The incidents in this, and the other ballad of "St. George and the Dragon," are chiefly taken from the old story-book of the Seven Champions of Christendome; which, though now the plaything of children, was once in high repute. Bp. Hall, in his Satires, published in 1597, ranks "St. George's sorell, and his cross of blood," among the most popular stories of his time; and an ingenious critic thinks that Spencer himself did not disdain to borrow hints from it; though I much doubt whether this popular romance were written so early as the Faery Queen. The author of this book of the Seven Champions was one Richard Johnson, who lived in the reigns of Elizabeth and James, as we collect from his other publications; viz.-" The nine worthies of London: 1592." 4to." The pleasant walks of Moor fields: 1607," 4to." A crown garland of Goulden Roses, gathered, &c. 1612," 8vo.-" The life and death of Rob. Cecill, E. of Salisbury, 1612," 4to-" The Hist. of Tom of Lincoln," 4to. is also by R. J. who likewise reprinted Don Flores of Greece," 4to. The Seven Champions, though written in a wild inflated style, contains some strong Gothic painting; which seems for the most part, copied from the metrical romances of former ages. At least the story of St. George and the fair Sabra is taken almost verbatim from the old poetical legend of " Sir Bevis of Hampton." This very antique poem was in great fame in Chaucer's time [see above pag. 220.], and is so continued till the introduction of printing, when it ran through several editions, two of which are in black letter, 4to." imprinted by Wyllyam Copland," without date; containing great variations. • Mr. Wharton. Vid. Observations on the Fairy Queen, 2 vol. 1762, 12mo. passim. As a specimen of the poetic powers of this very old rhimist, and as a proof how closely the author of the Seven Champions has followed him, take a description of the dragon slain by Sir Bevis. -Whan the dragon, that foule is, As it had thondred in the sky; And two rybbes of Bevis brused than. After a long fight, at length, as the dragon was preparing to fly, Sir Bevis "Hit him under the wynge, There he was tender without scale, Sign K. iv. Sir Bevis's dragon is evidently the parent of that in the Seven Champions, see Chap. III. viz. The dragon no sooner had a sight of him [St. George] but he gave such a terrible peal, as though it had thundered in the elements. Betwixt his shoul ders and his tail were fifty feet in distance, his scales glistering as bright as silver, but far more hard than brass; his belly of the colour of gold, but bigger than a tun. Thus weltered he from his den, &c. ... The champion... gave the dragon such a thrust with his spear, that it shivered in a thousand pieces whereat the furious dragon so fiercely smote him with his venomous tail, that down fell man and horse in which fall two of St. George's ribs were so bruised, &c.-At length. St. George smote the dragon under the wing where it was tender without scale, whereby his good sword Ascalon with an easie passage went to the very hilt through both the dragon's heart, liver, bone, and blood. Then St. George cut off the dragon's head, and pitcht it upon the truncheon of a spear, &c." The History of the Seven Champions, being written just before the decline of books of chivalry, was never, I believe, translated into any foreign language but "Le Roman de Beuves of Hantonne" was published at Paris in 1502, 4to. Let. Gothique. : The learned Selden tells us, that about the time of the Norman invasion was Bevis famous with the title of Earl of Southampton, whose residence was at Duncton in Wiltshire: but he observes, that the monkish enlargements of his story have made his very existence doubted. See Notes on PolyOlbion, Song III. This hath also been the case of St. George himself, whose martial history is allowed to be apocryphal. But, to prove that there really existed an orthodox Saint of this name (although little or nothing, it seems, is known of his genuine story) is the subject of" An Historical and Critical Inquiry into the Existence and Character of Saint George, &c. By the Rev. J. Milner, F.S.A. 1792, 8vo." The Equestrian Figure worn by the Knights o the Garter, has been understood to be an emblem of the Christian warrior, in his spiritual armour, vanquishing the old serpent. But on this subject the inquisitive reader may consult "A Dissertation on the Original of the Equestrian Figure of the George and of the Garter, ensigns of the most noble order of that name. Illustrated with copper-plates. By John Pettingal, A.M. Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, London, 1753," 4to. This learned and curious work the author of the Historical and Critical Inquiry would have done well to have seen. It cannot be denied, but that the following ballad is for the most part modern: for which reason it would have been thrown to the end of the volume, had not its subject procured it a place here. LISTEN, lords, in bower and hall, I sing the wonderous birth Of brave St. George, whose valorous arm Rid monsters from the earth: Distressed ladies to relieve He travell'd many a day; In honour of the Christian faith, Which shall endure for aye. In Coventry sometime did dwell He had to wife a princely dame, For thirty nights no sooner sleep Had clos'd her wakeful eyes, But, lo! a foul and fearful dream Her fancy would surprize: She dreamt a dragon fierce and fell Conceiv'd within her womb; Whose mortal fangs her body rent Ere he to life could come. All woe-begone, and sad was she; In vain she strove; her tender lord, And when to him the fearful cause Be comforted, my lady dear, And for this foul and fearful dream, Then giving many a fond embrace, To the weird lady of the woods, 50 The following ballad is given (with some corrections) from two ancient black-letter copies in the Pepys Collection: one of which is in 12mo, the other in folio. Or Hector's deeds did Homer sing; St. George's deeds, an English knight. Against the Sarazens so rude Fought he full long and many a day; Where many gyaunts he subdu'd, In honour of the Christian way. Now, as the story plain doth tell, The grief whereof did grow so great 10 No means there were, as they could hear, But to present some virgin clear, This thing by art the wise-men found, Untimely crop some virgin flowr, And none were left him to devour : Saving the king's fair daughter bright, Her father's only heart's delight. 45 50 She is, quoth he, my kingdom's heir: O let us all be poisoned here, Ere she should die, that is my dear. Then rose the people presently, And by their blood we rescued were, And thou hast sav'd thy life thereby ; And now in sooth it is but fair, For us thy daughter so sould die. O save my daughter said the king; And let ME feel the dragon's sting. Then fell fair Sabra on her knee, |