"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.
To drive the deer with hound and horn,
Douglas bade on the bent;
Two captains moved with mickle might,
Their spears to shivers went.
They closed full fast on every side,
No slackness there was found,
But many a gallant gentleman
Lay gasping on the ground.
O Christ! it was great grief to see
How each man chose his spear,
And how the blood out of their breasts
Did gush like water clear!
At last these two stout Earls did meet
Like captains of great might;
Like lions wood they laid on load,
They made a cruel fight.
They fought, until they both did sweat,
With swords of tempered steel,
Till blood adown their cheeks like rain
They trickling down did feel.
"O yield thee, Piercy!" Douglas said,
"And in faith I will thee bring
Where thou shalt high advanc-ed 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.
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