Three strokës in the neck he smote her tho, 4596 The tórmentor, 4597 but for no manner chance He might not smite her fairë neck in two: And, for there was that time an ordinance That no man shouldë do man such penánce, 4598 The fourthë stroke to smitë, soft or sore, This tórmentor he durstë do no more;

But half dead, with her neckë carven 4599 there He let her lie, and on his way is went. The Christian folk, which that about her were, With sheetës have the blood full fair y-hent; 4600 Three dayës lived she in this tormént, And never ceased them the faith to teach, That she had foster’d them, she gan to preach.