custom, they were
dividing their prisoners, the pagan princes quarrelled over one of their
captives, a Christian maiden, whose beauty and helpless innocence won
the hearts of her fierce captors, so that each desired to possess her,
and neither was inclined to renounce his claim. The quarrel became so
bitter at length that the princes seized their weapons and were about to
fight for the fair spoil. But at this juncture their priests intervened.
"It is not meet," said they, "that two noble princes should come to
blows over a mere Christian maid. Tomorrow she shall be offered to the
dragon, in thanksgiving for your victory." And they felt that they had
done well, for had they not averted the impending quarrel, and at the
same time gained a victim for their cruel rites? But the heart of Rinbod
was heavy indeed, for he truly loved the young Christian maid, and would
have given his life to save her from the horrible fate that awaited her.
However, the decree of the priests was irrevocable, and no pleadings of
his could avail. The girl was informed of the cruel destiny that was to
befall her on the morrow, and with a calm mind she sought consolation
from Heaven to enable her to meet her fate with courage befitting a
Christian.

Early on the following morning she was led with much ceremony to a
spot before the Dragon's Cave and there bound to an oak, to await the
approach of the monster, whose custom it was to sally forth at sunrise
in search of prey. The procession of priests, warriors, and peasants
who had followed the victim to the place of sacrifice now climbed to
the summit of the crag and watched eagerly for the coming of the
dragon. Rinbod watched also, but it was with eyes full of anguish and
apprehension. The Christian maid seemed to him more like a spirit than a
human being, so calmly, so steadfastly did she bear herself.

Suddenly a stifled cry broke from the lips of the watchers--the hideous
monster was seen dragging its heavy coils from the cavern, fire issuing
from its mouth and nostrils. At its mighty roar even the bravest
trembled. But the Christian maid alone showed no sign of fear; she
awaited the oncoming of the dreadful creature with a hymn of praise
on her lips. Nearer and nearer came the dragon, and at length, with a
horrible roar, it sprang at its prey. But even as it did so the maiden
held out her crucifix before her, and the dragon was checked in its
onrush. A moment later it turned aside and plunged