Father Time replied: "Jack the Giant Killer, when I have laid my hand upon you again and yet again, you shall possess the true seven-league boots. They shall carry you seventy times seven leagues—and beyond."
"And my invisible cloak—it was rich and fine before you came; and now it is ragged."
"Jack the Giant Killer, when I have laid my hand upon you again and yet again, it shall be given to you to wear the true and only invisible cloak."
Jack looked ruefully at his sword. With a sob he exclaimed, "And my sword of sharpness!…"
Father Time replied, "Jack the Giant Killer, beneath my touch the sword of sharpness becomes the sword of rust."
For an instant Jack searched the faces of the others. "Have I no friend here?" he demanded. "Will no one take my part?"
Everychild's heart was touched with pity; but before he could speak Father Time continued:
"I am your friend. And I bid you go home and cultivate those virtues which you know not. Be patient, and contentment shall come: a friend more unfailing than a strong arm. And hope shall come: a friend more fleet than seven-league boots. And faith shall be yours: far better raiment than your cloak which was invisible."
But Jack hung his head. "And my beautiful sword that was my pride …"
To the amazement of all it was the giant, Will o'Dreams, who stepped forward to comfort Jack. In a voice which was marvelously kind he said: