_Nicholas Kieten._--In the thirteenth century, "there was a giant in
Holland named Nicholas Kieten, whose size was so prodigious, that he
carried men under his arms like little children. His shoe was so large,
that four men together could put their feet in it. Children were too
terrified to look him in the face, and fled from his presence." So says our
author; but he does not give the dimensions of Kieten. May not such a real
giant, in the thirteenth century, have laid the foundation of the fabulous
stories of giants that have for so many years been the favourite romances
of the nursery? Kieten appears to be the type of the giants of our modern
pantomimes. Will he serve as a key, to disclose the origin of these
marvellous stories and captivating absurdities?