Page:Renowned history of the seven champions of Christendom (2).pdf/5

Rh thrust with his spear, that it shivered into five hundred pieces; the dragon coming on afresh, smote him such a deadly blow, as felled both horse and man to the ground; when again riling and stepping a little backwards. he went under the protection of an orange tree, which was of such virtue, that no venomous thing durst approach unto it, where this valiant knight a. while rested him, and refreshed himself with the choice of one of the oranges, he again entered combat with the dragon, after many fierce assaults with an Eager courage doled with her, and thrust his sword up into the hilt in her belly, being penetrable in no other place, from whence issued such abundance of purple gore as turned the grass into vermilion colour, and then redoubling his blows, gave her flesh another thrust under the wing with his sword, as pierced her heart, liver, and bone, and made her yield her life to the force of the conquering champion, who returned thanks to heaven for his victory: With his good sword which was called Ascaion, he cut off the dragon’s head, and pitched it upon the truncheon of his spear, rode towards the court, expecting for his good service to be most royally entertained.

At that time Almidor, the black king of Morocco, was in earnest suit with king Ptolemy, for to have his daughter Sabrine in marriage, and having notice of St. George’s victory, fearing he would become his rival, she intended to rob him of his honour, and to that purpose, hired twelve Egyptian Knights, who set upon St. George as he was coming to court; but the valiant Champion so behaved himself, that in a little space he made their lives pay for their treachery; which Almidor perceiving, when he could do no otherwise, ran to the court, crying, Victoria! Victoria! The enemy of Egypt is overthrown.

This being made known to K. Ptolemy. St. George was most royally received by him, but far more courteously by his beautiful daughter, Sabrine, who then set her affections so deeply on him, as length of time would not wear it out, which she could not forbear to