Page:History of Jack and the giants (2).pdf/7



This dreadful noiſe ſo amazed poor Jack, that he was ready to run diſtracted; then ſeeing from a window afar off, the two Giants coming together; now quoth to himſelf, my death or deliverance is at hand.

There were ſtrong cords in the room by him, of which he took 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 until he had throatled them; and then faſtening the rope to the beam, turned towards the window, where he beheld the two Giants to be black 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 this intended cruelty. He then taking a bunch of keys, he unlocked the rooms, where, upon a ſtrick ſearch, he found three fair Ladies tied by the hair of their heads, almoſt ſtarved to death, who told Jack, that their huſbands were 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 would 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 to Wales.

having but very little money, thought it prudent to make the beſt of his way by travelling