Strike a stroke

1625, Samuel Purchas, Purchas His Pilgrimes, London: Henry Fetherstone, Part 4, “Voyages to and about the Southerne America,” Chapter 5, section 4, pp. 1395-1396, […] it is reported, and credibly beleeued, that hee did much more good with his words, and presence, without striking a stroke, then a great part of the Armie did with fighting to the vtmost.

“Methinks,”—said he,—“it would be no great shame “If we should strike a stroke to set us free; […]”

You all consented unto Salisbury’s death, For none would strike a stroke in his revenge.

He saw his followers pining around him under the blighting malaria, wasting before an invisible enemy, and unable to strike a stroke in their own defence.

In the year ’45, my brother raised a part of the ‘Gregara,’ and marched six companies to strike a stroke for the good side;

“I know you are the best knight in the world, but be careful ’ow you fight in a wrong quarrel. God might strike a stroke for justice, Sir Lancelot, after all.”