E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Seven Champions of Christendom
is by Richard Johnson, who lived in the reigns of Elizabeth and James I.
1
(1) St. George of England was seven years imprisoned by the Almi’dor, the black King of Morocco.
2
(2) St. Denys of France lived seven years in the form of a hart.
3
(3) St. James of Spain was seven years dumb out of love to a fair Jewess.
4
(4) St. Anthony of Italy, with the other champions, was enchanted into a deep sleep in the Black Castle, and was released by St. George’s three sons, who quenched the seven lamps by water from the enchanted fountain.
5
(5) St. Andrew of Scotland, who delivered six ladies who had lived seven years under the form of white swans.
6
(6) St. Patrick of Ireland was immured in a cell where he scratched his grave with his own nails.
7
(7) St. David of Wales slept seven years in the enchanted garden of Ormandine, but was redeemed by St. George.
