I had no stomach for the business; and yet, when I found him so stubborn a swordsman, my blood got up, and I think I should have run him through if I could.

But he had no mind to let me, and put me to it hard to keep my own skin whole.
So we halted to fetch breath, and before we could go to it again, the maiden came out of her lodging and stood betwixt us.
"Put by your swords," said she, "I command you both.

What is your quarrel?
and have you no work for your captain, that you thus bring civil war into his castle ?" "By your leave, fair maiden," said the Englishman, "no man here is my captain.

This brave lad is an enemy to my Queen; therefore it is my duty to slay him." "If so," said the maiden, "I too must be slain, for I love not your Queen." "But you be no traitor like this--" Here I whipped out my sword, and we were at it again, ere the maiden, with flashing eyes, could step once more between us.
"Humphrey Dexter!" cried she in a voice I hope I may not hear from her lips again, "give me your sword, sir." I obeyed meekly.

'Twould have been impossible to do aught else.
"And you, sir," said she, turning to the Englishman, "give me yours." "Marry! 'tis yours already," said he, handing it up.