Page:History of Jack and the giants (1).pdf/22

 entertainment for a benighted traveller that has lost his way? Yes, said the old man, if thou wilt accept of such accommodations as my poor cottage can afford, thou wilt be right welcome. Jack returned him many thanks for his great civility, whereupon 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 mountain there is an enchanted castle, kept by a huge monstrous giant, named Galligantus, who by the help of an old conjurer, betrays many knights and ladies into this strong castle, where, by magic art, they are transformed into sundry shapes and forms; but, above all, I lament the sad misfortune of a dukes daughter, whom they fetched from her father's garden by art, carrying her thro' the air in a mourning 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 enchantment and work her deliverance yet none of them could accomplish this great work, by reason of two dreadful griffins, who were fixed by magic art at the entrance of the castle gate, who destroyed any as soon as they saw them; but you, my son, being furnished with an invisible coat, may pass by them undiscovered where on the brazen gates of the castle, you will find engraven in large characters, the means by which the enchantment may be broken."

This old man having ended his discourse Jack avgave [sic] him his hand with a faithful promise, atthat [sic] in the morning he would venture his life