Page:History of Valentine and Orson (5).pdf/5

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
VALENTINE and ORSON
5

kicked him; the Wild Man feeling the pain, was going to tear him to pieces, which Valentine seeing, made signs as if he would fight him, and accordingly he leaped down, and give him a blow; but the Wild Man caught him by the arm, and threw him to the ground. Then taking up Valentine's shield, he beheld it with amaze, In respect to the colours thereon emblazened.

Valentine being much bruised, got up, and came to his brother in great anger; but Orson ran to a tree, and then they engaged; but both being terribly wounded, gave out by consent; after which Valentine signified to Orson, that if he would yield to him, he would order matters so as he would become a rational creature.

Orson, thinking that he meant no harm, stretched forth his hands to him. Upon which he bound him, and then led him to Paris, where he presented him to King Pepin, who had the Wild Man baptised by the name of Orson, from his being taken in a wood. Orson's actions, during their stay there, very much amused the whole court, so that at length the duke of Acquitain sent letters, importing, that whoever should overcome the Green Knight, a fierce Pagan champion, should have his daughter Fazon in marriage. Upon which proposition, Valentine set out for that province, attended by his brother Orson, by which means he came to the knowledge of his parents, as we shall find hereafter.

CHAP. III.

The Fight between Orson and the Green Knight.

AFTER a long journey, Valentine and Orson arrived at Duke Savary's palace in Acquitain; and