"
King Thunstone and his whole court were so sorry at the loss of their
little favorite, that they went into mourning, and raised a fine white
marble monument over his grave, with the following epitaph:
"Here lies Tom Thumb, King Arthur's knight,
Who died by a spider's cruel bite.
He was well known in Arthur's Court,
Where he afforded gallant sport;
He rode at tilt and tournament,
And on a mouse a-hunting went.
Alive he filled the Court with mirth;
His death to sorrow soon gave birth.
Wipe, wipe your eyes, and shake your head
And cry--Alas! Tom Thumb is dead!"
* * * * *
JACK THE GIANT-KILLER
ADAPTED BY JOSEPH JACOBS
When good King Arthur reigned, there lived near the Land's End of
England, in the county of Cornwall, a farmer who had one only son
called Jack. He was brisk and of ready, lively wit, so that nobody or
nothing could worst him.
In those days the Mount of Cornwall was kept by a huge giant named
Cormoran. He was eighteen feet in height, and about three yards round
the waist, of a fierce and grim countenance, the terror of all the
neighboring towns and villages. He lived in a cave in the midst of
the Mount, and whenever he wanted food he would wade over to the
mainland, where he would furnish himself with whatever came in his
way.
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