526 NURSERY RHYMES.

 

 

spirit for letting the handkerchief go. “But now,” quoth she,
“T will be too hard for the Prince, for I will kiss thee, and he is
to show me thy lips.” She did so, and Jack, who was standing
by, cut off the spirit’s head, and brought it under his invisible
coat to his master, who produced it triumphantly the next morn-
ing before the lady. This feat destroyed the enchantment, the
evil spirits immediately forsook her, and she appeared still more
sweet and lovely, beautiful as she was before. They were married
the next morning, and shortly afterwards went to the Court of
King Arthur, where Jack, for his eminent services, was created
one of the Knights of the Round Table.

Our hero, having been successful in all his undertakings, and re-
solving not to remain idle, but to perform what services he could
for the honour of his country, humbly besought His Majesty to
fit him out with a:‘horse and money, to enable him to travel in
search of new adventures ; “for,” said he, “there are many giants
yet living in the remoter parts of Wales, to the unspeakable
damage of your Majesty’s subjects ; wherefore, may it please you
to encourage me, I do not doubt but in a short time to cut them
off root and branch, and so rid all the realm of those giants and
monsters in human shape.” We need scarcely say that Jack’s
generous offer was at once accepted. The King furnished him
with the necessary accoutrements, and Jack set out with his
magical cap, sword, and shoes, the better to perform the dange-
rous enterprises which now lay before him.

After travelling over several hills and mountains—the country
through which he passed offering many impediments to travel-
lers—on the third day he arrived at a very large wood, which he