XXXVI

I wote not, whether the revenging steele

Were hardned with that holy water dew,

Wherein he fell, or sharper edge did feele,

Or his baptized hands now greater grew;

Or other secret vertue did ensew;

Else never could the force of fleshly arme,

Ne molten mettall in his blood embrew[°];

For till that stownd could never wight him harme,

By subtilty, nor slight, nor might, nor mighty charme.