The History of Valentine and Orson (1806)/Chapter 7

by Anonymous

CHAP. VII.

Valentine dies, and Orson turns Hermit.

Now Valentine being greatly wounded in mind for the death of his father, whom he had killed out of a mistake, resolved to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre; and thereupon taking leave of his wife Clerimond, and giving the government of the empire unto his brother, he departed, to the great sorrow of all, particularly his brother Orson, and the fair Clerimond.

Valentine, after seven years absence returned, dressed like a poor palmer, begging victuals at the gate of his own palace; and at length being sick, and about to die, he called for Clerimond, and made himself known to her, at which she was ready to give up the ghost.

At last, having recommended the care of her to his brother, and the Empress his dear mother, and blessing of them, he turned on one side, and breathed out his noble soul from his illustrious body, to the great grief of all the valiant Knights of Christendom, to whom he had been a most noble example, and a generous reliever. But Clerimond never would espouse any one, but betook her to a single life, always lamenting the loss of her beloved husband.

After his death, Orson governed the Empire with great wisdom and justice for seven years, till at length, seeing the fragile state of human affairs, he gave the charge of his empire, wife and children, to the Green Knight, and then turning hermit, he became once more a solitary resident of the forest and woods, where, after living to great age, this magnanimous and invincible hero surrendered up his body unto never sparing death, and his soul to the immortal Deities, of whose attributes it had a true resemblance.

Glasgow, Printed by J. & M. Robertson, Saltmarket, 1806.