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, Then straight Morocco's king he slew, And took fair Sabra to his wife, But meant to try if she were true 220 Ere with her he would lead his life: And, tho' he had her in his train, She did a virgin pure remain. Toward England then that lovely dame The brave St. George conducted strait, 225 An eunuch also with them came, Who did upon the lady wait; These three from Egypt went alone. When as they in a forest were, The lady did desire to rest; Mean while St. George to kill a deer, For their repast did think it best: Leaving her with the eunuch there, Whilst he did go to kill the deer. 230 235 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 did behold this heavy chance, Then for his lovely virgin's sake His courage strait he did advance, 240 245 And came into the lions sight, Their rage did him no whit dismay, Who, like a stout and valiant knight, Did both the hungry lions 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 towards England came with speed. Where being in short space arriv'd Unto his native dwelling place; 260 Therein with his dear love he liv'd, And fortune did his nuptials grace: They many years of joy did see, And led their lives at Coventry. 265 |