CHAP. IX.
The Tinker hearing of Tom s Fame went down to be Partner in his Enterprize; and how he was unfortunately slain by a Lyon.
Tom’s victories rang so long, that they reach’d the ears of his old acquaintance, the Tinker, who, desirous of honour, resolved to go down and visit Tom in his new government, when coming there he met with kind and loving entertainment, for they were very joyful to see one another: Now after three or four days’ enjoyment of one another’s company, Tom told the Tinker that he must needs go forth in search after wild Bears and Lyons, in order to rout them out of the Island. Well, quoth the Tinker, I would gladly take my fortune with you, hoping that I may be serviceable to you, upon occasion. Well, quoth Tom, with all my heart, for I must needs acknowledge I shall be right glad of your company. This said, they both went forward, Tom with his two handed sword, and the Tinker with his long pike-staff. Now after they had travelled about four or five hours, it was their fortune to light of the whole knot of wild beasts together, being in number fourteen, of which six of them were Bears, the other eight young Lyons now when they had fastened their eyes upon Tom and the Tinker, these ravenous beasts began to roar and run furiously, as if they would have devoured them at a mouthful; but Tom and the Tinker stood side by side with their backs against an Oak, and as the Lyons and Bears came within their reach, Tom with his long sword clove their heads asunder till they were all destroyed, saving one lyon, who, seeing the rest of his Fellows slain, was endeavouring to make his escape: now the Tinker being somewhat too venturous, ran too hastily after him, and having given the Lyon one blow, he turn’d upon him again, seizing him by the throat with that violence, that the poor Tinker fell dead to the Ground; Tom Hickathrift, seeing this, gave the Lyon such a blow that it ended his life.
Now was his joy mingled with sorrow for tho’ he had cleared the Island of those ravenous savage beasts, yet his grief was intolerable for the loss of his old friend. Home he returned to his lady, where in token of Joy for the wonderful success which he had in his dangerous enterprizes, he made a very noble and splendid Feast, to which he invited most of his best Friends and Acquaintance, to whom he made the following Promise.
My Friends while I have Strength to stand,
most manfully I will pursue
All Dangers, till I clear this Land,
of Lions, Bears, and Tygers too;
This you’ll find true, or I’m to blame,
let it remain upon Record;
Tom Hickathrift’s most glorious fame,
who never yet has broke his word
The Man who does his Country bless,
shall merrit much from this fair land;
He who relieved them in Distress,
His Fame upon Record shall stand:
And you my Friends who hear me now,
let honest Tom, for ever dwell,
Within your Minds and Thoughts I trow,
since he has pleas’d you all so well.
FINIS.
