Page:Renowned history of the seven champions of Christendom (2).pdf/10

10 giant, in a short space grew weary with brandishing so unweildy a weapon, which when St. Anthony perceived he lightly leaped to him, and with one blow brought the Giant upon his knees, which being seconded with another of mighty force, bereaved the Giant of his life, sending his soul unto the dark regions there to inhabit with grim Pluto; then, thanking God. for his victory, he entered the castle, where he was kindly entertained by Rosalinda, ore of the Thracian King’s Daughters; she shewed him all the rarities of; the castle, and amongst the rest, six silver swans swimming on a great pond of water, which were the other six Daughters of the King of Thrace, whose chastities the lustful Giant attempting to violate, the kinder destinies in commiseration transformed them into milk-white-swans, to signify their chastities were without spot or blemish.

After some short repose to refresh himself, St. Anthony with Rosalinda posted to the Thracian court where they were kindly entertained; but the King hearing of his daughters, transformation, with great grief departed to the castle, resolving there to spend his days with invocating his country-gods, to restore his daughters to their shapes: thereupon St. Anthony, not willing to spend his days in ease and luxury, resolved privately to depart from thence, which being made known to Rosalinda, she also secretly departed with him.

In the mean time, the famous Champion, St. Andrew of Scotland, having passed through many dangers in vale of walking spirits, came wandering also into this country of Thrace, fortune guiding his steps to the same castle wherein the Thracian King was worshipping his heathen-gods, which he perceiving, and knowing the cause of his great idolatry, St. Andrew, like a true Christian Champion, taught him the worship of the living God: which, when they had rightly Performed, on a hidden the milk-white-swans were changed into the shape of beautiful ladies, to the great joys of all present: For St. Andrew, having knowledge it was St. Anthony that had slain the great Blanderon