The History of Jack and the giants
THE
HISTORY
OF
JACK and the GIANTS,
In all it's PARTS.
FALKIRK:
Printed in the Year, m,dcc,lxxxvii.
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The Hiſtory of Jack and the Giants.
Of his birth ad Parentage, and what paſt between him and the Country Vicar, &c.
In the reign of King Arthur, near the Lands-end of England, namely the country of Cornwall there lived a wealthy Farmer, who had one only Son, commonly known by the name of Jack the Giant Killer. He was briſk and of a ready wit; ſo that whatever he could not perform by ſtrength he completed by ingenious wit and policy: Never was any perſon heard of that could worſt him; Nay the very learned many times he baffled by his cunning ſharp and ready inventions.
For inſtance when he was no more than ſeven years of age his Father, the Farmer, ſent him into the field to look after his Oxen, which were then feeding in a pleaſant paſture: A country Vicar by chance coming acroſs the field, call'd to Jack, and aſk d him ſeveral queſtions; in particular, How many commandments there were? Jack told him there were nice. The parſon reply'd There are ten. Nay (quoth Jack.) Maſter parſon, you are out of that, it is true there was ten, but you broke one of them with your own maid Margery. The parſon reply'd thou art an arch Wag Jack. Well Maſter parſon quoth Jack, you have aſked me one queſtion, and I have anſwered it; I beſeech you let me aſk you another. Who made theſe Oxen? the parſon reply'd, God made them Child. You are out again (quoth Jack) for God made them bulls, but my Father, and his man Hobſon, made Oxen of them. Theſe were the witty anſwers of Jack. The parſon finding himſelf fool'd, truged away leaving Jack in a fit of laughter.
How a Giant inhabited the Mount of Cornwall, ſpoiled the Country thereabouts, &c.
IN thoſe days the monſtrous of Cornwall was kept by a Huge and Monſtrous Giant, of 27 feet in height, and about three yards in compaſs, of a fierce and grim countenance, to the Terror of all the neighbouring Towns and Villages. His habitation was in a cave, in the midſt of a Mount, neither would he ſuffer any leaving creature to inhabit near him; His feeding was upon other mens cattle, which often became his prey: for whenſoever he had occaſion for food, he would wade over to the main Land, where he would furniſh himſelf with whatever he could find, For the people at his approach would forſake their habitations; then would ſeize upon their cows and oxen, of which he would make nothing to carry over on his back half a dozen at a time: and as for the Sheep and hogs, he would tye then round his waiſt like a bunch of bandeliers. This he for many years had practiſed in Cornwall, which was much impoveriſhed by him.
But one day Jack coming to the Town-Hall, when the Magiſtrates were fitting in conſternation about the Giant; he aſked them what reward they would give to any perſon that would deſtroy him? They anſwered. He ſhall have all the treaſure in recompence. Quoth Jack, then I myſelf will undertake the work.
How Jack ſlew this Giant, and got the name of Jack the Giant Killer.
JAck having undertaken this talk, he furniſhed himſelf with a horn, a ſhovel, and a pick-ax, and over to the Mount he goes, in the beginning of a dark winter evening, where he fell to work and before morning had digged a pit two and twenty foot deep, and almoſt as broad, and cover'd the ſame over with long ſticks and ſtraws: then ſtrowing a little of the mould upon it, ſo it appeared like the plain ground.
This done, Jack places himſelf on the contrary ſide of the pit, juſt about the dawning of the day, when putting his horn to his mouth, he then blew, Tan Twivie, Tun Twivie. Which unexpected noiſe rouz'd the Giant, who came roaring towards Jack, crying, thou incorigible villain! are you come here to diſturb my reſt? You ſhall dearly pay for it: Satisfaction I will have, and it ſhall be this; I will take thee wholely and broil you for my breakfaſt. Which word were no ſooner out of his mouth, but he tumbled headlong into the deep pit, whoſe heavy fall made the very foundation of the mount to ſhake.
Oh! Giant where are you now? Faith you are gotten into Lob's pond, where I will plague you for your threatning words. What do you think now of broiling me for your breakfaſt? Will no other diet ſerve you but poor Jack? Thus having tantaliz'd the Giant for a while he gave him a moſt weighty knock upon the crown of his head, with his pick-ax, that he immediately tumbled down and giving a moſt dreadful groan and died. This done, Jack threw the earth in upon him, and ſo buried him; then going and ſearching the cave, he found a great quaintity of treaſure.
Now when the Magiſtrates, who employed him, heard, the work was over, they ſent for him, declaring, that he ſhould henceforth be call'd, Jack the Giant Killer. And in honour thereof, they preſented him with a Sword, together with a fine rich embroider'd Belt, on which theſe words were wrought in letters of gold.
Here's the right valiant Corniſh Man,
Who ſlew the Giant Cormilion.
How Jack was taken by a Giant while aſleep, and how he got his liberty again.
THE News of Jack's victory was ſoon ſpread over all the weſtern parts; ſo that another huge Giant Named Blunderboar, hearing of it, vow'd to be revenged on Jack, if ever it was in his fortune to light upon him. This Giant kept an inchanted Caſtle, ſituated in the midſt of a loneſome wood: Now Jack about four months after walking near the borders of the ſaid wood, on his journey towards Wales, he grew very weary and therefore ſat himſelf down by the ſide of a pleaſant fountain, where a deep ſleep ſuddenly ſeiz'd on him; at which time the Giant coming there for water, found him, and by the Lines written upon his belt, knew him to be Jack that kill'd his brother Giant, and therefore without making any words, he throws him upon his ſhoulder, for to carry him to his inchanted caſtle.
Now as they paſſed through a thicket the ruſſling of the boughs awak'd poor Jack, who finding himſelf ſtrangely ſurpriſed, yet it was but the beginning of his terrors; for he beheld the ground all cover'd with bones and ſculls of dead men. The Giant telling Jack that his bones would enlarge the number that he ſaw. This ſaid, he brought him into a large parlour where he beheld the bloody quarters of ſome that were lately ſlain, and in the next room were many hearts and livers: which the Giant to terrify Jack, told him, "that mens hearts and livers were the choiceſt of his diet, for he commonly (as he ſaid) eat them with pepper and vinegar: adding, that he did not queſtion but his heart would make him a dainty bit." This ſaid, he locks up 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 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 Giant's prey;
He's gone to fetch his brother, who
Will kill, and likewiſe torter you.
This dreadful noiſe ſo affrighted poor Jack, that he was ready to run diſtracted, then ſeeing from a window afar off, the two Giants coming together; now (quoth Jack to himſelf,) my 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 made a nooſe; 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, where he pulled with all his main ſtrength untill he had throatled them; and then faſtening the rope to the beam, turn'd towards the window, where he beheld the two Giants to be black in in their faces; Then ſliding down by the rope he came cloſe to their heads, where the helpleſs Giants could not defend themſelves, and drawing out his ſword, ſlew them both and delivered himſelf from their intended cruelty: He then taking the bunch of keys, he unlock'd the rooms, where upon a ſtrict ſearch, he found three fair Ladie's ty'd by the hair, of their heads, almoſt ſtarved to death, who told Jack, That their huſbands was ſlain by the Giant, and that they were kept many days without food: in order to force them to feed upon the fleſh of their huſbands; which they could not, if they were ſtarved to death.
Sweet Ladies, (quoth Jack) I have deſtroyed this Monſter, and his brutiſh brother, by which I have obtained your liberties. This ſaid, he preſented them with the keys of the caſtle, and ſo proceeded on his journey into Wales.
How Jack travelled into Flintſhire, and what happened.
JACK having but very little money, thought it prudent to make the beſt of his way by travelling as faſt as he could, but loſing his road was benighted and could not get a place of entertainment; untill he came to a valley, placed between two hills where ſtood a large houſe in a loneſome place, and by reaſon of his preſent condition, he took courage to knock at the gate; and to his ſurprize there came forth a monſtrous Giant, having two heads; yet he did tot ſeem ſo fiery as the others had been, for he was a Welſh Giant, and what he did was by private and ſecret malice under the falſe ſhew of friendſhip; for Jack telling his condition he bid him welcome ſhewing him a room with a bed in it, whereupon he might take his night's repoſe: Therefore Jack undreſſes himſelf, and as the Giant was walking away to another appartment, Jack heard him mutter theſe words to himſelf.
Tho' here you lodge with me this night,
You ſhall not ſee the morning light,
My club ſhall daſh your brains out right.
Say'ſt thou ſo, quoth Jack, that is like one of your Welſh tricks, yet I hope to be cunning enough for you. Then getting out of bed, he put a billet in his ſtead and bid himſelf in a corner of the room, and in the dead time of the night, the Welſh Giant came with his great knotty club, and ſtruck ſeveral blows upon the bed where Jack had laid the billet, and then returned to his own chamber ſuppoſing he had broken all the bones in his body.
In the morning Jack gave him hearty thanks for his lodging. The Giant ſaid to him, how have you reſted? did you not feel ſomething in the night? Nothing (quoth Jack) but a Rat which gave me three or four ſlaps with her tail. Soon after the Giant aroſe, and went to breakfaſt with a bowl of haſty pudding, containing near four gallons, giving Jack the like quantity; who, being loath to let the Giant know he could not eat with him, got a large leather-bag putting it artfully under his looſe coat, into which he ſecretly conveyed his pudding, telling the Giant, he could ſhow him a trick; Then taking a large knife, he ripped open the bag, which the Giant ſuppoſed to be his belly, when out came the haſty pudding: At which the Welſh Giant, cried out, Cuts plut, hur can do dat trick hurſelf. Then taking his ſharp knife, he ripped up his own belly, from the bottom to the top, and out dropped his tripes and troly bags, ſo that hur fell down for dead: thus Jack outwitted the Giant, and proceeded forward on his journey.
How King Arthur's Son met with Jack, &c.
KING Arthur's Son, only deſired of his father to furniſh him with a certain ſum of money; that he might go and ſeek his fortune in the principality of Wales, where a beautiful Lady lived, whom he heard was poſſeſſed with ſeven evil ſpirits; But the King his Father, adviſed him utterly againſt it, yet he would not be perſuaded from it; ſo that he granted what be requeſted, which was one horſe loaded with money, and another for himſelf to ride on; thus he went forth without any attendance.
Now after ſeveral days travel, he came to a market town in Wales, where he beheld a large concourſe of people gathered together; the King's Son demanded the reaſon of it, and was told, that they had arreſted a corpſe for many large ſums of money, which the deceaſed owed when he dy'd. The King's Son reply'd it is a pity that creditors ſhould be ſo cruel, go bury the dead (ſaid he) and let his creditors come to my Lodging, and their debts ſhall be diſcharged. Accordingly they came, and in ſuch great numbers, that before night he had almoſt left himſelf moneyleſs.
Now Jack the Giant Killer being there, and ſeeing the generoſity of the King's Son, he was taken with him, and deſired to be his ſervant; it was agreed upon the next morning they ſet forward, when at the town end, an old woman called after him, crying out, he was ow'n me two pence theſe five years: pray Sir, pay me as well as the reſt? He puts his hand into his pocket, and gave it her, it being the laſt he had left, then the King's Son turning to Jack, ſaid, I cannot tell how I ſhall ſubſiſt in my intended journey. For that (quoth Jack) take you no thought nor care let me alone, I warrant you we will not want.
Now Jack having a ſmall ſpell in his pocket, which ſerved at noon to give them a refreſhment, when done, they had not one penny left betwixt them; the afternoon they ſpent in travel and familiar friendly diſcourſe, 'till the fun began to grow low, at which time, the King's Son ſaid, Jack, ſince we have no money, where can we think to lodge this night? Jack reply'd, Maſter, we'll do well enough. For I have an uncle lives within two little miles of this place, he's a hudge and monſtrous Giant with three heads; He'll fight five hundred men in armour, and make them to fly before him. Alas! (quoth the King's Son) what ſhall we do there, he'll certainly chop us both up at one mouthful! Nay, we are ſcarce enough to fill one of his hollow teeth. It is no matter for that (quoth Jack,) I myſelf will go before, and prepare the way for you; therefore tarry here, and wait my return.
He waits, and Jack rides full ſpeed, when coming to the Gates of the caſtle, he knock'd with ſuch a force, that he made all the neighbouring hills reſound. The Giant with a voice like thunder, roared out; who's there? He anſwered, none but your poor couſin Jack quoth he, what news with my poor couſin Jack: He replied, dear uncle, heavy news; God wot prithee what heavy news can come to me? I am a Giant, with three heads; and beſides thou knows I can fight five hundred men in Armour and make them fly like chaff before the wind. Oh! but (quoth Jack) here's the King's Son coming with a thouſand men in Armour to kill you, and ſo to deſtroy all that you have. Oh! Couſin Jack, this is heavy news indeed; I have a large vault under the ground, where I will immediately hide myſelf, and thou ſhalt lock, bolt and bar me in, and keep the keys till the King's Son is gone.
Now Jack having ſecured the Giant, he ſoon returned and fetched his maſter, and were both heartily merry with the wine, and other dainties which were in the houſe: So that night they reſted in very pleaſant lodgings, whilſt the poor Uncle the Giant, lay trembling in the vault under ground.
Early in the morning Jack furniſhed his maſter with a freſh ſupply of gold and ſilver, and then ſet him three miles forward on his journey; concluding he then was pretty well out of the ſmell of the Giant, and then returned to let his Uncle out of the hole: Who aſked Jack what he ſhould give him in reward his caſtle was not demoliſhed. Why (quoth Jack) I deſire nothing but the old coat and cap together with the old coat and ſlippers, which are at your bed-head. Quoth the Giant, thou ſhalt have them, and pray keep them for my ſake, for they are things of excellent uſe. The coat will keep you inviſible; the cap will furniſh you with knowledge; the ſword cuts in ſunder whatever you ſtrike; and the ſhoes are of extraordinary ſwiftneſs: Theſe may be ſerviceable to you, and therefore pray take them with all my heart. Jack takes them, thanking his Uncle and follows his maſter.
How Jack ſaved his Maſter's Life and Drove the evil Spirit out of a Lady, &c.
JACK having overtaken his maſter, they ſoon after arrived at the Lady's houſe: who finding the King's Son to be a ſuitor, ſhe prepared a bar quit for him; whicb being ended, ſhe wiped his mouth with her handkerchief ſaying, you muſt ſhew me this once to morrow morning, or elſe loſe your head: And with that ſhe put it info her own boſom.
The King's Son went to bed very ſorrowful, but Jack's cap of Knowledge inſtructed him how to obtain it. In the middle of the night ſhe called upon her familiar ſpirit to carry her to her friend Lucifer, Jack ſoon put on his coat of darkneſs, with his ſhoes of ſwiftneſs, and was there as ſoon as her, by reaſon of his coat they could not ſee him. When ſhe entered the place, ſhe gave the handkerchief to old Lucifer; who laid it upon a ſhelf; from whence Jack took it, and brought it to his maſter, who ſhewed it to the Lady the next day, and ſo ſaved his Life.
The next night ſhe ſaluted the King's Son, telling him, he muſt ſhew her to-morrow morning, the lips that ſhe kiſſed laſt, this night, or loſe his head. Ah! (reply'd he) if you kiſs none but mine, I will, 'tis neither here nor there (ſaid ſhe) if you do not; death's your portion. At midnight ſhe went as before, and was angry with Lucifer for letting the handkerchief go; But now (ſaid ſhe) I will be too hard for the King's Son, for I will kiſs thee, and he's to ſhew thy Lips; which ſhe did, Jack ſtanding near him with his ſword of ſharpneſs, cut off the devil's head, brought it under his inviſible coat to his maſter, who was in bed, and laid it at the end of his bolſter. In the morning, when the Lady came up, he pulled it out by the horns, and ſhewed her the devil's lips which ſhe kiſſed laſt.
Thus having anſwered her twice, the enchanment broke, and the evil ſpirit left her; at which time ſhe appeared in all her beauty, a beautiful and virtuous creature. They were married the next morning, in great pomp and ſolemnity, and ſoon after they returned with a numerous company to the court of King Arthur, where they were received with the greateſt Joy, and loud acclamation by the whole court. Jack for his many and great exploits he had done for the good of his country, was made one of the knights of the round Table.
Thus we have finiſhed the firſt part of this Hiſtory which now leads us to the ſecond part, wherein you have a more full account of the many valiant and wonderful exploits which was done by the bold adventures of this great and valiant Hero, Jack the Giant Killer.
The SECOND Part.
How Jack by King Arthur's leave went in purſuit of Giants yet alive, &c.
JACK having been ſucceſsful in all his undertakings, and reſolved not to be idle for the future; but to perform what ſervice he could for the honour of his King and country, he humbly requeſted of the King his royal maſter, to fit him with a horſe and money, to travel in ſearch of ſtrange and new adventures: For, ſaid he, there are many Giants yet alive in the remote parts of the kingdom, and the dominions of Wales, to the unſpeakable damage of your Majeſty's leige ſubjects; wherefore may it pleaſe your Majeſty to give me encouragement, and I doubt not but in a ſhort time to cut them of root and branch, and to rid the realm of thoſe cruel Giants, and devouring monſters of nature.
Now when the king had heard theſe noble propoſitions and had duly conſidered the miſchevious practices of thoſe blood-thirſty Giants: He immediately, granted what honeſt Jack requeſted, and on the first day of March, being thoroughly furniſhed with all neceſſaries for his progreſs, he took leave, not only of King Arthur, but likewiſe of all the truſty and hardy Knights belonging to the round Table, who after much ſalutation and friendly greeting they parted, the King and his nobles to their courtly palaces, and Jack the Giant Killer to the eager purſuit of fortune's favours, taking with him the cap of knowlege, ſword of ſharpneſs, ſhoes of ſwiftneſs, and likewiſe the inviſible coat, the better to perfect and complete the dangerous enterprizes that lay before him.
How Jack ſlew a Giant, and delivered a Knight and his Lady from death.
JACK travelling over vaſt hills and wonderful mountains, when at the end of three days, he came to a large and ſpacious wood through which he muſt needs paſs, where on a ſudden to his great amazement he heard dreadful ſhrieks and cries: Whereupon caſting his eyes around to obſerve what it might be, beheld with wonder, a Giant ruſhing along with a worthy knight and his fair lady, which he held by the hair of their heads in his hands, with as much eaſe, as if they had been but a pair of gloves; the ſight of which melted poor Jack into tears of pity and compaſſion: wherefore, he alighted off from his horſe; which he left tied to an oak tree, and then putting on his inviſible coat, under which he carried his ſword of ſharpneſs, he came up to the Giant and though he made ſeveral paſſes at him: yet nevertheleſs, it could not reach the trunk of his body, by reaſon of his height, tho' it wounded his thighs in ſeveral places: but at length giving him a ſwinging ſtroke, he cut off both his legs, juſt below the knees, ſo that the trunk of his body, made not only the ground to ſhake, but likewiſe the trees to tremble with the force of his fall, at which by mere fortune, the knight and his lady eſcaped his rage, then bad Jack time to talk with him, ſetting his foot upon his neck ſaid, thou ſavage and barbarous wretch, I am come to execute upon you the juſt reward of your villany. And with that running him through and through, the monſter ſent forth a hideous groan, and yielded up his life, into the hands of the valiant conqueror; Jack the Giant killer, while, the noble Knight and virtuous lady were both joyful ſpectators of his ſudden downfal, and their deliverance.
This being done, the courteous Knight and his fair lady, not only returned him hearty thanks for their deliverance, but alſo invited him home, 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 reply'd, 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 then himſelf; and therefore if you ſhould go hither and periſh in the attempt, it would be the heart breaking of both me and my lady, here let me perſuade you to go with us and deſiſt from any farther purſuit: Nay, quoth Jack, if there be another; nay, if there were twenty I would ſhed the laſt drop of my blood in my body, before one of them ſhall eſcape my fury, and when I have finiſhed this talk, I will come and pay my reſpects to you. So taking directions to their habitation, he mounted his horſe, leaving them to return home, while he went in purſuit of the deceaſed Giants brother.
How Jack ſlew the other Giant, and ſent both their heads to King Arthur.
JACK had not rode 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 knotted iron club lying by his ſide, waiting as he ſuppoſed, for his brother's return with his cruel prey; his gogle eyes appearcd like terrible flames of fire, his countenance grim and ugly, and his checks appeared like a couple of large fat flitches of bacon: moreover the briſtles of his head ſeem'd to reſemble rods of iron wire; his locks hung down upon his broad ſhoulders, like curled ſnakes or hiſſing adders.
Jack alighted from his horſe, and put him into a thicket, then with his coat of darkneſs he come ſomewhat near to behold his figure, and ſaid ſoftly, Oh! are you there! It will not be long e'er I take you by the beard. The Giant all this time could not ſee him by reaſon of his inviſible coat, ſo coming up cloſe to him, valiant Jack fetching a blow at his head with his ſword of ſharpneſs, and miſſing ſomewhat of his aim, cut off the Giant's noſe, whoſe noſtrils were wider than a pair of jack-boots; the pain was terrible and ſo he put up his hand to his noſe, and when he could not find it, he rav'd and roar'd louder than claps of thunder: and tho he turn'd up his large eyes, he could not ſee from whence the blow came, which had done him that great diſaſter; nevertheleſs he took up his iron knotted club, and began to lay about him like one ſtark mad: Nay, quoth Jack, if you be for that ſport, then will I diſpatch you quickly, for fear of an accidental blow falling out. Then as the Giant roſe from his block, Jack makes no more to do, but runs his ſword up to the hilt in the Giant's fundament, where he left it ſticking for a while and ſtood laughing with his hands a kim bow to ſee the Giant caper and dance the cannaries with his ſword in his arſe, crying out, he ſhould die, he ſhould die, with the gripping of his guts. Thus did the Giant continue raving for an hour or more, and at length fell down dead whoſe dreadful fall had like to have cruſhed poor Jack, had he not been nimble to avoid the ſame.
This being done, Jack cut off both the Giants heads and ſent them both to King Arthur by a waggoner, whom he hired for the ſame purpoſe, together with an account of his proſperous ſucceſs in all his undertakings.
How Jack ſearched their cave, and delivered many men out of captivity.
JACK having thus diſpatch'd theſe two monſters, reſolved with himſelf to enter the cave in ſearch of theſe Giants treaſure; he paſſed along through many turnings and windings which led him at length to a room paved with free ſtone, at the upper end of which was a boiling caldron, then on the right hand ſtood a large table; where (as the ſuppoſed) the Giants uſed to dine, then he came to an iron gate, where was a window ſecured with bars of iron, through which he looked, and there beheld a vaſt many miſerable captives; who ſeeing Jack at a diſtance, cried out with a loud voice, Alas! young man, art thou come to be one amongſt us in this miſerable den? Ay, quoth Jack, I hope I ſhall not tarry long here: but pray tell me what is the meaning of your captivity? why, ſaid one, young man, I'll tell you, we are perſons that have been taken by the Giants that keep this cave, and here we are kept till ſuch time as they have occaſion for a particular feaſt, and then the fatteſt amongſt us is ſlaughtered, and prepared for their devouring jaws: it is not long ſince they took three of us for the ſame purpoſe; nay, many are the times they have dined on murdered men. Say you ſo quoth Jack, well, I have given them both ſuch a dinner, that it will be long enough e'er they'll have occaſion for any. The miſerable captives were amazed at his words: You may believe me, quoth Jack, for I have ſlain them both with the point of my ſword, and as for their monſtrous heads: I ſent them in a waggon to the court of King Arthur, as Trophies of my unparallel'd victory. And for teſtimony of the truth he had ſaid, he unlock'd the iron gate ſetting the miſerable captivity at liberty, who all rejoiced like condemned malefactors at the ſight of a reprieve: then leading them all together to the aforeſaid room, he placed them round the table, and ſet before them two quarters of beef, as alſo, bread and wine, ſo that he feaſted them very plentifully, ſupper being ended, they ſearched the Giant's coffers, where finding a vaſt ſtore of gold and ſilver, Jack equally divided it amongſt them: they all returned him hearty thanks, for their treaſure and miraculous deliverance. That night they went to their reſt, and in the morning they aroſe and departed, the captives to their reſpective town's and places or abode; and Jack to the knight's houſe, whom he had formerly delivered from the hand of the Giant.
How Jack came to the Knight's houſe, and his noble Entertainment there, &c.
IT was about Sun riſing when Jack mounted his horfe to proceed on his journey, and by the help of his directions he came to the Knight's houſe ſome time before noon: where he was received with all demonſterations of joy imaginable by the Knight and his lady, who in honourable reſpect to Jack prepared a feaſt, which laſted for many days; inviting all the gentry in the adjacent parts, to whom the worthy Knight was pleaſed to relate the manner of his former danger, and the happy deliverance, by the undaunted courage of Jack the Giant Killer: And by way of gratitude, he preſented him with a Ring of gold on which was engraven by curious art, the picture of the Giant dragging, a diſtreſſed Knight and his fair Lady by the hair of the head, with this Motto.
We are in ſad diſtreſs you ſee,
Under a Giant's fierce command;
But gain'd our Lives and Liberty,
By valiant Jack's victorious hand.
Now, amongst the vaſt aſſembly there preſent, were five aged Gentlemen who were fathers to ſome of thoſe miſerable captives, which Jack had lately ſet at liberty; who underſtanding that he was the perſon that performed thoſe great wonders, they immediately paid their venerable reſpects: After which their mirth encreaſed, and the ſmiling bowls went freely round to the proſperous ſucceſs to the victorious conqueror. But in the midſt of all mirth, a dark cloud appeared, which daunted all the hearts of this aſſembly. Thus it was a meſſenger brought the diſmal tidings of the approach of one Thunderdel, a huge Giant with two heads; who having heard of the death, of his kinſmen, the above named Giants; was come from the Northeren poles in ſearch after Jack to be revenged of him for their moſt miſerable downfal, and was within a mile of the Knight's ſeat; the country people flying before him, from their houſes and habitations like chaff before the wind. When they had related this, Jack not a whit daunted, ſaid, let him come, I am prepared with a tool to pick his tooth, and you gentlemen and ladies, walk ⟨but⟩ forth into the garden, and you ſhall be the joyful ſpectators of this monſterous Giant's death and deſtruction. To which they all conſented, every one wiſhing him good fortune in that great and dangerous enterprize.
How Jack overthrew the Giant in the Moat.
THE ſituation of the Knight's houſe take as follows: It was placed in the midst of a ſmall iſland, encompaſſed round with a vaſt moat, thirty feet deep, and twenty feet wide, over which lay a draw bridge. Wherefore Jack employed two men to cut it on both ſides, almost to the middle; and then dreſſing himſelf in his coat of darkneſs, likewiſe putting on his Shoes of ſwiftneſs, he marches forth againſt the Giant, with his ſword of ſharpneſs ready drawn; yet when he came cloſe up to him, the Giant could not ſee Jack by reaſon of his inviſible coat which he had on, yet nevertheleſs he was ſenſible of ſome approaching danger, which made him cry out in theſe words.
Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum,
I ſmell the blood of an Engliſh man;
Be he living or be he dead,
I'll grind his bones to mix my bread.
Says thou ſo quoth Jack, then thou art a monſtrous Miller indeed: But how if I ſhould ſerve thee as I did the two Giants of late, in my conſcience I ſhould ſpoil your practice for the future. At which time the Giant ſpoke with a voice as loud as thunder: Art thou that villian which destroyed my two kinſmen? Then will I tear thee with my teeth, ſuck thy blood and what is more, I will grind thy bones to powder. You moſt catch me first quoth Jack; and with that he threw off his coat of darkneſs that the Giant might ſee him clearly, and then run from him as through fear. The Giant with a foaming mouth, and glaring eyes, following after like a walking cattle, making the foundation of the Earth, as it were, to ſhake at every ſtep, Jack led him a dance three or four times round the moat that belonged to the Knight's houſe, ⟨that⟩ the gentlemen and ladies might take a full ⟨view⟩ of this huge monſter of nature, who followed Jack with all his might, but could not overtake him by reaſon of his ſhoes of ſwiftneſs: which carried him faſter than the Giant could follow. At length Jack to finiſh the work took ⟨over⟩ the bridge, when with the weight of his ⟨body⟩ and the moſt dreadful ſteps that he took, ⟨he⟩ broke down, and he tumbled into the water, where he roll'd and wallow'd like a whale. Jack ⟨ſtanding⟩ at the ſide of the meat, laugh'd at the Giant and ſaid you told me you would grind my bones to powder, here you have water enough, pray where is your mill? The Giant fretted and ⟨foamed⟩ to hear him ſcoff at that rate; and tho' ⟨he⟩ plunged from place to place in the Moat, yet he could not get out to be revenged on his adverſary. Jack at length got a cart rope, and caſt ⟨it⟩ over the Giants two heads with a ſhip-knot, and by the help of a team of horſes, dragged him out again, with which he was near ſtrangled; and before he would let him looſe, he cut off both his beads with his ſword of ſharpneſs, in the full view of all the worthy aſſembly of knights, gentlemen and ladies, who gave a joyful ſhout when they ſaw the Giant fairly diſpatched. Then before he would either, eat or drink, he ſent theſe heads alſo after the other to the court of King Arthur: Which being done, then Jack with the knights and ladies, returned to their mirth and paſtime, which laſted for many days.
How Jack came to the houſe of an old Hermit, and what Diſcourſe happened between them.
AFTER ſome time ſpent in triumphant mirth and paſtime, Jack grew weary of riotous living, wherefore, taking leave of the noble knights and ladies, he ſet forward in ſearch of new adventures. Thro' many woods and groves he paſſed, meeting with nothing remarkable till at length coming to the foot of an high mountain late at night he knocked at the door of a loneſome houſe, at which time an ancient man, with a head as white as ſnow aroſe and let him in. Father, ſaid Jack, have you any entertainment for a benighted traveller, that has loſt his way? Yes, ſaid the man, if thou will accept of ſuch accommodation as my poor cottage will afford, thou ſhalt be right welcome. Jack returned him many thanks, for his great civility, wherefore down they ſat together, and the old man began to diſcourſe him as follows: Son, ſaid he, I am ſenſible thou art the great conqueror of Giants, and it is in thy power to free this place of the country from an intolerable burden which we groan under. For behold my ſon, on the top of this high mountain, there is an inchanted caſtle kept by a huge monſtrous Giant, named Galigantus, who by the help of an old conjuror betrays many knights and ladies into this ſtrong caſtle; where by Magick Art they are transformed into ſundry ſhapes and forms: But above all, I lament the ſad miſfortune of a Duke's Daughter whom they fetch'd from her father's garden by Art, carrying her through the air in a morning chariot, drawn as it were by two fiery dragons, and being ſecured within the walls of the caſtle, ſhe was immediately transformed into the real ſhape of a white Hind: tho' many, worthy knights have endeavoured to break the inchantment, and work her deliverance, yet none of them could accomplish this great work, by reaſon of two dreadful Griffins who were fix'd by magick art at the entrance of the caſtle gate; which deſtroys any, as ſoon as they ſee them. But you, my ſon, being furniſhed with an inviſible coat, ⟨may⟩ paſs by them undiſcovered. Whereupon the brazen gate of the caſtle you find ⟨engraven⟩ graven in large characters, by what means the ⟨inchantment⟩ may be broken.
This old man having ended his diſcourſe, ⟨Jack⟩ gave him his hand, with a faithful promiſe, ⟨that⟩ in the morning he would venture his life to ⟨break⟩ the inchantment, and free the lady, together with the reſt that were miſerable partners ⟨in⟩ her calamity.
HAVING refreſhed themſelves with a ſmall morſal of meat they laid them down to reſt, and in the morning Jack aroſe and put on his inviſible coat, his cap of knowledge, and ſhoes of ſwiftneſs, and ſo prepares himſelf for the dangerous enterprise.
Now when he had aſcended to the top of the mountain, he ſoon diſcovered the two fiery Griffins; he paſſed on between without fear, for they could not ſee him by reaſon of his inviſible coat: now when he was yet beyond them, he caſt his eyes around him, where he found upon the gate a golden trumpet, hang in a chain of fine ſilver, under which theſe lines were engraven.
Whoſoever ſhall this trumpet blow.
Shall ſoon the Giant overthrow,
And break the black inchantment ſtraight,
So all shall be in happy ſtate.
Jack had no ſooner read this inſcription but he blew the trumpet, at which time the vaſt foundation of the caſtle trembled, and the Giant, together with the conjurer, was in horrid confuſion, biting their thumbs, and tearing their hair, knowing their wicked reign was at an end. At which time Jack ſtanding at the Giant's elbow as he was ſtooping to take up his club, he at one blow with his ſword of ſharpneſs, cut of his head. The conjurer, ſeeing this, immediately mounted into the air, and was carried away in a whirlwind. Thus was the whole inchantment broke and every knight and lady who had been for a long time transformed into birds, and beaſts, returned to their proper ſhapes again; and as for the caſtle tho' it ſeemed at firſt to be of a vaſt ſtrength and bigneſs it vaniſhed away like a cloud of ſmoke; whereupon an univerſal joy appeared among the releaſed knights and ladies. This being done, the head of Galligantus was likewiſe (according to his accuſtomed manner conveyed to the court of King Arthur as a preſent made to his Majeſty. The very next day after having refreſhed the knights and ladies at the old man's habitation, who lived at the foot of the mountain, he ſet forward for the court of King Arthur, with thoſe knights and ladies which he had ſo honourably delivered.
When coming to his Majeſty, and having related all the paſſages of his fierce encounters, and his fame run thro' the whole court; and as a reward of his good ſervice, the King prevailed with the aforeſaid Duke to be beſtow his daughter in marriage to honeſt Jack proteſting that there was no man ſo worthy of her as he; to all which the Duke very honourably conſented: So married they were, and not only the court, but likewiſe the kingdom was filled with joy and triumph at the wedding. After which the king as a reward for his good ſervices done to the nation, beſtowed upon him a noble habitation, with a very plentiful eſtate belonging thereunto, where he and his lady lived the remainder of their days in peace.
FINIS.
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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