But Reynard came on purpose
This very wretch to slay:

And shall he, like a coward,
Thus basely slink away?

Such is not his intention :
He first has fixed the door,

By driving many wedges
Between it and the floor.

The hall-door now swings open,
Jack hears a noise below,

And from the window looks in time
To see the Giant go.

The monster gazes upwards,
‘I go to fetch my friend ;

In less than half-an-hour
Shall all your troubles end.’

Jack’s plan is formed that instant:
His foe he will defeat,

And turn ’gainst him the tables,
By vict’ry, not retreat.

A sack thrust through one window
Is to his strong cord tied,

Then to the bar ’tis fastened
(By pack-thread well applied).

At t'other end the noose is,
Which he with skill can throw,
And exquisite precision,
As Indian his lasso.

Next from the old walls crumbling
He mortar breaks, and stone ;

Which, carefully to make weight,
Into the sack is thrown.

143 )

 

A nigh full moon arising
Affords a splendid light :

Jack looks o’er his arrangements,
And finds that all is right.

Not long is he kept waiting,
For soon he voices hears :

And high o’er many tree-tops
His host with friend appears.

Up gazing at the casement,
His swollen sack they spied ;

And first ’tis their impression
They see a suicide.

Then they’re completely puzzled
What Jack can be about;

But he, being good-natured,
Don’t keep them long in doubt.

Their heads were laid together,

But ev'ry guess was vain :
When whiz went forth the long rope,
And now the thing grows plain.

For Jack jerked up the noose tight,
And, ere they’re well aware,

| The pack-thread’s cut, the sack descends,

And they rise in the air.

| They kick! oh, how they struggle!

If now the cord should break,

| I fear at no Life Office

Jack could insurance make.

| They're very nicely balanced ;

The rope will bear the strain :
Of silk and new hemp woven,
’Twould hold as much again.