16
it was not his deſire,
But manfully the tongs he took,
and quickly it gave fire.
But he not being us’d to ſhoot,
did frighten half the town.
Nor could he fairly ſtand unto’t,
for why it beat him down.
His beard was burnt onto the ſtumps,
the chimney did ſo fame,
That all the wells, ſprings, and pumps,
could hardly quench the ſame.
The townſmen up in arms did riſe,
and much amazed were
An he was ſtaring with his eyes,
being almoſt dead with fear.
The powder flew about the houſe,
might move ſome one to laughter,
For there was neither rat nor mouſe
for ſeven long winters after.
The old man all this time did ſleep,
ſince none did him moleſt,
Poor Jack alone did only weep,
all elſe went to their reſt.
But Jack concluſions ſtill would try
with the ſame warming pan,
He took it up and earneſtly
the ſecond part began.
Jack put ſome fire again into it,
as being very bold.
Perhaps it was to try his wits,
for he could not be cold.
