Page:Renowned history of the seven champions of Christendom (2).pdf/8

8 acts by him atchieved, came to the magnificent city of Jerusalem, just at such a time as Nebuzarad, the King thereof was going out on a royal hunting, having made proclamation, That whosoever slew the first wild beast in the forest, should have in reward a corset of steel worth a thousand shekels of silver.

Thirst of honour, and hope of gain, the two spurs that prick men forward to worthy enterprizes, caused St. James to join himself to this honourable company, yea, to outgo them in noble resolutions; for scouring over the plain before the hunters, he came into a spacious forest, where his valour quickly had an object to work upon, being a mighty wild boar, lying before his mossy den, of such a wonderful bigness and proportion, as is almost incredible to declare, but the magnanimous Champion St. James, nothing daunted, couragiously set upon him, dealing such blows with his keen falchion that ere the rest of the company came in, he overcame that monstrous boar, cutting off his head, and presenting it to the king of Jerusalem, who accordingly gave him the reward promised: but, having intelligence immediately, that he was a Spanish Christian, his mind was altered, that immediately he condemned him to die; yet, for his good service in killing the boar, gave him leave to chuse his own death. St. James feeing it would be no otherwise, desired to be bound to a pine tree, and, after an hour’s respite to make his peace with heaven, to be shot to death by a true virgin.

But, when the same came to be put in execution, not one maid could be found that would undertake it: whereupon the King commanded that lots should be cast, which fell upon his own daughter, the beauteous Celstine, whose heart was already bred with the love of the heroic champion; and, therefore, on her bare knees, earnestly begged his life of her father, which with much ado, he granted, but for ever banished him the land, and departing a little space, out of the love he bore to Celestine, who had preserved his life, he ventured again, discolouring his face and hands, and remaining dumb, that he might not be known, at last