Page:History of Jack and the giants (1).pdf/6

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6
THE HISTORY OF

livers, which the giant, to terrify Jack told him, "That mens hearts and livers were the choisest of his diet, for he commonly (as he said) ate them with pepper and vinegar, adding, that I did not question but his heart would make him a dainty bit." This said, he locks poor Jack in an upper room leaving him there, while he went to fetch another giant living in the same wood, that he might be partaker in the pleasure which they would have in the destruction of poor Jack,

Now, while he was gone dreadful shrieks and cries affrighted Jack, especially a voice which continually cried,

Do what you can to get away,
Or you'll become the giants prey,
He's gone to fetch his brother who
Will likewise kill and torture you.

This dreadful noise so amazed poor Jack, that he was ready to run destracted, then seeing from the window afar off the two giants coming thither, now quoth Jack to himself, say death or deliverance is at hand,

There was strong cords in the room by him, of which he takes two, at the end of which he makes a noise, and while the giant was unlocking the iron gate, he threw the ropes over each of their heads, and then drawing the other end across the beam, when he pulled with his main strength, until he has throatled them; and then fastning the rope to the beam, turning towards the window, while he beheld the two giants to be black in their faces; then sliding down by the rope he came closer to their heads, where the helpless giants could not defend themselves, and drawing with his sword, slew them both and delivered himself from their intended cruelty. Then taking the bunch of keys, he unlocked the rooms where, upon a strict search, he found