a hermitage he had built
high up on the side of a mountain. Thither, however, in a short time,
resorted to him all the youths of aspiring minds who desired to acquire
information, and to receive instruction from the sage. Thus, in process
of time, the rude hut became a spot celebrated for learning and piety.

There, happily and usefully employed, the old warrior spent many years
of his declining life.

But, alas! what virtue, what piety, can enable a man to escape from the
snares of enemies and detractors? Accused of witchcraft, and other
malpractices, the aged Saint was brought before some stern judges, who
forthwith condemned him to death. Scarcely, however, had his head been
cut off than his innocence was discovered, and a church was raised to
his memory; and he has ever since been held in honourable recollection
by all Scotchmen as the Champion of whom his country should be proud--a
knight _sans peur et sans reproche_.

Such, however, is the way of the world.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

THE DEATH OF SAINT GEORGE.

The last Champion who appears in this wondrous, strange, and eventful
history, is the great Saint George.

Towards the fair land of his birth, right Merrie England, he, too, when
he found age creeping on him, resolved to turn his steps. Still lance
in hand, and clad in steel, his brave lion heart yet undaunted, with the
faithful De Fistycuff by his side, he at length homeward set his eyes.
His faithful chronicler relates numberless adventures he met with,
scarcely less marvellous than those he encountered in his youth. Many a
hard blow he got, which he still was able to return with interest, ably
seconded by De Fistycuff, though, it must be confessed, his Squire had
grown somewhat obese and unwieldy.

At length, the chalky cliffs of Britain, which for twice twelve years
the noble Champion had never seen, came in sight. Joyful to him was the
prospect; more joyful still the towns and villages, the pleasant aspect
of the fields, and the green waving woods, as he travelled on towards
Coventry. There, with warm greetings, the inhabitants of high and low
degree received him.

Sadness, however, he saw on the countenances of many; and this was
owing, as the veracious chronicler, from whose erudite work this history
is drawn, informs us, to "a doleful report--how, upon Dunmore Heath,
there raged up and down an infectious dragon, that so annoyed the
country that the inhabitants thereabouts could no