Chapter V

Castle Frodgedobbulum sulked between
Two bleak hills, in a deep ravine.

It was always dark there, and always drear,
The same time of day and the same time of year,

The walls of the castle were slimy and black,
There were dragons in front, and toads at the back.

Spiders there were, and of vampires lots;
Ravens croaked round the chimney-pots.

Seven bull-dogs barked in the hall;
Seven wild cats did caterwaul!

The giant said, with a smirk on his face,
“My Marjorie, this is a pretty place;

As Mrs. F. you will lead, with me,
A happier life than in Banbury!

Pour out my wine, and comb my hair,
And put me to sleep in my easy chair;

But, first, my boots I will kick away”--
And Marjorie answered, “_S’il vous plait!_”

Then the giant mused, “It befits my station
To marry a lady of education;

But who would have thought this Banbury wench
Was so accomplished, and could speak French?”

Did you ever hear Frodgedobbulum snore?
He shook the castle from roof to floor!

Fast asleep as a pig was he--
“And very much like one!” thought Marjorie.

VI

Then Marjorie stood on a leathern chair,
And opened the window to the air.

The bats flap, the owls hoot--
Marjorie lifted the giant’s boot!

The ravens shriek, the owls hoot--
Marjorie got into the giant’s boot!

And Marjorie said, “I can reach the moon
Before you waken, you big buffoon!”

Once, twice, three times, and away,--
“Which is the road to Banbury, pray?”

The Boot made answer, “Hah, hah! hoh, hoh!
The road to Banbury town I know.”

VII

The giant awoke in his easy chair,
Saying, “Ho, little Marjorie, are you there?

A stoup of wine, to be spiced the same!--
Exquisite Marjorie, _je vous aime_!”

Now where was Marjorie? Safe and sound
In the Magic Boot she cleared the ground.

Frodgedobbulum groaned--“I am bereft!
The left boot’s gone, and the right is left!--

The window’s open! I’ll bet a crown
The chit is off to Banbury town!

But follow, follow, my faithful Boot!
One is enough for the pursuit;

And back to my arms the wench shall come
As sure as my name’s Frodgedobbulum!”

VIII

Hasty Frodgedobbulum, being a fool,
Forgot of the Magic Boots the rule.

They were made on a right and a left boot-tree,
But he put the wrong leg in the boot, you see!

It was a terrible mistake
For even a giant in love to make--

Terrible in its consequences,
Frightful to any man’s seven senses!

Down came a thunderbolt, rumble and glare!
Frodgedobbulum Castle blew up in the air!

The giant, deprived of self-control,
Was carried away to the very North Pole;

For such was the magic rule. Poor F.
Now sits on the peak of the Arctic cliff!

The point is so sharp it makes him shrink;
The northern streamers, they make him blink;

One boot on, and one boot off,
He shivers and shakes, and thinks, with a cough,

“Safe in Banbury Marjorie dwells;
Marjorie will marry some one else!”