The which he did, and for the same
The king his signet gave,
Which Tom about his middle wore
Long time a girdle brave.
Now after this the king would not
Abroad for pleasure goe,
But still Tom Thumbe must ride with him,
Plac'd on his saddle-bow.
Where on a time when as it rain'd,
Tom Thumbe most nimbly crept
In at a button hole, where he
Within his bosome slept.
And being neere his highnesse heart,
He crav'd a wealthy boone,
A liberall gift, the which the king
Commanded to be done,
For to relieve his fathers wants,
And mothers, being old;
Which was so much of silver coin
As well his armes could hold.
And so away goes lusty Tom,
With three pence on his backe,
A heavy burthen, which might make
His wearied limbes to cracke.
So travelling two dayes and nights,
With labour and great paine,
He came into the house whereas
His parents did remaine;
Which was but halfe a mile in space
From good king Arthurs court,
The which in eight and forty houres
He went in weary sort.
But comming to his fathers doore,
He there such entrance had
As made his parents both rejoice,
And he thereat was glad.
His mother in her apron tooke
Her gentle sonne in haste,
And by the fier side, within
A walnut shell, him plac'd: