Page:Jack the giant-killer.pdf/12

12 money, that he might travel in search of new and strange exploits. "For," said he to the king, "there are many giants yet living among the mountains in the remote parts of Wales, to the great terror and distress of your majesty's subjects; therefore, if it please you, sire, to favour me in my design, I will soon rid your kingdom of these giants and monsters in human shape." Now, when the king heard this, and began to think of the cruel deeds of these savage monsters, he gave Jack every thing proper for such a journey. After this, Jack took leave of the king, the prince, and all the knights, and set off' taking with him his cap of knowledge, his sword of Sharpness, his shoes of swiftness, and his invisible coat, the better to perform his great exploits.

He went along over high hills and lofty mountains, and on the third day he came to a large and wide forest, through which his road lay. He had hardly entered the forest, when on a sudden he heard very dreadful shrieks and cries. He forced his way through the trees, and saw a monstrous giant carrying away a handsome knight from his beautfulbeautiful [sic] lady. The tears and cries melted the heart of honest Jack to pity: he got down from his horse, and, tying him to an oak tree, put on his invisible coat, under which he carried his sword of sharpness.

When he came up to the giant, he made many strokes at him, but could not reach his body, on account of the great height of this frightful monster. But he wounded his thighs in many places; and, putting both hands to his sword, and aiming with all his might, he cut off one of the giant's legs, just below the garter; so that he tumbled to the ground, and made not only the trees shake, but the earth itself trembled with the force of his fall.