Come forth thyself, O swarthy king!

And try with me a wrestling bout!”

With soften’d voice the chief rejoin’d,

For now fear made him lower his crest:

“Nay! why so hasty? bear in mind,

That all things here are done in jest!

No malice here disturbs our sport;

But since a wrestling match you chuse,

I’ve an old woman in my court,

To cope with Thor she’ll not refuse.”