English Fairy Tales | Page 6

in her eyes.
Then he told her of her father's base treachery and Almidor's part in it, so that her anger
grew hot and she cried:
"Waste no more time in talk. I remain no longer in this detested place. Ere Almidor
returns from hunting we shall have escaped."
[Illustration: When she came to St. George she started and laid her hand on her heart]
So she led St. George to the armoury, where he found his trusty sword Ascalon, and to
the stable, where his swift steed Bayard stood ready caparisoned.
Then, when her brave Knight had mounted, and she, putting her foot on his, had leapt like
a bird behind him, St. George touched the proud beast lightly with his spurs, and, like an
arrow from a bow, Bayard carried them together over city and plain, through woods and
forests, across rivers, and mountains, and valleys, until they reached the Land of Greece.
And here they found the whole country in festivity over the marriage of the King. Now
amongst other entertainments was a grand tournament, the news of which had spread
through the world. And to it had come all the other Six Champions of Christendom; so St.
George arriving made the Seventh. And many of the champions had with them the fair
lady they had rescued. St. Denys of France brought beautiful Eglantine, St. James of
Spain sweet Celestine, while noble Rosalind accompanied St. Anthony of Italy. St. David
of Wales, after his seven years' sleep, came full of eager desire for adventure. St. Patrick
of Ireland, ever courteous, brought all the six Swan-princesses who, in gratitude, had
been seeking their deliverer St. Andrew of Scotland; since he, leaving all worldly things,
had chosen to fight for the faith.
So all these brave knights and fair ladies joined in the joyful jousting, and each of the
Seven Champions was in turn Chief Challenger for a day.
Now in the midst of all the merriment appeared a hundred heralds from a hundred
different parts of the Paynim world, declaring war to the death against all Christians.
Whereupon the Seven Champions agreed that each should return to his native land to
place his dearest lady in safety, and gather together an army, and that six months later
they should meet, and, joining as one legion, go forth to fight for Christendom.
And this was done. So, having chosen St. George as Chief General, they marched on
Tripoli with the cry:
"For Christendom we fight, For Christendom we die."
Here the wicked Almidor fell in single combat with St. George, to the great delight of his

subjects, who begged the Champion to be King in his stead. To this he consented, and,
after he was crowned, the Christian host went on towards Egypt where King Ptolemy, in
despair of vanquishing such stalwart knights, threw himself down from the battlements of
the palace and was killed. Whereupon, in recognition of the chivalry and courtesy of the
Christian Champions, the nobles offered the Crown to one of their number, and they with
acclaim chose St. George of Merrie England.
Thence the Christian host journeyed to Persia, where a fearsome battle raged for seven
days, during which two hundred thousand pagans were slain, beside many who were
drowned in attempting to escape. Thus they were compelled to yield, the Emperor
himself happening into the hands of St. George, and six other viceroys into the hands of
the six other Champions.
And these were most mercifully and honourably entreated after they had promised to
govern Persia after Christian rules. Now the Emperor, having a heart fraught with despite
and tyranny, conspired against them, and engaged a wicked wizard named Osmond to so
beguile six of the Champions that they gave up fighting, and lived an easy slothful life.
But St. George would not be beguiled; neither would he consent to the enchantment of
his brothers; and he so roused them that they never sheathed their swords nor unlocked
their armour till the wicked Emperor and his viceroys were thrown into that very dungeon
in which St. George had languished for seven long years.
Whereupon St. George took upon himself the government of Persia, and gave the six
other Champions the six viceroyalties.
So, attired in a beautiful green robe, richly embroidered, over which was flung a scarlet
mantle bordered with white fur and decorated with ornaments of pure gold, he took his
seat on the throne which was supported by elephants of translucent alabaster. And the
Heralds at arms, amid the shouting of the people, cried:
"Long live St. George of Merrie England, Emperor of Morocco, King of Egypt, and
Sultan of Persia!"
Now, after that he had established good and just laws to such effect that innumerable
companies of pagans flocked to become