Then bulky DARES in the ring appears, Chucking his "castor" in 'midst husky cheers. DARES, the so-called "Champion" of his land, Who met the great KILRAINUS hand to hand, And at the Pelicanus strove--in vain-- The Ethiopian's onset to sustain. Such DARES was, and such he strode along, And drew hoarse homage from the howling throng. His brawny breast and bulky arms he shows, } His lifted fists around his head he throws, } Huge caveats to the inadvertent nose. } But DARES, who, although a sinewy brute, Had not of late increased his old repute, Looked scarce like one prepared for gain or loss, And scornful of the surreptitious "cross;" Rather the kind of cove who tackled fair Would think more of the "corner" than "the square." (_"Ah! bust him, yes!"_ SAYERIUS _here put in, "He meant to tie or wrangle, not to win. I'd like to--well, all right, I will not say: But 'twasn't so at Farnborough in my day."_) Next stout ENTELLUS for the strife prepares, Strips off his ulster, and his body bares, Composed of mighty bone and brawn he stands. A six-foot straight, "fine fellow of his hands." ENTELLUS, Champion of the Austral realm, Whose sight fat DARES seemed to overwhelm. (_"Yah!" cried_ SAYERIUS, _"brave_ HEENANUS _stood Well over me; yes, and his grit was good. But did I funk the Big 'Un from the fust? No, nor when nine times I had bit the dust!"_) They both attentive stand with eyes intent, Their arms well up, their bodies backward bent. One on his clamorous "Corner" most relies; The other on his sinews and his size. Unequal in success, they ward, they strike, Their styles are different, but their aims alike. Big blows are dealt; stout DARES hops around, His pulpy sides the rattling thumps resound. (_"He always was a fleshy 'un, yer know," Said brave_ SAYERIUS. _"But on yer go!"_) Steady and straight ENTELLUS stands his ground, Although already rowdy rows abound. His hand and watchful eyes keep even pace, While DARES traverses and shifts his place, And, like a cornered rat in a big pit. Keeps off, and doesn't like the job a bit. (_"No, that I'll bet!" the brave_ SAYERIUS _said. "Wish I'd been there to punch his bloomin' 'ed!"_) More on his feet than fists the cur relies, And on that crowded "Corner" keeps his eyes. With straightening shots ENTELLUS threats the foe, } But DARES dodges the descending blow, } And back into his Corner's prompt to go. } Where bludgeon, knuckleduster, knotted sticks, Foul sickening blows and cruel coward kicks Are in his interest on ENTELLUS rained At every point that plucky boxer gained. (_"Oh!" groaned_ SAYERIUS. _"And this sort of thing Wos let go on, with gents around the Ring!"_) In vain ENTELLUS gave sly DARES snuff;