Page:Renowned history of the seven champions of Christendom (2).pdf/7

Rh to feed upon the berries of a mulberry-tree, which being enchanted by magic art, is an instant transformed this body into the likeness of a hart (only his natural reason remained) in which condition he remained a long time bewailing his misfortune, till one day shading himself under the leaves of that luckless tree, he heard a hollow voice from the trunk, thereof breathe forth these words, “ Worthy Champion of France, know, that this tree proceeds from fair Eglantine, the King’s Daughter of 'Thessaly, who for my pride was transformed into this mulberry-tree; seven years thou I must continue in the shape of a hart, when thou shalt be restored by eating of roses, which being done, cut down this tree, and thereby shall the enchantment be ended.”

At the end of which prefixed time, his horse, who had a long time left him, brought two roses in his teeth, which St. Dennis took and ate, and immediately fell into a deep sleep, and upon his awaking, he found himself returned again to his former shape, for which he returned thanks to God, and curiously decked and trimmed his horse for his worthy service. Then taking his sword in hand, proceeded to finish the enchantment, and with one blow cut in sunder the tree, from which issued a most beautiful damsel, of such an angelical form, as fired the French Champion’s heart with affection to her, and after some parleys of love: past betwixt them, they plighted their faiths to each other, and then travelled together to her father’s court, who received them with unspeakable joy and comfort ; where we will leave this Champion of France to relate what happened to St. James the Champion of Spain.

HE renowned Spanish Champion, in his progress in seeking out adventures, after many worthy