THE IN

SAINTS STORY

BY

MRS.

C.

R.

PEERS

CONTAINING
BY

TEN

ILLUSTRATIONS
GIOTTO AND

FROM

PICTURES
AND

CARPACCIO,
FROM

SASSETTA.
MANUSCRIPTS

ILLUMINATED

LONDON

ADAM

AND

CHARLES
1910

BLACK

"MD

TILDEN

TO

JACK,

DICK,

MARGARET

AND

CHRIS

CONTENTS

PAGE

St.

Jerome

and

the

Lion
-

St.

George

and

the

Dragon

21
-

St.

Francis

preaches

to

the

Birds

and

tames

the

Wolf 45

of

Gubbio

St.

Margaret

and

the

Dragon

63
-

St.

Francis

and

the

Soldan

79

The

First

Hallowing

of

Westminster

Abbey

95
-

The

Legend

of

the

re-building

of

Westminster

Abbey

105
-

The

Legend
and of the

of

Edward

the

Confessor

and

the-

PHgnm', Abbey
115

Second

Hallowing

of

Westminster

The

Legend
how

of

Wulfstan,
fixed

Bishop
in the

of

Worcester'

aftd Tomb

df

his

Staff

was

Confessor's

125
-

"c

" .

LIST

OF

ILLUSTRATIONS

1.

St.

Jerome

in

his

Study
the

Frontispiece
into
Between

2.

St.

Jerome the

brings
-

Lion

Monastery

pages

8 and

(St. George
3.1
I St.

defeating beheading baptizing

the

Dragon")
32
,,

and

33

George George

the

Dragon
People

4.

St.

the

ofSilene,,

40

and

41

5.

St.

Francis Gubbio
-

and

the

Wolf

of

Facing

page

57

6.

The

Legend
Francis walk Presence

of

St.

Margaret
,,

64

7.

St.

of

Assisi
the the

offering
Fire in

to

through
of

the
Between

Soldan

pages

84

and

85

8.

Bishop
a

in

the

act

of

anointing
-

Consecration

Cross

Facing

page

97

9.

Edward

the

Confessor

gives

the 104
"

Ring
10. The the

to

the

Pilgrim
of Hermits in
Inside

Community
Thebaid

covers

of book

vn

ST. JEROME AND THE LION

ST.

JEROME

AND

THE

LION

ST.

JEROME

was

the

son

of born

nobleman
in he

named

Eusebius, Stridon,
young
went
to

and in he

was

the

town

of

Dalmatia.
sent

When
to

was

still there

quite
he

was

Rome,
Greek

and and

school
to

and be

learnt
most

Hebrew,
man.

and

grew
was

up
not

learned

St. he

Jerome
also

only
man,

very

learned,
and after
a

but

was

very

good
he live

time,
that it

like

many

others,
to

became

convinced life in the

was

impossible
of Rome.

good

great

city

In

those who

days
found

it

was

quite
to

common

thing good
among into the

for all

men

it difficult
of

be

the

temptations
and

the

city
in

to

go

away

the

desert,
These
'

live

alone

caves

in

rocks.

men

were

called

hermits,

which

means

dwellers St. Jerome

in

desert

places."
that
3

decided

he

too

would

be

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

hermit, desert,

so

he

left

Rome he lived
were

and for

went
a

into

the time.

and of

there hermits

long
to

Many
and
was

the

inclined
but

be

lazy,

to

think

only

of

themselves,
for he

St. Jerome
very prayers

quite diiferent,
Each

he said

worked his he

hard

indeed.

day
and

and
at
a

praised

God,

each which
far

day
he
away

worked
corn,

little garden,

in

grew

because,
other
or

living in
he
would and had

the
to

desert find
food

from

men,

for Beside

himself,

else

he

have

starved.

worshipping
he

God

working
of

in

his
out

garden
the Bible it

began
from the

the

great

work
and

writing
in which

Hebrew into
stand. undera

Greek

which
more

was

written could

language

people

After
and
came

many back

years
to

St. Jerome

left
men.

the

desert,
at

live
he

among
came,

Now,
was a

Bethlehem,
house called
a

whither
a

there

great
lived

monastery,
of
men

where

there called
to

together
These
serve were

number

monks. and
away

people

who
but

wanted

worship
of

God

peacefully,

instead the

going

and

living separately

in

desert, they

joined

ST.

JEROME

AND

THE

LION

together
them
called his
own was

and

lived
over

in

one

house

and and monks

one

of
was

ruler

the

others,
of
a

he

the

Abbot. little go
room,

Each called
he wanted

the

had

cell, into
to

which
;
or

he
most

could of

when time in
a

be

alone

but
at

their

they
church,

spent
which

working,
was

the

services

in

the

monastery.
The

monastery
lived

in which
you
a

the
see

monks the
a

of

lehem Beth-

(as

will

from

picture)
very

was

built
a

round

garden. garden
and

It
;

was

big
trees

and

very
a

beautiful

many

tall air
was

gave
of all
were

pleasant
scent

shade,
the

the that walls.

full

the

of

flowers

were

planted
monks

round fond

the
of

monastery
and

The their

animals,

here
had

pets

lived

happily
stag, that
their

together.
was so

They
tame

splendid
eat
a

big
from

that little

he

would and

hands,
many

timid other

gazelle,
creatures.

weasel,
Birds
of and

besides
all

living
nests

kinds

made round

their the
monks

in in
the

the

trees, of

fluttered fed.
tame

hope
had

being
so

All

these

wild

creatures

become

because

they

knew

that

the

monks

loved

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

them,

and

that in

no

one

would

ever

harm

or

frighten them
Now
of

their
came

quiet garden.
to
a

St. Jerome
and and and

live in the

monastery
of his
to

Bethlehem, goodness Abbot,

after

time,
he
over

because
was

great
be

learning,
to

chosen the

the

rule
a

all

other life

monks.

They

lived

such

happy,
its
to

peaceful

in
No
one

their
one

big monastery
had
ever

and work

lovely
do,
many

garden.
yet
no

too

much

and

was

idle.
sung of
to

Every
their

day
beautiful Jerome

services

were

said

or

in the

church,
set
some

and of

for

the
monks
some

rest

day
his in

St.

the
and

copy

translation
the
so

of

the

Bible,
others

to to

work be

garden,
that
came

while

he the
to

taught
many ask of
amuse

doctors,
who

they might
to

help

sick for the food

persons
or

the

monastery
the
to

medicine.
the monks and

Only

towards

end
or

day

were

allowed

rest

themselves,
spent

this

evening-time

they generally
One
calm and

in their

big garden.
the and
sun

lovely evening, when

left the monks that

was

setting, St. Jerome

book alone
to

took

his
read

the

monastery
and

gate,
the

he

might

there,

enjoy

cool

evening

breeze.

ST.

JEROME

AND

THE

LION

He

had

not

been the he
saw

there
sound
a

long
of
a

before low and

he

was

startled

by
up

growl,
very

and fierce-

glancing looking
desert. Now Abbot rich
or

very

large
the

lion

coming

from

direction

of

the

you

must

know,
to
or

it

was

rule

with

Jerome
poor,
to

himself young
ask for
not

welcome

any
came

traveller,
to

old,
or

who

the

monastery
he

food

shelter,
a

and
as a

though visitor,

had
as

certainly
he
had

expected
he
would
moment
was

lion

yet,
him

come,
as

ready
any

to

welcome

as

kindly

he
a

other and

guest.
rose

So
from

St. his
the

Jerome
seat

waited

then
went

by

the

monastery

gate kind did tried in

were

and and

to

meet
man

lion, who,
towards
too.

seeing
him,
He

gentle
to to

old

coming
and

his

best

look
purr

kind like
a

gentle

hard

cat, but

only

succeeded

making
almost
nearer

low, rumbling,
as

grumbling
as

sounds
roar.

that As
he

alarming
Jerome
he

loud

came

St.
as

noticed
was

that
and

the
no

lion
sooner

was

limping
did he get
on

though
close
to

hurt,
the

him

than
and

great
out

beast

sat

back for

his

haunches
to

stretched

his paw

St. Jerome

look

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

at,
lion

and had

instantly the
hurt

Abbot
and that

understood.

The
to

his
the and
to

paw,

had
the well. bent

come

the

monastery
attend
to

in it

hope
make the and

monks

would

it

St.

Jerome,
and the soft
must

speaking
examined

gently
the
a

lion,

down

paw,

there, deep
He
wound
saw

in
that washed

pad,
be

was

large
out

thorn. the

it

taken
so

and

and

bandaged,
come

he
the

courteously
monastery,

begged
where he
up.
to

the

lion said

to

into
could

the

paw

be bent

bathed

and

bound

The he

lion,
stood, under-

in answer,
and

his great

head Abbot

show

followed

Jerome

towards

the

monastery

gate.
as

The

garden,
was

usual,
of

at

that who

hour
were

of

the

evening,
about

full

monks,
or

strolling
themselves
walked
course

chatting
their

together,
Into

amusing place
The

with

pets.

this calm

St.

Jerome,
could
not

followed

by the lion.
it, but
and

lion of

help

unluckily, though gentle, he

and looked

he

was

feeling

very

quiet
and

ingly exceedthe
was

fierce monks

terrible,

the

instant

caught
The

sight
tame

of

him that

everything
had

changed.

stag

been

feeding

TH

1"

PUBLIC

LIBRARY

ASTOR,

LEN"X

AND

TILOEN

FOUNDATIONS.

L_

ST.

JEROME

BRINGS

THE

The

monks

are

seen

running

into

the

buildings

in

the

greatest

fear,

the

painting

by

Car^afdff

in

the

""

i\TO

THE

MONASTERY

he

slai; and

other

animals

arc

also shown
/',"";/'.,I

iii^ auay

the t'rijni

\\"n

"1 i"f S.

tii-i.V, h!n:;"ni (ii\i"\-io

"it

AND LENOX ASTOR,

FOUNCVU TILDE.M

ST.

JEROME

AND

THE

LION

out

of

lame

monk's
up

hand,
his that
in head had

as

was

his custom bounded

each
away,

evening, threw
and the and gave the
a

and been

pheasant

happily by
the

ing scratch-

scraping
startled rushed and

the
and

gravel

gateway
all

cluck for

scuttered

off, and
up

monks

shelter, catching
over one

their

long
in Even instead
nearest

skirts their the

of

tumbling
to

another

eagerness lame monk

so

reach seemed

safe

place. wings
the

to

have
he

crutches,

quickly did
monks who

reach

doorway.
house,
to

The the

were

inside

the

hearing
the windows

noise
and and

in

the

garden,
their the
called
;

hurried cries
of

balconies, and
horror made

astonishment
even

confusion
in

greater.
monks
one

Their
to
come

Abbot back
to set

vain

to

his

nothing
in the

would

induce
as

any
as

of lion

them
was

foot

garden

long
on

the the

in it,so and fetched

St. Jerome
led
a

laid his hand into

water

lion's then white

mane

the

way

his

own

cell, and
some

he

basin

of the

and
sat

clean and the

linen, and

while the

lion and

quiet
up

still he wound.

pulled
When
hand

out

thorn

bound

it
and

was

done low
2

the

lion

licked

St. Jerome's

gave

10

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

growls
for the
a

of

gratitude
time
rose

and

contentment,
at

and

long

he and

lay
led he the
was

his
lion
to to

feet.

At

last

Abbot
and

the
go
answer

monastery
back
to

gate,
desert crouch and

told

him but old made

free

his
to

home,
at at

the

lion's
feet

only
and

was

the he
to
as

man's St. with

as a

refuse

to

move,

last

Jerome him

understand

that
to

he
not

wished

live

always,
as

and

be and

only
as

strong

lion, but

faithful
fond
as

gentle
was

dog.

At

first St.

Jerome,
not

he

of

animals,
monastery,

thought
but

he
then

could he

have

lion that

in the his

remembered and how

up

little

dog
so

had
at

just died,
last he

much

he
to

missed take
on

him,
the lion lion's

made and

his

mind
hand

in
mane

his

place,
he took

putting his
as

the

him lion it did

his

faithful
for

servant.

This St.
at

pleased
Jerome,
The
make
to

the but

very
not

much,

he

loved

please the
did
and
not

monks allow
were

all.
to

Abbot,
any

however,

them

complaint,
to

they
it took
to

obliged
a

be

kind time lion he

the
to

lion, but
get wish how
used
to

them great
anyone,

very

long
The when

the

animal.
and

did

not

frighten

understood

it terrified

ST.

JEROME

AND

THE

LION

11

the

monks

to

hear

him
and

roar,

he

learnt

to

keep

silence Soon

in the
the had

house

garden.
else him of
and

lion, like
his
to

everyone

in that
to

busy
He

house,
was

daily task
and

given
take
care

do.

made

guard

the
the

monks'

donkey.
started
went to

Every together
the

morning
from the

he

donkey
gate
and

monastery
the
and woodmen

forest, where
with
and

loaded
for

the

donkey

branches that

faggots
the
to

the still

monks'

fire ;

done,

donkey,
the

guarded bearing
One instead
to

by
the

the wood

lion, returned
with him.
was

monastery

day the
of

donkey
to

given
the
a

holiday,
lion
was

and

going
his

the

wood,
to

told

take

companion
was

distant all

pasture,

where lion when

field he

the
found

donkey
this
had down
seen a

to

remain dull

day.

The and
the

very

employment, safely into

a

he

the in the

donkey
shade he of
came

lay

of
soon

bush,
fell

and,

the

weather

being
a

very company

warm,

asleep.
with
a

Presently
number of

merchants,

loaded

camels,
alone

by, and,
lion
to
was

seeing
hidden

donkey by
the

grazing

(for the

bush), they determined

steal

him,

so,

12

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

putting
away.

halter

about

his

neck,

they

led

him

When

the he

lion

awoke he had

and

could

not

see

the

donkey,
and in
a

thought
to

disobeyed
field.

his He

orders,
rose

had

strayed
rage,

another

up

great
in

and,

roaring
but

loudly,
of
course

looked
to

for
no

him
purpose,

every

direction,

for
away

by

this
the

time

the

donkey

was

miles
a

with
the

thievish

merchants.
to

After the
to

long

time
that

lion

began

realize in

sad

truth,
the tired

through
was

his laziness lost. with At

going
late
at

sleep night,
ing droop-

donkey
and

last,

hungry,
lion

hanging
to

head

and

tail,the
to

returned

the

monastery,
from

only
door,
so

be

driven

with

angry

words

the

for and and

the

monks,

seeing
at

him
once

come

back he had

late killed

alone,
eaten

thought
the

that

donkey.
good
Abbot lion
the slunk

Even

the
the
one

believed
away

he
to

had

done the

it,

and

poor

spend

night in
The

of

monastery
St.
and before

out-houses. Jerome
then them

next

morning
the

gathered
he

gether to-

all

monks,
him

called

the

lion

and

scolded

all.

ST.

JEROME

AND

THE

LION

13

'*

I shall

not

allow

you

any

longer

to

come

to must

my

cell, O
in
the

lion," said stables, and

St.
as

Jerome;
you

"you
killed

live

have

the
and

donkey,
go
every

you

must

now

take
us

his wood

place
from

day

and

fetch

the

forest." We
all all know that and
was

the
you
at

lion
can

is the

proudest
how

of
happy un-

the

animals,
this
one

imagine
of

the

thought
he

having
to

to

do

such

humble

wrork, but

determined
for

take

his

punishment
he
had and

bravely,
not

he

knew
he

that
had

though
been

killed in

the

donkey
him. the

lazy
he
a

careless
to

guarding
and

Each

day
tied

went

the wood

forest,
on

woodmen

bundle back but

to

of

his

back,
This
he

which did
he

he
most

carried

the
no

monastery.
words
can

carefully,
the dull

tell

how

hated

work.

One

evening,

many

weeks

later, the

lion
sound

was

walking

sadly alone, when,

looked
a

hearing
there

of

voices, he
him front did
not
was

up,

and of
was men

coming
camels,

towards and

company

and
a

in lion

of

the wait

camels for
one

donkey.
;

The
saw

moment

he

directly

14

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

that
he
men

it

was

his into

donkey,
the
middle

and of

with
the the

terrible

roar

sprang
all

company.

The
braver
up

immediately
masters,
noses,

fled, but
stood

camels,

than their
In the

their

firm,

wrinkling
long
there

ugly

and

showing
it
was

their that
were

teeth.
was

olden

days
of when

said
camels lion

only
and

one

thing
was

which
a

afraid, ground this,

that
his

beat lion

the
knew

with
and

tail.

Of
to

course,

the the

he
his

began
tail, and
as

strike

ground
did and

furiously
the camels
selves themlion

with
became

directly he
as

that

gentle
be driven

lambs,
to

allowed

to

the

monastery

by the

and

the The

donkey.
monks of
a

were

much
masterless

astonished

at

the their
saw

arrival

party
was

of

camels,
when and

but

astonishment

still of
ran

greater
the
to

they
the

they
One

were

in the

charge
monks

lion tell

donkey.
the

of

St.

Jerome

wonderful the

newrs,

for

they

all

immediately

nized recog-

monastery
was

donkey. delighted
the
with

St. Jerome
in monks

the
and

lion's cleverness he too,

told

recovering
that he

donkey,
and

the
all

himself,

they

ought

ST.

JEROME

AND

THE

LION

15

to

be

ashamed the

of

themselves had
been

for
wicked

so

readily enough

believing that
to

lion

kill

the lion

donkey. quite
and understood he showed his

The
into his feet
to

he

was

again

taken

favour,

delight by wagging
at

huge
;

tail and

crouching

down
away,

St. Jerome's
went

and

then, bounding cell, from

he

straight
so

his

master's banished.

which

he

had

long

been

Before
monks
prepare
to

following the
drive
the

lion, St. Jerome

to

told and

the
to

camels for

the

stables

the
he

guest-rooms

the

camels'
come

masters,
to

"who,"
them." before

said,
monks

"

would

shortly
as

claim

The

did merchants
be and
was

they
came

were

told, and
to

long

the
to

the
at

gate,
once

humbly
opened
cell. lion No

asking
the

let in. led

the

The
them door

porter
to

gate
sooner

the

Abbot's than the

opened growl,
down

sprang
up

up

with in
a

low, furious
all

his hair back.

standing
St. Jerome he looked

stiff line him

his

called

back, and

the

lion, though
to

extremely
side. When the

disgusted, they
saw

returned

his

master's
not

that

he

would

hurt

them,

merchants

came

forward,

and,

16

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

falling

on

their
tears

knees that

before

the

Abbot,
stolen

fessed con-

with

they
the

had

indeed
to

the

donkey.
and asked

They
him

begged
to

Abbot
as a

forgive them,
the rich
were

take

present
camels

merchandise laden.
"

with

which

their

My

sons,"

replied St. Jerome,

your

"

I the

fully

and

freely forgive
but I
cannot

you

sin in rich
each

stealing gift
year you

donkey,
offer the that be for
astery mon-

take

the

myself.

Instead,
church

give
ten

to

gallons
altar
may

of

oil,

the

lamps

before

the

always

kept

burning."
The merchants

gladly promised
and

to

do

as

the him
him

Abbot

desired,
received

still

kneeling
and

before bade

they

his

blessing

then

farewell. Year

by

year

they returned
the
ten

to

the
of

monastery,
oil
as

faithfully bringing
had

gallons

they

promised.
The lion
to
was never

again expected
but he

to

act

as

guardian
life with

the

donkey,

lived
He
was

happy
never

his
from

beloved him

master.

separated

by day

or

by night.

ST.

JEROME

AND

THE

LION

17

St. Jerome
He finished

lived

to

be

very, of the
was

very

old

man.

his translation
the Psalms.

Bible, and
he

then

he
that

arranged
the
verses

It

who

ordered

"

Glory
;

be

to

the

Father,

and

to

the

Son

and

to

the

Holy
be

Ghost
"

As

it

was

in

the

beginning,
Amen."

is

now,

and

ever

shall

world

without

end.

should

be and

sung that

in

church
as

at
we

the

end

of
to

each this

Psalm,

is done,

know,

day.
At
and last

St. Jerome
for
so

died. his kind

loss and

The
;
never

monks

mourned

sorrowed would

again,
an

they
rule

thought,
over

just

Abbot

the

peaceful
many

monastery

of

Bethlehem. him in their

Then,

with

tears,

they buried

beautiful When
and
was

church. the

Abbot
calm

had and

drawn

his

last
the

breath,

lying
the

still in
rose

sleep

of

death,
master's

great

lion
where slow the

from had been

beside

his

body,
and
out

he
and

keeping
tread he

watch,
went
never

with
from
or

stately

monastery

gate.
but

He

faltered

looked

back,

with
3

sad,

18

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

drooping
from

head

steadily
so

went

out

to

the

desert,

whence

many

years

before

he

had

come.

No

one

knows

what

became

of

the

lion,

for

he

was

never

seen

again,

but

he

has

never

been

forgotten.
Jerome,
too.

Wherever

you

see

picture
see

of

St.

there

be

sure

you

will

the

lion

THE AND GEORGE ST.

DRAGON

ST.

GEORGE

AND

THE

DRAGON

LONG,
a

long
hill

ago,

little seashore.
blue

town

stood,

perched

on

high
The

by

the

sparkling
distance
on

water

stretched and the

away

in

the the

one

side,

on

other

lay

open

plain. ships
their
came

Great
unloaded there road

sailing
at

over

the

sea,

and from

cargoes carried
above. and

the

harbour,
a

and and the

they
to

were

up

steep
was

winding
name

the and

city

Silene

of

this

city,

many

very

beautiful
all

were

its

buildings, magnificent
domes and and

but

amongst
as

them

none

were

so

the

King's
could

palace
be

its

glittering
for miles

tall

spires
the
few

seen

miles

across

sea.

High
were

walls,
round

with
the

towers

every

yards,
the watch
towers

built

town,
and that
arrows

and

inside

men

with

bows

kept
enemy

and

ward

day
up

and

night

no

might
21

creep

and

surprise

22

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

them. looked there For

was a

From

outside
and but
a

those
prosperous
sorrow

high

walls but

Silene inside

happy

city,
and
tears.

nothing
years

six

hideous
a

dragon

had lake

been down

living by the
in and

side

of

dreary, marshy
dragon
had and
a

the his

plain.
claws He

This
were

lion's

body,
like with
so a

long
a

sharp,
covered

vulture's. warts,
and and

had

bald

head

wicked,
you

venomous

little eyes,

red

burning

could

hardly
were

look
set

upon

them.
of

His

fierce, beak-like
and
to

jaws
was

full and

great

teeth,

his

tongue
fro

forked,
he

flickered his mouth. ribbed tail the

when and

wickedly
On his

and
were

when
two

opened wings,
and

back

great

pointed
was
as

with

sharp
as a

spikes,

his

alone
most

long

big serpent.
about send

Perhaps
was

horrible

thing
he
out

him
flames and
to

that fire and

he

pleased
smoke breath

could of

of

poisonous
so

his mouth able

nostrils,
men.

that

his

alone

was

destroy

This

monstrous

creature
near

killed

any

living
of all

thing that
he

ventured

him,
human
on

but

best

enjoyed
he
ate

devouring
up

beings.
the

By

degrees

everything

plain, and

ST.

GEORGE

AND

THE

DRAGON

23

then

he

looked

up

with

his wicked
and in he

eye

at

Silene,
to

surrounded
:

by its high walls,

is

said

self him-

"There

plenty
after

to

eat

there

if
he

only I
would
flames
was

can

get it ;" and

up

that,
town

every

night puff

creep

close from
a

to

the

and

out

and

smoke

his

mouth

till all

Silene
that

filled with
out

brown,
of

evil-smelling fog
sun

blotted and

the

light

the

and

the

moon,

all

the

people
At
last

fell ill. the townsfolk

to

became go did
out

so

exasperated
a

that

they
him,

determined
but
a no sooner

in

body
the

and

kill

they

reach
out

lake

than, with
smoke and

sudden

leap, breathing
smells, the
seized
off
to two

fire and

horrid He them
and
town
never

dragon
men

rushed
in his

into

their
and
ran

midst. carried
away,

jaws,
rest
were

his

lair, while
back

the

looked

till

they

safe them.

in the

with

the

city gate

locked

behind

After

that
a

the

people
every

decided

to to

give keep

the

dragon

sheep
after and of
a

day,
all the

just

him

quiet,
were

but

while
then

sheep

and

animals
to

eaten,
one

they
children

determined
each

send
to

him

their

day

be

24

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

devoured.
to

They they

knew dared
not

it

was

shameful

thing again,
child
and be

do, but

face

the

dragon day
of the the

so

they
whom
on
a

drew the

lots, and
lot fell rock the
on was

day
led

after
out

on

city
to

left
torn

high

above

the

lake, there

in

pieces by
one

dragon.
whom
or

No

knew
poor,

the

lot

would

fall ;
was

rich
the the

or

labourer
No
one was

nobleman,
to

it

all last

same.

free

escape.

At

lot fell

on

the
was

King's only child,

beautiful
and

the

Princess
and

Sabra.
father mad lot

She loved with

good,

her

her

dearly.
he
he
to

The heard
went

King
on

was

nearly
the
folk towns-

grief when
fallen, begged
and them

whom
the

had and

to

spare

his

only
crown,

child

he

would his

give

them,

he

said, his
if
the

his
would
were

gold,
spare very
"

silver, anything, daughter.

with him. O But

only

they

his angry For

townsfolk

shame,

King
our

!"

they

said

"as

long
were

as

it

was

merely
the
lot

poor you
on

children
not

who but
you you

cast

to

dragon
has
;

did the
worse

mind,

now

that

the

fallen

Princess
for

think
for

it very

terrible

it is

no

than

ST.

GEORGE

AND

THE

DRAGON

25

us.

Give

her

up,

or

we

will

burn

you

and

your

house." Then
there be
was

the
no

King
more

bowed

his

head,
The

for

he

knew
must

hope.
One she

Princess

given

to

the

dragon.
that
to

thing only
be

did

he

ask, and

that

was,

might
herself

given eight
to

days
manner

in

which

prepare
a

die and

in

worthy
townsfolk
so

of

King's daughter,
On
dawn

this

the

granted.
the

the
was

eighth

day,

early,
across

early that
sea,

just coming
from

the

the

Princess called
told

rose

her who the

beautiful

white
upon

bed, and her,

and

the

maidens
to

waited loveliest
mantle.
tears

them

fetch

of

all her

lovely dresses,
as

and

her

royal
with their
and

They
and

did

she the

desired,

and,

loving words,
When
her

girls
had

dressed

dear

Princess.
combed
upon

they

finished, placed
of

had
crown

golden
head,

hair, she
and,
last

her

her silver

all, she
waist.
and

clasped Then,
told who

her

girdle

round took

her

calling her
him
had
to

father, she
her
forth

his hand,
all the

lead

before
the

people

gathered
and

before

palace gates.
did she
look
4

So

stately

beautiful

that

26

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

directly the
went

townsfolk the
crowd. and

saw

her The
up

cry

of

despair
looked

up

from
at not

Princess
her hand.

gravely
"Do said.

them,

held for
me,

grieve day
you

O
at

my any

people,"
rate

she be

"One
for

of
my

safety

will

gained
dragon
he die
more.

by

death,
for
a

and

perhaps

the when

will

be

satisfied the
and

little while

has for

devoured
my

King's
my

daughter people
;

;
can

go
do

to
no

country

Farewell."
with sobs and
to

Then
before led the

and the

tears

the

crowd and her

parted
father
all

them,
way

Princess

the

dragon's
at
a

lair, and
The the
drew
open

the

people
to

followed lake
was

them

distance.

path
dragon
near

the

dry
that
saw

and
way.

burnt,
As
the of
water

for

had

lately passed
marsh become
a

they
great

the
had with

they
a

that

lake

huge
of
or

stretch
black cheerful flowers

deep,

slimy mud,
middle. the
were

little

pool

in the grew
to

Nothing
marsh,
of

bright
and the

beside
be
seen

only

dark,
is

unwholesome their
name.

brownish-green
Here that and had
once

"

bore hellewere a

there
been

few

blackened

stumps

trees

ST.

GEORGE

AND

THE

DRAGON

27

others

were

still

standing,
the

but

the

bark

was

peeling
wrhite

off, leaving
and

branches

looking
to

like the

ghostly

fingers

pointing

sky. Up
been been but On

in the
sweet

little hill-town
and
pure,

the
a

morning
fresh

air

had had

and of the
not
a

breeze
out
at

fillingthe
down the

sails marsh of

big ships
breath

sea,

by
other
of

the

was

stirring.
of mud the

side
brown

the
smoke

great
were

expanse

great

puffs

rising, and
the

Princess
the the for
came

knew

they
The the

marked smoke

place slowly
blow

where
across

dragon marsh,
it
was

lay.
for half the

crept
could
not

wind like

hard,
that

dead, dragon.
led

everything

else

near

The
and

old

King

his

daughter
with alone
many

to

the

rock,
he

there,
her

kissing
and
strewrn

her,
her

tears, that

blessed

left with

in

dreadful
who

place, all
had been

the

bones

of

those

already
Princess marsh
had she and

devoured.
was

The
to

very

brave.
made
tears ;
no

On

her

way

the

she

had
any

complaints,
now,

neither her

shed
all her

but

when

father

friends

had

left

her, and

28

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

there the

was

no

one

to

see

her, she
her

sat

down

on

ground, began
there
name

and,
to
was

covering
most

face

with

her

hands,
Now whose
from

cry
a

bitterly. knight of Gappadocia,

He his
was

young

was

George.
to

ing journeyand

his he
came

home

join

regiment,
the

by

chance
was.

past
clothed

the in

place where
a

Princess
armour,

He

was

coat

of

shining

all made

of

silver

and
sun

polished steel, that glittered

shone
off
upon

brightly
was

when
"

the
had

it

his
for

head the

bare
was

he

taken
was

his
on

helmet,
a

day

hot.
and

He carried
as

mounted
a

great
twelve
was

brown
feet
aware

horse, long.
of
someone

mighty

lance,

Now,

he

came

riding by, he sobbing,

to

crying
a

and

and

it was
so

strange
he

in in

so

desolate

place

hear
in

voice,
the

reined
from
a

his

horse,
the

and

looked
came.

direction he the
saw

which

sound

There

fair
and

lady, richly dressed, crying

he
"

sitting
heart said
:

on

ground
break.

as

though
to
are

her and

would

So

rode

up

her
you

Why

crying all alone

in

this

dismal

place,
Then

noble

lady ?"
Princess

the

hastily

dried

her

tears

and

ST.

GEORGE

AND

THE

DRAGON

29

said

"

for

she

knew
come

that
upon

at

any
:

moment

the

dragon
"

might

them
too

Fly, fly, before

I

it is mortal
are

late, Sir

Knight."
St.

"

fly before
me

no

foe," said

George

"

tell

why
Princess

you

here." her
hands

The said
"

clasped
:

together

and

imploringly
Do
not waste

time
was

in talk, but determined him

go."
not to

Now,
until
for
men

St.

George

go

the

Princess noticed
about.
not

told

why

she and

was

there,
bones of that that the

he

had

the So

skeletons
the

lying
would had

Princess,
told him

seeing quickly by

he she

leave left St.

her,
there

been But for he

to

be
was

devoured
not

dragon. smiled,
not,
harm be

George
a

afraid. said
do
"

He Fear
no

loved the

fight,

and

fair
;

lady,

dragon
and

shall

you

I will

fight him

kill

him.

Do

not

unhappy."
But the
had

Princess gone
and
out

remembered in

how
hundreds scattered
man

the
to

folk towns-

their
had
one

fight the
them
conquer

dragon,
It
was

how

he that
and

all.

impossible
she

could
was

him,

thought,

her

heart

full

of

pity

30

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

for

the

noble before killed she

a

knight
her
and felt
;

who

stood

so

calm
end
as

and in

resolute

it could
as

only
well

his

being Though
so

devoured

herself.
to

happier
she

for

having
to

spoken
make her
one

brave

man,
to
save

determined
from

more

effort

him
and

sharing
Sir while

fate.

"You

are

brave

good,
you,

Knight,"
there

she

said,
time."
But
roar

"but

go,

I beseech

is yet

even

as

she
of
upon

spoke
bulls them.

there

was

sudden and

like

herd
was

rushing

together,

the

dragon

Now, prayed,
himself
under
"

when Now his

arm.

St. God

George
be
my

saw

him

come

he

helper !"
held his

and

settled

in his

saddle,
And such master,
came a

and

lance

firmly
he

his good terrible

and

horse,
creature

though

had

never

seen

before,
his St. voice.

trusted

in
as

his

obeyed

Then
rode

the

dragon

against him pointing his

strike
the

George
wards, down-

furiously forward,
so

lance beast

that

he

might
came

in the

head,

for

the his

dragon low,
came

along

the
to

ground,
dart And
wards up-

keeping

head he

and
near

meaning enough.

when

all

ST.

GEORGE

AND

THE

DRAGON

31

the

time

he

waved

his with
and and

head

to

and

fro,

and and

flapped blowing
reached
the there because

violently
out

his

wings,

roaring
But
before

flames

smoke.

he
of

St.

George
met
a

his
;

horse

the

point
because

long
was

lance

him
cloud

only,

partly
and

such the
the

of

smoke,
his

partly
to
one

dragon
last him

swerved the
on

head
of

side
did

at
not

moment,

point
the
on

the

spear and

strike
off hard been

full, but
the
scales

shoulder,

glanced
were as

from and
a

his steel.

body,
And

which if it

slippery
stout

as

had

not

spear,

indeed,

it would when
out.

surely

have

snapped
the

; but

it held
of

good, and
fire
met

it struck So

scales,
the
over

sparks
when his

flew

great

was

shock
on

they
side, and horse,

that

the

dragon
was

rolled

St. which St. he

George
went

nearly thrown
on,

from
to

his

rushing

unable
up
on

stop

itself,until
Then
had
once

George
turned self, him-

pulled him
back,
and
came

his haunches.
who

the
on

dragon,

recovered
more

again.
that he

And
felt
nor

St.
nor

George
did
the

prayed,
flames
of

so

no

fear,

burn

him,

the

poisonous
So

breath

the

dragon

hurt

him.

they

fought

32

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

together
have
seen

for

long
for for

time,
the
the

and

you
or

could have
the

not

them

smoke,
noise
was

heard

yourself
and
so

speak

of all

battle
up,

the that feet. it

slimy
was

ground
difficult

churned horse
to

for

the

keep
the

his

Six his

times

did

St.

George
did

strike
the

dragon
get
near

with

lance, and
to

twice
the

dragon
But last endure
to at
no

enough
it seemed
no

wound
as

horse.

last, when

if the

battle

could
could
set

longer, because
so

man's

strength George
way
or

furious
an

struggle, St.
of

himself

make

end
a

it,

one

another.

So his
than

going
horse,
ever,

back

little distance, his lance

and
more

encouraging firmly
monster, the with air with his wide But
the and

he
and

grasped

charged
saw

straight coming,
the

at

the

who,
his

when

he
and

him lashed his

beat

wings,
tore

ground
and

tail, and
his this

it with

claws,
and

opened
fire.

jaws,
time

roaring horribly
the mouth back of

spitting
went

point
and

of

the

lance down and

into throat

dragon's
out
at

right

his the

the
;

his head,
no

shaft

snapped
for

off short blood it

was was

but

it

longer
from
a

mattered,
fearful

the
and

pouring

wound,

plain

ORK

'STor*

AMD

L_

ST.

GEORGE

DEF;

On

the

left

is

the

city

of

Silene,

and

on

the

right

ST.

GEORGE

BEHEADING

THE

The

King-

of

Silene,

holding

the

Princess

by
(Frci'l

the

hand, pictures

is

on

the

left,

and

the

l"y Carpaccio

in

the

fl\vl/
* i?i!'7A-.-;;^rt'ii! *.-" -""sS!"s.----/
:
v '

fir^i
j:

LV^rT^^,

Is?

ffl

m*?t%!
; Jx

IK^*^)
Sliftfi
."_V"\

..-"-"s.NW-"

Anderson,
;

Rome

THE

URAC.ON

ncess

Sabra

is

seen

anxiously watching the fisjht

.*,v*x

-"

"

*--"v-

it
"* x
^

KS6f%) f\
;?".^-"x
" ""
. .

,: 5 i k".:; -'-V--..^--':":. ^ -V-.

\
\ "-""": ::x V "-" y \\\N.v ". N^".-:-. \ .-"" \ v. \ -"-""'.-:-.\ ::."";:"::-.V :^\.
'

"

"

viS)il S"f 1

;;;.\ ^.^NvS;^;;;;;
;

w!fa\'\\($l
r^7MM\l/

lOTSfjffi

i\7Ai^|1f/

"\

IN1
on

'\\\V.

C\'\\
an-

OF

MI,

I'M

either "idr

tin- cliirf

inhabitants ""f tin-

in\\n

ami

thr

fS.

ST.

GEORGE

AND

THE

DRAGON

33

there
beast.

was

no

more

fight left

in

the

huge

All

this

time
the had
can

the
combat
run

Princess
from when the
a

Sabra

had

been
to

watching
which
them. she

little hillock

dragon
with
what

fell

upon

You

easily imagine
watched and that

less breathon

anxiety knight's
life
lance and

she

fight, for

the his

strength
her
own.

bravery
at

depended length
and

When

the she

long
knew
and

pierced the
were

dragon's neck,

they
she St.

safe, her
down

joy
little

was

boundless,
to

ran

the

hill

the

knight.
to

George,
"

seeing her
Brave
and

coming,
noble
but

called

her,
evil chain
and

saying
beast

lady,
I will have
you
we

this
no

is

now

conquered,
to

with
bind

which him
up
was

fasten
your

him;

come

with
to
a

girdle?

and

then

will

lead

him It
the

the

city." thing that

did
not

hard

St.
at

George
all like but

asked the
no

of of

Princess, for she

so near

idea
matter

going
what

the

horrid
had asked

dragon,
her
to

the

knight

do, she
was so

would

willingly have
to

done
man

it,because
who had

she

ful grate-

the

brave

risked

his life to
5

34

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

save

hers.

Without
and
went

word
up
to

she

took
monster

off

her
and

silver
fastened

girdle

the

it round
to

his
her

neck.
or

The

dragon
escape,
no
more

did for

not
now

attempt
that he
so

hurt

try
was

to

was

beaten

there
on

spirit in
the cess Prin-

him,

the

knight by

his
side

horse,

with
the

walking
went

his
the

leading
of

dragon,
the

up

towards

city

Silene.

When
saw

men-at-arms

who

guarded

the
not

city gate
to

the
him
was

dragon
twice
a

coming

they

did

wait have

look
seen

at

(if they had,

;

they
all

would

he

prisoner)
into

but

deserted

their "The

posts

and

rushed the

the is

town,

crying:
!

dragon,
save

dragon
!" Then
to

coming

Fly,

fly,

selves your-

followed

furious

flight,everyone
for when
was

ing tryThe the

he

get
alone

the

best

hiding-place
the
man,

himself.
he

King

played

for

heard

guards

shouting
that
be

that

the
had
to

dragon

coming,
dear

thought
it would he
mounted

since
very

he
easy

lost his

daughter
of

die,

so

instead
and rode

hiding

his
the
to
see

big white

horse The

steadily
course

towards

city gate.
the

King

of

expected

dragon

triumphantly

rushing

ST.

GEORGE

AND

THE

DRAGON

35

along amid imagine misshapen

cloud

of fire and

smoke,
he
saw

but
a

you

may

his

surprise
beast

when

wretched the cess's Prin-

shambling
in
was

along by
her

by

side, held

leash
a

girdle, while

riding beside
At he first the

her

noble
not

knight.
believe his
;

King
he
must

could be

eyes he

thought
and

dreaming
and
at

but became

looked convinced who

his
was

looked
that

again,
was

last

it

indeed
and

his

dear

daughter getting
kissed off her

approaching,
he
took

hastily
arms

horse and

her

in his

and

again
When

again. they
told
were

calm father her had

enough
how alone

to

speak

the had

Princess

her found he

St. in
a

George
the

passed place,

by
and

and how

dreadful
and he perate deshad

fought
dragon,
Then

long
how

fight against the

at

and

last

conquered
his

him.

the
turned

King,
to

still St.

holding George.
"Never,
the noble

daughter's

hand,

never

can

thank done

you

enough
this

for

deed

you
"

have
not

day,
you

Sir

Knight,"
back
to

he
me

said
my

only

have

given
I

dearest

daughter,

whom

36

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

mourned
and
so

as

dead,
from
us.

but

you

have

delivered

me

my

people plagued

the

dreadful like

pest
to

who

has
you

long

I should show
done. my

give
for

some

great
deed

gift
you

to

gratitude
Gome like
to

the

brave and

have
you

my
no

palace
matter

choose it is, to

what the

would
of
my

what

half

kingdom

it shall

be

yours."
But
any

St.

George

courteously

refused

to

take

rich "One

gift. thing only

and false

do

wish," subjects
If
you

he
are

said;

"I

know
and
a

that

you

all your

heathens,

worship gift, O

gods.

would all
your

give

me

King,

command in the
;

that

people
I will
:

gather

together
them
my

the
name

market-place,
of

and

baptize
shall
so
"

in
reward

Jesus

Christ

that

be

then
you

I will
no

kill the

dragon,

that

he

shall
be

trouble
as

more." noble

It shall

you

desire,

most

knight,"

replied the
Just
the

King.
St.
and

then

George
himself he Silene

noticed
seemed asked
very

that the the

the

King,
sons per-

Princess,
in the

only
**

city, and
of

King quiet

Are

not

the

streets

to-day ?

ST.

GEORGE

AND

THE

DRAGON

37

Nowhere

can

see

man,

woman,

or

child.

Where "The

are

all your

subjects, O
cowards!

King ?" They

are

miserable
for fear
as

all

in

hiding
Even

of the he

dragon," they
a

answered
saw a

the

King. boy
told but the osity curiof
to

spoke
over

little
been

timidly peeping
many

wall.

He

had

stories
he

of had

the

man-devouring longed
looked
to

dragon,
know
what

secretly
terrible had

always
creature

fiery
made

like, and
creep

his
out

him He
was

gradually
much

his
see

hiding-place.
this

astonished of the
heard.

ugly, crawling
dragon
of

beast

instead
so

ful fright-

whom

he
to
"

had the

often and

The go round
brave

King
the

spoke city.
has

child the

told

him

to

Tell

townsfolk
the

that

this he

knight

conquered
them
square
away

dragon," they

said, "and
assemble The

command

that
of

instantly

in the
little and the

great

the
to

city."
do
as

boy
the

rushed

the if

King's

bidding,
Most of

good

news

spread
rather
some

by magic.
of

people

looked but that

ashamed

their

cowardly
to

conduct,

had
had
not

the been

pertinen imin
for

pretend
The
Lord

they

hiding

at

all.

High

Chamberlain,

38

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

instance, said he
chambers You the

had
to

been

shut
of

up

in his council-

attending
took
a

affairs

State.
my

very

long time,
turned
away,

lord," said
of
course

King

dryly,
was

and

for
everyone

nobody
the
as

really
Chamberlain

taken

in,
was

and
as

knew
a

Lord the
rest.

great

coward

The
and

dragon

was

shut

up

safely in

dungeon,

all the

inhabitants

of Silene

gathered

together

in the hound
as

market-square.
and
can

Even

the

King's favourite
were

the
see

Princess's in the
on a

pet

parrot
Then
at

there,

you

picture. flight
of

St. the

George
farther
as a

took

his stand
and

steps

end,
font.

he

used

large
took and

and

beautiful his

bowl
and

The her

King
crown

off

turban,
and

the

Princess

mantle,
who with
of all the

together
water

they knelt
on

before

St.

George,
them
name

poured
the
cross,

their

heads,
them
he

signed
in
the

and

baptized
After
of and
were

Jesus

Christ.

that

baptized
with the

inhabitants Chamberlain
and had
water.

Silene, beginning ending

so

Lord

with

the that

smallest
the

baby,
bowl

there
to

many

great with

be

filled

again

and

again

fresh

The

ST.

GEORGE

AND

THE

DRAGON

39

trumpets
sun

blared
and

and

the
was

people
the

sang

and

the

shone,
whole St. the The

Silene
for had

happiest
was

place in

the and
to

world,

the

dragon

conquered,

George
faith.
and
was

converted

its pagan

people

true

dog
what

the

parrot

could and

not

at

all understand

happening, long
ceremony.

got The
but

dreadfully
parrot
the
was

tired

of

the

passionately
never

fond

of

flower-buds,
to

Princess

would
saw

allow

him

bite

them

off, so, when

her
eyes
to

he

his mistress

kneeling
all

with

tight
him
as

shut, he
fast
as

nipped
could.

off

those

nearest

he
poor

The that He
he

dog
even

did
more

not

care

for

flower-buds,
than the refrain
to

so

felt

depressed
could but

parrot.
from control master's

hated
way

music,
to

and

hardly
managed
to
as

giving

howls,
did
not

he

himself,

for

he

wish it
all

hurt well
as

his

feelings. looking
knew
no

He

endured bored

he

could,
then he

hugely

the
a

time, but
heathen
was

better, for
the
was

he

was

hound.
over,

At St.
the

last

long
to

ceremony fulfil

and

George
dragon.

his
was

promise
mounted

of

slaying
on

The

King

his

40

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

splendid

white

horse,
and

and

was

surrounded

by
was on

his councillors
foot

Court.

The

Princess
his his

by her King

father's
not

side, holding
bear
were

hand, sight.
for

for

the
every
to

could

her

out

of

In

direction
see

people
end

struggling
their
old

places,
the
was

the

final

of

enemy

dragon.
led seemed

The into

miserable
the middle that

crawling
of

animal
square

forth

the

it

impossible
with

this

wretched

battered

creature,
toes

crumpled,
and

ragged

wings,

and

turned

inwards,
and

trailing tail, could

who
to

be

the
a

proud
hours
but

frightful dragon
been knew
an a

had,
the

only
whole

few

before,
St.

terror

city ;
kill
grow

George
make

that, if he
of
ever

did

not

him

and

end

him,

he

would

bigger
went

and
to

stronger

than

before.

So

he in

up

the
and

dragon,
his great

and,
sword

taking the
in he the

girdle
other,
the

one

hand
one

with

tremendous from

blow his
to

severed

dragon's head
As blew the
a

body.
the

head

rolled blast
on

ground
trumpets,

the

musicians
all all

great shouted

their

and

the the

people
world

together
know the

for

joy,
of

so

that

might

triumph

St.

George.

ST.

GEORGE

BAPTISING

The

King-

and

Princess

are

seen

kneeling-

in

front

(From

the

picture

by

Carpaccio

in

the

chi

'V-*.

^-

"

"

"

^__"

A.

311

FA

t^

""

""ff/*

\v

^X^S^^-^^^fef^jv^^g

'KolM.i;

01

SII.KXI.;

iOTge, wlin

liohK

|,,,ul of

water

in

his

liand

Gio'g;.'dci .Sc///,ir"w'

n/

I'cnicc)

AND

"-'X AS",

TILO

L-

ST.

GEORGE

AND

THE

DRAGON

41

After
two

that

the

knight
four
oxen,

told

the
to
a

people
take

to

fetch

carts,
the of

with

and in

the

body
the

of

dragon
the

and

bury it
lake.
on

great

pit by

side

marshy

Then,
kissed the

kneeling
the

one

knee,
and said let
on

he

would

have
but but and

King's
would and
to

hand
no

farewell,
him
do
so,

King
him

by

means

raised

kissed

him be
not.

both

cheeks,
of

begged
But

him

stay
would

and

Governor

Silene.

St. "I
am

George
a

soldier,"
Rome.
has
no

he Some
more

said,

"and

serve

the
when I will

Emperor
my
return

of

day, perhaps,
need of
me,

master
;

till then this

serve

the

true

God,
from

O the

King, dragon

who

has
my

day delivered

you

by

hand." that the the he

could
not

Seeing
with

with Princess

honour
bade
a

stay
sad

them,
to

King
noble

and

farewell Year
for

knight.
the

after but

year

people
came

of

Silene
and

looked
at

him,

he
to

never

back,
church noble

last

they decided
of done

build
so

great
the

in
deed

honour he
had

St.

George,
never

that be

should

forgotten.

On

the

church
6

42

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

tower

and

on

the

topmost

pinnacle
and

of

the

King's flag,
the
"

palace
bearing
banner

floated

by
red
cross

day

by
a

night
white

great

on

ground

of

St.

George.
and

The

church

palace
dust,
into
the but

of

Silene

have

long
is
not

ago

crumbled

into

St.

George
of

forgotten.
town

Go

out

streets

any still

English

to-day
Look

and

you

will

see

his

flag Jack,
red

flying.
and
you

carefully
notice that

at

the

Union

will

St.

George's
pattern,
and

cross

is

the

foundation

of

the

whole

and

as

long

as

there

are

English
St.

men

English
will

women

in

the

world

George's

flag

fly.

ST.

FRANCIS

PREACHES

TO

THE

BIRDS

AND

TAMES

THE

WOLF

OF

GUBBIO

ST. BIRDS

FRANCIS AND OF

PREACHES TAMES GUBBIO THE

TO WOLF

THE

SEVEN
of and

HUNDRED

years

ago, lived

in

the rich

little

town

Assisi his This

in

Italy,
son.

there

merchant

only
rich
and

merchant his son's

was

named

Peter

BernarWhen
of and but fine all

done,
Francis

name

was

Francis.
fond

was

young nice

he

was

very
eat

clothes,
the he

and

things
that

to

and

drink,

good
grew

things
to

money

can

buy
to

when

be and that

man

he

ceased

be

satisfied

with convinced

these,

day only
to
serve

by
two

day things
and

he

became

more

really

mattered,
God
;

first, second,
creatures

how

best

honour

and,

how God his

back

best has

to

love
made.

and

help
When decided
all

all

the
had

living
once

he
what the

made

up

mind
to

he
his

soon

to

do.

He

gave

father
45

beautiful

46

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

clothes

he and

had

worn,

and

the

fine

horse

he

had

ridden,
of

dressing

himself
round

in

long
waist

garment
with
a

rough

cloth, fastened cord, he

went

the

knotted
He

barefooted

from

his home.
the

travelled
and

from

place
to

to

place, teaching just as Jesus

who

people
did.

preaching
other
men,

them too,
to

Christ
very
;

Some
were

loved his

him

much,

persuaded
gave
up

follow

example
and
went

they
about

also

their
and the before

possessions
number

with
so

him,
much

of
he
was

them able
to

creased into

that

long

send and

his

companions
the

in

all

directions

teach

help
One

people.
St. Francis
was

day
of

preaching
it
was

to

great

crowd the

people.
it
was

Though
very

still

early in
the The
the
sun

morning

hot,

and

all around
sun.

country

lay parched place

where found
was

and
any

dry in the
shelter beneath
up

only
was

from the

to

be

close stood

walls
and

of

great
a

castle

which
in

straight
Here
in the

tall

like

giant
the

the

plain.
together
and

St.

Francis
and
as

gathered began
was

people
to to

shade, them,
all

talking
custom

them
do.

teaching
above

it

his

Up

them,

along

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

BIRDS

47

the
nests

castle
set

eaves,

were

hundreds
year

of after At

swallows'
year

side

by

side, for
and

the

swallows

returned
were

built

there.

first the crowd all the

birds

very

frightened
beneath

by

the

great
and
nests

gathered
swallows

together
who
were

them,
on

sitting

their
from
saw

drew

their

heads

in

and

disappeared
when
and
sat

view. that

By
one

degrees,
man,

however,
a

they

only

with all the

kind
rest

gentle face,

spoke,

and
gained re-

that

still and First

listened, they
one

their

courage.
and

little
nest
over

head had

peeped
an

out,

then

another,

till each

anxious
and

mother-swallow
after that the and

looking
father-swallows
all the

the
came

edge,

cautiously flying back, struggled

and
see

baby-swallows
of

to

peep
was

over

the
on,

edge
and and
a

their then

nests

what

going

father-

swallows,
all

mother-swallows,
to

baby-swallows they
made

began
last
so

talk

"

and

what
came

noise

At

many

birds

flying and
and

wheeling chitterings

about,
became hear
said
:

and
so

their

twitterings
that

loud,

St.
so,

Francis
up

could
at

hardly
them,
he

himself

speak,

looking

48

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

"

My

sisters, the
now

swallows,
for
me

you
to

have
;

said
I
mand com-

enough,
you

it is time
to

speak

make

no

further

sound

till I have

finished." The
swallows

obeyed,

and had

ceased blessed

from

their

twittering till St. Francis

and

the

people

dismissed At
dawn

them the
next

to

their St.

homes.

day
was

Francis,

with
a

some

of that
came

his
ran

companions,
beside
over a

walking
wood,
and

along
as

path
sun

little distant
before

the the

up

the mist

hills, chasing him, the

songs.

great

wisps of white
and

birds Hundreds
and

awoke,
and

began

their lived

morning
in that

hundreds
more were

little wood,
and

hundreds

fluttering
St. he left Francis listened his

hopping

in

the

fields
he the

close smiled

by.
as

loved
to

little birds, and

them.

Turning
and the entered

off

path
wood,
were

he
and

companions
up

the that
of

looked

among

branches winds
not

softly stirred day.

for

by

the

fresh did

the their

dawning singing,
loved
and

The felt he

birds
at
once

stop
St. the birds

they
As field

that

Francis
wood

them.

passed
none

through
of

into

the

beyond

the

flew

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

BIRDS

49

away, when

and

they long

were

so

little afraid
brushed

of

him

that

his

brown
not

cloak
move.

against their
looked
at

wings
gay,
was

they did happy

As St.

he

the

little creatures, love

to

Francis's
and

heart
to

filled \vith them how

for
use

them,
their

he

longed
in

teach of God.

voices

praise

"My
sound
a

sisters
of

the

birds,"

he

said,

and

at

the
and
my

his

voice

they
fell
on

all

stopped
and

singing,
fields
*'
"

sudden

silence the

woods

sisters

birds,"

he
and

repeated,

"you
to

should God
who

always
made done

sing praises
you,

give

thanks

for
you.

see

what
has

great

things He
you

hath with He

for
to

He

given
you

wings
and the

which allows He has

fly anywhere
even

please,
up

you

to

go

right

into

sky.
a

given
and
you

you

mountains
trees
sow

and

valleys for
to
nor

refuge,
nests ;

high
do work
not ;

in
or

which
reap,

build
can

your

you you
to

do and

any

hard
you
cannot

and

yet
fountains clothe
and

God

feeds

gives
You He
and

rivers

and
nor

in which

drink.
and

stitch

yourselves,
little
ones

yet

has
warm

dressed

you

your
sure,

in fine sisters
7

garments.

Be

then,

my

50

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

the
to

birds, that

God in your

loves

you,

and

never

forget

praise Him
The
birds when he
and
to

songs." attentively
done
to

listened had

St.

Francis,
bowed fluttered

and

speaking
their

they
and

their their

heads,

opened
show

beaks,

wings,
and

him

that his
over

they understood
words.

him,
that

would

remember

After

St.
cross,

Francis, making
gave

them
to
rose

the

sign of
and
at

the
once

them
of

leave birds

depart,
into
the
soon

thousands formed
but

the

air.
of
a

They
cross,

themselves
arms

into the
cross

shape

the

of
away

separated, companies, they

of

and

the

birds

flew

in four west,

great
that

north,

south,

east,
of
was

and

might
earth
;

sing
and

the

praises
Francis

God
left

in all parts

the
to

St.

alone, rejoicing
the birds

think

how that

sweetly day.
time
and of
was

his

sisters

would

sing

Some
Francis
town

after

he

preached
came

to

the
to

birds, St.
the little

his

companions
It had
narrow,
a

Gubbio. surrounded
seemed of

crooked The

streets, houses
one on

and of

by
to

high wall.
almost

Gubbio

be for

standing
town
was

the

top

the

other,

the

little

built

ST.

FRANCIS

AT

GUBBIO

51

on

the

side
of

of
a

steep,
wooded

rocky

hill that
or

stood

at

the
ran

entrance

valley

ravine

that

up

between

tall

mountains,
From
came a

whose
far away
stream

tops
up

were

covered
the that from

with
and

snow.

among
water

ice

snow

little

of

rushed

down
to

the the that

ravine

of

Gubbio,

and

thence

hot,
all

dry
the

plain below. people

of

St.

Francis
had the that
a

noticed

Gubbio

frightened, unhappy
of their
very

look, and
fear.

he

inquired
answered
not

cause

grief and

They

great
men

wolf, who
and
women

devoured
as

only
in
so

animals the
woods

but

well,
wolf

lived
was

above terrible
to venture

the that

city.
any

This
man

fierce

and

who the
were

had

the

courage
went

forth
as

beyond
he

city walls going

to out
a

fully armed,
battle, and
that the
no one now

though

to

things had
dared
to

come

such

pass

go

beyond

the

gates

of

city.

St. said

Francis,
never a

surrounded

by
the

his

companions,
told

word

while when

people
had be

him
he

their told
"

sad

story,
to

but

they
tears

finished
of

them For
to

dry their
go
out to

and

good said,

cheer,
"

I will
tame

the

wood,"

he

and

try

this great

wolf."

52

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

No
one

sooner

had the
round

he

said

these
and

words his

than

with

accord

townsfolk

companions
of
a

crowded

him,
not

and
run

the into
so

people
great
we see

Gubbio

besought
*

him

to

danger.
you,

Never,

never

more

shall
venture

O
the

blessed

Francis,

if you
"

out

towards
to

wood,"

they said
our

we

beseech
But

you

stay

in

safety within
without
and took

city walls."
a

St.

Francis,

answering
the

word,

put
up

them
the

gently aside,
towards the

steep
and

path
the his
dark

valley

the
wolf

mountains dwelt.

pine-wood

where

Then

companions, city
also

seeing him
and followed
master

thus

determined,
to

left the die with

him, choosing
rather The
a

their

beloved

than

desert wound

him. in that
and
out

path
stream

by gaily

the
as

side it
and
ran.

of

little

sparkled
became angry
as

Presently
stream

this

path
and

steeper,
it hurried
or

the
under

grew shadow

black
of

the

the white

high
foam

rocks,

dashed
the

itself

furiously into
that
stood

against Up
and
up

boulders

in

its way.

St.
the

Francis

climbed,
water

rejoicing in the
and

beauty
the blue

of

sparkling
him,

by his side,

sky

above

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

WOLF

53

and Him
tame
were

as

he

went

he

praised
that

God,
he
a

and

besought
subdue and

to

give

him

help
At

might
few

the
to

wolf. be
seen

length

tall

fir-trees
or

standing
main
and had from army

like
of

sentinels
the

posts out-

before stretched
for

the

fir- wood, the

that

miles

miles St. the

along
Francis

side. mountainthe

Scarcely
wood
trees

reached of
the of

than
came

out

shadow
at

gloomy
him

the

wolf, and

the

sight

his
to

companions,
be

forgetting
away, safe did and

their did the

determination
not

brave,

ran

stay

their

steps

till

they

were

within
not

city walls.
wolf
terror
was tomed accus-

St.

Francis
to
see

stir.

The

people
man

flying in
did
was

before
to

him,
run

but
away,

this
and

strange
the

not

attempt

wolf

extremely

surprised.
raised
and

St.

Francis, without
and made

flinching, calmly sign

of the
cross, near,

his

hand,
in
a

the

called
brother that

loud,
in
do the
no

clear
name

voice:
of
to
me

"Gome Christ
or

wolf;
you

the

I command
to

harm

any

other." his mouth

as

At
at
as

that
the any

wolf

stopped command,

and still, and

came

shut

Saint's
lamb

quietly
wolf,"

to

his

side.

"Brother

said

54

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

St. of
done

Francis

sternly,
men

"down
you,
;
not

there,
for

in

the
you

city
have God's

Gubbio,
many

hate deeds have

you

truly

evil
and but

you

have

killed

creatures,
and

only
even

devoured dared
to

sheep
kill
men.

cattle,
you

have

Can
you

wonder,
would

then,

that
see

all you

the

people

hate

and

willingly
the

die ?"
very

At
and words
at

these

words for

wolf
knew
true.

looked
that

guilty

unhappy,
were

he
too

St.

Francis's

only
and,

St. Francis miserable "I

between
never

glanced
the

him,

seeing

how

wolf
come,

looked,
brother
the
a men

he

continued
to

gently:
peace

have
you

wolf,
of
or a

make
you

and
be

Gubbio,
murderer,
you

must

again
return

thief

and
men

they
and

in

will wolf

never

hunt his Saint's "On

with thus

dogs."
he St.

The

bowed the

head,
command.

showing
Then
of

would

obey spoke
Gubbio,

Francis of
as

again.
brother this peace

behalf

the that
you

citizens
as

wolf, I promise

long

you

keep

they shall give

much
as

good
so

and

abundant
you

food,
never

as

you
or

desire,
thirst

that

shall

suffer you

hunger
never

again.
and

I know devoured

well

would

have

killed

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

WOLF

55

men

unless
dark

you

had But
you,

been

starving
men

up

here

in
do

your

woods. for

if the
on

of

Gubbio
brother hurt

this

thing
must

you

your

side,
never

wolf,
harm

promise living

that

you

will Do
you

or

any

creature.

promise

me

this?" Then the

eyes,

wolf
for

looked he
and been before

up

at

the

Saint

with
man

grateful
did
true

felt

that

this

strange
for woods in

indeed
that and food

love

understand driven he
from
went

him,
the down about

it

was

he

had

by

cold of

hunger
into the

search

lower

country
looks

Gubbio. bowed

So

with

grateful, penitent
and

the
show

wolf

his head he St.

see

wagged
his

his tail,to

how
the and wanted
out

readily
peace.

would Francis the

so

give

promise steadily
very sorry

to
at

keep
him,

looked
was

he

could
to

wolf
he

and

be

good,
to

stooped

down

and

held
me

his hand
hand in
your

the

wolf,
brother

saying:
wolf,

"Give in token
wolf

your

mine,

that lifted

I
up

have his

promise."
fore-foot,
the hand

Then
and of

the

right
in
said
:

put
St.

it with

friendly confidence
And
name

Francis. in the

St.
of

Francis Jesus

"Brother

wolf,

Christ,

56

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

I pray
in
peace

you

come

with with
the

me

to

the
of

city,

and

there

dwell Francis
the

men

Gubbio."
down the

St. towards

straightway
town, the
in

went

path

wolf,

nothing

doubting,
Francis

obediently
had

following
God him
on

his steps.
up
more

If St.

praised praised
for

his way

the
on

lonely valley,
his

he

tenfold had

journey
and

down,
the
was

God
most

answered of all

his

prayer,

wolf,

savage

the like
wolf of

forest any

beasts,
lamb.
back
return

walking
When St. the

gently behind
Francis wonderful
and

him the
news

got
his and

to

Gubbio,

spread
women,

instantly
and

through
rich

the and

city,
poor,

men,

children,
to

great
to
see

and

small,

all flocked

the

market-place

this

wonderful
When St.
say

sight.
the

great
stood

square upon
see
a

was

filled with
stone to

people, they
and

Francis
you
to

big
go

(which Gubbio),
wolf

may

still

if you with

spoke

the

townsfolk

the

standing

by his side.
If you

look

at

the
corner

picture,
a

you

will is

notice

that down and

in the the

left-hand
of

lawyer
between

writing
the
wolf

terms

the

bargain

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

WOLF

OF

GUBBIO

{From

the

picture by Stefano

di

Giovanni de

{Sassetta.}in the collection M-irtel)

of the

Count

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

WOLF

57

the the

people, while gloomy

the

on

the and
man

right
a

we

see

corner

of
den

forest,
of
a

bit

of

the him.
"

wolfs

with And

body

slain

by

this is what and

St. Francis

said

Listen,

my

brothers is here

sisters, our
you,

brother for

the

wolf, who
has
you

before
me

is sorry
he

his sins, and

promised
in

that and

will
your

never

again
part,
have him
no

offend

anything,
you

I,
each
so

on

promised
good
and suffer

that

will

day
he

give
may

sufficient

food,
or

that

more

hunger
brothers

thirst.
and

Will

you

promise
all

this,

my

sisters?"
one

And "We Francis

to

the
do

people promise, again

"And

shouted O blessed

with

consent:

Francis."

St. said
you

spoke
wolf:

before
you,
to

them

all, wolf,
peace

and do

the

brother

promise
to

these

people

keep
not

the
hurt

according
men or

the

agreement,
or

and

either ?" And

movements
as

animals,
kneeled

any

living creature
and, with showed,
be
"

the

wolf of his

down,
and

gentle
as

body
he

tail,
to
:

well his

he

could,
Then

that said
even

wished

true

to

promise.

St. Francis
as

Brother
your

wolf, I wish

that,
on

you

gave
so

me

pledge

up

there

the

mountain,
8

58

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

here
and

you

should
you

give it before
will them
up
a

all these
me,

people,
because

that

not

deceive
for

I have the wolf

given
lifted

promise
right
and

you."
and

Then

his

fore-foot

placed
held it in

it in St. Francis's
the for

hand,

St. Francis
all

sight joy.
St.

of

all men,

and

the

people

shouted

Francis
turned towards
ones,

stroked
to

the

wolfs
and

rough
stretched
you,
turn

head,
out

and

then

the
them

people
:

his hands
most
"

"Turn loves

you,

dear of

to

God

who and

you,"
and

he

said

repent
Him

your

sins,

give glory sight

the bade
you

praise
seen

to

for

the

wonderful

have
the

this
over

day."
the

Then

making
St. Francis

sign of
them
on

cross

people

farewell. their
for knees

The in
pass
awe

people, throwing
and

themselves
made
a

humility,
and
to

lane

him

to

through

silently
it
as

let him

go,

catching

at

his garment The he

and

kiss

he

passed.
in

wolf
the

stayed

behind

Gubbio,

and

both their

citizens
wolf

honourably
became
a

kept

promise.
with
door

The

great

favourite
from

the
to

townsfolk, door,
sure

and of

he

went

familiarly
fed whenever

being

he

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

WOLF

59

was

hungry.
and all

At

last

in

good

old

age

he

died,

the

people
both
for

grieved
himself

for

him,
for

for

they
sake

loved

him

and

the

of

St.

Francis.

He

was

buried

near

corner

of

one

of

the

chief

streets

of

Gubbio,
his

and

they
ago

built

beautiful

tomb

over

grave.

Long
but

this

tomb

was

broken

up

and

destroyed,
he had

men

still

pointed
and

out

the

spot

where

been

buried,

few

years

ago

some

workmen

were

digging they
would

at

the

corner

of

the

street,

and

there

discovered

the

skull

of

huge

wolf.

One

like

to

believe

that

this

was

really
brother

what

they
friend

supposed
of

it

to

be,

the

skull

of

wolf,
Gubbio.

St.

Francis

and

the

men

of

DRAGON THE MARGARET ST. AND

ST.

MARGARET

AND

THE

DRAGON

ST. Prince

MARGARET
of

was

the
at

daughter
a

of

Theodosius,
and

the in

Idols

Antioch,
where false
that

great
the

ful beauti-

city
heathens

Asia

Minor,

people

\vere

and the should

worshipped
custom

gods.
children
and of be

It

was

the

rich

people
under
at

leave of

their

parents
who the

put
lived

the distance she

care

nurse,

generally
little
sent

from

the

city
a

so

Margaret,
to
a

when far old

was

quite
the hills

baby,
where
and

was

farm

away
nurse

in

there
there

lived she

good

named

Anna,

remained

for

many

years.

Her
not

parents
trouble
grew much

were

proud
about

and

hard

and

did
that when

their little
she he had of

daughter,
them,
a

so

she her

up

knowing
that that hated

and

father

heard

become of

Christian
for and the

he

was

so

angry Antioch

died the

rage

people

of

Christians,

no

63

64

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

one

had

been

more

bitter
of

against

them

than

Theodosius,
St. the

Prince

the
a

Idols.

Margaret
All

lived

happy,
she be

peaceful
looked

life at the

farm. and

day
grew

long
to

after

sheep,
maiden in
she the
was

she

the

most

beautiful
one ing, morn-

in all the
company
out
was on

country-side.
with
the
some

Early
other

maidens,
the

hills

minding
the

sheep
and and

sun

breaking
the
was

through
were

mists,

everywhere
all the

gossamers

glistening,
bent down
a

the

grass of

shining
the

and

with gay

weight
of

dew,
came

when

suddenly through
a

company pass

huntsmen

narrow

in

the and

hills ; his

it

was

Olybrius
were

King
out

of

Antioch
the

courtiers, who
bears.
up,
at

ing hunt-

mountain looked
stared for

As
the

they

passed

by,

St.
at

Margaret
her

and her
rest

King, astonished
before he he

beauty,
on,

in silence
of He the

passed thinking
of

and

the

day
soon

kept
tired
to

of

her
and

lovely
rode

face.

got
courtiers could

hunting

back
as

with

his
he
seen

Antioch,

but,

try

he

would,
had

not

forget the
her

beautiful in the

girl he

standing by
last

sheep

morning

light. At

Olybrius

i in-.

i.r.i.i'.N!)

ii

"

r.

\I";.\KKI

I. J.

Tinlln

hraiMin

|)ii|";n."

I, i

attack

St.

I II.I-IPII -,\valln\\"Si. Mai-.in-t

?,. 'I'ln-l)ia-nii

liuisU. ami

St.

comes Margaret

I'm Hi

safely

an (,1-roin

//"("l""-:tinhMuseum) in iiiiiiniit"tti"i nuinu.~~".ti("t

"
,

N D

ST.

MARGARET

AND

THE

DRAGON

65

could
see

bear her them

it

no

longer, for he felt that

so

he

must

again,
to

he

sent

for

his

servants

and

told the

go

to

the

little farmhouse with he them

could
to

and

bring palace.

young

girl back
were

his

While

they
and

gone
made
.up

neither

eat

nor

sleep,
how

he
and

his mind this

that,

no

matter

poor

humble
marry
servants

girl might
keep
as

prove

to

be, he

would The
and

her

and

her

with
were

him
manded, com-

always.

did

they

they

forced

Margaret
The
from
to

to

say

bye good-

to

the

good

old

Anna.

poor

girl cried

bitterly at
once

being
was on

parted
the
for road

her Antioch

friend, but,
she
was
soon

she her
to

dried taken

tears,
the
to

she

suspected

she
and

being
she
was

great
be

heathen

city,

determined

brave.
was

King Olybrius palace

as

sitting on brought
seemed

his throne
before
to
seen

in

his
and

when stood

she there

was

him,
even

she

she

him

more

beautiful brief
not to

than

when
on

he
the

had

her He

for told

that

moment

mountains.
but
to
answer

her
three she

be
:

frightened,
Who
was

these
How
was

questions
named

her
was

father
her

And

what

religion ?

St. Mar9

66

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

garet
was

replied that Theodosius,

her that

Prince
was

of the

Idols,

father,
in

that

her
was

name

Margaret,
Then

and said
are

religion she
:

Christian.
two

King
well and well

Olybrius
answered,
noble

"Your maiden
and

first You

questions
come

of

great
name,

family,
to
so

Margaret
a

is

fair

suited

fair

maiden,

but," he
well

added

sternly, "your Why

are

third
you
a

question
Christian
was
"

is not ? and crucified

answered.
do
you

why
?"
you,

worship

God

who

St.
a

Margaret
O

answered

calmly
know of

How

do

heathen,
he

King,

Christ
books

crucified
of

?"

And men."

replied:
Then O said !
be

"By
St. If you
a

the

Christian
"

Margaret
have read

boldly
those
How

For

shame,
you remain the
too

King
should

books,
can

Christian.
of

you

worshipper
grew
to

false
and

gods?"
he

At

that

King

very

angry, her
up

commanded

his servants The

next

shut

in

prison.
was

morning
the

St.

Margaret
and
to

again
looked

brought
upon

before
she

King,
to

when grow
more more

he

her
every

seemed and

him

ful beautiever

day,
her
;

he

longed
knew

than
must

to

marry

but

first he

he

force

her

ST.

MARGARET

AND

THE

DRAGON

67

to

worship

the
for

false

gods
to

of

Antioch,
a

for

it

was

impossible
and
to

him He

make

Christian
to

his wife
very

Queen.

determined
so

try

hard into
**

persuade
room

her,
and

he

took

her

alone

an

inner

besought
I
you pray

her,
thee
do and

saying
our

O
of sit

Margaret,
Antioch beside
crown,
me

worship
;

gods
shall
a

if
on

only
my my you

will

this
wear

you

throne

golden

and
you,

be for

wife
are

and

Queen
fairest head
:

of of
"

Antioch. women." O

I love
But
cannot

the her
"

St.

Margaret
be," she

shook

King, it
God
who

said. earth

I
;

worship
how
can

the I

made

heaven

and of

worship

the the

false

gods

Antioch
a

?" rage,

Then

Olybrius calling
St.
to

King

fell into
commanded

great

and,
take

his

guards,
and

them

to

Margaret
his

torture

her
did

until
as

she

worshipped
were

gods.
and

The

soldiers
took her

they
fastened tender

commanded,
her hands
to
a

they
drove

and her

stake, and
feet but

nails
blood

into

and

until she

the

flowed
steadfast

from and

them

in

streams,
to

remained
the stood false

utterly
And
her

refused the

worship
who said
:

gods

of

Antioch.
to
see

people
and

about

wept

suffering,

68

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

'

Margaret,
how !

truly
your
now

we

are

very

sorry

for
torn

you

see

cruelly Worship
to

body
our

has

been and
:

and

hurt

gods

you
"

shall O
for

live ;" but

that

she

only

replied
to

evil
the

counsellors,
truth

depart,
to

it is

better

die

than this
at

live

in dishonour." the

All would

time last her

King
him
as

stood and

by, hoping
and

she
he

obey
to

again

again
she
so

besought
not,
as

do

he

desired,
she would At

but
not

would much

and

for

long time
one

answer

him the

word.

last,

towards

the

end

of

day,

she have
you

spoke.
power
to
no

"Wicked hurt
power
me

man,"
and
to

she
my my

said, "you

harm hurt what

out

body,
soul,

but
and
you

have
cannot

make

say

is not
a

true."

Then
so

St.

Margaret
who

cried

in

loud

voice,
"Your

that

all
are

stood

by

might
your

hear:

gods
!"

false, O
was so

King;
infuriated

gods
these
to

are

false

Olybrius
of

by

words

that, instead
He
called

loving her, he
soldiers,
this
the
carry

began
manded com-

hate

her.

his "Throw

and

them,

saying:
den

obstinate

girl into
The

the

dragon's
were

outside
to

city walls."
out

soldiers

unwilling

the

ST.

MARGARET

AND

THE

DRAGON

69

King's
St.
the

terrible

order,
courage

for

they

were

amazed

at

Margaret's King
if

and
to cast

determination,
them
too to

but the the

threatened

dragon,
soldiers
and

they

did

not

obey

him

instantly.
from

So

unbound

St.
away
a

Margaret through rocky

the

stake,
past
came

dragged
and mouth bound

her

the

town,

the

city gate,
near

along
of
a

path, until they

cave.

the

deep,
hands

dark and

There
and for them.

they
her

hastily

her

feet,
away

left
fear

helpless, while
dragon
should

they
rush

hurried
out

the Poor
hand

and
was

devour

unhappy
and cold could

St.

Margaret
the for

alone,
of the

and

bound
;

foot
and
see

before

cave

dragon
had
come

it
;

was

dark,
the the that Hour
came

the

night
breath

she

monster's
mouth
must

coming
dark
cave,

in

great
she
no

puffs

from

of be hour and
a

the

but made
at

thought
sound.

he

asleep,
passed then,

for

he and
a

after
up,

by,

last and

the
a

moon

with

rush
creature

roar,

the

dragon,
the
and

huge,

monstrous

sprang
brazen

forth,

moonlight lighting
in
up

glistening
his cruel
eyes.

on

his

wings
St.
to

He
and

seized
returned

Margaret
the
cave,

his

powerful opening

jaws,
wide

where,

his

70

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

mouth,
her.
trembled and
a

with

one

tremendous

gulp,
so

he

swallowed the
of rocks

Scarcely
and tremendous and and

had

he

done there

when
a

shook,

was

flash

light,
burst stood

roar,

and and
man,

the
in

dragon
his

asunder
a

disappeared,
handsome

place
in
a

young

dressed

grand
was

and

splendid
and
no

fashion.

St.

Margaret,
of the

who

unhurt
took

saved
of

by the
him,
God
but for

bursting
threw

dragon,
on

notice

herself saved
her

her from

knees,
the

thanking

having

dragon.
St.

While

Margaret
to
come

was

kneeling,
this

strange

change
man.

began

over

ing princely-lookand

First her

he

looked then

pale
he

frightened
to

at

hearing
grow

prayer, and

began
and

dwindle
face
a

and become

smaller

smaller,
more

his

to

uglier
the
a

and

still

ugly, till,in
young
man

few had from

moments, become her

tall, handsome

hideous

imp. looking

St.
at

Margaret
him,
her started

rose

knees,

and,

back

in

fear, but

she the

quickly sign
At
of

regained
cross,

courage,

and,
what

making
he

the

she the

demanded
cross

wanted.

the

sign of
and

the
that

imp
he

shivered

before

her,

answered

ST.

MARGARET

AND

THE

DRAGON

71

had
man

come

in the
he

disguise
the
to

of

young

and

princely
her,
and

that

might
her

more

easily
the

deceive will

and

persuade
his

do

King's

worship firmly:
the

idols. will I will

St.
I

Margaret worship
rather

answered

"Never
;

the
than

gods

of
my

heathen Christ."
the and and

die

deny

Lord Then
courage

demon

was

conquered
of

by Margaret's
and

the tried him

Name
to

Christ,
away, and but

he

shrank

together
commanded he

slink

St.

Margaret

to

remain,

most

unwillingly

did "What

so.

is your

name?"
demon

she
was

asked,
forced
"

and
to

again

against his will the

'*

answer.
one

My

name

is

Veltis," he said,
were

and

am

of

the

demons
a

who box.

fastened After

by King
Solomon
came

Solomon

in

brazen

King
of

died, it
upon

happened
the

that
and

the

people

Babylon they
open
we

box,

they
so

thought
broke

had the

found

great when
out

treasure,
once

they
was

lid, and
flew

the

box
away
men

opened,
over

demons
to

and

rushed

all
to

the evil St.

world

plague

and

tempt
"You

good
vile

do

deeds."

creature!"

Margaret

said.

72

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

"You
purpose

disguised yourself
to

as

young

Prince
the

on

persuade
wicked
foot and
no

me

to

worship
!" she

false She the

up,

gods.

Begone,
her

demon the

cried.
and

stamped
earth
and
was

upon

ground,
was

opened,
seen

the
more.

demon

swallowed

St.

Margaret,
and
soon

tired fell

out,

lay

down

on

the

hard

ground
the the in

asleep.
came

The
to

next

morning
of

soldiers

of

Olybrius

the

entrance

dragon's
terror

cave.

They
dragon
from
to
see

silentlycrept
should his into hear

forward,
them
and

lest
up
at

the them

spring
got
were near

lair. the

When
cavern,

they
they

enough
to

look St.

amazed

Margaret
her she hills.
ventured
trace

lying asleep,
arm

resting
beneath
in the
all
cave,

quite
her

quietly, with
as

doubled
at

cheek,

though
in the soldiers
find of
no

were

home

little farmhouse courage the

Summoning
into the the

their
but

they could
the bones

of

dragon
he had

beyond
devoured.
at

the

victims fear
and had

Trembling
the wonderful St.

with

ment astonish-

thing that
and told

happened,
to
come

they woke
with them

Margaret,
before

her

again

the

King.

As

they

ST.

MARGARET

AND

THE

DRAGON

73

went

towards the

the God
told

city, they
she
about how for
at

questioned worshipped,
Jesus Christ
all

her and and

men,

about

\vhom them

St. His
and

Margaret
beautiful
gave

life, and
life
less

He

loved The than

His
no

them.

soldiers,
at

marvelling
wonderful that
true

her
so

words
a

the
vinced con-

courage the God

of

young
she
on

girl,were
served
was

whom

the

God,
her

and,

falling

their said

knees,

they
be

begged

forgiveness,

and

they
back

would
to

Christians.

They
St.

went

straight
and

the

palace with
the

Margaret,

confessed

before also had rage

his

King

that, convinced
Christians. At

by her, they
that
the

become and

King's calling
them
to to

fury

knew black

no

bounds,

and,
told
to

fiercest

soldiers, he
and

take

St.
and

Margaret
there

her

guards

the

market-place

strike

off their
was

heads.
crowded
on

The
of

market-place
Antioch,
who

with

the

folk towns-

looked
axe

silentlywhile
St. head

the

headsman's
tender

heavy
and

fell

upon

Margaret's
from the her

neck,
After had

severed

her

body.
who

that, each
her

in his turn,
were

soldiers The
10

guarded

beheaded.

74

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

people
and

watched with

in
one

dead

silence

till all
'*

was

over,

then be
;
we

voice
;

they cried
God Then

We,

too,
true

will God
to

Christians will

Margaret's
Him."
the

is the

worship
of and

they rushed
and

the

temples
the idols heard
the

false them in
all the

gods,
in

threw

down

broke
tumult of the much

pieces. city,
and

King
sent

Olybrius
to

the
reason

the

inquire
heard he

noise, and
become
so

when tians, Chris-

he

that
was

all

people
afraid

had
;

very

he

put
as a

off his
poor
seen

kingly
man,

robes,
and

and

disguised
the

himself
was

fled

from

city, and

never

again.
of

The

townsfolk
and
near

gently took
with the
tears

up

the

body

St.

Margaret,
her

and

great

sorrow

they buried
years

market-place.
church

In
over

after
her

they
and

built in
the

beautiful church
the
anyone

grave, of

they hung
dragon,
so

picture
citizens
been

St.

Margaret
to

and

for

the

loved born You she

think

that
of

brave

had

in their
see,

city though

Antioch. St.

Margaret

was

only

girl,
of and her

conquered
He
her

the

powerful
that

Olybrius, by
he

King

Antioch.

thought
with

torturing compel

threatening

death

could

ST.

MARGARET

AND

THE

DRAGON

75

to

worship
die rather

his

false

gods,

but

St.

Margaret
and

chose

to

than

obey
courage whole

him

give
for

up

her

religion.
she converted

So

by

her

in

dying
of

Christ,
to

the

city

Antioch

the

true

faith.

ST. FRANCIS AND THE SOLDAN

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

SOLDAN

IN

the

time
hated

of

St.

Francis

of for

Assisi

all

Christian rich the

men

the

Saracens,
nation,
The them
and

they
them

were

and

powerful
Land. with
and and

to

belonged

Holy fighting

Christians
to

were

continually possession
of fierce

regain
were

Jerusalem,
and

as

the

Saracens

very

cruel,
much

the

Christian the

fighting-men
between them

were

not

better,
and

wars

were

both

long
Now

bloody.
Francis,
it in his them
and and who

St.
not

loved
to

all

living
the them
been

things,

could Instead

find of

heart he
had

hate

Saracens.
because

hating
heathens of
that

pitied
never

they
the for

were

taught
so

faith them

Christ,
he
to

at

last

he

felt

sorry

could

bear

it

no

longer,
and

and

he

determined
the

leave
and

his
tell

own

country
the

go of

to

Saracens life.

them with

story
him

the
of

Saviour's

So

taking
79

twelve

80

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

his land.

companions,

he

set

sail

for

the

Saracens'

All for
and

travelling
roads
were were

in

those
few

days
and
on

was

dangerous,
and

the

bad,
the
;
a

thieves
for
any

robbers
or

always

lookout
but

unarmed
on

lonely
was

travellers

if

travelling by
sea

dry
ten

land

dangerous,
more so.

journey ships
were

was

times
the

The
no

very
or

small, and

sailors

had

compasses

maps

by

which their
of

they

might

steer
sun

their

course,

but

sailed

ships by the
moon

by day by
sea,

and
so

by the they
close

light
never

the

and far
out

stars to

night,
but

ventured

kept
of and

inshore,
wrecked

thereby
on a

running
coast.

great
St.
many

risk Francis

being
his and
were

rocky

companions
adventures,

passed
and

through
twelve

dangers

the
and

companions

horribly afraid,
to

again
but

and

again they begged

Francis,
as

be
so

put
kind

ashore,
and

St.
was

though
as

he
any
turn

was

gentle,
to

brave
order endure

soldier, and back,

miseries their
so

he

refused
were

give the
to

to

they
as

obliged
could

their
at

best

they
end.

till
last

they arrived
reached

journey's

At

they

the

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

SOLDAN

81

Saracens'

land,
and and
crew

and,
of

bidding
the

good-bye

to

the

Captain
seashore All
could

little

ship, they left the

inland. travellers

directed

their which

course

the
enter

passes

by

Christian

the

Saracens'

country

were

guarded King
so or

by soldiers, especially chosen

Soldan
any

by
and

their

for

their

fierceness
dared be

cruelty,
his
and

that

Christian

who

enter

dominions
tortured
or

should

immediately
death. Francis
a

caught

put

to

St. gone

and

his

companions
when
a

had band

only
of
and
upon

very

short warriors

distance
clad

dark-faced mounted
on

in

bright
swept

armour

swift them

horses all what

down

them

and

took

prisoners.
St.

The

Captain
and

roughly

demanded
were

Francis

his

companions
and

doing in the Saracens'

answered

country,
come

St. Francis

that His believe

what

he

had

to ;

tell thefii about but the

to
"

God did
'*

and
not

Son

Jesus

Christ

Captain
scorn.

him, and
you
our

laughed
are,"
he the vain
and
11

him said.

I
a

know
sent

You
to

are

spy
out

by

enemies All in
war,

Christians St. Francis

spy

the

land." he hated

repeated

that

82

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

that
peace.

he

had The that

come

to

tell them
not
was

about

love

and and of

Captain,
St. Francis
had him

believing
the
and

him,
leader

seeing
the
to
was

little

band,
force
;

him
to

seized

tortured,
that for

try
a

and
spy

acknowledge
to
no

he St.

but

it it

was

purpose,

Francis

bore
as

all had
sea.

as

bravely
the

and

plainingly uncom-

he the

done

perils

of

the

voyage The what

matter
out
or

across

Captain
to

and of

his this

soldiers brave hurt

did
man,

not

know
no

think
much

who,
did
not

how
abuse
*'

they
but

him,
said
come

cry

them,
no

only

again
to

and

again
how

am

spy.

I have

tell you
were so

God

loved that
at

the last his with

world."

They

puzzled
St.

they

determined

to

take the miles their

Francis who The

and
was

companions
the
each
on

before
a

Soldan,
away.

army

few of and

soldiers him the them

of
a

took

one

prisoners
rode
soon

behind
for

his

horse,
camp,

they they
There

straight
saw

Soldan's in white grass the

which

before

distance.
on

were

hundreds

tents

the

sand which

surrounding

little

lawn,

across

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

SOLDAN

83

little stream
of

bubbled green white

of the door

and
space

sparkled,
was

and
a

in

the

middle
tent, the
was

this with

pitched
which The
tent

noble
floated Soldan

hung
green

silk,

over

flag
at

Saracens.
of

sitting
the

the

his

in

the
lords
was

cool
and

of

evening,
A
clad

surrounded and

by stately

his
man

captains.
Soldan,

dark in

the of

silken head.
and

robes,
The knelt

with

crown

gold
troop,

upon

his

Captain,
humbly

halting his
before his

dismounted

King.
"

Speak

on,

Captain,"

commanded

the

Soldan.
"

Most

noble

Soldan,"
men as

the

Captain
were

replied,

"

we

seized
your

these

they

attempting
Christians,
he told and the
me a

to

enter

dominions.

They
their
to
us

are

and

when

I tale

questioned
of

leader

strange We

coming
the
peace

in love
peace

peace.

all know
"

love
of
to

and

of the

tians Chris-

it is the I believed
so

fire and
a

sharp sword
he denied tortured would
spy.

-so

him

be

spy

; but

the
to

charge,
force and him

I took
to

him the

and

had

him
he
a

confess

truth, but
that
he is

not, There-

he

steadfastly denies

84

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

fore, O
it well
you
"

King,
to

knowing

your
man

wisdom,
before

thought
that

bring this strange question

him
my you
a

you,

may

yourself."
servants

Is

this

that

tell

of

you

true, Soldan

Francis?

Are

spy?"

asked

the

sternly.
"I
"

am

no

spy,

King," Italy,
loves

replied St. Francis.

my
own

I have
you
to

come

from

country,
sent

to

tell

how die
for

God

you,

and

His

only

Son The
turned
"

you."
was

Soldan
to

silent
at

for

moment,

and

then

the
you

Captain
searched asked. the

his side. these men? Are

Have ?" O

they

armed
"

he

King,
as

only things they

see,"
St. he

carry

are

these
to

crosses,

you

replied, pointing
and

the

wooden
wore

crosses

Francis

his

companions

at

their St.

sides.

At hand forward

that

Francis,
was now

liftinghis unbound),
thus
to
am

cross

high in his boldly

'

(for he
and
can

stepped
Soldan
spy,

spoke
prove

the
no

King, I
servant

that Cause
and

but
to

true

of

God. of you,

big
one

fire

be

made

here

in front

let

of your

servants

ST.

FRANCIS

OF

ASS1SI

OFFERING

TO

WALK

THR

(From

the

picture

by

Giotto

in

'III !". FIRE

IN

Mil

PRESEN(

'"!"' 'I I IK

sol.

DAN

rclt

of

St,i,

Cri'ic

nt

/"'/,'/,

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

SOLDAN

85

walk

with
his

me

through
shall be

the
true

fire, and
God.

he I know

who

is
that

unburnt,
mine Now loved
Francis
once,

the

will

prevail."
Soldan
men,
was
a

the all he
but

brave

man,

and heard be

he St.
at

brave

and he of
a

when should

he
not

determined

slain truth
be

given
;
so

chance
ordered it
was

proving big

the
to

of

his

words and

he

fire

got

ready,
prepared
to

when
to

set
no

alight St.
one came

Francis
forward

step into
from the lords
"

it,but

join him
to

Saracens'
and

side.

The

Soldan

turned

the said who

:

captains
no one

surrounding
among
my

him,
servants

and

Is
come

there

will
man

forward

and
was

enter

the

fire
no

with
one

this

?"

But the

there Soldan

silence, and
that the
not
one

stirred, and
Saracens
would

saw

of

the

venture

into

fire with

St.

Francis.
the

And St.
"

great
as

King
stood
men

looked

searchingly
him I

at

Francis

he

before have in

by

the

fire.

Many
but I

Christian have
sword
;

met,"

said
horse
to

he,
to

"

met to

them

fair

fight,

horse
me

and and

sword,
never

they wishing
before

kill
a

I them

but

have

I met

86

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

Christian

like

you.

I will Take

speak
your

with

you

alone and

to-morrow,

Francis.

prisoners
to

guard

them

carefully," he
"and of

said, turning
man

the
my

Captain,
tent
at

bring

the

Francis

to

break Soldan

day."
was a

The
he

very
"

wise I I he
can

Prince,
that

and

thought
is
a

to

himself,
man,

know
see

this
torn

Francis
and

brave

but

by his
very

ragged

garments
him

that with he

is also

poor.

Maybe,
silver
me

if I tempt he will

presents
a

of
and

gold
will

and

confess
or

is

spy, my

tell
has

which him."

King
So

Prince the
of
next

among

enemies the
and

sent

morning
and

Soldan

caused
stones

great
to

bags

gold

silver
his

precious
and

be

brought
was

into before and

tent, he showed

when him all

St. alone these

"

Francis into riches. You

see

led
tent

him

took him

the

there

this said will will

gold
the

and

silver
"

and

these

cious preall be

stones,"
yours

Soldan;
that whence

they shall
you
you
are a

if if you
sent

you

confess
me

spy,

and

tell

came

and

who

you."
St.

Then

Francis, in his rough,

torn

garments,

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

SOLDAN

87

looked

at

the

stately, gorgeous
"

monarch

with
"

gentle honest
do
not want

eyes. your

Most
and

noble

sir," said he,

and

gold
told
poor you

silver the

precious
I
am no

stones.

have whose

truth. I
am,

spy.

God,

servant

has

sent

me.' The Soldan

the
now

felt He the

sure

that looked

St.
at

Francis

wras

speaking longer
become.
"
"

truth.

him,

and

the
he

he

looked

more

astonished the
who

did
to

"Why," why
warrior should
such

thought
this man,
as

Soldan is

self himno

evidently
among
come

strong

I have

known
man

the all the

Christians,
way

why Italy
be
a

should
to

this
us

from
must

tell

about

his

God

?
has

Truly
many
to

He

wonderful Francis."
**

God

if He

servants

like he God." told had

a

Then,
on,

turning
and

St.
me

Francis,
of
your

said

Say

Francis,
before

tell

And
him

standing
about the

the
of

throne
and

St. Francis when "This

of gave
a

things
the

God,

he

finished
marvellous

speaking
tale
you

Soldan

said

is God His
you

tell, O
the

Francis,
but in

who

is

not to

angry die

with
for the

world,

only Son
say may

people
can

it.

What

be

true,

but

who

tell-

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

who

can

tell?"
and

he

said his head in

sadly,
upon

and

he

sighed

deeply,
St.

leaned

his hand.
and

Francis
and

waited

silence,
the

then
to

he

humbly
him
the

earnestly begged
to

Soldan

give
of the from and
to

permission
things
did of
not

speak
For

to

the
some

Saracens
moments

also

God.
answer,

Soldan his

and

then

he
to

rose

throne

and them

called
that

his

soldiers
were

him,
no

commanded harm leave

or

they

in he
to

way

molest

St.
his

Francis,

and

gave
any

him of

to

go

with
; and

companions
and

part

his with
and

kingdom

St. Francis took

and

his
of

companions,
the Soldan
all the
to

grateful hearts, quickly departed,

leave
went

through

Saracens'

land

teaching
months He

and

preaching

the

people.
from deserts

For

many
to

St. Francis
went

journeyed sandy

place
and

place.

through
and but

crossed

deep
about
to

rivers, Christ,

everywhere
the

he
were

told

the
dull

people
and slow

Saracens

believe

his words. he could

do
no

At
more

last

St.

Francis,
this
to

seeing
heathen
so

good
would

among
return

people, decided
he

he

Italy,
and

gathered
road
to

his
the

companions

together

took

the

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

SOLDAN

89

sea-coast,
went
sooner

but

before

he
to

left him
that
one

the

country

he

to

the the

Soldan Soldan he

bid

farewell. St. Francis

No
was

did
camp

hear
sent

in

the

than

of

his

soldiers

to

lead The

him

before

him. had in the

had
never

King
man

forgotten
coat,
from

this

small,
with
so

delicate brave
and
a

ragged
come

who,
far-off
of and

spirit,
had

Italy,
all

he

thought
told

continually
of

St.

Francis
death the
was more

had
of

him

the the
the

birth
more

life and

Jesus

Christ, and
did
see

he
seem,

thought
and

wonderful
to

story

he

overjoyed
had

St. Francis

again.
in the

After tent,
:

they
the
'

talked

for

long time
at

alone St.

Soldan, looking gravely

Francis, I would
of

Francis, said

Brother the

most

willingly belong
that
to

to

religion
me

Christ, for
is true,
my

I believe
but

what

you
a

tell

of Jesus

I fear
would all
to
can

become rise
up

Christian kill both

because
you

soldiers
me,
not

and

and

with wish
you

your

panions. com-

Now
your

do

bring
still do

about much
to

death

and
own

mine,

for

good
there

in

your

country,
no one

and
to

were

I
my

die

would

be

left

guard

people
12

90

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

from brother St.

oppression Francis,
Francis
and
cannot
are

and what

wrong. shall in he
your

Tell I do

me,

therefore,

?" for
some

thought
then forsake

silence
answered

moments, You
for and
you

gravely
O
are

people,
and

King,
weak and

wise You
see

and

strong,
must

they
the

foolish.
and

protect
done and
to

poor

helpless,
and
most
to

justice
in truth
must

all your

subjects,
And
and
now, return

rule

them

honour.
from
you

noble
my
own

sir, I
country
I have

go
; but

when,
back
my

by

the

death
to

of

my

body,
not

given
you,
to

soul when
two

God,

I will
turn

forget
come

King,

for send

in your
of
my

you

die, I will

companions,
name

and
;

they
and of

shall do the
you,

baptize
in
the

you

in

the

of

Christ

meantime,

think
you,

continually
so

things
be

have when
the

taught
my

that
come

you
to

may

ready
this
bade

messengers

you."
St.
to

And

Soldan
well, fare-

promised
and

to

do, and
returned

Francis

him the

Italy with

twelve

companions.
The Soldan He

kept
took

his
no

word

most

truly and
himself,
but

faithfully.

thought

for

ST.

FRANCIS

AND

THE

SOLDAN

91

worked and feared old and

early
he
was

and

late

for

the

good
them last

of

his
and

people, greatly
very

greatly
his

loved

by
At

by

enemies. he

he
before him

grew

tired, and
St. So Francis
he

felt had the

that made

long
would

the be

promise
fulfilled.
the for roads
two

told
to

soldiers

who lands

guarded
to

leading
poor
men

Christian
clothed

watch

in

long

garments,

with
should before

wooden these him.

at

crosses

hanging
come

by their
were

sides, and
to

men

by they

be

led

Now,
died

that

time
came

St.
down

Francis,
from

who heaven

had
and

long

before,
to

appeared
them him
set
as

two
at

of
once

his
to

companions,
the faith. Soldan So the the

and and

ordered

to

go the

baptize

into
out

Christian

companions
coats
worn

immediately,
Francis
years

clad

in

long
had

such
so

St.

and

his

companions
when
were

many

before,
country

and

they

got

to

the the

Saracens'

they
before
very

stopped
Soldan.
when he with

by

guards
The
two

and

taken
was

the

Soldan

glad
was

saw

the hard die

a

companions,
and

for

he

tired he

his
to

work

long

life, and

longed

92

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

Christian

and

see

St.

Francis

again
has
sent

and

he

said

'

Now

know

God

me

his

servants

to

baptize
Francis

me

into

the

faith

of

Christ,
after he

as

the

blessed

promised,"
in

and

had

been

baptized,

great

calm

and

peace

he

died.

St.

Francis

of

Assisi

will

always gentle
and

be

bered remem-

as

one

of

the

most

tender

of

Christian

saints,
should
not

but

the

Soldan, either,
and

who

loved

him,
brave

be

forgotten
ruler

for

he

was

and

noble

"very

perfect

knight."

THE

FIRST

HALLOWING

OF

WESTMINSTER ABBEY

THE

FIRST WESTMINSTER

HALLOWING ABBEY

OF

IN St. Rome

the

reign

of

Sebert,
and

King
monks

of

the

East

Saxons,
from

Augustine
and

his him

came

over

converted

and

his

subjects

to

the

Christian Sebert

faith.
then and

built
named

church

in honour

his
of of the

chief St. his

first

city,
Paul,

London,
and whose of

it

in

St.

Augustine
name was

appointed
Mellitus,
we are

one

monks,

to

be

Bishop
story
one

London.

Then
not

told with

in

the

old

that

Sebert,
decided

satisfied
that

having
build

built
another

church,
far

he

would

not

from
of

London, ground

on

Thorney
on

Island,
bank

marshy Thames,

piece
all

lying
with the honour
Island

the and

of

the

overgrown This
church

reeds

rushes.

King
of

prayed
St. Peter.

Bishop

Mellitus

to

name

in

To-day
and the

we

call

Thorney

Westminster,
95

little

96

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

church beautiful

that

Sebert

built

there
now

stood

where

our

Westminster it
was

Abbey possible
of
a

stands.
cross

From river
at

Westminster low
and

to

the the
met
ran

tide
on

by
the road

means

ford

made ford

by
was

Romans,

other
called
to

side

the

by the straight

Roman
from

Stangate,

which

London

Canterbury.
a

One his

starry

night
close
now

fisherman
to

was

fishing
bank,

from

little boat Palace

net

the stands.

river

where

Lambeth
cast

The
but
to
no

fisherman
purpose,

his he
be

again
not

and
a

again,

for
to

did
none

catch the

single fish, there

that
was

seemed
across

in
for

river tide
new

night. high, the

Far

the
could

water,
see

the

fisherman dark

the

King's

church Mellitus

standing
was

against the
it and It the owl let
heard
to
was name

sky.

Bishop

to

hallow

it St.

Peter's

early
but

next

day.
wash
of

very

silent, nothing
the
reeds
as

the the

of
an

water
was

among
to

and

hoot

be

heard,
net.

the

fisherman
in the

wearily quiet,
up
saw

down

his himself

Suddenly,
and

he
a

called,
on

looking
bank
at

traveller the ford.

standing

the

the

edge

of

HALLOWING

OF

WESTMINSTER

97

"

Row

me,

fisherman,
be

across

the
new

river church

in
at

your

boat, for

I must

in

my

Westminster The the

down. the

to-night," he said.

fisherman and

obediently brought
the

his in

boat and
across

to
sat

bank,
As

stranger

stepped began
of
to

the in the what

fisherman direction this

pull

river
to
see

Westminster,
traveller it
was was

he

tried

belated the that

looked

like, but
to

by the
see more

light

of

stars

sible impostall and

than

he
to

stately
the
"

man.

When
turned
to

they got
the

the

other
and

side,
said
:

stranger Wait
and here

fisherman
and

tillI return, that he

I will reward
up

you

well,"
that

with the

went
to

the

little
and the

path
the

led

from
soon

river

the
of
narrow

church,
for and

fisherman
was

lost
the

sight path

him,

night

dark,
where fisherman he
had

and

winding.
however,

From the
and

the
could
not

boat
see

was

moored,
dark church

the

clearly,
the with

been

waiting lighted
a

long before
up
as

whole
many

building
candles.
all
as

seemed

though

It
men

was

strange

and
to
see

wonderful the

sight, when
so

were

asleep,
some

church

bright,

though

great

and

glorious
13

98

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

service
was

were

being held
but

within.

The he
he

fisherman
was,

frightened, promised
him. It
was a

stayed where
stranger
that

for

he

had for

the

would

wait

long time
but

before
at

he
he

came

down

the in

path
the the

again,
black

when that

last
comes

reappeared,
the

darkness
was

before
a

dawn,

stranger that
no

shining with
fisherman the
to

bright light, and

see

by
was

light the
other He than
came

could

that

he

great
the
boat

apostle St.
and
to

Peter
to

himself. fisherman:
the

said eat?"

the
but

"Have
was

you
too

anything
to

fisherman
was

frightened him,
and
you,

answer.
"

And

St. Peter
do
not

sorry for

for

said
am

Brother,

be you

afraid, caught
fish

I, like
fish

fisherman.

Have
"

any

to-night ?" to-night, O

for
you

No
for

have

I
been

caught

blessed while
the

Saint,
you

I have been

waiting here church,"

have

in

the

answered

fisherman.
"

Row reach Peter

me

across

again, O
side, let

fisher, but
down your

before

we

the said.

other

net,"

St.

The

fisherman

did

as

he

was

told, and

soon

HALLOWING

OF

WESTMINSTER

99

he

felt

the and

net

dragging
of

in So

his

hand,
was

for

it

was

heavy
St. The them

full

fish.
to

heavy
out

it that
water.

Peter

helped
was

pull it

of

the

little boat
was
a

quite
one

full of

fish, and
scales.
took

amongst
When the it
to

great
to

with

silver St. Peter

and

they
fish

had
from

come

land,
the "Take I

big
the Melnew

among

rest

gave
to

fisherman,

saying:
say

this

Bishop
my

litus,
church
now

and
at

that

have

hallowed
and

Westminster
to

to-night,
used, and
; but

that

it is

all
to

ready
God

be

bid if he

him will

give praise
not

in it
you,
see

to-morrow to

believe
he

tell him certain And fish

as

go
sure

to

my

church,
that
I

and I

shall
been
rest

and
to
a

tokens

have the

there.
of

you, reward Peter left he had

fisherman,
for
your

give
labour."

these This

said, St.
was

vanished

away,

and
at

the the

fisherman wonderful The

and when rowed the
sun

alone,
seen.

marvelling

sight
was

rising in
were

mist

over

the

marshes,
songs, and he

birds

singing their again got

river
to

morning
his

the
down
out

fisherman the

into Paul's.

boat

St.

There
gave

sought

Mellitus

the

Bishop,

and

him

100

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

the him would

great

fish,

as

St. Saint

Peter had

had

ordered,
the

telling Bishop

all that
not

the

said, but
Then

believe "The
my
servant
to
see

his

story.

said St.

the

fisherman:

blessed Mellitus
to

Apostle
will
at not

Peter
to

said,
you,

If

listen

tell him he shall indeed

you
a

go

my

church

Westminster,
tokens that

and

by certain
been

signs

and

I have

there.'
understand
was

Now,

must

that

in old

days in
:

England
The

church

hallowed

in this his
servers

manner

Bishop,

followed
round

by

and of

his the

singing-boys,
church
and

went

the
crosses

outside
on

made

twelve

the that

walls,
went

marking
into
on

them church inside

with
and

holy oil, and

marked
same

after
more

the the

twelve
way,

crosses

in

the
set
or

and

in front These
you may

of

each
crosses,

cross

they painted
in
many
next

lighted
in
the

candle. stone, if you

cut

still
care.

see

old

churches the which

from
wrote

look

with
to

The in the
a

thing

Bishop
the
end

did

was

mark

sand, with
great
then
cross

floor
to

had
end

been of

sprinkled,
church,

the
the

and

he

by

its

side

alphabet

in Greek

letters.

HALLOWING

OF

WESTMINSTER

101

When
tokens

Mellitus in the church he

heard that

that he

St. had

Peter
been

had there

left the and

night before,
set

called
on

his
the

clergy together, path

to

out

immediately

Westminster,

the

fisherman
out

following after. by the

side
of

The river
;

path

wound

in and
wras

the

underfoot

it

wet
was

and
a

marshy, pale
of and
sea,

but tender borne

the

wide

sky
a

above

them fresh
was

blue, and
on

faint,

smell in the
and

the

the the with

rising tide,
larks sang

air. their
and

All

about

them

for of
cross

joy,
the

songs his

mingled people, they

as,

the the

hymns
great
way

Bishop
borne

with

before

them,

went

their

towards

Westminster.
Mellitus
and
came

Bishop
the the

to

the

church,

and

opened
him
on

door,

looked in the

in, and
sand,

there, before
was a

floor, drawn
it
was

great
in

cross,

and

by

written
at

the

alphabet
there,
crosses

Greek.

He
for all

looked
men

the

walls, and
were

cut

plainly
marked and
wax

to

see,

twelve
wet

with
in front

the
of

holy
the

oil, still
were

and

shining,
great
for
was

crosses

twelve

candles
been

burnt

almost

to

their

sockets,
St. Peter

they had
in the

alight all night while

church.

102

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

Then

Mellitus

no

longer
indeed

doubted,
visited
and

but

knew

that

St.

Peter

had

hallowed

his

church,
to

and

he

preached begging
and

great
them

and

glorious join
for

sermon

the

people,
thanks

to

with

him

in

giving

praise happened
to

to

God

the

wonderful

things
all
men

that

had

that

night. spring

And

gave

praise
ago.

God

on

that

morning
And

so

long
was

that

the

first

hallowing

of

minster West-

Abbey.

THE

LEGEND

OF

THE

REBUILDING

OF

WESTMINSTER

ABBEY

CO

as

S
"

"

9"
a tE4

X O u

(AND

TILUL

THE

LEGEND OF WESTMINSTER

OF

THE

REBUILDING ABBEY

MANY

years

after

Sebert,
his
of

King
in

of

the
of

East St.

Saxons,
Peter
and
on

had

built
banks

church
the in

honour the

the Danes Sea

Thames,
their
and and

fierce

cruel

sailed
to

long creeping
killed

ships
up

over

the rivers
whom church the marsh

North
burned

England, villages
;

the

the
met

everyone

they
at

but

fortunately
was so

the hidden in

little

Westminster
and

well

by
the

tall

reeds

alder

bushes sailed

growing
past
without

that

the it

Danes the

ever

discovering
was

or

poor

houses

by

which

it

surrounded.

At
the

last,
Danes

four

hundred

years

after

Sebert
and

died,
Canute He
the

conquered
became

all

the

land,
of

their

King deeply
and

King
for of he the
105

England. oppressed
were

was

hated,
many

cruelly
men

English,

slain
14

while

106

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

the homes
and and

women

were

dragged
the

away of

from

their

to

become

slaves there

their
was

conquerors,

in

all the

country
The

great
of

sorrow

misery.
the in

rightful
was

King

England,
far

Edward
away

Confessor,
and

living in exile
he
was

Normandy,
that

while would
on

there him

he
back

vowed
to

if
and

only
set
a

God him

send

England
would
a

his
to

father's Rome
and

throne,

he time
pray and

make

pilgrimage
dangerous
of

(at that
there Saint this
;

long

and tomb

journey),

by the
each
:

St. his

Peter exile

his patron he

day

of

prayed

prayer

"O

good My
become

Lord! friends

I
are

have gone

no

help
me,

but and

Thee

only.
have

from

they
my

enemies.
are

My

father I Thee
am

is dead, left poor

brothers
alone.
to

also O
me

slain, and
I beseech
to

and

Lord,
and of

and safe
to

pray

Thee

keep

bring

me

England,
Thou
my

the

kingdom
be my

my

father St. Peter

Ethelred. the
the

shalt

God
whose

and

Apostle
of

patron
I will
send

Saint,
visit and
me

tomb,
in

by
Rome,

grace if

God, Lord,

honour

Thou,

life and

health

and

time."

LEGEND

OF

WESTMINSTER

107

For

many

years

Edward
and
at

the last and and

Confessor
prayer
two
common
was

prayed
answered.

this

prayer,

his
his

Canute the

died,
nobles

sons

also,

and

great
that

the

people thought

rejoiced
of

they

were

dead,
the
to

and

they
in

their So

rightful
sent

King,

exile Edward

Normandy.
begging
over

they
return

messengers
to

him

to

England
Then

and

reign
took

his
and

dutiful
set

subjects.
for

Edward
and when

ship

sail

England,
him with him

he and

landed,
the

the

people
of

received
York

with other

joy,

Archbishop
him
and

Bishops England.

anointed After

crowned old

King
all

of
was

that, the
in

stories The

tell us,
were

ness happiout

England.
all

Danes
were

chased and
a

of and

the

land, and
no

men

content

joyful,
and

in

country
as

was

there
the

such

great

holy King
Now when
the all

Edward

Confessor settled
on

of

England.
throne, him,
time

good
was

King,
and

his
about

peace

happiness
had
a

remembered
of and
sent

the
"

vow

he
on

made

in

the
to

his trouble there

for pray

to
at

go
the

pilgrimage
of of

Rome,
So he
told

tomb

St.

Peter.
and

the

great

lords

England

108

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

them
a

how
and

it go

was

his Rome

purpose
to

to

leave
vow.

them

for

time Then

to

fulfil his

the great
to

lords, in grief and

them. "Leave
for

fear, besought
us

him wise
servants

not

leave
noble

not,
we

most

and

King,

what ? The

shall

thy
are

do but
art
we

without

thee that

Danes
our

gone,

if
far

they hear
away,

thou,
come

Lord back
us

and

King,
and pray
to

they will
die.

again,
not,
we

shall
but

surely
send and from

Leave
servants

thee,
the Lord

thy
let

the ask
and

Bishops
if he with
done
saw

Pope,
thee

them
vow,

him

will
us

absolve in

thy

stay
had

England." King
his he

When Edward

the the
and

lords Confessor had them.

a

speaking,
sorrow

the

of felt

people,
not

he

pity
So

on

them,
he
sent

and
two

could and

leave them
to

Bishops
and

with

great

company
to

of

monks
would do
some

men-at-arms

the
vow

Pope
and

ask

if he
to

absolve
other the

him

of

his

allow

him

good

deed and

instead. the
to

When that
was

Bishops
them

great

company and

with
of

got

the

beautiful

glorious city by
the

Rome,
who

they

were

kindly
to

received
of

Pope,

marvelled

hear

the

LEGEND

OF

WESTMINSTER

109

wondrous

doings
the

of

King

Edward
to

the
so

Confessor.

And wise of
a

Pope

rejoiced
live
he

think
such that
a

good
corner

and

King
world,
of
a

should for

in

far-off Rome

the

thought
universe.

was

the

centre wrote
as

the letter

whole
to

Then

the

Pope
that

King
him
not

Edward,
so

telling him
and needed but

his

people
he
;

loved should instead

well

him

so

much,

leave
of

them,

stay
vow

in
to

England
come

and

performing give
all

his

to

Rome

should

the

money
to

he the
a

would
poor,

have
and

spent
that he
of

on

his should

long
build

journey
or

repair

church So
the

in honour

St.

Peter. the

Bishops, bearing
back
to

Pope's
and

letter
as soon

with
as

them,

hastened got the

to

England,
gave

they
and but

London
when much
to

they
he
that
or

it to it
was

the
very

King,
glad,

King

read

wondered

the

Pope
the

had

not

told of

him St.

where Peter.
at

build

repair

Church

Now midst
an

this
a

time, far
there lived
were on

away

in
a

cave

in

the

of

wood,
who

lived
herbs

saintly hermit,
and

aged
the

man

fruits,
Peter

and

while

Bishops

in Rome

St.

him-

110

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

self him the

had

come
"

to

this thou
to

holy
to

man

and
servant

spoken
Edward

to

thus

Write
and
say

my

King,

him
from

that his
a vow

I, Peter
;

the tell
to

Apostle,
him

absolve instead is
to

him
of

and

that,
he

making

pilgrimage
to

Rome,
in

give much
to
was

money

the

poor

England.

Write he

him in

also

that

I remember
he chose

well
me as

that, when
his
and

Normandy,
that
own

patron
set

Saint, and
order
my

I wish

him Church
some

to

repair
at

in

Abbey
hallowed

Westminster,
since. Tell
to

which him he

myself
is
to

time

make
and
cease,
to

it great

and

beautiful, and
whose
ladder thou prayers,

fillit with that

from and

good
never

holy monks,
shall All
be
a

will

stretching
must

earth send
had
to

heaven.

this

write St.
away.

the

King."

When vanished that the

and and gave

Peter

finished the hermit

on a

speaking
wrote

he
all

Then had it with

a

Apostle
sealed it all
to

said
a

roll
of

of red

ment, parchwax,

big seal

messenger,
to

telling him
The it to it

to

take

it with did
and
as

speed
was

the

King.
and gave

messenger the with

he

bidden,
at
once

King,
the

the

King

compared

LEGEND

OF

WESTMINSTER

111

Pope's thought.
for him in he

letter, and
Then
at to

fell
last he

into

deep
to

musing

and

began
that
to

laugh gently,
Peter and had told

rejoiced
church

think
he
was

St.

which
his

repair
he knew the

beautify
the little

honour.

For
so

well
among

church

lying
at

low

reeds

by

the
to

river-side rebuild
the

Westminster,
to

and

he

determined church
the

it, and

make So the then

up

it the
he best

finest for

in
best

whole

country.
and and

sent

master-masons

master-carpenters

in

his

kingdom,
and

he
a new

destroyed
one

the from
more

old

building

built
and

the

foundations,

Westminster
than
even ever

Abbey,
before,
the
was one

glorious
in

and

beautiful So that

rose

its

place.
time

in Edward

fessor's Conof

Westminster
of each

Abbey
; turn

the
of

wonders

the

world

but

succeeding
so

Kings
and

England

in his

have
to
us

altered
of

rebuilt

it that
but

little remains

Edward's
out

building
of

the

Chapel
to

of

the

Pyx,
of

opening
the

the

cloisters
and

the

south the

Chapter dormitory

House,
or

the

walls

of

monks'

sleeping-place. Abbey
centres

Nevertheless,
round the

everything
of

in

the

shrine

Edward

112

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

the

Confessor,

which

all

through pilgrims

the

Middle

Ages
of the

was

thronged
world,
honour and

with

from

all

parts
tomb

to

be

buried

near

his

was

an

reserved

only King
successors,

for

Royal
lies,
the

Princes.

And

there

the

good
of

still

surrounded

by
line

the

tombs

his

first

of

long

of

English

Kings

and

Queens.

THE

LEGEND

OF

EDWARD

THE

CONFESSOR

AND

THE

PILGRIM,

AND

OF

THE

SECOND

HALLOWING

OF

WESTMINSTER

ABBEY

15

THE CONFESSOR OF THE

LEGEND AND SECOND WESTMINSTER

OF THE

EDWARD

THE AND OF

PILGRIM,
HALLOWING ABBEY

ONE Confessor
old

summer

morning,
had he lived
many

when

King
years

Edward
become

the

and

an

man,

was

riding
rode,
he

through thought
and

the
of

Essex his

woods,
life in
of
;

and of his
at

as

he

past spent
;

unhappy
his

childhood Court he

youth
in

exile the

grandfather's day
on

Normandy
first landed he had

joyful
;

which
many

had
years

in

England
over

of and

the

long
for

watched
last of

worked of

his
and

people, pride
he
was
"

and,
the
building re-

all, he

thought
of

his Peter

joy

beautiful
at

Abbey

St.

that

Westminster.

The
rode and

old

King,
in

mounted front of

on

great
train

white
of

horse,
courtiers

slowly
retainers
two

long

who

followed,
hundred
115

laughing yards

and

tering, chat-

or

three

behind.

116

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

The the
a

path

led

straight through
grew

the

forest, and
made

brushwood wall
was on

thick side
all

and of

close, and
the

high

either

grassy

road,

which Little the

on

sprinkled
were

about

with
and

primroses. nibbling
in

rabbits

cropping
did
came

dew,
his

but

they

not

stir within

till the
a

King
feet

stately horse
when would into the

few

of
eyes,

them,

looking
stare

up

with
a

their
and

bright
then

they
off before

for

second,
and

bound

bushes,
a

now

again

ping, stopto

making King
the
as

dash
came

for

their
on.

burrows,

watch

the

he

slowly
to
a

Presently
wood,
stood
came

path

came

clearing in the
of

and
a

there, deep
little

in the
and

heart
from

the

forest,
there

church,
of

within The
one

sounds

music
and

and

singing.
called church And is the
and
to

King
of

reined
servants

in

his
and

steed

his

asked in

what the O

this

might
servant

be,

buried answered:

so

deep

forest.

the

"This,
;

King,

church

of

Havering

it is
even

new

church,
the

only

just
and

finished, and
is

now

Bishop
of

is within, the

hallowing

it in

honour

St.

John

gelist." Evan-

EDWARD

THE

CONFESSOR

117

Now,
St.

good
but

King
next

Edward's
to

patron
Peter he

saint loved
and named and the

was

Peter,

St.

and

venerated

St.
this

John

the

Evangelist,
was

when in
went

he

heard

little church

to

be

his honour in.

on

he watched

got

down

from

his horse
make

He
the

the then

Bishop
go in

crosses

wall and

and

procession
an

round

the

building,
haired
face of
a

while
entered

he

watched,
church. his

aged
old
was

whiteman's
that
went

man

the

The
dress and

was

very

beautiful, and
from the and

pilgrim
to

Holy

Land, him,

he

straight
of

the

King
to

begged
him
some

for

the

sake

St.

John,
Edward

give

silver

money.

Now,
he
who could

the

Confessor
for

loved

pilgrims,

and

looked had he

about

him
of

Hugolin,
money,

his treasurer,
but nowhere had that

charge
see

his The

him.

only thing he
old
of
man was

he

could and

give the
for took who

poor

his
the

big gold
gelist Evanit
to

ring,

the

sake

St.

John
and

he
the

it from thanked

his

finger
the

gave
went

pilgrim,
and
years

King
no

and
more.

on

his way, Some

the

King

saw

him it

afterwards,
who

happened
gone
to

that the

two

English

pilgrims

had

Holy

118

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

Land

to

visit
from

the

birthplace

of

our

Lord,
lost

got
their

separated
way.

their

companions
they

and

In
could

great
find

distress
to

wandered

about,
way.

but

nobody
came

tell them

the half in
could

At with
desert

last

the

night
and

on,

and,

dead the hear and

hunger
to

thirst, they
the
of

lay

down

die.

In

distance
fierce

they
wild would

the

low made

growlings
sure

beasts,

they
devour

that

they

shortly

them.

Suddenly lights
white,
company

in

the
a

dark

night
company

they

saw

two

borne

by

bright

all clothed and

in the

coming
walked

towards
an

them,

behind

aged
very

man

with

long white
When
:

hair, and
came near

his face the

was

beautiful.
he

he of

two

pilgrims,

said what
the

"Be

good
and

cheer,

holy
you
"

pilgrims
come

; from

country

city

do
:

?"
from

And

pilgrims
and and lost from
we

answered the
are

We

come

England,
old
man,

city

of

London,
from
our

noble

separated
"Follow followed

friends, and
said his the

have
old
man,

our

way." they
gave

me,"
him and and

and and

companions,
and

he

them

food

milk,

brought

them

EDWARD

THE

CONFESSOR

119

where

they might
next

rest

after
set

the them

toil of
on

the

day.
way,

The
and

morning
them
on

he how

their

showed

they
to

might

rejoin their
And their kind

companions
as

the he

road

Bethlehem. about of

they

went

asked told and church

them him how

at

King

Edward,
and
new

and

they

his
was

charity
a

noble
and

deeds,

he

building

splendid
old
man

Westminster.

The

listened, smiling, and

news

they
much
farewell

dered won-

why
when told

the
were

pleased
about
to
"

him

so

but he

they
them he

bid I
am

him John this

who said

he
"

was.

the

gelist," Evanto

take
and

from

me

message

Edward him
to

your

King,
the

give him
of

greeting.
the
church

Tell
of

hasten

building
means

Westminster six months he Paradise

by
from

all

in
you
come

his

power,

for

in

the

time

give
to

him

this
me

sage mes-

shall
;

die, and
in he
token

be

with him

in this
at

and

of
to
me

this, give
in
my

ring, which Havering."

Then
fear
at to

gave

church

the the
bless

two

English
of

pilgrims

fell and

down

in

feet

the

holy Evangelist
he

begged
them

him

them,

which

did, promising

120

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

that sound. Then

they

should

return

to

England

safe

and

the

pilgrims

turned the

homeward

with

all And
and

haste, bearing with

as

them

precious ring.
they had
a

St.

John

had

promised,
;

fair
to

prosperous

voyage
went

and
to

when
the

they got King.

and

land Enggave

they
him them

straight
and

They
he

the

message

the

ring,

received

with

great

joy.
all
to

Then

he
as

fell into
was

deep

thought,
and
none

smiling
dared

the
rouse

while,
him.
for and

his wont,
after
a

But

long

time
and

he his

spoke,

and

sent

his

master-masons

master-carpenters,
of

commanded be

that finished

his

Abbey
and

Westminster
as

should
as

within

without the
set

quickly
six

possible.
the

Also,
with his
to

during
care,

next

months,
order
came

King,

great

all

things in
December

throughout
he
went

kingdom,
his

and
at

when

palace

Westminster.
was

By

this

time

the

beautiful

Abbey

almost and

finished, the
new

work stone-

showing
sunshine. looked that St.
at

sharp-cut
the

in the

winter he

And the

King

was

glad
and he

when

stately church,
would
be

thought
think his

Peter

pleased, and

EDWARD

THE

CONFESSOR

121

poor

servant

Edward

had

indeed
and of the

given King

him
manded com-

worthy

and

beautiful

gift ;

Stigand, Archbishop
hallow
to

Canterbury,
many
treasures

to

the
to

building,
the

and

prepared day.
dressed
on

give
At

Abbey
the his

that

Christmas
and
to

King,
crown

in

his

royal

robes,
himself
soon

with all the

his head, his

custom

showed
;

people,
he
fell

as

was

but

afterwards

very
was

ill,and,
near,
soon

knowing
was

that

the

end

of

his he

life

glad,
God

because
and

he

felt that Saints.

would

be

with

all the

December fixed when

to

28, the
the

Holy
of

Innocents'
the

Day,
church,
was

was

for the

hallowing
came

great

but

morning
into

the

good

King
he

too

ill

be

carried
to

the

Abbey,

and

had

only
his

strength
rich

sign the parchment

to

charter

giving
took

gifts
and of

his

church.

The nobles

Queen
of
were

his with

place,
many

all the the

common

great

England,
there
second

people,
hallowed of

to

see

Westminster
and named

Abbey

time,

again in honour
Then,
five

the

great

Apostle
work

St. Peter.

days King

after

this, his
the

being finished, the

good

Edward

Con16

122

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

fessor

died, hope
dead
to

in

the

words

of

the

old

story,
the

"in

the

that

he

was

passing
of the

from

land

of

the

the

land

living.
of

And

St.

Peter

his

friend,
his

opened
own

the

gate

Paradise,
him
before

and

St.

John,
Divine

dear

one,

led

the

Majesty."

THE

LEGEND

OF

WULFSTAN,

BISHOP

OF

WORCESTER,

AND

OF

HOW

HIS

STAFF

WAS

FIXED

IN

THE

CONFESSOR'S

TOMB

THE BISHOP HOW HIS

LEGEND OF STAFF

OF

WULFSTAN,
AND FIXED TOMB IN OF THE

WORCESTER,
WAS

CONFESSOR'S

WHEN

William into his

and

the

Conqueror
he the commanded should be forced

had

got

all

England
the

power,

began
advice

to

meddle
of

with

Church,

by
he

Lanfranc Wulfstan
to

his

Archbishop
of

that summoned

Bishop

Worcester
and

Westminster,
see,

there
be

to

resign
of

his

that

it
and

might

given
for

to

man

greater
was
an

dignity Englishman,
own.

learning,
and

Wulfstan

knew

no

language

but

his

Now

Wulfstan,
tongue,
been who
a was

though
a

he

did
and Edward be

not

know

the and

Norman had

wise

holy

man,

friend had

of caused

King
him

the made

fessor, Con-

to

Bishop

of

Worcester.
125

126

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

He

obeyed
to

the

King's

commands
and

and

journeyed
franc
stan

Westminster,
him
to

when

LanWulf-

had

told thus and

the the

King's

will,

spoke
him

Archbishop,
in
the

standing
Council

before

the

Bishops

Chamber.
"

My

Father,
man

know and

that
not

am

simple
be

and

unlearned
of
was

worthy
knew

to

the the
pelled com-

Bishop
honour

Worcester. thrust take it

upon
our

it
but

when
was

me,

to

by
my

good

King
you do
to at

Edward wish
me

the
to

Confessor.

As,
see,

Father,

resign
you.

my

I will

gladly
it

so,

but

not

to

I
me

will
to

resign
take

only
and

him that

who
the

pelled com-

it ;"
from

good
to

Wulfstan

hurried

the with

Council
his

Chamber staff

Westminster
his hand. He tomb before
were

Abbey

Bishop's

in

went

straight
Edward
the
to

to

the

new

and

beautiful

of

Confessor

and,
as

kneeling though
he
you

it,he

spoke
"

King
blessed wish

Edward
and
to

still alive well consented I

O
not

holy King,
made
a

know but

did

be

Bishop,
you and

only

that

might

please

ST.

WULFSTAN

AND

HIS

STAFF

127

do
new

your

will.
and

We

have
a

now

King

who

makes and in he

laws O

speaks
that
of
you

new

language,
at

says,

King,

were

fault
a

giving
and

the

Bishopric
man,

Worcester
and
you

to

me,

simple

unlearned

that

was

presumptuous
it
to
me

in
were

taking only
a a

it.
man

When
as

gave
and

you

am, now,

might
most

well blessed

have and

made

mistake
you

;
are

but

O God

holy

King,
You here

with
me

and

cannot

be

deceived.
and and

gave I

to

the
to

charge
you

of

the

Bishopric,
Take

resign it
unto

again.
it staff
stone

this,

give it
with of

whomsoever he
smote
;

pleases you."
into
the hard

And
stone

that the

the
the

tomb

and

became

soft
man

to

receive
move

it, and
it.

held

it

so

fast

that

no

might

After
robe and and

that

Wulfstan himself
went

took in

off
a

his monk's
his

Bishop's
frock

dressed and

cowl,
the

back of
was

to

old

place
had

amongst
been

monks he

Westminster
made

that
of

his

before

Bishop

cester. Wor-

When demanded

all

those
his

at

the

Council
heard

who
what

had had

resignation

128

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

happened,
and
one

they
after

went

to

the

Abbey
to

Church,
staff
not

another

strove

pull the they

could

from
move

the

Confessor's when

tomb

; but

it, and
had
of

King
he
to

William
commanded

heard

what

Wulfstan

done,

Gundulf
fetch
once

Bishop Bishop's
tomb,
stone,

Rochester Gundulf

go
went

and
at

the
to

staff.

the hard in

and
was

there,
the the
and back

standing
He
seemed

upright
to
move

in

the

staff.
staff

tried
to

it,but
grown
measure

vain,
the

for

have

into he
and

stone,

astounded
to

beyond King
and the and

hastened
told

the

Lanfranc,
wonderful

them

of

the

strange
went

thing.
and knelt

Together
before

they

to

tomb,
Lanfranc the staff

it in and

prayer,

and
to not

then

put
from

out

his

hand but and

tried could

pull
move

the the
and

stone,

he

it. full

At
of

this

King
began
Wulfstan

Archbishop
to

were

fear,
had

heartily
from

repent
see.

that The

they King by

driven
his had

his
were

asked

courtiers
seen

who

standing
and and monks his

if anyone

the

good
for

Bishop,

courtiers him

eagerly
seated The

sought humbly

Wulfstan,
the

found in

amongst

the

choir.

ST.

WULFSTAN

AND

HIS

STAFF

129

King

and

the before

Archbishop
him,

went

to

him,
to

and,

kneeling
them
;

they
begged

asked them
a

him
to

pardon

but

Wulfstan

rise, and,
from thus

himself

kneeling,
Then

besought
Lanfranc

blessing spoke
we

the
to

Archbishop.
him
and and has and
"

My

brother,

this

day

have
you
are

despised
a

made

light of
man,
us our

you

because but the

simple

unlearned shown

holy King
God loves
come

Edward

fault.

humility
to

truth,
and from it

wherefore,
ours,

brother,

your and

King
receive
not to

the
your

holy

St.

Edward,

him
to

staff, for
he

though
will

he

will it

give you."
Then

us,

doubtless

deliver

Wulfstan,
where

the

servant

of

God,

went

to

the
knelt

tomb, down,
of

the "O

staff

still stood

fast, and
blessed

saying:
if thou

King

Edward,
that of

Saint

God,

still wishest

I,

worthy un-

though give
and laid
stone

I be, remain
I
pray

Bishop
this

Worcester,

back
at

to

me

thee and

pastoral staff;"
great
reverence

that hand

he
on

gently
the and all

with

his

staff, and
the
men

immediately
came

the from from

gave tomb.

way,

staff
at

away

the

Then

Westminster,
17

130

THE

SAINTS

IN

STORY

the
the

great

King
gave his and

William

to

the
thanks

little
to

servers

in and the

choir,
to

praise holy

and

God,

honour

servant,

King

Edward
returned

Confessor,
peace
to

Bishop

Wulfstan

in

Worcester.

THE

END

BILLING

AND

SONS,

LTD.,

PRINTERS,

GUILDFORD

STORIES

OF

OUR

GREAT

CATHEDRALS

THE

"TALES

OF

ENGLISH SERIES

MINSTERS"

By
Large
Uniform
crown

ELIZABETH
Svo.,
paper

GRIERSON
with

boards,
at

picture
Lands"

in

colour

on

the

cover.

with

the 6

"Peeps

Many

Series. of them
in

Each

volume

containing

full-page

illustrations

(2

colour).

Price

Is.

net

each

VOLUMES

IN

THE

SERIES ST. ALBAN5

CANTERBURY -""-

LINCOLN

YORK

Children
is the

are

not

generally supposed
of their elders.

to

be

interested

in

cathedrals;

and

yet this
our

properly explained and understood, surely should be like enchanted old English minsters palaces, teeming with mystery to every intelligentimaginative child. romance
fault

For,

if

and

In

these

books
to

Miss the

Elizabeth

Grierson the

has

gone
were

back

through
and heroes warriors and

the has

mists tried

of
to

the

long centuries
the
"

days

when

cathedrals of and

founded,
famous

read with and

of some tell the stories Bede-Roll, and the them statesmen, saints, monarchs,

the

connected who

mighty
country,

lived,

worked,
of
cases,

and

suffered

for their within their

Church walls.

and

their

who,

in the

majority

lie buried

SOME
"

PRESS written."
are

OPINIONS

Well The

illustrated stories
of

and the

charmingly
great minsters
the
"

"

Evening

Standard
told
a
"

and

St.

Jama's

Gaxt'c.
and

"

vivid

pictures in colour "Ought

to

emphasise

stories

attractively ; agreeably." very

Times.

number

of

very

effective

Academy.

delight children."

Church

PUBLISHED

BY

ADAM

"

CHARLES

BLACK,

4,

"

SOHO

SQUARE,

LONDON,

\V.