Page:History of Jack and the giants (1).pdf/15

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JACK AND THE GIANTS.
15

there to refresh himself after the dreadful encounter, as likewise to receive some ample reward by way of gratitude for his good service. No, quoth Jack, I cannot be at ease till I find out the den which was this monsters habitation. The knight hearing this, waxed right sorrowful and replied, noble stranger, it is too much to run a second risk, for this noted monster lived in a den under yon mountain with a brother of his, more fierce and fiery than himself; and therefore, it should be the heartbreaking of both me and my lady: so let me persuade you to go with us, and desist from any further pursuit. Nay, quoth Jack, if there be another, nay, were there wenty I would shed the last drop of blood in my body before one of there should escape my fury and when I have finished my task, I will come and pay my respects to you. So taking directions to their habitation, he mounted his horse having them to return home, while he went in pursuit of the deceased giant's brother.

How Jack slew the other Giant and sent both their Heads to King Arthur.

JACK had not ridden past a mile and a half before he came in sight of the cave's mouth, near to the entrance of which, he beheld the other giant sitting upon a huge block of timber, with a knotty iron club lying by his side, waiting, as he supposed, for his brothers return with his cruel prey; his gogle eyes appeared like flames of fire, his countenance grim and ugly, and his cheeks appeared like a couple, of large fat flitchers of bacon; moreover, the bristles of his head seemed to resemble rods of iron wire, his locks hung down upon his broad shoulders like curled snakes or hissing adders.