THE OLD ENGLISH BARON

...In the minority of Henry the Sixth, King of England, when the renowned Duke of Bedford was regent of France, and Humphrey, the good Duke of G-loucester, was Protector of England, a worthy knight, called Sir Philip Harclay, returned from his travels to England, his native country. He had served under the glorious King Henry the Fifth with distinguished valour, had acquired an honourable fame, and was not less esteemed for Christian virtues than for deeds of chivalry. After the death of his prince he entered into the service of the Greek Emperor, and distinguished his courage against the encroachments of the Saracens. In a battle there he took prisoner a certain gentleman, by name M. Zadisky, of Greek extraction, but brought up by a Saracen officer ; this man he converted to the Christian faith ; after which he bound him to himself by the ties of friendship and gratitude, and he resolved to continue with his benefactor. After thirty years’ travel and warlike service, he determined to return to his native land, and to spend the remainder of his life in peace ; and by devoting himself to works of piety and charity, prepare for a better state hereafter. This noble knight had ...