As to my indiscreet speech touching your majesty,
neither disrespect nor disloyalty were intended by it. I was goaded to
the rejoinder by the sharp sting of this hornet."
"The matter of the treasure shall be inquired into without delay," said
Henry. "As to the quarrel, it shall be settled thus. Get both of you upon
that table. A flour-bag shall be given to each; and he who is first
knocked off shall be held vanquished."
The king's judgment was received with as much applause as dared be
exhibited by the hearers; and in an instant the board was cleared, and a
couple of flour-bags partly filled delivered to the combatants by Simon
Quanden, who bestirred himself with unwonted activity on the
occasion.
Leaping upon the table, amid the smothered mirth of the assemblage,
the two jesters placed themselves opposite each other, and grinned
such comical defiance that the king roared with laughter. After a
variety of odd movements and feints on either side, Patch tried to bring
down his adversary by a tremendous two-handed blow; but in dealing it,
the weight of the hag dragged him forward, and well-nigh pitched him
head foremost upon the floor. As it was, he fell on his face upon the
table, and in this position received several heavy blows upon the
prominent part of his back from Will Sommers.
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