That lady dearly lov'd the knight, He counted her his only joy; But when their love was brought to light, Th' Morocco king was in the court, Who to the orchard did resort, 165 With letters him in curteous wise They straightway sent to Persia : But wrote to the sophy him to kill, Thus they for good did him reward By such vile meanes they had regard To work his death most cruelly; Who, as through Persia land he rode, With zeal destroy'd each idol god. 180 185 For For which offence he straight was thrown Into a dungeon dark and deep; Where, when he thought his wrongs upon, He bitterly did wail and weep: Yet like a knight of courage stout, Three grooms of the king of Persia By night this valiant champion slew, Though he had fasted many a day; And then away from thence he flew On the best steed the sophy had; 190 195 Save onely Egypt land he spar'd For Sabra bright her only sake, And, ere for her he had regard, He meant a tryal kind to make: 215 Mean while the king, o'ercome in field, Unto saint George did quickly yield. Then straight Morocco's king he slew, And took fair Sabra to his wife, Mean while St. George to kill a deer, U 2 235 But But lo! all in his absence came Two hungry lyons fierce and fell, And tore the eunuch on the same In pieces small, the truth to tell; Down by the lady then they laid, Whereby they shew'd, she was a maid. But when he came from hunting back, And came into the lions sight, 240 His courage strait he did advance, 245 Who ran at him with all their might, Their rage did him no whit dismay, Who, like a stout and valiant knight, Did both the hungry lyons slay 250 Within the lady Sabra's sight: Who all this while sad and demure, Now when St. George did surely know 255 His heart was glad, that erst was woe, He set her on a palfrey steed, And all his love did soon renew: And towards England came with speed. Where |