Page:Jack the giant-killer.pdf/19

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whom they seized as she was walking in her father's garden, and brought hither through the air in a chariot drown by two fiery dragons, and turned her into the shape of a deer. Many knights have tried to destroy the enchantment, and deliver her, yet none have been able to do it, by reason of two fiery griffins, which guard the gates of the castle, and destroy all who come nigh. But as you, my son, have an invisible coat, you may pass by them without being seen; and on the gates of the castle you will find engraved by what means the enchantment may be broken."

Jack promised that in the morning, at the risk of his life, he would break the enchantment; and, after a sound sleep, he rose early, put on his invisible coat, and got ready for the attempt.

When he had climbed to the top of the mountain, he saw the two fiery dragons, but he passed between them without the least fear of danger; for they could not see him, because of his invisible coat. On the castle-gate he found a golden trumpet, under which were written these lines;

"Whoever can this trumpet blow

Shall cause the giant's overthrow."

As soon as Jack had read this, he seized the trumpet and blew a shrill blast, which made the gates fly open, and the very castle itself tremble.

The giant and the conjurer now knew that their wicked course was at an end, and they stood bitting their thumbs and shaking with fear. Jack, with his sword of sharpness, soon killed the giant, and the magician was then carried away by a whirlwind; and every knight and beautiful lady, who had been changed into birds and beasts, returned to their proper shapes. The castle vanished away