“Nay, in faith,” said the fell man, “no fight do I challenge; + 

The boys on this bench are but beardless children. + 

Were I haspèd in arms on a hígh stèed. + 

No man here could match me, their might is too feeble. + 

Wherefore I crave in this court but a Christmas game, + 

For ’tis Yule and New Year, and youth ye have here: + 

If any in this house so hardy him hold, + 

Be so bold in his blood, and of brain so wild, + 

As stiffly to strike one stroke for another, + 

I give him for gift this gísarm noble, + 

This axe so heavy, to handle as he likes, + 

And I bide the first blow, as bare as I sit. + 

If any be so true as to test what I tell ye, + 

Let him leap to me lightly, I lend him this weapon + 

(He may keep it his own, I quit-claim it for ever) + 

To stand him a stroke full stoutly on floor; + 

And I bargain for naught but a blow in return, + 

barlay: + 

Yet give I him respite, + 

A twelvemonth and a day; + 

Now haste! Will any wight + 

Herein dare ought to say?” + 