_The Tinker hearing of Tom s Fame went down to be Partner in his
Enterprize; and how he was unfortunately slain by a Lyon._
Tom’s victories rang so long, that they reach’d the ears of his old
acquaintance, the Tinker, who, desirous of honour, resolved to go down
and visit Tom in his new government, when coming there he met with kind
and loving entertainment, for they were very joyful to see one another:
Now after three or four days’ enjoyment of one another’s company, Tom
told the Tinker that he must needs go forth in search after wild Bears
and Lyons, in order to rout them out of the Island. Well, quoth the
Tinker, I would gladly take my fortune with you, hoping that I may be
serviceable to you, upon occasion. Well, quoth Tom, with all my heart,
for I must needs acknowledge I shall be right glad of your company.
This said, they both went forward, Tom with his two handed sword, and
the Tinker with his long pike-staff. Now after they had travelled
about four or five hours, it was their fortune to light of the whole
knot of wild beasts together, being in number fourteen, of which six
of them were Bears, the other eight young Lyons now when they had
fastened their eyes upon Tom and the Tinker, these ravenous beasts
began to roar and run furiously, as if they would have devoured them
at a mouthful; but Tom and the Tinker stood side by side with their
backs against an Oak, and as the Lyons and Bears came within their
reach, Tom with his long sword clove their heads asunder till they were
all destroyed, saving one lyon, who, seeing the rest of his Fellows
slain, was endeavouring to make his escape: now the Tinker being
somewhat too venturous, ran too hastily after him, and having given
the Lyon one blow, he turn’d upon him again, seizing him by the throat
with that violence, that the poor Tinker fell dead to the Ground; Tom
Hickathrift, seeing this, gave the Lyon such a blow that it ended his
life.
Now was his joy mingled with sorrow for tho’ he had cleared the Island
of those ravenous savage beasts, yet his grief was intolerable for
the loss of his old friend. Home he returned to his lady, where in
token of Joy for the wonderful success which he had in his dangerous
enterprizes, he made a very noble and splendid Feast, to which he
invited most of his best Friends and Acquaintance, to whom he made the
following Promise.
My Friends while I have Strength to stand,
most manfully I will pursue
All Dangers, till I clear this Land,
of Lions, Bears, and Tygers too;
This you’ll find true, or I’m to blame,
let it remain upon Record;
Tom Hickathrift’s most glorious fame,
who never yet has broke his word
The Man who does his Country bless,
shall merrit much from this fair land;
He who relieved them in Distress,
His Fame upon Record shall stand:
And you my Friends who hear me now,
let honest Tom, for ever dwell,
Within your Minds and Thoughts I trow,
since he has pleas’d you all so well.