66 Accurst be he," Earl Percy said, 66 Then stepp'd a gallant squire forth, You be two earls," said Witherington, 66 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 His host he parted had in three, Throughout the English archery And throwing straight their bows away, They closed full fast on every side, Woe's me! It was a grief to see, The cries of men lying in their gore, At last these two stout earls did meet, They fought until they both did tire, "Yield thee, Lord Percy," Douglas said: In faith I will thee bring, 66 Where thou shalt high advanced be Thy ransom I will freely give, Thou art the most courageous knight, "No, Douglas," quoth Earl Percy then, Thy proffer I do scorn; 66 |