The Eldritch King was mickle of might,
And stiffly to the ground did stand;
But Sir Cawline with an aukeward[47] stroke
He brought from him his hand—
Ay, and flying over his head so hye
It fell down of that lay land[48].
XXIV
His ladye stood a little thereby,
Fast her hands wringìnge:
‘For the mayden’s love that you have most minde,
Smyte you noe more [this King].
XXV
‘And he’s never[49] come upon Eldritch Hill
Him to sport, gammon or play,
And to meet no man of middle-earth[50]
That lives on Christ his lay[51].’
XXVI
But he then up, that Eldritch King,
Set him in his sadle againe,
And that Eldritch King and his ladye
To their castle are they gone.
XXVII
Sir Cawline took up that eldritch sword
As hard as any flynt,
Soe did he [the hand with] ringès five
Harder than fyer, and brent[52].