Then thus the swarthy chief: “’Tis well;

And such a sport, methinks, is meet:

For when our arms in vigour fail,

We find our safety in our feet.

Come then! begin! trace out the course!

Yet I suspect, thou’lt soon succumb,

However great in speed thy force,

When racing with my little Thumb.”[30]

Now Tialfe’s limbs with anger shook,

He threw around a scornful glance;