Page:History of Thomas Hickathrift (3).pdf/5

 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.

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