Chapter X

As when some school-boy--idle thief--
With double-knotted handkerchief,
What time his comrade stooping low,
With tightened skin invites the blow;
With sundry feints, delays to smite,
And baulks, to linger out delight;
So Jack, with thorough-going blade,
Stood aiming at the Giant's head.

At last the champion cried, "Here goes
Struck, and cut off the monster's--nose.
Like a thousand bulls all roaring mad,
Was the furious Giant's shout,

{042}

With the iron club, which I said he had,
Oh! how he laid about!
"Oho! if that's your way, old cock,
We must finish the game," quoth Jack;
So he vaulted upon the chopping-block,
And ran him through the back.

The Giant howled; the rocks around
Thrilled with his demon squall,
Then flat he fell upon the ground,
As the Monument might fall.