According to legend a terrible dragon had ravaged all the country round the city of Libya, called Selena, making its lair a marshy swamp. Its breath caused pestilence whenever it approached the town, so the people gave the monster two sheep everyday to satisfy its hunger, but, when the sheep failed, a human victim was necessary and lots were drawn to determine the victim.

On one occasion the lot fell to the king’s little daughter. The king offered all his wealth to purchase a substitute, but the people had pledged themselves that no substitutes should be allowed, and so the maiden, dressed as a bride, was led to the marsh. There St. George chanced to ride by, and asked the maiden what she did, but she bade him leave lest he also might perish.

The good knight stayed, however, and, when the dragon appeared, St. George, making the sign of the cross, bravely attacked it and transfixed it with his lance. Then asking the maiden for her girdle, he bound it round the neck of the monster, and thereupon the princess was able to lead it like a lamb. They then returned to the city, where St. George bade the people have no fear but only be baptized, after which he cut off the dragon’s head and the townsfolk were all converted.

The king would have given George half his kingdom, but the saint replied that he must ride on, bidding the king meanwhile to take good care of God’s churches, honor the clergy, and have pity on the poor.

St. George, pray for us!

Viva Cristo Rey!