THE GIANT KILLER
or ‘The Battle which all must Fight’
by A.L.O.E. (AKA Charlotte Maria Tucker)
Giant Selfishness was huge of stature and strong of limb, taller and more powerful than his younger brother Sloth. There were few indeed who could cope with his arm, he was tyrant over half the world. Many a great conqueror he had made his slave, thousands and thousands had felt his chains, he claimed dominion over young and old. Yet now as the giant sat alone, a deep shade of gloom was upon his massive brow. He listened not to the tinkling fall of the fountain, he glanced not at the beautiful flowers,
“Evil tidings, evil tidings” he muttered to himself.
“Sloth has been the first victim but he will not be the last. I dread nothing on earth but the invincible sword, not even my strength can stand against that.”
He pressed his vast hand over his eyes and remained for some moments in thought.
“Ha, I have it!” he exclaimed suddenly raising his head what force cannot accomplish cunning may perform.
He clapped his hands as a signal and the noise that they made was startling as a peal of thunder. Instant at the summons his servant Pleasure appeared. A fairy like creature with gossamer wings all sparkling with the tints of the rainbow.
“Pleasure” exclaimed the Giant, “I call thee to my aid against him who would root out the race of Selfishness. Do you know if Fides is still at the castle where Sloth this morning fell beneath his sword?”
A taste of a great novel : The Giant Killer (written by Charlotte Maria Tucker in 1856)
Updated and ‘modernised’ here.
Enlightened Hope 
Leave a Reply