the coming of St. George. Thus were all appointed for his Honourable Entertainment, which they perfor∣med in such Solemn Order, that I lack Eloquence to describe it: for when he first entred the Gates of the City, he heard such a melodious Harmony of Heavenly sounding Mulick, that it seem∣ed in his conceit to surpass the sweetness of all that ever he had heard before. Then they most Royally Presented him with a sump∣tuous and costly Ball of Gold, and after invested him in that E∣bony Chariot, wherein he was Conducted to the Palace of King Ptolomy, where this Noble and Princely-minded Champion sur∣rendred up his Conquest and Uictory to the hands of the Beaute∣ous Sabra: where she with like Courtesie, and more Humility re∣quited his Bounty: For at the first sight of the English Knight, she was so Ravished with his Princely Countenance, that for a time she was not able to speak: Yet at last taking him by the hand, she led him to a Rich Pavillion, where she Unarmed him, and with most Precious Salves imbalmed his Wounds, and with her Tears washed away the Blood: which being done, she furnished a Table with all manner of Delicates for his repast, where her Father was present, who enquired of his Country, Parentage, and Name: After the Banquet was ended, he enstalled him with the Honour of Knighthood, and put upon his feet a pair of Golden Spurs. But Sabra who fed upon the Banquet of his Love, con∣ducted him to his Nights Repose, where she sate upon his Bed, and warbled forth most Heavenly Melody upon her Lute, till his

Senses were overcome with a swéet and silēnt sleep, where she left him for that Night, after his late dangerous Battel. No sooner did Aurora's Radiant Blush display the Beauty of the East, and the Sun shew his Morning Countenance, but Sabra repaired to the English Champion's Lodging, and at his first uprising pre∣sented him with a Diamond of most rare and excellent Uertue, the which he wore upon his finger. The next that entred his Lodging, was the Treacherous Almidor, the Black King of Mo∣rocco, having in his Hand a Bowl of Graekish Wine, which he offered to the Noble Champion St. George of England, but at the receit thereof, the Diamond the Lady gave him, which he wore upon his finger, waxed pale, and from his Nose fell three drops of Blood, whereat he started, which sudden Accident caused the King's Daughter to suspect some secret Poison compounded in the Wine, and thereupon so vehemently shrieked, that a sudden Up∣roar presently overspread the whole Court, whereby it came to the King's Intelligence of the proffered Treachery of Almidor against the English Champion: but so dear was the Love of the Egyptian King, to the Black King of Morocco, that no belief of Treachery could enter into his mind.

Thus Almidor the second time was prevented of his practice▪ whereat in Mind he grew more enraged than a chased Bore; yet thinking the third should pay for all, he expected a time wherein to work his wicked purpose, which he brought to pass in this man∣ner.

Many a day remained St. George in the Egyptian Court, some∣times Revelling among the Gentlemen, Dancing and Sporting with Ladies, other times in Tilts and Tournaments, with other Honourable Exercises: Likewise long and extream was the Love that Beauteous Sabra bore to the English Champion, of the which this Treacherous Almidor had Intelligence by many secret practises, and many times his Ears were witnesses of their Discourses. So upon an Evening, when the Gorgeous Sun lay level with the Ground, it was his Fortune to wander under a Garden Wall, to take the coolness of the Evenings Air, where unseen of the two Lovers, he heard their Amorous Discourses as they sate dallying under a Bower of Roses, Courting one another in this manner.

My Soul's delight, my Heart's chief comfort, sweet George of England, said the Love-sick Sabra, Why art thou more obdurate than the Flint, whom the Tears of my true Heart can never molli∣fie; how many thousand sighs have I breathed for thy sweet sake, which I have sent to thee as true Messengers of my Love, yet ne∣ver wouldst thou requite me with a smiling Countenance? Refuse

not her, dear Lord of England, that for thy Love will forsake Pa∣rents, Country, and Inheritance, which is the Crown of Egypt, and like a Pilgrim follow thee throughout the wide World: On therefore knit that Gordian knot of Wedlock, that none but Death can afterwards untie; that I may then say, The Sun shall lose his brightness, the Moon her splendant beams, the Sea her tydes, and all things under the Cope of Heaven grow centrary to Kind, before Sabra the Heir of Egypt prove Unconstant to sweet George of England,

These words so fired the Champion's heart, that he was almost intangled in the snares of Love, which before-time only affected Martial Discipline: he yet to try her Patience a little more, made her this Answer; Lady of Egypt, Can'st thou not be content, that I have ventured my Life to free thee from Death, but I should link my future Fortunes in a Woman's Lap and so bury all my Honours in Oblivion? No, no, Sabra, George of England is a Knight, born in a Country where true Chivalry is nourisht, and hath sworn to search the World, so far as ever the Lamp of Hea∣ven doth lend his Light, before he tie himself in the troublesome State of Marriage; therefore attempt me no more that am a Stran∣ger and a Wanderer from place to place: but seek to aim at high∣er states, as the King of Morocco, who will attempt to climb to Heaven to gain thy Love, and good Liking: At which speeches she suddenly replied in this manner.

The King of Morocco is as bloody▪ minded as a Serpent, but thou more gentle then a Lamb; his Tongue as ominous as the screech∣ing Night Owl, but thine more sweet than the Morning Lark: his kind embracings like the stinging Snakes, but thine more plea∣sant than the creeping Vine. What if thou beest a Knight of a strange Country, thy Body is more precious to mine Eves▪ than Kingdoms to mine Heart. There stay (Reply'd the English Cham∣pion) I am a Christian, thou a Pagan; I Honour God in Heaven, thou Earthly Shadows here below: therefore if thou ••••ilt obtain my Love and Liking, thou must forsake thy Mahomet, and be Christned in our Christian Faith. With all my Soul, (answered the Egyptian Lady) I will forsake my Countrey Gods, and for thy Love become a Christian: and therewithal she burst a Ring in twain, the one half she gave to him in pledge of Love, and kept the other half for her self: and so for that time departed the Garden.

During all the time of their Discourse, the Treacherous mind∣ed Almidor stood listning to their speeches, and fretted inwardly to the very Gall, to hear the Mistriss of his Heact-reject his for∣mer Courtesies: Therefore intending now or never to infringe their plighted hands, went in all hast to the Egyptian King, and in this manner made his Supplication.

Know Great Monarch of the East, that I have a Secret to unfold, which toucheth nearly the safeguard of your Countrey. It was my chance this Evening at shutting up of Titan's Golden Gates, to take the comfort of the Western breathing Air under your private Garden. Walk, where I heard (though unseen) a deep pretended Treason betwixt your Daughter and the English Knight, for ••he hath vowed to for sake her gods, and believe as Christians do, and likewise she intends to ••lie from this her Native Country, and go with this Wandring Traveller, which hath been so much Honoured in your Court.

Now by Mahomet and all our Country gods, we Egyptians com∣monly adore (said the King) this Damned Christian shall not gain the Conquest of my Daughters Love, for he shall lose his Head, yet not in our Egyptian Court, but by violence el••ew••ere. Therefore Almidor he secre•• in my intent for I will send him to my Cousin, the Persian Souldan, from whence he shall never return to Egypt again, except his Ghost, bring News of his bad Success into my Daughter: and thereupon they presently contrived this Letter.

The Letter to the Souldan of Persia.

I Ptolomy, King of Egypt, and the Eastern Territories, send Greeting to Thee ••he Mighty Souldan of Persia, great Emperor of the Provinces of bigger Asia. This is the Request upon the League of Friendship betwixt us to shew the Bearer hereof, thy Servant, Death: for he is an utter Enemy to all Asia and Africa, and a proud Contemner of our Religion. Therefore sail not in my Request, as thou wilt an∣swer on the Oath, and so in haste farewel,

Thy Kinsman Ptolomy, the King of Egypt.

Which Letter being no sooner Subscribed and Sealed with the Great Seal of Egypt, but St. George was dispatched with Embassage for Persia, with the Bloody Sentence of his own De∣struction, to the true Delivery whereof, he was sworn by the Ho∣nour of his Knighthood, and for his Pawn he left behind him his good Steed and his trusty Sword Ascalon in the keeping of Ptolomy the Egyptian King only taking for his Purvoy, and easie Travel one of the King's Horses.

Thus the Innocent Lamb Betrayed by the Wily Fox, was sent to the hunger-starved Lion's Den, being suffered not once to give his Lady and Mistriss understanding of his sudden depar∣ture, but Travelled Day and Night through many a long and So∣litary Wilderness, without any Adventure worthy the Memory, only hearing the dismal cry of Night-Ravens thundring in his Ears, and the fearful sound of screech-Owls in the Crevices of the Earth, and such like Messengers of Mischance, which foretold some Fatal Accident to be at hand: yet no Fear could daunt his Noble Mind, nor Danger, hinder his intended Travel, till he had sight of the Souldan's Palace, which seemed more like Paradise, than any other Earthly Habitation; for as the History reports, the Walls and Towers of the Palace were of the purist Marble stone, the Windows of Carved Silver-work, Enamelled with Indian Pearl, beset with Latten and Crystal Glass, the outward Walls and Buildings painted with Gold, the Pillars and Gates were all of Brass: about the Palace was a River of great breadth and depth, over the same stood a stately Bridge erected up with sumptu∣ous workmanship of Graven Images, under the Bridge a hundred Silver Bells were hung by Art, so that no Creature might pass unto the Palace, but they gave warning to the Souldan's Guard: at the end of the Bridge was built an Alabaster Tower, whereon stood an Eagle of Gold, his Eyes like the richest precious Stones, the brightness whereof glittered so much, that all the Palace did shine with the light thereof.

The day that St. George entred the Souldan's Court, was when the Persians Solemnly Sacrificed to their gods, Mahomet and Apollo, which unchristian Procession so moved the impatience of the English Champion, that he took the Ensigns and Streamers whereon the Persian gods were Pictured, and trampled them under his Feet: whereupon the Pagans presently fled to the Souldan for Succour, and shewed him how a strange Knight had despised their Mahomet, and trampled their Banners in the Dust. Here∣upon he sent an hundred of his Armed Knights to know the cause of that sudden uproar, and to bring the Christian Champion

bound, to his Majesty: but the Persian Knights were entertained with such a bloody Banquet, that some of their heads tumbled in the miry Stréets, and the Channels overflowed with streams of their blood, the Pavements of the Palace were overspread with slaughtered men, and the Walls be-sprinkled with purple gore: so Uidoriously he behaved himself against the Enemies of Christ, that e'er the Sun had declined the West, he brought to ground the most part of the Souldan's Knights, and enforced the rest 'like frighted sheep to flie to the Souldan for aid and succour, which as then re∣mained in the Palace with a Guard of a thousand Soldiers: who at the report of this unexpened uproar, furnished his Soldiers with Habiliments of War, and came Marching from his Palace with such a mighty power, as though the strength of Christendom had béen to Invade the Territories of Asia. But such was the invin∣cible Courage of Saint George, that he encountred with them all, and made such a Massacre in the Souldan's Court, that the Pave∣ments were covered with slaughtered Persians, and the Paiace-Gate stuffed with heaps of slaughtered Pagans. At last the Larum Bells were caused to be rung, and the Beacons set on fire, whereat the Commons of the Country rose in Arms, and came flocking about the English Champion like swarms of Bees: whereat through his long Encounter, and the multitude of his Enemies, his never daun∣ted Courage was forced to yield, and his restless Arm wearied with Fight, constrained to let his Weapon fall to the Ground.

Thus he whose Fortitude sent thousands to wander about the Banks of Acheron, stood now obedient to the Mercies of his Ene∣mies, which with their brandishing Weapons and sharp edged Faul∣chions environed him about.

Now bloody-minded Monster (said the Souldan) what Coun∣trey-man soever thou art, Jew, Pagan, or misbelieving Christian, look for a Sentence of severe punishment for every drop of blood thy unhappy hand hath here shed: first, thy skin with sharp Ra∣zors shall be pared from thy flesh alive. Next, thy, flesh with burning Irors seared from thy bones: Lastly, thy cursed Limbs drawn in pieces joynt from joynt, with untamed Horses. This bloody Iudgment pronounced by the Souldan, moved St. George to reply in this manner:

Great Potentate of Asia, I crave the Liberty and Law of Arms, whereto all the Kings of the Earth are by Dath ever bound: First, my Descent in my Native Countrey is of Royal Blood; and there∣fore challenge I a Combate: Secondly, an Embassador am I from Ptolomy the King of Egypt, and therefore no Uiolence should be proffered me: Lastly, the Laws of Asia grant me safe Conduct

back to Egypt, therefore what I have done, Ptolomy must answer; And thereupon he delivered the Letter Sealed with the Great Seal of Egypt, the which was no sooner broken up and Read, but the Souldan's Eyes sparkled like Fire, and upon his Countenance ap∣peared the Image of Wrath and Discontent.

Thou art by the Report of Ptolomy (said the Souldan) a great contemner of our Gods, and despiser of our Laws; therefore his Pleasure is, that I should end thy days by some inhumane death, the which I swear by Mahomet, and all my Country Gods to ac∣complish: and thereupon he gave him in keeping to an hundred of the Ianisaries, till the day of Execution, which was appointed within thirty days following. Hereupon they disroved him of his Apparel, and attired him in simple and vase Array: his Arms that late were employed to weild the mighty Target, and t••ss the weighty Battle-Ax, they strongly fettered up in Iron Bolts: and those Ha••ds which were wont to be garnished with Steely Gaunt∣lets, they bound up in Hempen Bands, that the purple blood trickled down from his Finger's ends, and so being despoiled of all Knight∣ly Dignity, they conveyed him to a deep, dark, and desolate Dun∣geon, wherein the Golden Sun did never shew his splenoent Beams, nor never could the comfortable light of Heaven be s••••n; betwixt the day and night, no difference could he make; the Sum∣mer's parching heat, and the Winters freezing cold were both alike, his chiefest comforts were to number the Persians he had s••ain in the conflict, one white p••ndring in his restless thoughts the ingra∣titude of Ptolomy the Egyp••••••n King, another while remembring his Love, and Uow, and deep Affection that he bare to the Egyp∣tian's Daughter, and how unkindly she took his departure, carving her Picture with the Nails of his Fingers upon the Walls of the Dungeon: to which sensless substance he would many times thus complain.

O cruel Destinies! why is this grievous punishment assotted to my Pennance? Have I conspired against the Majesty of Heaven, that they have thrown this Uengeance on my head? shall I never recover my former Liberty, that I may be Revenged upon the causers of my Imprisonment? Frown Angry Heavens, upon these bloody-minded Pagans, these daring Misereants and professed Enemies of Christ, and may the Plagues of P••araoh light upon their Countreys, and the miseries of Oelipus upon their Princes: that they may be witnesses of their Daughters Ravishment, and behold their Cities flaming like the burning Battlements of Troy. Thus lamented he the loss of his Liberty, Accursing his Birth∣day, and hour of his Creation, wishing that it ••••ver might be num∣bred

in the year, but be counted Ominous to all ensuing Ages. His Sighs exceeded the number of the Ocean-sands, and his Tears the Water-bubbles in a Rainy day, as one diminished, another presently appeared.

Thus Sorrow was his Company, and Despair his chief Soli∣citor, till Hyperion with his Golden Coach had thirty times rested in Thetis's purple Palace, and Cynthia thirty times danc'dupon the Crystal Waves, which was the very time when as his moans should end, according to the severe and cruel Iudgment of the Souldan of Persia. But by what extraordinary means he knew not. So expecting every minute to entertain the wished Messenger of Death, heard afar off the terrible Roaring of two hunger-star∣ved Lions, which for the space of four days had been restrained from their Food and natural sustenance, only to devour and staunch their hunger-starved bowels with the body of this thrice Renown∣ed Champion: which cry of the Lions so terrified his mind that the Hair of his Head grew stiff, and his Brows sweat water thro' anguish of his Soul, so extreamly he feared the remorsless stroke of Death, that by Uiolence he burst the Chains in sunder where∣with he was bound, and rent the curled Tresses from his Head, that were of the colour of Amber, the which he wrapped about his Arms against the assault of the Lyons, for he greatly suspected them to be the Messengers of his woful Tragedy, which indeed was so appointed, for at the same instant they descended the Dun∣geon, brought thither by the Ianisaries, only to make a full pe∣riod of the Champion's Life: but such was the Invincible Forti∣tude of St. George, and so politick was his Defence, that when the starved Lions came running on him with open Iaws, he vali∣antly thrust his sinewed arms into their throats (being wrapped a∣bout with the hair of his head, whereby they presently choaked, and so he pulled out their hearts.

Which spectacle the Souldan's Ianisaries beholding, were so amazed with fear, that they ran in all haste to the Palace, and cer∣tified the Souldan what had hapned, who commanded every part of the Court to be strongly Guarded with Armed Soldiers, supposing the English Knight rather to be some Monster, ascended from the deep, than any Creature of Humane Substance, or else one possessed with some Divine Inspiration, that by the force of Arms, had accomplished ••o many adventurous Stratagems: such a Terrour assailed the Souldan's heart, seeing he had slain two Li∣ons, and slaughtered two thousand Persians with his own hands, and likewise had intelligence how he slew a burning Dragon in Egypt, that he caused the Dungeon to be closed up with Bars of Iron,

lest he should by Policy or Fortitude recover his Liberty, and so ••ndanger the whole Country of Persia: where he remained in Want, Penury, and great Necessity for the term of Seven Win∣ters, living only upon Rats and Mice, with other creeping Worms which he caught in the Dungeon. During which time he never ta∣sied the Bread of Corn, but of Bran, and Channel-water, which daily was served him through Iron Gates, where now we leave St. George languishing in great misery, and return again into Egypt where we lest Sabra the Champion's betrothed Lady lament∣ing the want of his Company, whom she loved dearer than any Knight in the World.

Sabra that was the fairest Maid that ever mortal eye beheld, in whom both Art and Nature seemed to excell in curious Work∣manship, her Body being straiter than the stately Cedar, her Beau∣ty purer than the Paphian Queens: the one with over-burthened Grief was quite altered, and the other stained with floods of brack∣ish Tears that daily trickled down from her fair Cheeks: where∣upon sate the very Image of Discontent, the Map of Woe, and the only mirror of Sorrow, she accounted all company loathsome to her sight, and excluded the fellowship of all Ladies, only be∣taking her self to a solitary Cabinet, where she sate sowing many a wo••ul Story upon a crimson coloured Sampler: whereon some∣times she bathed wounded hearts, with luke-warm tears that fell from the conduits of her eyes, then presently with her crisped Locks of Hair which dangled down her Ivory Neck, she dried up the moisture of her sorrowful tears; then thinking upon the plighted Promises of her dearly beloved Knight, fell into these Passions and pitiful Complaints.

O Love (said she) more sharp than the pricking Bryer, with what inequality dost thou torment my wounded heart, not link∣ing my dear Lord in the like Affection of Mind? O Venus! if thou be imperious in thy Deity, to whom both Gods and Men obey, command my wandring Lord to return again, or grant that my Soul may flie into the Clouds, that by the Winds it may be blown into his sweet Bosom, where now lives my bleeding heart. But foolish Fondling that I am, he hath rejected me, and shuns my Company, as the Syrens (else had he not refused the Court of Egypt, where he was Honoured as a King) and wandred the the World to seek another Love. No, no, it cannot be: he bears no such unconstant mind, and I greatly fear, some Treachery hath bereaved me of his sight, or else some stony Prison excludes my George from me. If it be so, sweet Morpheus, thou God of Golden Dreams, reveal to me my Love's Abiding, that in my

sleep his shadow may appear, and report the cause of his departure. After this Passion breathed from the mansion of her Soul, she committed her watchful eyes to the Government of sweet sleep, which being no sooner closed, but there appeared, as she thought, the shadow and very shape of her dearly beloved Lord, St. George of England, not as he was wont to be flourishing in his glittering Burgonet of Steel, nor Mounted on a stately Iennet, deckt with a crimson Plume of spangled Feathers, but in over-worn and simple Attire, with pale Looks, and lean Body, like to a Ghost risen from some hollow Grave, breathing as it were these sad and woful Passions.

Sabra, I am Betrayed for Love of thee, And lodg'd in hollow Caves and dismal Night: From whence I never more shall come to see Thy loving Countenance and Beauty bright; Remain thou True and Constant for my sake, That of thy Love they may no Conquest make.

Let Tyrants think if ever I obtain What e're is lost by Treason's cursed guile: False Egypt's Scourge I surely will remain, And turn to streaming blood Morocco's smile; That damned Dog of Barbary shall rue, The doleful S••ratagems that will ensue.

The Persian Towers shall smoak with fire, And lofty Babylon be tumbled down: The Cross of Christendom shall then aspire To wear the proud Egyptian tripple Crown. Ierusalem and Iudah shall behold The fall of Kings by Christian Champians bold.

Thou Maid of Egypt, still continue chast, A Tyger seeks thy Virgins Name to spill; Whilst George of England is in Prison plac'd, Thou shalt be forc'd to Wed against thy will. But after this shall happen Mighty things, For from thy Womb shall spring three Wondrous Kings.

This strange and woeful spéech was no sooner ended, but she awaked from her Sleep, and presently reached forth her white hands, thinking to imbrace him, but she catched nothing but brit∣tle Air, which caused her to renew her former Complaints. Oh wherefore died I not in this my troublesome Dream (said the sor∣rowful Lady) that my Ghost might have haunted those inhumane Monsters which have thus falsly betrayed the bravest Champion under the Cope of Heaven! for his sake will I exclaim against the ingratitude of Egypt, and like Ravished Philomel, fill every corner of the Land with Ecchoes of his wrong: my Woes shall ex∣ceed the Sorrows of Dido Queen of Carthage, mourning for E∣neas. With such like Passions wearied she the time away: till twelve Months were fully finished: At last her Father under∣standing what fervent Affection she bore to the English Champion, began in this manner to relate:

Daughter (said the Egyptian King,) I charge thee by the bond of Nature, and the true obedience thou oughtest to bear my Age, to banish and exclude all fond Affections from thy mind, and not thus to settle thy Love upon a wandring Knight, that is uncon∣stant and without habitation: thou seest he hath forsaken thee, and returned into his own Country, where he hath Wedded a Wife of that Land and Nation: therefore I charge thee upon my Displeasure to Affect and Love the Black King of Morocco, that rightfully hath deserved thee in Marriage, which shall be short∣ly Honourably holden to the Honour of Egypt; and so he departed without any Answer at all: By which Sabra knew he would not be crost in his Will and Pleasure: therefore she sighed out these lamentable words:

O unkind Father to cross the Affection of his Child, and to force Love where no Liking is? Yet shall my mind continue true unto my dear beloved Lord; although my Body be forced against Nature to Obey, and Almidor have the Honour of my Marriage-Bed, English George shall enjoy my true Uirginity. if ever he return again into Egypt; and thereupon she pulled forth a chain of Gold, and wrapped it seven times about her Ivory Neck. This (said she) hath been seven days steept in Tygers Blood, and seven nights in Dragons Milk, whereby it hath obtained such excellent Uertue, that so long as I wear it about my Neck, no Man on Earth can enjoy my Uirginity: though I be forced to the state of Marriage, and lie seven years in Wedlocks Bed, yet by the vertue of this Chain, I shall continue a true Uirgin.

Which words were no sooner ended, but Almidor entred her sor∣rowful Chamber, and presented her with a Wedding Garment,

which was of the purest Median Silk, imbossed with Pearl and rich refined Gold, perfumed with sweet Syrian Powders, it was of the colour of the Lilly when Flora hath bedecked the Fields in May with Natures Ornaments: Glorious and Costly were her Uestures, and so stately were the Nuptial Rites Solemnized, that Egypt admired the bounty of her Wedding: which for seven days was holden in the Court of Ptolomy, and then moved to Tripoly, the chief City in Barbary, where Almidor's forced Bride was Crowned Queen of Morocco: at which Coronation the Conduits ran with Greekish Wines, and the Streets of Tripoly were beautified with Pageants, and delightful shews. The Court resounded such me∣lodious Harmony, as though Apollo with his Silver Harp had descended from the Heavens: such Tilts and Tournaments were performed betwixt the Egyptian Knights, and the Knights of Bar∣bary, that they exceeded the Nuptials of Hecuba the beauteous Queen of Troy: which honourable proceedings we leave for this time to their own contentments, some Masking, some Dancing, some Revelling, some Tilting, and some Banqueting. Also leaving the Champion of England Saint George, mourning in the Dungeon in Persia, as you heard before, and return to the other Six Champions of Christendom, which departed from the Brazen Pillar, every one his several way, whose Knightly and Noble Adventures, if the Muses grant me the Bounty of fair Castalian Springs, I will most amply discover the Honour of all Christen∣dom.