e feared making his mother unhappy. It was in vain
endeavoring to amuse himself; he became thoughtful, and would arise at
the first dawn of day, and sit looking at the bean-stalk for hours
together. His mother saw that something preyed upon his mind, and
endeavored to discover the cause; but Jack knew too well what the
consequence would be should she succeed. He did his utmost, therefore,
to conquer the great desire he had for another journey up the
bean-stalk. Finding, however, that his inclination grew too powerful
for him, he began to make secret preparations for his journey. He
prepared a new disguise, better and more complete than the former, and
when summer came, on the longest day he awoke as soon as it was light,
and, without telling his mother, ascended the bean-stalk. He found the
road, journey, etc., much as it was on the two former times. He
arrived at the giant's mansion in the evening, and found the wife
standing, as usual, at the door. Jack had disguised himself so
completely that she did not appear to have the least recollection of
him; however, when he pleaded hunger and poverty, in order to gain
admittance, he found it very difficult indeed to persuade her. At last
he prevailed, and was concealed in the copper. When the giant returned
he said, furiously, "I smell fresh meat!" But Jack felt quite
composed, since the giant had said this before and had been soon
satisfied. However, the giant started up suddenly, and,
notwithstanding all his wife could say, he searched all round the
room. While this was going forward Jack was exceedingly terrified,
wishing himself at home a thousand times; but when the giant
approached the copper and put his hand upon the lid, Jack thought his
death was certain.

But nothing happened; for the giant did not take the trouble to lift
up the lid, but sat down shortly by the fireside and began to eat his
enormous supper. When he had finished he commanded his wife to fetch
down his harp. Jack peeped under the copper-lid and saw a most
beautiful harp. The giant placed it on the table, said "Play!" and it
played of its own accord, without anybody touching it, the most
exquisite music imaginable. Jack, who was a very good musician, was
delighted, and more anxious to get this than any other of his enemy's
treasures. But the giant not being particularly fond of music, the
harp had only the effect of lulling him to sleep earlier than usual.
As for the wife, she had gone to bed as soo