It was waged by both sides with equal animosity and equal vigor; only Hodge's bony hand made by far the most telling blows on Gammer Gurton's mass of flesh, and was always certain, wherever he struck, to hit some spot of this huge mass; while Gammer Gurton's soft hand seldom touched that thin, threadlike figure, which dexterously parried every blow.
"Stop, you fools!" suddenly shouted a stentorian voice.

"See you not, you goblins, that your lord and master is here?
Peace, peace then, you devils, and do not be hammering away at one another, but love each other." "It is the master!" exclaimed Gammer Gurton, lowering her fist in the utmost contrition.
"Do not turn me away, sir!" moaned Hodge; "do not dismiss me from your service because at last I have for once given the old hag a good bruising.

She has deserved it a long time, and an angel himself must at last lose patience with her." "I turn you out of my service!" exclaimed John Heywood, as he wiped his eyes, wet with laughing.

"No, Hodge, you are a real jewel, a mine of fun and merriment; and you two have, without knowing it, furnished me with the choicest materials for a piece which, by the king's order, I have to write within six days.

I owe you, then, many thanks, and will show my gratitude forthwith.