Page:History of the four Kings of Canterbury, Colchester, Cornwall, and Cumberland.pdf/11

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without study or stumbling, should have her in marriage, and also be heir to the crown at his decease. On publishing this decree, the said gentleman's two sons agreed between themselves to go and try how favourable fortune might be to them in this undertaking; but all their care was, what they should do with their silly brother Jack; for, as they said, if he follows us, he will out with some foolish bolt, and so spoil our business. At length it was agreed on going to the court, to go out of the back door, which led to the road over several fields, about a mile from the house. They did so, but were no sooner got into the highway, but looking behind, the saw their brother Jack coming capering and dancing after them, saying, with a loud laughter, so you are going to get a king's daughter, but I will pursue you. They saw there was no way to get rid of him, but by walking fast, and leaving him behind, hoping thereby to get entrance before Jack, and then have the gates shut against him. They had not gone half a mile before Jack set up a great fit of laughter; at which one of his brothers said, what's the fool found out now? Why, l've found an egg. Put it in thy pocket,