Page:History of Valentine and Orson (5).pdf/6

 making known the reasons that they came there, were presented to Fazon, to whom Valentine thus addressed himself:

"Sweet creature! King Pepin has sent me hither with the bravest Knight in all his realm, to fight the Green Knight, who, though he is dumb and naked, is endued with such valour, that no Knight under the sun is able to cope with him."

During this speech, she viewed Orson narrowly, and he her; but supper coming in, interrupted them, and they sat down to eat.

Whilst they were in the midst of their feasting, the Green Knight entered, saying, Noble Duke of Acquitain, hast thou any more Knights to cope with me for thy Daughter? Yes, replied the Duke, I have seventeen, and then shewed them to him.

The Green Knight then said to them, Eat your fill, for to-morrow will be your last.

Orson, hearing what he said, was much incensed against him, and suddenly rising from the table, threw the Green Knight with such force against the wall, as laid him dead for some time; which very much pleased the whole company.

Next day many Knights went to fight the Green Knight, but he overcame and slew them all, until at last Orson being armed in Valentine's armour, came to the Green Knight's pavillion, and defying him, they began the most desperate combat that ever was heard of, and the Green Knight made so great a stroke at him, as to cut off the top of his helmet, and half his shield, wounding him much.

But this served only to enrage the valiant Orson, who, coming up to him on foot, took hold of him; and pulling him from his horse, got astride of him, and was just going to kill him, but was prevented by