"But we are nane the lads o' France,
Nor e'er pretend to be;170
We are three lads o' fair Scotland,
Auld Maitland's sons are we;
"Nor is there men, in a' your host,
Daur fight us three to three."
"Now, by my sooth," young Edward said,175
"Weel fitted ye sall be!
"Piercy sall with the eldest fight,
And Ethert Lunn wi' thee:
William of Lancaster the third,
And bring your fourth to me!"180
["Remember, Piercy, aft the Scot]
[Has cower'd beneath thy hand:]
For every drap of Maitland blood,
I'll gie a rig of land."
He clanked Piercy ower the head,185
A deep wound and a sair,
Till the best blood o' his bodie
Came rinning down his hair.
"Now, I've slayne ane; slay ye the twa;
And that's gude companye;190
And if the twa suld slay ye baith,
Ye'se get na help frae me."
But Ethert Lunn, a baited bear,
Had many battles seen;
He set the youngest wonder sair,195
Till the eldest he grew keen.
"I am nae king, nor nae sic thing:
My word it shanna stand!
For Ethert sall a buffet bide,