Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review Volumes 32 and 33.djvu/199

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St. George and the Dragon.
187

(Enter the King of Egypt.)

King of Egypt. I am the King of Egypt, as plainly doth appear,
I've come to seek my only son, my only son and heir.
Where is he?

St. George. He is slain.

King of Egypt. Who did him slay, and who did him kill,
And on the ground his precious blood did spill?

St. George. I did him slay, and I did him kill.
And on this ground his precious blood did spill.
Please you, my liege, my honour to maintain;
Had thou been here, thou might have fared the same.

King of Egypt (rushing with upraised dagger). Curséd Christian, what is this thou'st done;
Thou hast ruined and slain my only son.

St. George. He gave me a challenge, who now it denies?
As high as he was, but see how low he lies.

King of Egypt. O Hector, Hector, help me with speed,
For in life I never stood in more need;
And stand not there with sword in hand,
But rise, and fight at my command.

(Enter Hector.)

Hector. Yes, yes, my liege, I will obey,
And by my sword I hope to win the day.
If that be he who doth stand there
Who slew my master's son and heir,
If he be sprung from royal blood,
I'll make it run like Noah's flood.

St. George. Hold, Hector, do not be so hot.
For here thou knowest not what thou has got;
For I can tame thee of thy pride
And lay thine anger to aside.
Inch thee, lynch thee, cut thee as small as flies,
And send thee over the sea to make mince-pies: