_King._ 'Tis well, I found one devil told us both. Come, Dollallolla, Huncamunca, come; Within we'll wait for the victorious Thumb: In peace and safety we secure may stay, While to his arm we trust the bloody fray; Though men and giants should conspire with gods, He is alone equal to all these odds.[177] _Queen._ He is, indeed, a helmet to us all;[178] While he supports we need not fear to fall; His arm despatches all things to our wish, And serves up ev'ry foe's head in a dish. Void is the mistress of the house of care, While the good cook presents the bill of fare; Whether the cod, that northern king of fish, Or duck, or goose, or pig, adorn the dish, No fears the number of her guests afford, But at her hour she sees the dinner on the board. SCENE VII.--_Plain._ GRIZZLE, FOODLE, REBELS. _Griz._ Thus far our arms with victory are crown'd; For, though we have not fought, yet we have found No enemy to fight withal.[179] _Food._ Yet I, Methinks, would willingly avoid this day, This first of April to engage our foes.[180] _Griz._ This day, of all the days of the year, I'd choose, For on this day my grandmother was born. Gods! I will make Tom Thumb an April-fool; Will teach his wit an errand it ne'er knew,[181] And send it post to the Elysian shades. _Food._ I'm glad to find our army is so stout, Nor does it move my wonder less than joy. _Griz._ What friends we have, and how we came so strong,[182] I'll softly tell you as we march along. SCENE VIII.--_Thunder and Lightning._ TOM THUMB, GLUMDALCA, _cum suis._ _Thumb._ Oh, Noodle! hast thou seen a day like this? The unborn thunder rumbles o'er our heads,[183] As if the gods meant to unhinge the world,[184] And heaven and earth in wild confusion hurl; Yet will I boldly tread the tott'ring ball. _Merl._ Tom Thumb! _Thumb._ What voice is this I hear? _Merl._ Tom Thumb! _Thumb._ Again it calls. _Merl._ Tom Thumb! _Glum._ It calls again. _Thumb._ Appear, whoe'er thou art; I fear thee not. _Merl._ Thou hast no cause to fear--I am thy friend, Merlin by name, a conjuror by trade, And to my art thou dost thy being owe. _Thumb._ How? _Merl._ Hear, then, the mystic getting of Tom Thumb.