CHAPTER XVII

Of the Picture of St. _George_.

The Picture of St. _George_ killing the Dragon, and, as most ancient draughts do run, with the daughter of a King standing by, is famous amongst Christians. And upon this description dependeth a solemn story, how by this atchievement he redeemed a Kings daughter: which is more especially believed by the _English_, whose Protector he is: and in which form and history, according to his description in the _English_ Colledge at _Rome_, he is set forth in the Icons or Cuts of Martyrs by _Cevalerius_: and all this according to the _Historia Lombardica_, or golden legend of _Jacobus de Voragine_. Now of what authority soever this piece be amongst us, it is I perceive received with different beliefs: for some believe the person and the story; some the person, but not the story; and others deny both.

That such a person there was, we shall not contend: for besides others, Dr. _Heilin_ hath clearly asserted it in his History of St. _George_. The indistinction of many in the community of name, or the misapplication of the acts of one unto another, hath made some doubt thereof. For of this name we meet with more then one in History, and no less then two conceived of _Cappadocia_. The one an _Arrian_, who was slain by the _Alexandrians_ in the time of _Julian_; the other a valiant Souldier and Christian Martyr, beheaded in the reign of _Dioclesian_. This is the _George_ conceived in this Picture, who hath his day in the _Roman_ Calender, on whom so many fables are delivered, whose story is set forth by _Metaphrastes_, and his miracles by _Turonensis_.

As for the story depending hereon, some conceive as lightly thereof, as of that of _Persius_ and _Andromeda_; conjecturing the one to be the father of the other; and some too highly assert it. Others with better moderation, do either entertain the same as a fabulous addition unto the true and authentick story of St. _George_; or else conceive the literal acception to be a misconstruction of the symbolical expression; apprehending a veritable History, in an Emblem or piece of Christian Poesie. And this Emblematical construction hath been received by men not forward to extenuate the acts of Saints: as from _Baronius_, _Lipellous_ the _Carthusian_ hath delivered in the life of St. _George_; _Picturam illam St._ Georgii _quâ effingitur eques armatus, qui hastæ cuspide hostem interficit, juxta quam etiam virgo posita manus supplices tendens ejus explorat auxilium, Symboli potius quam historiæ alicujus censenda expressa imago. Consuevit quidem ut equestris militiæ miles equestri imagine referri_: that is, The Picture of St. _George_, wherein he is described like a Curassier or horseman compleatly armed, etc. Is rather a symbolical image, then any proper figure.

Now in the Picture of this Saint and Souldier, might be implied the Christian Souldier and true Champion of Christ. A horseman armed _Cap a pe_, intimating the _Panoplia_ or compleat armour of a Christian; combating with the Dragon, that is, with the Devil; in defence of the Kings daughter, that is, the Church of God. And therefore although the history be not made out, it doth not disparage the Knights and Noble order of St. _George_: whose cognisance is honourable in the Emblem of the Souldier of Christ, and is a worthy memorial to conform unto its mystery. Nor, were there no such person at all, had they more reason to be ashamed, then the Noble order of _Burgundy_, and Knights of the Golden Fleece; whose badge is a confessed fable.