Chapter XX

When Jack had eaten all he could,
Bespoke him thus the hermit good,-
"My son, I think I 'twig' the man
Who 'slew the Giant Cormoran.'

On yonder hill-top a regular bad 'un
Dwells in a castle just like Haddon
(Haddon!--thou know'st its time-worn towers,
Drawn by ascertain friend of 'ours');
That Giant's name is Catawampus;
And much I fear he soon will swamp us,
Unless that arm--" Cried Jack "Enow;
He dies!" The hermit said, "Allow
Me to remark--you wo n't be daunted--
But know his castle is enchanted;
Him aids a sorcerer of might
Slockdollagos the villain's hight;
They crossed the main from western climes;
And here, confederate in crimes
(They term them 'notion's'), play their tricks;
Bold knights (to use their slang) they 'fix,'
Transforming them, at treacherous feasts,
With stuff called 'julep,' into beasts.

They served a duke's fair daughter so,
Whom they transmuted to a doe;
Hither they brought the maid forlorn,
On car by fiery dragons borne;
To free her, champions not a few
Have tried, but found it would n't do;

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Two griffins, breathing sulph'rous fire,
Destroy all those who venture nigh her;
But thee thy coat will keep secure."

Jack answered gaily, "To be sure; "
And swore that when the morning came,
He 'd lose his life or free the dame.