'That e'er my Captain fought on foot,
And I stood looking on.
You be two earls,' quoth Witherington,
'And I a squire alone.
'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 a grief to see,
And likewise for to hear,
The cries of men lying in their gore,
And scattered here and there.
At last, these two stout earls did meet.
Like captains of great might,
Like lions wood, they laid on load,
And 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.
'Yield thee, O Percy,' Douglas said,
'In faith! I will thee bring,
Where thou shalt high advancèd 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!"'