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Who knew full well, in time of need,
to aim their ſhafts aright.
The gallant grey hounds ſwiftly ran,
it chaſe the fallow-deer:
On Monday they began to hunt,
when daylight did appear;
And long before high noon they had
an hundred fat bucks ſlain!
Then, having din'd, the rovers went
to rouſe them up again.
The bow-men muſter'd on the hill,
well able to endure:
Their backſides all, with ſpecial care,
that day were guarded ſure.
The hounds ran ſwiftly thru the wood,
the nimble deer to take;
And with their cries the hills and dales
an echo ſhrill did make.
Earl Piercy to the quarry went,
to view the fallow-deer;
Quoth he, Earl Douglas promiſed
this day to meet me here:
But if I thought he would not come,
no longer would I ſtay.
With that a brave young gentleman
thus to the Earl did ſay,
Lo! yonder doth Lord Douglas come!
