"To this this Oak cast him to reply

Well as he couth; but his enemy

Had kindled such coals of displeasure,

That the goodman nould stay his leisure,

But home him hasted with furious heat,

Increasing his wrath with many a threat:

His harmful hatchet he hent in hand,

(Alas! that it so ready should stand!)

And to the field alone he speedeth,

(Aye little help to harm there needeth!)