His host he parted had in three, As leader ware and try'd, And soon his spearmen on their foes Bare down on every side.
Throughout the English archery They dealt full many a wound; But still our valiant Englishmen All firmly kept their ground,
And, throwing strait their bowes away, They grasped their swords so bright, And now sharp blows, a heavy shower, On shields and helmets light.
They closed full fast on every side, No slackness there was found; And many a gallant gentleman Lay gasping on the ground.
O Christ! it was a griefe to see, And likewise for to heare, The cries of men lying in their gore, And scattered here and there!
At last these two stout erles did meet, Like captaines of great might: Like lions wode, they laid on lode, And made a cruel fight:
They fought untill they both did sweat With swords of tempered steele; Until the blood like drops of rain They trickling downe did feele.
‘Yield thee, Lord Percy,’ Douglas said; ‘In faith I will thee bringe, Where thou shalt high advancèd be By James our Scottish king:
Thy ransome I will freely give, And this report of thee, Thou art the most courageous knight, That ever I did see.’
‘No, Douglas,’ quoth Erle Percy then, ‘Thy proffer I do scorne; I will not yield to any Scot, That ever yet was borne.’