As though he had been cleaving of wood.

And about, and about, and about they went,

Like two wild bores in a chase,

Striving to aim each other to maim,

Leg, arm, or any other place. {185}

And knock for knock they lustily dealt,

Which held for two hours and more ;

That all the wood rang at every bang,

They ply’d their work so sore.

Hold thy hand, hold thy hand, said Robin Hood,