Page 100 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

my cooking to do ere our master cometh home; so let us
e’en go and settle this brave fight we have in hand.’
‘Ay, marry,’ quoth Little John, ‘and that right speedily.
Never have I been more laggard in fighting than in eating
and drinking. So come thou straight forth into the passage-
way, where there is good room to swing a sword, and I will
try to serve thee.’
Then they both stepped forth into the broad passage that
led to the Steward’s pantry, where each man drew his sword
again and without more ado fell upon the other as though
he would hew his fellow limb from limb. Then their swords
clashed upon one another with great din, and sparks flew
from each blow in showers. So they fought up and down the
hall for an hour and more, neither striking the other a blow,
though they strove their best to do so; for both were skill-
ful at the fence; so nothing came of all their labor. Ever and
anon they rested, panting; then, after getting their wind, at
it they would go again more fiercely than ever. At last Little
John cried aloud, ‘Hold, good Cook!’ whereupon each rest-
ed upon his sword, panting.
‘Now will I make my vow,’ quoth Little John, ‘thou art
the very best swordsman that ever mine eyes beheld. Truly,
I had thought to carve thee ere now.’
‘And I had thought to do the same by thee,’ quoth the
Cook, ‘but I have missed the mark somehow.’
‘Now I have been thinking within myself,’ quoth Little
John, ‘what we are fighting for; but albeit I do not rightly
know.’
‘Why, no more do I,’ said the Cook. ‘I bear no love for