“The Tory archers seized their shafts,
And a long-bow they drew,
But in the flight they wanted might,
And were not pointed true.
“To urge the battle in its need,
Lord Althorp bade the bent,
He was not filled with any pride,
But had a good intent.
“They clos’d full fast on every side,
They fought at every mound,
Till at the last the Tories yield,
And quit the common ground.
“O but it was a joy to see,
And likewise for to hear,
The grateful sounds that through the land
Came pealing on the ear.
“At last Duke Wellington and Grey
Came in each other’s sight;
Like lions roused they stand at bay,
And parley ere they fight.
“‘Yield thee, proud Captain,’ said Earl Grey,
‘In name of our good King;
You little think, by this delay,
What mischief you may bring.’
“‘Thy praise I will most freely give,
And this report of thee,
Thou art the most outrageous Duke
That ever I did see.’
“‘To yield to thee,’ said Wellington,
‘Would bring me nought but scorn;
Bring up the bishops to the fight,
And blow the gospel horn.’
“With that there came an arrow keen,
Out of a bishop’s bow,
That struck Earl Grey upon the head,
And almost laid him low.
“But still he spoke these cheering words,
‘Fight on, my merry men all,
The bishops they are stumbling-blocks,
I’m stunn’d, but will not fall.”