The
blows from the monstrous clubs of the hideous satyrs fell like hail
about their helmets; but their thirsty swords rapidly drank the
life-blood of their foes, and now one satyr, now another, was
overthrown. Still more came on. Some stood at a distance, shooting
their arrows from their long-bows; others came around, with their
two-handed swords, and struck and slashed so fiercely that it required
all the activity and courage of both Knight and Squire, of which they
fortunately possessed so large a portion, to keep their enemies at bay.
Still the sight of the lovely ladies tied to the trees, not forgetting
the six serving maidens, as well as their own honour, and desire for
glory and renown, induced them to persevere.

Full one-third of the hideous satyrs had sunk lifeless from their
stalwart blows, while many others limped off sorely wounded and maimed;
yet the remainder, with a perseverance worthy of a better cause,
fiercely continued the combat.

At length, Saint Patrick telling Terence to escape, wheeled his horse
round as if to fly, but it was only a cunning device, as his faithful
Squire well knew; for, instantly returning to the charge with redoubled
vigour among the scattered ranks of his foes, he dealt such slaughter
and destruction among them, that the survivors were fain to fly far
away, howling, into the distant woods, which resounded with their
mournful cries, leaving the six ladies and their six serving maidens to
the care and protection of the gallant Knight and his attendant.

While Saint Patrick cut loose the cords from the fair limbs of the six
ladies all clothed in green, Terence performed the same office for the
serving maidens.

After they had been refreshed by some pure draughts from the
neighbouring crystal brook, and partaken of such fare as the Champion
could offer them, he led them forth from the wood, and with courteous
attentions, and many polite expressions, placed them in his chariot
drawn by the crocodiles and hippopotami. Then, and not till then, did
he inquire their names, and state, and nation.

The eldest replied:--"Know, most puissant and valiant Knight, that we
are the unfortunate daughters of the King of Georgia. Our lives since
our births have been unhappy. First, we were carried off by a monstrous
giant, and, being turned into swans for seven long years, lost sight of
the outer world, neither knowing what dresses were worn, how fashions
were changed, and many other i