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The Legend of St. George and the Dragon
Originally performed for the St. Georges Day celebrations in Leicester's Jewry Wall Museum as a one off mummers play, the Vikings! Of Middle England actually told this story three times; a reprise at Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire and Donnington le Heath Manor House as part of their 'Medieval Mayhem' Event.
The play is opened by the 'Lord of Misrule,' his foolish antics bringing a chuckle to many a face in the audience as he prances, dances and drinks his wine, but finally clears the way for the Turkish Knight... (Boo Hiss!)
He announces that he will fight Prince George, another contender for the heart of Sabra, the daughter of The King of Egypt.
Prince George enters next, proclaiming his intent to slay the fearsome dragon; his trusty shield and sword, and his courage and bravery the only defense against the foul dragon fire. And then the dragon comes...
"I am a dragon of terrible power.
Here are some people that I can devour
I’ll kill and I’ll burn, I’ll rip and I’ll tear,
None will prevent me, no-one will dare!"
George and the Dragon fight, flashes of steel and bursts of fire, they lock in mortal combat - but George falls injured; but in steps the Lord of Misrule. "Is their a doctor?" he asks, and even the Lord of Misrule is surprised when a quack doctor appears, healing George who is fully rejuvenated.
"The magic works, my strength returns.
I do not fear the Dragon’s burns.
Now I shall slay him and shed his blood,
Killing him for the power of good! "
St. George prevails and defeats the mighty dragon, but the mischievous Lord of Misrule consults the quack doctor again, asking him to heal the dragon...
"Here Jack, take a little of this flip-flop,
Pour it down thy tip-top,
Then rise and fight again."
Prince George and the Dragon fight again, but this time, the dragon is slain, pierced through the eye. Enter again, the Turkish Knight.
The Knight accuses George of bragging about his past triumphs and vows to make him yield. Prince George accepts the challenge and they do battle; the Turkish Knight is defeated and falls to one knee, but the brave George takes pity and asks him to stand and fight again. The Turkish Knight is struck down again, mortally wounded, but in runs the Knight's Mother who pleads with George; enter again the Doctor.
Revived, the Turkish Knight calls in a servant. The servant enters, takes one look at St George, gives a little skip and a jump in horror and flees to the mockery of the actors.
The Doctor is given a basin of "girdy grout," following which he is given a kick and driven out by the actors.
Then Fair Sabra, the King of Egypt's daughter, appears and goes toward Prince George to become his wife. The Lord of Misrule closes the proceedings;
"So, ladies and gentlemen, your sport now has ended.
Therefore, behold this box, which is highly commended!
The box would speak, if it had but a tongue,
Come throw in your money and think it no wrong. "
Needless to say, the Vikings! Of Middle England enjoyed performing this as much as the audience did watching it.
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