Long time a girdle brave. Now after this the king would not Abroad for pleasure goe, But still Tom Thumbe must ride with him, Plac'd on his saddle-bow. Where on a time when as it rain'd, Tom Thumbe most nimbly crept In at a button hole, where he Within his bosome slept. And being neere his highnesse heart, He crav'd a wealthy boone, A liberall gift, the which the king Commanded to be done, For to relieve his fathers wants, And mothers, being old; Which was so much of silver coin As well his armes could hold. And so away goes lusty Tom, With three pence on his backe, A heavy burthen, which might make His wearied limbes to cracke. So travelling two dayes and nights, With labour and great paine, He came into the house whereas His parents did remaine; Which was but halfe a mile in space From good king Arthurs court, The which in eight and forty houres He went in weary sort. But comming to his fathers doore, He there such entrance had As made his parents both rejoice, And he thereat was glad. His mother in her apron tooke Her gentle sonne in haste, And by the fier side, within A walnut shell, him plac'd: Whereas they feasted him three dayes Upon a hazell nut, Whereon he rioted so long He them to charges put;