Page:Renowned history of the seven champions of Christendom (2).pdf/21

Rh arrived in Barbary, and, with their victorious arms, turning all into ruin wheresoever they came, the noise thereof made Almidor’s guilty conscience to quake, and thereupon he raised a mighty host to withstand them, who with great courage fell upon the Christians, so that between them ensued a most terrible battle, each side driving to outdo the other in victorious exploits; to. purchase renown; the Moors in defence of their country, their wives and children. Three days together did this bloody conflict: hold, the night scarce giving them time to breath in, but before the fun began his diurnal race, they returned their strength to a more eager encounter; horror, bloodshed and amazement was on their side, and death rode triumphant thro’ the whole host; but the valiant St. George (whose courage was never wanting at all essays) being minded to put on end to the fight, singled out the Morocco King, betwixt whom and the English Champion was a long and dangerous encounter; but Almidor, not able to withstand the mighty puissance of St. George, was forced to yield himself to his mercy, and became his prisoner, which the Moors seeing, presently would have fled to the chief city, but the Christians intercepting them, made amongst them such a slaughter, that not one of a hundred escaped to tell the sad disaster of their misfortunes.

The Christian army then marched directly to Tripoly, carrying along with them the wicked Almidor to whom (notwithstanding his evil deserts) upon a promise of forsaking his heathen-gods, and to turn to be a Christian, mercy was proffered, which refusing, with direful execrations against the Christian religion, he was boiled to death in a brazen caldron filled with lead and brimstone; at the fight of whose death, as well pagans as Christians, with a loud voice cried out, "Long live St. George, the victorious Champion of England, who, by his valiant prowess, hath freed Barbary from their miserable thraldom.”

Hereupon the Morocco Peers, with bended knees, came to St. George; proffering unto him the imperial crown of Barbary, and promising to be christened in