JACK THE GIANT KILLER.
In the reign of the famous King Arthur, there lived near the Land's-end of England, in the county of Cornwall, a worthy farmer, who had an only son, named Jack. Jack was a boy of a bold temper. He took pleasure in hearing or reading stories of wizards, conjurers, giants, and fairies; and used to listen eagerly while his father talked of the great deeds of the brave knights of King Arthur's Round table.
When Jack was sent to take care of the sheep and oxen in the fields, he used to amuse himself with planning battles, sieges, and the means to conquer and surprise a foe. He was above the common sports of children; and hardly any one could excel him at wrestling. If he met with his equal in strength, his skill and address always made him the victor.
In those days there lived on St Michael's Mount of Cornwall, which rises out of the sea, at some distance from the mainland, a huge giant. He was eighteen feet high, and three yards round; and his fierce and savage looks were the terror of all his neighbours.
He dwelt in a gloomy cavern on the very top of the mountain, and used to wade over to the mainland in search of his prey. When he came near, the people left their houses; and after he had glutted his appetite upon their cattle, he would throw half a dozen oxen upon his back, and tie three times as many sheep and hogs round his waist, and so march back to his own abode. The
