means to conquer or surprise a foe. He was above the common sports of
children; but hardly any one could equal him at wrestling; or if he
met with a match for himself in strength, his skill and address always
made him the victor.

[Illustration: The Giant cometh]

In those days the Mount of Cornwall was kept by a huge and monstrous
Giant, eighteen feet in height, and about three yards in compass, of a
fierce and grim countenance, the terror of all the neighbouring towns
and villages. He dwelt in a cave in the middle of the Mount; and he
was such a selfish monster that he would not suffer any one to live
near him. He fed on other men's cattle, which often became his prey;
for whensoever he wanted food, he would wade over to the mainland,
where he would furnish himself with whatever came in his way.

[Illustration: Cormoran carryeth off his Booty]

[Illustration: Panick of the Shepherd. _Initial_]

Panic seized the inhabitants at his approach, they forsook their
habitations, and took flight, while the Giant seized upon their
cattle, making nothing of carrying half-a-dozen oxen on his back at
a time; and as for their sheep and hogs, he would tie them by dozens
round his waist. This course he had followed for many years, so that
a great part of the county was impoverished by his depredations.

Jack resolved to kill this monster; and taking with him a horn, a
shovel, and a pickaxe, he went over to the Mount in the beginning of
a dark winter's evening, when he fell to work, and before morning had