Mine[1069] elder sonne did thinke my life to long,
The yonger lou’d the elder’s life as ill:
They studied both to make their parties strong,
Which griefe my griped harte well nere did kill.
Such are the mischieues of the stately still.
In Britayne eke the Pictes rebelling rose,
Some Britaynes there became our secret foes,
[Wherfore in age my selfe againe to warres I did despose.]
13.[1070]
First to bee absent from the force at home,