“Alas!” said the king’s son, “what shall we do there? He will eat us up at a mouthful—nay, we are scarce sufficient to fill one hollow tooth.”
“It is no matter for that,” says Jack. “I myself will go before and prepare the way for you. Tarry here, and wait my return.”
He waited, and Jack rode full speed. Coming to the castle gate, he immediately began to knock with such force that all the neighbouring hills resounded. The giant, roaring with a voice like thunder, called—
“Who is there?”
“None, but your poor cousin Jack.”
“And what news,” said he, “with my cousin Jack?”
He replied—
“Dear uncle, heavy news.”
“God wot! Prithee! what heavy news can come to me? I am a giant with three heads, and besides, thou knowest, I fight five hundred men in armour, and make them all fly like chaff before the wind.”
“Oh,” said Jack, “but here is a king’s son coming with a thousand men in armour to kill you, and to destroy all you have.”