They rang the alarum, and in the steeple
They tolled the church-bells to rouse the people.
But all the people in Banbury town
Could not put Frodgedobbulum down.
The tanner thought to stab him dead--
“Somebody pricked me?” the giant said.
The mother wept--“I do not care,”
Said F.--“Why should I be wanting a fair?”
He snatched up Marjorie, stroked his boot,
And fled; with Banbury in pursuit!
“What ho, my boots! put forth your power!
Carry me sixty miles an hour!”
In ditches and dykes, over stocks and stones,
The Banbury people fell, with groans.
Frodgedobbulum passed over river and tree,
Gallopy-gallop, with Marjorie;--
The people beneath her Marjorie sees
Of the size of mites in an Oxford cheese!
V
Castle Frodgedobbulum sulked between
Two bleak hills, in a deep ravine.
It was always dark there, and always drear,
The same time of day and the same time of year,
The walls of the castle were slimy and black,
There were dragons in front, and toads at the back.
Spiders there were, and of vampires lots;
Ravens croaked round the chimney-pots.
Seven bull-dogs barked in the hall;
Seven wild cats did caterwaul!
The giant said, with a smirk on his face,
“My Marjorie, this is a pretty place;
As Mrs. F. you will lead, with me,
A happier life than in Banbury!
Pour out my wine, and comb my hair,
And put me to sleep in my easy chair;
But, first, my boots I will kick away”--
And Marjorie answered, “_S’il vous plait!_”
Then the giant mused, “It befits my station
To marry a lady of education;
But who would have thought this Banbury wench
Was so accomplished, and could speak French?”
Did you ever hear Frodgedobbulum snore?
He shook the castle from roof to floor!
Fast asleep as a pig was he--
“And very much like one!” thought Marjorie.