XXI
‘I have two swords in one scabbard,
They are both sharp and clear;
Take you the best, and I the worst,
We’ll end the matter here.’
XXII
The first stroke Little Musgrave struck,
He hurt Lord Barnard sore;
The next stroke that Lord Barnard struck,
Little Musgrave ne’er struck more.
XXIII
With that bespake this fair lady,
In bed where as she lay:
‘Although thou’rt dead, thou Little Musgrave,
Yet I for thee will pray.
XXIV
‘And wish well to thy soul will I
So long as I have life;
So will I not for thee, Barnard,
Although I’m thy wedded wife.’
XXV
He cut her paps from off her breast;
Great pity it was to see
That some drops of this lady’s heart’s blood
Ran trickling down her knee.