4
Who said, We list not to declare,
Nor show wliose men we be;
Yet we will spend our dearest blood,
The choicest hearts to slay,
Then Douglas swore a solemn oath,
And thus in rage did say.
Ere thus I will out-braved be,
One of us two shall die;
I know thee well, an Earl thou art,
Lord Percy, so am I.
But, trust me, Percy, pity it were,
And great offence to kill,
Any of these our harmless men,
For they have done no ill.
Let me and thee the battle try,
And set our men aside;
Accurs’d be he, said Lord Percy,
By whom this is deny'd.
Then stept a noble Squire forth,
Witherington by name;
Who said he would not have it told,
To Henry his 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 square alone,
I'll do the best that I may do,
While I have power to stand;
While I have power to wield my sword,
I'll fight with heart and hand.
Our Scottish archers bent their bows,
Their hearts were good and true;
At the first flight of arrows sent,
They fourscore English slew.
