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Since none could this, save man of giant limb,
They gave thee thews and mould of Anakim;
But since no hostel could their giant bar,
They made thee houseless guest of moon and star;
Then since thou conqueror wast of every foe,
The greening palm-bough in thy hand they show;
Art gives her best; the truth she cannot paint;
Accept our childish best, O kindly Saint!
(Editor's translation.)
In fact the story of the converted giant produced a noble harvest of Christian beneficence. Refuges for poor travellers were set up in his name. In 1386 a hospice and brotherhood was founded on the Pennine Alps at a spot called Arleberg, for the succour of wayfarers; the founder was a poor herdsman, who put into the work his own savings and whatever he could beg from others. This centre of charity was wantonly destroyed during the religious wars of the sixteenth century, but revived in 1627. We also hear in various times and places of brotherhoods established under S. Christopher's patronage for the putting down of intemperance, cursing, and other vices.
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