Not half a foot longer then thine. {184}
But let me measure, said jolly Robìn,
Before we begin our fray ;
For I’le not have mine to be longer then thine,
For that will be counted foul play.
I pass not for length, bold Arthur reply’d,
My staff is of oke so free ;
Eight foot and a half, it will knock down a calf,
And I hope it will knock down thee.
Then Robin could no longer forbear,