ourney.

Then Saint George and all the knights, following Sabrina, led the way to
the stables of the castle, where stood, ready caparisoned, seven of the
most superb steeds mortal eye ever beheld. "Six of them are for those
brave knights," she said; "the seventh, Bayard by name, is reserved for
you; while six other most excellent horses are for their six faithful
squires."

The knights, eager to be gone, mounted their steeds, as did their
squires theirs, while Sabrina conducted Saint George back to the castle,
where, in a chamber, hung numberless suits of the most magnificent
armour. Choosing out the strongest corselet, Sabrina buckled it on his
breast; she laced on his helmet, and completely clothed him in
glittering steel. Then bringing forth a mighty falchion, she placed it
in his hand, and said:--"No monarch was ever clothed in richer armour.
Of such strength and invincible power is your steed, that while you are
on his back no knight shall be able to conquer you. Your armour is of
steel so pure that no battle-axe can bruise, no weapon pierce it. Your
sword, which is called Ascalon, was made by the Cyclops. It will hew
asunder the hardest flint, or cut the strongest steel, and in its pummel
such magic virtue lies, that neither treason nor witchcraft can prevail
against you, or any violence be offered as long as you wear it."

The good fairy thus having spoken, Saint George, fully caparisoned, went
forth from the castle, and mounting Bayard, prepared with the other
champions to leave the Black Forest--Sabrina, in her own chariot, drawn
by ten peacocks, leading the way. Just then a stranger appeared in
sight, sad and sorrowful, travelling on.

"De Fistycuff!" exclaimed Saint George, in a cheerful voice, "my honest
parent's faithful squire." De Fistycuff started, as well he might, and
rushed forward. He knew the voice, but whence it had come he could not
tell. Saint George tore off his corselet, and exposed to view the green
dragon on his bosom. Thus De Fistycuff knew who it was, and, embracing
him, burst into tears. Having recovered himself, and once more buckled
on his young master's armour, De Fistycuff mounted his steed.

Then the whole party set forward, and travelled on till they reached the
coast. Then they took shipping, and, at Saint George's particular
request, proceeded to his paternal castle, near the beautiful city of
Coventry. There having dwelt for the space of nine months, and erected