tering cranes, nor Momus' mates, that carp at everything. What the
simple say I care not; what the spightful speak I pass not; only the
censure of the conceited I stand unto; that is the mark I aym at; whose
good likings if I obtain, I have won my race; if not, I faint in the
first attempt, and so lose the quiet of my happy goal.

"Yours in kindness and command,--

"R.J."

CHAPTER ONE.

THE BIRTH OF SAINT GEORGE.

Who has not heard of the Seven Champions of Christendom--of the
wonderful adventures they went through--of the dangers they encountered,
and the heroic deeds they performed? Should any persons exist ignorant
of the history of those noble knights, let them with attentive ears now
listen to my veracious chronicle.

Gallant and dauntless as were all those seven heroes, yet not one
equalled in valour "Saint George of Merrie England." Many countries
have in consequence claimed him as their own especial Champion.
Portugal, Germany, Greece, and Russia, for what is known to the
contrary, would be glad to have him; but we have proof undoubted that to
England he alone belongs, even if we did not see him, on many a golden
guinea, engaged in his desperate encounter with the most terribly
terrific and greenest of green dragons. Not only are his orders worn by
nobles, but by British monarchs themselves, while, in memory of his
heroic deeds, they lead forth their armies under his banner. However,
many long years have passed away since he astonished the world by his
prowess. Of royal birth was his mother, the daughter of one of
England's early kings; a Duke and High Steward of the realm was his
father. Of the name of the king history is most mysteriously silent, or
of the extent of his dominions; but there can be no doubt that the
ancient city of Coventry was situated within them, and that, if not the
principal, it was one of the principal cities of the realm, and,
moreover, that a prison existed there on the silent system. Thus, when
people are unfit to be spoken to, it is said, by a figure of speech,
that they are sent to Coventry.

In Coventry the Lord High Steward and his royal bride resided. Now,
some time before the Princess was about to present her husband with a
babe, she dreamed a dream; it was enough to terrify her, for she dreamed
that, instead of a smiling infant, she should have to nurse a little
green dragon. To nurse a small crocodile or alligator, or even a young
hippopotamus, would have