George Borrow

“ With their naked fists they contested;
Then Ramund he hold of the Jutt’s beard caught
And the flesh from the teeth he wrested.
“Thou grinnest full evil, bold Ramund,” he said,
“Thou look’st worse than the Devil,” said Ramund the young. ”

“ Is rich and bold withal;
Two stout and stalwart sons has he
Whom men do kempions call.
Yes, two stout sons of mighty fame
Has Alf of Odderskier;
Of the king who dwells on Upsal fells
They love the daughter fair. ”

“ Make clothes for Ramund fitting?”
“And why should I not?” the tailor he said,
“Then thou’lt do well I wot,” said Ramund the young.
“Twice twenty-five ells for the breeches take,
Fifteen for the points of the breeches;
And them thou must strong and durable make
If thou therein settest stitches.”
“These are too tight,” bold Ramund he said,
“I can’t stride out aright,” said Ramund the young. ”