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but ten years of age, about eight feet and in thickness five feet, and his hand was like unto a shoulder of mutton; and in all his parts from top to toe, he was like unto a monster, and yet his great strength was not known.
CHAP. II
How Thomas Hickathrift Strength came to be known.
The first time that his strength was known, was by his mother going to a rich farmer's house (she being but a poor woman) to desire a buttle of straw to shift herself and her son Thomas. The farmer being a very honest, charitable man, bid her take what she would. She going home to her son Tom, said, I pray go to such a place and fetch me a buttle of straw, I have asked him leave. He swore
