Ere long, however, he
managed to regain his legs, and, smarting with pain, attacked his
opponent furiously in his turn. For a short space fortune seemed to
favour him. His bag had slightly burst, and the flour, showering from it
with every blow, well-nigh blinded his adversary, whom he drove to the
very edge of the table. At this critical juncture Will managed to bring
down his bag full upon his opponent's sconce, and the force of the blow
bursting it, Patch was covered from crown to foot with flour, and
blinded in his turn. The appearance of the combatants was now so
exquisitely ridiculous, that the king leaned back in his chair to indulge
his laughter, and the mirth of the spectators could no longer be kept
within decorous limits. The very turnspits barked in laughing concert.
"Well fought on both sides! "cried Henry; "it were hard to say which will
prove the victor. Now, knaves, to it again - ha! ha!--to it again!"
Once more the bags were wielded, descended, and the blows were so
well directed on either side, that both combatants fell backwards.
Again the king's laughter rose loud and long. Again the merriment of
the other beholders was redoubled.
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