toration. The Earl
thanked Guy most courteously, and they travelled together against
Terry's enemy. Guy challenged him into the field, and there slew him
hand to hand, and restored the Earl to his lands. The Earl full of
gratitude begged to know the name of his champion, but Guy insisted upon
remaining unknown; neither would he take any reward for his services.
Thus was the noble Guy successful in all his actions, until finding his
head crowned with silver hairs, after many years travel, he resolved to
end his days in his native country: and therefore returning from the
Holy Land, he came to England. On his arrival he found the nation in
great distress, the Danes having invaded the land, burning cities and
towns, plundering the country, and killing men, women, and children;
insomuch that King Athelstan was forced to take refuge in his invincible
city of Winchester.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER VI.

_Guy fights with the Giant Colbran, and having overcome him,
discovers himself to the King, then to his Wife, and dies in her
Arms._

The Danes, having intelligence of King Athelstan's retreat to
Winchester, drew all their forces thither; and seeing there was no way
to win the city, they sent a summons to King Athelstan, desiring that an
Englishman might combat with a Dane, and that side to lose the whole
whose Champion was defeated. On this mighty Colbran singled himself from
the Danes, and entered upon Morn Hill, near Winchester, breathing
venomous words, calling the English cowardly dogs, whose carcases he
would make food for ravens. "What mighty boasting," said he, "hath there
been in the foreign nations of these English cowards, as if they had
done deeds of wonder, who now like foxes hide their heads."

Guy, hearing proud Colbran, could no longer forbear, but went
immediately to the King, and on his knee begged a combat; the King,
liking the courage of the pilgrim, bade him go and prosper. Whereupon
Guy departed out of the North gate to Morn Hill, where Colbran, the
Danish Champion, was. When Colbran espied Guy he disdained him, saying,
"Art thou the best Champion England can afford?" Quoth Guy, "It is
unbecoming a professed Champion to rail; my sword shall be my orator."
No longer they stood to parley, but with great courage fought most
manfully; but Guy was so nimble, that in vain Colbran struck; for every
blow fell upon the ground. Guy still laid about him like a dragon, which
gave great enco