VI
Then the wild[1087] thoro’ the woodès went
On every sidè shear[1088];
Greyhounds thoro’ the grevès[1089] glent[1090]
For to kill their deer.
VII
This began on Cheviot the hills abune
Early on a Monenday;
By that it drew to the hour of noon
A hundred fat harts dead there lay.
VIII
They blew a mort[1091] upon the bent,
They ’sembled on sidès shear;
To the quarry[1092] then the Percy went
To the brittling[1093] of the deer.
IX
He said, ‘It was the Douglas’ promise
This day to meet me here;
But I wist he would fail, verament!’
—A great oath the Percy sware.
X
At the last a squire of Northumberland
Lookèd at his hand full nigh;
He was ware o’ the doughty Douglas coming,
With him a great meinye.