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.

THE Honourable HISTORY OF THE Seven Champions OF CHRISTENDOM.

CHAP. I.

Of the Wonderful and strange Birth of St. George of England. How he was cut out of his Mothers Womb, and after stoln from his Nurse by Kalyb the Lady of the Woods: Her Love to him, and her Gifts: And how he enclosed her in a Rock of Stone, and Redeemed Six Christian Knights out of Prison.

AFter the angry Greeks had Ruined the Chief City in Phrygia, and turned King Priam's Glorious Buildings to a Waste and Desolate Wilderness, Duke Aeneas ex∣empted from his Native Habitation, with many of his Distressed Countrymen (like Pilgrims) wandred the World to find some happy Region, where they might erect the I∣mage of their subverted Troy: but before that labour could be ac∣complished, Aeneas ended his dayes in the confines of Italy, and left his Son Ascanius to Govern in his stead: Ascanius dying, left Silvius to Rule: Silvius Deceasing, left the Noble and Adventurous Brutus: which Brute (being the fourth Descent from Aeneas) first made Conquest of this Land of Britain, then inhabited with Mon∣sters, Gyants, and a kind of Wild People without Government, but by Policy he overcame them, and established good Laws: where he found the first Foundation of New Troy, and named it Troy∣novant, but since in process of time called London. Thus began

the Isse of Britain to flourish, not only with Sumptuous Buildings. but also with Couragious and Ualiant Knights, whose Adventu∣reus and Bold Attempts in Chivalry, Fame shall describe what Oblivion buried in Obscurity. After this, the Land was Reple∣nished with Cities, and divided into Shires and Countries: Duke∣dome, Ear••doms, and Lordships, were the Patrimony of high and Noble Minds: wherein they lived not then like Cowards in their Mothers Bosoms, but merited Renown by Martial Discipline: For the Famous City of Coventry was the place wherein the first Christian of England was born, and the first that ever sought for Fo∣reign Adventures, whose name to this day all Europe highly hath in regard: and for his Bold and Magnanimous Deeds at Arms, gave him this Title, The Valiant Knight St George of England, whose Golden Garter is not only worn by Nobles, but by Kings, and in Memory of his Uictories the Kings of England Fight under his Banner. Therefore Cal••ope, thou Sacred Sister of the Muses, guide so my Pen, that it may write the true Discourse of this worthy Champion.

When Nature by true Consanguinity had recreated him in his Mothers Womb, she dreamed to be conceived of a Dragon, which should be the cause of her Death: Which Dream she long concealed and kept secret, untill her painful Burthen grew so heavy that her Womb was scarce able to endure it, so finding opportunity to reveal it unto her Lord and Husband, being then Lord High-Steward of England, she revealed her Dream after this manner. My Honourable Lord, you know I am by Birth the King of En∣gland's Daughter, and for these one and twenty years have I been your True and Lawful Wife. Yet never was in hope of Child till now, or that by me your Name should survive: Therefore I con∣jure you by the pleasure of your Youth, and the dear and natural Love you ••ear to the Infant conceived in my Womb, that either by Art, Wisdom, or some other Inspiration, you Calculate upon my troublesome Dreams, and tell me what they signifie: For these thirty Nigh••s past, my ••ilent slumbers have been greatly hindred by grievous Dreams; for night by night, no sooner could sweet sleep take possession of my Senses, but methought I was conceived with a Dreadful Dragon, which would be the cause of his Parents Death: Even as Hecuba the Beauteous Queen of Troy, when Paris was in her Womb, Dreamed to be Conceived of a Fire∣brand, which indeed was truly verified: For Paris having Ra∣vished the Paragon of Greece, and brought Helena into Troy, in Revenge thereof the Grecians turned the Towers of Ilium into Blazes of Fire. Therefore most dear and well beloved Lord, pre∣vent

the like danger, that I be not the Mother of a Viperous Son. These words struck such terrour to his heart, that for a time he stood speechless, but having recovered his lost Senses, he answered her in this manner:

My most dear and beloved Lady, what Art, or Learning can per∣••orm, with all convenient speed shall be accomplished, for never shall Rest take possession of my Heart, nor Sleep close the Closets of mine Eyes, till I understand the signification of these thy trou∣blesome Dreams. So leaving her in her Chamber, in company of other Ladies that came to comfort her in her Melancholy Sadness, he took his Iourney to the Solitary Walks of Kalyb, the Wise La∣dy of the Woods, without any Company, except another Knight that bore under his Arm a white Lamb which they intended to Of∣fer unto the Enchantress. So travelling for the space of two days, they came to a Thicket beset about with old withered and hollow Trees, wherein they were entertained with such dismal croaking of Night-Ravens, hissing of Serpents, bellowing of Bulls, and roaring of Monsters, that it rather seemed a Wilderness of Furies than a Worldly Habitation: By which they knew it to be the In∣chanted Uale of Kalyb, the Lady of the Woods, so pacing to the middle of the Thicket, they came to a Cave, whose Gate and En∣try was of Iron, whereon hung a Brazen Horn for them to wind that would speak with the Sorceress. First, Offering their Lamb with great Humility before the Postern of the Cave, then exemp∣ting all fear, they winded the Brazen Horn, the sound whereof seemed to shake the Foundation of the Earth: after which, they heard a loud and hollow voice, that uttered these words following:

Sir Knight, from whence thou cam'st, return, Thou hast a Son most strangely born: A Dragon that shall split in twain Thy Ladies Womb with extream pain: A Champion bold, from thence shall spring, And practise many a wondrous thing. Return therefore, make no delay, For it is true what I here say.

This dark Riddle, or rather Mystical Oracle, being thrice re∣peated in this Order, so much amazed them, that they stood in doubt whether it were best to return, or to wind the Brazen Horn the second time: but being perswaded by the other Knight, not to move the impatience of Kalyb, he rested satisfied with the Answer.

Thus he left the Enchanted Cave to the Government of Kalyb, and with all speed dispatched his journey to his Native Habitation: but in the mean time his Lady being overcharged with extream pain and bitter anguish of her laboursome Womb, was forced either to the spoil of her Infant, or decay of her own Life: but regard∣ing more the benefit of her Country than her own safety, and for the preservation of her Child, she most willingly committed her ten∣der Womb to be opened, that her Infant might be taken forth alive.

Thus with the consent of many Learned Chirurgions, this most Noble and Magnanimous Lady was cast into a dead sléep, her Womb cut up with sharp Rasors, and the Infant taken from the Bed of his Creation. Upon his Breast Nature had Pic∣tured the lively form of a Dragon, upon his right hand a blood-red Cross, and on his left Leg a Golden Garter: they named him George, and provided him thrée Nurses, one to give him suck, a∣nother to keep him asleep, and the third to provide him Food. Not many days after his Nativity, the fell Enchantress Kalyb, being the utter Enemy to true Nobility, by Charms and Witchcrafts, stole this Infant from the careless Nurses: At which time (though all too late) her Noble Lord and Husband returned, in good hope to hear a joyful Delivery of his Lady, and a Comfort of a Son: But his wished Joy was turned into an unlook'd-for Sorrow, for he found not only his Lady dismembred of her Womb, but his young Son wanting, without any news of his abode, which woful spec∣tacle bereaved him of his Wits, that for a time he stood sensless like weeping Niobe, but at last brake into these bitter Exclamati∣ons.

O Heavens! why cover you not the Earth with Everlasting Night? Why do these accursed Eyes behold the Sun? O that the Waves of Oenipus might end my days, or like an Exile, joy in Banishment, where I may warble forth my Sorrows to the whispering Woods, that sensless Trees may Record my Loss, and untam'd Beasts grieve at my want. What Monster hath bereaved me of my Child? or what Tyrant hath been glutted with this Tragedy? O that the wind would be a Messenger, and bring me happy News of his abode: if he be drench'd in the deepest Seas, thither will I dive to fetch him up: if he be hid in the Caverns of the Earth, thither will I dig to see my son: or if he like a feathered Fowl lie hovering in the Air, yet thither will I flie and embrace him that never yet mine Eyes beheld. But why do I thunder forth my Exclamations thus in vain, when neither Earth nor Seas, nor any thing in Earth nor Seas will grant me Comfort for his Recovery!

Thus complained he many Months for the loss of his Son, and sent Messengers into every circuit of the Land, but no Man proved so fortunate as to return him happy tydings. He thus be∣ing frustrate of all good hopes, stored himself with Iewels, and so intended to Travel the wide World, either to speed in his Iourney, or leave his Boues in some Foreign Region. Thus leaving his Native Country, he wandred from place to place, till the Hairs of his Head were grown as white as Silver, and his Beard like the Thistle-down, but at last he ended his Travel in Bohemia, where, what for Age, and excessive Grief, he laid himself down un∣der a Ruinated Monastery Wall and died, the Commons of that Countrey having knowledge of his name (by a Iewel he wore in his Bosom) engraved it in Marble stone right over his Sepulchre, where we leave him sleeping in peace, and return to his Son re∣maining with Kalyb the Lady of the Woods in the Inchanted Cave.

Now twice seven years were fully finished since Kalyb first had in kéeping the Noble St. George of England, whose mind many times thirsted after Honourable Adventures, and often attempted to set himself at Liberty, but the fel Enchantress tendering him as the apple of her Eye, appointed twelve sturdy Satyrs to attend his Person, so that neither Force nor Policy could further his in∣tent. She kept him not to Triumph in his Tragedy, nor to spend his days in Slavery, but feeding his Fancy with all delights that Art and Nature could afford: for in him she fixed her chief Feli∣city, and Lusted after his Beauty: But he seeking to advance himself by Martial Discipline and Knightly Attempts, utterly re∣fused her proffered Courtesie, and highly disdained to affect so wick∣ed a Creature. She seeing her Love bestowed in vain, upon a time being in a secret corner of the Cave, began to flatter him in this manner.

Thou knowest (my dear George) how worthily I have served thy Love, and how for thy sake I have kept my Viginity unstained, yet, thou more cruel than the Tygers bred in Libya, rejectest me. Dear Knight, fulfill my desires, and at thy pleasure, my Charms shall practice wondrous things, as to move Heaven to Rain Showers of Stones upon thy Enemies, to convert the Sun to Fire, the Moon to Blood, or make a Desolation of the whole World.

The Noble Knight St. George considered in his mind that Love would make the wisest blind: Therefore by these her fair promises he hoped to obtain Liberty, the which moved him to make her this Answer.

Most Wise and Learned Kalyb, thou Wonder of the World, I condescend to all thy desires, upon this condition, that I may be sole Protector and Governor of this Inchanted Cave, and that thou describe to me my Birth, my Name, and Parentage: Thereto the willingly consented, and began her Discourse in this manner. Thou art by Birth, said she, Son to the Lord Albert, High Steward of England, and from thy Birth to this day have I kept thee as my Child, within these solitary Woods: So taking him by the hand, she led him into a Brazen Castle, wherein remained as Prisoners, six of the bravest Knights of the World. These are, said she, Six worthy Champions of Christendom; The first is St. Dennis of France, the second St. Iames of Spain, the third St. Anthony of Italy, the fourth St. Andrew of Scotland, the fifth St. Patrick of Ireland, the sixth St. David of Wales; and thou art born to be the Seventh, thy Name being St. George of England, for so thou shalt be termed in time to come. Then leading him a little far∣ther, she brought him into a large fair Room, where stood seven of the goodliest Stéeds that ever Eye beheld. Six of these (said she) belong to the six Champions, and the seventh will I bestow upon thee, whose Name is Bayard: likewise she led him to another Room, where hung the Richest Armour in the World: so choosing out the strongest Corsset from her Armory, she with her own hands buckled it about his Breast, laced on his Helmet, and attired him with a Rich Caparison: then fetching forth a mighty Faulchion, she put it likewise in his hand. Now, (said she) thou art Armed in Richer Furniture than was Ninus the first Monarch of the World: thy Steed is of such Force and Invincible Power, that whilst thou art mounted on his back, there can be no Knight in all the World so hardy as to Conquer thee: thy Armour is of the purest Lydian Steel, that neither Weapon can pierce, nor Battle-Ax bruise: thy Sword which is called Ascalon, is made of the Cyclops, that it will separate and cut the hardest Flint, and hew in sunder the strongest Steel: for in the Pummel lies such precious Vertue, that neither Treason, Witchcraft, nor any other Violence can be offe∣red thee, so long as thou wearest it.

Thus the Lustful Kalyb was so blinded in her own conceit, that she not only bestowed the Riches of her Cave upon him, but gave him Power and Authority through a Silver Wand which she put in his hand, to work her own Destruction: for coming by a huge great Rock of Stone, this Ualiant Knight struck his Charming Rod thereon: whereupon it opened, and shewed apparently before his eyes a number of sucking Babes, which the Enchantress had

Murthered by her Witchcraft and Sorceries. Oh! (said she) this is a place of horror, where nought is heard but shrieks and ruful groans of dead Mens Souls: but if thy ears can endure to hear them, and thy eyes behold them, I will lead thee the way. So the Lady of the Woods, boldly stepping in before, little doubting the pretended policy of St. George, was deceived in her own practices: for no sooner entred she the Rock, but he struck his Silver Wand there∣on, and immediately it closed, where she bellowed forth exclamations to the sensless Stones without all hope of Delivery,

Thus this Noble Knight deceived the wicked Enchantress Kalyb, and set the other six Champions likewise at Liberty, who rendred him all Knightly Courtesies, and gave him thanks for their safe de∣livery. So storing themselves with all things fitting to their de∣sires, took their Iourneys from their Enchanted Grove, whose Pro∣ceedings, Fortunes, and Heroical Adventures shall be shewed in the Chapters following.

CHAP. II.

Kalyb's Lamentation in the Rock of stone, her Will and Testament, and how she was torn in pieces by Spirits: with other things that hapned in the Cave.

BUT after the departure of the Seven Worthy Champions, Kalyb seeing her self fast closed in the Rock of Stone, by the Policy of the English Knight, grew into such extream pas∣sion of mind, that she cursed the hour of her Creation, and bitterly banned all motions of Conjuration, the Earth she wearied with her cries, whereby the very Stones seemed to relent, and as it were wept pearled tears, and sweat with anguish of her Grief: the blasted Oaks that grew about the Enchanted Rock, likewise seemed to ••ue at her Exclamations, the blustring of Winds were silent, the murmuring of Birds and solitary dumbness took possession of every creature that abode within the circuits of the Woods, to hear her woeful lamentations, which she uttered in this manner. O miserable Kalyb! accursed be thy Destiny, for now thou art inclosed within a Desolate and darksome Den, where nei∣ther Sun can lend thee comfort with his bright Beams, nor Air ex∣tend breathing coolness to thy woeful Body, for in the deep foun∣dations of the Earth thou art for evermore enclosed, that hast been the wonder of time for Magick: I that by Art have made my jour∣ney to the deepest Dungeons of Hell, where multitudes of ugly,

black, and fearful Spirits have trembled at my Charms: I that have bound up the Furies in Beds of Steel, and caused them to attend my pleasure like swarms of Hornets, that overspread the Mountains of Egypt, or the Flies upon the parched Hills, where the tawny tanned Moors do inhabit, am now constrained to languish in eternal darkness: woe to my Soul, woe to my Charms, and woe to all my Magick Spells, for they have bound me in this hollow Rock: pale be the brightness of the clear Sun, and cover the Earth with everlasting darkness: Skies turn to pitch, Elements to flaming Fire, Roar Hell, Quake Earth, Swell Seas, Blast Earth, Rocks rend in twain, all Creatures mourn at my Confusion, and sigh Kalyb's woeful and pitiful Exclamations.

Thus wearied she the time away, one while accusing Fortune of Tyranny, another while blaming the Falshood and Treachery of the English Knight, sometimes tearing her curled Locks of brist∣led Hair, that like a wreath of Snakes hung dangling down her deformed Neck, then beating her Breasts, another while rending her Ornaments, whereby she seemed more like a Fury than an earthly Creature, so impatient was this Enchantress Kalyb; but being frustrate of all hopes of Recovery, she began again to thunder forth these terms of Conjuration; Come, come, you Princes of the Elements; come, come, and tear this Rock in pieces, and let me not be inclos'd in this Eternal Languishment: Appear you shadows of black misty night, Magol, Cumoth, Helveza, Zontdma: Come when I call, venite fastinate inquam. At which words the Earth be∣gan to quake, and the very Elements trembled, and all the Spi∣rits, both of Air, of Earth, of Water, and of Fire, were obedi∣ent to her Charms, and by Multitudes came flocking at her cast; some from the Fire in the likeness of burning Dragons, breath∣ing from their fearful Nostrils Sulphur and flaming Brimstone: some from the Water in shape of Fishes, with other deformed crea∣tures that have their abiding in the Seas; ••••••e from the Air, the purest of the Elements in the likeness of Spirits, and other bright Shadows, and other some from the gross Earth most ugly black and dreadful to behold. So when these Legions of Spirits had encompassed the wicked Enchantress, Hell began to roar such an infernal and harsh melody, that the inchanted Rock burst in twain and then Kalyb's Charms lost their effect: Her Magick no longer endured than the term of an hundred years, the which as then was fully finished and brought to an end; then the Obligation which she subscribed with her dearest blood, and sealed with her own hands, brought up a Witness against her, by which she

knew and fully perswaded her self that her Life was fully finished: therefore in this most fearful manner she began to make her last Will and Testament.

First, welcome (said she) my sad Executors, welcome my Grave and everlasting Tomb, for you have digged it in the fiery Lakes of Phlegeton, my winding sheet wherein to shrowd both my Body and contemned Soul, is a Cauldron of boiling Lead and Brim∣stone, and the Worms that should consume my Carkass are fiery Forks which toss burning Fire-brands from place to place, from Furnace to Furnace, and from Cauldron to Cauldron, therefore at∣tend to Kalyb's woful Testament, and engrave the Legacy she gives in Brass Rolls, upon the burning Banks of Acheron.

First, These eyes that now too late weep hapless tears, I give unto the Watry Spirits, for they have wrackt the treasures hidden in the deepest Seas, to satisfie their most unsatiable looks: Next I bequeath these hands which did subscribe the bloody Obligation of my per∣petual banishment from Joy, unto those Spirits that hover in the Air: my Tongue that did conspire against the Majesty of Heaven, I give to those Spirits which have their being in the fire: my earthly heart I bequeath to those gross Demons that dwell in the Dungeon of the Earth, and the rest of my Condemned Body, to the Torments due to my deservings. Which strange and fearful Testament, bee∣ing no sooner ended, but all the Spirits generally at one instant seized upon the Enchantress, and dismembred her Body in a thou∣sand pieces, and divided her Limbs to the four Elements, one Member to the Air, another to the Water, another to the Fire, and another to the Earth, which were carried away in a moment by the Spirits, that departed with such a horror, that all things with∣in the hearing thereof suddenly died, both Beasts, Birds, and all creeping Worms which remained within the compass of those in∣chanted Woods: the trees which before were wont to flourish with green leaves, withered away and died, the bl••des of gra••s perished for want of natural moisture, which the watry Clouds de••ied to nourish in so wicked a place.

Thus by Iudgment of the Heavens, sensless things perished for the wickedness of Kalyb, whom we leave to her endless Tor∣ments, and return to the Seven worthy Champions of Christen∣dom, whose laudable Adventures Fame hath in••olled in the Books of Memory.

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.

CHAP. IV.

How Saint Denis the Champion of France lived Seven years in the shape of an Hart, and how proud Eglantine the King's Daughter of Thessaly was transformed into a Mulberry-Tree, and how they recovered their former shapes by means of Saint Denis's Horse.

CAlling now to mind the long and weary Travels of Saint Denis the Champion of France endured, after his departure from the other Six Champions at the Brazen Pillar, as you heard in the beginning of the former Chapter, from which he wan∣dred through many a Desolate Grove and Wilderness; without any Adventure worthy the noting, till he arrived upon the Bor∣ders

of Thessaly (being a Land as then inhabited only with Wild Beasts:) wherein he endured such a penury and scarcity of Uic∣tuals, that he was forced the space of seven years to feed upon the Herbs of the field, and the Fruits of Trees, till the hairs of his ••e••d were like Eagles Feathers, and the Nails of his Fingers to Birds Claws: his drink the dew of Heaven, the which he licked from the Flowers of Meadows, the Attire he cloathed his Body withal, Bay-leaves, and broad Docks that grew in the Wood, his Shoes the barks of Trees, whereon he Travelled through many a Thorny Brake: but at last as it was his Fortune or cruel Desti∣ny (being over-prest with the extremity of hunger) to taste and feed upon the Berries of an inchanted Mulberry Tree, whereby he lost the lively Form and Image of his Humane substance, and was Transformed into the shape and likeness of a Wild Hart; which strange and sudden transformation, this Noble Champion little mistrusted, till he espied his mishapen form in a clear Foun∣tain, which Nature had erected in a cool and shady Ualley; but when he beheld the shadow of his deformed substance, and how his Head, late honoured with a Burgonet of Stéel, now dishonoured with a pair of Silvan Horns: his face whereon the countenance of true Nobility was lately charactered, now covered with a Beast∣like similitude, and his Body late the true Image of Magnanimi∣ty, now over-spread with a hairy hide, in colour like to the follow Fields; which strange alteration, not a little perplexed the mind of Saint Denis, that it caused him with all speed (having the na∣tural reason of a Man still remaining) to ••epair back to the Mulber∣ry tree again, supposing the Berries he had eaten, to be the cause of his Transformation, under which Tree the distressed Knight laid his deformed Limbs upon the bare ground, and thus wofully began to complain.

What Magick Charms (said he) or other bewitching Spells, remain within this cursed Tree? whose wicked Fruit hath con∣founded my future Fortunes, and converted me to a miserable estate; O thou Coelestial Director of the World, and all you piti∣ful Powers of Heaven, look down with a kind Countenance upon my hapless Transformation: and bend your browsto hear my woful Lamentation: I was of late a Man, but now a horned Beast; I was a Soldier, and my Countrey's Champion, but now a loath∣some Creature, and a prey for Dogs, my glistering Armour is ex∣changed into a Hide of Hair, and my brave Array more baser than the low Earth: henceforth instead of Princely Palaces, these sha∣dy Woods must serve to shrowd me in: wherein my Bed of Down

must be a heap of Sun-burn'd Moss; my sweet recording Musick the blustering Winds, that with Tempestuous Gusts, do make the Wilderness to tremble: the Company I daily keep must be the Silvan Satyrs, Driades, and Airy Nymphs, which never appear to worldly eyes, but in twilights, or at the prime of the Moon, the Stars that beautifie the Crystal Veil of Heaven shall henceforth serve as Torches to light me to my woful Bed: the scowling Clouds shall be my Canopy: my Clock to count how Time runs stealing on, the sound of hissing Snakes, or else the croaking of Toads.

Thus described he his own Misery, till the watry Tears of Ca∣lamity gushed out in such abundance from the Conduits of his Eyes, and his scorching Sighs so violently forced from his bleed∣ing Breast, that they seemed as it were to constrain the untamed Bears, and merciless Tygers to relent his moan, and like harm∣less Lambs sit bleating in the Woods, to hear his woful exclama∣tions.

Long and many days continued this Champion of France in the shape of an Hart, in more distressed misery than the unfortu∣nate English Champion in Persia, not knowing how to recover his former likeness, and humane substance. So upon a time as he lamented the loss of Nature's Ornaments, under the branches of that Enchanted Mulberry-Tree, which was the cause of his Transformation, he heard a grievous and terrible groan, which he supposed to be the induction of some admirable Accident that would ensue: so taking Truce for a time with sorrows, he heard a hollow voice breath from the Trunk of that Mulberry-Trée, these words following.

The Voice in the Mulberry-Tree.

Cease now to Lament, thou Famous man of France, With gentle Ears come listen to my moan, In former Times it was my fatal Chance To be the proudest Maid that e'er was known: By Birth I was the Daughter of a King, Though now a breathless Tree and sensless 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 my self all earthly things to pass:

And therefore Nectar, and Ambrosia sweet, The Food of Heaven, for me I countedmeet.

My Pride contemned still the Bread of Wheat, But purer food I daily sought tofind, Refined Gold was boiled in my Meat, Such self-conceit my Fancies fond did blind: For which the Gods above transformed me, From humane substance to this senseless Tree.

Seven years in shape of Hart thou must remain, And then the purest Rose by Heaven's Decree, Shall bring thee to thy former Shape again, And end at last thy wofull misery: When this is done, be sure you cut in twain This fatal Tree wherein I do remain.

After the Uoice had breathed these speeches from the Mulberry Tree, he stood so much amazed at the strangeness of the words, that for a time his sorrows bereaved him of his speech, and his long appointed Punishment constrained his thoughts to lose their natural understanding: But yet at last recovering his Senses, though not his humane likeness, he bitterly complained of his hard Misfortunes.

O unhappy Creature (said the woful Champion) more misera∣ble than Progne in her Transformation, and more distressed than Acteon was, whose perfect Picture I am made: His misery conti∣nued but a short time, for his own Dogs the same day tore him in a thousand pieces, and buried his transformed Carcass in their hungry Bowels: mine is appointed by the Angry Destinies, till seven times the Summers Sun hath yearly replenished his radi∣ant Brightness, and seven times the Winters Rain hath washed me with the Showers of Heaven. Such were the Complaints of the Transformed Knight of France, sometimes remembring his former Fortunes, how he had spent his days in the honour of his Country: sometimes thinking upon the place of his Nativity, Renowned France, the Nurse and Mother of his Life: sometimes treading with his foot (as for hands he had none) in sandy ground, the print of the words the which the Mulberry-Tree had repeated, and many times numbring the minutes of his long appointed punish∣ment, with the Flowers of the Field. Ten thousand sighs he daily breathed from his Breast, and still when the black and pitchy

mantle of dark night overspread the azured Firmamen••s, and had drawn her Sable Curtains before the brightsome Windows of the Heavens, all Creatures took their sweet reposed rest, and commit∣ted their tyred Eyes to quiet sleep: All things were silent, except the murmuring of the running Warers, whose sounding Musick was the chiefest comfort this distressed Champion enjoyed: the glistering Queen of Night, clad in her Crystal Robes three hun∣dred times a year, was witness of his nightly Lamentations: the wandring Howlet that never sings but in the night, sate yelling over his head: the ru••ul weeping Nightingale with mournful me∣lody, chearfully attending on his Person: for during the limi∣tation of his seven years misery, his trusty Stood never forsook him, but with all Love and true Diligence attended on him Day and Night, never wandring away, but ever, keeping him Compa∣ny: If the extream heat of Summer grew intolerable, or thē pinching cold of Winter violent, his Horse would be a shelter to defend him.

At last, when the term of seven years was fully finished, and that he should recover his former substance, and humane shape, his good Horse, which he tendred as the Apple of his Eye, clam∣bred a high and steep Mountain, which Nature had beautified with all kind of fragrant Flowers, as Odoriferous as the Garden of Hesperides: from whence he pulled a branch of purple Roses, and brought them betwixt his teeth to his distressed Master, and being in his former Passions of Discontent, under the Mulberry-tree. The which the Champion of France no sooner beheld, but he remem∣bred that by a purple Rose he should recover his former similitude, and so joyfully received the Roses from his trusty Steed: then casting his Eyes up to the Caelestical Throne of Heaven, he convey∣ed these Eonsecrated Flowers into his empty Stomach.

After which he laid him down upon the bosome of his Mother Earth, where he fell into such a sound sleep, that all his Senses and vital Spirits were without moving for the space of four and twenty hours. In which time the Windows and Doors of Hea∣ven were opened, from whence descended such a shower of Rain t••at it washed away his hairy Form and Beastlike shape: his horn∣••d head and long visage were turned again into a lively Counte∣nance, and all the rest of his Members, both Arms, Legs, Hands, Feet, Fingers, Toes, with all the rest of Nature's Gifts, re∣ceived their former shape.

But when the good Champion awaked from his sleep, and per∣ceived the wonderfull workmanship of the Heavens, in transform∣ing him to his humane likeness: First, he gave honour to Al∣mighty

God: next kissed the Ground, whereon he had lived so long in misery: then beho lding his Armour which lay hard by him, be∣stainedand almost spoiled with Rust: his Burgonet and keen edged Cuttle-axbesmeared over with dust: Then lastly, pon∣dring in mind, thefaithful Service his trusty Steed had done him, during the time ofhis Calamity, whose sable-coloured Maine hung frizling down hisbrawny Neck, which before was wont to be pleated curiously with artificial knots, and his forehead which was wont to be beautified with a Tawny Plume of Feathers, now disfigured with over-grown hair:whereat the good Cham∣pion St Denis of France somuch grieved, that he stroaked down his jetty back, fill the hair ofhis body lay as smooth as Arabian Silk: then pulled he outhis trusty Faulchion, which in so many fierce Assaults and dangerous Combats had been bathed in the blood of his Enemies, which by thelong continuance of time lying idle, was almost consumed with Eankered Rust, but by his Labour and industrious pains, he recoveredthe former Beauty and brightness again.

Thus both his Sword, his Horse, his Martial Furniture, and all other Habiliments of War, being brought to their first and proper qualities, the Noble Champion intended to persevere and go forward in the Adventure, incutting down the Mulberry-tree: So taking his Sword, which was of thepurest Spanish Steel, gave such a stroak at the Root thereof, that atone blow he cut it quite in sunder, whereout presently flashed such amighty Flame of Fire, that the Mane from his Horse Neck was burned, and like∣wise the Hair of his Head had been fired, if his Helmet hadnot pre∣served him: and no sooner was the flame extinguished, butthere ascended from the hollow Tree a naked Uirgin (in shape like Daphne which Apollo turned into a Bay-tree) fairerthen Pigmalion's Ivory Image, or the Northern driven Snow, her Eyes more clear than the Icy-Mountains, her Cheeks like Rosesdipped in Milk, her Lips more Lovely than the Turkish Rubies, her Alabaster Teet•• like Indian Pearls, her Neck seemed an Ivory Tower, her dainty Breasts a Garden where Milk-white Doves sate and sung•• therest of Nature's Lineamen••s a stain to Juno, Pallas, or Venus at whose excellent Beauty, this Ualiant and Undaunted Cham∣pion more admired, than her wonderful Transformation: for his Eyes were so Ravished with such exceeding Pleasure, that his Tonguecould endure no longer Silent, but was forced to unfold the Secretsof his Heart, and in these Terms began to utter his Mind.

Thou most Divine and Singular Ornament of Nature, said he, fairer than the Feathers of the Silvan Swans that swim up∣on M••ander's Crystal Streams, and far more Beautiful than Auro∣ra's Morning Countenance, to thee the fairest of all Fairs, most hum∣bly and only to thy Beauty do I here submit my Affections: Al∣so I swear by the Honour of my Knighthood, and by the Love of my Country of France (which Uow I will not Uiolate for all the Treasures of Rich America, or the Golden Mines of higher India) whether thou beest an Angel descended from Heaven, or a Fury ascended from the vast Dominions of Proserpine: whether thou beest some Fairy or Silvan Nymph, which inhabits in the fatal Woods, or else an Earthly Creature, for thy Sins Transformed into this Mulberry-tree, I am not therefore Iudge. Therefore sweet Saint, to whom my heart must pay its due Devotion, un∣fold to me thy Birth, Parentage, and Name, that I may the bold∣er presume upon thy Courtesies. At which demand, this new-born Uirgin, with a shainefac'd look, modest gesture, sober grace, and blushing countenance, began thus to Reply.

Sir Knight, by whom my Life, my Love, and Fortunes are to be commanded, and by whom my Humane Shape and natural Form is recovered: First know, you Magnanimous Champion, that I am by Birth the King of Thessaly's Daughter, and my Name was cal∣led for my Beauty proud Eglantine: For which contemptuous Pride, I was transformed into this Mulberry-tree, in which green substance I have continued Fourteen years. As for my Love thou hast deserved it, before all Knights in the World, and to thee do I plight that true Promise before the Omnipotent Judger of all things: and before that secret Promise shall be infringed, the Son shall cease to shine by Day, and the Moon by Night, and all the Planets forsake their proper Nature.

At which words the Champion gave her the Courtesies of his Country, and sealed her Promises with a loving Kiss.

After which, Beautiful E••lantine being ashamed of her Naked∣ness, Weaved her self a Garment of green Rushes intermixed with such variety of sundry Flowers, that it surpassed for work∣manship the Indian Maidens curious Webs; her crisped Locks of Hair continued still of the colour of the Mulberry-tree, where∣by she seemed like Flora in her greatest Royalty when the Fields were decked with Natures Tapestry.

After which she washed her Lilly-hands, and Rose-coloured Face in the dew of Heaven: which she gathered from a Bed of Uiolets-Thus in green Uestments, she intends in company of her true

Love, (the Ualiant Knight of France) to take her Iourney to her Father's Court, being as then the King of that Countrey: where after some few days Travel, they arrived safe in the Court of Thessaly, whose Welcomes were according to their wishes, and their Entertainments most Honourable: for no sooner did the King behold his Daughters safe approach, of whose strange Transformation he was ever ignorant, but he fell in such a dead∣ly swoon through the exceeding joy of her presence, that for a time his Senses were without vital moving, and his heart imbraced so kindly her dainty body, and proffered such Courtesie to the strange Knight, that St. Denis accounted him the mirror of all Courtesie, and the pattern of true Nobility.

After the Champion was unarmed, his stiff and wearied Limbs were bathed in new Milk and White-wine, he was conveyed to sweet smelling Fire made of Iuniper, and the fair Eglantine con∣ducted by the Maidens of Honour to a private Chamber, where she was Disrobed of her Silvan Attire, and apparelled in a pall of purple Silk: in which Court of Thessaly we will leave this our Champion of France with his Lady, and go forward in the Dis∣course of the other Champions, discovering what Adventures hap∣ned to them during the seven years: But first how St. James the Champion of Spain fell in Love with a fair Jew, and how for her sake he continued seven years dumb: and after, if Apollo grant my Muse the gift, of Scholarism, and dip my Pen in the Ink of Art, I will not rest my weary hand till I have explained the honourable Proceedings of the Knights of England, France, Spain, Italy, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, to the honour of Christen∣dom, and the dishonour of all the professed Enemies of Christ.

CHAP. V.

How St. Iames the Champion of Spain, continued seven years dumb for the love of a fair Jew, and how he should have been shot to death by the Maidens of Ierusalem, with other things which chanced in his Travels.

NOw must my Muse speak of the strange Adventures of St. James of Spain, the Third Champion and Renowned Knight of Christendom, and what hapned unto him in his seven years Trauels through many a strange Country by Sea and Land, where his Honourable Acts were so Dangerous and full of Wonder, that I want skill to express, and art to describe: also I am for∣ced for brevities sake, to pass over his dangerous Battel with the burning Drake upon the flaming Mount in Sicily, which terri∣ble Combat continued for the space of seven days and seven nights. Likewise I omit his Travel in Cap••a••ocia, through a Wilderness of Monsters: with his passage over the Red Sea••••, where his Ship was devoured with Worms, his Mariners drowned, and Himself, his Horse and Furniture safely brought to Land by the Sea-Nymphs and Mairmaids: where after his long Travels passed Perils, and dangerous Tempests, amongst the boister••us Billows of the raging Seas, he arrived in the unhappy Domini∣ons of Judah, unhappy by reason of the long and troublesome mi∣sery he endured for the Love of a fair Jew. For coming to the beautiful City Jerusalem, (being in that Age the Wonder of the World, for brave Buildings, Princely Palaces, Gorgeous Moun∣tains, and time-wondring Temples) he so admired the glorious situation thereof (being the richest place that ever his eyes 〈◊〉〈◊〉) that he stood before the Walls of Jerusalem, one while gazing upon her Golden Gates, glistering against the Sun's bright count••∣nance, another while beholding her stately Pinacles, whose lofty peeping tops seemed to touch the Clouds, another while wondring at her Towers of Iasper, Iet, and Ebony, her strong and forti∣fied Walls three times double about the City, the glistering Spires of the Temple of Sion, built in the fashion and similitude of the Pyramids, the ancient Monument of Greece, whose Battlements were covered with steel, the Walls burnished with Silver, the Ground paved with Tin. Thus as this ennobled and famous ••nt∣at Arms stood beholding the situation of Jerusalem, there suddenly thundred such a peal of Ordnance within the City, that it seemed

in his Ravished Conceit, to shake the Uail of Heaven, and to move the deep Foundations of the fastned Earth: whereat his Horse gave such a sudden start, that he leaped ten foot from the place whereon he stood. After this, he heard the sound of Drums, and the chear∣ful Ecchoes of brazen Trumpets, by which the Ualiant Champion expected some honourable Pastime, or some great Tournament to be at hand; which indeed so fell out: for no sooner did he cast his vigilant Eyes toward the East-side of the City, but he beheld a Troop of well appointed Horse come marching through the Gates: after them twelve Armed Knights mounted on twelve Warlike Coursers, bearing in their hands twelve blood-red Streamers, whereon was wrought in Silk the Picture of Adonis wounded with a Boar: after them the King drawn in a Chariot by Spanish Ien∣nets, (which being a certain kind of Steeds ingendred by the Wind). The King's Guard were a 100 naked Moors with Turkish Bows and Darts, feathered with Ravens wings: after them marched Celestine the King of Jerusalem's fair Daughter, mounted on a tame Unicorn. In her hand a Iavelin of Silver, and Armed with a Breast-plate of Gold, artificially wrought like the Scales of a Por∣cupine, her Guard were an hundred Amazonian Dames clad in green Silk: after them followed a number of Esquires and Gentlemen, some upon Barbarian Steeds, some upon Arabian Palfries, and some on foot, in pace more nimble than the tripping Deer, and more swift than the tamest Hart upon the Mountains of Thessaly.

Thus Nebuzaradan great King of Jerusalem (for so was he cal∣led) solemnly hunted in the Wilderness of Judah, being a Country very much annoyed with Wild Beasts, as the Lyon, the Leopard, the Boar and such like; in which exercise, the King appointed, as it was Proclaimed by his chief Herauld at Arms, (the which he heard repeated by the Shepherd in the Fields,) that whosoever slew the first Wild-beast in the Forrest, should have in reward a Corsset of Steel so richly engraven, that it should be worth a thou∣sand sheckles of Silver. Of which honourable enterprize when the Champion had understanding, and with what liberal bounty the adventurous Knight would be rewarded, his heart was fraught with invincible courage, thirsting after glorious Attempts, not only for hope of gain, but for the desire of honour, at which his illustrious and undaunted mind aimed, to eternize his Deeds in the memorable Records of Fame, and to shine as a Crystal Mirror to all ensuing Times. So closing down his Bever, and locking on his Furniture, he scoured over the Plains before the Hunters of Jerusalem, in pace more swift then the winged Winds, till he ap∣proached an old unfrequented Forrest, wherein he espied a huge and

mighty Wild Boar lying before his Mossy Den, gnawing upon the mangled joynts of some Passenger, which he had murthered as he travelled through the Forrest.

This Bore was of wonderful length and bigness, and so terri∣ble to behold, that at the first fight he almost daunted the Courage of the Spanish Knight: for his Monstrous head séemed ugly and deformed, his Eyes sparkled like a fiery Furnace, his Tusks more sharp than pikes of Steel, and from his Nostrils fumed such a vio∣lent breath, that it seemed like a tempestuous Whirlwind, his Bri∣stles were more hard than seven times melted Brass, and his Tail more loathsome than a wreath of Snakes: near whom when St. James approached, and beheld how he drank the blood of hu∣mane Creatures, and devoured their flesh, he blew his Silver Horn, which as then hung at the Pummel of his Saddle, in a Scarf of gréen Silk: whereat the furious Monster turned him∣self, and most fiercely assailed the Noble Champion, which most nimbly leaped from his Horse, and with his Spear struck such a violent blow upon the breast of the Boar, that it shivered into twenty pieces: Then drawing his good Fauchion from his side; he gave him a second encounter: but all in vain, for he struck as it were upon a Rock of Stone, or a Pillar of Iron, nothing hurt∣ful to the Boar: but at last with staring Eyes, (which sparkled like burning Steel) and with open Iaws, the greedy Monster as∣sailed the Champion, intending to swallow him alive: but the nimble Knight as then trusted more upon policy, than to fortitude, and so for advantage skipped from place to place, till on a sudden he thrust his keen-edged Cuttle-ax down his intestine throat, and so most valiantly split his heart in sunder. The which being ac∣complished to his own desire, he cut off the Boar's head, and so pre∣sented the honour of the Combat to the King of Jerusalem, who was then with his mighty Train of Knights but now entred the Forrest: who having graciously received the gift, and bountifully fulfilled his promises, demanded the Champion's Country, his Re∣ligion, and place of his Nativity: who no sooner had intelligence that he was a Christian Knight, and born in the Territories of Spain, but presently his patience exchanged into a great fury, and by these words expressed his cankered stomach toward the Christian Champion.

Knowest thou not, bold Knight (said the King of Jerusalem) that it is the Law of Iudah to harbour no uncircumcised Man, but either to banish him the Land, or end his days by some untimely Death? Thou art a Christian, and therefore shalt die; not all thy

Country Treasures, the Wealthy Spanish Mines, not if all the Alps, which divide the Countries of Italy and Spain, were torn'd to Hills of burnisht Gold, and made my Lawful Heritage, they should not redeem thy Life. Yet for the honour thou ha•••• done in Iuda, I grant thee this favour by the Law of Arms to choose thy Death, else hadst thou suffered a vigorous Torment. Which severe Iudgment so amazed the Champion, that desperately he would have killed himself upon his own Sword, but that he thought it a more Honour to his Country to dye in the Defence of Christendom. So like a true enno••led Knight, fearing neither the Threats of the Iews, nor the impartial stroke of the fatal Sisters, he gave this Sentence of his own Death. First, he requested to be bound to a Pine-tree with his Breast laid open naked against the Sun; then to have an hours respite to make his supplication to his Creator, and afterwards to be shot to death by a true Uirgin.

Which words were no sooner pronounced, but they disarmed him of his Furniture, bound him to a Pine-tree, and laid his Breast open, ready to entertain the bloody stroke of some unrelenting Maiden: but such pity, meekness, mercy and kind lenity lodged in the heart of every maiden, that none would take in hand or be the bloody Ex∣ecutioner of so bravea Knight. At last the Tyrannous Nabuzaradan gave strict Commandment upon pain of Death, that Lots should be east betwixt the Maids of Juda that were there present, and so whom the Lot fell, she should be the fatal Executioner of the Con∣demned Christian. But by chanee the Lot fell to Celestine the King's own Daughter, being the Paragon of Beauty, and the fairest Maid then living in Jerusalem, in whose heart no such deed of cruelty could be harboured, nor in whose hand no bloody Wea∣pon could be entertained. Instead of Death's fatal Instrument, she shot towards his Breast; a deep strained sigh, the true messenger of Love, and afterwards to Heaven, she thus made her humble supplication.

Thou great Commander of Coelestial moving Powers, convert the cruel motions of my Father's mind, into a spring of pitiful tears, that they may wash away the Blood of this innocent Knight, from the habitation of his stained purple Soul. O Iudah and Ie∣rusalem, within whose Bosoms live a Wilderness of Tygers, de∣generate from Nature's kind, more cruel than the hungry Cannibals, and more obdurate than untamed Lions! what merciless Tygers can unrip that Breast, where lives the Image of true Nobility, the very Pattern of Kinghthood, and the Map of a noble Mind? No, no, before my hand shall be stained with Christians Blood, I

will like Scilla, against all Nature, sell my Country's safety, or like Medea, wander with the Golden Fleece to unknown Nations.

Thus, and in such manner complained the beauteous Celestine the King's Daughter of Jerusalem, till her sighs stopped the pas∣sage of her Speech, and her Tears stained the natural Beauty of her Rosie Cheeks: her Hair which glistred like to Golden Wires, she besmeared in dust, and disrobed her self of her costly Garments, and then with a Train of her Amazonian Ladies, went to the King her Father, where after a long suit, she not only obtained his Life, but Liberty, yet therewithall his perpetual Banishment from Jerusalem, and from all the Borders of Judah, the want of whose sight more grieved her heart, than the loss of her own life. So this Noble and Praise-worthy Celestine returns to the Chri∣stian Champion that expected every minute to entertain the Sen∣tence of Death, but this expectation fell out contrary: for the good Lady after she had sealed two or three Kisses upon his pale Lips, being changed through the fear of Death, cut the bands that bound his Body to the Tree into many pieces, and then with a flood of salt Tears, the motives of true Love, she thus revealed her mind.

Most Noble Knight, and true Champion of Christendom, thy Life and Liberty I have gained, but therewith thy Banishment from Iuda, which is a Hell of Plorror to my Soul: for in thy bosome have I built my happiness, and in thy heart I account the Paradise of my true Love, thy first sight and lovely Countenance did ravish me, for when these eyes beheld thee mounted on thy Princely Palfry, my heart burned in Affection towards thee: therefore dear Knight, in reward of my Love, be thou my Champion, and for my sake wear this Ring, with this Poesie engraven in it, Ardeo affectione: and so giving him a Ring from her Finger, and therewithal a Kiss from her Mouth, she departed with a sorrowful sigh, in company of her Father and the rest of his honourable Train, back to the City of Jerusalem, being as then near the Setting of the Sun. But now St. James the Champion of Spain, having escaped the danger of Death, and at full liberty to depart from that unhappy Nation, he fell into many cogitations, one while thinking upon the true Love of Celestine (whose name as yet he was ignorant of) another while upon the cruelty of her Father: then intending to depart into his own Country, but looking back to the Towers of Jeru∣salem, his mind suddenly altered, for thither he purposed to go, haping to have sight of his Lady and Mistriss, and to live in some

disguised sort in her presence, and be his Loves true Champion a∣gainst all Comers. So gathering certain Black-berries from the Trees he coloured his Body all over like a Blackmoor: but yet considering that his Countrey Speech would discover him, inten∣ded likewise to continue dumb all the time of his Residence in Je∣rusalem.

So all things ordered according to his desire, he took his Iour∣ney to the City, where with signs and other motions of dumbness he declared his intent, which was to be entertained in the Court, and to spend his time in the Service of the King. Whose Coun∣tenance when the King beheld, which seemed of the natural colour of the Moors, he little mistrusted him to be the Christian Champi∣on whom before he greatly envied, but accounted him one of the bravest Indian Knights that ever his eye beheld: therefore he in∣stalled him with the honour of Knighthood, and appointed him to be one of his Guard, and likewise his Daughters only Champi∣on. Thus when St. James of Spain saw himself invested in that honourable place, his soul was ravished with such exceeding joy, that he thought no pleasure comparable to his, no place of Elysium but the Court of Jerusalem, and no goodness but his beloved Ce∣lestine.

Long continued he dumb, casting forth many a loving sigh in the presence of his Lady and Mistress, not knowing how to reveal the secrets of his mind.

So upon a time, there arrived in the Court of Nabuzaradan, the King of Arabia, with the Admiral of Babylon, both presuming upon the Love of Celestine, and craving her in the way of Mar∣riage, but she exempted all their motions of Love from her chast mind, only building her thoughrs upon the Spanish Knight, which she supposed to be in his own Countrey.

At whose melancholy passions her importunate Suitors, the King of Arabia, and the Admiral of Babylon marvelled: and there∣fore intended upon an Evening to present her with some rare devi∣sed Mask. So choosing out fit Consorts for their Courtly Pa∣stimes, of which number the King of Arabia was chief, and first Leader of the Train, the great Admiral of Babylon was the second, and her own Champion St. James, the third, who was called in the Court by the name of the Dumb Knight; in this manner the Mask was performed.

First entred a most excellent Consort of Musick, after them the aforesaid Maskers in cloath of Gold, and most curiously imbroi∣dered, and daunced a course about the Hall, at the end whereof the King of Arabia presented Celestine with a costly Sword, at the Hilt

whereof hung a Silver Glove, and upon the point was erected a Golden Crown: Then the Musick sounded another Course, of which the Idmiral of Babylon was Leader, who presented her with a Uesture of pure Silk of the colour of the Rain-bow, brought in by Diana, Venus and Juno: which being done, the Musick sounded the third time, in which course St. James, tho' unknown, was the Leader of the Dance, who at the end thereof presented Celestine with a Garland of sweet Flowers, which was brought in by the three Graces, and put upon her head. Afterwards the Christian Champion intending to discover himself unto his Lady and Mistress, took her by the lilly-hand, and led her a stately Mo∣risco Dance. which was no sooner finished, but he offered her the Diamond Ring which she gave him at his departure in the Woods, the which she presently knew by the Poesic, and shortly after had intelligence of his long continued Dumbness, his counterfeit Co∣lour, his changing of Nature, and the great danger he put himself to for her sake: which caused her with all the speed she could possi∣bly make, to break off Company, and to retire into a Chamber which she had by, where the same Evening she had a long Conference with her true and faithful Lover and adventurous Champion: and to conclude, they made some agreement betwixt them, that the same night unknown to any in the Court, she bad Jerusalem adieu, and by the light of Cynthia's glistering Beams stole from her Fa∣ther's Palace, where in company of none but St. James, she took her Iourney towards the Countrey of Spain. But this Noble Knight by Policy prevented all ensuing Dangers, for he shod his Horse backwards, whereby when they were missed in the Court, they might be followed the contrary way.

By this means escaped the two Lovers from the Fury of the Jews, and arrived safely in Spain, in the City of Sevil, wherein the brave Champion St. James was born: where now we leave them for a time to their own contented minds. Also passing over the hurly-burly in Jerusalem for the loss of Celestine, the vain pursuits of adventurous Knights in s••opping the Ports and Havens, the preparing of fresh Horse to follow them, and the Bustering of Sol∣diers to pursue them, the frantick passions of the King for his Daughter, the mèlancholy moan of the Admiral of Babylon for his Mistris, and the woful Lamentation of the Arabian King, for his Lady and Love: we will return to the Adventures of the other Christian Champions.

CHAP. VI.

The terrible Battel betwixt St. Anthony the Champion of Italy, and the gyant Blanderon: and afterwards of the strange Enter∣tainment in the Gyant's Castle, by a Thracian Lady, and what hapned to him in the same Castle.

IT was the same time of the year when the Earth was newly deckt with the Summer's Livery, when the Noble and Heroical minded Champion St. Anthony of Italy Arrived in Thracia, where he spent his seven years Travels to the Honour of his Country, the Glory of God, and to his own still lasting Memory: for after he had wandred through Woods and Wildernesses, by Hills and Dales, by Caves and Dens, and other unknown Passages, he ar∣rived at last upon the top of an high and steep Mountain, whereon stood a wonderful huge and strong Castle, which was kept by the most Mighty Gyant under the cope of Heaven, whose puissant force all Thrace could not overcome, nor once attempt to withstand, but with the danger of their whole Countrey. The Gyant's name was Blanderon, his Castle of the purest Marble-stone, his Gates of yellow Brass, and over the principal Gate were graven these Uer∣ses following.

Within this Castle lives the Scourge of Kings, A surious Gyant, whose unconquer'd Power, The Thracian Monarch in Subjection brings, And keeps his Daughters Prisoners in his Power: Seven Damsels fair this Monstrous Gyant keeps, That sings him Musick while he Nightly sleeps.

His bars of Steel a thousand Knights have felt, Which for these Virgins sake have lost their lives: For all the Champions bold that with him dealt, This most Intestine Gyant still survives: Let simple Passengers take heed betime, When up this steep Mountain they do clime.

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 Gyant's power, Shall have a Virgin's Prayer both Day and Night, To Prosper them with good successful Fight.

After he had read what was written over the Gate, desire of Fame so incouraged him, and the thirst of Honour so imboldned his Ualiant mind, that he either vowed to redeem those Ladies from their servitude, or die with honour by the fury of the Gyant. So going to the Castle Gate, he struck so vehemently thereon, with the Pummel of his Sword, that it sounded like a Thunder-clap: whereat Blanderon suddenly started up being fast asleep close by a Fountains side, and came pacing forth of the Gate, with an Dak∣tree upon his Neck: who at the sight of the Italian Champion so lightly flourished it about his head, as though it had been a little Cuttle-ax, and with these words gave the Noble Champion enter∣tainment.

What Fury hath incensed thy overboldned mind (proud Pincock) thus to adventure thy féeble force against the violence of my strong Arms? I tell thée hadst thou the strength of Hercules, who bore the Mountain Atlas on his shoulders, or the policy of Ulvsses by which the City of Troy was ruinated, or the might of Xerxes, whose Multitudes drank up the Rivers as they passed; yet all too feeble, weak, and impotent, to encounter with the mighty Gyant Blanderon; thy force I esteem as a blast of wind, and thy stroaks as a few drops of Water: Therefore betake thee to thy Weapon, which I compare to a Bulrush, for on this ground will I mea∣sure out thy Grave, and after cast thy feeble Palfry with one of my hands headlong down this steep Mountain.

Thus boasted the vain-glorious Gyant upon his own strength. During which time, the valorous and hardy Champion had alight∣ed from his Horse, where after he had made his humble supplicati∣on to the Heavens for his good speed, and committed his Fortune to the imperial Queen of Destiny, he approached within the Gy∣ant's reach, who with his great Oak so nimbly bestirred him with such vehement blows, that they seemed to shake the Earth, and to rattle against the Wall of the Castle like mighty Thunder-claps, and had not the politick Knight continually skipped from the fury of his blow, he had been bruised as small as flesh unto the pot, for every stroak the Gyant gave, the root of his Oak entred at the least

two or three inches into the Ground. But such was the Wisdom and Policy of the worthy Champion, not to withstand the force of his Weapon, till the Gyant grew breathless, and not able through his long labour to lift the Oak above his head, and likewise the heat of the Sun was so intolerable (by reason of the extream heighth of the Mountain, and the mighty weight of his Iron Coat) that the sweat of the Gyant's brows ran into his eyes, and by reason he was so extream fat, he grew so blind, that he could not see to endure Combat with him any longer, and as far as he could perceive, would have retired or run back again into his own Castle, but that the Italian Champion with a bold Courage assailed the Gyant so fiercely, that he was forced to let his Oak fall, and stand gasping for breath, which when this Noble Knight beheld, with a fresh supply he redoubled his blows so couragiously, that they fell on the Gyant's Armour like a Storm of Winter's Hail, whereby at last Blanderon was compelled to ask the Champion Mercy, and to crave at his hands some respite of breathing: but his demand was in vain, for the Ualiant Knight supposed now or never to obtain the honour of the day; and therefore rested not his weary Arm, but redoubled blow after blow, till the Gyant for want of breath, and through the anguish of his deep gashed wounds, was forced to give the World a farewell, and to yield the Riches of his Castle to the most Renowned Conqueror St. Anthony the Champion of Italy: But by that time the long and dangerous Encounter was finished, and the Gyant Blanderon's Head was dissevered from his Body, the Sun sate mounted on the highest part of the Elements, which caused the day to be extream hot and sultry, the Champion's Armour so scalded him, that he was constrained to unbrace his Cors∣let, and to lay aside his Burgonet, and to cast his Body upon the cold Earth, only to mitigate his over-burdened heat. But such was the unnatural coolness of the Earth, and so unkindly to his over-laboured Body, that the melted grease of his inward parts was cooled suddenly, whereby his Body received such unnatural Distemper, that the Uapours of the Earth struck presently to his heart, by which his vital air of Life excluded; and his body without sense or moving: where at the mercy of pale Death he lay bereaved of feeling for the space of an hour.

During which time fair Rosalinde (one of the Daughters of the Thracian King, being as then Prisoner in the Castle) by chance looked over the Walls, and espied the body of the Gyant headless, under whose subjection she had continued in great servitude, for the time of seven Months, likewise by him a Knight unarmed as she thought panting for breath, the which the Lady judged to be

the Knight that had slain the Gyant Blanderon, and the man by whom her Delivery should be recovered; she presently descended the Walls of the Castle, and ran with all speed to the adventurous Champion, whom she found dead. But yet being nothing discou∣raged of his Recovery, feeling as yet a warm blood in every Mem∣ber, retired back with all speed to the Eastle, and fetcht a Box of precious Balm, the which the Gyant was wont to pour into his wounds after his encounter with any Knight: with which Balm this courteous Lady chafed every part of the breathless Champion's body, one while washing his stiff Limbs with her salt tears, the which like pearls fell from her Eyes, another while drying them with tresses of her golden hair, which hung dangling in the wind, then chafing his lifeless body again with a Balm of a contrary nature, but yet no sign of life could she espie in the dead Knight, which caused her to grow desperate of all hope of his recovery. Therefore like a loving, meek, and kind Lady, con∣sidering he had lost his life for her sake, she intended to bear him company in Death, and with her own hands to finish her days, and to die upon his Breast, as Thisbe died upon the Breast of her true Pyramis: therefore as the Swan sings a while before her death, so this sorrowful Lady warbled forth this Swan-like Song over the body of the Noble Champion.

Muses come mourn with doleful Melody, Kind Silvan Nymphs that sit in Rosie Bowers, With brackish tears commix your harmony, To wail with me both minutes, days, and hours, A heavy, sad, and Swan-like song sing I, To ease my heart a while before I die. Dead is the Knight for whom I live and die, Dead is the Knight which for my sake is slain: Dead is the Knight, for whom my careful cry, With wounded soul, for ever shall complain, A heavy, sad, and Swan-like Song sing I, &c. I'll lay my Breast upon a Silver stream, And swim in Elysium's Lilly Fields: There in Ambrosia Trees I'll write a Theme, Of all the woful sighs my sorrow yields, A heavy, sad, and Swan-like Song sing I, &c. Farewell fair Woods, where sing the Nightingales, Farewell fair Fields, where feed the light-foot Dee, Farewell you Groves, you Hills, and Flowry Dales, But fare you ill the cause of all all my woes: A heavy, sad, and Swanlike. Song Sing I, &c.

Ring out my ruth, you hollow Caves of Stone, Both Birds, and Beasts, with all things on the ground: You sensless Trees be assistant to my moan, That up to Heaven my sorrows may resound; A heavy, sad, and Swan-like Song sing I, &c.

Let all the Towns of Thrace Ring out my Knell, And write in leaves of Brass what I have said: That after Ages may remember well, How Rosalinde both liv'd and dy'd a Maid:

This woful Ditty was no sooner ended, but the desperate Lady unsheathed the Champion's Sword, which was as yet all besprink∣led with the Gyant's Blood, and being at the very point to exe∣cute her intended Tragedy, and the sharp edged Weapon directly against her Ivory Breast, she heard the distressed Knight give a grievous and terrible groan, whereat she stopped her remorseless hand, and with more discretion tendred her own safety: for by this time the Balm wherewith she anointed his Body, by wonderful operation, recovered the dead Champion, insomuch that after some few gasps and deadly sighs, he rais'd up his stiff Limbs from the cold Earth, where like one cast into a Trance, for a time he gazed up and down the Mountain, but at the last having recovered his lost Senses, espied the Thracian Damsel stand by, not able to speak one word, her joy so abounded: but after some continuance of time he revealed to her the manner of his dangerous encounter, and suc∣cessful Uictory; and she the cause of his recovery, and her inten∣ded Tragedy. Where after many kind Salutations, she courte∣ously took him by the hand, and led him into the Castle, where for that night she lodged his weary Limbs in an easie Bed stuffed with Turtle-feathers, and softest Thistle-down: the Chamber where he lay, had as many Windows as there were Months in the Year, and as many Doors as there were Quarters in the Year, and to describe the curious Architecture, and the artificial Work∣manship of the place, were too tedious, and a work without end.

But to be short, the noble-minded Knight slept soundly af∣ter his dangerous Battel, without mistrusting of Treason, or Re∣bellious Cogitations, till Golden Phoebus bad him good morrow. Then rising out of his stoathful bed, he attired himself, not in his wonted Habiliments of War, but in Purple Garments according to the time of Peace, and so intended to over-view the Rarities

of the Castle: but the Lady Rosalinde all the morning was bufied in looking to his Horse, preparing Delicates for his Repast, and in making a fire against his uprising, where after he had refreshed his weary steps with a dainty Banquet, and carowsed down two or three Bowls of Greekish Wine, he after by the advice of Ro∣salinde, stripped the Grant from his Iron Furniture, and left his naked body upon a craggy Rock, to be devoured of hungry Ravens, which being done, the Thracian Uirgin discovered all the Castle to the adventurous Champion: first she led him to a Leaden Tower, where hung a hundred well approved Corssers, with other Martial Furniture, which were the spoils of such Knights as he had vio∣lently slain: after that, she brought him to a Stable, wherein stood a hundred pampered Iades, which daily fed upon nothing but humane flesh, against it was directly placed the Gyant's own Lod∣ging, his Bed was of Iron, corded with mighty Bars of Steel, the Testern or Covering of carved Brass, the Curtains were of leaves of Gold, and the rest of a strange and wonderful substance of the colour of the Element: after this, she led him to a broad Pond of Water, more clear than Quick-silver, the Streams whereof lay continually as smooth as Crystal, whereon swam six milk-white Swans, with Crowns of Gold about their Necks.

Oh here (said the Thracian Lady) begins the Hell of all my Grief▪ At which words a shower of pearled Tears ran from the Conduit of her Eyes, that for a time they staid the passage of her Tongue: but having discharged her heart from a few sorrowful sighs: she began in this manner to tell her forepassed Fortunes.

These six milk-white Swans, most honourable Knight, you be∣hold swimming in this River (quoth the Lady Rosalinde) be my natural Sisters, both by Birth and Blood, and all Daughters to the King of Thrace, being now Governor of this unhappy Coun∣trey, and the beginning of our Imprisonment began in this unfor∣tunate manner.

The King my Father, ordained a solemn hunting to be holden thro' the Land, in which honourable pastime, my self, in Com∣pany of my six Sisters was present. So in the middle of our Sports, when the Lords and Barons of Thracia were in Chase af∣ter a mighty she Lion, the Heavens suddenly began to lour, the Firmaments over-cast, and a general darkness overspread the face of the whole Earth: then presently rose such a Storm of Light∣ning and Thunder, as though Heaven and Earth had met together: by which our Lordly Troops of Knights and Barons were sepa∣rated one from another, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 poor Ladies forced to seek for

sheiter under the bottom of this high and steepy Mountain: where when this Cruel Gyant Blanderon espied us, as he walked upon his Battlements, he suddenly descended the Mountain, and fetcht us all under his Arm up into the Castle, where ever since we have lived in great servitude; and for the wonderful transformation of my six Sisters thus, it came to pass as followeth.

Upon a time the Gyant being overcharged with Wine, grew en∣amoured upon our Beauties, and desired much to enjoy the plea∣sure of our Uirginities, our excellent gifts of Nature so inflamed his Mind with Lust, that he would have forced us every one to satisfie his sinful desires, he took my six Sisters one by one into his Lodging, thinking to deflour them, but their earnest Prayers so prevailed in the sight of God, that he preserved their Chastities by a most strange and wonderful Miracle, and turned their comely Bodies into the shape of milk-white Swans, even in the same Form as here you see them swimming. So when this Monstrous Gyant saw that his intent was crost, and how there was none left behind to supply his want, but my unfortunate self, he restrain∣ed his filthy Lust, not violating my Honour with any stain of In∣famy, but kept me ever since a most pure Uirgin, only with sweet inspiring Muslck to bring him to his sleep.

Thus have you heard (most Noble Knight) the true discourse of my most unhappy Fortunes, and the wonderful Transforma∣tion of my six Sisters, whose loss to this day is greatly lamented throughout all Thracia: and with that word she made an end of her Tragical Discourse, not able to utter the rest for weeping. Whereat the Knight being oppressed then with like sorrow, em∣braced her about the slender Wast, and thus kindly began to comfort her:

Most dear and kind Lady, within whose countenance I see how Uertue is enthroned, and in whose mind lives true Magnanimity, let these few words suffice to comfort thy sorrowful cogitations. First think that the Heavens are most beneficial unto thee, in pre∣serving thy Chastity from the Gyant's insatiate desires: then for thy Delivery by my means from thy slavish servitude: thirdly and lastly, that thou remaining in thy Natural Shape and Likeness, may live to be the means of thy Sisters Transformation: there∣fore dry up these Crystal pearled Tears, and bid thy long continued Sorrows adieu, for Grief is companion with Despair, and De∣spair a procurer of Infamous Death.

Thus the woful Thracian Lady was comforted by the Noble Christian Champion: where after a few kind greetings, they in∣tendto to Travel to her Father's Court, there to relate what hap∣ned

to her Sisters in the Castle, likewise the Gyant's confusion, and her own safe Delivery, by the Illustrious prowess of the Christian Knight. So taking the Keys of the Castle. which were of a wonderful weight, they locked up the Gates, and paced hand in hand down the steepy Mountain, till they approached the Thracian Court, which was distant from the Castle some ten miles: but by that time they had a sight of the Palace, the Sun was wandred to the under World, and the light of Heaven safe mus••led up in Clouds of Pitch, the which not a little discontented the weary Travellors, but at last coming to her Fathers Gates, they heard a solemn sound of Bells ringing the Funeral Knell of some Noble State: the cause of which solemn Ringing they demanded of the Porter; who in this manner expressed the truth of the mat∣ter to them.

Fair Lady and most Renowned Knight (said the Porter;) for so you seem both by your speeches and honourable demands, the cause of this Ringing is for the loss of the King's seven Daugh∣ters, the number of which Bells be seven, called after the Names of the seven Princesses, which never yet have ceased their dole∣ful melody, since the departure of the unhappy Ladies, nor never must, until joyful News be heard of their safe return.

Then now their tasks be ended (said the noble-minded Rosalinde) for we bring happy News of the seven Princesses abidings. At which words the Porter being ravished with joy, in all haste ran to the Steeple, and caused the Bells to cease, whereat the King of Thracia being at his Royal Supper, and hearing the Bells to cease their wonted melody, suddenly started up from his Princely seat. and like a Man amazed ran to the Palace Gate, whereat he found his Daughter Rosalinde in company of a strange Knight: which when he beheld, his joy so exceeded, that he sounded in his Daugh∣ter's bosome, but being recovered to his former sence, he brought them up into his Princely Hall, where their Entertainments were so honourable and so gracious in the eyes of the whole Court, that it were too tedious and over-long to describe: but their joy continued but a short season, for it was presently dashed with Ro∣salinde's Tragical Discourse: for the good old King when he heard of his Daughters Transformations, and how they lived in the shape of milk-white Swans, he rent his Locks of Silver Hair, which time had dyed with the pledge of Wisdom: his rich embroi∣dered Garments he tore in many pieces, and clad his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Limbs in a dismal, black, and sable Mantle, as Discontented th•••• as the woful King of Troy when he beheld his own Son dragged by the

Hair of the Head up and down the stréets: also he commanded that his Knights and adventurous Champions, instead of glister∣ing Armour, should wear the Weeds of Death, more black in hue than Winter's darkest nights, and all the Courtly Ladies and gallant Thracian Maidens, instéad of Silken Uestments, he com∣manded to wear both heavy, sad, and melancholy Ornaments, and even as unto a solemn Funeral, to attend him to the Gyant's Ca∣stle, and there obsequiously to offer up unto the angry Destinies, many a bitter sigh and tear, in remembrance of his transformed Daughters; which Decrée of the sorrowful Thracian King was per∣formed with all convenient speed: for the next morning no sooner had Phoebus cast his Beauty into the King's Bed-chamber, but he apparelled himself in Mourning Garments, and in company of his Melancholy Train set forward to his woful Pilgrimage. But here we must not forget the Princely-minded Champion of Italy, nor the noble-minded Rosalinde, who at the King's departure to∣wards the Castle, craved leave to stay behind, and not so suddenly to begin new Travels: whereunto quickly the King condescended, considering their late Iourney the Evening before: So taking the Castle Keys from the Champion, he had his Palace adieu, and committed his Fortune to his sorrowful Iourney; where we leave him in world of discontented Passions, and a while discourse of what hapned to the Christian Champion and his beloved Lady: for by that time the Sun had thrice measured the World with his restless Steeds, and thrice his Sister Luna wandred to the West, the Noble Italian Knight grew weary of his long continued Rest, and thought it a great Dishonour and a Scandal to his Ua∣liant Mind, to remain where ••nought but Champion-sports were Resident, and desired rather to abide in a Court that enter∣tained the doleful murmuring of Tragedies, or where the joyful sound of Drums and Trumpets should be heard: therefore he took Rosalinde by the hand, being then in a dump for want of her Father, to whom the Noble Knight in this manner expressed his se∣cret intent.

My most devoted Lady and Mistriss (said the Champion) a se∣cond Dido for thy Love, a stain to Uenus for thy beauty, Pe∣nelope's compare for Constancy, and for Chastity, the wonder of all Maids: the faithful Love that hitherto I have found since my arrival, for ever shall be shrined in my heart, and before all La∣dies under the cope of Heaven, thou shalt live and die my Love's true Goddess: and for thy sake I'll stand as Champion against all Knights in the World: but to impair the Honour of my Knight∣hood,

and to live like a Carpet Dancer in the Laps of Ladies I will not; though I can tune a Lute in a Princes Chamber, I can sound a fierce Alarm in the Field; Honour calls me forth, dear Rosalinde, and Fame intends to buckle on my Armour, which now lies rusting in the idle Court of Thrace. Therefore I am constrained (though most unwillingly) to leave the comfor∣table sight of thy Beauty, and commit my Fortune to a longer Travel; but I protest wheresoever I become, or in what Re∣gion soever I be harboured, there will I maintain to the loss of my Life, that both thy Love, Constancy, Beauty, and Chastity, sur∣passeth all Dames alive: and with this promise, my most Divine Rosalinde, I bid thee farewell. But before the honourable minded Champion could finish what he purposed to utter, the Lady being wounded inwardly with extream grief, not able to endure to keep silent any longer, but with tears falling from her eyes, brake off his speech in this manner:

Sir Knight (said she) by whom my Liberty hath been obtained: the Name of Lady and Mistress wherewith you entitle me, is too high and proud a Name, but rather call me Hand-maid, or servile Slave, for on thy Noble Person will I evermore attend: It is not Thrace can harbour me when thou art absent, and before I do forsake thy company and kind fellowship, Heaven shall be no Hea∣ven, the Sea no Sea, nor the Earth no Earth; but if thou provest unconstant, as Ninus did to Scilla, who for his sake stole her Fathers Purple Hat, whereof depended the safety of his Coun∣trey, or like wandring Aeneas forsake the Queen of Carthage, these tender and soft hands of mine shall never be unclasped, but hang on thy Horse-bridle till my Body like Theseus's Son be dash•• in sunder against hard flinty Stone: Therefore forsake me not, dear Knight of Christendom. If ever Camina proved true to her Sinatus, or Alstone to her Lover, Rosalinde will be as true to thee: so with this plighted Promise she caught him fast about the Neck, from whence she would not unclose her Hands till he had vow'd by the Honour of true Chivalry, to make her sole Companion, and only Partner of his Travels: and so in this order it was ac∣complished:

They being both agreed, she was most trimly attired like a Page in green Sarsenet, her Hair bound up most cunningly with a Silk List, artificially wrought with curious knots, that she might Travel without suspition or blemish of Honour; her Ra∣pier was a Turkish Blade, and her Ponyard of the finest fashion,

which she wore at her back tied with an Drange-tawny coloured Scarf, beautified with Tasseis of unknown Silk, her Buskins of the smoothest Kid-skins, her Spurs of the purest Lydian Steel, in which when the Noble and Beautiful Lady was attired, she seem∣ed in Stature like the God of Love, when he sate dandled upon Dido's Lap, or rather Animede Love's Minion, or Adonis, when Venus shewed her white skin to entrap his eyes to her unchast de∣sires. But to be brief, all things being in readiness for their de∣parture from Thrace, this Famous Worthy Knight mounted on his eager Steed, and the magnanimous Rosalinde on her gentle Palfrey, in pace more easie than the winged Winds, or a Cock∣••oat floating upon Crystal streams, they both bad adieu to the Countrey of Thracia, and committed their Iourney to the Queen of Chance: Therefore smile Heavens, and guide them with a most happy Star, until they arrive where their Souls do most de∣sire. The bravest and boldest Knight that ever wandred by the way, and the loveliest Lady that ever eye beheld.

In whose Travels my Muse must: leave them for a season, and speak of the Thracian Mourners, which by this time had watered the Earth with abundance of their Ceremonious Tears, and made the Elements true witnesses of their sad Laments, as here∣after followeth in this next Chapter.

CHAP. VII.

How St Andrew, the Champion of Scotland, Travelled into a Vale of Walking Spirits, and how he was set at Liberty by a going Fire, after his Journey into Thracia, where he recovered the Six Ladies to their natural shapes, that had lived seven years in the likeness of milk-white Swans, with other Accidents that be∣fell the most Noble Champion.

NOw of the honourable Adventures of St. Andrew, the famous Champion of Scotland, must I discourse, whose seven years Travels were as strange as any of the other Champions: For af∣ter he had departed from the brazen Pillar, as you heard in the beginning of the History, he travelled through many strange and unknown Nation, beyond the circuit of the Sun, where but one time in the year he shews his brightsome Beams, but continual darkness overspreads the whole Country, and there lives a kind of People, that have heads like Dogs, that in extremity of hunger do devour one another, from which People this Noble Champion was strangely delivered, where after he had wandred some certain days, neither seeing the gladsome brightness of the Sun, nor the comfortable countenance the Moon, but only guided by duskye Pla∣nets of the Elements, he hapned to a Uale of walking Spirits. which he supposed to be the very Dungeon of burning Acheron: there he heard the blowing of unséen Fires, boyling of Furnaces, ratling of Armour, trampling of Horses, ••ingling of Chains, ••um∣bring of Iron, roaring of Spirits, and such like horrid noises, that it made the Scottish Champion almost at his wits end. But yet having an undaunted Courage, exempting all fear, he humbly made his supplication to Heaven, that God would deliver him from that discontented place of terror; and so presently as the Champion kneeled down upon the barren ground, (whereon grew neither herb, flower, grass, or any other green thing) he beheld a certain flame of Fire, walking up and down before him, whereat he grew into such an extasie of fear, that he stood for a time amazed, whether it were best to go forward, or to stand still: but yet retaking his Senses, he remembred himself, how he had read in former times of a go∣ing Fire, called Ignis fatuus, the fire of Destiny: by some, Will with the Wisp, or Jack with the Lanthorn: and likewise, by some simple Countrey People. The fair Maid of Ireland, which common∣ly used to lead wandring Travellors out of their ways: the like

Imaginations entred into the Champion's mind. So incoura∣ging himself with his own conceits, and chearing up his dull Senses, late oppressed with extream fear, he directly followed the going Fire, which so justly went before him, that by that time the guider of the night had climbed twelve-Degrees in the Zodiack, he was safely delivered from the Uale of walking Spirits, by the di∣rection of the going Fire,

Now began the Sun to dance about the Firmament, which he had not seen in many months before, whereat his dull senses much rejoyced, being long covered before with darkness, that every step be trode, was as pleasurable, as though he had walked in a Garden bedecked with all kind of fragrant Flowers.

At last, without any further molestation, he arrived within the Territories of Thracia, a Country as you have heard in the for∣mer Chapter, adorned with the beauty of many fair Woods and Forrests, through which he Travelled with small rest, and less sleep, till he came to the foot of the Mountain, whereupon stood the Castle wherein the woful King of Thracia, in company of his sor∣rowful Subjects, still lamented the unhappy Destinies of his six Daughters turned into Swans, having Crowns of Gold about their Necks; when the Ualiant Champion St. Andrew beheld the lofty situation of the Castle, and the invincible strength it seemed to be of, he expected some strange Adventure to befall him in the said Castle, so preparing his Sword in readiness, and buck∣ling close his Armour, which was a shirt of Silver Maile for lightness in Travel, he climbed the Mountain, whereupon he espied the Gyant lying upon a craggy Rock, with his Limbs and Mem∣bers all rent and torn, by the fury of hunger-starved Fowls: which loathsome Spectacle was no little wonder to the worthy Champion, considering the mighty stature and bigness of the Gyant: where leaving his putrified Body to the Winds, he approached the Gates: where after he had read the Superscription over the same, without any interruption, entred the Castle, whence he expected a fierce encounter by some Knight that should have defended the same; but all things fell out contrary to his imagination, for after he had found many a strange novelty and hidden secret closed in the same, he chanced at last to come where the Thracians duly observed their ceremonious Mournings, which in this order were daily performed: First upon Sundays, which in that Country is the first day in the Week, all the Thracians attired themselves after the manner of Bacchus's Priests, and burned persumed Incense, with sweet Arabian Frankincense upon a Religious Shrine, which they offered to the Sun as chief Governor of that day, thinking

thereby to appease the angry Destinies, and to recover the unhap∣py Ladies to their former shapes: upon Mondays, clad in Gar∣ments after the Silvans, a colour like to the Waves of the Sea, they offered up their tears to the Moon, being the guider and Mi∣striss of that day: Upon Tuesdays like Souldiers trailing their banners in the Dust, and Drums sounding sad and doleful melody, in sign of Discontent, they committed their procéedings to the pleasures of Mars, being Ruler and Guider of that Day; Upon Wednesday like Scholars unto Mercury: Upon Thursday like Po∣tentates, to Love; Upon Frydays like Lovers with sweet sound∣ing Musick to Venus; and upon Saturday like manual professors, to the angry and discontented Saturn.

Thus the woful Thracian King, and his sorrowful Subjects, consumed seven Months away, one while accursing Fortune of de∣spite, another while the Heavens of Injustice: the one for his Children's Trausformations, the other for their long limited Pu∣nishments. But at last when the Scottish Champion heard what bitter moan the Thracians made about the River, he demanded the cause, and to what purpose they observed such Ceremonies, con∣temning the Majesty of Jehovah, and only Worshipping but out∣ward and vain Gods: to whom the King, after a few sad tears Tears strained from the Conduits of his aged Eyes, Replyed in this manner.

Most Noble Knight, for so you séem by your gesture and other outward appearance, (quoth the King,) if you desire to know the cause of our continual grief, prepare your ears to hear a Tragick and woful tale, whereat methinks I sée the Elements begin to mourn, and cover their azured countenance with fable Clouds: These Milk-white Swans you see, whose Necks are beautified with Golden Crowns, are my six natural Daughters, transformed into this Swan-like Substance, by the appointment of the God's: for of late this Castle was kept by a cruel Gyant, named Blande∣ron, who by violence would have Ravished them, but the Heavens to preserve their Chastities, prevented his Lustful Desires: and transformed their beautiful bodies to these milk-white Swans: and now seven years the chearful Spring hath renewed the Earth with a Summer's Livery, and seven times the nipping Winter Frosts have bereaved the Trées of Leaf and Bud, since first my Daughters lost their Uirgin-shapes: seven Summers have they swam upon this Crystal Stream, where instead of Rich Attire, and embroidered Uestments, their smooth Silver-coloured Feathers adorn their comely Bodies: Princely Palaces, wherein they were wont, like tripping Sea-Nymphs, to dance their measures up and

down, are now exchanged into cold streams of water: where in their chiefest melody is the murmuring of cold liquid bubbles, and their joyful pleasure to hear the harmony of humming Bées which some Poets call the Muses Birds.

Thus have you heard (most worthy Knight) the woful Trage∣dy of my Daughters, for whose sakes I will spend the remnant of my days heavily, complaining of their long appointed Punish∣ments, about the Banks of this unhappy River. Which sad Dis∣course was no sooner ended, but the Scottish Knight (having a mind furnished with all Princely thoughts••, and a tongue washt in the Fountain of Eloquence) thus replied, to the comfort and great rejoycing of the Company.

Most Noble King (quoth the Champion) your heavy and do∣lorous discourse hath constrained my heart to a wonderful Passion and compelled my very soul to rue your Daughters miseries: But yet a greater grief and deeper sorrow than that, hath taken possessi∣on of my breast, whereof my eyes have béen witnesses, and my ears unhappy hearers of your misbelief, I mean your unchristian Faith: For I have séen since. my first arrival into this same Ca∣stle, your Prophane and Uain Worship of strange and false Gods, as of Phoebus, Luna, Mars, Mercury, and such like Poetical Names, which the Majesty of high Jehovah utterly contemns. But Magni∣ficent Governor of Thracia, if you seek to recover your Daughters by humble Prayer, and to obtain your soul's content by true tears, you must abandon all such vain Ceremonies, and with true Hu∣mility believe in the Christian's God, which is the God of Won∣ders, and chief Commander of the rouling Elements, in whose Quarrel this unconquered Arm, and this undaunted Heart of mine shall fight: and how be it known to thee, great King of Thrace, that I am a Christian Champion, by Birth a Knight of Scotland, bear∣ing my Countrey's Arms upon my Breast, (for indeed thereon he bore a Silver Cross, set in blue Silk) and therefore in the ho∣nour of Christendom, I Challenge forth the proudest Knight at Arms, against whom I will maintain that our God is the true God, and the rest fantastical and vain Ceremonies.

Which sudden and unexpected Challenge, so daunted the Thra∣cian Champions, that they stood amazed for a time, gazing upon one another, like Men dropt from the Clouds: but at fast consult∣ing together, how the Challenge of the strange Knight was to the dishonour of their Country, and utter scandal of all Knightly Dig∣nity; they with a general consent craved leave of the King, that the Challenge might be taken, who as willingly condescended as they demanded. So both time and place was appointed,

which was the next morning following, by the King's Command∣ment, upon a large and plain Meadow close by the River-side, whereon the six Swans were swimming, whereupon after the Christian Champion had cast down his steely Gauntlet, and the Thracian Knight accepted thereof, every one departed for that night, the Challenger to the East-side of the Castle to his Lodging, and the Defendants to the West, where they slept quietly till the next morning, who by the break of day, were wakened by a Herald of Arms: but all the passed night, our Scottish Champion never en∣tertained one motion of rest, but busied himself in trimming his Horse, buckling on his Armour, lacing on his Burgonet, and making prayers to the Divine Majesty of God, for the Conquest and Uictory, till the Morning's beauty chased away the darkness of the Night, and no sooner were the Windows of the day full opened, but the Ualiant and Noble-minded Champion of Christendom en∣tred the List, where the King in company of the Thracian Lords was present to behold the Combat: and so after St. Andrew had twice or thrice traced his Horse up and down the Lists, bravely flourishing his Launce, at the top whereof hung a Pendant of Gold, whose Poesie was thus written in Silver Letters, This day a Mar∣tyr or a Conqueror Then entred a Knight in exceeding bright Ar∣mour, mounted upon a Courser as white as the Northern Snow, whose Caparison was of the colour of the Elements, betwixt whom was a fierce Encounter: but the Thracian had the Foil and with disgrace departed the List. Then secondly, entred another Knight in Armour, varnished with green Uarnish, his Steed of the colour of an Iron-grey: who likewise had the repulse by the worthy Christian. Thirdly, Entred a Knight in a black Corslet, mounted upon a big-boned Paltry, covered with a vail of sable Silk, in his hand he bore a Launce nailed round about with plates of Steel: which Knight amongst the Thracians was accounted the strongest in the World, except it were those Gyants that descended from a monstrous Lineage: but no sooner encountred these hardy Cham∣pions, but their Launces shivered in sunder, and flew so violently into the Air, that it much amazed the beholders, then they alighted from their Steeds, and so valiantly bestirred them with their kee•• Faulchions, that the fiery sparkles flew so fierce from these No∣ble Champions steely Helmets, as from an Iron Anvil: But the Combat endured not very long, before the most hardy Scottish Knight espied an advantage, wherein he might shew his matchless Fortitude: whereupon he struck such a mighty Blow upon the Thracian's Burgonet, that it cleaved his head just down to his shoul∣ders: whereat the King suddenly started from his Seat, and

with a wrathful coimtenance threatned the Champions Death in this manner.

Proud Christian (said the King) thou shalt repent his death, and curse the time that ever thou camest to Thracia: his blood we will revenge upon thy head, and quit thy committed cruelty with a sudden death: and so in company of a hundred Armed Knights, he encompassed the Scottish Champion, intending by multitudes to murder him. But when the valiant Knight St. Andrew saw how he was suppressed by Treachery, and environed with mighty Troops, he called to Heaven for succour, and animated himself by these words of encouragement: Now for the honour of Christendom, This day a Martyr or a Conqueror: and therewithal he so Ualiantly behaved himself with his Cuttle-Axe, that he made Lanes of mur∣dered Men, and felled them down by multitudes like as the Harvest men do mow down Ears of ripened Corn, whereby they fell before his face like leaves, from trees when the Summer's Pride de∣clines her Glory. So at the last after much bloodshed, the Thracian King was compelled to yield to the Scottish Champion's Mercy, who swore him for the safety of his Life, to forsake his prophane Religion, and become a Christian, whose living true God the Thracian King vowed for evermore to Worship, and thereupon he kissed the Champion's Sword.

This Conversion of the Pagan King, so pleased the Majesty of God, that he presently gave end to his Daughters punishments, and turned the Ladies to their former shapes. But when the King beheld their smooth Feathers, which were as white as Lillies, ex∣changed to natural fairness, and that their black Bills and slender Necks were converted to their first created Beauty (where for ex∣ternal fairness the Queen of Love might build her Paradise) he bad adieu to his grief and long continued sorrows, protesting ever after to continue a true Christian for the Scottish Champion's sake, by whom and by whose Divine Orisons, his Daughters obtained their former Features; so taking the Christian Knight in compa∣ny of the six Ladies, to an excellent Rich Chamber prepared with all things according to their wishes, where first the Christian Knight was unarmed, then his wounds washed with Whitewine, new Milk, and Rose-water, and so after some dainty Repast, conveyed to his nights Repose. The Ladies being the joyfullest Creatures under Heaven, never entertained one thought of sleep, but pas∣sed the night in their Father's company, (whose mind was ravished with unspeakable pleasures) till the morning's messengers bad them good morrow.

Thus all things being prepared in a readiness, they departed the Castle, not like Mourners to a heavy Funeral, but in triumphing manner, marching back to the Thracian Palace, with streaming Banners in the Wind, Drums and Trumpets sounding joyful Melody, and with sweet inspiring Musick, caused the Air to re∣sound with Harmony: But no sooner were they entred the Pa∣lace which was in distance from the Gyant's Castle, some ten miles, but their Triumphs turned to exceeding Sorrow, for Ro∣salinde with the Champion of Italy, as you have heard before, was departed the Court; which unexpected news so daunted the whole company, but especially the King, that the Triumphs for that time were deferred, and Messengers were dispatched in pursuit of the Adventurous Italian, and lovely Rosalinde.

Likewise when St. Andrew of Scotland had intelligence how it was one of those Knights which was Imprisoned with him under the wicked Enchantress Kalyb, as you heard in the first beginning of the History, his heart thirsted for his most honourable compa∣ny, and his eyes seldom closed quietly, nor took any rest, untill he was likewise departed in the pursuit of his sworn Friend, which was the next night following, without making any acquainted with his intent: Likewise when the six Ladies understood the se∣cret departure of the Scottish Champion, whom they asserted dearer than any Knight in the World, they stored themselves with suffi∣cient Treasure, and by stealth took their Iourneys from their Fa∣ther's Palace, intending either to find out the Uictorious and ap∣proved Knight of Scotland, or to end their Lives in some Foreign Region.

The Rumour of whose Departure, no sooner came to the King's Ears, but he purposed the like Travel, either to obtain the sight of his Daughters again, or to make his Tomb beyond the circuit of the Sun. So attiring himself in homely Russet, like a Pilgrim, with an Ebon staff in his hand, tipt with Silver, took his Iour∣ney all unknown from his Palace, whose sudden and secret depar∣ture struck such an extream and intolerable heaviness in the Court, that the Palace Gates, were fealed up with sable mourning-cloth, the Thracian Lords exempted all pleasure, and like Flocks of sheep strayed up and down without Shepherds, the Ladies and Courtly Gentiles sate sighing in their private Chambers: where we will leave them for this time, and speak of the success of the other Champions, and how Fortune smiled on their Adventurous Pro∣ceedings.

CHAP. VIII.

How St. Patrick, the Champion of Ireland, Redeemed the Six Thracian Ladies out of the hands of thirty bloody-minded Sa∣tyrs, and of their purposed Travel in a Pursuit after the Cham∣pion of Scotland.

BUT now of that Ualiant and hardy Knight at Arms, S. Pa∣trick the Champion of Ireland, must I speak, whose Adventu∣rous Accidents were so Nobly performed, that if my Pen were made of Steel, I should wear it to the stumps to declare his Prowess, and worthy Adventures. When he departed from the Brazen Pillar, from the other Champions, the Heavens smiled with a kind Aspect, and sent him such a Star to be his Guide, that it lead him to no Courtly pleasures, nor to vain delights, but to the Throne of Fame, where, Honour sate enstalled upon a Seat of Gold. Thither Travelled the Warlike Champion of Ireland, whose Illustrious Battels the Northern Isses have Chronicled in leaves of Brass: Therefore Ireland be proud, for from thy Bowels did spring a Champion, whose Prowess made the Enemies of Christ to tremble, and watered the Earth with streams of Pagans Blood: witness whereof the Isse of Rhodes, the key and strength of Christendom, was recovered from the Turks, by his Martial and Invincible Prowess; where his dangerous Battels, fierce Encounters, bloody Skirmishes, and long Assaults would serve to fill a mighty Uolume, all which I pass over, and wholly dis∣course of things appertaining to this History. For after the Wars of Rhodes were fully ended, St. Patrick (accounted idle ease the Nurse of Cowardise) bad Rhodes farewell, being then strongly For∣tified with Christian Soldiers, and took his Iourney through ma∣ny an unknown Country, where at last, it pleased so the Queen of Chance, to direct his steps into a solitary Wilderness, inhabited only by Wild Satyrs, and a People of inhumane Qualities, giv∣ing their wicked minds only to Murder, Lust, and Rapine: where∣in the Noble Champion Travelled up and down many a weary step, not knowing how to qualifie his hunger, but by his own in∣dustry in killing of Uenison, and pressing out the blood between two flat stones, and daily roasted it by the heat of the Sun, his Lodging was in the hollow Trunk of a Blasted Tree, which nightly preser∣ved him from the dropping showers of Heaven, his chief Compani∣ons

were sweet resounding Ecchoes, which commonly re-answered the Champions words.

In this manner lived St. Patrick the Irish Knight, in the Woods, not knowing how to set himself at Liberty, but wandring up and down as it were in a maze wrought by the curious workmanship of some excellent Gardiner, it was his chance at last to come into a dismal shady Thicket, beset about with baleful Mistletoe. a place of horror, wherein he heard the cries of some distressed Ladies, whose bitter Lamentations seemed to pierce the Clouds, and to crave suc∣cour of the hands of God, which unexpected cries not a little daunted the Irish Knight, so that it caused him to prepare his Weapon in readiness against some sudden encounter: so crouching himself un∣der the Root of an old withered Oak (which had not flourished with green leaves many a year) he espied afar off, a crew of bloody∣minded Satyrs, haling by the hair of the head six unhappy Ladies, through many a thorny brake and bryar, whereby the beauty of their crimson cheeks was all besprent with purple gore, and their eyes, (within whose clear Glasses one might behold the God of Love dancing) all to be rent and torn by the fury of the Bryars, whereby they could not see the light of Heaven, nor the place of their unfortunate abiding: which woful spectacle forced such a ter∣ror in the heart of the Irish Knight, that he presently made out for the Rescue of the Ladies, to Redeem them from the fury of the merciless Satyrs, which were in number about some thirty, every one having a Club upon his Neck, which they had made of the Roots of young Oaks and Pine-trees; yet this Adventurous Champion being nothing Discouraged, but with a Bold and Re∣solute Mind, let drive at the ••••••rdiest Satyr, whose Armour of Defence was made of a Bulls hide, which was dried so hard against the Sun, that the Champion's Curtle-Ax prevailed not: after which the fell Satyrs encompassed the Christian Knight round about, and so mightily opprest him with down-right Blows, that had he not by good fortune leapt under the Boughs of a spreading Tree, his Life had been forced to give the World a speedy farewell. But such was his nimbleness and ••••••ve Policy, that e'er long he sheathed his sharp-pointed Faulchion in one of the Satyr's Breasts: which woful sight caused all the rest to flie from his presence, and left the six Ladies to the pleasure and disposition of the most No∣ble and Couragious Christian Champion:

Who after he had sufficiently breathed, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himself in the chill Air, (being almost windless through the long Encounter, and bloody Skirmish.) he demanded 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Ladies Tra∣vels, and by what means they hapned into the hands of those mer∣ciless

Satyrs, who Cruelly and Tyrannically attempted the Ruine and endless Spoil of their unspotted Uirginities. To which courteous demand one of the Ladies, after a deep-fetcht sigh or two (being strained from the bottom of her most sorrowful heart) in the behalf of her self and the other distressed Ladies, replied in this order:

Know, brave minded Knight, that we are the unfortunate Daughters of the King of Thrace, whose Lives have been unhap∣py ever since our Births, for first we did endure a long Imprison∣ment under the hands of a Cruel Gyant, and after the Heavens to preserve our Chastities from the wicked desire of the said Gyant, transformed us into the shape of Swans, in which likeness we re∣mained seven years, but at last recovered by a worthy Christian Knight, named St. Andrew the Champion of Scotland, after whom we have Travelled many a weary step, never crossed by any Vio∣lence, until it was our angry Fates to arrive in this unhappy Wil∣derness, where your eyes have been true witnesses of our Misfor∣tunes. Which sad Discourse was no sooner finished, but the Wor∣thy Champion thus began to comfort the distressed Ladies.

The Christian Champion after whom you take in hand this weary Travel (said the Irish Champion) is my approved Friend, for whose Company and wished for Sight, I will go more weary miles than there be Trees in this vast Wilderness, and number my steps with the Sands hidden in the Seas: Therefore, most excellent La∣dies, true Ornaments of Beauty, be sad Companions in my Tra∣vels, for I will never cease till I have found our Honourable Friend, the Champion of Scotland, or some of those brave Knights, whom I have not seen these seven Summers.

These words so contented the sorrowful Ladies, that without any exception they agréed, and with as much willingness consented as the Champion demanded. So after they had recreated themselves, eased their weariness, and cured their Wounds, which was by the secret Uertues of certain Herbs growing in the same Woods, they took their Iourneys anew under the Conduct of this Worthy Champion St. Patrick, where after some days Travel the obtain∣ed the ••ight of a broad beaten way, where committing their For∣tunes to the Fatal Sisters, and setting their Faces toward the East, they merrily Iourneyed together. In whose Fortunate Tra∣vels we will leave them, and speak of the seventh Christian Champi∣on, whose Adventurous Exploit•• and Knightly Honours deserve a Golden Den, dipt in Ink of tru•• Fame to Discourse at Large.

CHAP. IX.

How St. David the Champion of Wales, slew the Count Palatine in the Tartarian Court, and after how he was sent to the En∣chanted Garden of Drmandine, wherein by Magick Art he slept seven years.

SAint David the most Noble Champion of Wales, after his depar∣ture from the Brazen Pillar, whereat the other Champions of Christendom divided themselves severally to seek Foreign Ad∣ventures, he atchieved many memorable things, as well in Chri∣stendom, as in those Nations that acknowledged no true God: which as for this time I omit, and only discourse what hapned un∣to him among the Tartarians: for being in the Emperor of Tarta∣ry's Court (a place very much honoured with Ualorous Knights, highly graced with a Train of Beautiful Ladies) where the Em∣peror upon a time Drdained a Solemn Iust and Tournament to be holden in the honour of his Birth-day: whither resorted at the time appointed, (from all the Borders of Tartary) the best and the hardiest Knights there remaining. In which Honourable and Princely Exercise, the Noble Knight St. David was appointed Champion for the Emperor, who was Mounted upon a Morocco Stéed, betrapped in a rich Eaparison, wrought by the curious work of Indian Women, upon whose Shield was set a Golden Griffen rampant in a Field of Blue.

Against him came the Count Palatine, Son and Heir apparent to the Tartarian Emperor; brought in by twelve Knights, Richly furnished with Habiliments of Honour, who paced thrée times a∣bout the Lists before the Emperor and many Ladies that were present to behold the honourable Tournament. The which being done, the twelve Knights departed the Lists, and the Count Pa∣latine prepared himself to Encounter with the Christian Knight, (being appointed chief Champion for the Day) who likewise pre∣pared himself, and at the Trumpet's Sound by the Herald's ap∣pointment, they ran so fiercely each against other, that the Ground séemed to shake under them, and the Skies to resound Ecchoes of their mighty strokes.

At the second Race the Champions ran, St. David had the worst, and was constrained through the forcible strength of the Count Pa∣latine to lean backward, almost beside his Saddle, whereat the Trumpets began to sound in sign of Uictory: but yet the Ualiant

Christian nothing dismayed, but with a Courage (within whose eyes sate Knightly Revenge) ran the third time against the Count Pa∣latine, and by the Uiolence of his Strength, he overthrew both Horse and Man, whereby the Count's Body was so extreamly bruised with the fall of his Horse, that his heart-blood issued forth by his mouth, and his vital spirits pressed from the mansion of his breast, so that he was forced to give the World Farewell.

This fatal Overthrow of the Count Palatine, abashed the whole Company, but especially the Tartarian Emperor, who having no more Sons but him, caused the Lists to be broken up, the Knights to be unarmed, and the murdered Count to be brought, by four Esquires, into his Palace, where after he was despoiled of his Furniture, and the Christian Knight received in honour of his Uictory, the woeful Emperor bathed his Son's Body with Tears, which dropped like Crystal Pearls from the congealed blood, and after many sad sighs he breathed forth this woful Lamentation.

Now are my Triumphs turned into Everlasting Woes, from a Comical Pastime, to a direful and Bloody Tragedy; O most un∣kind Fortune, never Constant but in Change! why is my Life de∣ferred to see the downfall of my dear Son, the Noble Count Pa∣latine? Why rends not this accursed Earth whereon I stand, and presently swallow up my Body into her hungry Bowels? Is this the use of Christians? For true Honour to repay Dishonour? Could not base blood serve to stain his deadly hands withall, but the Royal blood of my dear Son, in whose Revenge the face of the Heavens is stained with Blood, and cries for Vengeance to the Majesty of Mighty Jove. The dreadful Furies, the direful daugh∣ters of dark Night, and all the baleful company of burning Ache∣ron, whose Loins shall be girt with Serpents, and Hair be hanged with Wreaths of Snakes, shall haunt, pursue, and follow that ac∣cursed Christian Champion, that hath bereaved my Country Tar∣tary of so precious a Jewel as my dear Son the Count Palatine was, whose Magnanimous Prowess did surpass all the Knights of our recovery.

Thus sorrowed the woful Emperor for the Death of his Noble Son: Sometimes making the Ecchoes of his Lamentations pierce the Elements: Another while forcing his bitter Curses to sink to the deep Foundations of Acheron: One while intending to be Revenged on St. David the Christian Champion, then presently his intent was crossed with a contrary imagination, thinking it was against the Law of Arms, and a great Dishonour to his Country, by Uiolence to Oppress a strange Knight, whose Anions

had ever been guided by true Honour; but yet at last this firm Re∣solution entred into his Mind.

There was adjoyning upon the Borders of Tartary, an Enchan∣ted Garden, kept by Magick Art, from whence never any returned that attempted to enter; the Governour of which Garden was a Notable and Famous Necromancer, named Ormandine, to which Magician the Tartarian Emperor intended to send the Adventurous Champion St. David, thereby to Revenge the Count Palatine's Death. So the Emperor after some few days passed, and the Ob∣sequies of his Son being no sooner performed, but he caused the Christian Knight to be brought into his Presence, to whom he com∣mitted this heavy Task, and weary Labour.

Proud Knight (said the Angry Emperor) thou knowest since thy Arrival in our Territories, how highly I have Honoured thee, not only in granting liberty of Life, but making thee chief Cham∣pion of Tartary, which high Honour thou hast repayed with great Ingratitude. and blemished true Nobility, in Acting my dear Son's Tragedy: for which unhappy Deed thou rightly hast de∣served Death, But yet know Accursed Christian, that Mercy har∣boureth in Princely minds, and where Honour sits Enthronized, there Justice is not too Severe: Although thou hast deserved Death, yet if thou wilt adventure to the Enchanted Garden and bring hither the Magician's Head, I grant thee not only Life, but therewithal the Crown of Tartary after my Decease: because I see thou hast a mind furnished with all Princely thoughts, and A∣dorned with true Magnanimity.

This heavy Task and strange Adventure not a little pleased the Noble Champion of Wales, whose mind ever thirsted after Worthy Adventures: And so after some considerate thoughts, in this man∣ner reply'd:

Most High and Magnificent Emperor, (said the Champion) were this Task which you enjoyn me to, as wonderful as the La∣bours of Hercules, or as fearful as the Enterprize which Jason made for the Golden Fleece, yet would I attempt to finish it, and re∣turn with Triumph to Tartary, as the Macedonian Monarch did to Babylon, when he had Conquered part of the wide World. Which words were no sooner ended, but the Emperor bound him by his Oath of Knighthood, and by the Love he bore unto his Native Countrey, never to follow other Adventure, till he had performed his Promise, which was to bring the Magic••••n Ormandine's Head into Tartary; whereupon the Emperor departed from the Noble Knight St. David, hoping never to see 〈◊〉〈◊〉 return, but rather to hear of his utter Confusion, or Everlasting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••isonment.

Thus the Ualiant Christian Champion, being bound to his Pro∣mise, within three days prepared all Necessaries in readiness for his departure: and so Travelled West-ward, till he approached the sight of the Enchanted Garden, the Situation whereof somewhat daunted his Ualiant Courage: For it was encompassed with a Hedge of withered Thorns and Bryars, which seemed continually to burn: Upon the top thereof fate a number of strange and de∣formed things, some in the likeness of Night-Owls, which won∣dred at the Presence of St. David, some in the shape of Progne's Transfo••mation, foretelling his unfortunate Success, and some like Ravens, that with their harsh Throats Ring forth hateful Knel••s of woful Tragedies: The Element which covered the Enchanted Garden, seemed to be over-spread with misty Clouds, from whence continually shot flames of Fire, as though the Skies had been filled with blazing Comets: which fearful Spectacle as it seemed the very pattern of Hell, struck such a Terror into the Champion's heart, that twice he was in the mind to return with∣out performing the Adventure, but for his Oath and Honour of Knighthood, which he had pawned for the accomplishment thereof: So laying his Body on the cold Earth, being the first Nurse and Mother of his Life, he made his humble Petition to God, that his mind might never be oppressed with Cowardice, nor his heart daunted with faint Fears, till he had performed what the Tartarian Emperor had bound him to, the Champion rose from the Ground, and with chearful looks beheld the Elements, which seemed in his conceit to smile at the Enterprize, and to foreshew a lucky Event.

So the Noble Knight St. David with a Ualiant Courage went to the Garden Gate, by which stood a Rock of Stone, overspread with Moss: In which Rock by Magick Art was enclosed a Sword, nothing outwardly appearing but the Hilt, which was the Richest in his Iudgment, that ever his Eyes beheld, for the Steel-work was engraven very curiously, beset with Iaspers and Saphire-Stones; the Pummel was in the fashion of a Globe, of the purest Silver that the Mines of Rich America brought forth: about the Pummel, was engraven with Letters of Gold, these Uerses following.

My Magick Spells remain most firmly bound, The Worlds strange Wonder, unknown by any one, Till that a Knight within the North be found, To pull this Sword from out this Rock of Stone: Then ends my Charms, my Magick Arts and all, By whose strong hand, wise Ormandine must fall.

These Uerses drave such a conceited imagination into the Cham∣pions mind, that he supposed himself to be the Northern Knight by whom the Necromancer should be Conquered; Therefore without any further advisement, he put his hand into the Hilt of the Rich Sword, thinking presently to pull it out from the En∣chanted Rock of Ormandine: but no sooner did he attempt that vain enterprize, but his Ualiant Courage and Invincible Fortitude failed him, and all his Senses were overtaken with a sudden and heavy sleep, whereby he was forced to let go his hold, and to fall flat upon the barren ground, where his eyes were so fast locked up by Magick Art, and his waking Senses drowned in such a dead slumber, that it was as much impossible to recover himself from sleep, as to pull the Sun out of the Firmament. The Necro∣mancer, by his Magick skill had intelligence of the Champion's unfortunate success, who sent from the Enchanted Garden four Spirits, in the similitude and likeness of four beautiful Damsels, which wrapped the drousie Champion in a sheet of fine Arabian Silk, and conveyed him into a Cave, directly placed in the middle of the Garden, where they laid him upon a soft Bed, more softer than the Down of Culvers: where those beautiful Ladies through the Art of wicked Ormandine, continually kept him sleeping for the Term of seven years: One while singing with sweet sugared Songs, more sweet and delightful than the Syrens Melody: Ano∣ther while with rare conceited Musick, surpassing the sweetness of Arion's Harp, which made the Dolphins in the Sea dance at the sound of his sweet inspiring melody; or like the Harmony of Orpheus when he Iourneyed down into Hell, where the Devils rejoyced to hear his admired Notes, and on Earth Trees and Stones leaped when he did but touch the silver strings of his Ivory Harp.

Thus was St. David's Adventure cross'd with a wonderful bad Success, whose Days Travels was turned into á Nights Repose; whose nights repose was made a heavy sleep, which endured until seven years were fully finished, where we will leave St. David to the Mercy of the Necromancer Ormandine, and return to the most Noble and Magnanimous Champion St. George, where we left him Imprisoned in the Sculdan's Court. But now, Gentle Rea∣der, thou wilt think it strange, that all these Champions should meet together again, seeing they be separated into so many Borders of the World: First, St. Denis the Champion of France, remains now in the Court of Thessaly with his Lady Eglantine: S. James the Champion of Spain, in the City of Sicily with Celestine the fair La∣dy of Jerusalem: St. Anthony the Champion of Italy, Travelling the World, in the company of the Thracian Maiden, attired in a

Page's Apparel: St. Andrew the Champion of Scotland, séeking after the Italian: St. Patrick the Champion of Ireland, after the Champion of Scotland: St. David of Wales, sleeping in the Enchant∣ed Garden, adjoyning to the Kingdom of Tartary: and St. George the Famous Champion of England, Imprisoned in Persia: of whom, and whose Noble Adventures, I must a while Discourse, till the honoured Fame of the other Champions compels me to report their Noble and Princely Atchievements.

CHAP. X.

How St. George escaped out of Prison at Persia, and how he Re∣deemed the Champion of Wales from his Enchantment; with other things that happened to the English Knight: with the Tragical Tale of the Necromancer Ormandine.

NOw seven times had Frosty Bearded Winter covered both Herbs and Flowers with Snow, and behung the Trees with Crystal Isicles: seven times had Lady Ver beautified every Field with Natures Ornaments: and seven times had withered Autumn Robbed the Earth of Spring Flowers, since the unfortunate St. George beheld the chearful Light of Heaven, but lived obscurely in a dismal Dungeon, by the Souldan of Persia's com∣mandment, as you heard before in the beginning of the History: his unhappy Fortune so discontented his restless thoughts, that a thou∣sand times a year he wisht an end of his Life, and a thousand times he cursed the day of his Creation: his Sighs in number did countervail a heap of Sand, whose top might seem to reach the Skies, the which he vainly breathed forth against the Walls of the Prison, many times making his humble supplications to the Hea∣vens to Redéem him from the vale of misery, and many times seeking occasion desperately to abridge his days, and so Triumph in his own Tragedy.

But at last, when seven years were fully ended, it was the Champion's lucky Fortune to find in a secret corner of the Dun∣geon a certain Iron Engine, which time had almost consumed with Rust, wherewith, with long Labour, he digged himself a passage through the Ground, till he ascended just in the middle of the Soul∣dan's Court, which was at that time of the night, when all things were silent: The Heavens he then beheld beautified with Stars, and bright Cynthia, whose glistring Beams he had not seen in many hundred nights before, seemed to smile at his safe delivery, and to stay her wandring course, till he most happily found means to get without the compass of the Persian's Court, where danger might no longer attend him, nor the strong Gates of the City hinder his flight, which in this manner was performed. For now the No∣ble Knight being as fearful as the Bird newly escaped from the Fowlers Net, gazed round about, and listened where he might hear the voice of People, at last he heard the Grooms of the Soul∣dan's Stable, furnishing forth Horses against the next Morning for some Noble Atchievement. Whereupon the Noble Champion St. George taking the Iron Engine, wherewith he redeemed him∣self out of Prison, he burst open the Doors, where he slew all the Grooms in the Souldan's Stable: Which being done, he took the strongest Palsrey, and the Richest Furniture, with other ne∣cessaries appertaining to a Knight at Arms, and so rode in great comfort to one of the City Gates, where he saluted the Porter in this manner.

Porter, Open the Gates, for St. George of England is escaped, and hath murdered the Grooms, in whose Pursuit the City is in Arms. Which words the simple Persian believed for truth, and so with all speed opened the Gates, whereat the Champion of England departed, and left the Souldan in his dead sleep, little mistrusting his sudden Escape.

But by that the purple spotted morning had parted with her grey, and the Sun's bright countenance appeared on the Mountain tops, S. George had Ridden twenty Miles from the Persian Court, and before his departure was bruted in the Souldans Palace, the English Champion had recovered the sight of Grecia, past all danger of the Persian Knights that followed him with a swift pursuit.

By this time the extremity of Hunger so sharply tormented him; that he could Travel no further, but was constrained to sustain himself with certain wild Chesnuts instead of Bread, and sower Oranges instead of Drink, and such faint Food as grew by the way as he Travelled, where the necessity and want of Uictuals compelled the Noble Knight to breath forth this pitiful complaint.

Oh hunger! hunger, (said the Champion) more sharper than the stroke of Death. thou art the extreamest punishment that ever Man endured; If I were now King of Armenia, and chief Poten∣tate of Asia, yet would I give my Diadem, my Scepter, with all my Provinces, for one shiver of brown Bread: O that this Earth would be so kind, as to open her Bowels and cast up some Food, to suffice my want: Or that the Air might be choaked with Mists, whereby feathered Fowl for want of breath might fall, and yield me some Succour in this my Famishment, and extream Penury: Or that the Oceans would out-spread their branched Arms, and cover these Sun-burnt Ualleys with their Treasures, to satisfie my hunger; but Oh! now I see both Heaven and Earth, Hills, and Dales, Skies, and Seas, Fish and Fowls, Birds and Beasts, and all things under the cope of Heaven, conspire my utter overthrow: Better had it been if I had ended my days in Persia, than here to be famished in the broad World, where all things by Nature's appointment are ordained for Man's use. Now instead of Courtly Delicates, I am forced to eat the fruit of Trees, and instead of Greekish Wines, I am compelled to quench my thirst with Morning-dew, which nightly falls upon the blades of Grass.

Thus complained St. George, till glistring Phoebus had mounted the top of Heaven, and drawn the Misty Uapours from the Ground, whereby he might behold the Prospects of Grecia, and which way to Travel most safely. And as he looked, he espied directly before his face a Tower, standing upon a chalky Cliff, distant from him some three miles, whither the Champion intended to go, not to seek for Adventures, but to Rest himself after his weary Iour∣ney, and get such Uictuals as therein he could find to suffice his want.

So setting forward with a speedy pace, the Heaven seemed to smile, and the Birds to Ring chirping Peals of Melody, as though they did prognosticate a fortunate event. The way he found so plain, and the Iourney so easie, that in half an hour he ap∣proached before the said Tower; where upon the Wall stood a most Beautiful Woman, attired after the manner of a distressed La∣dy, and her looks heavy like the Queen of Troy, when she be∣held her Palace on Fire. The Ualiant Knight St. George, af∣ter he had alighted from his Horse, gave her this courteous Sa∣lutation.

Lady, (said he) for so you seem by your outward appearance, if ever you pitied a Traveller, or granted succour to a Christian Knight, give to me one meals meat, now almost famisht. To whom the Lady a••ter a curst ••rown or two, answered in this order:

Sir Knight (quoth she) I advise thee with all speed to depart, for here thou gettest but a cold Dinner: my Lord is a mighty Gy∣ant, and believeth in Mahomet, and if he once do but understand that thou art a Christian Knight, not all the Gold of higher India, nor the Riches of wealthy Babylon, can preserve thy Life. Now by the honour of my Knighthood (replied St. George) and by the great God that Christendom adores, were thy Lord more stronger than mighty Hercules that bore Mountains on his back, here will I either obtain my Dinner, or die by his accursed hand.

These words so abashed the Lady, that she went with all speed from the Tower, and told the Gyant, how a Christian Knight re∣mained at the Gate, which had sworn to suffice his hunger in de∣spite of his will: Whereat the furious Gyant suddenly started up, being as then in a sound sleep, for it was the middle of the day, who took a bar of Iron in his hand, and came down to the Tower Gate. His stature was in heighth five yards, his head bristled like a Bore, a foot there was betwixt each Brow, his Eyes hollow, his Mouth wide, his Lips werelike to flaps of Steel, in all his proportion more like a Devil than a Man. Which deformed Mon∣ster so daunted the Courage of St. George, that he prepared him∣self for Death: Not through fear of the Monstrous Gyant, but for hunger and feebleness of body: but here God provided for him, and so restored to him his decayed strength, that he endured Bat∣tel untill the closing up of the Evening, by which time the Gyant grew almost blind, through the sweat that ran down from his monstrous Brows, whereat St. George got the advantage, and wounded the Gyant so cruelly under the short Ribs, that he was compelled to fall to the Ground, and to give end to his Life.

After which happy event of the Gyant's slaughter, the invin∣cible Champion St. George first gave the Honour of his Uictory unto God, in whose power all his Fortune consisted. Then en∣tring the Tower, whereas the Lady presented him with all man∣ner of Delicates and pure Wines; but the English Knight sus∣pecting Treachery to be hidden in her proffered Courtesie, caused her first to taste of every Dish, likewise of his Wine, least some violent Poison should be therein commixt: Finding all things pure and wholsome as Nature required, he sufficed his hunger, rested his weary Body, and refreshed his Horse.

And so leaving the Tower in keeping of the Lady, he committed his Fortune to a new Travel; where his revived Spirits never entertained longer Rest, but to the refreshing of himself and his Horse; so Travelled he through part of Grecia, the Confines of Phrygia, and into the Borders of Tartory, within whose Territo∣ries

he had not long Iourneyed, but he approached the sight of the Enchanted Garden of Ormandine, where St. David the Champion of Wales had so long slept by Magick Art. But no sooner did he be∣hold the wonderful Situation thereof, but he espied Ormandine's Sword enclosed in the Enchanted Rock: where after he had read the superscription written about the Pummel, he essayed to pull it out by strength, where he no sooner put his hand into the Nilt, but he drew it forth with much ease, as though it had been hung by a Thread of untwisted Silk: but when he beheld the glister∣ing brightness of the Blade, and the wonderful Richness of the Pummel, he accounted the Prize more worth than the Armour of Achilles, which caused Aj••x to run mad, and more Riches than Medea's Golden Fléece: But by that time St. George had cir∣cumspectly looked into every secret of the Sword, he heard a strange and dismal voice Thunder in the Skyes, a Terrible and Mighty Lumbring in the Earth, whereat both Hills and Mountains shook, Rocks removed, and Daks Rent into pieces: After this, the Gates of the Enchanted Garden flew open, whereat incontinently came forth Ormandine the Magician, with his Hair staring on his Head, his Eyes sparkling, his Chéeks blushing, his Hands quivering, his Legs trembling, and all the rest of his Body distempered, as though Legions of Spirits had encompassed him about; he came directly to the worthy English Knight that remained still by the En∣chanted Rock, from whence he had pulled the Magician's Sword: whence after the Necromancer had sufficiently beheld his Princely Countenance, whereon true Honour sat Enthronized, and viewed his portly Personage, the Image of true Knighthood, the which séemed in the Magician's Eyes to be the rarest work that ever Na∣ture framed: First, he took the most Ualiant and Magnanimous Champion St. George of England by the Steely Gauntlet, and with great Humility kissed it, then proffering him the Courtesies due unto Strangers, which was performed very graciously; he after∣wards conducted him into the Enchanted Garden, to the Cave where the Champion of Wales was kept sleeping by four Uirgins singing delightful Songs, and after setting him a Chair of Ebony, Ormandine thus began to relate of wonderful things.

Renowned Knight at Arms (said the Necromancer,) Fame's worthiest Champion, whose strange Adventures all Christendom in time to come shall applaud; be silent till I have told my Tale, for never after this, must my Tongue speak again: The Knight which thou seest here wrapt in this Sheet of Gold, is a Christian Champion, as thou art, sprung from the ancient Seed of Trojan Warriours, who likewise attempted to draw this Enchanted

Sword, but my Magick Spells so prevailed, that he was in∣tercepted in the Enterprize, and forced ever since to remain sleep∣ing in this Cave: but now the hour is almost come of his Reco∣very, which by thee must be accomplished: Thou art that Adventu∣rous Champion whose Invincible Hand must finish up my detested Life, and send my fleeting Soul to draw thy fatal Chariot on the Banks of burning Acheron: for my time was limited to remain no longer in this Enchanted Garden, but till that from the North should come a Knight that should pull this Sword from the En∣chanted Rock, which thou happily hast now performed; therefore I know my time is short, and my hour of Destiny at hand. What I report, write in brazen Lines, for the time will come when this Dis∣course shall highly benefit thee. Take heed thou observe three things: first, that thou take to Wife a pure Maid: Next that thou erect a Monument over thy Father's Grave: And lastly, That thou continue a professed Enemy to the Foes of Christ Iesus, bearing Arms in the Honour and Praise of thy Country. These things being truly and justly observed, thou shalt attain such Ho∣nour, that all Kingdoms of Christendom shall admire thy Dig∣nity: what I speak is upon no vain imagination sprung from a frantick Brain, but pronounced by this Mystical and deep Art of Necromancy.

These words were no sooner ended, but the most Honourable Fortunate Champion of England, requested the Magician to describe his passed Fortunes, and by what means he came to be Governor of the Enchanted Garden.

To tell the Discourse of my own Life (replyed Ormandine) will breed a new sorrow in my heart, the remembrance of which will read my very Soul: but yet most Noble Knight, to fulfil thy Request, I will force my Tongue to declare what my Heart denies to utter: Therefore prepare thine Ear to entertain the wofullest Tale that ever Tongue delivered.

And so after S. George had sate a while silent, expecting his Dis∣course, the Magician spake as followeth:

The Woful and Tragical Discourse pronounced by the Necromancer Ormandine, of the Misery of his Children.

I Was in former time (so long as Fortune smiled upon me) the King and only Commander of Scythia, my Name Ormandine, graced in my youth with two fair Daughters, whom Nature had not only made Beautiful, but replenisht them with all Gifts that Art could devise: the Elder whose Name was Castria, the fairest Maid that ever Scythia brought forth, her Eyes like flaming Torches, so dazled her Beholders, that like attractive Adamants, they conjured them to admire her Beauty: Among the number of Knights that were ensnared with her Love, there was one Flori∣don, Son to the King of Armenia, equal to her in all Ornaments of Nature, a Lovelier Couple never ••••od on Earth, or graced any Princes Court in the whole World.

This Floridon so servently burned in Affection wi••h the admired Castria, that he Lusted after her Uirginity, and practised both by policy and fair promises to enjoy that precious pleasure which after fell to his own Destruction: For upon a time, when the Mantles of dark Night had closed in the light of Heaven, and the whole Court had entertained a silent rest, this Floridon entred Castria's Lodging, furthered by the Chamber-maid, where to her hard hap, he cropped the bud of her sweet Uirginity, and left such a pawn within her Womb, that before many days were expired, her shame began to appear, and the deceived Lady was constrained to reveal her mind to Floridon; who in the mean time had betrothed himself to my younger Daughter, whose name was Marcilla, no less Beau∣tified with Feature's gift than her elder Sister; but when this unconstant Floridon perceived that her Belly began to grow big with the burden of his unhappy Séed, he upbraided her with shame, laying dishonour in her dish, calling her Strumpet, with many ig∣nominious words, forswearing himself never to have committed any such infamous déed, protesting that he ever scorned to sink in Wo∣mans hands, and counted Chamber-Love a deadly sting, and a déep infection to the honour of his Knight-hood.

These unkind speeches drove Castria into such extream passion of mind, that she with a shameful look and blushing cheeks, after this manner revealed her sorrows unto him:

What knows not Floridon (quoth the Lady) her whom his Lust hath stained with Dishonour? See, see unconstant Knight, the Pledge of Faithless Vows, behold the Womb where springs thy lively Image; behold this mark which stains my Father's Ancient House, and sets a shamefac'd blush upon my Cheeks, always when I be∣hold the company of chaste Virgins: dear Floridon shadow this my Shame with Marriage-Rites, that I be not accounted a By∣word to the World, nor that this my Babe in time to come, be termed a base-born Child: remember what plighted Promises, what Vows and Protestations passed betwixt us, remember the place and time of my Dishonour, and be not like surious Tygers that repay Love with Despite.

At which words Floridon with a wrathful countenance, replyed in these words:

Egregious and shameless Creature (quoth he) with what bra∣zen face darest thou out-brave me thus: I tell thee, Castria, my Love was ever yet to follow Arms, to hear the sound of Drums, to ride upon a nimble Steed, and not to trace a Carpet-dance, like Priam's Son, before the Lustful Eyes of Menelaus's Wife: There∣fore be gone; disturbing Strumpet, go sing thy harsh Melody in company of Night-birds, for I tell thee, the day will blush to co∣ver thy monstrous shame.

Which reproachful speeches being no sooner ended, but Floridon departed her Presence, not leaving behind him so much as a kind look: whereat the distressed Lady by being oppressed with intolerable grief, sunk down dead, not able to speak for a time, but at last re∣covering her senses, she began anew to complain.

I that was wont (quoth she) to walk with Troops of Maids, must now abandon and utterly forsake all company, and séek some secret Cave, wherein I may sit for evermore and bewail my lost Uirginity: If I return unto my Father he will refuse me; if to my Friends, they will be ashamed of me, if to Strangers they will scorn me: If to my Floridon, Oh! he denyeth me, and accounts my sight as ominous as the baleful Crocodiles. O that I might in the shape of a Bird, or like the Ravished Philomela, flie every Wood and Wilderness with my Dishonour, for now I am nei∣ther a Chaste Uirgin, nor honest Wife, but a shameless Strumpet, and the Worlds vile scorn: whereat methinks, I see how Uertuous and Chaste Maidens point and term me a Uicious Dame: O un∣constant Floridon! thou didst promise to shadow this Fault with Marriage, but now Uows, I see, are vain: thou hast forsaken me, and tied thy Faith unto my Sister Marcilla, who must enjoy thy Love, because she continues Chaste, without any spot of Disho∣nour.

Oh! woe to thee, unconstant Knight, thy flattering eyes de∣ceived me, and thy glozing Tongue enticed me to commit that sin, which all the Ocean streams can never wash away: why stand I relating thus in vain? the deed is vone, and Floridon will Tri∣umph in the spoil of my Uirginity, while he lies dallying in my Sisters Arms: Nay, first, the fatal lights of Funerals shall mask about his Marriage-Bed, and his Bridal-blaze I'll quench with blood: for I will go unto their Marriage-Chamber, where as these hands of mine shall rend my Sisters Womb, before she shall enjoy the Interest of my Bed: rage heart! instead of Love, delight in Murder, let Uengeance be ever in thy thoughts till thou hast quencht with blood the furies of disloyal Love.

Thus complained the woful Castria, roving up and down the Court of Scythia, until the Mistress of the Night had spent five Months: At the end of which time, the appointed Marriage of Floridon and Marcilla drew nigh•• the thought whereof proved an endless Terror to her heart, and of more intolerable burthen than the pains of her Womb, the which she girded in so extreamly, for fear of suspicion, and partly under colour to bring about her intended Tragedy, which was in this bloody and execrable manner accom∣plished and brought about.

The day atlast came, whereon Floridon and Marcilla should tie that Sacred knot of Marriage, and the Prince, and Potentates of Scythia, were all present to see Hymen's Holy Rites: in which Ho∣nourable Assemblies, none were more busie than Castria, to beautifie her Sister's Wedding. The Ceremonies being no sooner performed, and the day spent in pleasures, fitting the Honour of so great and Mighty a Train, but Castria requested the use of the Country, which was ••his, that the first night of every Maidens Marriage, a known Uirgin should lie with the Bride, which Honourable task was committed to Castria: who provided against the hour appointed a silver Bodkin, and hid it secretly in the ••amels of her hair, wherewith she intended to prosecute Revenge. The Bride's Lodg∣ing-Chamber was appointed far from the hearing of any one, lest the noise of People should hinder her quiet sleep.

But at last when the hour of her wishes approached, that the Bride should take leave of her Ladies, and Maidens that attended her to her Chamber, the new-Married Floridon, in company of many Scythian Knights, committed Marcilla to her quiet Rest, lit∣tle mistrusting the bloody purpose of her Sisters mind.

But now behold how every thing fell out according to her desires: The Ladies and Gentlemen were no sooner departed, and silence taken possession of the whole Court, but Castria with her own

hand locked the Chamber-door, and secretly conveyed the Keys under the Beds-head, not perceived by the betrayed Marcilla; which poor Lady after some speeches departed to Bed; wherein she was no sooner laid. but a heavy sléep over-mastered her Senses, whereby her tongue was forced to bid her Sister good-night, who as then sate discontented by her Bed-side, watching the time wherein she might conveniently Act the Bloody Tragedy: upon a Court-Cupboard stood two burning Tapers, that gave Light to the whole Chamber, which in her conceit seemed to burn blue: which fatal spectacle encouraged her to a more spéedy performance; and by the light of the two Lamps she unbraced her Uestures, and stripped her self into her Milk-white Smock, having not so much upon her head, as a Caul to hold up her golden hair: after this, she took her Silver Bodkin, that before she had secretly hidden in her hair, and with a wrathful Countenance (upon whose brows sate the Image of pale death) she came to her new Married Sister, being then overcome with a heavy slumber, and with her Bodkin pierced her tender Breast; who immediately at the stroke thereof started from her sleep, and gave such a pitiful shriek, that it would have awakened the whole Court, but that the Chamber stood far from the hearing of Company, except her bloody-minded Sister. whose hand was ready to redouble her Fury, with a second stroak.

But when Marcilla beheld the Sheets and Ornaments of her Bed bestained with purple gore, and from her Breast ran streams of Crimson blood, which like to a Fountain trickled from her bosom, she breathed forth this cruel exclamation against the cruelty of Castria.

O Sister (quoth she) hath Nature harboured in thy Breast a Bloody mind! what Fury hath incensed thee thus to commit my Tragedy? In what have I misdone, or wherein hath my Tongue offended thee? What cause hath been the occasion that thy re∣morsless band against Nature, hath, converted my joyful Nuptials to a woful Funeral: This is the cause (Replyed Castria, and there∣withal shewed her Womb, grown big through the burthen of her Child) that I have bathed my hands in thy detested Blood.

See, see, Marcilla (said she) the unhappy Bed, wherein thy accursed Husband hath sown his Seed, by which my Virgins ho∣nour is for ever stained, this is the spot which thy heart blood must wash away, and this is the shame that nothing but death shall finish; therefore a sweet Revenge, and a present Murther likewise will I commit upon my self, whereby my loathed Soul in company of my unborn Babe shall wander with my Ghost along the Stygi∣an Lakes.

Which words being no sooner finished, but she violently pierced her own Breast whereby the two Sisters Blood were equally min∣gled together: but now Marcilla being the first wounded, and the nearer drawing toward Death, she wofully complained with this dying Lamentation.

Draw near (said she) you blazing Stars, you Earthly Angels, you embroidered Girls, you lovely Ladies, and flourishing Dames of Scythia, behold her woful end, whose Glories mounted to the Elements, behold my Marriage-bed here beautified with Tapestry, converted to Death's Bloody Habitation, my brave Attire to Earthly Mould, and my Princely Palaces to Elizium shades, being a place appointed for those Dames that lived and dy'd true Virgins, for now I feel the pains of Death closing my Life's Windows, and Heart ready to entertain the stroke of Destiny. Come Floridon, come instead of Arms, get Eagles Wings, that in thy Bosom I may breathe my murdered Ghost. World fare thou well, I was too proud of thy inticing pleasures: thy Princely Pomp and all thy glistring Ornaments, I must for ever bid adieu. Father, farewell, with all my Masking Train, Courtly Ladies, Knights and Gentle∣women: my Death I know will make thy Palace Death's Gloomy Regiment; and last of all, farewell my Noble Floridon, for thy sweet sake Marcilla here is Murdered.

At the end of which words the dying Lady being faint with the abundance of Blood that issued from her wounded Breast, gave up the Ghost. No sooner had pale Death seized on her liveless body, but Castria through the extremity of her wounds was ready to en∣tertain the stroke of her fatal Sister, who also complained in this manner: Hearken to me you Loving Girls, (said she) to you I speak, that know what endless grief disloyal and false Love breeds in constant minds, the thought whereof is so intolerable to my Soul, that it exceeds the Torments of Danae's Daughters, which continually fill Water in bottomless Tubs in Hell: Oh that my Ears had never listened to his sugared spéeches, nor never known what Courtly pleasures meant, where Beauty lives a bait for every lustful eye; but rather to have lived a Country Lass, where sweet content is harboured, and Beauty shrowded under true Humility, then had not Floridon bereaved me of my sweet Uirginity, nor had this accursed hand committed this cruel Mur∣der: But Oh! I feel my soul passing into Elizium shades, where Croesus's shadow and Didoe's Ghost have their abidings: thither doth my spirit flie, to be entertained amongst those unhappy Ladies whom unconstant Love hath murdered: Thus Castria not being

able to speak any longer, gave a very grievous sigh, and so bad adieu to the World.

Now when the Morning Sun had chased away the darksome Night, Floridon who little mistrusted the Tragedy of the two Si∣sters, repaired to the Chamber-door, with a Consort of skilful Mu∣sicians, where the inspiring Harmony sounded to the Walls, and Floridon's. Morning Salutations were spent in vain: For Death so stopped the two Princesses Ears that no resound of thanks at all re-answered his words, which caused Floridon to depart, thinking them to be asleep, and to return within an hour after, who with∣out any Company came to the Chamber-door, where he again found all silent: at which suspecting some future event, he burst open the Door, where being no sooner entred, but he sound the two Ladies weltring in their own gore: which woful spectacle presently so be∣reaved him of his Wits, that like a frantick man he raged up and down, and in this manner bitterly complained.

Oh immortal Powers! open the wrathful Gates of Heaven, and in your justice punish me, for my unconstant Love hath murdered two of the bravest Ladies that ever Nature framed, revive swéet Dames of Scythia, and hear me speak, that am the wofullest Wretch that ever spake with a tongue: if Ghost may here be given for Ghost, dear Ladies take my Life and live, or if my heart might dwell within your Breasts; this hand shall equally divide it: but words I see are vain, and my proffer cannot purchase life nor re∣cover your breathing spirits: yet Uengeance shall you have, this hand shall untwine my fatal twist, and bereave my bloody Breast of Life, whereby my happy Ghost shall follow you through Tartar Gulfs, through burning Lakes, and through the lowring shades of dreadful Cocytus: gape, gape, sweet Earth, and in thy Womb make all our Tombs together.

Which woful Lamentation being no sooner breathed from his sorrowful Breast, but he finished his days, by the stroke of that same accursed Bodkin, that was the bloody Instrument of the two Sisters death; the which he found still remaining in the remorsless hand of Castria.

Thus have you heard (most worthy Knight) the true Tragedy of thrée of the most goodliest Personages that ever Nature framed: but now with diligent ears listen unto the unfortunate discourse of my own Misery, which in this unhappy manner fell out: for no sooner came the flying news of the Mi••••dered Princesses to my ears, but I grew into such a discontented Passion that I abandoned my self from company of People, and sate for seven Months in a so∣litary passion, ••ainenting the loss of my Children, like weep∣ing

Niobe, which was the sorrowfullest Lady that ever lived.

During which time the Report of Floridon's unhappy Tragedy was bruited to his Father's ears, being the sole King of Armenia: whose grief so exceeded the bounds of Reason, that with all conve∣nient speed he gathered the greatest strength Armenia could make, and in Revenge of his Son's Murder, entred my Territories, and with his well approved Warriours subdued my Provinces, slaugh∣tered my Soldiers, Conquered my Captains, slew my Commons, burnt my Cities, and left my Country Uillages Desolate, where, when I beheld my Country overspread with Famine, Fire, and Sword, three Intestine Plagues, wherewith Heaven scourgeth the sins of the wicked, I was forced for the safeguard of my Life, to forsake my Native Habitation, Kingly Government, only com∣mitting my Fortune (like a Banish'd Exile) to wander in un∣known passages where Care was my chief Companion, and Dis∣content my only Solicitor: at last it was in my Destiny to arrive in this unhappy place, which I supposed to be the Walks of De∣spair, where I had not remained many days in my melancholy Passions, but methought the many ••aws of deep Avernus opened, from whence ascended a most fearful Devil, that enticed me to be∣queath my Fortune to his disposing, and he would defend me from the fury of the whole World: to which I presently condescended upon some assurance; then presently he placed before my face this Enchanted Sword, so surely closed in stone, that it should never be pulled out, but by the hands of a Christian Knight; and till that Task was performed, I should live exempt from all Danger. al∣though all the Kingdoms of the Earth assailed me: which task (most adventurous Champion) thou hast now performed, whereby I know the hour of my Death approacheth, and my time of con∣fusion is at hand.

This Discourse pronounced by the Necromancer Ormandine, was no sooner finished, but the worthy Champion St. George heard such a ratling in the skies, and such a lumbring in the Earth, that he expected some strange event to follow: then casting his eyes aside, he saw the Enchanted Garden to Uanish, and the Champion of Wales to awake from his long sleep, wherein he had remained seven years: who like one risen from a swoon, for a time stood speechless, not able to utter one word, till he beheld the Noble Champion of England, that stedfastly gazed upon the Necromancer: who at the vanishing of the Enchantment, presently gave a most terrible groan and died.

The two Champions after many Courteous imbracings and kind greetings, revealed each to other the strange Adventures they had passed. St. David told how he was bound by the Oath of Knighthood, to perform the Adventure of Ormandine: whereupon S. George presently delivered the Enchanted Sword, with the Ne∣cromancer's Head into the hands of St. David, the which he pre∣sently dissevered from his Body. But here must my weary Muse leave St. David Travelling with Ormandine's Head to the Tartarian Emperor, and speak of the following Adventures that hapned to St. George, after his departure from the Enchanted Garden.

CHAP. XI.

How St. George arrived at Tripoly in Barbary, where he stole away Sabra the King's Daughter of Egypt, from the Black∣moor King, and how she was known to be a pure Virgin by the means of the Lion, and what hapned to him in the same Adven∣ture.

SAint George, after the Recovery of St. David, as you heard in the former Chapter, dispatched his Iourney toward Christen∣dom, whose pleasant Banks he long desired to behold, and thought every day a year, till his Eyes enjoyed a sweet sight of his Native Country of England, upon whose Chalky Cliffs he had not Rode in many a weary Summer's day: therefore committing his Iour∣ney to a fortunate Success, he travelled through many a dangerous Countrey, where the People were not only of a bloody disposition, given to all manner of wickedness, but the Soil greatly annoyed with wild Beasts, through which he could not well Travel with∣out danger: therefore he carried continually in one of his hands a Weapon ready Charged, to encounter with the Heathen People, if occasion should serve, and in the other hand a bright blaze of Fire to defend him from the fury of wild Beasts, if by violence they assailed him.

Thus in extream Danger Travelled the Noble and Adventu∣rous Champion St. George, till he arrived in the Territories of Barbary, in which Countrey he purposed for a time to remain, and

to seek for some Noble Atchievement, whereby his Fame might be encreased, and his honoured Name King through all the Kingdoms of the World: and being encouraged with this Princely Cogita∣tion, the Noble Champion of England, climbed to the top of a huge Mountain; where he unlocked his Bever, which before had not been lifted up in many a day, and beheld the wide and spacious Countrey, how it was beautified with losty Pines, and adorned with many goodly Palaces. But amongst the number of the Tow∣ers, and Cities which the English Champion beheld, there was one which seemed to exceed the rest both in Situation and brave Buildings, which he supposed to be the chiefest City in all the Countrey, and the place where the King usually kept his Court: to which place St. George intended to Travel, not to furnish him∣self with any needful thing, but to accomplish some Honourable Ad∣venture, whereby his worthy Deeds might be eternized in the Books of Memory. So after he had descended from the top of the steepy Mountain, and had Travelled into a low Ualley about some two or three Miles, he approached an old and almost Ruinated Hermi∣tage over-grown with Moss, and other Weeds; before the entry of this Hermitage sate an Ancient Father upon a round Stone, taking the heat of the warm Sun, which cast such a comfortable brightness upon the Hermit's face, that his white Beard seemed to glister like Silver, and his Head to exceed the whiteness of the Northern Isicles; to whom after St. George had given the due Reverence that belonged unto Age, he demanded the name of the Countrey, and the City he Travelled to, and under what King the Countrey was Governed: To whom the Courteous Hermit thus replyed:

Most Noble Knight, for so I guess you are, by your Furniture and outward appearance, you are now in the Confines of Barbary, the City opposite before your eyes is called Tripoly, remaining un∣der the Government of Almidor, the black King of Morocco in which City he now keepeth his Court, attended on by as many gal∣lant Knights as any King under the Cope of Heaven.

At which words the Noble Champion of England suddenly start∣ed, as though he had intelligence of some baleful news, which deeply discontented his Princely mind: his heart was presently incens••d with a speedy Revenge, and his mind so extreamly thirsted after Almidor's Tragedy, that he could scarce answer again to the Her∣mit's words: But bridling his Fury, the angry Champion spake in this manner:

Grave Father (said he) through the Treachery of that Accursed King. I endured seven years Imprisonment in Persia, where I suffered both hunger cold, and extream misery: But if I had my good Sword Ascalon, and my trusty Palfrey, which I lest in the Egyp∣tian Court, where remains my betrothed Love the King's Daugh∣ter of Egypt, I would be Avenged on the Head of Almidor, were his Guard more strong than the Army of Xerxes, whose multitudes drank Rivers dry. Why, said the Hermit, Sabra, the King's Daughter of Egypt is Queen of Barbary, and since her Nuptials were solemnly performed in Tripoly, are seven Summers fully fi∣nished.

Now by the honour of my Country, England (replied St. George) the place of my Nativity and as I am a true Christian Knight, these eyes of mine shall never close this undaunted heart never enter∣tain one thought of Peace, nor this unconquered hand receive one minutes rest, untill I have obtained a sight of the sweet Princess, for whose sake I have endured so long Imprisonment: Therefore dear Father be thus ••••nd to a Travellor, as to exchange thy Cloa∣thing for this my Rich Furniture and lusty Stéed, which I brought from the Souldan of Persia, for in the habit of a Palmer I may enjoy the fruition of her sight without suspicion: Other∣wise I must néeds be constrained by Uiolence with my trusty Falchion to make way into her Princely Palace, where I know she is attended on most carefully, by many a Ualiant and Coura∣gious Knight, therefore courteously deliver me thy Hermit's Gown, and I will give to boot with my Horse and Armour, this Box of costly Iewels: Which when that grave Hermit beheld, he humbly thanked the Noble Champion, and so with all the speed they could possible make, exchanged Apparel, and in this manner departed.

The Palmer being glad, repaired to his Hermitage with St. George's Furniture; and St. George in the Palmer's Apparel towards the City of Tripoly, who no sooner came to the sumptuous Buildings of the Court, but he espied a hundred poor Palmers kneeling at the Gate, to whom St. George spake after this manner, not with lofty and Heroical speeches, beseeming a Princely Cham∣pion, but with meek and humble words, like an aged Palmer.

My dear Brethren (said•• the Champion) for what intent remain you here or what expert you from this honourable Court.

We abide here (answered the Palmers) for an Alms, which the Queen once a day hath given this seven years, for the sake of an English Knight named St. George, whom she affecteth above all the Knights of the World: But when will this be given, said St. George:

In the afternoon (replied the Palmers) until which time up∣on our bended knees we ho••rly pray for the good Fortune of that most noble English Knight. Which Speeches so pleased the Ua∣liant-minded Champion St. George, that he thought every minute a whole year till the Golden Sun had passed away the middle part of Heaven: for it was but newly risen from Aurora's Bed, whe••e light as yet with a shamefac'd radiant blush, distained the Eastern Skie.

During which time, the most valiant and Magnahimous Cham∣pion, St. George of England, one while remembring the extream misery he endured in Persia, for her sake, whereat he let fall many Crystal Tears from his Eyes: another while thinking upon the Terrible Battel he had with a Burning Dragon in Aegypt, where he Redeemed her from the Fatal Iaws of Death: at last it was his chance to walk about the Court; beholding the sumptuous Buildings, and the curious engraven works by the atchievement of Man, bestowed upon the glistring Windows: where he heard, to his exceeding pleasure, the heavenly Uoice of his beloved Sa∣bra, descending from a Window upon the West-side of the Palace, where she warbled forth this sorrowful Ditty upon her Ivory Lute.

Die all desires of Joy and Courtly Pleasures, Die all desires of Princely Royalty, Die all desires of Worldly Treasures, Die all desires of stately Majesty: Sith he is gone that pleased most mine Eye, For whom I wish ten thousand times to die.

O that mine eyes might never cease to weep, O that my tongue might evermore complain, O that my Soul might in his Bosome sleep, For whose sweet sake my Heart doth live in pain: In Woe I sing with brinish Tears besprent,, Out worn with Grief, Consum'd with Discontent.

In time my Sighs will dim the Heaven's fair Light, Which hourly flie from my tormented Breast, Except Saint George that Noble English Knight, With safe return abandon my unrest; Then careful cries shall end with deep annoy, Exchanging weeping Tears, for smiling Joy.

Before the Face of Heaven this Vow I make, Tho unkind Friends have Wed me to their Will, And Crown'd me Queen my ardent flames to slake, Which in despite of them shall flourish still, Bear witness Heavens and Earth, what I have said, For George's sake I live and die a Maid.

Which sorrowful Ditty being no sooner ended, but she departed the Window, quite from the hearing of the English Champion, that stood gazing up to the Casements, preparing his ears to en∣tertain her sweet tuned Melody the second time: but it was in vain whereat he grew in more perplexed passions than Aenea, when he had lost his beloved Cre••sa amongst the Army of the Gre∣cian: sometimes wishing the day to vanish in a moment, that the hour of her Benevolence might approach, other times comforting his sad cogitations with the remembrance of her true Chastity, and long continued Constancy for his sake; comparing her Love unto Thisbe's, her Chastity to Diana's, and her Constancy to Pene∣lope's.

Thus spent he the time away, till the glorious Sun began to de∣cline the Western parts of the Earth, when the Palmers should receive her wonted benevolence: against which time, the English Champion placed himself in the midst of them, that expected the wished hour of her coming. who at the time appointed, came to the Palace Gate, attired in Mourning Uesture, like Polixena King Priam's Daughter, when she went to Sacrifice; her hair after a careless manner hung wavering in the wind, almost changed from yellow burnisht brightness, to the colour of Silver, through her long continued Sorrows and Grief of Heart her eyes seemed to have wept Seas of Tears, and her wonted Beauty (to whose Fair∣ness all the Ladies in the World did sometimes yield obeysance) was now stained with the pearled dew that trickled down her Cheeks: Where after the sorrowful Queen had justly numbred the Palmers, and with vigilant eyes beheld the Princely Countenance of Saint George, her Colour began to change from Red to White, and from White to Red, as though the Lilly and the Rose had strove for supe∣riority: but yet colouring her Cogitations under a smooth Brow, first delivered her Alms to the Palmers, then taking St. George aside, with him she thus kindly began to confer: Palmer (said she) thou resemblest both in Princely Countenance and Courteous Behavi∣our, that thrice honoured Champion of England, for whose sake I have daily bestowed my•• benevolence for this seven years: his

Name is St. George, his Fame I know thou hast heard Reported in many a Country to be the bravest Knight that ever buckled on Steel Helm. Therefore for his sake will I grace thee with the chiefest Honour in this Court, instead of thy Russet Gaberdine, I will Cloath thee in Purple Silk, and instead of thy Ebon Staff, thy hand shall wield the richest Sword that ever Princely eye beheld. To whom the Noble Champion St. George replyed in this Courteous manner.

I have heard (quoth he) the Princely Atchievements and Mag∣nanimous Adventures of that Honoured English Knight, which you so dearly Affected, bruited through many Princes Court, and how for the Love of a Lady, he hath endured a long Imprisonment, from whence he never looked to return, but to spend the remnant of his days in lasting misery: At which the Queen let fall from her eyes such a shower of Pearled Tears, and sent such number of strained Sighs from her grieved heart, that her Sorrow séemed to exceed the Queen's of Carthage, when she had for ever lost the sight of her beloved Lord. But the brave-minded Champion purposed no longer to continue secret, but with his Discovery to convert her sorrowful moans to smiling joy: And so casting off his Palmers Weed, acknowledged himself to the Queen, and therewithal shewed the half Ring whereon was engraven this Poesie Ardeo Affectione: which Ring in former time (as you may read before) they had ve∣ry equally divided betwixt them to be kept in remembrance of their plighted Faith.

Which unexpected sight highly pleased the Beauteous Sabra, and her Ioy so exceeded the bounds of Reason, that she could not speak one word, but was constrained through her new conceited pleasure to breath a sad sigh or two into the Champion's Bosom, who like a true ennobled Knight, entertained her with a loving Kiss, where after these two Lovers had fully Discoursed each to other the se∣crets of their Souls, Sabra how she continued for his Love a pure Uirgin, through the secret vertue of a Golden Chain steept in Ty∣ger's Blood, the which she wore seven times double about her I∣vory Neck, took him by the gentle hand, and led him into her Hus∣band's Stables, where stood his approved Palfrey, which she for seven years had fed with her own hands: who no sooner espied the return of his Master, but he was more proud of his Presence, than Bucephalus of the Macedonian Monarch, when he most joyfully re∣turned in Triumph from any Uictorious Conquest.

Now is the time (said the excellent Princess Sabra) that thou mayest seal up the quittance of our former Loves; therefore with all convenient spéed take thy approved Palfrey, and thy trusty

Sword Askalon which I will presently deliver into thy hands, and with all celerity convey me from this unhappy Countrey: for the King my Husband with all his adventurous Knights, are now rode forth on Hunting, whose absence will further our flight: but if you stay till his return, it is not a hundred of the hardiest Knights in the World can bear me from this accursed Palace. At which words St. George having a mind graced with all excellent Uertues, replyed in this manner.

Thou knowest, my Divine Mistress, that for thy Love I would endure as many Dangers, as Iason suffered in the Isle Calcos, so I might at last enjoy the pleasure of true Virginity. For how is it possible thou canst remain a pure Maid, when thou hast been a Crowned Queen these seven years, and every night hast enter∣tained a King into thy Bed?

If thou findest me not a true Maid (quoth she) in all that thou canst say or do, send me back hither again unto my Foe, whose Bed I count more loathsome than a Den of Snakes, and his sight more Ominous than the Crocodiles. As for the Morocco Crown, which by force of Friends was set upon my head. I wish that it might be turned into a blaze of quenchless Fire, so it might not endanger my Body: and for the Name of Queen, I account it a vain Title; for I had rather to be the English Lady, than the greatest Empress in the World.

At which speeches St. George willingly condescended, and with all speed purposed to go into England: And therewithal sealed an assurance with as sweet a kiss as Paris gave to lovely Hellena, when she consented to forsake her Native Countrey, and to Travel from her Husband Menelaus into Troy. So losing no time, lest delay might breed danger, Sabra furnished her self with sufficient Trea∣sure, and speedily delivered to St. George his trusty Sword, which she had kept seven years for his sake, with all the Furniture be∣longing to his approved Steed; who no sooner received her proffered gifts, which he accounted dearer than the Asian Monarchy, but presently he Sadled his Horse, and beautified his strong Limbs with rich Caparisons. In the mean time, Sabra through fair Speeches and Promises obtained the good will of an Eunuch, that was appointed for her Guard in the King's absence, to ac∣company them in their Travel, and to serve as a trusty Guide, if occasion required; which with the Lady stood ready at the Cham∣pion's commandment: who no sooner had furnished himself with Habiliments of War, belonging to so dangerous a Iourney, but he set his beloved Mistriss upon a gentle Palfrey, which always

kneeled down untill she had ascended the Saddle, and likewise her Eunuch was mounted upon another Steed, whereon all their rich Furniture, with costly Iewels, and other Treasures was born.

So these three worthy Personages committed their Travels to the Guide o•• Fortune, who preserved them from the dangers of pur∣suing Enemies, which at the King's return from hunting, sollowed a main to every Port and Haven that divided the Kingdom of Bar∣bary from the Confines of Christendom: but kind Destiny so guided their steps, that they Travelled another way, contrary to their expectations: for when they looked to arrive upon the Ter∣ritories of Europe. they were cast upon the fruitful Banks of Gre∣cia: In which Countrey we must tell what hapned to the three Travellers, and omit the vain pursuit of the Morocco Knights, the wrathful Melancholy of the King, and the bruited Rumor that was amongst the Commons at the Queens departure. who caused the Larum Bells to be Rung out, and the Beacons set on Fire, as though the Enemy had entred their Countrey.

But now Melpomene, thou Tragick Sister of the Muses, re∣port what unlucky Crosses hapned to these three Travellers in the Confines of Grecia, and how their smiling Comedy was by ill hap turned into a weeping Tragedy; for when they had journeyed some three or four Leagues, over many a lofty Hill, they came nigh unto a Mighty and Uast Wilderness, through which the way seemed so long, and the Sun-Beams so exceedingly glowed, that Sabra, what for weariness in Travel, and the extream heat of the Day, was constrained to rest under the shelter of a mighty Oak whose Branches had not been lopt in many a year: Where the had not long remained, but her heart began to faint for hunger, and her Colour that was but a little before as fair as any Ladies in the World, began to change for want of a little drink: Whereat the most famous Champion St. George, half dead with very grief, comforted her as well as he could, after this manner.

Faint not my dear Lady, (said he) here is that good Sword that once preserved thee from the burning Dragon; and before thou shalt die for want of Sustenance, it shall make way to every corner of the Wilderness; where I will either kill some Venison to refresh thy hungry Stomach, or make my Tomb in the Bowels of some Monstrous Beast: Therefore abide thou here under this Tree in company of thy faithful Eunuch, till I return either with the flesh of some wild Deer, to else some flying Bird to refresh thy Spirits for a new Travel.

Thus left he his beloved Lady with the Eunuch to the mercy of the Woods, and Travelled up and down the Wilderness, till he espied a Herd of fatted Deer, from which company he fingled out the fairest, and like a tripping Satyr coursed her to Death: then with a keen-edged Sword cut out the goodliest Haunch of Ue∣nison that ever Hunters eye beheld; which Gift he supposed to be most welcome to his beloved Lady. But mark what hapned in his absence to the two weary Travellers under the Tree: Where after St. George's departure, they had not long sitten discoursing, one while of their long Iourneys, another while of their safe Delivery from the Blackamoor King, spending the stealing time away with many an ancient Story, but there appeared out of a Thicket two huge and monstrous Lions, which came directly pacing towards the two Travellers: Which fearful spectacle when Sabra beheld, ha∣ving a heart over-charged with the extream fear of Death, wholly committed her Soul into the hands of God, and her Body almost Famished for want of Food to suffice the hunger of the two furious Lions, who by the appointment of Heaven; proffered not so much as to lay their wrathful paws upon the smallest part of her Gar∣ment, but with eager mood assailed the Eunuch, until they had bu∣ried his Body in the empty Uaults of their hungry Bowels: Then with their Teeth lately imbrued in Blood, rent the Eunuch's Steed into small pieces: Which being done, they came to the Lady, which sate quaking half dead with fear, and like two Lambs couched their Heads upon her Lap, where with her hands she stroaked down their bristled hairs, not daring almost to breathe, till a heavy sleep had over-mastered their furious Senses, by which time the Princely-minded Champion St. George returned with a piece of Uenison upon the point of his Sword: Who at that unexpected sight, stood in a Maze, whether it was best to flie for safeguard of his Life or to venture his Fortune against the Furious Lions. But at last the Love of his Lady encouraged him to a forwardness whom he beheld quaking before the dismal Gates of Death: So laying down his Uenison, he like a Uictorious Champion sheathed his approved Faulchion most furiousty in the Bowels of one of the Lions. Sabra kept the other sleeping in her Lap till his prosperous hand had likewise dispatched him: Which Adventure being performed, he first thanked Heaven for Uictory, and then in this kind manner saluted his Lady.

Now (Sabra said he) I have by this sufficiently proved ••••iy true Virginity: for it is the Nature of a Lion, be he never so fu∣rious, not to harm the unspotted Virgin, but humbly to lay his bristled Head upon a Maidens Lap. Therefore Divine Paragon,

thou art the World's chief wonder for Love and Chastity, whose honoured Vertues shall ring as far as Phebus sends his Lights, and whose Constancy I will maintain in every Land where I come, to be the truest under the Circuit of the Sun: At which words he cast his eyes aside, and beheld the bloody spectacle of the Eunuch's ••••agedy, which by Sabra was wofully discoursed, to the grief of St. George, where sad sighs served for a doleful Knell to bewail his untimely death: But having a noble mind not subject to vain Sorrow, where all hope of Life is past, ceased his grief, and pre∣pared the Uenison in readiness for his Ladies Repast, which in this order was dressed.

He had in his Pocket a Firelock, wherewith he struck fire, and kindled it with Sun-burnt Moss, and encreased the Flame with other dry wood, which he gathered in the Wilderness: Against which they Roasted the Uenison, and sufficed themselves to their own contentments. After which joyful Repast, these two Princely Persons set forward to their wonted Travels, whereby the happy Guide of Heaven so conducted their steps, that before many days passed, they arrived in the Grecian Court, even upon that day when the Marriage of the Grecian Emperor should be solemnly holden: Which Royal Nuptials, in former times had been brui∣ted into every Nation in the World, as well in Europe, as Africa and Asia: At which honourable Marriage the bravest Knights then living on Earth were present: For Golden Fame had bruited the Report thereof to the Ears of the Seven Champions: In Thessaly, to S. Denis the Champion of France, there remaining with his beau∣teous Eglantine; into Sevil to St. James the Champion of Spain, where he remained with his lovely Celestine: To St. Anthony the Champion of Italy, then Travelling into the Borders of Scythia, with his Lady Rosalinde: likewise to St. Andrew, the Champion of Scotland, to St. Patrick the Champion of Ireland, and to St. David the Champion of Wales, who all Atchieved many Memorable Ad∣ventures in the Kingdom of Tartary, as you have heard before dis∣coursed at large.

But now Fame, and smiling Fortune consented to make their Knightly Atchievements to shine in the Eyes of the whole World, therefore by the Conduction of Heaven, they generally arrived in the Grecian Emperor's Court: Of whose Tilts and Tourna∣ments therein performed, to the honour of his Nuptials, my weavy Muse is bound to discourse.

CHAP. XII.

How the Seven Champions Arrived in Grecia at the Emperor's Nup∣tials, where they performed many Noble Atchievements, and how af∣ter open Wars were Proclaimed against Christendom by the Discovery of many Knights, and how every Champion departed into his own Countrey.

TO speak of the number of the Knights, that Assembled in the Grecian Court together, were a Labour over-tedious, re∣quiring the Pen of Homer: Therefore will I omit the ho∣nourable Train of Knights and Ladies that did attend them to the Church; their costly Garments and glistring Ornaments, ex∣ceeding the Royalty of Hecuba, the Beauteous Queen of Troy. And also I pass over the sumptuous Banquets, the Honourable Services, and Delicious Chear that Beautified the Emperor's Nuptials, with the stately Masks and Courtly Dances performed by many Noble Personages, and chiefly discourse of the Knightly Atchievements of the Seven Champions of Christendom, whose Honourable Proceedings, and Magnanimous Encounters have deserved a Golden Pen to relate: For after some few days spent in Chamber-sports, to the great pleasure of the Grecian Prince, the Emperor presently Proclaimed a solemn Iusting to be holden for the space of seven days, in the Honour of his Marriage, and ap∣pointed for his chief Champions the seven Christian Knights; whose Names as then were not known by any one except their own Attendants.

Against the appointed day the Turnaments should begin, the Emperor caused a wonderful large Frame of Timber-work to be erected, whereon the Empress and her Ladies might stand, for the better view of the Tilters, and at pleasure behold the Cham∣pions Encounters, most Nobly performed in the Honour of their Mistresses: likewise in the compass of the Lists were pitched se∣ven Tents of seven several Colours, wherein the Seven Cham∣pions might remain till the sound of the Silver Trumpets sum∣moned them to appear.

Thus every thing prepared in readiness, fitting so great a Roy∣alty, the Princes and Ladies placed in their Seats, the Emperor with his new Married Empress invested on their lofty Thrones, strongly Guarded with an hundred Armed Knights, the King's

Heralds Solemnly Proclaimed the Turnaments, which in this most Royal manner began.

The first day S. Denis of France was appointed chief Champion against all Comers, who was called by the Title of the Golden Knight, who at the sound of the Trumpet entred the Lists, his Tent was of the colour of the Marigold, upon the top an artificial Sun framed, that seemed to Beautifie the whole Assembly: his Horse of an Iron-grey graced with a spangled Plume of Fea∣thers: Before him rode a Page in purple silk, bearing upon his Crest three Golden Flower-de-••uces, which did signifie his Arms. Thus in this Royal manner entred St. Denis the Lists; where after he had traced twice or thrice up and down, to the open view of the whole Company, he prepared himself in readiness to begin the Turnament: Against whom ran many Grecian Knights, which were foiled by the French Champion, to the wonderful admiration of all the beholders: But to be brief, he so worthily behaved him∣self, and with such Fortitude, that the Emperor applauded him for the bravest Knight in the World.

Thus in great Royalty, to the exceeding pleasure of the Emperor, was the first day spent, till the dark Evening caused the Knights to break off Company, and repair to their Nights Repose. And the next Morning no sooner did Phoebus shew his splendid bright∣ness, but the King of Heralds under the Emperor, with a noise of Trumpets awaked the Champions from their silent sleep, who with all speed prepared for the second days Exercises. The chief Cham∣pion appointed for that day, was the Uinorious Knight St. James of Spain: Which after the Emperor and Empress had seated them∣selves with a stately Train of Beautiful Ladies, entred the Lists upon a Spanish Gennet, betrapt with a rich Caparison: Directly over against the Emperor's Throne his Tent was pitcht, which was of the colour of Quick-silver, wherein was pourtrayed many fine Devices: Before the Tent attended four Esquires, bearing four several Escutcheons in their hands, whereon were curiously painted the four Elements: Likewise he had the Title of the Sil∣ver Knight; who behaved himself no less worthy of all Princely Commendations than the French Champion the day before. The third day. St. Anthony of Italy was chief Challenger in the Turna∣ment, whose Tent was of the Colour of the Skies, his Steed fur∣nished with costly Habiliments, his Armour after the Barbarian manner, his Shield plated round about with: Steel whereon was painted a Golden Eagle in a Field of Blue, which signified the an∣cient Arms of Rome: Likewise he had the Title of the Azure Knight, whose matchless Chivalry for that day, won the Prize

from all the Grecian Knights, to the great rejoycing of the Lady Rosalinde, the King of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Daughter, that still remained in Pages Attire, wherein (••or the dear Love she bore to S. Anthony) disguisedly she stole from the Court, whose discovery shall hereaf∣ter be expressed. The fourth day by the Emperor's appointment, the Ualiant and Worthy Knight St. Andrew of Scotland obtained the Honour as to be chief Challenger for the Turnament: His Tent was framed in the manner of a Ship swimming upon the Waves of the Sea, invironed about with Dolphins, Tritans, and many strange contrived Mermaids: Upon the top stood the Pi∣cture of Neptune the God of the Seas, bearing in his hand a Stream∣er, whereon was wrought in Crimson Silk, a corner Cross, which seemed to be his Countrey's Arms: He was called the Red Knight. because his Horse was covered with a bloody Ueil, his worthy At∣chievements obtained such favour in the Emperor's Eyes, that he threw him his silver Gauntlet. which was prized at a thousand Portagues. where after his Noble Encounters he enioyed a sweet Repose. The fifth day St. Patrick of Ireland as thief Champion entred the Lists upon an Irish H••bby, covered with a veil of green, attended on by six Silvane Knights, every one bearing upon his Shoulder a blooming Tree: His Tent resembled a Summer's Bower, at the entry whereof stood the Picture of Flora beautified with a wreath of sweet smelling Roses: He was named the Green Knight; whose worthy Prowess to daunted the Defendants, that before the Turnament began they gave him the Honour of the Day. Upon the sixth day the Heroical and Noble-minded Cham∣pion of Wales obtained such favour at the Emperor's hands, that he likewise was chief Challenger, who entred the Lists upon a Tar∣tarian Palsrey, covered with a veil of Black, to signifie a black and Tragical day should befall those Grecian Knights, that durst approve his invincible Fortitude: His Tent was pitcht in the marmer and form of a Castle in the West side of the Lists, before the entry whereof hung a Golden Shield, whereon was lively pour∣trayed a silver Griffin Rampant, upon a Golden Helmet, which signified the Ancient Arms of Britain. His Srmcely Atchieve∣ments not only obtained due commendations at the Emperor's hands but of the whole Assembly of the Grecian Ladies where∣with they applauded him to be the most Noble Knight that ever ••hidered Launce, and the most fortunate Champion that ever en∣tred into the Grecian Court. Upon the seventh and last day of these Honourable Turnaments and most Noble Sroceedings, the Famous and Ualiant Knight at Arms, St. George of England, as Chief Challenger, entred the Lists upon a Sable-coloured Steed,

betrapt with Bars of burnished Gold, his Fore-head beautified with a gorgeous Plume of purple Feathers, from whence hung many Pendants of Gold, his Armour of the purest Lydian Steel nailed fast together with silver Plates, his Helmet ingraven very curiously, beset with Indian Pearl, and Iasper-stones: before his Breast-place hung a silver Table in a Damask Scarf, whereon was pinured a Lion Rampant in a bloody Field, bearing three golden Crowns upon his head: before his Tent stood an Ivory Chariot guarded by twelve cole-black Negroes; wherein his be∣loved Lady and Mistress Sabra sate invested upon a s••••ver Globe, to behold the Heroical Encounters of her most Noble and Magna∣nimous Champion St. George of England: His Tent was as white as the Swans Feathers, glistring against the Sun, supported by four joyntless Elephants framed of the purest Brass, about his Helmet he tied a wreath of Uirgin's hair, where hung his Lady's Glove, which he wore to maintain her excellent Gifts of Nature to exceed all Ladies on the Earth: These costly Habiliments ra∣vished the beholders with such unspeakable, pleasure, that they stood gazing at his Furniture, not able to withdraw their Eyes from so Heavenly a sight. But when they behold his Uictorious Encoun∣ters against the Grecian Knights, they supposed him to be the in∣vincible. Tamer of that seven-headed Monster that climbed to the Elements, offering to pull Jupiter from his Throne. His Stéed never gave Encounter with any Knight, but he tumbled Horse and Man to the Ground, where they lay for a time berest of Sense. The Tournaments dured for that day, from the Suns rising, till the cole-black Evening-Star appeared, in which time he Con∣quered five hundred of the hardiest Knights then living in Asia, and shivered a thousand Launces, to the wonderful admiration of the Beholders.

Thus were the seven days brought to an end by the Seven wor∣thy Champions of Christendom, in reward of whose Noble At∣chievements, the Grecian Emperor being a Man that highly favou∣red Knightly Proceedings, gave them a Golden Tree with seven Branches, to be divided equally amongst them. Which Honoura∣ble Prize they conveyed to St. George's Pavillion, where in divi∣ding the Branches, the Seven Champions discovered themselves each to other, and by what good Fortune they arrived in the Greci∣an Court, whose long wished sight so rejoyced their hearts, that they all accounted that happy day of meeting, the joyfullest day that ever they beheld. But now after the Tournaments were fully ended, and the Knights rested themselves some few days, recover∣ing their wonted agility of Body, they fell to a new exercise of plea∣sure,

not appearing in glistring Armour before the Tilt, nor fol∣lowing the loud sounding Drums and Silver Trumpets, but spending away the time in Courtry Dances amongst their •••• loved Ladies and Mistresses, in more Royalty than the Ph••ygian Knights when they presented the Paragon of Asia with an Enchanted Mask. There wanted no inspiring Musick to delight their Ears, no pleasant Sonnets to ravish their Senses, nor no curious Dan∣ces to please their Eyes. Sabra she was the Mistress of the Re∣vels, who graced the whole Court with her excellent Beauty, which seemed to exceed the rest of the Ladies in fairness, as far as the Moon surpasseth her attending Stars in a fro••ty Night, and when she danced, she seemed like Thetis tripping on the silver Sands, with whom the Sun did fall in Love: And if she chanced to smile, the cloudy Elements would weep, and drop down heavenly dew, as though they mourned for Love. There likewise remained in the Court the six Thracian Uirgins that in former time lived in the shape of Swans, which were as Beautiful Ladies as ever eye beheld, also many other Ladies attended the Empress, in whose Companies the Seven Champions daily delighted: Sometimes discoursing of Amorous conceits, other times delighting themselves with sweet sounding Musick: Then spending the day in Banque∣ting, Revelling, Dancing, and such like pastimes, not once inju∣ring their true betrothed Ladies. But their Courtly pleasures continued not long, for they were suddenly dashed with a certain News of open Wars Proclaimed against all Christendem, which fell out contrary to the expectation of the Christian Knights. There arrived in the Grecian Emperor's Palace, an hundred He∣ralds, of an hundred several Provinces, which Proclaimed utter Defiance to all Christian Kingdoms, by these words.

We, the High and Mighty Emperors of Asia and Africa, great Commanders both of Land and Seas, Proclaim by general Con∣sent of all the Eastern Potentates, utter Ruine and Destruction to the Kingdoms of Christendom, and to all those Nations where any Christian Knights are harboured: First, the Souldan of Persia, in Revenge of a Bloody Slaughter done in his Palace, by an En∣glish Champion: Ptolomy the Egyptian King, in Revenge of his Daughter, violently taken away by the same Knight: Almidor the black King of Morocco in Revenge of his Queen, likewise taken away by the said English Champion: The great Governor of Thessaly, in Revenge of his Daughter, taken away by a French Knight: The King of Ierusalem in Revenge of his Daughter, taken away by a Spanish Knight: The Tartarian Emperor, in

Revenge of his Son Count Palatine, slain by the unhappy hand of the Champion of Wales: the Thracian Monarch, in Revenge of his vain Travel after his seven Daughters, now in keeping of cer∣tain Christian Knights: In Revenge of which Injuries, all King∣doms from the further parts of Prester-Iohn's Dominions to the Borders of the Red-Sea, have sent down their Hands and Seals to be Aiders in this bloody War.

This Proclamation was no sooner ended, but the Grecian Empe∣ror likewise consented to their bloody determination, and thereupon gave speedy Commandment to Muster up the greatest Strength that Grecia could afford, to joyn with the Pagans; to the utter Ruine and Confusion of Christendom: which bloody Edict, or ra∣ther inhumane Iudgment pronounced by the accursed Infidels, compelled the Christian Champions to a speedy departure, and every one to hasten to his own Country, there to provide for the Pagans Entertainment: So after due considerations, the Champions departed, in company of their betrothed Ladies, who chose rather to live in their Husbands Bosoms, than with their misbeliving Parents: Where after some few days they arrived in the spacious Bay of Portugal, in which Haven they Uowed by the honour of true Knighthood to meet again within six Months ensuing, there to conjovn all their Christian Armies into one Legion: Upon which plighted Resolution, the worthy Champions departed one from another: St. George into England, St. Denis into France, St. James into Spain, St. Anthony into Italy, St. Andrew into Scotland, St. Patrick into Ireland, St. David into Wales. Whose pleasant Banks they had not beheld in many years before: Where their Entertainments were as honourable as their hearts desired: But to speak of the Mustring up of Soldiers in every Christian Kingdom, and what strength arrived at the appointed time in the Bay of Portugal, shall be discoursed in the sequel of this History, and how troublesome Wars overspread the whole Earth, where the Heroical Deeds of these Noble Champions shall at large be described: Also the Overthrow of many Kings and Kingdoms, Ru∣ines of Towns and Cities, and the decay of many flourishing Com∣mon-weals: Likewise of the bloody Tragedies of many Unchristi∣an Princes: Whereat the Heavens will mourn, to see the effusion of Blood trickle from the breasts of murthered Infants, the heaps of slaughtered Damsels trampled to pieces by Souldiers Horses, and the streets of many a City sprinkled with the blood of Reve∣rend Age: Therefore; gentle Reader, accept of this my Labour

with a smooth Brow, and kind Countenance, and my weary Muse shall never rest, till I have finished the pleasant History of these Heroical Champions.

CHAP. XIII.

How the Seven Champions of Christendom arrived with all their Troops in the Bay of Portugal; the number of the Christian Armies, and how St. George made an Oration to the Sol∣diers.

AFter the Seven Champions of Christendom arrived in their Native Countries, and by true Reports had blazed abroad to every Princes ear, the bloody Resolution of the Pagans, and slow the Provinces of Africa and Asia, had Mustred up their Forces to the Invasion of Europe: All Christian Kings then at the en∣treaty of the Champions appointed Mighty Armies of well appro∣ved Soldiers, both by Sea and Land, to intercept the Infidels wicked intention. Likewise by the whole consent of Christendom, the Noble and Fortunate Champion of England St. George, was appointed chief General, and principal Leader of the Armies, and the other six Champions were Elected for his Council and chief Assistants in all Attempts that appertained either to the bene∣fit of Christendom, or the furtherance of their Fortunate Proceed∣ings.

This Honourable War so fired the hearts of many youthful Gentlemen, and so encouraged the minds of every common Sol∣dier, that some Mortgaged their Lands, and at their own proper Charges furnished themselves: some sold their Patrimonies to serve in these Honourable Wars: and other some forsook Parents, Kindred, Wife, Children, Friends, and Acquaintance, and with∣out constraint of Pressing, offered themselves to follow so Noble a General, as the Renowned Champion of England, and to spend their Blood in the just Quarrel of their Native Country. To be brief, one might behold the Stréets of every Town and City throughout all the Dominions of Europe, beautified with Troops of Soldiers, which thirsted after nothing but Fame and Honour.

Then the joyful sound of thundring Drums, and the Ecchees of silver Trumpets summoning them to Arms; that followed with as much willingness as the Grecians followed Agamemn on to the woful overthrow of Troy: For by that time the Christian Cham∣pions had sported themselves in the Bosome of their kind Mistres∣ses the forward Captains taken their Courtly Pastimes, and the willing Souldiers bad adieu to their Friends and Acquaintance, the Sp••ing had covered the Earth with a n••w Live••y: which was the appointed time the Christian Armies should meet in Portugal, there to joyn their several Troops into one Legion: which Pro∣mise caused the Champions to bid adieu to their Native Countrys, and with all speed to ••uckle on their Furnitures, to hoise up Sails, where after a short time, the wind with a calm and prosperous Gale, cast them happily into the Bay of Portugal.

The first that arrived in that spacious Haven, was the Noble Champion S. George, with an hundred thousand Couragious En∣glish Soldiers, whose forwardness bet••kened a fortunate success, and their willing minds a joyful Uictory. His Army set in Bat∣tel-aray, seemed to countervail the number of the Macedonian Sol∣diers, wherewith worthy Alexander Conquered the Western World; his Horsemen being in number twenty thousand, were armed all in black Corssets: Their Launces bound about with Plates of Steel, their Steeds covered with Mail three times double: Their Colours were the sanguine Cross, supported by a Golden Lyon: His sturdy Bow-men, whose Conquering grey-Goose wing in for∣mer times hath terrified the circled Earth, being in number likewise twenty thousand, clad all in red Mandilians, with Caps of the same colour, bearing thereon likewise a sanguine Cross, being the true Badge and Honour of England: Their Bows of the strongest Yew, and their Arrows of the soundest Ash, with forked heads of Steel, and their Feathers bound on with green War and twisted Silk. His Musqueteers being in number ten thousand, their Musquets of the widest bore, with Firelocks, wrought by curious workmanship, yet of such wonderful lightness, that they required no rest at all to ease their right aiming Arms. His Caliver shot likewise ten thousand of the smaller timbred Men, but yet of as Couragious minds as the tallest Soldiers in his Army. His Pikes and Bills to guard the waving Ensigns, thirty thousand, clad all with glistring bright Armour: likewise followed ten thou∣sand labouring Pioneers, if occasion served, to undermine any Town or Castle, to intrench Forts or Sconces, or to make a Pas∣sage through Hills and Mountains, as worthy Hannibal did, when as he made a way for his Souldiers through the lofty Alps, that di∣vide the Countreys of Italy and Spain.

The next that arrived within the Bay of Portugal, was the Princely-minded Champion St. David of Wales, with an Army of Fifty Thousand true born Britains, furnished with all Habili∣ments of War, for so Noble and Ualiant a Service to the high Re••own of his Countrey, and true Honour of his Progeny: Their Armour in richness nothing inferiour to the English mens: Their Colours were a Golden Cross supported by a Silver Grif∣fin; which Escutcheon signified the ancient Arms of Wales: for no sooner had St. George a sight of the Ualiant Britain, but he caused his Musqueteers presently to entertain them with a Uolley of Shot, to express their happy and joyful welcome to Shoar, which speedily they performed so couragiously with such a ratling noise, as though the Firmament had burst in ••under, and the Earth made eccho to their thundring Melody. But no sooner were the Skies cleared from the smoak of the reaking Powder, and that St. George might at pleasure discern the Noble and Magnanimous Champion of Wales, who as then rode upon a milk-white Hobby in Silver Armour guarded with a Train of Knights in purple Uestures, but he greeted St. David with kind Courtesies, and ac∣companied him to the English Tent. which they had erected close by the Port-side, where for that night these two Champions remained, spending the time with unspeakable pleasure: And so upon the next day after, St. David departed to his own Tent, which he had caused to be pitched a quarter of a League from the Englsh Army.

The next that arrived on the fruitful Banks of Portugal, was St. Patrick, the Noble Champion of Ireland, with an Army like∣wise of Fifty thousand attired after a strange and wonderful man∣ner: Their Furnitures were of the skins of Wild-beasts, but yet more unpierceable than the strongest Armour of Proof: They bore in their hands mighty Darts, tipp'd at the end with pricking Steel, which the Couragious and Ualiant Irish Soldiers by the agility of their Arms, could throw a full flight shot, and with forcible strength, would strike three or four Inches into an Oak, and with such a certain aim they would not miss the breadth of a Foot.

These adventurous and hardy Soldiers no sooner arrived on the Shore, but the English Musqueteers gave them a Princely En∣tertainment, and presently conducted the noble-minded Champion St. Patrick to the English Tent, where the three Champions of En∣gland, Wales, and Ireland, passed away the time with exceeding great Royalty, laying down Plots how to pitch their Camps to the most disadvantage of the misbelieving Enemy, and setting perfect di∣rections which way they were best to March, and such like Devices, for their own safeties, and the benefit of Christendom.

The next that Landed on the Banks of Portugal, was St. An∣drew the worthy Champion of Scotland, with threescore thousand of well-approved Soldiers: His Horse-men, the old adventurous Gallowa••s, clad in quilted, Iack••ts, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Turkish fashion, thick and short, ••earing upon their Be••••ers the Arms of Scotland, which was a corner, Cross supported by a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Uirgin: His Pikemen the s••iff and hardy Men o•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which con••••nual∣ly lye upon freezing Mountains, the I•••• Ro••k and the Snowy Uallys, his shot, the light-••ooted 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that if occasion be, can climb the highest Hill, and for nimbleness in running over-go the swift-sooted Stag. These bold adventurous Scottish Men in all forwardness, deserved as much Honour at the Eng••i•••• Champion's hands as any other Nations before, therefore he commanded his shot on their first entry on Land, to give them a Noble Enter∣tainment, which they performed most Royally, and also conducted St. Andrew to the English Tent, where after he had given S. George the Courtesie of his Countrey, departed to his Tent, which was distant from the English Tent a Mile.

The next that arrived was St Anthony the Champion of Italy, with a Band of Fourscore thousand brave Italian Souldiers mount∣ed on warlike Coursers; every Horsman attended on by a naked Negro, bearing in his hand a Streamer of watchet Silk, with the Arms of Italy thereon set in Gold, every Footman furnished with approved Furniture in as stately a manner as the English-men, who at their Landing received as Royal an Entertainment as the other Nations, and likewise St. Anthony was as highly Honou∣red by the English Champion, as any of the other Christian Knights.

The next that arrived was S. Denis the Uictorious Champion of France, with a Band of Fourscore thousand. After him Marched Dukes of twelve several Dukedoms then under the Government of the French King, every one at his own proper Cost and Charges maintained two thousand Soldiers in these Christian Wars: their Entertainments were as Glorious as the rest.

The last of the Christian Champions that arrived upon the fruitful Banks of Portugal, was the Magnanimous Knight St. James of Spain, with a Band likewise of Fourscore thousand; with him he brought from the Spanish Mines ten Tun of Refined Gold, only to maintain Soldiers in the Defence of Christendom; who no sooner Landed with his Troops, but the Six Champions gave him the honourable welcome of a Soldier, and ordained a so∣lemn Banquet for the general Armies, whose number justly sur∣mounted Five hundred thousand; which Legious they enjoyned

into one Camp-Royal, and after placed their Wings and Squadrons Battel-wise, chiefly by the direction of St. George, being then chief General by the consent of the Christian Kings: who after he had over-viewed the Christian Armies, his Countenance seemed to prognosticate a Crowned Uictory, and to foretell a fatal Overthrow to the misbelieving Potentates: Therefore to encourage his Princely Followers to persevere in their wonted willingness; pro∣nounced this Princely Oration.

You Men of Europe (said he) and my Countrey-men, whose Conquering Fortunes never yet have feared the Enemies of Christ, you see we have forsook our Native Lands, and committed our Destinies to the Queen of Chance, not to fight in any unjust Quarrel, but in the true Cause of Israel's Anointed not against Nature to climb to the Heavens, as Nimro•• and the Giants proffe∣red in former time; but to prevent the Invasion of Christendom, the Ruine of Europe, and the intended overthrow of all Christian Provinces, the Bloody-minded Infidels have Mustered up Legi∣ons, in numbers like blades of Grass, that grow upon the flou∣rishing Downs of Italy, or the Stars of Heaven in the coldest Win∣ters night, protesting to fill our Countries with Seas of Blood, to scatter our streets with mangled Limbs, and convert our Glorious Cities into Flames of quenchless Fire: Therefore dear Coun∣try-men, live not to see our Christian Uirgins spoiled by Lustfull Rape, nor dragged along our Streets like guiltless Lambs to a bloody Slaughter: nor to see our harmless Ba••es, with bruised brains dashed against hard Flinty stones, nor to see our unlusty Age, whose hair resembles silver Mines, lye bleeding on the Marble Pavements; but like true Christian Soldiers fight in the Quarrel of your Countries. What, though the Pagans be in number ten to one yet Heaven I know will fight for Christendom, and cast them down before our faces, like drops of April showers. Be not dismayed to see them in ordered Ranks, nor fear not when as you behold the streamers hovering in the waving wind, when as their steeled Pikes like to a Thorny Forrest will overspread whole Countreys: Thousands of them I know will have no heart to fight, but flie with cowardly fear like Flocks of Shéep before the greedy Wolf. I am the Leader of your noble Minds, that never sought in vain, nor ever entred Battel but returned with Conquest. Then every one with me build upon this Princely Resolution. For Christendom we Fight, For Christendom we Live and D••e. This Sol∣dierlike Oration was no sooner finished, but the whole Army with a general voice cried, to Arms, to Arms, with Uictorious George of England: Which Noble Resolution of the Soldiers, so reioyced

the English Champion, and likewise encouraged the other Christian Knights with such a forwardness of mind, that they gave speedy Commandment to remove their Tents, and to March with easie Iourneys towards Trip••ly in Barbary, where Almidor the black King of Morocco had Residence, in which Travel we must leave for a while the Christian Army and speak of the innumerable Troops of Pagan Knights that arrived at one instant in the Kingdom of Hungary, and how they fell at variance in the Election of a General: which civil Mutiny caused much effusion of blood, to the great hurt both of Africa and Asia, as here followeth.

CHAP. XIV.

Of the Dissention and Discord that hapned amongst the Army of the Pagans in Hungary; the Battel betwixt the Christians and the Moors in Barbary; and how Almidor the Black King of Morocco was sodden to Death in a Cauldron of boiling Lead and Brimstone.

THE iresul Pagans after they had Levied their Martial Forces both by Sea and Land, repaired to their general place of méeting, there to conclude of the utter Ruine of Christendom: For no sooner could Winter withdraw his chill Frost from the Earth, and Flora took possession of his place, but the Kingdom of Hungary suffered excessive penury, through the humberless Armies of accursed Infidels, being their appointed place of meeting: for though Hungary of all other Countreys both in Africa and Asia, then was the richest and plentifullest of Uictuals to maintain a Camp of Men, yet was it mightily overprest and greatly burthened with Multitudes, not only with want of necessaries to relieve Soldiers, but with extream cruelty of those bloody-minded Miscre∣ants, that through a Civil Discord which hapned amongst them, about the Election of a General they converted their Union into a most inhumane slaughter, and their Triumphant Uictory to a dis∣mal bloody Tragedy: For no sooner arrived their Legions upon the Plains of Algernos, being in length and breadth one and twen∣ty Leagues, but the King of Hungary caused their Muster-Rolls to be publickly read, and justly numbred in the hearing of the Pa∣gan

Knights, which in this manner was Proclaimed through the Camp.

First, Be it known unto all Nations that fight in the Quarrel of Africa and Asia, under the Conduct of our three great Gods, Ma∣homet, Tarmagant, and Apollo, what invincible Forces be now arrived in this Renowned Kingdom of Hungary, a Land honoured through the World, not only for Arms, but curious Buildings, and plentified with all manner of Riches.

First, We have from the Emperor of Constantinople, two hundred thousand. From the Emperor of Grecia, two hundred and fifty thousand. From the Emperor of Tartary, an hundred threescore and three thousand. From the Souldan of Persia; two hundred thousand. From the King of Ierusalem four hun∣dred thousand. Of Moors, one hundred and twenty thousand. Of Cole-black Negro's, one hundred and forty thousand. Of Arabi∣ans, one hundred and sixty thousand. Of Babylonians, one hun∣dred and thirty thousand and odd. Of Armenians, one hundred and fifty thousand. Of Macedonians, two hundred and ten thou∣sand. Of Siracusians, fifteen thousand six hundred. Of Hungari∣ans, three hundred and six thousand. Of Sicilians, seven thou∣sand three hundred. Of Scythians, one hundred and five thousand. Of Parthians, ten thousand three hundred. Of Phrygians, seven thousand three hundred. Of Ethiopians, sixty thousand. Of Thracians, fourscore thousand. Likewise from the Provinces of Prester John, three hundred thousand of unconquered Knights, with many other petty Dominions and Dukedoms, whose num∣ber I omit for this time, lest I should seem over-tedious to the Reader.

But to conclude, such a Camp of Armed Soldiers arrived in Hungary, that might in one Month have destroyed Christendom, had not God defended them from those Barbarous Nations, and by his invincible power confounded the Pagans in their own pra∣ctices: for no sooner had the Heralds Proclaimed through the Camp what a number of Nations joyned in Arms together, but the Soldiers fell at dissention one with another, about the Election of a General: Some vowed to follow none but the King of Jerusa∣lem: some Ptolomy the Aegyptian King: and some the Souldan of Persia, either to persevere in their own wills, or to lose their lives in the same Quarrel.

Thus in this manner, Parts were taken on all sides, not only by the meaner sort, but by Leaders and Commanders of Bands; whereby the Kings and Potentates were forced to commit their

wills to their Soldiers pleasure. This civil broil so discouraged the whole Army, that many withdrew their Forces and presently Marched homewards, as the King of Morocco with his Tawny Moors, and Cole-black Negroes: likewise the Souldan of Persia, Ptolomy the Egyptian King, the Kings of Arabia and Jerusalem, every one departed to their own Countreys, cursing the time they attempted first so vain an Enterprize. The rest not minding to pocket up abuses, fell from brawling Boasts to downright Blows, whereby grew such sharp and bloody Wars, that it cost more Sol∣diers Lives than the Civil Mutiny at the Destruction of Jerusa∣lem. Which Battel by the ••reful Pagans continued without cea∣sing for the space of three days, in which Encounters, the Mur∣dered Infidels, like scattered Corn, over spread the Fields of Hungary: The fruitful Ualleys lay drowned in purple gore: the Fields of Corn consumed with flames of Fire: their Towns and Cities Ruinated with wasting War: wherein the Fathers were sad witnesses of their Childrens slaughters, and the Sons beheld their Parents Reverend ha••rs, more white than tried silver, be∣sineared with clotted blood: there might the Mothers see their harmless Babes born up and down the streets upon Soldiers Launces: there might they see their silken Ornaments and rich Attire in pools of blood lye swimming up and down: there might they see the brains of honest Dames and pure Uirgins ••••sh'd against hard ••••inty Stones, there might they see their Courts and Palaces by Soldiers burned; to the Ground; there might they see how Counsellors in their Scarlet Gowns lay burning in the fire: there might they •••••• how Kings and Queens were Arm in Arm consumed to Ashes: there might they behold and see melted Gold in choaked Sinks lye every where: there might they see the bloodi∣est Tragedies that ever eye beheld, and the wofullest news that ever Christians ears heard told. In this long and bloody War one sucking Child was not left alive to report the story to succeeding ages, no not so much as a Soldier to carry Arms throughout the Kingdom of Hungary, so justly was the Uengeance of God thrown upon the heads of these misbelieving Miscreants, that durst at∣tempt to lift their hands against his true anointed Nations: for no doubt but the invincible Army of Pagans had Ruinated the Bor∣ders of Europe, had not the mighty Hand of God with his un∣speakable mercy been Christendom's Defence, and con••ounded the Infidels in their own civil Wars, which bloody and strange Over∣throw of those unchristian People let us for ever bury in the Lake of Oblivion, and persevere in the fortunate proceedings of the Seven Champions of Christendom, who had entred the Bor∣ders

of Barbary, before Almidor the black King of Morocco, with his scattered Troops of Moors and Negroes returned from Hungary, and by Fire and Sword had wasted many of their chiefest Towns and Forts, whereby the Countrey was much weakned, and the Commons compelled to sue for Mercy at the Champions hands, who bearing true Christian minds, within their hearts continu∣ally pity harboured, vouchsafed to grant mercy to those that yielded their Lives to the pleasure of the Christian Knights: But when St. George had intelligence of Almidor's approach with his weak∣ned Troops, he presently prepared his Soldiers in readiness to give the Moors a bloody Banquet, which was the next Morning by break of day performed, to the high honour of Christendom: but the night before, the Moors knowing the Countrey better than the Christians, got the advantage both of Wind and Sun: whereat St. George being something dismayed, but yet not discouraged, im∣boldned his Soldiers with many Heroicat Speeches, proffering them frankly the Enemies Spoils,: and so with the Sun's upri∣sing entred Battel, where the Moors fell before the Christians Swords as ears of Corn before the Reapers Sickles.

During this Conflict, the Seven Champions still in the fore Front of the Battel, so adventurously behaved themselves, that they slew more Negroes than a hundred of the bravest Knights in the Christian Armies. At last, Fortune intended to make St. George's Prowess to shine brighter than the rest, singled out the Morocco King, betwixt whom and the English Champion was a long and dangerous Fight: But St. George so Couragiously behaved himself with his trusty Sword, that Almidor was con∣strained to yield to his Mercy. The Army of the Moors séeing their King taken, Prisoner, presently would have fled: but that the Christians being the lighter of foot, overtook them, and made the greatest slaughter of them that ever hapned in Barbary.

Thus after the Battel ended, and the joyful sound of Uictory rang through the Christian Army, the Soldiers furnished them∣selves with the Enemies Spoils, and Marched by St. George's direction to the City of Tripoly, being then almost unpeopled through the late slaughter which was there made: In which City after they had rested some days, and, refreshed themselves with wholesome food, the English Champion, in Revenge of his former proffered Injuries by the Morocco King, gave this severe Sentence of Death.

First, He commanded a brazen Cauldron to be filled with boil∣ing Lead and Brimstone: Then Almidor to be brought to the pl••••e of Death by twelve of the Noblest Peers in Barbary, therein

to be consumed, Flesh, Blood, and Bones: which was duly per∣formed within seven days following. The brazen Cauldron was erected by the appointment of St. George, directly in the middle of the chiefest Market-place, under which a mighty hot fire conti∣nually burned, for the space of eight and forty hours: whereby the boiling Lead and Brimstone seemed to sparkle like fiery Furnaces in Hell, and the heat to exceed the burning Oven at Babylon.

Now all things being thus prepared in readiness, and the Chri∣stian Champions present to behold the woful spectacle, the Con∣demned Blackmoor King came to the place of Execution in a shirt of fine Indian Silk, his hands pinioned together with a Chain of Gold, and his face covered with a Damask Scart, his Attendants and chief Conductors twelve Moors, Peers, cla•• in sable Gowns of Taffaty, carrying before him the Wheel of Fortune, with the Picture of an Usurper climbling up, with this Motto on his Breast, I will be King in spite of Fortune: Upon the top of the Wheel the Picture of a Monarch vaunting, with this Motto on his Breast, I am a King in spite of Fortune: Lastly, on the other side of the Wheel, the Picture or perfect Image of a Deposed Potentate, fal∣ling with his head downwards, with this Motto on his Breast, I have been a King while it pleased Fortune: Which plainly signified the Chance of War, and of inconstant Destiny: His Guard was a hundred Christian Soldiers, holding Fortune in disdain: after them had attended a hundred of Morocco Uirgins in black Orna∣ments, their hair bound up with Silver Wyres, and covered with Ueils of black Silk, signifying the Sorrow of their Countrey for the loss of their Sovereign. In this mournful manner came the unfortunate Almidor to the boiling Cauldron; which when he came near, his heart waxed cold, and his tongue devo••d of utterance for a time, at last he brake forth into these earnest Protestations, prof∣fering more for his Life than the whole Kingdom of Barbary could perform.

Most Mighty and Invincible Champion of Christendom (quoth he) let my Life be Ransomed, and Thou shalt yearly receive ten Tuns of tryed Gold, Five hundred webs of woven Silk, the which our Indian Maids shall sit and Spin with Silver Wheels: an hun∣dred Ships of spices and Refined Sugar shall be yearly paid thee by our Barbary Merchants: an hundred Waggons likewise laden with Pearl and Jasper stones, which by our cunning Lapidists shall be yearly chosen forth and brought thee home to England, to make that blessed Country the richest within the Dominions of

Europe: Likewise I will deliver up my Diadem, with all my Princely Dignities, and in company of these Morocco Lords, like bridled Hories draw thee daily in a silver Chariot up and down the circled Earth, till Death give end to our Lives Pilgrimage; therefore most admired Knight at Arms, let these salt tears that trickle from the Conduits of my eyes, obtain one grant of com∣fort at thy hands, for on my bended knees I beg for life, that never before this time did kneel to Mortal Man.

Thou speakest in vain (reply'd St. George) not the Treasures hidden in the deepest Seas, nor all the golden Mines of rich Ame∣rica shall redeem thy Life: Thou knowest, accursed Homicide, thy wicked practices in the Egyptian Court, where thou profferedst wrongfully to bereave me of my life; through thy Treachery I endured a long Imprisonment in Persia; where for seven years I drank foul Channel-water, and sufficed my hunger with Bread of Bran Meal: My Food was loathsome flesh of Rats and Mice, and my resting place a dismal Dungeon, where neither Sun nor the chearful light of Heaven lent me comfort during my long con∣tinued misery: For which inhumane dealing and proffered inju∣ries the Heavens inforce me to a speedy Revenge, which in this manner shall be accomplished.

Thou seest the Torment prepared for thy Death, this brazen Cauldron filled with boiled Lead and Brimstone, wherein thy ac∣cursed Body shall be speedily cast, and boiled till thy detested Limbs be consumed to a watry substance in this sparkling liquor: therefore prepare thy self to entertain the violent stroke of Death, and willingly bid all thy Kingly Dignities farewell: But yet I let thee understand, that Mercy harbours in a Christian's heart, and where Mercy dwells, there faults are forgiven upon some humble penitence: though thy Trespass deserves no pity but se∣vere punishment, yet upon these considerations I will grant thee liberty of life: First, that thou wilt forsake thy Gods Tarmagant and Apollo, which be the vain imagination of men, and believe in our True and Everliving God, under whose; Banner we Christi∣ans have taken in hand this long War. Secondly, Thou shalt give Commandment that all thy Barbarous Nations be Christen∣ed in the Faith of Christ. Thirdly, and lastly, That thy three Kingdoms of Barbary, Morocco, and India, swear true Allegiance to all Christian Kings, and never to bear Arms, but in the true Quarrel of Christ and his anointed Nations. These things duly observed, the Life shall be preserved, and thy Liberty obtained, otherwise look for no mercy, but a speedy and most terrible death.

These words more displeased the unchristian King of Morocco, than the Sentence of his Condemnation, whereupon in these brief Speeches he set down his Resolution.

Great Potentate of Europe (reply'd Almidor,) by whose Migh∣tiness Fortune sits fettered in the Chains of Power, my Golden Diadem, and Regal Scepter by constraint I must deliver up: But before I will forsake my Country-gods, I will endure a hundred Deaths; and before my Conscience be reformed to a new Faith, the Earth shall be no Earth, the Sea no Sea, the Heaven no Hea∣ven. Thinkest thou now proud Christian, by thy threatned Tor∣ments, to make me forget my Creator, and believe in thy God the supposed King of the Jews, and basely born under an Ox's Stall? No, no, accursed Christians, you Off-spring of Cain, you Generation of Ismael, you Seed of Vipers, and accursed through the World, look for a speedy shower of Vengeance to Rain from Heaven upon you wicked Nations: Your bloody practices have pierced the Battlements of Iove, and your Tyrannies beaten open the Gate of Mighty Mahomet, who had provided Whips of burning wyre to scourge you for your Cruelties, proffered to, and against his blessed Worshippers: Now with this deadly Curse I bid you all farewell: The Plagues of Egypt ••ight upon your King∣dom: The Curse of Cain upon your Children, the Famine of Ierusalem upon your Friends, and the misery of Dedipus upon your selves.

This wicked resolution and baleful Curse, was no sooner ended by the desperate minded Almidor, but the impatience of St. George was so highly moved, that he gave present commandment to the appointed Executioners to cast him into the bolling Cauldron; which incontinently they performed to the terror of all the Behol∣ders: To see this woful Spectacle, the Battlements of the Tem∣ple were so thronged with People, the Houses covered with Wo∣men and Children, and the Streets filled with Armed Soldiers that it was a wonder to behold: amongst which multitudes, there were some particular Persons, that at the sight of Almidor's death, fell down and brake their Necks, but the general number, as well of Pagans as Christians; cryed with chearful voices, Honour and Victory follow St. George of England, for he hath Redeemed Barbary from a miserble Servitude. Which joyful hearing so delighted the Seven Champions of Christendom, that they caused their Con∣duits to run with Wines, the Streets to be beautified with Bone∣fires,

and a sumptuous Banquet to be proclaimed through the City; which after continued for the space of seven days, in more magni∣ficent Royalty, than the Banquet of Babylon when the Macedonian Monarch returned from the World's Conquest.

The Champions Liberty procured such faithful Love in the hearts of the Morocco Peers; that with a general Consent they chose S. George for their Lawful King, where after they had inve∣sted him in the Princely Seat of the Morocco Pottentate, they set the Crown upon his Head, and after presented him with an Imperial Pall, which the Kings of Barbary usually wore upon their Coro∣nation-day, protesting to forsake their Profane Religion, and be Christened in the Faith of Christ.

This promised Conversion of the Infidels; more highly delighted the English Champion, than to have the whole World's Honour at Command: for it was the chiefest point of his Knightly Oath to advance the Faith of Christ, and to enlarge the Bounds of Chri∣stindom: After his Coronation was so solemnly performed, the other six Champions conducted him to a Princely Palace, where he took true Allegiance of the Morocco Lords, by ••••ighted Oath to be true to his Crown: After this, he established the Christian Laws to the benefit of the whole Country: then he commanded all the Ceremonious Rites of Mahomet to be trodden under Foot, and the true Gospel of Christ to be Preached: likewise he caused all that did remain in Barbary to be Christened in the new Faith: but these Observations continued but for a time, as hereafter shall be disco∣vered at large: For Fame not intending to let the worthy Cham∣pion▪ long to remain in the idle Bowers of Peace, summoned them to p••rieve••e in the Noble Atchievements, and to Muster up anew their Soldiers, whose Armour Caukered Case had almost stained with Rust: Therefore St. George committed the Government of the Country to four of the principal Peers of Morocco, and March∣ed towards the Country of Egypt, where lived Treacherous Pto∣lomy, the Father of his beloved Lady Sabra, whom he had left in the Kingdom of England: In which Journey and happy arrival in Egypt, we will leave the Seven Champions for a time, and speak of the Faithless Infidels in Barbary, after the departure of the Christians, whose former Honours they slightly regarded: For no sooner had St. George with his Martial Troops bidden their Country adieu, but the Faithless Moors reconciled themselves to their formed Gods, and purposed a speedy Revenge for the Death of Almidory against all Christians that remained within the Limits▪ of that H••a••hen Nation. For there were many Soldiers wounded in the 〈…〉〈…〉, likewise a number oppressed with sicknes••

which the Christian Champions had left behind for their better re∣coveries; upon whom the Barbarous Moors committed their first Tyranny: for they caused the distressed Soldiers to be drawn upon Sleds to the uttermost parts of the City, and there put them into a large and old Monastery, which they presently set on fire, and most inhumanely burned the Christian Soldiers, and af∣ter converted the place into a filthy Lestall: Many Women and succourless Children they dragged up and down the Streets, till their Brains were dashed against the stones and the blood had cove∣red the Earth with a purple hue: Many other Cruelties were committed by the wicked Infidels, against the distressed Christians, which I purpose to pass over, and wholly discourse of the woful and bloody murder of an English Merchant and his Wife in the same City of Tripoly: The report whereof may force even mer∣ciless Tygers to relent, and those eyes to shed springs of Tears that never wept before. The bloody-minded Negro's violating both Oaths and Promises before plighted to St. George, by vio∣lence set upon the Merchant's House, where first they made a Mas∣sacre of his Servants, and before his face cast their dead Bodies to hunger-starv'd Dogs: Then coming to the Merchant, they bound him fast with hempen Cords to the strongest post in his House, and after took his Children, being seven of the goodliest Boys that ever Nature framed, whom they likewise tyed round about him: then one of the Moors being crueller than the rest, proffened to desloue the Merchant's Wife before his face; but she in Chastity like Camma, choosing rather an honourable death than an infamous life, spit in the Negro's ••ace, and most bitterly reviled him, yield∣ing neither to his force, nor his bloody threats; but snatching a Knife from his Girdle, vowed to sheath it in her Bosom, before the would lose her precious Gem of Honour, that once being gone, could not be recovered for all the Worlds Treasure.

This Resolution of the English Merchant's Wife, caused the stern Negro to exceed in Cruelty, but the Principal of that wicked company being a bloody and merciless Tyrant, stabbed one of the silly Children before the Mother's face.

Now stubborn Dame (quoth he) wilt thou yield to my desires, and preserve the lives of the other six Children: Otherwise shalt thou behold them Butchered in the same manner. To sell my Ho∣nour for the lives of my Children (replyed she) will be an Offence to God, and a continual corrosive to my Husband's heart; if we live together: Therefore accursed Monster, prosecute your Ty∣ranny; it is not all your threats and bloody dealings shall convert my chaste mind, nor once enforce my thoughts to give any consent thereunto.

These words being no sooner ended, but the lustful Moor took ano∣ther of her Children, and stabbed before her Husband's face, think∣ing thereby to force the Merchant to intreat his Wife, to consent to the wicked Negro's determinations; but he being as resolute as his vertuous Wife, spake in this manner:

O you cursed black Dogs of Barbary, more worse in quality than bloody Tygers and more merciless than wicked Canibals, think you that the Murder of our Children shall enforce our hearts to yield to your Lustful desires? No, no, persevere in your Tyrannies: I•• I had an hundred Children, twice the number of King Priam's, yet would I lose them all, before I would endure to see my Wife's Dishonour: Children may be begotten again, but her honour ne∣ver recovered.

These words pricked the Negro's to the gall, and caused them to commit the wickedest Deed that ever was practised under the Ce∣lestial Globe of Heaven: First, they sheathed their Poniards in the Breasts of all the Merchant's Children, whose guiltless blood stained all the Chamber with a crimson colour, then with their Faulchions did they cut their Bodies in sunder, and caused seven Pies to be made of their flesh, and after served in a Banquet to their woful Parents, whom the merciless Moors set at a square Ta∣ble, the Merchant placed directly opposite against his Wife, where they were constrained either to feed upon their own Children, or starve for want of other Sustenance.

This woful spenacle struck such a Grief into the English Mer∣chant's heart, that he could scarce endure to speak for weeping: his Wife, when she beheld the heads of her lovely Sons lying upon the Table, as it were looking to Heaven for Revenge, breathed forth this dying Lamentation.

O silly Babes, would you had been strangled in my Womb at your first conception! then should not these accursed Infidels have triumph'd thus in your unhappy Tragedies, nor your unfortunate Parents beheld this luckless day, whereon I pray that never Sun may shine again, but be accounted an ominous day, throughout the whole World; for Heaven I hope (poor Babes) will Rain a showre of Uengeance on their heads, that have caused this our untimely death, and with this Prayer I bid the Word farewel.

At which words her Grief so exceeded the bounds of Reason, that it stayed the passage of her breath, whereby she was forced to yield her Soul to the Paradice of Peace. She being no sooner dead, but the sorrowful Merchant likewise bitterly exclaimed against the In∣justice of Fortune, and the Tyranny of the Barbarous Moors, ac∣counting his Destiny more hapless than the Thracian Kings, that

buried his Children in his own Bowels: and the cruelty of these Infidels to exceed the Tyranny of Nero, that caused his Mother's Womb to be opened, that he might behold the place of his concepti∣on: But when the Merchant had sufficiently bewail'd the murder of his Children, the Death of his Wife, and his own Misery, he yielded his Soul to the furious stroke of Death. The end of whose long languishments, when the wicked Moors had intelligence of, they caused their dead Bodies to be carried to the top of a high Mountain, and there left for the prey of hungry Ravens: But the Sun consumed them like the morning dew: And by the won∣derful Workmanship of Heaven, in the same place sprung a Bower of Roses; to signifie the unspotted honour of the Merchant and his Uertuous Wife; which Miracle we leave to the wonder of the Moors, and speak of the Christian Champions Proceeding, that by this time were arrived in the Kingdom of Aegypt.

CHAP. XV.

How the Christians arrived in Egypt, and what hapned to them there. The Tragedy of the Lustful Earl of Coventry. How Sabra was bound to a Stake to be burnt: And how St. George Redeemed her. Lastly, How the Egyptian King cast himself from the top of a Tower, and broke his Neck.

DUring the time of the bloody Murder wrought by the Barba∣rous Moors upon the English Merchant and his Wife. with his seven Children, as you heard in the former Chapter, the Champions of Christendom arrived upon the Territories of Egypt, where they supposed to have adventured their lives upon the chance of War, but all things fell out contrary to their expectations: they found the Gates of every City set open, and every Uillage and Town unpeopled; for the Commons at the report of the Christians arrival, secretly hid their Treasure in the Caves of the Earth, in deep Wells and such like obscute places, and a general fear and extream terror assailed the Egyptians, as well the Peers of the Land, as the simple Country People: Many fled into Woods and

Wildernesses, and closely hid themselves in hollow Trees; many digged Caves in the Ground, where they thought best to remain in safety: and many fled to high Mountains, where they long time lived in great extremity, fooding upon the Grass of the Ground: so greatly the Egypt••ans feared the Army of the Christians, that they expected nothing but the Auine of their Countrey, with the loss of their own lives, and the murder of their Wives and Chil∣dren.

But to speak of the Christian Champions, who finding the Countrey desolate of People, suspected some deep policy of the Egyp∣tian, thinking them to have Mustred their Warlike Forces to bid them Battel: Therefore St. George gave commandment through the whole Camp, that not a Man, upon pain of Death, should break his Rank, but March Advisedly, with their Weapons ready prest to encounter Battel, as though the Enemies had directly placed themselves opposite against them: Which special charge the Christian Soldiors duly observed, looking neither after the Wealth of Cities, nor the Spoil of Uillages, but circumspectly Marched according to their Leaders directions along the Countrey of Egypt, till they approach'd the sight of King Ptolomy's Court: Which when the Noble Champīon of England beheld, in this manner encour∣aged he his Followerss.

Behold (said he) you invincible Captains of Christendom, yon∣der those cursed Lowers where wicked Ptolomy keeps his Court: Those Battlements, I say, were they as richly built as the great Pyramids of Greece, yet should they be subverted and laid as level with the Ground, as the City of Carthage; there hath that ac∣cursed Ptolomy his Residence, that for preserving his Daughter from the burning Dragon, Treacherously sent me into Persia, where for seven years I lived in great extremity in a dismal Dun∣geon, where the Sun did never give me light, nor the company of People comfort: In Revenge whereof, my heart shall never rest in quiet, till I see the Buildings of his Palace set on fire, and con∣verted into a place of Desolation, like to the Glorious City in Phrygia, now over spread with stinking weeds and loathsome puddles: Therefore let all Christian Soldiers, that fight under the Banner of Christendom, and all that love George of England your chosen General, draw forth your Warlike Weapons, and like the angry Greeks overturn those glistring Battlements; leave not one stone upon another, but lay it as level with the ground, as the Narvest Keapers do Fields of ripened Corn; let your wrathful Furies fall upon these Towers like drop•• of April Showers, or like Storms of Winters Nail, that it may be bruited through the whole World,

what just Uengeance did light upon the Pride of Egypt: Leave not (I say) as you love your General, when you have subverted the Palace, one Man alive, no not a sucking Babe, but let them suf∣fer Uengeance for the wickedness of their King: This is my De∣cree, brave Knights of Christendom, therefore March forwards; Heaven and Fortune be your good speed.

At which words the Soldiers gave a general shout, in sign of their willing minds. Then began the silken Streamers to flou∣rish in the Air, the Drums chearfully to sound forward, the Sil∣ver Trumpets recorded Ecchoes of Uictory, the barbed Steeds grew proud of this Attempt, and would stand upon no Ground, but leapt and danced with as much Courage, as did Bucephalus the Horse of the Macedonian Alexander, always before any notable Ui∣ctory; yea every thing gave an evident sign of good success, as well senseless things as living Creatures.

With this Resolution marched the Christians, purposing the ut∣ter confusion of the Egyptian, and the woful Ruine and Destruction of Ptolomy's sumptuous Palace. But when the Soldiers ap∣proached the Gates with wrathful Weapons ready to assault, there came pacing out thereat, the Egyptian King, with all the chiefest of his Nobles attired in black and mournful Ornaments, bear∣ing in their hands Olive-branches: Next them the bravest Sol∣diers in Egypt, bearing in their hands broken Weapons, shivered Launces, and torn Ancients: Likewise followed thousands of Women and Children, with Cypress Wreaths about their heads, and in their hands Olive-branches, crying for Mercy to the Chri∣stians, That they should not utterly destroy their declining Countrey, but shew mercy to unhappy Egypt: This unexpended fight, or rather admirable wonder, caused St. George to sound a Retreat, and gave commandment through the Christian Army, to with-hold their for∣mer vowed Uengeance from the Egyptians, till he understood what they required: Which Charge being given and duly observed, St. George with the other six Champions came together, and ad∣mitted the Egyptian King with his Nobles to their Presence, who in this manner began to speak for his Countrey.

You unconquered Knights of Christendom, whose worthy Vi∣ctories and Noble Atchievements the whole World admires, let him that never kneeled to any Man till now, and in former times disdained to humble himself to any Potentate on Earth; let him I say, the most unfortunate Wretch alive, crave mercy, not for my self, but for my Countrey; my Commons Blood will be re∣quired at my hand: Our Murthered Infants will call to Heaven for

Revenge, and our slaughtered Widows sink down to Hell for Re∣venge: so will the Vengeance of Heaven light upon my Soul, and the Curse of Hell upon my Head.

Renowned Champion of England, under whose Custody my dear Daughter is kept, even for the love of her be merciful to Egypt.

The former Wrongs I proffered thee when I sent thee, like a guiltless Lamb, into Persia, was contrary to my Will: for I was incensed by the slattery of that accursed Black-moor King, whose Soul for ever be scourged with whips of wyre, and plagued with the punishment of Tantalus in Hell: If my life will serve for a just Revenge, here is my naked Breast, let my heart-blood stain some Christian's Sword, that you may bear the bloody Witness of my death into Christendom, or let me be torn into a thousand pieces by mad untamed Steeds, as was Hippolitus Son of Theseus in his charmed Chariot.

Most Mighty Controulers of the World, command the dearest things in Egypt, they be at your pleasures, we will forsake our Gods, and believe in that God which you commonly adore, for he is the true and living God, ours false and hateful in the sight of Heaven.

This penitent Lamentation of the Egyptian King caused the Christian Champions to relent, but especially St. George, who having a heart beautified with a well-spring of Pity, not only granted Mercy to the whole Country, but vouchsafed Ptolomy li∣berty of Life, upon condition that he would perform what he had promised; which was to forsake his false Gods, and believe in our true God, Christ Iesus.

This kindness of St. George, almost ravished Ptolomy with joy, and the whole Land, both Peers and Commons, more rejoyced at the friendship of the Christians, than if they had been made Lords of the Western World. The News of this happy Union was bruited in all the parts of Egypt; whereby the Commons that before fled for fear into Woods and Wildernesses, Dens and Caves, Hills and Mountains, returned joyfully to their own Dwellings, and caused Bonefires to be made in every City, Town, and Uillage; the Bells of Egypt rung day and night, for the space of a week; in every place was seen Banketting, Dancing and Masking; Sorrow was Banished, Wars forgotten, and Peace Proclaimed.

The King at his own Charges ordained a sumptuous and costly Banket for the Christian Champions, wherein for Bounty it ex∣céeded that which the Trojans made, when Paris returned from

Greece with the Conquest of Menciaus's Queen. The Banquetting-House was built with Cypress wood, covered with the pure Ada∣mant stone; so that neither Steel, nor base Iron could come therein, but it was presently drawn to the top of the Roo••: As for the variety of Services which graced forth the Banquet, it were too tedious to repeat; but to be brief, what both the Land and Sea could afford, was there present. The Servitors that attended the Champions at the Banquet, were attired in Damask Uestments wrought with the purest Silk the Indian Uirgins spun upon their silver Wheels; at every Course the Servitors brought in a Con∣sort of Egyptian Ladies, who on their Ivory Lutes strained forth such admired Harmony, that it surpassed Orion's Musick, which when he was cast into the Sea, caused the Dolphins to bring him safe to the shore, or the swiftness of Orpheus his silver Harp, which made both Stones and Trees to dance; or the melody of Apollo's inspiring Musick, when he descended to the lower parts for the love of Daphne. These pleasures so ravished the Christian Champions, that they forgot the sound of Warlike Drums, which were wont to call them fortly to bloody Battels. But these delights continued but a short time, for there arrived a Knight from En∣gland, that brought such unexpected News to St. George, that changed his Ioys into extream sorrow; for after this manner be∣gun the Messenger to tell his woful Tale:

Fair England's Champion (said he) instead of Arms get Swal∣lows wings, and flie to England, if ever thou wilt see thy belo∣ved Lady, for she is judged to be burned at a stake for murder∣ing the Earl of Coventry; whose lostful Desires would have stained her Honour with Infamy, and made her the scorn of Vertuous Women: Yet this Mercy is granted by the King of England, that if within twelve Months a Champion may be sound, that for her lake will venture his life, if it be his fortune to overcome the the Challenger of her Death, she shall live: but if it be his fatal Destiny to be Conquered, then must she suffer the heavy Judgment before pronounced; therefore as you love the life of your chaste and beloved Lady, haste into England, delay no time, for delay is dangerous, and her life in hazard to be lost.

This woful Discourse struck such a terror to St. George's heart, likewise to the Egyptian King her Father, that for a time they stood gazing one in anothers face, as though they had been bereaved of their wits, notable to speak one word; but at last St. George re∣covered his former Sense, and breathed forth this sorrowful La∣mentation.

O England! O unkind England! Have I adventured my Life in thy Defence, and for thy Defence have lain in the Field of Mars, buckled on my Armour in many a parching Summers-day, and ma∣ny a freezing Winters night, when you have taken your quiet sleeps on Beds of Down; and will you repay me with this discour∣tesie, or rather undeserved wrong, to adjure her spotless body to consuming fire? whose blood, if it be spilt before I come, I vow never to draw my trusty Sword in England's Quarrel more, nor never account my self her Champion, but I will rend my Warlike Colours into a thousand pieces, the which I wear on my Burgone••, (I mean the crimson Cross of England) and wander unknown Countries, obscurely from the sight of any Christian eye. Is it possible that England will be so ungrateful to her Friend? can that Renowned Country harbour such a Lustful Monster, to seek to dishonour her, within whose heart the Fountain of Vertue springs? Or can that Noble City, the Nurse and Mother of my Life, entertain so vile a Homicide, that will offer Violence to her, whose Chastity and true Honour hath caused tameless Lions to sleep in her Lap.

In this sorrowful manner wearied St. George the time away, untill the Egyptian King, whose Sorrow being as great as his, put him from his Complaints, and requested the English Knight to tell the true discourse of Sabra's proffered Uiolence, and how she murdered the Lustful Earl of Coventry: to whom, after a bitter sigh or two, the Messenger thus replied, in this manner:

Most Noble Princes and Potentates of the Earth, prepare your Ears to entertain the wofullest Tale that ever English Knight discoursed, and your Eyes to weep Seas of brackish Tears, I would I had no Tongue to tell it, nor Heart to remember it; but seeing I am compelled through the Love and Duty I owe the Noble Champions of Christendom to express it, then thus it was.

It was the fortune, nay I may say, unhappy Destiny of your beloved Lady, upon an Evening, when the Sun had almost lodg'd in the West, to walk without the Walls of Coventry, to take the pleasures of the sweet Fields and flourishing Meadows, which Flora had beautified in a Summers Livery; but as she walked up and down sometimes taking pleasure to hear the chiruing Birds how they strained their silver Notes; other times taking de∣light to see how Nature had covered both Kills and Pales, with sundry ••or••y of: Flowers, then walking to see the Crystal running Rivers, the murmuring Musick of whose Streams exceeded the

rest for pleasure, but she (kind Lady) delighting her self by the River side, a sudden and strange alteration troubled her mind; for the Chain of Gold that she did wear about her Neck, presently changed colour, from a yellow burnisht brightness, to a dim pale∣ness: Her Kings f••ll from her Fingers, and from her Nose fell drops of blood, whereat her heart began to throb, her ears to glow, and every ioynt to tremble with fear. This strange Accident cau∣sed her speedily to haste homewards: But by the way she met the Earl of Coventry, walking at that time to take the pleasure of the Evening Air, with such a Train of worthy Gentlemen, as though he had been the greatest Peer in England: Whose sight when she beheld afar off, her heart began to misgive, thinking that Fortune had alotted those Gentlemen to proffer her some Injury; so that upon her Cheeks Fear had set a Uermilion dye, whereby her Beau∣ty grew admirable; which when the Earl beheld, he was ravished therewith and deemed her the excellentest Creature that ever Na∣ture framed, their meeting was silent: She shewed the humility of a Uertuous Lady, and he the courtesie of a kind Gentleman: She departed homewards, and he into the Fields, she thinking all danger past, but he practised in his mind her utter Ruin and Down∣fal: For the Part of Love had shot from her beauteous Cheeks into his heart, not true Love, but Lust; so that nothing might quench his desire, but the Conquest of her Chastity, such extream Passion bewitched his mind, that he caused his Servants every one to depart: And then like a discontented Man he wandred up and down the Fields, beating in his mind a thousand sundry ways to obtain his desire: for without he enjoyed her Love, he was likely to live in endless languishment: But at last he sighed out this passion of Love.

Oh you immortal Powers! why have you transported her from an Earthly Lady to an Heavenly Angel? Sabra is no worldly Creature but a Divine Substance; her Beauty is a stain unto the Quéen of Love, and her Countenance of more Majesty than Juno's Grace: Her twinkling eyes that glister like the flaming Stars, and her beauteous Cheeks more pleasant than Roses dipt in Milk, have pierced my heart with the pricks of Love, and her Love I will enjoy, o•• lose my self. Oh! but there is a Bar which thwarts kind Affection, and hinders my desires. St. George, I mean, is her true and lawful Husband, the honour of whose Bed she will not violate for all the Kingdoms of the World. Tush, faint-hearted fool that I am, Sabra is beautiful, and therefore to be tempted: She is a Woman, and therefore easie to be won, her Husband he

is sporting in the Fields of Mars, then why may not she take plea∣sure in the Chamber of Venus; I will use my flattering glosses, ma∣ny kind speeches, and many sweet imbraces, but I will crop that Bud, which but to taste I would give my whole Lands and Reve∣nues: I will tell her St. George is a wanderer, and one that will never return, whereas I am a mighty Deer in England, and one that can accomplish whatsoever she desir••••••. Many other cir∣cumstances this Lustful Gar••used to flatter himself in this vain conceit. At last the scowling night with pitchy Clouds began to over∣spread the brightsome Heavens, whereby he was forced to repair homewards, and to smother up his Love in silence, no quiet sléep that night could enter into his eyes, but fond and restless dreams: sometimes be thought he had his lovely Mistress in his Arms daslying like the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Queen upon her Minions knee; but presently awaking, he found it but a gilded shadow, which added new grief to his Love-sick passions: then by and by he thought he saw how the wrathful Champion with his dreadful and bloody. Fau∣chion came to revenge his Lady's Ravishment, whereas the trou∣bled Earl started from his Bed, and with a loud voice cried to his Chamberlain for help, saying, That St. George was come to Murder him: Which sudden Outery not only awaked the Chamberlain, but the whole house, which generally came to hear him company: They set up Camphire Tapers to give Light, and made him Musick to comfort him, and to drive all ••ond sant••fies from his mind: But no sooner ceased the Musick, but he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into his former Cogitations, pondering in his mind which way he might obtain his purpose: Whereat a dismal Night-Raven beat, her wings against his Chamber windows, and with a harsh voice gave him warning of a sad success. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 presently began the Tapers to ••u•••• b••••e, as though a, Troop of ••hastly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 did encompass his L••••ging, which was an evident ••••gn that some strange and un∣happy Mu••••••r should worthily follow. All which could not with∣draw the ••ust••ul Earl from his wicked Enterprize, nor con•••••••• his mind from the spoil of so sweet a Lady. In this manner spent he the night away, till the Sun's bright conuienance summoned him from his restless Bed: From whence being no sooner risen, but he sent for the Steward of his House, and gave him a charge to provide a most sumptuous and costly Banquet, for he intended to invite thereunto all the principal Ladies in Coventry: What bountiful cheer was provided, I think it needless to repeat; but to be short, at the time and hour appointed the invited Ladies re∣paired; the Banquet was brought in by the Earl's Servants, and

placed upon the Table by the Earl himself: Who after many Wel∣comes given, began thus to move the Ladies to delight.

I think my House most highly honoured (said he) that you have vouchsafed to grace it with your presence, for methinks you beautifie my Hall, as the twinkling Stars beautifie the Ueil of Heaven: But amongst the number of you all, you have a Cynthia, a glistring silver Moon that for brightness exceeded all the rest; for she is fai∣rer than the Queen of Cypress, lovelier than Dido, when Cupid sate upon her knee, wiser than the Prophetess of Troy, of Personage more comely than the Grecian Dame, and of more Majesty than the Queen of Love: So that all the Muses with their Ivory pens may write continually, and yet not sufficiently describe her excel∣lent Ornaments of Nature.

This Commendation caused a general smile of the Ladies, and made them look one upon another whom it should be. Many other Courtlike discourses pronounced the Earl to move the Ladies de∣light, till the Banquet was ended, which being finished, there came in certain Gentlemen by the Earl's appointment, with most excel∣lent musick: other some that danced most curiously, with as much Majesty as Paris in the Grecian Court. At last the Earl requested one of them to choose out his beloved Mistress, and lead her some stately Corants: Likewise requesting that none should be offended what Lady soever he did affect to grace with that Courtly pastime: At which request all them were silent, and silence is commonly a sign of consent; therefore he emboldned himself the more to make his desires known to the beholders. Then with excéeding courte∣sie, and great humisity, he kissed the beauteous hand of Sabra, who with a blushing countenance and bashful look, accepted his courtesie, and like a kind Lady disdained not to dance with him. So when the Musicians strained forth their inspiring Melody, the Lustful Earl led her a first Course about the Hall, in as great Majesty as Ma∣vors did the Queen of Paphos to gain her Love, and she followed with as much Grace, as if the Queen of Pleasure had been pre∣sent to behold their Courtly Delights: and so when the first Course was ended, he found fit opportunity to unfold his secret Love, and reveal unto the Lady his extream Passion of mind which were in these Speeches expressed.

Most Divine and Peerless Paragon, (said he) thou only Wonder of the World for Beauty and excellent Ornaments of Nature, know that thy two twinkling Eyes that shine more brighter than the Lights of Heaven, being the true Darts of Love, have pierced my heart, and those thy crimson Cheeks, as lovely as Aurora's

Countenance, when she draws the Curtains of her purple Bed to entertain her wandring Lover, those Cheeks I say have wounded me with Love: therefore except thou grant me kind comfort, I am like to spend the remnant of my Life in Sorrow, Gare, and Discontent: I blush to speak what I desire, because I have setled my Love where it is unlawful, in a bosome where Kings may sleep and surfeit with delight, thy Breast I mean, most Divine Mistress, for there my Heart is kept Prisoner, Beauty is the Keeper, and Love the Key, my Ransome is a constant Mind: Thou art my Uenus, I will be thy Mars; thou art my Helen, I will be thy Mahomet: thou art my Cressida, I will be thy Croilus, thou art my Love, and I will be thy Paramour. Admit thy Lord and Husband be alive, yet hath he most unkindly left thee to spend thy young years in solitary Widow-hood? He is unconstant like Eneas, and thou more hapless than Dido. He marcheth up and down the world in glistring Armour, and never doth intend to return: He abandoneth thy presence, and lieth sporting in strange Ladies Laps; therefore, dear Sabra, live not to consume thy youth in singleness, for Age will overtake thee too soon, and con∣vert thy Beauty to wrinkled Frowns.

To which words, Sabra would have presently made answer, but that the Musick called them to Dance the second Course, which be∣ing ended, she replyed in this manner.

Most Noble Lord (said she) for our bounteous Banquet, cour∣teous Entertainment, I give the humble thanks of a poor Lady; but for your Suit and unlawful desire, I do detest as much as the sight of a Crocodile, and your flattering Glosses I esteem as much as doth the Ocean of a drisling shower of Rain: your Syrens Songs shall never enrice me to listen to your fond Requests: but I will, like Ulyffes, stop my ears, and bury all your flattering intice∣ments in the Lake of Forgetfulness. Think you that I will stain my Marriage-Bed with the least spot of Infamy, that will not proffer me one thought of wrong, for all the Treasures of the wealthy Seas? Surely the gorgeous Sun shall lose his light by Day, and the silver Moon by Night, the Skies shall fall, the Earth shall sink, and every thing shall change from Kind and Nature, before I will falsifie my Faith, or prove Disloyal to my beloved George; attempt no more, my Noble Lord, to batter the Fortress of my good Name with the Gun-shot of your Flattery, nor seek to stain my Honour with your Lustful desires. What if my Lord and Hus∣band prove Disloyal and chose out other Loves in Foreign Lands?

yet will I prove as constant to him, as Penelope to her Ulysses; and if it be his pleasure never to return, but spend his days among strange Ladies, yet will I live in single Solitariness like to the Turtle Dove when she hath lost her Mate▪ abandoning all company, or as the mournful Swan that swims upon Meander's Silver Streams, where she records her dying tunes to raging Billows; so will I spend away my lingering days in grief, and die.

This Resolution of the vertuous Lady so daunted the Earl, that he stood like a senseless Image gazing at the Sun, not know∣ing how to reply: but yet when they had danced the third Course, he began anew to assault her unspotted Chastity, in these terms.

Why, my dear Mistriss, have you a heart more hard than flint, that the tears of my true Love can never mollifie? Can you be∣hold him plead for grace, that hath been sued unto by many wor∣thy Dames? I am a Man that can Command Countries, yet can I not command thy stuboorn heart. Divine Sabra, if thou wilt grant me thy Love, and yield to my desire, I will have thee clad in Silken Robes, and Damask Vestures, imbost with Indian Pearls, and rich Refined Gold, perfumed with Camphire, Biss, and Syrian sweet Persumes: by day a hundred Virgins like to Thetis, trip∣ping on the silver Sands, shall usually attend thy Person; by night a hundred Eunuchs with their strained Instruments shall bring thy Senses into a golden slumber: If this procureth not thy sweet con∣tent, I will prepare a sumptuous Chariot made with Gold, where∣in thou shalt be drawn by sable sported Steeds along the Fields and gallant Past••res adjoyning to our City Walls, whereas the Eve∣ning Air shall breathe a coolness, ••ar more sweet than Balm upon thy Cheeks, and make thy Beauty glister like the purple Pillar of Hyperion, when he leaves Aurora blushing in her Bed, whereby the Heavens and all the Powers therein shall stand and wonder at thy Beauty, and quite forget their usual Courses: All this, my dear Divine and dainty Mistriss, is at thy command, and more, so that I may enjoy thy Love and Favour: which if I have not, I will discontentedly end my Life in Woods and Desart places, Tygers and untamed Beasts being my chief Companions.

These vain Promises caused the beauteous Sabra to blush with bashfulness, and to give him this sharp Answer: Think you, my Lord, with Golden Promises to obtain the precious Gem, the which I will not lose for Europe's Treasury? Henceforth be silent in that Enterprize, and never after this, attempt to practise my dis∣honour,

which if you do, I vow by Heaven to make it known to every one within the City, and to fill all places with the rumour of thy wilful Lust: A troop of modest Maids I will procure to haunt thee up and down the streets, to wonder at thee like an Owl, that never comes abroad but in the darkest night, this I am resolved to do, and so farewel.

Thus departed Sabra with a sad Countenance, whereby the rest of the Ladies suspected the Earl had attempted her dishonour by secret conference, but they all assuredly knew that she was as far from yielding to his desires, as is the aged man to be young again, or as the Azure Firmament to be a place for Silvane Swains to inhabit. In such like Imaginations they spent away the day, till the dark night caused them to break off Company. The Earl smothered his Grief under a smiling Countenance, till the Ladies were every one departed, whom he courteously caused his Servants to conduct homewards with Torch-lights, because it began to be very dark, After their departure he accursed his own Fortune, and like a Lyon wanting food, raged up and down his Chamber, and filling euery corner with bitter exclama∣tions, rending his Garments from his back, tearing his hair, beating his breast, and using all the violence he could against him∣self.

In this manner spent he away the night, suffering no sleep to close the windows of his body: His melancholy and extream pas∣sion so discontented his mind, that he purposed to give end to his sorrows by some untimely death: So when the morning appeared, he made his repair to an Drchard, where Sabra commonly once a day walked to take the Air. The place was very Belancholy, and far from the noise of People: where after he had spent some cer∣tain time in exclaiming against the unkindness of Sabra, he pulled his Poimard from his back, and prepared his Breast to entertain the stroke of death: but before the pretended Tragedy, with his Dagger he engraved these Uerses following, upon the bark of a Walnut-tree.

Oh heart more hard then bloody Tygers fell! O Ears more deaf than sensless troubled Seas, O cruel foe! thy rigour doth excell: For thee I die, thy anger to appease: But time will come, when thou shalt find me slain, Then thy Repentance will encrease thy pain,

I here engrave my Will and Testament, That my sad grief thou may'st behold and see, How that my woful heart is torn and rent, And gor'd with bloody blade for love of thee: Whom thou disdain'st, as now the end doth try, That thus distress'd doth suffer me to die.

Oh Gods of Love, if so there any be, And you of Love that feel the deadly pain, Oh Sabra, thou that thus afflictest me, Hear these my words which from my heart I strain: E're that my Corps be quite bereav'd of breath, Here I'll declare the cause of this my death.

You Mountain Nymphs which in the Desarts Raign, Leave off your chase from savage Beasts a while, Prepare to see a heart opprest with pain, Address your ears to hear my doleful stile: No strength nor Art can work me any weal, Sith she's unkind and Tyrant-like doth deal.

You Fairy Nymphs of Lovers much ador'd, And gracious Damsels which in evenings fair Your Closets leave, with heavenly beauty stor'd, And on your shoulders spread your golden hair; Record with me that Sabra is unkind, Within whose Breast remains a double mind.

Ye Savage Bears in Caves and Dens that lie, Remain in Peace, if you may sorrows hear; And be not moved at my misery, Tho' too extream my passions do appear: England, farewel, and Coventry, adieu, But, Sabra, Heaven above still prosper you.

These Uerses being no sooner finished, and engraven about the ••ark of a Walnut-tree, but with a grisly look and wrathful coun∣tenance he lift up his hand, intending to strike the poiniard up to the Hilt in his Breast; but at the same instant he beheld Sabra en∣tring the Orchard to take her wonted Walks of pleasure, whose

sight hindred his purpose, and caused other bloody cogitations to enter into his mind. The Furies did incense him to a wicked Deed; the which my trembling tongue faints to report: For af∣ter she had walked to the farthest side of the melancholy Orchard, he rigorously ran unto her with his Dagger drawn, and catching her about the slender wast, thus frightfully threatned her.

Now, stubborn Dame (quoth he) will I obtain my long desired purpose, and Revenge by Violence thy former proud Denials: first I will wrap this Dagger in thy Locks of Hair, and nail it fast into the ground; then will I Ravish thee by Force and Violence, and triumph in the Conquest of thy Chastity; which being done, I will cut thy tongue out of thy mouth, because thou shalt not re∣veal nor desery thy bloody Ravisher: Likewise with this Poiniard will I chop off both thy hands, whereby thou shalt ne∣ver write with Pen thy stain of Honour, nor in Sampler sow this proffered Disgrace. Therefore, except thou wilt yield to quench my desired Love with the pleasures of thy Marriage Bed, I will by force and violence inflict those vowed punishments upon thy delicate Body: be not too resolute in denials, for if thou bee'st, the gorgeous Sun shall not glide the compass of an hour before I obtain my long desired purpose: And thereupon he stepped to the Orchard-door, and with all expedition locked it, and put the Key in his Pocket. Then returned he like an hunger-starved Wolf, to seize upon the silly Lamb: Or like the chased Boar when he is wounded with the Hunter's Launce, came running to the helpless Lady, intending her present Rape, and foul Dishonour: But she thinking all hope of aid and succour to be void, fell into a dead Swoon, being not able to move, for the space of a quarter of an hour: But yet at last, having recovered her dead senses to their former vital moving, she began in this pitiful manner to defend her assailed Chastity from the wicked Earl that stood over her with his bloody Dagger, threatning most cruelly her final Confu∣sion.

My Lord of Coventry (said she, with weeping Tears and kneel∣ing upon the Ground) is Vertue banished from your breast? have you a mind more tyrannous than the Tygers in Hycoania, that no∣thing may suffice to satisfie Your Lustful desires but the stain of mine Honour, and the Conquest of my Chastity? If it be my Beau∣ty that hath inticed you, I am content to have it converted to a loathsome Leprosie whereby to make me odious in your Eyes: If it be my rich and costly Garments that make me Beautiful, and so intangle you, henceforth I will attire my Body in poor and

simple array, and for evermore dwell in Countrey Caves and Cot∣tages; so that I may preserve my Chastity unspotted. If none of these may suffice to abase your Tyrannous Intent, but that your Lust will make me Time's wonder, and pointing stock, and scorn of vertuous Ladies, then will the Heavens revenge my wrongs, to whom I will uncessantly make my petitions: The Birds in the Air after their kind, will evermore exclaim against your wickedness: the Silvane Beasts that abide in Woods and Desarts, will breathe forth clamours of your wickedness: the creeping worms that live within the crevices of the Earth, will give dumb signs and tokens of your wickedness: The running Rivers will murmur at your wickedness: The Woods and Trees, Herbs and Flowers, with eve∣ry sensless thing, will sound some motions of your wickedness. Return, return, my Noble Lord, unto your former Vertues: ba∣nish such fond desires out of your mind; stain not the Honour of your House with such black Scandals and Disgrace, bear this in mind before you do attempt so vile a sin; What became of Hellen's Ravishment, but the Destruction of Renowned Troy? What of Roman Lucretia's Rape, but the Banishment of Tarquin? And what of Progne's foul Deflourment by her Sister's Husband, the Lustful King of Thrace, but the bloody Banquet of his young Son Itis, whose tender body they served to his Table baked in a Pye? At which speeches the ••••eful Earl wrapped his hands with∣in her Locks of Hair, which was covered with a costly Caul of Gold, and in this manner presently replied unto her.

What tellest thou me of Poets Tales (said he) of Progne's Rape, and Terius's bloody Banquet? thy Ravishment shall be an In∣duction to thy Tragedy, which, if thou yield not willingly, I will obtain by Force and Violence: therefore prepare thy self either to entertain the Sentence pronounced, or yield thy Body to my pleasure. This unrecanting and vowed Resolution of the Earl, added grief upon grief, and heaped Mountains of Sorrow upon her Soul: Twice did the hapless Lady cast her eyes to Heaven, in hopes the Gods would pity her Distress, and twice unto the Earth, wishing the Ground might open and devour her, and so deliver her from the sury of the wicked Homicide: but at last when she saw that neither Tears, Prayers, nor Wishes could prevail, she gave an outward sign of consenting upon some Condi∣tions, under colour to devise a present means to preserve her Chastity, and deliver her self from his Lustful Assailments.

There is no condition (said the Earl) but I would yield unto, so thou wilt grant my desire, and make me chief commander of thy Love.

First, my Lord (quoth she) shall you suffer me to sit some cer∣tain hours upon this bed of Violets, and bewail the loss of my good name, which shortly shall be yielded up to your pleasure: then shall you lie and dally in my Lap, thereby to make my Affe∣ctions, yet freezing cold, to flame with burning brands of Love: that being done, you shall receive your wished desires. Those words caused the Earl to convert his furious wrath to smiling joy, and casting down his Dagger, he gave her a courteous kiss, which she in his conceit graciously accepted: whereby his mind was brought into such a vain opinion, that he thought no Heaven but in her presence, no comfort but in her sight, and no pleasure but in her: then caused he Sabra to sit down upon a bed of Uiolets, beset about with divers sorts of Flowers, whose Lap he made his Pil∣low, whereupon he laid his head, intending as he thought to in∣crease desire: but Women in extremity have the quickest wits: so Sabra busied her self by all means possible, either now or never to remove the cause of her deep distress, by practising his death, and so quit her self from her importunate Suitor; one while she told him pleasant Tales of Love, in hope to bring his Senses to a slumber, the better to accomplish her desires; other while she play'd and sported with his hair that hung dangling below his Shoulders like to threds of Silk: but at last, when neither tales, discourses, nor dallying pastime with his hair could not bring him asleep, she strained forth the Organs of her Uoice, and over his head sung this woful Ditty:

Thou God of Sleep, and Golden Dreams, appear; That bring'st all things to Peace and quiet Rest, Close up the glasses of his eyes so clear, Thereby to make my Fortune ever blest: His Eyes, his Heart, his Senses, and his Mind, In Peaceful sleep let them some comfort find.

Sing sweet you pretty Birds in tops of Trees With warbling tunes and many a pleasant note: Till your sweet Musick close his watchful eyes, That on my Love with vain desires doth dote: Sleep on my dear, sleep on, my Love's delight, And let this sleep be thy eternal night.

You gentle Bees, the Muses lovely Birds, Come aid my doleful tunes with silver sound, Till your inspiring melody records Such Heavenly Musick that may quite confound Both Wit and Sense, and tire his eyes with sleep, That on my Lap in sweet content I keep.

You silver streams, which murmuring Musick make, And fill each dale with pleasant harmony, Whereat the floating Fi••h much pleasure take, To hear your sweet recording melody, Assist my tunes, his slumbring eyes to close, That on my Lap now takes a sweet repose.

Let whispering Winds in every sensless Tree, A solemn, sad, and doleful Musick sing: From Hills and Dales, and from each Mountain high, Let some Inspiring sound or Eccho ring, That he may never walle from sleep again, Which sought my Marriage Bed with Lust to stain.

This delightful Song rocked his Senses to such a careless slum∣ber, that he slept as soundly upon her Lap as on the softest Bed of Down: whereby she found a fit opportunity to deliver her unde∣filed Body from his Lustful Desires. So taking the Poiniard in her hand, which he had cast a little aside, and gazing thereon with an ireful look, she made this tad Complaint.

Grant, you Immortal Powers of Heaven (said she) that of these two Extreams I choose the best; either must I yield my Body to be dishonoured by his unchaste desires, or stain my hands with the trickling streams of his heart-blood. If I yield unto the first, I shall be then accounted for a Vicious Dame; but if I commit the last, I shall be guilty of a wilfull Murther, and for the same the Law will adjudge me a shameful death. What, shall I fear to die, or lose my Vertue and Renown? No, my heart shall be as Tyrannous as Danaus his Daughters, that slew their Fifty Husbands in a night; or as Medea's Cruelty, which scattered her Brother's bloody Joynts upon the Sea Shore, thereby to hinder the swift pursuit of her Father, when Iason got the Golden Fleece from Calcos Isle. Therefore stand still you glistring Lamps of Heaven, stay wandring Time, and let him sleep eternally.

Where art thou, sad Melpomene, that speakest of nothing but of Murders and Tragedies: where be those Dames that evermore delight in Blood; Come, come, assist me with your Cruelties, let me exceed the hate of Progne for her Ravishment: rage heart, and take delight in Blood, banish all thoughts of pity from thy breast, be thou as merciless as King Priam's Queen, that in Re∣venge of five and twenty Murdered Sons, that with her own hands stained the Pavements of Agamemnon's Court with purple Gore.

These words were no sooner ended, but with a wrathful and pale Countenance, she sheathed the Poiniard up to the Hilt in the clo∣sure of his Breast, whereat he started, and would have got upon his feet, but the streams of blood so violently gushed from his Wound, that he declined immediately to the Earth, and his Soul∣was forced to give the World a doleful Adieu.

When Sabra beheld the Bed of Uiolets stained with blood, and every Flower converted to a crimson colour, she sighed grievously: but when she saw her Garments all to be sprinkled with her Ene∣mies blood, and he say ••allowing, at her feet in purple gore, she ran speedily unto a flowing Fountain, that stood in the farther side of the Orchard, and began to wash the Blood out of her Cloaths but the more she washed, the more it encreased: a Sign that Heaven will never suffer wilful Murder to be hid, for what cause soever it is done.

This strange Spectacle, or rather wonderful Accident, so amazed the sorrowful Lady, that she began anew to complain: Oh that this wicked Murder had never béen done! (said she) or that my hand had been struck lame by some unlucky Planet, when first it did attempt the déed! whither shall I flye, to shrowd me from the company of Uertuous Women, which will for evermore shun me as a detested Murderer? If I should go into some foreign Country, there Heaven will cast down Uengeance for my guilt; if I should hide my self in Woods and solitary Wildernesses, yet would the Winds discover me, and blow this bloody Crime to every corner of the World; or if I should go live in Caves, or dark Dens within the deep Foundations of the Earth yet will his Ghost pursue me there, and haunt me day and night; so that in no place a Murderer can live in rest, such discontented thoughts shall still oppress his mind. After she had breathed forth this com∣fortless Lamentation to the Air, she tore her blood-stained Gar∣ment from her back, and cast it into the Fountain, where it turned the water into the colour of blood, so heinous is Murder in the sight of Heaven.

Thus being Disrobed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her Petticoat, she turned to the slaugh∣tered Earl, whose face she ••ound covered with Moss, which added more grief unto her Soul, for she greatly feared her Murder was descryed: but it fell not out as she mistrusted for it is the nature and kind of Robin Red-breast and other Birds, always to cover the face of any dead man, and those were they that bred this fear in the Ladies heart. By this time the day began to shut up his bright windows, and fable night entred to take possession of the Earth, yet durst not the woful distressed Sabra make her repair home∣wards, left she should be descryed without her upper Garment.

During which time, there was a general search made for the Earl by his Servants, for they greatly suspected some danger had befaln him considering that they heard him the night before so wo∣fully complain in his Chamber. At last, with Torch-lights they came to the Orchard Gate, which they presently burst open: wherein no sooner entring, but they found their Murdered Master lying by a Bed of Uiolets, covered with Moss: likewise searching to find out the Murderer, at last they espied Sabra in her bare Petticoat, her hands and face besprinkled with blood, and her Countenance as pale as ashes: by which ••ighs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suspected her to be the bloody bereaver of their Lord and Master's Life: there∣fore because she descended from a Noble Lineage, they brought her the same night before the King, which did then keep his Court in the City of Coventry, who immediately upon the confession of the Murder, gave this severe judgment against her.

First, to be conveyed to Prison, there to remain for the term of twelve months, and at the end thereof, to be burned like a most wicked Offender: Yet because she was the Daughter to a King, and a Loyal Lady to so Noble a Knight, His Majesty in Mercy grant∣ed her this favour, that if she could get any Knight at Arms, be∣fore the time were expired, that would be her Champion, and by Combat redeem her from the Fire, she should live, otherwise, if her Champion were Uanquished, then to Suffer the former Pu∣nishment.

Thus have you heard the discourse of all things which hap∣pened till my departure from England, where I left her in Pri∣son, and since that time five Months are fully expired: there∣fore, most Renowned Champion, as you love the Life of your Lady, and with her Delivery, make no tarriance, but with all speed post into England, for I greatly fear, before you arrive on the blessed Shore, the time will be finished, and Sabra suffer death for want of a Champion to defend her Cause.

This doleful discourse drove St. George with the other Knights and Champions to such an extasie of mind, that every one departed to their Lodging Chambers with dumb signs of Sorrow, being not able to speak one word; where for that night they lam••••ted the mishap of so vertuous a Lady. The Egyptian King her Fa∣ther, he abandoned the sight of all companies, and repaired to the top of a high Tower built of Marble Stone, wherein he bar∣red himself so fast with Iron Bolts, that none could come with∣in the hearing of his Lamentation: then raged he up and down like frantick O••dipus, tearing his eyes from their Natural Cells, accusing Heaven of injustice, condemning the Earth of iniquity, and accursing Man for such an execrable Crime; one while wish∣ing that his Daughter's Birth-day had been her Burial-day; ano∣ther while that some unlucky Planet would descend the Firma∣ment, and fall upon his miserable head. Being in this extream Passion, he never hoped to see his Daughter's Countenance again: and so about midnight, being a time when desperate Men practise their own Destruction, he cast himself headlong from the top of the Tower, and broke his Neck, and all besprinkled the ••linty Pave∣ments with his Blood and Brains.

No sooner was the night vanished, and bright Phoebus entered the Zodiack of Heaven, but his bruised body liveless and sensless, was found by his Servants lying in the Palace-yard all beaten in pieces against the ground. The woful News of this self-wil∣led Murder they told to certain Egyptian Knights, who took his scattered Limbs and carried them to St. George's Chamber, whom they found arming himself for his departure towards England; but at this woful spectacle he took a second conceited grief in such ex∣tream manner, that it had almost cost him his Life, but that the Egyptian Knights gave him many comfortable speeches, and by the consent of many Dukes, Earls, Lords, and Barons, with many other of the late King's Privy-Council, they Ele••ted him the true succeeding King of Egypt, by the Marriage of Ptolomy's Daugh∣ter; which Royal proffer St. George refused not, but took upon him the Regiment of the whole Countrey, so that for a short time his Iourney towards England was stayed, and upon the third day following, his Coronation was appointed, which they solemnly per∣formed, to the high honour of all the Christian Champions: for the Egyptian Peers caused St. George to be Apparelled in Royal Uestures like a King, he had on a Suit of flaming Green, like an Emerald, and a Mantle of Scarlet very richly Fur••'d, and wrought curiously with Gold: then the other six Champions led him up to the King's Throne, and set him in a Chair of Ebony,

which had pummels of Silver, which stood upon an Alabaster E∣lephant; then came three of the greatest Lords in Egypt, and set a Crown of Gold upon his Head; then followed the Knights with a Scepter and a naked Sword, to signifie that he was chief Go∣vernor of the Realm, and Lord of all that appertained to the Crown of Egypt. This being performed in most sumptuous and stately manner, the Trumpets with other Instruments began to sound, whereat the general Company with joyful Uoices cryed al∣together, Long live St. George, true Champion for England, and King of Egypt. Then was he conducted to the Royal Palace, where for ten days he remained among his Lords and Knights, spending the time in great joy and pleasure; the which being fi∣nished, his Lady's distress constrained him to a sudden departure, therefore he left the Guiding of his Land to twelve Egyptian Lords, binding them all by Oath to deliver it at his return; like∣wise charging them to interr the Body of Ptolomy in a sumptuous Tomb, be fitting the Body of so Royal a Potentate: Also appoint∣ed the six Champions to raise their Tents, and muster up anew their Soldiers, and with all speed march into Persia, and there by dint of Bloody War, Revenge his former Injuries upon the ac∣cursed Souldan.

This Charge being given, the next morning by break of day he buckled on his Armour, mounted on his swift-footed Steed, and bad his Friends in Aegypt for a season, adieu; and so in company of the Knight that brought him that unlucky News, he took his Iourney with all speed toward England; in which Travel we will leave him for a time: Also passing over the speedy provision made by the Christian Champions in Egypt, for the Invasion of Persia, and return to sorrowful Sabra being in Prison, awaiting each Mi∣nute to receive the final stroke of impartial Death: for now had the rowling Planets brought their years Iourney to an end; yet Sa∣bra had no Intelligence of any Champion that would defend her Cause, therefore she prepared her delicate Body to receive her latest breath of Life. The time being come, she was brought to the place of Execution, whither she went as willingly, and with as much joy, as ever she went before time unto her Marriage: she had made humble submission to the World, and unfeignedly com∣mitted her Soul to God. She being at the Stake, where the King was present with many thousands, as well of woful Perso∣nages, as of common People, to behold this woful Tragedy, the Deaths-man stripping off her Garment, which was of black Sarse∣net, and in her Snow-white Smock bound her with an Iron Chain unto the Stake; then placed they round about her tender

body; both Pitch, Turpentine, and Gunpowder, with other mer∣ciless things, thereby to make her death the more easie, and her pain the shorter; which being done, the King; caused the Herauld to summon in the Challenger, who at the sound of the Trumpet came tracing in upon a Roan coloured Steed; without any kind of mark, and Trapped with Rich Trappings of Gold and precious stones of great price; there came out at the Horse's mouth, two Tusks like unto an Elephants, his Nostrils were very large and big, his head little, his breast somewhat broad, well pitcht, and so hard that no Sword, were it never so sharp, was able to enter in thereat. The Champion was called the Baron of Chester, a bolder and hardier Knight they thought lived not then upon the face of the whole Earth; he so advanced himself up and down as though he had béen able to encounter with an hundred Knights. Then the King caused the Herauld to summon in the Defendant, if there were any to defend her Cause; both Drums and Trumpets sounded three several times up and down the Fields, betwixt every rest, was a full quarter of an hour, but yet no Defendant did appear, there∣fore the King commanded the Executioner to set the Stake on fire.

At which words Sabra began to grow pale as Ashes, and her Ioynts to tremble like to Aspen Leaves; her Tongue that before continued silent, began to record a Swan-like dying Tale, and in this manner uttered the passion of her heart: Be witness, Heaven and all your bright Coelestial Angels; be witness Sun and Moon, all true beholders of my Fact: be witness thou clear Fir∣mament, and all the World be witness of my Innocency; the blood I••shed was for the safeguard of my Honour and unspotted Chastity: great God of Heaven, if the Prayers of my unstained heart may move thy mighty Majesty, or my true Innocency prevail with thy immortal Power, command that either my Lord may come to be my Champion, or sad beholder of my Death. But if my hands were stained with the blood about some wicked Enter∣prize, then Heaven shew present Vengeance upon me, else by some Noble Champion save my body alive. At which instant she heard the sound of a shrill Trumpet, the which S. George caused to be winded (for as then he was near:) which caused the Execution a while to be deferred. At last, they beheld afar off a stately Ban∣ner waving in the Air, the which a Squire carried before S. George; then they espied near unto the Banner a most Ualiant Armed Knight, mounted upon a coal-black Palfrey, with a Warlike Launce standing in his Rest: by which sudden approach they knew him to be the same Champion that would defend the distressed Lady's Life. Then the King commanded the Drums and Trumpets to

sound; whereat the People gave a general shout, and the poor Lady half dead with fear began to revive, and her blushing Cheeks to be as Beautiful as red Roses dipt in Milk or as blood mingled with Snow. But when St. George approached the sight of his constant Lady, whom he found Chamed to a S••ake, incompassed with many Instruments of Death, his heart so relented with Grief that he almost fell buside his Horse: yet remembring wherefore he came, he recalled his Courage, and intended to try his Fortune in the Com∣bate, before he would discover himself unto his Lady. And when the Trumpets sounded Death's Alarm, the two Knights set Spurs to their Horses, and made them run so fiercely, that at the first encounter they shivered both their Launces to their hands then rushed they together so rigorously with their Bodies and Helmets, that they fell down both to the Earth; but St. George who was the more Lusty Knight, nimbly leap'd upon his feet without any hurt, but the Baron of Chester lay still with his head downward, cast∣ing from his mouth abundance of blood, for he was mightily brui∣sed with the fall; but when he revived from his Trance, he took his Shield, drawing out a mighty Faulchion, and with wrathful countenance ran at St. George. Now, proud Knight (quoth he) I swear by all the Saints of Heaven, to Revenge my Blood which thou hast shed: and therewithal he struck so violently upon St. George's Shield, that it cleaved quite asunder. Then began he to wax angry, and took his Sword in great wrath and gave the Baron of Chester such a stroke, that he cut away Arm and Shoul∣der and all the flesh of his side to the bare Kibs, and likewise cut his Leg almost quite in sunder, in the thickest place of his Thigh, and yet for all that, the Sword entred half a foot into the earth: then fell the Baron of Chester to the Ground, and breathed forth this lamen∣table cry.

Now frown, you fatal Stars eternally, that did predominate at my Birth, for he is Slain and Vanquished, that never stoopt to any Knight before this day. And thereupon the Blood stopped the pas∣sage of his Speech, and his Soul went flying to Elysium: where∣at the whole Company admired, and applauded Saint George for the most fortunate Knight in the World: Then the King de∣livered Sabra with his own hands to St. George, who most cour∣teously received her, and like a counteous Knight cast a Scarlet Mantle over her Body, the which a Lady standing by bestowed upon him; yet he minding n•••• to discover himself, but set her up∣on his portly Steed (that ••••••••ently grew proud in carrying so rich a burden) and with his own hands led him by the Bridle Reins. So great was the Io•• throughout the City, that the

Bells rung without ceasing, that whole day together, the Citizens through every place St. George should pass, did hang forth at their Windows, and on their walls, Cloath of Gold and Silk, with Rich Carpets, Cushion-coverings of green Uelvet lay abroad in every Window: the Clergy in Copes of Gold and Silk, met them with solemn Procession: The Ladies and Beautiful Damsels strewed every street whereas he passed, with Roses and most plea∣sant Flowers, and Crowned him with a Wreath of green Gays, in sign of his Triumphant Uictory and Conquest.

In this manner went he to the King's Palace not known by any what he should be, but that he was a Knight of a strange Countrey: Yet Sabra many times as they passed along, desired to see his Face, and know his Name, for that he had adventured so far for her sake, and that for her Delivery he had vanquished the bravest Knight in England. Yet for all her perswasions, he kept himself undiscovered till a Troop of Ladies in company of Sabra, got him into a Chamber richly hung with Arras cloath, and there unlaced his Bever; whose Countenance when she beheld, and saw that it was her Lord and Husband which had redeemed her from Death, she sell into a dead swoon for very Ioy, but St. George sprinkled a little cold water on her face and revived her presently. After this he gave her many a kind and loving kiss, calling her the most true, and the most Loyal Lady that ever Nature framed, that to the very death would not lose one jot of her unspot∣ted Honour. Likewise she accounted him the truest Knight, and Loyalest Husband that ever Heavenly Hymen linckt in Bands of Marriage with any Woman. But when the King had notice that it was St. George, his Countrey's Champion, which atchieved that Noble Conquest in vanquishing the Baron of Chester, he was ravished with such Ioy, that he came running in all haste to the Chamber, and most kindly embraced him, and after he was un∣armed, and his wounds washed with White-wine and new Milk, the King conducted him with his Lady to his Banquetting-house, where they feasted for that Evening, and after he kept open Court for all Comers so long as St. George continued there, which was for the space of one Month: At the end whereof, he took his Lady and one Page with him, and bad England adieu, and then he Tra∣velled towards Persia, to the other Christian Champions, whose dangerous Iourney, and strange Adventures you may read in this Chapter following.

CHAP. XVI.

How St. George in his Journey towards Persia, arrived in a Country inhabited only by Maids, where he atchieved many strange and wonderful Adventures: Also of the Ravishment of seven Virgins in a Wood, and how Sabra preserved her honour from a terrible Gyant.

AFter St. George with his vertuous Lady departed from Eng∣land, and had Travelled through many Countreys, taking their direct Courses towards Aegypt, and the Confines of Persia, where the other six Champions remained with the Warlike Legions, at last they arrived in the Countrey of the Amazonians, a Land in∣habited by none but Women: In which Region St, George At∣chieved many brave and Princely Adventures, which are most wonderful to rehearse, as after is declared: for Travelling up and down the Countrey they found every Town and City desolate of People, yet very sumptuously built, the Earth likewise untilled, the Pastures uncherished, and every Field overgrown with Weeds, whereby he deemed that some strange Accident had befallen the Countrey, either by War, or Mortality of some grievous Plague, for they could neither set Eye of Man, Woman, nor Child, where∣by they were forced to feed upon Roots, and instead of brave Pa∣laces, they were constrained to lie on broad Pastures, upon the banks of Moss, and instead of Curtains of Silk, they had black and dark Clouds to cover them.

In this extremity they Travelled up and down for thirty days, but at last it was their happy Fortunes to arrive before a Rich Pa∣vilion, situated and standing in the open Fields, which seemed to be the most glorious sight that ever they beheld, for it was wrought of the Richest works in the World, all of green and crimson Sat∣tin, bordered with Gold, and Azure, the Posts that bare it up were of Ivory, the Cords of green Silk, and on the top thereof there stood an Eagle of Gold, and at the two Corners, two green Silver Griffons shining against the Sun, which seemed in richness to exceed the Monument of Mausolus, being one of the worlds twelve Wonders. They had not there remained long, admiring at the Beauty of the Workmanship, but at the Entry of the Pavilion there appeared a Maiden Queen Crowned with an Imperial Dia∣dem, who was the fairest Creature that ever he saw. On her at∣tended

Amazonian Dames, bearing in their hands Silver Bows of the Turkish Fashion, and at their backs hung Quivers full of Golden Arrows, upon their Heads they wore Silver Coronets, be∣set with Pearls and precious Stones, their Attire Comely and Gallant, their Faces fair and gentle to behold, their Foreheads plain and white, the Tramels of their Hair like burnished Gold: their Brows small and proper, somewhat drawing to a brown co∣lour, their Uisage plain, neither too long nor too round▪ but colou∣red like Roses mixed with Lillies, their Noses long and streight, their Ruddy Cheeks somewhat smiling, their Eyes Lovely, and all the rest of their Parts and Lineaments, by Nature framed most Excellent, who had made them in Beauty without compare: The Queen her self was cloathed in a Gown of Green, strait girt un∣to her Body with a Lace of Gold, so that somewhat her round and Lilly-white Breast might be seen which became her wonder∣ful well; beside all this, she had on a crimson Kirtle, lined with Uiolet-coloured Uelvet, and her wide Sleeves were likewise of green Silk, embroidered with flowers of Gold, and with rich Pearls. When St. George had sufficiently beheld the Beauty of this Maiden Queen, he was almost entrapped in her Love, but that the dear Affection he bare so his own Lady prevented him, whom he would not wrong for all the Treasures betwixt the high∣est Heaven and the lowest Earth. At last, he alighted from his Horse and humbled himself unto her Excellency, and thus cour∣teously began to question with her after this manner:

Most Divine and Fair of all Fairs, Queen of sweet Beauty (said he) let a Travelling Knight obtain this favour at your hands, that both himself and his Lady whom you behold here wearied with Travel, may take our rest within your Pavilion for a night. For we have wandred up and down this Country many a d••••, neither seeing Man to give us Lodging, nor finding food to che∣rish us, which made us wonder that so brave Country, and so beautified with Nature's Ornaments as this is, should be left de∣solate of People, the cause whereof is strange I know, and full of wonder.

This Question being Courteously demanded by St. George, caused the Amazonian Queen as kindly to reply: Sir Knight, (quoth she) (for so you seem both by your Behaviour and gallant Stature) what Favour my Pavilion may afford, be assured off; but the remembrance of my Country's Desolation which you speak of, breeds a Sea of Sorrow in my Soul, and maketh me sigh when I

remember it; but because you are a Knight of a strange Land, I will report it, though unto my grief: About some twelve years since, it was a Necromancer's chance to arrive within this Coun∣trey, his name is Osmond; the cunningest Artist this day living upon the Earth, for he can at his call raise all the Spirits out of Hell, and with his Charms make Heaven to Rain continually showers of blood: my beauty at that instant tempted him to Love, and drowned his Senses so in desire, that he assailed by all perswasi∣ons that either Wit or Art could devise, to win me to his Will; but I having vowed my self to Diana's Chastity, to live in singleness among these Amazonian Maids, contemned his Love, despised his Person, and accounted his perswasions as ominous Snakes; for which he wrought the destruction of this my Realm and Kingdom; for by his Magick Art and damned Charms, he raised from the Earth a mighty Tower, the Mortar whereof he mingled with Virgins Blood, wherein are such Enchantments wrought, that the light of the Sun, and the brightness of the Skies is quenched, and the Earth blasted with a terrible Vapour, and black Mist, that ascendeth from the Tower, whereby a general darkness overspread our Land, the compass of four and twenty Leagues, so this Countrey is clean wasted and destroyed, and my People fled out thereof. This Tower is haunted day and night with ghastly Fiends; and at his departure into Persia, where he now by Enchantment aids the Souldan in his Wars against the Christians, he left the guarding of the same to a mighty and ter∣rible Gyant, for shape the ugliest Monster that ever Eye beheld, or ever Ear heard tell of, for he is thirty foot in length; his head three times larger than the head of an Ox: his eyes bigger than two Pewter Dishes, and his teeth standing out of his mouth more than a Foot, wherewith he will break both Iron and Steel: his Arms big and long without any measure, and his Body as black as any Coal, and as hard as Brass; also of such a strength, that he is able to carry away at once three Knights Armed: And he never eateth any other meat, but raw flesh of Mankind: he is so light, and swift, that a Horse cannot run from him; and often∣times he hath hath assailed vvith great Troops of Armed Men, but all of them could never do him any harm, neither vvith Svvord, Spear, Cross-bovv, nor any other Weapon.

Thus have you heard, most Noble and Courteous Knight, the true Discourse of my utter Ruine, and the Vengeance shevved upon my Countrey by this vvicked Necromancer; for vvhich I

have remained ever since in this Pavilion amongst my Maidens, vvhere vve pray both day and night, that some unhappy Fortune or terrible Vengeance may fall upon this wicked Conjurer.

Now as I am a true English Knight, (replied St. George) no sooner shall the Morning Sun appear, but I will take my Jour∣ney to that Inchanted Tower, in which I'll enter in despite of the Gyant, and break the Enchantment, or make my Grave with∣in the Monsters Bowels; which if I happily perform, then will I travel into Persia, and fetter up the most wicked Necromancer, and like a Bloud-hound lead him up and down the World in Chains.

Most dangerous is the Adventure (quoth the Amazonian Queen) from whence as yet did never Knight return; but if you be so Resolute and Noble-minded, as to attempt the Enterprize, then happy be your Fortune, and know, brave Knight, that this Tower lyeth Westward from hence some thirteen miles. And thereupon she took him by the hand, and caused Sabra likewise to alight from her Palfrey, and led them both into her Pavilion, where they were Feasted most Royally, and for that night slept securely. But when the day's bright Windows opened, and the Morning-Sun began to glister, in all haste St. George, that valiant-minded Champion arose from his sweet content, and Armed himself; where, after he had taken his Leave of the Queen, and gave her thanks for his courteous Entertainment, he also took his leave of Sabra, whom he left in company of the Queens Maidens till his return with Conquest, and so rode forth till it was Noon, and then he entred into a deep Ualley, and ever he rode lower and lower. It was then a fair Day, and the Sun shined clear; but by that time he had ridden ten Miles and a half, he had lost both the Light and the Sun, and al∣so the sight of Heaven, for it was there as dark as night, and more dismal than the deepest Dungeon.

At last he found a mighty River with streams as black as pitch, and the Banks were so high, that the Water could scarce be seen running underneath, and it was so full of Serpents, that none could enter among them that ever returned back with Life: about his head flew monstrous Birds, and d••vers Griffons, who were able to bear away an Armed Knight Horse and all, and were in as great Multitudes as though they had been Starlings: also there were Flies as big as Nuts, and as black as pitch, which stung him and his Horse so grievously, that there issued down such store of blood that it changed his Horse from a Sable to a Crimson colour, likewise the Griffons struck at St. George with their Talons so

furiously, that had he not defended himself with his Shield, which covered his whole Body, he had been pierced to the heart.

In this dangerous manner rode he on, till he came to the Gates of the Inchanted Tower, whereas the Gyant sate in his Iron Coat, upon a Block with a Mace of Steel in his hand, who at the first fight of St. George. beat his Teeth so mightily together, that they rang like the stroke of an Anvil, and he ran raging like a Fiend of Hell, thinking to have taken the Champion's Horse and all in his long Teeth that were as sharp as Steel, and to have born them presently into the Tower: but when St. George perceived his Mouth open, he took his Sword and thrust it therein so far, that it made the Gyant to roar aloud, that the Elements seemed to thun∣der, and the Earth to Tremble, his Mouth smoak'd like a Fiery Furnace, and his Eyes rowled in his Head like brands of flaming Fire; the wound was so great, and the blood issued so fast from the Gyant's Mouth, that his Courage began to quail, and against his will he was forced to yield to the Champion's Mercy, and to beg for Life; to which St. George agreed, but upon condi∣tion that the Gyant would discover all the secrets of the Tower, and ever after be sworn his true Servant, and attend on him with all diligence: to which the Gyant swore by his own Soul, never to leave him in extremity, and to answer him truly to all Questi∣ons whatsoever. Then St. George demanded the cause of the Darkness, and how it might be ceased. To which the Gyant an∣swered in this manner.

There was in the Country about some Twelve years since, a cunning Necromancer, that by Inchantment built this Tower, the which you now behold, and therein caused a terrible Fire to spring from the Earth, that cast such a smoak over the whole Land, whereby the People that were wont to dwell therein are fled and farnished for Hunger: Also this Enchanter by his Art made the River that you have passed, the which did ever Man before this time, without Death: Also within the Tower, near unto the fire, there stands a fair and pleasant Fountain, to which if any Knight be able to attain and cast the Water thereof into the Fire, then shall the Darkness ever after cease, and the Inchantment end, for which cause I have been bound to guard and keep the Tower from the Atchievement of any Knight.

Then when the Gyant had ended his Discourse, St. George commanded him to remain at the Gate, for he would adventure to end the Inchantment, and deliver the Country from so grievous a Plague. Then went he close by the Windows of the Tower, the

which were sixteen yards in length and breadth, till he came to a little Wicket, through which he must needs enter: yet was it set as thick with Pikes of Steel as the prickles of an Urchin's skin, to the intent that no Knight should approach near unto the Door, nor once attempt to enter into the Tower; yet with great danger he opened the Wicket, whereout came such abundance of smoak, that the darkness of the Country doubled, so that neither Torch nor Candle would burn in that place; yet nevertheless St. George entred, and went downwards upon stairs, where he could see no∣thing, but yet felt so many great blows upon his Burgonet, that he was constrained to kneel upon his Knees, and with his Shield to defend himself or else he had been bruised to pieces. At last he came to the bottom, and there he found a fair great Uault, where he felt so terrible a heat that he sweat exceedingly, and as he felt about him, he perceived that he approached near the Fire, and go∣ing a little further, he espied out the Fountain, whereat he greatly rejoyced: and so he took his Shield, and bare therein as much Water as he could, and cast it into the Fire: In conclusion, he laboured so long till the fire was clean quenched: then began the Skies to receive their perfect lightness, and the Golden Sun to shine most clearly about him, where he plainly perceived how there stood upon the Stairs many great Images of Brass, holding in their hands mighty Maces of Steel, the which had done him much trouble at his coming down, but then their power was ended, the fire quenched, and the Inchantment finished.

Thus when St. George, through his Invincible Fortitude had performed this dangerous Adventure, he grew weary of Travel, what with heat and sweating, and the mighty blows he received from the brazen Images, that he returned again to the Wicket, whereat the deformed Gyant still remained: who when he beheld the Champion returned both safe and sound, he fell upon his knees before him, and said,

Sir Knight, you are most welcome, and happily returned, for you are the Flower of Christendom, and the bravest Champion of the World. Command my Service, Duty, and Obedience; for whilst I live, I do profess by the burning Banks of Acheron, ne∣ver to follow any other Knight but you, and hereupon I kiss your Golden Spur, which is the Noble Badge of Knighthood.

This humble submission of the Gyant caused the Champion to rejoyce, not for his Overthrow, but that he had gotten so mighty a Seruant; then unlaced he his Helmet, and lay down after his wea••y Encounter, where after he had sufficiently rested himself, he took his Iourney in company of the Gyant, to the Amazonian

Queen, where he left his Lady in company of her Uirgins, who like a kind, modest and vertuous Wife, during all the time of her Husband's absence, continually prayed to the immortal Powers of Heaven for his fortunate success and happy return, otherwise resolving her self, if the lowring Destinies should cross his intent, and unluckily end his days before the Adventure were accomplish∣ed, then to spend the remainder of her life among those happy Uir∣gins. But on the sudden, before the Queen and her Uirgins were aware, St. George arrived before the Davilion, dutifully attended on by the Gyant, who bore upon his shoulder the Body of a tall Oak, by which the Quéen knew that his Prowess had redéemed her Country from darkness, and delivered her from her Sorrow, Care, and Trouble: so in company of her Maids, very gorge∣ously attired, she conducted the Champion to a Bower of Roses, intermingled with creeping Uines, the which in his absence they planted for his Lady's delight. There found he Sabra at her Di∣vine Prayers, like to a solitary Widow, clad in mourning Habi∣liments; but when she beheld her Lord return in safety, she ba∣nished Grief, and in haste ran unto him, and in his bosom ravished her self with pleasure.

But to speak how the Amazonian Queen feasted them, and in what manner she and her Maids devised Pastime for their con∣tents, were too tedious to repeat, but when night gave end to their pleasures, and sleep summoned all things to a quiet silence, the Queen brought them to a very sumptuous Lodging, wherein stood a Bed framed with Ebony-wood, over-hung with many pendants of Gold, the Tick was stuffed with Down of Turtle-Doves, the Sheets of Median Silk, thereon ••ay a rich Quilt wrought with Cotton, covered with Damask, and stitch'd with threads of Gold. The Quéen bestowed upon St. George at his going to Bed, an im∣broidered shirt, curiously wrought with many rare Devices; as, the Labours of Hercules, the Triumphs of Mars, and the Loves of many Potentates, wrought in such curious manner, as though Art it self had been the Contriver.

Sabra at her going to Bed, was likewise presented by the Quéen's Maids with a light Kirtle of changeable Uiolet, somewhat blush∣ing on a red colour. Also, they put a white Kerchief of Silk upon her head, somewhat loose and untied, so that under the same, her I∣vory Throat might be easily seen, and her fair Golden Hait lying about her Neck; over them was cast a Mantle of green Silk, which made the Bed seem more beautiful than Flora's rich Ornaments. By them the Quéen and her Uirgins sate, making sweet Musick upon their silver tuned Lu••••s, till golden sleep had closed up their

Eyes; the which being done, the Queen with her Ladies departed likewise to their natural rests. But all this while the Gyant ne∣ver entred the Pavilion, but slept as soundly at the root of a Pine-tree, as St. George did in his imbroidered Bed, for he knew not what pleasures belonged thereunto, nor never before that time be∣held any Womans Face. At last, the Night withdrew her black Curtains, and gave the Morning leave to appear, whose pleasant light caused St. George to forsake his Bed, end to walk some few miles to over-view the Countrey; in which Iourney he took such exceeding pleasure, that he thought it the goodliest Realm that ever he saw, for he perceived well how it was full of Worldly Wealth.

At last, he climbed up to the top of an high Mountain being some two miles from the Queens Pavilion, whereon he stood and beheld many stately Towns and Towers, high and mighty Ca∣stles, many large Woods and Meadows, and many pleasant Ri∣vers; and about the Towns, fair Uines, goodly Pastures and Fields. At last, he beheld the City of Argenia shining against the Sun, the place where the Queen in former time was wont to keep her Court; which City was invironed with deep Ditches, the Wall strongly builded, and more than five hundred Towers made of Lime and Stone; also he saw many fair Churches covered with Lead, having Tops and Spires of Gold, shining most gor∣geously; with Weather-cocks of Silver, glistring against the Sun. Also he saw the Burgesses Houses stand like Palaces closed with high and strong Walls, Barred with Chains of Iron from House to House, whereat in his heart he praised much the Nobleness and Richness of the City, and said to himself, that it might well be cal∣led Argenia, for it seemed to be of Argen••, that is as much as to say, of Silver.

During the time of the Champion's pleasurable walk, which continued from the break of day, to the closing of the Evening, hap∣pened a woful Tragedy, near unto the Queens Pavilion, commit∣ted by the Monstrous Gyant whom St. George brought from the Enchanted Tower: For that same Morning, when the Sun had mounted some few Degrées unto the Firmament seven of the Quéens Uirgins in Sabra's Company, walked into a pleasant Thicket of Trees adjoyning to her Pavilion not only to take the pleasure of the Morning Air, but to hear the chirping melody of Birds, in which Thicket or Grove, under a Pine-tree, this Gy∣ant Lodged the passed Night: but no sooner came these Beautiful Ladies under the Branches of the Trees, but the Gyant cast his Eyes upon them, whose rare Perfections so fired the heart of the Lustful Gyant, that he must either quench his desires with the spoils

of their Chastities, or end his days in some Monstrous manner; therefore he started up from the place where he lay, and with a wrathful Countenance ran amongst the Ladies, and catch∣ing them all eight at once betwixt his Arms, he bore them to the further side of the Grove, where he Ravished seven of the Queens Maidens, and afterwards devoured them alive into his loathsome Bowels, Sabra being the eighth of that woful number, which in her sight she beheld Butchered by that bloody Wolf: but continuing the time of their Ravishment, she made her supplication to the Gods, that they would in mercy defend her Chastity from the Lustful Rape of so wicked a Monster: and immediately upon these words the saw an ugly Toad come crawling before her, through which by Policy, she saved her life, and preserved her Honour: For she took the Toad betwixt her hands, and crushed the Uenom from her impoisoned Bowels, wherewith she all besprinkled her Face, so that presently her fair Beauty was changed into loathsome Blisters, for she seemed more like a Creature de••ormed with Leprosie, than a Lady of excellent Feature. At length, she being the last of all, her time came that she should be De••loured, and the Lustful Gyant came to fetch her; but when he beheld her Uisage so envenomed, he loathed her sight, seeking neither to Ravish her, nor proffering to Devour her, but discontentedly wandring away, greatly grie∣ved at the committed Crime, and sorely repenting himself of so wicked a Deed, not only for the spoil of the seven Uirgins, but for the wrong proffered to so Noble a Knight; who not only granted him liberty of Life, but received him into his Service: therefore he raged up and down the Grove, making the Earth to tremble at his Exclamations, one while cursing his Fortune and hour of Crea∣tion, another while banning his Sire and Devillish Dam: but when he remembred the Noble Champion St. George, whose angry Frown he would not see for all the World, then to prevent the same, he ran his Head most furiously against a knobbed Oak, and brained himself, where we will leave him now weltring in his Blood, and speak what became of Sabra after this bloody Accident: for after she had wandred up and down the Thicket many a weary step, in∣censing Heaven against the Gyant's Cruelty, the Sun began to set, and the dark Night grew on, which caused her thus to com∣plain.

Oh you Immortal Powers of Heaven and you Coelestial Planets, being the true Guiders of the Firmament, open your bright Coe∣lestial Gates, and send some fatal Planet, or some burning Thun∣der-bolt, to rid me from the Vale of Misery, for I will nevermore return to my Lord, since I am thus deformed, and made an ugly

Creature, my loathsome face will prove a Corrosive to his heart, and my Body a torment to his Soul: my sight will be unpleasant, my Company hated, my Presence loathed, and every one will shun my sight, as from a Crocodile; therefore I will remain with∣in this Grove, till Heaven either bring me to my former Beauty, or end my Languishing Misery; yet witness Heaven, of my Loy∣alty unto my Lord, and in what extremity I have maintained my Chastity: in remembrance of my true Love, here will I leave this Chain of Gold for my beloved Lord to find, that he may know for his sake I have endured a World of Woe.

At which Speeches she took her Chain which was doubled twenty times about her Neck, and left it lying all besmeared in the blood of those Uirgins whom the Gyant had Ravished and slain, and so be∣took her self to a sad solitary Life, intending never to come in the sight of Men, but to spend her days wandring in the Woods: where we will likewise leave her for a time, and speak of St. George, who by this, was returned to the Queen's Pavilion, where he missed his Lady, and had intelligence, how that she in company of seven other Ladies, walked in the Morning into a pleasant Grove to hear the Melody of Birds, and since that time no News hath been heard of them; for as then it grew toward night, which caused St. George greatly to mistrust that some Mischance had befallen his Lady. Then he demanded what was become of the Gyant, but answer was made, that he was never seen nor heard of since Morning; which caused him greatly to suspect the Gyant's Treachery, and how by his means the Ladies were prevented of their purposed plea∣sures.

Therefore in all haste, like a frantick man he ran into the Thicket, filling every corner with Clamors and resounding Ecchoes of her name, and calling for Sabra, through every Bramble Bush: but there he could neither hear the voice of Sabra, nor the answer of any other Lady, but the woful Ecchoes of his Exclamations, which ratled through the leaves of the Trees. Then began he to wax somewhat Melancholy and Passionate, passing the time away till bright Cynthia mounted on the Hemisphere, by whose glistring Beams he saw the ground besprinkled with purple gore; and found the Chain that Sabra was wont to wear about her Neck, all be∣smeared in Blood: he bitterly complained against his own Fortune, and his Ladies hapless Destiny, for he supposed then that the Gy∣ant had Murdered her.

O discontented sight (said he) here lies the blood of my beloved Lady, the truest Woman that ever Knight enjoyed: that Body, which for Excellency deserved a Monument of Gold, more rich than the Tomb of Angelica, I fear lies buried in the Bowels of that Monstrous Gyant, whose Life unhappily I granted. Here is the chain besmeared in blood, which at our first Acquaintance I gave her in a Courtly Mask: this Golden Chain, I say, stained with the blood of my dear Lady, shall for evermore be kept within my Bosome, near unto my bleeding heart, that I may still remember her true Love, Faith, and Constancy. But fond fool that I am, why do I talk in vain? it will not recompence her murthered Soul, the which methinks I hear how it calls for Re∣venge in every corner of the Grove. It was I that left her care∣lesly within the danger of the Gyant, whom I little mistrusted, therefore I will meet her in Elysium shades, and crave remission for my committed Trespass, for on this Oak I will abridge my Life, as did the worthy Knight Melmeropolion for the Love of Sillara.

Which Lamentation being no sooner ended, but he took the Chain of Gold, and fastned one end to the Arm of a great Oak, and the other end to his Neck, intending presently to strangle himself; but Heaven prevented his desperate intent after a strange manner: for under the same Tree the brained Gyant lay, not yet fully dead, who in this manner spake to St. George.

O stay thy hand, most Noble and Invincible Knight, the World's chief Wonder for admirable Chivalry, and let my dying Soul convert thee from so wicked a Deed: Seven Virgins in this Thicket have I Ravished, and buried all their Bodies in my ac∣cursed Bowels, but before I could deflour the eighth, in a strange manner her bright Beauty was changed into a loathsome Leprosie, whereby I detested her sight, and left her Chastity undefiled, but by her sad complaints, I since have understood, how that she is your Lady and Love, and to this hour she bath her Residence within this Thicket: And thereupon with a doleful groan which seemed to shake the Ground, he bad adieu to the World.

Then St. George being glad to hear such Tydings, reverted from his desperate intent, and searched up and down the Grove till he had sound Sabra, where she sat sorrowing under the branches of a Mulberry-tree, betwixt whom was a sad and heavy greeting; and as they walked back to the Queens Pavilion, she discoursed to him the truth of this bloody stratagem, where she remained till the Ama∣zonian

Queen had cured her Leprosie by the secret vertue of her skill; of whom after they had taken leave and given her thanks for her kind courtesies, St. George with his Lady took their Iour∣ney towards Persia, where the Christian Armies lay Encamped at whose arrival you shall hear strange and wonderful things, the like was never done in any Age.

CHAP. XVII.

How St. George and his Lady lost themselves in a Wilderness, where she was Delivered of three goodly Boys. The Fairy Queen's Prophecy upon the Children's Fortunes. Of St George's return into Bohemia, where he Christened his Children, and of finding his Father's Grave, over which he built a stately Tomb.

SAint George having Atchieved the Adventure of the Enchanted Tower, and Sabra the Fury of the Lustful Gyant, they took their Iourney towards Persia, where the Christian Champions lay Encamped before the Souldan's great City of Belgor, a place most strongly Fortified with Spirits, and other ghastly Illusions, by the Enchantment of Osmond, whom you heard before in the last Chapter, to be the rarest Necromancer in the World: but as the English Champion with his Lady Travelled thitherward, they hapned into a Desart and mighty Wilderness, overgrown with lofty Pines and Cedar Trees, and many huge and mighty Daks, the spreading branches whereof seemed to with-hold the light of Heaven, from their untrodden passages, and tops for exceeding height, to reach into the Elements•• the Inhabitants were Silvanes, Satyrs, Fairies, and other Woody Nymphs, which by day spor∣ted up and down the Forrest, and by night attended the pleasures of Proserpine the Fairy Queen. The Musick of silver-sounding Birds, so chearfully resounding through the Woods, and the whist∣ling Wind made such Melody amongst, the Leaves of Trees, that it ravished their Senses like Harmony of Angels, and made them think they had entred the shades of gladsome Elysium: one while they wondred at the Beauty of the Woods, which Nature adorned with a Summers Livery, another while at the grown and fragrant grass, drawn out in round Circles by Fairies Dances, so long till

they had lost themselves amongst the unknown passages, not know∣ing how, nor by what means to recover the perfect Path of their Iourney, but were constrained to wander in the Wilderness, like solitary Pilgrims, spending their day with weary steps, and the night with vain imaginations, even as the Child when he hath lost himself in a populous City, runneth up and down, not knowing how to return to his native dwelling; even so it hapned to these two lost and disconsolate Travellers, for when they had wandred many days one way, and finding no end of their Toils, they re∣tired backward to the place of their first setting forth, where they were wont to hear the noise of People resounding in Country Uil∣lages, and to meet Travellers passing from place to place; but now they heard nothing but blustring of wind, ratling in the wood, making the Brambles to whistle, and the Trees to groan, and now and then to meet a speckled Beast like to the Rain-bow, wel∣tring from his Den to seek his natural sustenance: in their Travel by night they were wont to hear the crowing of the Cock, record∣ing glad tydings of the chearful days approach, the neighing of Hor∣ses in Pasture-fields, and the barking of Dogs in Farmers Hou∣ses: but now they were affrighted with the roaring of Lions, yel∣lowing of Wolves, the croakings of Toads in roots of rotten Trees, and the ruful sound of Progne's Ravishment, recorded by the Nightingal.

In this solitary manner wearied they the rowling time away, till thrice three times the silver Moon had returned her borrowed Light, by the which time the burthen of Sabra's Womb began to grow painful, and the Fruit of her Body ready to wax ripe, the hour of her Delivery drew on, wherein she required Lucinas's help, to make St. George the Father of a Princely Son: time called for Midwives to aid and bring her Babe into the World, and to make her a happy Mother; but before the painful hour of her Delivery ap∣proached, St. George had provided her a Bower of Uine-branches which he erected betwixt two pleasant Hills, where instead of a Princely Cabinet, behung with Arras, and Rich Tapestry, she was constrained to suffice her self with a simple Lodging covered with Roses, and other fragrant Flowers; her Bed he made of green Moss, and Thistle-down, beset cutiously round about with Olive-branches, and the sprigs of an Orange tree, which made it seem more beautiful than Flora's Pavilion, or Diana's Mansion: but at last, when she felt the pain of her Womb grow intolerable, and the Seed ready to be reaped, and how she was in a Wilder∣ness void of Womens Company, that should be ready to assist her in so secret a matter, she cast her self down upon her Mossie Bed,

and with a blushing Countenance she discovered her mind in this manner to St. George.

My most dear and loving Lord (quoth she) my true and only Champion at all times and seasons, except at this hour, for it is the painful hour of my Delivery, therefore depart from out of the hearing of my Cryes, and commit my Fortune to the plea∣sures of the Heavens: for it is not convenient for any man's eye to behold the secrets of a Woman in such a case: stay not, I say, dear Lord, to see the Infant now sprawling in my Womb, to be delivered from the Bed of his Creation; forsake my presence for a time, and let me, like the Noble Queen of France, obtain the favour of some Fairy to be my Midwife, that my Babe may be as happily born in this Wilderness as was her Valiant Sons Ua∣lentine and Orson, the one of them was cherish••d by a King, and the other by a Bear, yet both of them grew famous in their Deeds; my pain is great, dear Lord, therefore depart my Cabi∣net, and before Phoebus lodgeth in the West, I shall either be a happy Mother, or a lifeless Body, thou a joyful Father, or a•• sor∣rowful Widower. At which words St. George sealed the Agree∣ment with a kiss, and departed silently without any reply, but with a thousand sighs he bad her adieu, and so took his way to the top of a Mountain, being in distance from his Lady's aviding, a quar∣ter of a Mile, there kneeled he during the time of her Travel, with his bare knees upon the bosome of the Earth, never ceasing Prayers, but continually soliciting the Majesty of God, to grant his Lady a speedy and easie Delivery; at whose Divine Orisons the Heavens seemed to relent, and all the time of her pain, cove∣red the place with a vale of darkness, by great flights of Birds, with Troops of untamed Beasts that came flocking about the Mountain where he kneeled, and in their their kinds assisted his Celestial Contemplations; where I will leave him for a time, and speak what hapned to Sabra in the middle of her pains, and ex∣tremity of her Travel: for after St. George's departure, the fu∣ry of her Grief so raged in her Womb, that it exceeded the bounds of Reason, whereby her heart was constrained to breathe so many scorching sighs, that they seemed to blast the leaves of Trees, and to wither the Flowers which beautified her Cabinet, her burthened Torments caused her Star-bright Eyes, like Fountains to distill down silver drops, and all the rest of her Body to tremble like a Castle in a terrible Earthquake; so grievous were her pains, and ru••ul were her cries, that she caused merciless Tygers to relent, and untamed Lyons, with other wild Beasts, like silly Lambs,

to sit and bleat: her grievous cries, and bitter moans, caused the Heavens, as it were, to bleed their Uapours down, and the Earth to weep a spring of Tears, both Herbs and Trees did seem to drop; hard st••ny Rocks to sweat when she complained.

At last, her pitiful cries pierced down to the lowest Uaults of direful Dis, where Proserpine sits Crowned amongst her Fairies; and so prevailed, that in all hast she ascended from her Regiment to work this Ladies safe Delivery; and to make her Mother of three goodly Boys. who no sooner arrived in Sabra's Lodging, but she practised the Duty of a Midwife, eased the burden of her Womb, and safely brought her Babes into the World: at whose first sight the Heavens began to smile, and the Earth to rejoyce, as a sign and token, that in times to come they would prove three of the No∣blest Knights in the World.

This courteous D••••d of Proserpine was no sooner performed, but she laid the three Boys in three sumptuous Cradles, the which she caused the Fairies to fetch invisibly from three of the Richest Knights in the World, and therewithal Mantles of Silk with other things thereunto belonging; likewise she caused a winged Sa∣tyr to fetch from the farthest Borders of India, a covering of Da∣mask Taffaty embroidered with Gold, the most richest Ornament that ever Mortal eye beheld, for thereon was wrought and lively pourtrayed by the curious skill of Indian Weavers, how God Crea∣ted Heaven and Earth, the wandring Courses both of Sun and Moon, and likewise how the Golden Planets daily do predomi∣nate; also there is no Story in any Age remembred since the begin∣ning of the World, but it was thereon most perfectly wrought: So excellent it was, that Art her self could never devise a cunninger. With this rich and sumptuous Ornament she covered the Ladies Child-bed, whereby it seemed to surpass in bravery the gorgeous Bed of Juno the brave Queen, when first she entertained imperi∣ous Jove. After this, Proserpine laid under every Child's Pillow a Silver Tablet, whereon were written in Letters of Gold their good and happy Fortunes.

Under the first was these Uerses Charactered, who at that time lay frowning in his Cradle like the God of War.

A Soldier bold, a Man of wondrous Might, A King likewise this Royal Babe shall die; Three Golden Diadems in bloody Fight, By this brave Prince shall also Conquered be: The Towers of old Ierusalem and Rome, Shall yield to him in happy time to come.

Under the Pillow of the second Babe, was Charactered these Uerses following, who lay in his Cradle smiling like Cupid upon the Lap of Dido, whom Venus transformed to the likeness of Asca∣nius.

This Child shall likewise live to be a King, Time's Wonder for Device and Courtly sport: His Tilt and Tournaments abroad shall ring, To every Coast where Noble Knights resort: Queens shall attend, and humble at his feet, Thus Love and Beauty shall together meet.

Lastly, Under the Pillow of the third was these Uerses likewise Charactered, who blushed in his Cradle like Pallas when she strove for the Golden Apple with Venus, and the Queen of Heaven.

The Muses Darling for true Sapience, In Princes Courts this Babe shall spend his days, Kings shall admire his Learned Eloquence, And write in brazen Books his endless Praise: By Pallas's gifts he shall atchieve a Crown, Advance his Fame, and lift him to Renown.

Thus when the Fairy Queen had ended her Prophecy upon the Children, and had left them Golden Fortunes lying in their Cra∣dles, she vanished away, leaving the Lady rejoycing at her safe De∣livery, and wondring at the Gifts of Proserpine, which she conjectu∣red to be but shadows to dazle her eyes, and things of fading sub∣stance; but when she had laid her hands upon the rich Covering of Damask Taffaty, which covered her Mossie Bed, and felt that it was the self-same form that it seemed; she cast her eyes with a chearful look up to the Majesty of Heaven, and not only gave thanks to immortal Jove for her rich received benefits, but for his mer∣ciful kindness in making her the happy Mother of three such goodly Children. But we will now return again to the Noble Champion St. George, whom we left Praying upon the Mountain top, and as you heard before, the Skies were overspread with sable Clouds, as though they had been Mourning Witnesses of his Ladies Tor∣ment; but before the Golden Sun had dived into watry Thetis's, Lap, the Element began to clear, and to withdraw her former mourning Mantles, by which he supposed that Heaven had pitied his Ladies pains, and granted her a safe Delivery; therefore in

all haste he retired back to the Silvan Cabine, the which he found most strangely deckt with sumptuous Habiliments, his Lady ly∣ing in her Child-bed, as glorious as if she had been the greatest Empress in the World, and thrée Princely Boys swéetly sleeping in their several Cradles, at whose first fight his heart was so Ra∣vished with joy, that for a time it with-held the passage of his Tongue; but at last when he found the Silver Tablets lying under the Pillows, and read the happy Fortunes of his Children, he ran unto his Lady; embracing her lovingly, and kindly demanded the true discourse of this Accident, and by whose means the Bower was beautified so gorgeously, and the propounder of his Chil∣drens Prophesie; who with a countenance blushing like purple morning, replied in this manner:

My most dear and well beloved Lord, the pains I have endured to make you the happy Father of three lovely Boys, hath not been more painful than the stroke of Death, but yet my Delivery more joyful than the pleasures of this World: the Winds carried my groans to every corner of this Wilderness, whereby both Trees and Herbs assisted my complaints, Beasts, Birds, and feathered Fowls, with every se••sless thing that Nature framed on this Earth, seem'd to pity my moans; but in the midst of my Torments, when my Soul was ready to forsake this worldly habitation, there appeared to me a Queen Crowned with a Golden Diadem, in State and Ge∣sture like Imperious Iuno, and in Beauty to Divine Diana; her Garments for Bravery seemed to stain the Rain-Bow in her bright∣est hue, and for diversity of Colours, to surpass the Flowers of the Field: on her attended many beautiful Nymphs, some clad in Garments in colour of the Crystal Ocean, some in Attire as gal∣lant as the pleasant Rose, and some more glorious than the Azured Firmaments: her Wisdom might compare with Apollo's, her Judgment with Pallas, and her skill with Lucina's; for no soon∣er entred she my presence, but my Travels ceased, and my Womb delivered up my grievous Burden; my Babes being brought to light by the virtue of her skill, she prepared these rich and sump∣thou; Cradles, the which were brought invisibly to my Cabine; likewise these Mantles, and this Imbroidered Coverlet, she frankly bestowed upon me, and so immediately vanished away.

At which words St. George gave her so many kind imbraces; and kissed her so lovingly, as though it had been the first day of their Nuptials. At last, her hunger increased, and her desire thirsted so much after food, that except she received some comforta∣ble sustenance, her life were in danger. This extream desire of

Sabra caused St. George to buckle on his Armour, and to unsheath his trusty sword, ready to goar the Intrails of some Deer: who swore by the honour of true Knighthood, never to rest in peace, till he had purchased her hearts content.

My Love (said he) I will adventure for thy sake, more dangers then Iason did for Medea's Love: I will search the thickest Groves, and chase the nimble Doe to Death, the flying Fowl I'll follow up and down from Tree to Tree, till over-wearied they do fall down and die, for love of thee and these my tender Babes, whom I esteem more dear than the Conquest of rich Babylon; I will ad∣venture more dangers than did Hercules for the Love of Dejani∣ra, and more extreams than Turnus did in his bloody Battels. And thereupon with his Fauchion ready charged, he traced the Woods, leaving no Thorny Brake nor Mossie Cave unsearched, till he had found a Herd of Fallow Deer; from which number he sing∣led out the fattest to make his Lady a bountiful Banquet: but in the time of his absence, there hapned to Sabra a strange and won∣derful Accident; for there came weltring into the Cabine three most Wild and Monstrous Beasts, a Lioness, a Tygress, and a she Wolf, which took the Babes out of their Cradles, and bore them to their secret Dens.

At which sight Sabra like one berest of Sense, started from her Bed, and to her weak power offered to follow the Beasts, but all in vain; for before she could get without her Cabine, they were past fight, and the Childrens cry without her hearing: then like a Dis∣contented Woman she turned back, beating her Breast, rending her Hair, and Raging up and down her Cabine, using all the Ri∣gour she could devise against her self; and had not St. George re∣turn'd the sooner, she had most violently committed her own slaughter; but at his return, when he beheld her face stained with tears, her head disrobed of Ornaments, and her Ivory Breast all to be-rent, he cast down his Uenison in all hast, and asked the cause of her Sorrow.

Oh (said she) this is the wofullest day that ever hapned to me, for in the time of your unhappy Hunting, a Lioness, a Ty∣gress, and a Wolf came into the Cabin, and took my Children from their Cradles; what is become of them I know not, but greatly I fear by this time they are intombed within their hungry Bowels.

Oh simple Monuments (quoth he) for such sweet Babes: Well Sabra, if the Monsters have bereaved me of my Children, this bloody Sword that dived into the Entralls of the fallow Deer,

shall rive my woful heart in twain. Accursed be this fatal day, the Planets that predominate, and Sun that shines thereon; Hea∣ven blot it from the year, and let it never more be numbred, but ac∣counted for a dismal day throughout the World; let all the Trees be blasted in those accursed Woods; let Herbs and Grass consume away and die, and all things perish in this Wilderness. But why breathe I out these Curses in vain, when as methinks I hear my Children in untamed Lions Dens, crying for help and succour? I come sweet Babes, I come, either to redeem you from Tygers wrathful Jaws, or make my Grave within their hungry Bowels.

Then took he up his Sword besmeared all in blood, and like a man bereaved of Wit and Sense, ranged up and down the Wil∣derness, searching every corner for his Children; but his Lady re∣mained still in her Cabine, lamenting for their loss, ••••ashing their Cradles with her pearled Tears that run down her stained Cheeks like silver drops.

Many ways wandred St. George, sometimes in Ualleys where Wolves and Tygers lurk; sometimes in Mountain tops, where Lyons whelps do sport and play, and many times in dismal Thickets, where Snakes and Serpents live.

Thus wandred St. George up and down the Wilderness for the space of two days hearing no news of his unchristened Children. At last he approached the sight of a pleasant River, which smoothly glided down betwixt two Mountains, into whose streams he pur∣posed to cast himself; and so by a desperate death give end to his Sorrows; but as he was committing his body to the mercy of the Waters, and his Soul to the pleasure of the Heavens, he heard a∣far off the rusul shriek, as he thought, of a comfortless Babe: which sudden noise caused him to refrain from his desperate purpose, and with more discretion to tender his own safety: then casting his eyes aside, it was his happy Destiny to espy three inhumane Beasts lying at the foot of a Hill, tumbling themselves against the warm Sun, and his three pretty Babes sucking from their Dugs, their most unkind Milk; which spectacle so encouraged the Cham∣pion, that without farther advisement, with his single Sword, he assailed at one time the three Monsters, but so furiously they pur∣sued him, that he little prevailed; and being almost breathless, was forced to get into an Orange-tree, else he had been buried in their merciless Bowels: but when the three wild Beasts perceived him above their reaches, and that by no means they could come near him, with their wrathful Iaws, they so rent and tore the root of the tree, that if by policy he had not prevented them, the Tree, had

béen pulled in pieces, for at that time it was so full of ripe Oran∣ges, and so overladen, hat the branches seemed to bend, and the bows to break, of which fruit he cast such abundance down to the Beasts, whereby they restrained their furies, and fed so fast thereon that in short time they grew drunk, and quite overcome with a dead and heavy sleep: this good and happy fortune caused St. George nimbly to leap off the Tree, and with his keen edged Sword, cut off ther heads from ther bodies, the which being done, he went to his Children, lying comfortless upon a Mossie bank; who so pleasantly smiled in his face, that they made him greatly to rejoyce, and to re∣ceive as great pleasure in their sights, as though he had been honou∣red with the Conquests of Caesar, or the Royalty of Alexander; therefore after he had given them his Blessing, he took them up in his Arms, and spake these words following.

Come, come, my pretty Babes, your safe Deliveries from these inhumane Monsters, will add long Life unto your Mother, and hath preserved your Father from a desperate Death; from hence∣forh let Heaven be your guide, and send you as happy Fortunes as Remus and Romulus the first Founders of Imperious Rome, which in their Infancies were Nursed with the Milk of a Ravenous Wolf, and as Prosperous in your Adventures, as was that Persi∣an Potentate, which fed on the Milk of a Bitch.

At the end of which speeches, he approached the Cabine, where he left his Lady mourning for the loss of her Children; but at his return he found her without sense or moving; being not able to give him a joyful welcome, whereat he fell into this extream passi∣on of Sorrow,

O Fortune, Fortune, (quoth he!) how many Griefs heapest thou upon my head? wilt thou needs enjoyn me to an endless Sorrow? See Sabra, see, I have redeemed our Sons, and freed them from the Tygers bloody Jaws, whose wrathful Countenance did threa∣ten Death.

Which comfortable Speeches caused her presently to revive, and to take the silly Infants in her Arms, laying them sweetly upon her I∣vory Bosome, at which they seemed to smile as pleasantly as Cupid in the Lap of Dido, when Aeneas sported in the Court of Carthage. The kind imbraces, loving speeches, and joyful conference that pas∣sed betwixt the Champion and his Lady, were now too long to be discoursed: but to be short, they remained in the Wilderness with∣out farther Disturbance, either of wild Beasts, or other Accident, till Sabra had recovered her Child-bed sickness: And then being conducted by happy Stars, they returned back the ready way to

Christendom, where after some few days Travel, they arrived in the Bohemian Court, where the King of that Countrey, with two other Bordering Princes, most Royally Christened his Children. The Eldest they named Guy, the Second Alexander, and the Third David; the which being performed, and the Triumphs ended, which in most sumptuous manner continued for the space of one Month, then the Bohemian King, for the great Love he bare to St. George provided most honourably for his Childrens bringing up.

First, He appointed thrée several Embassadors, with all things necessary for so Princely a Charge, to conduct the three Infants to three several Countries. The first, and eldest, whose Fortune was to be a Soldier, he sent to the Imperial City of Rome, (be∣ing then the Wonder of the World for Martial Discipline) there by the Emperor to be Trained up. The Second, whose Fortune was to be a Courtly Prince, he sent to the Rich and Plentiful Countrey of England, being the Pride of Christendom for all de∣lightful pleasures, The Third and Last, whose Fortune was to be prove a Scholar, he sent into Germany, unto the University of Wit∣tenburg, being thought at that time to be the excellentest place of Learning that remained throughout the whole World.

Thus were St. George's Children provided for by the Bohemian King, for when the Embassadors were in Readiness, the Ships for their Passage furnished, and Attendance appointed, St. George, in Company of his Lady, the King of Bohemia with his Quéen, and a Train of Lords, and Gentlemen, and Ladies, Conducted them to Ship-board, where the Wind served them prosperously, that in a short time they had bad adieu to the Shore, and Sailed chearfully away. But as St. George returned back to the Bohe∣mian Court, it was his chance to come by an old Ruinated Mona∣stery, under whose Walls in former time his Father was Buried, the which he knew by certain Uerses carved in Stone over his Grave, by the Commons of the Countrey (as you may read be∣fore in the beginning of this History.) Over the same he requested of the King that he might Erect a Stately Monument, that the remembrance of his Name might live for ever, and not be Buried in the Grave of Obscurity. To which reasonable Demand, the King most willingly consented, and presently gave special com∣mandment that the cunningest Architectors that remained within his Dominion, should forthwith be sent for, and withal, gave a Tun of Gold forth of his own Treasury, towards the performance thereof. The sudden report of this memorable Deed being bruited abroad, caused Workmen to come from every place of their own

accord, with such willingness, that they in short time finished it; the Foundation of the Tomb was of purest Marble, whereon was engraven the frame of Earth, and how the watry Ocean was di∣vided, with Woods, Groves, Hills, and Dales; so lively pourtray∣ed, that it was a wonder to behold: The Props and Pinnacles of Alabaster, beset with knobs of Iasper Stone; the sides and Pillars of the clearest Iet; upon the top stood four golden Lions, holding up, as it were an Element, wherein was curiously con∣trived the Golden Sun and Moon, and how the Heavens have their usual Courses, with many other things wrought both in Gold and Silver, which for this time I omit, because I am for∣ced at large to discourse of the Princely Proceedings of S. George, who after the Monument was finished, with his Lady, most hum∣bly took their Leave of the King thanked him for his Love, Kind∣ness and Courtesie, and so departed towards Egypt and Persia, of whose Adventures you shall hear more in the Chapter fol∣lowing.

CHAP. XVI.

How St. George with his Lady arrived in Egypt: Of their Royal Entertainment in the City of Grand Cair: and also how Sabra was Crowned Queen of Egypt.

MAny strange Accidents, and dangerous Adventures, S. George with his Lady passed, before they arrived within the Terri∣tories of Aegypt, which I want Memory to repeat, and Art, to de∣scribe. But at last when Fortune smiled, which before had long time crossed their intents with her inconstant Chances, and had cast them happily upon the Aegyptian Shore, being the Nurse and Mother of Sabra's first Creation; the twelve Peers unto whom St. George before-time committed the guiding of the Land, and keeping of his Crown, as you heard before discoursed, now met him and his Lady at the Sea-side, most richly mounted upon their costly trapped Steeds, and willingly surrendred up his Scepter, Crown and Regiment; and after in company of many Princely Estates, both of Dukes, Earls, Lords, Knights, and Royal Gen∣tlemen, they attended them to the City of Grand Cair, being then

under the Subjection of the Egyptian Monarchy, and the greatest City in the World, for it was in breadth full threescore Miles, and had by just account, within the Walls, Twelve Thousand Churches, besides Abbies, Priories, and Houses of Religion; but when St. George with his stately Attendants entred the Gates, they were presently entertained with such a joyful sound of Bells, Trum∣pets, and Drums, that it seemed like the inspiring Musick of Heavenly Angels, and to exceed the Royalty of Caesar in Rome, when he returned from the World's Conquest. The Stréets were beautified with stately Pageants, contrived by Scholars of ingenious Capacity, the Pavement strewed with all manner of O∣doriferous Flowers, and the Walls hung with Indian Coverlets and curious Tapestry.

Thus passed they the Streets in great Solemnity, wondring at the curiosity of the Pageants, and listning to their Learned Ora∣tions, till they entred the Gates of the Palace, where in the first Entry of the Court was contrived over head, a golden pendant Fir∣mament, as it were supported by a hundred Angels: from thence it seemed to Rain Nectar and Ambrosis; likewise there descended as it were from the Clouds, Cere••, the Goddess of Plenty, sitting upon a Throne of Gold, beautified with all manner of springing things, as of Corn, Olives, Grapes, Herbs, Flowers, and Trees; who at the coming by of S. George and his Lady, presented them with two Garlands of Wheat, bound up most curiously in bands of Silver, to signifie that they were happily returned to a plentiful Countrey, both of Wealth and of Treasure. But at Ce∣res ascension up into the Firmament, there was seen most strange and pleasant Fire-works shooting from place to place, as though the fiery Planets had descended from Heaven, and had generally consented to make them delightful Pastimes: but as St. George with his Lady Crowned with Garlands of Wheat passed through the second Court, they beheld a Pageant most strangely contrived, wherein stood Mars the angry God of War, invironed with a Camp of Armed Soldiers as if they were with their Weapons ready charged to assault some strong hold, or invincible City; their Sil∣ver Trumpets seemed to sound chearfully, their thundring Drums couragiously, their Silken Streamers to flourish valiantly, and them∣selves to march triumphantly: all which seemed to give more con∣tent to St. George, than all the delightful pleasures before rehear∣sed; for there was nothing in all the World that more rejoyced his heart, than to hear the pleasant sound of War, and to see the Soul∣diers brandish forth their steeled Weapons. After he had suffici∣ently delighted himself in these Martial Sports, and was ready so

part, the God of War descended his Throne, and presented him with the the richest Armor that ever e••e beheld, and the bravest Sword that ever Rt. handled; for they have been e••t within the City of Grand Cayer, for the spare of five hundred years, and held for the vichest Monuments in the Country. Also he presented Sa∣bra with a Myrour of such an inestimable price, that it was va∣lued at a King's Ransom; for it was made by Magick Art, the Uertues and Qualities thereof were so precious, that it is al∣most incredible to report; for therein one might behold the se∣cret Mysteries of all the liberal Sciences, and by Art discourse what was practised in other Princes C••u••ts; if any Hill or Moun∣tain within a thousand Miles of the place where it remained, were enriched with a Mine of Gold, it would describe the Place and Country, and how deep it lay closed in the Earth; vp it one might truly calculate upon the birth of Children, successi∣on of Princes, and continuance of Common-wealths, with ma∣ny other excellent Gifts and Uertues, which for this time I o∣mit. Then in great state passed St. George to the third Court, which was richly beautified with all gallant Sights as the other twain; for there was most lively portrayed the manner of Ely∣sium, how Jove and Juno sat invested in their royal Throues, and likewise how all the Gods and Goddesses took their places by degrees in Parliament; the Sight was pleasant and the Device most excellent, their Musick a••mired, and their Songs heavenly.

Thus passed St. George, with his Lady, through the three Courts, till they came to the Palace; wherein was provided a∣gainst their coming a stat••lier Banquet then had the Macedoni∣an Monarch, at his veturn into Babylon, when he had conquered the Middle-earth; the curious Gates and well replenish'd Dis••∣es were so many, that I want Art and Eloquence to describe them; but to be short, it was the most sumptuous Banquet that ever they beheld since their departure from the English Court, and so artificially served, as tho' that all the World had been pre∣sent. Many days continued this sump••uous Chéet, and accom∣panied with such princely Triumphs, as Art herself wants me∣mory to describe.

The Coronation of Sabra, which was royally performed with∣in thrée Months following, requires a golden Pen to wri••e it, and a Tongue washt in the Conservatives of the Muses H••••y to declare it: Aegypt was honoured with Triumphs, and Orand Cayer with ••••lts and Turnaments. Through every Town was proclaimed a solemn and festival day, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the remembrance

of their new crowned Queen; no Tradesman nor Artificer was suffered to work that day, but was charged, upon pain of death, to hold it for a day of Triumph, a day of Joy, and a day of Pleasure. In which Royalties St. George was a principal Per∣former, till thirst of Honour summoned him to Arms; the re∣membrance of the Christian Champions in Persia, caused him to br••viate the Pastimes, and to buckle on his steely Corslet, which had not glistered in the fields of Mars in four and twenty days; of which noble Deeds, and adventurous Proceedings, I will at large discourse, and leave all other Pastimes to the new invested Queen and her Ladies.

CHAP. XVII.

The bloudy Battel betwixt the Christians and the Persians, and how the Negromancer, Osmond, raised up, by his Magick Art, an Army of Spirits to fight against the Christians; how the Six Champions were Enchanted, and recovered by St. George; the Misery and Death of the Conjurer, and how the Souldan Brained himself against a Mar∣ble Pillar.

NOw must we return to the Christian Champions, and speak of their Battels in Persia, and what happened to them in St. George's absence, for if you remember before, being in Aegypt, when he had news of his Lady's condemnation in England, for the Murther of the Earl of Coventry, he caused them to march into Persia, and incouraged them to revenge his wrongful Impri∣sonment upon the Souldan's Provinces; in which Country, af∣ter they had marched some fifty Miles, burning and spoiling his Territories, they were intercepted by the Souldan's Power, which was about the number of three hundred thousand fighting Men: but the Muster-rolls of the Christians we••e likewise num∣bred, and they amounted not to above one hundred thousand a∣ble Men: at which time, betwixt the Christians and Pagans, happened a long and dangerous Battle, the like many Age was seldom fought; for it continued without ceasing, for the space of five days, to the great effusion of bloud on both Parties; but at last the Pagans had the worst, for when they beheld their fields bestrowed with mangled Bodies, and that the Rivers for twenty Miles com••ass did flow with crimson Blood, their hearts began to fail, and inconti••ently fled like S••eep before the Wolf. Then the va••••ant Christians thirsting after revenge, speedily pursued them, s••a••••ng neither young nor old, till the ways were

strowed with liveless bodies, like heaps of scattered sand; in which Pursuit and honourable Conquest they burned two hundred Forts and Towns, battering their Towers of Stone as level with the ground, as Harvest-Reapers do Fields of ••••pened Corn: but the Souldan himself, with many of his approved Souldiers escaped alive, and fortified the City of Grand Belgor, being the strongest Town of War in all the Kingdom of Persia, before whose Walls we will leave the Christian Champions plant∣ing their puissant Forces, and speak of the damnable practises of Osmond within the Town, where he accomplisht many ad∣mirable Accidents by Magick Art: for when the Christians Ar∣my had long time given assaults to the Walls, sending their fie∣ry Bullets to their lofty Battlements like Storms of Winters Hail; whereby the Persian Souldiers were not able any longer to resist, they began to yield, and commit their lives to the mer∣cy of the Christian Champions: but when the Souldan per∣ceived the Souldiers cowardise, and how they would willingly resign his happy Government to forreign Rule; he encouraged them still to resist the Christians desperate encounters, and with∣in thirty days, if they had not the honour of the War, then wil∣lingly to condescend to their Country's Conquest; which prince∣ly resolution encouraged the Souldiers to resist, intending not to yield up their City, till Death had made triumph on their Bo∣dies. Then departed he unto a sacred Tower where he found Os∣mond sitting in a Chair, studying, by Magick, how long Persia should remain unconquered, who at his entrance drove him from his Charms with these Speeches:

Thou wondrous Man of Art (said the Souldan) whom for Necro∣mancy the World hath made famous: Now is the time to express the Love and Loyalty thou bearest thy Soveraign: Now is the time thy charming Spells must work for Persia's good; thou seest my Fortunes are deprest, my Souldiers dead, my Captains slaughtered, my Cities burned, my Fields of Corn consumed, and my Country almost conquer∣ed. I that was wont to cover the Seas with Fleets of Ships, now stand amazed to hear the Christians Drums, that sound forth doleful Fune∣rals for my Souldiers: I that was wont, with armed Legions, to drink up Rivers as we marched, and made the Earth to groan with bearing of our Multitudes: I that was wont to make whole Kingdoms tremble at my Frowns, and force imperious Potentates to humble at my Feet: I that have made the Streets of many a City to run with Bloud, and stood rejoycing when I saw their Buildings burnt: I that have made the Mothers Wombs the Infants Tombs, and caused Cradles for to swim

in streams of Bloud, may now behold my Country's ruine, my King∣dom's fall, and mine own fatal overthrow. Awake, great Osmond, from thy dreaming Trance, awake, I say, and raise a Troop of black infernal Fiends to sight against the damned Christians, that like swarms of Bees do flock about our Walls; prevent, I say, my Land's Invasion, and as I am great Monarch of Asia, I'll make thee King o∣ver twenty Provinces, and sole Commander of the Ocean; raise up, I say, thy charmed Spirits, leave burning Acheron empty for a time, to aid us in this bloudy Battel.

These words were no sooner ended, but there ratled such a peal of Cannons against the City Walls, that they made the very Earth shake; whereat the Necromancer started from his Chair, and in this manner encouraged the Souldan:

It is not Europe (quoth he) nor all the petty Bands of armed Knights, nor all the Princes in the World, that shall abate your Princely Digni∣ty: Am not I the great Magician of this Age, that can both loose and bind the Fiends, and call the black-faced Furies from low Cocitus? Am not I that skilful Artist, which framed the charmed Tower amongst the Amazonian Dames, which all the Witches in the World could never spoil? Therefore let Learning, Art, and all the Secrets of the Deeps, assist me in this Enterprise, and then let frowning Europe do her worst; my Charms shall cause the Heavens to rain such ratling showers of Stones upon their Heads, whereby the Earth shall be over-laden with their dead Bodies, and Hell over-filled with their hateful Souls; senceless Trees shall rise in humane shapes, and fight for Persia. If wise Me∣dea were ever famous for Arts, that did the like for safeguard of her Father's State, then, Why should not Osmond practice Wonders for his Soveraign's Happiness? I'll raise a Troop of Spirits from the lowest Earth, more black then dismal Night, the which in ugly Shapes shall haunt them up and down, and when they sleep within their rich Pavi∣lions, legions of fiery Spirits will I up-raise from Hell, that like to Dra∣gons spitting flames of Fire, shall blast and burn the damned Christians in their Tents of War: the Fields of Grand Belgor shall be over-spread with venemous Snakes, Adders, Serpents, and impoysoned Toads, the which unseen shall lurk in mossie Ground, and sting the Colonels of warlike Horses; down from the crystal Firmament I will conjure Troops of airy Spirits to descend, that like to Virgins clad in princely Orna∣ments shall link those Christian Champions in the Charms of Love; their Eyes shall be like the twinkling Lamps of Heaven, and dazle so their warlike Thoughts, and their lively Countenance, more bright then Fairies, shall lead them captive to a Tent of Love, the which shall be articially erected up by Magick Spells; their warlike Weapons that

were wont to smoak in Pagans Bloud, shall, in my charmed Tent, b•• hung upon the bowers of Peace; their glist••ing Armour that were wont to shine within the Fields of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, shall henceforth for evermore be stained with Rust; and themselves s••rname•• for Martial Discipline, the Wondrous Champions of the World, shall surfeit with delightful Loves, and sleep upon the laps of the airy Spirits, that descend the E∣lements in Virgins shapes; Terror and Despair shall mightily oppress their merciless Souldiers, that they shall yield the honourable Conquest to your Excellency: such strange and wonderful Accidents by Art shall be accomplished, that Heaven shall ••rown at my Enchantments, and the Earth tremble to hear my Conjurations; therefore, most mighty Per∣sian, number up thy scattered Bands, and to morrow in the morning set open thy Gates, and march thitherward with thy armed Souldiers; leave not a Man within the City, but let every one that is able to bear Arms, fight in the honour of Persia, and before the closing of the night, I'll make thee Conquerour, and yield up the braging Christians as Pri∣soner to thy Mightiness.

If this prove true, renowned Osmond, as thou hast promised (said the Souldan) Earth shall not harbour that too dear for thee; for thou shalt have myself, my Kingdoms, Crowns and Scepters at com∣mand: the wealthy River Ganges, shall pay thee yearly Tribute with her Treasure, the place where Midas wash'd her golden Wish a∣way. All things that Nature framed precious shall thou be Lord and sole Commander of, if thou prevent the Invasion of my Country. And thereupon he departed the Chamber and left the Necroman∣cer in his Study, and as he gave Commandment, his Captains made in reaviness his Souldiers, and furnished their warlike Horses, and by the Sun's up-rising marched into the Fields of Belgor, where, upon the North side of the Enemy, they pitch'd their Camp. On the other side, when the warlike Christians had intelligence by their Courts of Guard, how the Persians were entred the Fields ready to give them Battle, sud••en ala∣rums sounded in their Ears, tumous of Conquest encouraged i•• the Souldies, that presently they were in readiness to enter∣tain the Persians in a bloody Banquet: both Armies were in fight, with blood red Colours wav••ring in the A••r: the Chri∣stian Champions, richly mounted on their warlike Coursers, placed themselves in the fore-front of the Battle, like courag••∣ous Captains, fearing neither Death nor unconstant chance of Fortune. But the Souldan with his petty Princes, like Co∣wards, were invironed and rompast with a ring of armed Kts where, instead of nimble Steeds, then sat in iron Chariots;

bibers heroical, and many princely Encouragements past between the two Armies before they entred Battle: but when the Drums began to sound alarm, and the silver T••umpets gave dreadful echoes of death; when the Cross of Christendom began to nou∣rish, and the Arms of Mahomet to be advanced, even then began so terrible and bloudy a Battle that the like was never found in any Age; for before the Sun had mounted to the top of Heaven, the Pagans received so great a Massac••ee, and fell before the Christian Champions, that they ••ere forc'd to wade up to the knees in bloud, and their Souldiers to fight upon heaps of slaugtered Men: the Fields were altered from a green colour to a purple hue, the Dales were steept in crimson G••re, and the Hills and Mountains covered with dead Mens ratling bones. And let us not forget the wicked Necromancer Osmond, that during the time of that dangerous Enconter kneeled in a low Ualley, near unto the Camps, with his black Hair hanging down unto his shoulders like a wreath of Snakes, and with his silver Wand circling the Earth, where when he heard the sound of Drums in the Air, and the brazen Trumpets giving dreadful sounds of War, he entred into these fatal and damned Spéeches:

Now is the Battle (quoth he) furiously begun, for methinks I hear the Souldan cry for help; now is the time my charming Spells must work for Persia's Victory, and Europe's fatal Overthrow: which being said, thrice did he kiss the Earth, thrice beheld the Elements, and thrice besprinkled the Circle with his own Blood, the which with a silver Razor he let from his left Arm; and after began again to speak in this manner:

Stand still you wandring Lamps of Heaven, move not, sweet Stars, but linger on till Osmond's Charms be brought to full effect. O thou great Demond, Prince of damned Ghosts, thou chief Commander of those fearful Shapes, that nightly glide by misbelieving Travellers, e∣ven thou that holdest the snaky Scepter in thy hand, sitting upon a Throne of burning Steel, even thou that bindest the Furies up in Chains, even thou that tossest burning Fire-brands abroad, even thou whose Eyes are like to unlucky Comets, even thee I charge to let my Furies loose, open thy brazen Gates, and leave thy boyling Cauldron empty; send up such Legions of Infernal Fiends that may in number countervail the Blades of Grass that beautifie those bloody Fields of Belgor.

These fatal Speeches were no sooner finished, but there ap∣peared such a similitude of Spirits, both from the Earth, Wa∣ter, Air and Fire, that it is almost incredible to report; the which he caused to run into the Christian Army; whose burn∣ing

Fauchions not only annoyed the Souldiers with fear and terror, but also fired the Horses Mains, burned the Trappings, consumed their Banners, scorc•••••• Tree•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Herbs, and dim∣med the Elements with such an extream Darkness, as tho' the Earth had been covered with eternal Night; he caused the Spi∣rits likewise to raise such a Tempest that it tore up mighty Oaks by the roots, removed Hills and Mountains, and blow up Men into the Air, Horse and all: yet neither his Magick Arts, nor all the Furies and wicked Spirits could any whit daunt the most noble and magnanimous Minds of the six Cham∣pions of Christendom; but like unconquer'd Lyons they pur∣chase Honour where they went, colouring their Swords in Pa∣gans Blood, making the Earth true Witnesses of their vigori∣ous and heroical Proceedings, whom they had attired in a blood∣red Livery: and though St. George (the chiefest Champion of Christendom for Martial Discipline and princely Atchievements) were absent in that terrible Battle, yet merited they as much Honour and Ren••wn as tho' he had been there present; for the accursed Pagans fell before their wa•• like Weapons, as Leaves do from the Trees, when the blustring storms of Winter enter on the Earth. But when the wicked Nicromancer, Osmond, perceived that his Magick Spells took none effect, and how, in despite of his Enchantment, the Christians got the better of the day, he accursed his Art, and banned the hour and time where∣in he attempted so wicked an Enterprise, thinking them to be preserved by Angels, or else by some celestial Means; but yet not purposing to leave off at first repulse, he attempted another way, by Necromancy, to overthrow the Christians.

First he erected up, by Magick Art, a stately Tent, outwardly in show like to the compass of Earth; but furnished inwardly with all the delightsome Pleasures that either Art or Reason could invent, only framed to Enchant the Christian Champi∣ons with entiring delight, whom he purposed to keep as Priso∣ners therein: then fell he again to his Conjuration, and bound a hundred Spirits by due obedience to transform themselves in∣to the likeness of beautiful Uirgins, which in a moment they accomplished, and they were framed in form and beauty like to the Darlings of Venus, in comliness comparable with Thetis, dancing on the silver Sands, and in all proportion like Daphne, whose Beauty caused Apollo to descend the Heavens; their L••mbs were like the lofty Cedars, their Chéeks to Roses dipt in Milk, and their Eyes more brighter then the Stars of Heaven; also then

seemed to carry in their hands silver Bows, and on their ba••ks 〈…〉〈…〉 of go••den Arrows; likewise upon their breasts, t••ey had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the God of Love dan••••••g upon Mars his knee.

Thus in the ••hape of beauteous Dam••sel••, caused he these Sp••••••ts to enter the C••r••stian•• Army, and with the golden Bait of their entiring Smiles, ••o tangle the Champions in the snares of Love, and with their sinning Beauties, led them from their Souldiers, and to bring them Prisoners into his enchant∣ed T••nt. Which Commandment being no sooner given, but these Ui••gins, or rather internal Furies, ••••ore swift then the Winds, glide•• into the Christians Army, where their g••istering Beauties so dazled the Eyes of the six Christian Champions, and their s••ber Countenances so entra••ped their Hearts with desire, that their princely Ualours were a••••ted, and they stood gazing as their excellent proportions, as though Medusa's sha∣dow had been pictured upon their faces, to whom the inticing Ladies spake in this manner:

Come, princely Gallants, come, away with Arms, forget the sounds of bloody War, and hang your angry weapons on the power of Peace: Uenus, you see hath sent her Messengers from Paphos to lead you to the paradise of Love; there Heaven will rain down Nectar and Am∣brosia, sweet for you to feed upon, and there the melody of Angels will make you Musick; there shall you fight upon beds of Silk, and encounter with inticing Kisses. These golden promises so ravished the Champions, that they were enchanted with their Loves, and vowed to take their last farewel of Knighthood and mag∣nanimous Chivalty.

Thus were they led from their warlike Companies, to the Ne∣cromancer's enchanted Tent, leaving their Souldiers without Guiders, in danger of confusion. But the Queen of Chance so smiled upon the Christians, that the same time St. George ar∣rived in Persia, with a fresh supply of Knights, of whose noble Atchievements I purpose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to speak: For no sooner had he entred the Battel, and placed his Squadrons, but he had intel∣ligence of the Champions misadventures, and how they say En∣chanted in a Magick Tent, sleeping in pleasure upon the laps of internal Furies, the which Osmond had transformed, by his Charms, into the likeness of beautiful Damosels; which unex∣pected news con••••rained St. George to breathe from his sorrow∣ful heart, this woful Lamentation:

Unconstant Fortune (quoth he) why dost thou entertain me with such bitter news? Are my Fellow-champions come from Christendom

to win immortal Honour with their Swords, and lie they now bewitcht with Beauty? Come they from Europe to fight in coats of Steel, and will they lye distraught in Tents of Love? Came they to Asia to pur∣chase Kingdoms, and by bloody War to ruinate Countries, and will they yield their Victories to so foul Disgrace? O shame and great dis∣honour to Christendom! O spot to Knighthood and true Chivalry! this news is far more bitter to my Soul, than was the poysoned Dregs that Antipater gave to Alexander in his Drunkenness, and a deadsi∣er pain unto my Heart, than was that Juice that Hannibal suckt from his fatal King. Come, Souldiers, come you Followers of those coward∣ly Champions; unsheath your warlike Weapons, and follow him whose Soul hath vowed either to redeem them from the Necromancer's Charms or die with honour in that Enterprize. If ever mortal Creatures war∣red with damned Furies, and made a passage to enchanted Dales, where Devils dance, and warlike Shadows in the Night: Then Souldiers let us march unto that Pavilion, and chain the cursed Charmer to some blasted Oak, that hath so highly dishonoured Christendom.

These resolute speeches were no sooner finished, but the whole Army, before daunted with fear, grew so couragious, that they protested to follow him through more dangers than did the Gre∣cian Knights with noble Jason in the Ifle of Colcos. Now began the Battle again to renew, and the Drums to sound fatal Knells, for the Pagan Souldiers, whose Souls the Christians Swords by numbers sent to burning Acheron: but St. George, that in valour exceeded the rest, as much as the golden Sun Turpasseth the smallest Stars in brightness, with his Sword made lanes if slaughtered Men, and with his angry Arm made passage through the thickest of their Troops, as though that Death had been Commander of the Battel: he caused Crowns and Scepters to swim in Blood, and headless Stéeds with joyntless Men, to fall as fast before his Sword, as drops of Rain before Thunder, and ever in great danger he encouraged his Souldiers in this man∣ner: Now for the Fame of Christendom, fight; Captains be now Tri∣umphant Conquerors, or Christian Martyrs.

These words so encouraged the Souldiers hearts with in∣vincible Ualour, that they neither feared the Necromancer's Charms, nor all the flaming Dragons, nor-flerce Drakes, that filled the Air with burning Lights, nor daunted at the strange encounters of ••estish Legions, that like to armed Men with burning Fauchious haunted them; so fortunate were their Proceedings, that they followed the invincible Champion to the enchanted Tent, whereas the other Champions lay surfeting

in ••••••ve; whilst thousands of their Friends fought in Coats of Steel, and merited Renown by their noble Atchievements; for no sooner arrived St. George with his warlike Followers before the Pavilion, but he heard as it were the melody of the Muses; likewise his ears were almost ravished with the sugered Songs of the enchanted Uirgins, which like the Musick of Orpheus's Harp, caused the Stones and Trees to dance, and made the E∣leme••ts to shew more brighter than the morning Beauty, with drops of Honey trickling down their crystal Cheeks; the Doves did kiss when they began to sing; the running Waters danced, and every senceless thing did seem to breath out Sighs for Love; so pleasant and heavenly were the sights in the Tent, and so de∣lightful in his Eyes, that he had been enchanted with their Charms, if he had not continually born the honour of Knight∣hood in his Thoughts, and that the dishonour would ••edound to Christendom's Reproach; therefore with his Sword he let drive at the Tent, and cut it in a thousand pieces; the which being done, he apparently beheld where the Necromancer sat upon a block of Steel, feeding his Spirits with drops of blood; whom when the Champion beheld, he caused his Souldiers to lay hold upon him, and after chained him fast to the root of an old blassed Oak, from whence neither Art, nor help of all his Charms, nor all the Legions of his Devils could ever after loose him; where we leave him to his Lamentations, filling the Air with ecchoes of Cries, and speak how St. George redeemed the Champions from their Enchantments:

First, When we beheld them discoved of their warlike Attire, their Furniture hung up, and themselves secretly Sleeping upon the laps of Ladies, he fell into these discontented Speeches:

O Heavens (said he) how my Soul abhors this Spectace! Cham∣pions of Christendom arise, brave Knights stand up, I say, and look a∣bout like Men: Are you the chosen Captains of your Countries, and will you bury all your Honours up in Ladies Laps? For shame arise, I say they have the Tears of Crocodiles, the Songs of Syrens to en∣chant: To Arms, brave Knights, let Honour be your Loves: Blush to behold your Friends in Arms, and blush to see your Native Coun∣try-men steeping the Fields of Mavors with their Bloods: Champions arise, St. George calls, the Victory will tarry till you come: Arise, and tear the womanish Attire, surfeit not in silken Robes; put on your steely Corslets, your glistering Burgonets, and unsheath your conquering Weapons that Mavors Fields may be converted into a purple Ocean.

These heroical Speeches were no sooner finished, but the cham∣pions like Men amazed, rose from their Ladies bosoms, and be∣ing ashamed of their follies, they submissively crabed Pardou, and vowed by Protestations, never to sleep in Beds of Down, nor never unbuckle their Shields from their weary arms, till they had won their Credits in the Fields again, nor never would be counted his deserved followers, till their Triumphe were enro••led amongst the Deeds of Partial Knights. So arm∣ing themselves with approved Corslets, and taking to them their trustp Swords, they accompanted St. George to the thick∣est of their Enemies, and left the Necromancer chained to the Trée, which at their depature breathed forth these bitter Curses:

Let Hell's Horror, and tormenting Pains (quoth he) be their eter∣nal Punishment; let flaming Fire deseend the Elements, and consume them in their warlike Triumphs, and let their ways be strowed with venemous Thorns, that all their Legs may rancle to the Knees, before they march to their Native Country. But why exclaim I thus in vain, when Heaven itself preserves their Happiness? Now all my Magick Charms are ended, and all my Spirits forsaken me in my need, and here am I fast chained up to starve and dye. Have I had power to rend the Vales of Earth, and shake the mighty Mountains with my Charms? Have I had power to raise up dead Mens shapes from kingly Tombs, and can I not unchain myself from this accursed Tree? O no, for I am fettered up by the immortal Power of the Christians God; against whom because I did rebel, I am now condemned to everlasting Fire. Come all ye Necromancers in the World, come all you Sorce∣rers and Charmers, come all you Schollars from the learned Universi∣ties, come all you Witches, Beldams, and Fortune-tellers, and all that practice devilish Arts, come, take example by the story of my Eyes.

This being said, he violently, with his own hands, tore his Hair from his Head, as a sufficient revenge, because by the di∣rection of their Wills, he was first trained in that damned Art: then betwixt his Teeth, he hit in two his loathsome Tongue, because it muttered forth so many Charms: then into his thir∣sty Bowels he devoured his Hands, because they had so often held the ••••••lver Wand, wherewith he had made his charmed Circles; and for every Letter, Mark, and Character that belong∣ed to his Conjutations, he inflicted a several Torment upon himself: and at last with sightless Eyes, speechless Tongue, handless Arms, and dismembred Body, he was forced to give up his condemned Ghost; where after his art of Lift was va∣nished from his earthly Trunck, the Heavens seemed to smile

at his sudden Fall, and Hell began to roar at the conquest of his Death; the Ground whereon he died, was ever after that time unfortunate, and to this present time, it is called in that Coun∣try, A Vale of Walking-Spirits.

Thus have you heard the damnable Life, and miserable Fall of this accursed Necromancer Osmond, whom we will now leave to the Punishments due to such a wicked Offender, and to speak of the seven noble and magnanimous Christian Champions.

After St. George had ended these Enchantments, they never ••••••athed up their Swords, nor unlocked their Armour, till the Subversion of Persia was accomplished, and the Souldan with his-petty Rings was taken Prisoners. Seven days the Battle continued without ceasing; they slew two hundred thousand Souldiers, besides a number that fled away and drownded them∣selves; some cast themselves headlong down from the top of high Trees; some made slaughter of themselves, and yielded to the mercies of the Christians; but the Souldan with his Princes riding in their Iron Chariots, endured the Christians Encoun∣ters, till the whole Army was discomfitted, and then by force and violence they were compelled to yield. The Souldan hap∣ned into the hands of St. George, and six Uice-roys to the other six Champions; where after they had sworn Allegiance to the Christian Knights, and had promised to forsake their Mahomet, they were not only set at liberty, but used most honourably; but the Souldan himself having a Heart fraught with despight and tyranny, contemned the Champions Courtesies, and utterly disdained their Christian Governments, protesting, that the Heavens should first lose their wonted Brightness, and the Seas forsake their sooelling Tides, before his Heart should yield to their intended Desires; whereupon St. George being resolved to revenge his Injuries, commanded that the Souldan should be disrobed from all his princely Attire, and in base Apparel sent to Prison, then to the Dungeon where he himself had endured so long Imprisonment, as you heard in the beginning of this Hi∣story, which strict Commandment was presently performed; in which Dungeon the Souldan had not long continued, sufficing his hungry Stomach with the Bread of musty Bran, and stanch∣ing his thirst with Channel-water, but he began to grow despe∣rate, and weary of his Life, and at last fell into this woful Lamentation:

O Heavens! (quoth he) now have you thrown a deserved Plague upon my Head, and all those guiltless Souls that in former times my

Tyranny have murthered, may now be fully satisfied; for I that was wont to have my Table beautified with Kings, am now constrained to feed alone in a Dungeon, where Sorrow is my Food, and Despair my Servitor; I that have famished thousands up in Walls of Stone, am now constrained to feed upon mine own Flesh, or else to starve and die: yet shall these cruel Christians know that as I lived in Tyranny, so will I die; for I will make a Murther of myself, that after this Life, my angry Ghost may fill their Sleeps with ghastly Visions.

This being said, he desperately ran his head against a Mar∣ble pillar, standing in the middle of the Dungeon, and dasht his Brains from out of his hateful Head; the news of whose death when it was bruited in the Champions ears, they profered no violence to his liveless Body, but in tombed him in a sumptuous Sepulchre; and after that St. George took upon him the Govern∣ment of Persia, and there established good and Christian Laws; also he gave to the other six Champions, six several Kingdoms belonging to the Crown of Persia, and six named them six Uice∣roys or petty Kings. This being done, he took Trute with the World, and triumphantly marched towards Christendom with the Conquest of three imperial Diadeuis, that is to say, of Ae∣gypt, Persia, and Morocco; in which Iourney he erected many stately Monuments, in remembrance of his Uictories and hero∣ical Atchievements; and through every Country that they mar∣ched, there flocked to them an innumerable company of Pagans, that desired to follow him into Christendom, and to be christened in their Faith, protesting to forsake their Gods, whose Worship∣pers were none but Tyrants, and such as delighted in nothing but shedding of Blood: to whose Requests, St. George present∣ly condescended, not only in granting them their Dellres, but also in honouring them with the favour of his princely Coun∣tenance. This Courtesie of the English Champion mecited, such a glistering Glory through the World, that as far as ever the golden Globes of Heaven extended their Lights, St. George's Honour was bruited; and not only his marchless Adventures charactered in brazen Tables, but his martial Exploits painted in every Temple, so that the Heathen Poets 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Histo∣ries of his Deeds, and famoused his Name among the Wor∣thies of the World.

In this Princely manner marched St. George with his war∣like Troops through the Teritories of A••••ica and Asia, in greater Royalty then did Darius with his Persian Souldiers towards the Camp. of Alexander the Great. But when the Chri∣stian

Champions approached the watry World, and began to go aboard their Ships, the Earth seemed to mourn at their fare∣wels, and the Seas to rejoyce at their presence; the Waves couched as smooth as crystal I••••, and the Winds blew such gentle Gales, as though the Sen Gods had been the Directors of their Fleet; the Dolphins danced above the Water, and the lovely Mair-me••••s in multitudes lay vallying amidst the Streams making them delightful Pastime; the Skies seemed to smile, and the Sun to show a gliitering brightness upon the crystal Waters, that the Sea seemed to be siiver.

Thus in great Plea••uce they passed the time away, com∣mitting their Fortunes to the mercy of the Winds and the Wa∣ters, who did so savourable serve them, that in short time they arrived upon the Eanks of Christendom; where being no soon∣er come on shore, and past the dangers of the Seas, but Saint George, in presence of thousands of his Followers, kneeled down on the ground, and gave God praise for his happy Arrival, by these words following:

O thou Omnipotent God of New Ierusalem, we not only give thee condign Praise for our late atchieved Victories against the Enemies, who by their Wickedness seek daily to pull thee from thy celestial Throne; but also do render thee hearty Thanks, that hast delivered us safely from the fury of the raging Seas, that otherwise might have drenched us in her devouring Gulf as thou didst Pha••aoh with his golden Chariots, and his invincible Legions; therefore great King of Iuda, under whose Name we have taken many things in hand, and have at∣chieved so many Victories, grant that these true Obligations of our thankful Hearts may be acceptable in thy sight, which be no sained Ceremonies, but the inward Devotions of our Souls. And there with∣al letting a showr of Tears from their Eyes, and discharging a valley of Sighs from their Breasts, as a signification of the integrity of their Souls, he held his peace: then gave her Com∣mandment that the Army should be discharged, and every one rewarded according to his defect; which within seven Weeks was performed, to the honour of Christendom.

After this St. George earnestly requested the other six Cham∣pions that they would honour him with their presence home to his Country of England, and there receive the comfort of ioy∣ful Ease, after the bloody Encounters of so many dangerous Battles. This Motion of St. George, not only obtained their Consents, but added a for wardness to their willing Minds; so incontinently they set forward towards England, upon whose

chalky Cliffs they in a short time arrived; and after this took their Iourney towards the City of London, where their Enter∣tainments were so honourably performed, as I want the Elo∣quence of Cicero, and the Rhetorick of Calyope to describe it.

Thus, gentle Reader, hast thou heard the first of the princely At∣chievements, noble Adventures, and honourable Lives of these renown∣ed and worthy Champions. The Second Part relates the noble At∣chievements and strange Fortunes of St. George's Three Sons; the Loves of many gallant Ladies; the Combates and Turnaments of ma∣ny valiant Knights, and Tragedies of mighty Potentates. Likewise the rest of the noble Adventures of the renowned Seven Champions; also the manner and place of their honourable Deaths, and how they came to be called the Seven Saints of Christendom.

FINIS.