EARL DOUGLAS ADVANCING WITH HIS MEN.

Let thou and I the battle try,
And set our men aside."

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Accurst be he," Earl Percy said,
By whom this is denied."

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Then stepp'd a gallant squire forth,
Witherington was his name,
Who said, "I would not have it told
To Henry our king for shame,
That e'er my captain fought on foot,
And I stood looking on.

You be two earls," said Witherington,
And I a squire alone:

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I'll do the best that do I may,

While I have power to stand: While I have power to wield my sword,

I'll fight with heart and hand." Our English archers bent their bows, Their hearts were good and true; At the first flight of arrows sent, Full fourscore Scots they slew.

[Yet bides Earl Douglas on the bent, As chieftain stout and good;

As valiant captain, all unmoved
The shock he firmly stood.

His host he parted had in three,
As leader ware and tried,
And soon his spearmen on their foes
Bare down on every side.

Throughout the English archery
They dealt full many a wound:
But still our valiant Englishmen
All firmly kept their ground.

And throwing straight their bows away,
They grasp'd their swords so bright:
And now sharp blows, a heavier shower,
On shields and helmets light.]

They closed full fast on every side,
No slackness there was found;
And many a gallant gentleman
Lay gasping on the ground.

Woe's me! It was a grief to see,
And likewise for to hear,

The cries of men lying in their gore,
And scattered here and there.

At last these two stout earls did meet,
Like captains of great might;
Like lions wild, they laid on loud,
And made a cruel fight.

They fought until they both did tire,
With swords of temper'd steel;
Until the blood, like drops of rain,
They trickling down did feel.

"Yield thee, Lord Percy," Douglas said: In faith I will thee bring,

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Where thou shalt high advanced be
By James our Scottish king:

Thy ransom I will freely give,
And this report of thee,

Thou art the most courageous knight,
That ever I did see."

"No, Douglas," quoth Earl Percy then, Thy proffer I do scorn;

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DEATH OF THE EARL DOUGLAS.

I will not yield to any Scot,
That ever yet was born."