On yonder hill-top a regular bad 'un Dwells in a castle just like Haddon (Haddon!--thou know'st its time-worn towers, Drawn by ascertain friend of 'ours'); That Giant's name is Catawampus; And much I fear he soon will swamp us, Unless that arm--" Cried Jack "Enow; He dies!" The hermit said, "Allow Me to remark--you wo n't be daunted-- But know his castle is enchanted; Him aids a sorcerer of might Slockdollagos the villain's hight; They crossed the main from western climes; And here, confederate in crimes (They term them 'notion's'), play their tricks; Bold knights (to use their slang) they 'fix,' Transforming them, at treacherous feasts, With stuff called 'julep,' into beasts. They served a duke's fair daughter so, Whom they transmuted to a doe; Hither they brought the maid forlorn, On car by fiery dragons borne; To free her, champions not a few Have tried, but found it would n't do; {050} Two griffins, breathing sulph'rous fire, Destroy all those who venture nigh her; But thee thy coat will keep secure." Jack answered gaily, "To be sure; " And swore that when the morning came, He 'd lose his life or free the dame. XXI. Now Night o'er earth her pall had spread, And dauntless Jack repaired to bed. O'er the hero as he slumbers, Spirits hymn aerial numbers; In a chorus manifold, Of the deeds and days of old; Fairy dreams his rest beguile, Till he feels Aurora's smile. XXII. "Hallo!" cries Jack, as he awakes, Just as the early morning breaks, And rubs his eyes,-- "'Tis time to-rise." And ready for mischief he gaily makes. XXIII. With the mist of the morning, a little bit More transparent, I trow, than it, He climbs the mountain's craggy side; Anon the castle's lordly pride {051} He braves with free and fearless brow, And mutters, "Now then for the row! " Before the gates on either side, A "formidable shape" he spied; A monstrous griffin right and left, Like to an antediluvian eft; Green of back and yellow of maw, Forked of tongue, and crooked of claw; Belching and snivelling flame and fire,-- A regular pair of chimeras dire. "Oh!" said Jack, and he made a face, "I never saw such a scaly brace!" Unharmed he 'scaped, because unseen, Those monsters all so fierce and green; Through files of reptile guards he passed, Scolopendras black and vast; Many a hydra, many a lizard, Heros' tomb its filthy gizzard; Dragon with mouth like Ætna's crater, Crocodile and alligator; Huge spiders and scorpions round him crawled, Monstrous toads before him sprawled; Great rattle-snakes their fangs displayed-- "Hurrah!" he shouted, "who's afraid?"