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At the firſt flight of arrows bent,
they fourſcore Engliſh flew!
To drive the deer with hound and horn,
Douglas bad on the bent:
A Captain, mov'd wi' meikle pride,
the ſpears in ſhivers went!
They clos'd full faſt on every ſide,
no ſlackneſs there was found;
And many a gallant gentleman
lay gaſping on the ground!
O! but it was a grief to ſee,
and likewiſe for to hear,
The cries of men lying in their gore,
all ſcattered here and there!
At laſt thir two ſtout Earls did meet,
like chieftains of great might,
Like lions mov'd, they fear'd no lord,
they made a cruel fight!
They fought until they both did ſweat,
with ſwords of temper'd ſteel,
Until the blood, like drops of rain,
they trinkling down did feel.
Yield thee Lord Piercy, Douglas ſaid,
In faith I will thee bring
Where thou ſhalt high advanced be
by James our Scottiſh king:
Thy ranſom I will freely give,
