THERSITES. [Not hearing him.
Now where is any mo that will me assail?
I will turn him and toss him, both top and tail;
If he be stronger than Samson was,
Who with his bare hands killed lions apace.
MILES.
What needeth this boast? I am here at hand,
That with thee will fight; keep thy head, and stand!
Surely for all thy high words I will not fear
To assay thee a touch, till some blood appear;
I will give thee somewhat for the gift of a new year.
[And he beginneth to fight with him, but Thersites must run away, and hide him behind his mother's back, saying:
THERSITES.
O mother, mother, I pray thee me hide:
Throw something over me, and cover me every side.
MATER.
O my son, what thing eldeth[597] thee?
THERSITES.
Mother, a thousand horsemen do persecute me.