The Friar bared his brawny arm up to the elbow , and putting his full strength to the blow , gave the Knight a buffet that might have felled an ox . But his adversary stood firm as a rock . A loud shout was uttered by all the yeomen around ; for the Clerk 's cuff was proverbial amongst them , and there were few who , in jest or earnest , had not had the occasion to know its vigour .
Монах обнажил свою мускулистую руку до локтя и, приложив всю свою силу, нанес рыцарю удар, способный свалить быка. Но его противник стоял твердо, как скала. Все йомены вокруг громко закричали; ибо манжеты клерка вошли среди них в поговорку, и мало кто, в шутку или всерьез, не имел случая убедиться в ее силе.