"Now be my troth," sayd Child Maurice,

"And that shall not be I."

25. But he pulled forth a bright browne[113] sword,

And dryed it on the grasse,

And soe fast he smote at John Steward,

I-wisse he never did rest.

26. Then he[114] pulled forth his bright browne sword,

And dryed it on his sleeve,

And the first good stroke John Stewart stroke,

Child Maurice head he did cleeve.