Licenced November 11. 1663. Roger L'Estrange.   

Floddan Field IN NINE FITS BEING An exact History of that Famous memorable Battle fought between English and Scots ON Floddan-Hill IN THE Time of Henry the Eighth Anno 1513. Worthy the Perusal of the ENGLISH NOBILITY.  
LONDON, Printed by P. L. for H. B. W P. and S. H. and are to be sold in Ivy-lane and Grays-Inn gate 1664.   

Floddan Field  

NOW will I cease for to recite,  
King Harry's Affairs in France so wide:  
And of Domestic Wars i'll write,  
which in his absence did betid.  
A fearful field in Verse to frame,  
I mean if that to mark ye list,  
O Floddan-Mount thy fearful name:  
doth sore affray my trembling fist.  
Almighty Mars do me admit,  
For to discourse with sounding praise  
This bloody field this fearful fight  
Which fought, was in our father's days.  
You muses all my mind incense,  
And thou Polhymnia most prudent,  
Lest Nemesis for each offence,  
With Poet's rod make me repent.  
Pardon ye Poets all I cry,  
My simple rude and rugged rhyme,  
And though your hill Parnassus high  
Presumptuously I press to climb.  
For What is he with haughty stile.  
Such deeds of honour could contrive,  
No not the learned great Vergil▪  
If that on Land he were alive.  
Who could reveal in Volume short,  
The haughty Howards ●●liant act,  
Though paper none did make report  
Fame would not fail such noble fact.  
Or thou O Stanley stiff in store,  
Thou imp of Mars thy worthy meeds,  
Who can discourse with due honour  
Or paint with praise thy valiant deeds.  
Thy doleful day work still shall be  
Accursed in Scotland with an outcry,  
For Hector's match this man was he  
who calm the mount of Floddan hie.  
What banners bravely blazed and born;  
What standarts stout brought he to th' ground,  
What worthy Lords by him forlorn,  
The sorrow in Scotland yet doth sound.  
Ye heavenly powers your aid I crave,  
My slender muse help to awake  
Grant of this work in hand I have,  
A lucky fine and end to make  
Before King Henry past the Seas,  
And ere to France he did transfleet,  
Lest that the Scots should him disease,  
He constitut●●●ains meet.  
For he perusing in presence  
Of English Kings their acts so bold,  
He saw how Scots in their absence,  
What damage they had done of old.  
Wherefore least they should work some teen  
As they had thought to have done indeed,  
His Realm unto his royal Queen,  
He left to be ruled by her read.  
Then for the Earl of Surry he sent  
And regent of the North him made  
And bade him if the Scots were bend,  
The Northern border to invade.  
That he should raise a Royal band,  
In Yorkshire and in Bishopric  
In Westmoreland and Cumberland,  
In Lancashire and Cheshire eke.  
And if thou need Northumberland,  
Quoth he there be strong men and stout,  
Which will not stick if need doth stand,  
To fight on horse back or on foot.  
There is the doughty Dakers old.  
Warden of the west marsh is he,  
There are the bows of Kendal bold,  
Who fierce will fight and never flee.  
There is sir Edward Stanley stout,  
For Martial skill clear without make  
Of Lathom house by line came out;  
whose blood will never turn their back.  
All Lancashire will live and die,  
With him, so chiefly will Cheshire,  
For through his Father's force quoth he,  
This Kingdom first came to my sire.  
Lord Clifford eke a lusty Troop.  
Will there conduct, a Captain wise,  
And with the lusty knight Lord Scroop,  
The power of Richmonshire will rise.  
The warden all look that you warn  
To hearken what the Scots forecast  
And if they signs of War discern,  
The Beacons bid them fire fast.  
The Earl their sight with sorry heart,  
And drowned his face with trickling tears,  
when from his Prince he did depart  
And from his Royal country Peers.  
Grant thou quoth he Almighty God,  
A shameful death that he may die.  
Which is the cause of mine abode,  
Bereaved of the King's Company.  
Some thought to th' King of Scots that he  
Did wish such foul fortune and fate  
And some thought to the Earl of Derby  
Between whom then was great debate.  
The Earl then his Tenants tall,  
Martially in Musters did elect,  
And then his way by Journeys small,  
To Pomfret Castle did direct.  
Then did he send sir William Bulmer  
And bade him on the borders lie,  
With Ordinance and other gear,  
Each house offence to fortify.  
And bade him call the borderers bold.  
And hold with him in readiness  
And get him word with speed he could,  
If Scots meant any business.  
Then caused he watch in every street  
And posts to prick through downs and dales,  
So what was wrought he strait did weet,  
●rom Carlisle to the coasts of Wales.  
When flickering fame that monstrous wight  
With hundred wings wapping was blown,  
And in the Court of Scotland light,  
And bruit abroad was blazed and blown.  
Of King Henry's enterprise  
And how he fared was into France.  
With all his Peers in Princely wise  
To bring that Land to his obeisance.  
England to over run with rage.  
The Scots than meant as was their guise,  
Still when the King was under age,  
Or occupied some otherwise.  
King James his courage 'gan to increase,  
And of his counsel craved to know,  
If he were better bide in peace,  
Or fight against his brother in Law.  
Alas said he my heart is sore,  
And care constraineth me to weep,  
That ever I to England swore  
Either League or love a day to keep.  
Had I not entered in that Band,  
I swear now by this burnished blade  
England and Scotland both one land,  
And Kingdom one I could have made.  
That Realm we should so overrun,  
That England still after this age,  
As our Elders to them have done;  
Unto our Crown to do homage.  
Then stood there up a Baron stout  
A lusty Leird of Douglas blood.  
My Liege quoth he have you no doubt,  
But mark my words with mirthful mood.  
The League is broke have you no dread,  
Believe me Liege my words are true,  
What was the English Admiral's deed,  
When Andrew Barton bold he slew.  
Your ships and armour eke they took  
And since their King did nothing fear,  
To send his aid against the Duke,  
Of Gelder's your own cousin dear:  
Hath not the bastard Hearon slain,  
Your Warden with his spiteful Spear,  
The league therefore and peace is vain  
And frustrate do you nothing fear.  
Then manful Maxwell answered soon  
My Liege the League is broke by right,  
For th' English King ought not to have gone,  
Against your friends in France to fight.  
Have you in League not entered late,  
With L●wis your cousin the French King,  
And now you see what great debate  
Betwixt the King and him doth hang.  
What greater kindness could you show,  
Unto your friend the King of France,  
Then with English blood your blade t'imbrew  
Against that Land to lift your Lance.  
You see what damage to you was done,  
By English Kings in time of old.  
Your Borders burnt ●nd Barwick Town  
Still by strong hand they from you hold.  
Wherefore more time lets not consume,  
But fiercely sight that land again▪  
Then stood up Haughty Lord Hume  
Of Scotland the chief Chamberlain.  
My Liege quoth he in all your life  
More lucky fate shall never fall  
For now that Land with little grief  
Unto your Crown you conquer shall.  
For King Henry you understand,  
Into France is passed with all his Peers,  
At home is left none in the Land,  
But jolt-head Monks and bursten Friars.  
Of ragged rustics without rules,  
Or Priests prating for pudding shives.  
Or milner's madder than their mules,  
Or wanton Clerks waking their wives.  
there's not a Lord left in England  
But all are gone beyond the Sea,  
Both Knight and Baron with his band,  
With Ordinance or Artillery.  
The King then cried on Dallamount  
Which Bodword out of France did bring,  
Quoth he the nobles names do note  
Which are encamped with th' English King.  
That shall I do my Liege quoth he,  
As many as I have in heart,  
For first there is the Earl of Derby,  
With a lusty Lord called Harbert,  
There is an Earl of Antique race,  
Passing in pride and costly array  
In his Banner brave he doth display,  
A half moon in gold glistering ga●●  
That is the lusty Pier●y plain,  
The King can say and gave a stamp,  
There is not such a Lord again,  
Not in all King Henry's camp.  
There is a Lord that bold doth bear  
A Talbot brave a borely tike,  
Whose Fathers scruk France so with sear  
Their names made wives and children s●●ike.  
The King then answered at one word,  
That is the Earl of Shrewsbery.  
There is likewise a lusty Lord  
Which called is the doughty Darcy,  
There is Dudley and Dallawar  
And Decroy great Lords all three  
The Duke of Buckingham is there  
Lord Cobham and Lord Willowby.  
There is the Earl of Essex gay,  
And S●●ff●rd stout Earl of Wiltshire,  
There is the Earl of Kent Lord Grace,  
With haughty Hastings hot as fire.  
There is the Marquis Dors●t brave,  
Fitswater and ●isly Lords great,  
Of doughty Knights the lusty lave  
I never could by name repeat.  
There is a Knight of the North-Country,  
Which le●ds a lusty plump of Spears  
I know not what his name should be,  
A boisterous ball all black he bears.  
Lord Hume then answered London height  
That same 〈◊〉 sir John N●vill bold,  
King Harry hath not so har●y a Knight  
In all his camp my coat I hold.  
He doth maintain withouten doubt  
The Eearl of Westmorlands estate;  
I know of old his stomach stout  
In England is not lest his make.  
The King then asked his Lords all round  
If Wars or peace they did prefer,  
They cried and made the Hall to sound,  
Let peace go back and let's have War.  
Our Armour is for usage marred,  
Both Helmet, Haber●eon, and Crest,  
Our st●●●ling Nags in Stables spared,  
Are waxen wild with too much rest.  
Our Staves that were both tall and strait  
Wax crooked, and are cast each where,  
Wherefore in England let's go fight  
Our Boutyes brave for them to bear.  
The King rejoiced then to see  
His Lords such lively heart; to have,  
And to their says did soon agree  
And plied to their pleasures brave.  
With that on Lion loud he cried  
And took to him a letter broad;  
Quoth he no longer look thou bide  
But towards France soon take the road,  
To Torwin Town take thou thy way,  
And Grece well there my Brother in-law  
And bid him there no longer stay,  
But homeward to his Country draw·  
And bid him cease his fury and force  
Against on● friend the King of France,  
For fear Domestic wars prove worse  
And make from me full defiance.  
And summon him soon to return,  
Lest that our power we ply apace,  
With fire and sword we beat and burn  
His Land within a little space.  
Then Lion made him boun lightly,  
And with his coat of Arms him decks.  
He ha●'d up Sail right heartily,  
And towards France his way direct.   

The second Fit.  
MEan while the King can Letters write,  
Which pricking Posts apace did bear,  
To all his Lords which had delight  
With him in England Arms to wears.  
Then every Lord and Knight each where,  
And Barons bold in Musters met,  
Each man made haste to mend his ge●re,  
And some their ru●●y Pikes did whet.  
Some made a mell of massy Lead.  
Which Iron all about did bind,  
Some made a Helmet for his head,  
Some did their grizly gisarings grind.  
Some made their battleaxes bright  
Some from their bills did rub the rust▪  
Some made long pikes and lances light  
Some Pike-forks for to join and thrust.  
Some did a spear for weapon wield  
Some did their lusty geldings try,  
Some all with gold did gild their shield  
Some did with divers colours die.  
The tillmen tough their ●eams could take  
And to hard harness them conflate:  
Some of a share can shortly make  
A s●llate for to save his pate.  
Damn Ceres did unserved remain  
The fertile fields did lie untiled.  
Outrageous Mars so so●e did reign  
And Scotland all with fury filled.  
Whereof the King in heart was fain  
His men had all things ready mode  
Did then command his Chamberlain  
In England for to make a road  
The Chamberlain Lord Hume in haste,  
O'er th' East ma●sh Warden was also;  
Within the English borders braced:  
With eight thou●and ●●ll men and more.  
And entered in Northumberland,  
With banners bravely blazed and born  
And finding none them to withstand  
D●d strait destroy both hay and cor●.  
And spoilt and harried all abroad  
And on each side Booties in brought  
Some coursers catcht some geldings good  
Some droves of kin and cattle caught.  
Ma●y stately halls and houses gay  
And buildings brave they boldly burned  
And with a mighty spoil and pray  
Toward Scotland strait returned  
Sir William Bulmer being told,  
Of this great road and wild array  
Did strait forecast all means he could  
The Scots in their return to stay.  
Two hundred men himself did lead,  
To him their came the borderers stout  
And divers Gentlemen with speed,  
Repaired to him with all their rout·s  
They were not all a thousand men,  
But knowing where the Scots would come  
The borderers best their coasts did ken,  
And hid them in a field of broom.  
The Scots came scouring homewards fast,  
And proudly pricked forth with their prey:  
Thinking their perils all were passed.  
They straggling ran clear out of ray.  
The English men burst forth apace:  
And skirmished with the Scots anon  
There was fight fierce face to face.  
And many geldings made to groan.  
There men might see spears fly in spells,  
And tall men tumbling on the soil,  
And many a horse turned up his heells.  
Outrageous Mars kept such a coil.  
The Scots their strength did long extend,  
And broken ranks did still renew,  
But the English Archers in the end,  
With Arrow-shot so sore they slew.  
The English spears on the other side  
Among the Scots did fiercely fling  
And thorrow their rants did rattling ride  
And chase them through moss mire and ling.  
The Chamberlain viewing this chance  
And seeing his Host all put to flight,  
He with the foremost forth advanced  
And happy he had a horse so light.  
For Prickers him so nigh pursued  
His banner bearer down they bet,  
And all the prey and spoil rescue  
Besides a sort of geldings great.  
Six hundred Scots lay slain on ground  
Five hundred prisoners and more,  
Of English men slain in that stound,  
The number was not passed threescore.  
In August month this broil befell  
The Scots black day with their blood,  
As divers old men yet do tell  
The Scots call it the devilish road.  
Thus while the Scots both nigh and far  
Were through all Scotland occupied  
In framing weapons fit for war  
And mustering men on every side.  
By this time came the herald sent  
Before the Town of Torwin high,  
Whereto King Harry strait did wend  
And louting low upon his knee.  
The King he reverently 'gan greet  
And took to him his Letters large  
His Master's mind he let him weet,  
And did his whole message discharge.  
The Letters soon were looked upon,  
And in the King's presence perused,  
The Scottish Kings cracks, who showed each one  
And how his Majesty he misused.  
And summoned him his siege to cease  
And stay his wars taken in hand;  
Or else he with a mighty press,  
Would strait invade his native Land.  
King Henrys heart began to rise  
And to the Herald hot can say,  
Thy Master thus I did surmise  
In our absence would partly play.  
Indeed he doth not now digress  
From his old predecessors brave,  
But if he do my Land distress  
I hope he welcome hard shall have.  
For in my Land I left a Lord,  
Which with the aid of my noble Queen  
Will stay your Prince at point of sword,  
And turn such truthless guest to teen.  
Let him not deem so destitute,  
My Land of Lords and lusty Knights  
For if he dare to prosecute  
He shall find some Warlike wights  
Which will withstand him stiffly in store  
And eke his streaming standarts rend  
He shall meet with many sharp showers  
Before he pass the flood of Trent.  
For since he perjured now doth prove  
And doth so small esteem his Oath  
Our siege we will not cease to move,  
Be he never so wood nor wroth.  
But a valiant vow now we shall make  
At what time as we shall return  
All Scotland we shall harry and sack  
And never cease to spoil and burn.  
And never peace with him contrive,  
Nor never League nor love day take  
While one false Scot is left alive  
And till that Land be brought to wrack.  
Then he to th● King of Scots can write  
A letter fast of full defiance  
That he for all his ●re and spite  
Would still proceed his Wars in France.  
And took it to the Herald's hand  
And gave him eke a rich reward,  
Then homewards he away 'gan weened  
And towards Scotland forth he fared.  
But while he waited for the wind  
And for his Ship, did things ordain,  
For all his haste, he came behind,  
He never saw his Prince again.  
Anon King Henry the Scottish Bill  
Unto the Earl of Surry sent  
To Pomsret, where he stayed still,  
And bade him be for battle bend.  
The Earl all things 'gan to provide,  
The Scotch Kings purpose to resist,  
And through all Scotland far and wide  
All that was done straightway he wist.  
For the Lord Dacres did perceive  
The Scots meaning manifest,  
Their meetings, and their Musters brave  
And daily ridings without rest.  
The sooth whereof he sent straightway  
And told the Earl of Surry sage  
That time was not to make delay,  
But Soldiers soon to fee and wage:  
Which when the Earl understood,  
His Letters fast he forth did dress  
Unto each man of Noble blood,  
To have their men in readiness:  
And eke what numbers they could make  
Of warlike wights all well arrayed.  
Then with sir Philip Tillney he spoke,  
How that their wages might be paid;  
And after for Ordnance he sent  
Unto Sir Nicholas Appleyard,  
Which to his bidding soon was bend,  
And towards him apace prepared.  
With Culverings and Cortals great,  
And double Canons two or three  
He brought them on by sty and street  
To Durham in the North-country.  
That done, the Earl letters wrote  
Unto each Castle, Fort and hold.  
That they should furnish them with shot  
And fortify their Bulwarks bold.  
Which answered all with stomaches stout,  
And every Captain with his Crew,  
That they would beat the Scots quite out  
Till the King came home their rescue.  
Which answer of the Captains keen  
The Earl greatly did delight  
But this while what the Scots did mean,  
And of King James then will I write.  
For after he to his brother in law  
Defiance into France had sent,  
His nobles all to him did draw  
Well busked and for battle bend.  
When they were all assembled Sa●▪  
The town of Edenbrough before,  
Fifty great Lords there were of Fame;  
And Barons bold besides great store.  
And Prelates proud, a populous lave,  
And Abbots boldly there were bown,  
With Bishop of St. Andrews brave  
Which was King James his bastard son.  
Surely it was an unseemly sight.  
Contrary to our Christian laws,  
A Prelate for to press to fight,  
And specially in a wicked cause.  
Are these the Scots religious rules,  
Who taught the Priests such pranks perverse,  
To march forth mustered on their mules,  
And soldier like to sue God Mars.  
The messenger of Christ, St. Paul  
Taught them to shoot at no such prick  
Peter nor Christ, Apostles all  
Never taught them any such trick.  
Their Patron so did not them learn  
St. Andrew with his shored cross,  
But sure St. Triman of Quitor●e,  
Or Doffin their Demi-god of Ros.  
This Bishop bold this bastard blest  
With other Bishops in his band,  
And Abots eke as bold as the best  
For beagle-rods, tooks, bills in hand.  
And every Lord with him did lead  
And mighty band for battle pr●st,  
So that in number they did exceed  
A hundred thousand men at least.  
King James for joy began to jet  
So huge an at my to behold,  
Then soon he bade them forward set  
And eke blaze out his banners bold.  
Each Lord went on then with his band,  
And every Captain with his crew,  
Then Minstrels mirthed all the land,  
And brazen trumpets loud up blue.  
Then drum's struck up with hideous sound,  
And banners bravely waved wide,  
Men might behold no where bare ground  
But soldiers armed on every side.  
In midst of ranks, there road the King  
On stately steed which stout did stamp,  
A goodly sight to see him fling,  
And how his foamy bits he champed.  
King James thus gorgeously can ride  
Great pleasure to his Peers to see,  
Thus road this Prince puffed up with pride  
Whose lofty heart was but too high:  
For he thought himself able enough,  
Having so mighty a multitude,  
All Europe then for to pass through  
And that no hold could him exclude▪  
Nor any King in Christendom,  
In field to meet him was of might,  
No not the great Caesar of Rome  
Had been of force with him to fight,  
Nor Hercules, nor Hannibal,  
The Soulden, Sophy, nor the Turk,  
None of the mighty Monarches all  
Such lusty blood in him did lurk.  
But yet for all his armed host,  
And eke for all his haughty heart,  
Full soon abated was his boast,  
And brought to London in a Cart.  
Even in the midst of harvest tie  
The two and twentieth of August  
Did this proud Prince, puffed up with pride  
Into the English borders burst.   

The Third Fit.  
WHere piles he pulled down apace,  
And burly buildings brought to ground,  
The Scots like grooms void of all grace,  
Or Soldiers sacred to Mahu:  
Fa● Matrons they did force each where,  
And ravished maidens fair and mild,  
And houses burnt, and hent up gear,  
And murdered many man and child;  
For so the King commanded had  
To waste and spoil with fire and flame,  
And rifling so by Journeys rad  
To Norham Castle strait they came.  
Which soon with siege he did beset  
And trenches digged without delay,  
With Bombard shot the walls he bet  
And to assault it did assay.  
But the Captain with courage stout  
His Fortress fiercely did defend,  
But alas too lewdly he lashed out,  
And foolishly his Ordnance spend.  
And powder did profusely waste,  
And hailed out arrows every hour,  
So that he lacked at the last  
Which should have been his chief succour.  
But yet five days he did defend,  
Though with hard faults they him assailed,  
And all their total strength extend,  
But all their Power had not prevailed.  
Had it not been a false traitorous thief  
Which came King James his face before,  
That in that hold had had relief,  
The space of thirty years and more.  
I say, quoth he, King James my Liege  
Your deavours here are all in vain  
For all your faults and hard besiege  
Or Gunshot here ye get no gain.  
But what reward shall I receive,  
Quoth he express, and speak anon,  
And I shall let you plain perceive  
How that this Castle may be won.  
If that to pass thou bring this can  
The King can say where he did stand  
I shall make thee a Gentleman,  
And living give thee in our Land.  
Then first of all refuse this place  
And down to yonder Valleys draw  
The walls, so shall ye rend and raze,  
And with brief battery bring them low.  
Which as he said the King did so,  
And 'gainst the Walls his Ordnance bend,  
And ere five pieces were shot or moe,  
The walls were all to razed and rend.  
Which made the Captains sore aghast  
Seeing the walls down rattling reeled,  
His weapons all away he cast,  
And to King James simply did yield.  
The Scots anon they scoured in,  
And plied apace unto their prey,  
Look what was worth one point or pin  
Ye need not bid them bear't away.  
So when the Scots the walls had won  
And rifled every place and nook  
The Traitor came to th' King anon  
For his reward readly to look.  
The King then asked him by and by  
Where he was born, or in what place  
The false knave nothing did deny,  
But said a Scotchman born he was.  
The King then asked him with words mild,  
How long time he had lodged there,  
Quoth he still, since I was a child,  
A good deal more than thirty year.  
Why, quoth the King, hast thou thus wrought  
Unto thy friends this frantic rage,  
That in this building thee up brought  
And still hath given thee meat and waige?  
But since thy faith thou hast falsified  
To them that gave thee meat and fee,  
It is a token to be tried  
That thou wilt not prove true to me:  
Therefore for this thy traitorous trick  
Thou shalt be tied in a trace,  
Hangman, quoth he, therefore be quick,  
The groom shall gain no better grace.  
What he had said forepast was nought,  
This King's judgement was worthy praise,  
If he in all things had so wrought  
Belike he had driven forth more days.  
By this time came the pricking Post,  
Which made the Earl understand  
How the King of Scots with a great host  
Already entered had the Land;  
Which when the Earl of Surry knew,  
It was but vain to bid him haste,  
He sent to all his friends full true  
That they their men should muster fast.  
And shortly he sent to every shire  
That the first day of September,  
Both Gentlemen, Knights, Lords, and Squire  
Unto Newcastle should repair.  
Then with five hundred Soldiers stout  
Himself set forth in seemly array,  
And neither stint nor stayed his foot  
But straight to Durham took his way.  
Where he devoutly did he●r Mass,  
And worshipped God his Maker dear,  
Then prayed he the prayer o● that place  
St. Cut●berts banner for to bear.  
Then strait he to Newcastle came  
Of August on the thirtieth day,  
Where many a noble man of Fame  
To him did draw without delay.  
There doughty Dacres and him meet,  
And brought with him a burly bird  
Of warlike wights right well ●●●leat  
From Westmoreland and Cum●●●land.  
Sir Marmaduke Con●●●ble it 〈◊〉,  
Accompanie● with his 〈…〉,  
Sir William Bullmer with his 〈◊〉.  
Lord Clifford with his clapping Guns.  
Then from Newcastle began he fly  
And took his way to Anwick ●●wn,  
That weary men with weather b●t  
Might h●re the more 〈◊〉 and room.  
Then should you have seen on every side  
The ways all filled with men of War  
And straggling streamers waving wide,  
And helmets high, glistering afar.  
F●om Lancashire and Cheshire fast,  
They to the lusty Stanley drew,  
From Hornby where as he in haste  
Set forward with a comely crew▪  
What Banners brave before him blazed,  
The people mused where he did pass,  
Poor husbandmen were much amazed,  
And women wondering, cried alas!  
Young wives did weep with woeful cheer  
To see their friends in harness dressed,  
Some rent their cloth, some tore their hair,  
Some held their babes unto their breast.  
And woeful mother's mourning stood  
To see their sons in harness horse,  
And shouting skriked when they forth road,  
And of their lives took little force.  
But who could plainly express with pen  
What masses said on hallowed stone?  
What prayers of Religious men?  
What sacred service eke was done?  
That Stanley might come safe away,  
And Victor valiantly return;  
The bells did sound a night and day,  
The sacred fires bright did burn.  
Men with grey heads drew to their beds,  
And fast their prayers poured out,  
Old wives for woe did wag their heads,  
And Saints were sought on naked foot.  
But Stanley over Stainmoore strait  
Did pass, and resting there did view  
A banner brave born up on high,  
Whereunder went a warlike crew.  
What lusty Troop is yond I see?  
Sr. Edward Stanley did inquire,  
A Yeoman said, it is I see  
Brya● Tunstall, that bold Esquire;  
For in his banner I behold  
A Cock curling as he would crow,  
He brings with him his Tenants bold,  
An hundred men at least I know.  
Then said the Stanley where he stood,  
Would Christ that he would take our part,  
His clean and undefiled blood  
Good speed doth promise at my heart.  
Blaze out therefore, I bid you soon,  
The ●●il of Derby's banner brave,  
Perchance with us he will be one,  
When it in sight he shall perceive.  
But Tunstall took no 〈◊〉 that tide,  
Without saluting, forth 〈◊〉 p●st  
Upon the Valiant 〈◊〉 ●nde,  
His 〈…〉 ●e fix f●●st.  
Then said the Stanley where he stood,  
O doughty lads draw up your hearts,  
Be not amazed in your mood,  
For Tunstal will not take our parts.  
Set forward Syr'es then can he say  
Unto the howard's let's make hast,  
And being sore wearied with the way,  
At Anwick town arrived at last.  
Whose coming did greatly rejoice  
The Earl and all his company,  
Who but the Eagle bore the voice  
With wings wapped as he would flee.  
At Anwick while the army increased,  
The weather waxed both soul and wet  
With rain down rattling never ceased,  
That every brook burst forth on float.  
Such rustling winds, such blustering breast,  
And rushing day and night did sound,  
Which made the Earl sore aghast.  
His son Lord Admiral should be drowned.  
Which at his parting had promised plight  
To his father if he were alive  
At Newcastle with main and might  
His Fleet in merry ray to arrive.  
Which promise he did fully keep,  
Sir Neptune did such friendship show  
And safely then he and his Fleet  
To ●●p●y Ha●●n did bestow.  
Then soldiers soon he set on land,  
And to his father fast he hied,  
With warlike wights in worthy band,  
Two thousand men at least well tried.  
With Cartains courageous and keen  
At Anwick they arrived at last,  
Whom when the Earl his army had seen,  
With sudden fear they were aghast.  
For seeing their armour as black as ink,  
Some said it was some Scottish band,  
And divers did esteem and think  
They were some force from foreign land.  
Some took their harness, some their horse,  
And forward fast busied to fight.  
But when they saw St. George's Cros●,  
And English arms born up on height.  
Some said it was some ●olly crew  
The King had sent from France that side,  
The southern men the ●ooth so●● knew,  
And loud, Lord Admiral they cry●d.  
Who when the Earl of Sur●y saw,  
He thanked God with heart so mild,  
And hand ●or joy to heaven did throw,  
His son was said from waters wild.  
A merry mee●ing there was seen,  
For first they kissed and then embraced,  
For joy the tears fell from th● eyen,  
All sorepost fears was 〈◊〉 ●ac'd.  
Then caused the Earl each Captain count  
Under their wings what soldiers were,  
Which done, the number did but mount  
To six and twenty thousand sere.  
Then the Earl called a Council ●oone  
Of prudent Lords and Captains wife,  
And how the battle might best be done,  
He bade them show their best device:  
Some said too small their number was  
To achieve so great an enterprise;  
S●me counselled posts back for to pass  
For aid, and cause the countries rise:  
And from the south, the Queen, some 〈◊〉  
A band of soldiers soon would send,  
And willed to stay, for while they stayed  
Their powers daily might amend.  
Some said the Scots straightway would slay,  
And powers daily would diminish,  
Wherefore to stay was their counsel;  
Thus they the Earl did admonish.  
Up start the Admiral then in ire,  
And stamping stood with stomach 〈◊〉  
Why sir, said he, there to his ●ir●,  
〈◊〉 cowardi●e lent you his 〈◊〉▪  
Let never King Harry hear for shame  
That you should play this dastard part,  
〈◊〉 ne'er be blown by trump of feign  
That you should bear a coward's heart.  
Hath not King Henry left you here  
His Lieutenant to rule the Land?  
Trusting that fiercely without fear  
The scolding Scots you would withstand.  
Think on your Father's valiance,  
How fiercely he fought at Bosworth Field  
Till time that he by Stanley's Lance  
With grievous wounds his life did yield.  
Would God, quoth he, my brother Edward  
Were here alive this present day,  
No foes there could have made him seated  
In Camp here like a coward to stay.  
What Royal fame, what high renown  
Hath he left to his Line and Race?  
What ample fame, what great renown,  
If life had lasted longer space?  
The sea he did both scour and sweep,  
No Pirate proud durst pear in sight,  
Not Pirate John for all his power  
That great renownad Zodian Knight.  
How oft the Royal Fleet of France  
In cruel conflict by him was grieved,  
If he had scaped that fatal ●●●nce  
What worthy acts by him achieved▪  
No multitudes made him dismayed,  
Nor numbers great his stomach suage,  
Great shame then would to us be laid,  
And to our 〈◊〉 spring in ●●ch ●ge.  
Your Father's fame than should be ●ilde,  
His worthy facts should be forgot  
The chief renown eke of your child  
Your beastith acts should clear out-blot.  
If ye lie loitering here like lowns,  
And do not sighed you Scots again,  
For still we hear how English towns  
Are burnt, and sucking babes are slain.  
And daily they pilser each place,  
And spoils the people all about,  
Wherefore let's stay no longer space,  
But now step forth with stomach s●out.   

The fourth Fit.  
THen th' Earl of Surrey again replied,  
And to his son thus 'gan he say,  
No bashfulness doth make me bide,  
Nor stomach faint doth make me stay.  
The cause is for no cowardice,  
So long time here we make delay,  
And yet I fear this enterprise  
Will prove no childish sport or play▪  
Great counsel therefore must be embraced,  
With good deliberation,  
Our Cards we had both need to count & cast,  
Since it lieth on such a weight and fashion.  
Two hardy oft good hap doth hazard,  
And overbold oft is not best,  
That prove I by my son Sir Edward,  
Which ever was too bold of breast.  
He had been man alive this day  
If he with counsel wise had wrought,  
But he was drowned in Bartrumbs bay,  
This end his great boldness him brought,  
My Father at King Richard's field  
Under the Stanley's lance lay slain,  
And I there did a Captive yield,  
Our manhood great got us this gain:  
We might have scaped that scurvy day  
If warning could out wits have bet,  
A friend of ours to cause us stay,  
Upon my Father's gate had set▪  
A certain scrall, whose scripture said,  
Jack of Norfolk be not too bold,  
And under that in Verse was laid,  
Dick an thy Master is bought and sold.  
My father fight fierce was slain,  
King Richard reaved of life and Crown,  
Such goodly guerdon oft they gain,  
Which rashly run to get renown:  
For see, the Duke of York was brought  
At Wakefield to his fatal fall,  
Who might have scaped if he had wrought  
The counsel wise of David Hall.  
I read of Conquerors and Kings,  
For lack of Council cast away,  
Now since at hand such danger hangs,  
Our Council we had need to say.  
It is not I am fright with fear,  
Nor for myself such thought I take,  
But for young babes and infants dear,  
Which fathers sore I fear will lack.  
Such fortune falls through fights doubtless,  
Poor widows plenty shall be left,  
And many a servant masterless,  
And mothers of their sons bereft.  
This is the cause I counsel crave,  
This is the cause I cast such doubts,  
I'd rather one English soldier save,  
Then for to kill a thousand Scots.  
I can no kind of compass cast  
But many a life there must be lost,  
And many a tall man death must taste,  
The Scots are such a mighty host.  
The Prince is there himself present,  
With all his Peers prepared for War,  
With Barons, Knights and Commons bend,  
A hundred thousand men they are.  
Put case our total English power  
Were ready dressed and made in meat  
They at meals two would us devour,  
The Scottish army is so great.  
Therefore let each man's mind be expressed,  
How that the Scots we may convince,  
And how to pass this peril best,  
And save the honour of our Prince.  
Then spoke Sir Edward Stanley stout,  
Where fierce on the Earl he fixed his eyn,  
What need have we thus for to doubt,  
And be afraid of foes unseen.  
Shall we lie loitering on this manner  
And still permit the Scots in rest,  
Fie, let them see an English banner,  
And how our soldiers are seemly dressed.  
What though our foes be five to one,  
For that let not our stomaches fail,  
God gives the stroke when all is done,  
If it please him we shall prevail.  
If ancient books we do peruse,  
Set forth by famous Clerks of old,  
Which of Christians, Pagans and Jews  
Do plain describe the battles bold.  
There may we certain see in sight  
Many a mighty Prince and King  
With populous armies put to flight,  
And vanquished by a little wing.  
With hundreds three Judge Gedeon  
The Midian host o'er came in sight,  
Sir Jonathan Saul's son alone,  
The fierce Phillistians put to flight,  
So Judas Machabeus the man  
Of foremost fame amongst all Knights  
Who can describe war fields he won  
With handfuls small of warlike wights?  
The mighty Macedonian Prince  
With a small puissance and power,  
King Darius' host did all convince  
Who for one was in number four.  
The great renowned Roman Peers  
Their glorious praise never shall blind,  
Nor fame that daily fills men ears,  
Through numbers great did never win:  
For Titus Livy doth protest,  
The less their power the more their gain,  
When they were most they won the least,  
The greater press, more people slain.  
Example, at Cambs fierce conflict  
So many Nobles there were slain,  
That bushels three there were collect  
Of Rings from dead men's fingers drawn.  
Where Scipio with numbers small  
Of warlike wights of lusty blood  
In field to flight put Hannibal  
And burnt with fire Carthage proud.  
What further need I for to seek  
Of Christian Kings the manful acts,  
Since yet the fame doth record reek  
Of Harry with his famous facts.  
All Europe yet afresh doth sound  
Of his high prowess with report,  
What standarts stout brought he to th' ground,  
With numbers small at Agincourt.  
All France yet trembleth to hear talk  
What Nobles unto death were dight,  
Two thousand besides vulgar folk,  
Simplest of whom was Squire or Knight.  
He never stint from war and strife,  
Till th' heir of France he was proclaimed,  
If fate had lent him longer life  
With English Laws all France he had framed.  
Of Bedford eke his brother John  
The Dolphin bet with a small band,  
Lord Talbot with his name alone  
To tremble forced all the French land.  
The Earl of Richmond with small power  
Of England won both Realm and Crown  
At Bosworth where the bragging bore  
With all his host was overthrown.  
So though the Scottish host be great,  
Let us not stint, but them withstand  
In battle hold we shall them beat,  
For God will help us with his hand.  
If we in field be fight slain,  
And be in battle brought to ground,  
Perpetual praise than we shall gain,  
Men will our fame for aye out sound.  
The memory of our great manhood.  
'Mongst English men for aye shall last,  
And then for vengeance of our blood,  
King Harry home from France will hast.  
Our kinsfolk and our cousins free  
Will wreak our deaths with doleful dint  
Till time that they revenged be,  
From sturdy strokes they will not stint.  
Our Ghosts shall go to God on high,  
Though bodies vile to death be dight,  
In better case we cannot die,  
Then fight for our Country's right.  
Put case the lot light contrary,  
As firm my faith is fixed it shall,  
And we to gain the Victory,  
Good fortune on our side shall fall.  
And that we give our foes the foil  
What worthy praise than shall we win  
What mighty prey, what plenteous spoil  
What prisoners of Princely kin.  
The Prince is there himself, King James,  
With Prelates rich passing in pride,  
Fifty great Lords there are of name,  
Great Barons, Knights, and Squires beside.  
Whose tents, if standing they be found,  
When fight is done I do not fear,  
But for entering our English ground,  
Their charges they shall pay full dear.  
Such fate shall fall to them I trust,  
As Elders theirs have done before,  
Who into England seld ' did burst,  
But they were burst in battle sore.  
Their mighty Mars King Malchomy  
Did valiantly this land invade,  
At Tinmouth he was forced to flee,  
And slain was by an English blade,  
King David unto Durham came,  
Who with the Scots in pitched field,  
For all their pride, yet lost the game,  
King David there did captive yield.  
What shall I further mention make,  
Of Henry the fourth how in his days,  
The Earl of Morry and Lord Mordack,  
Augons and Douglasse pricked with praise.  
Did enter in Northumberland,  
And murdered men without mercy,  
Were they not bet by a small band  
In battle by Sir Henry Percy.  
The story saith, who list to look  
Ten thousand Scots in field was slain,  
And through the valiant Pearcy's stroke,  
All the Earls did Captives remain.  
Such luck I trust to our foes shall light,  
And all that wars do raise in wrong,  
Wherefore against them let us fight,  
It's shame we loiter here so long.  
If any seem abased to be,  
That we in battle shall be bet,  
Cheshire and Lancashire with me  
Shall give the Scots the first onset.  
When this was said the Stanley stout  
All silent down did sit in place,  
The eyes of all the Lords about  
Were fixed upon his valiant face:  
His wisdom great all wondered at,  
And all his manful proffer praised,  
All they that would have lingered late  
Their courage keen now was upraised;  
Now they that lately would have stayed  
With foremost cried, forth to the field,  
With one voice all the Earl prayed,  
That Stanley might the Vanguard wield.  
But on that side the Earl of Surry  
Was deaf, for why he could not hear,  
For stirred now up with Stanley's glory,  
His rancour old it was upreared;  
Quoth he, the King's place I supply,  
At pleasure mine each things shall bide,  
Then each Captain he did on cry,  
In presence to appear that tide.  
That done straightway he did ordain  
His battle brief on this same sort,  
Whose order and array right-plain  
With Pen I shall make true report.   

The fifth Fit.  
FOr when Stanley with stomach stout  
Did valiantly the Vanguard crave,  
The old Fa●l of Surrey sore did doubt  
That he too high honour should have.  
If that fortune sell on his part,  
And valiant victor did return,  
‛ ●●ainst Stanleys' blood, such hateful heart  
In the Earls breast did boiling burn.  
Wherefore in forward first of all,  
Chief Captain constituted he  
His loving son Lord Admiral,  
With soldiers such as came from Sea.  
Whom doughty Lords associate,  
With Barons bold and hardy Knights,  
Lord Ogle whom as then did lead  
A lordly band of warlike wights.  
In order next the Admiral  
The lusty Knight Lord Clifford went  
Who had been shroud i● shepherds earn,  
While twice twelve years were gone & spent.  
For when his father at Wakefield  
The Duke of York and his son had slain,  
By friend in this wise he had sealed,  
Till 〈◊〉 ●●le of Richmond g●n his reign.  
Who him restored to all his right,  
And seated him in his sire's land,  
Or else to death he had been dight  
While th' house of York had th' up ' hand.  
Now like a Captain bold he brought  
A band of lusty lads elect,  
Whose curious coats cunningly wrought  
With dreadful dragon were bedecked.  
From Pennigent to Pendlehill,  
From Linton to Longadingham  
And all that Craven coasts did till  
They with the lusty Clifford came.  
All Staincliffe hundred went with him,  
With striplings strong from Worledale,  
And all that Hauton hills did climb,  
With L●ngstroth eke, and Litton dale,  
Whose milk-fed fellows fleshly bred,  
Well brouned with sounding bows up bend,  
All such as Hort●n fells had fed,  
On Clifford's Banner did attend.  
Next whom Lord Lomley and Latimer  
Were equal matched with all their power,  
With whom was nexed their neighbour near  
Lord Comis stout and stiff in stoure,  
With many a Gentleman and Squire  
From Ryppon, Ripley and Rye-dale;  
With them marched forth all Massamshire,  
With N●isterfield and Netherdale;  
With till-men tough in harness store,  
Which turned the furrows of Mittan field,  
With bill-wen bold from Blaikamore  
Most warlike wights these Lords did wield.  
Next whom was placed with all his power  
Lord Scroop of upsal the agie Knight,  
Then Sir Stephen Bull with all his power  
Was matched next him with all his might.  
Sir Walter Arisith sage and grave,  
Was with Sir Henry Sherburn bend,  
And under Bulmers' banner brave,  
Th' whole Bishopric of Durham went;  
Whom ensued Sir Christopher Ward,  
With him sir Edward Ethingham,  
Next were sir Nicholas Appleyard,  
Sir Metham, Sidney▪ Averingham  
All these in foremost battle bold,  
These valiant wights in vanguard were,  
Seven thousand men numbered and told,  
Simplest of whom bare bow or spear.  
Then the Earl Sir Edmond Haworth  
Began call, whom Marshal he made,  
My son, said he, now soon set forth,  
With valiant heart the Scots invade:  
Chief Captain of the right-hand wing  
To brother thine I thee ordain,  
Now surely see thou serve the King,  
Employ thy power, let for no pain.  
Of Southern soldiers hundred two,  
Under thy wing shall wend with thee,  
A thousand thanks Sir Edmond tho,  
Did render to his father free.  
With him was matched as equal mate,  
Bryan Tunstal a trusty Squire,  
Whose stomach stout nought could abate,  
Nor nought could sway his bold desire.  
The glory of his Grandsire old  
The famous acts eke of his sire,  
His blood unblotted made him bold,  
And stirred his stomach hot as fire.  
For when debate did first begin,  
And rancour raised most rueful work,  
And ruffling ruled this Realm within,  
'Twixt Lancaster and the house of York.  
During which hurly burly and strife  
Were murdered many a mother's child,  
And many a Lord bereaved of life,  
And many a noble house blood filled.  
But this man's father void of fear,  
While in this Realm such ruffling was,  
To Harry the sixth did still adhere,  
And for no pains did from him pass.  
For he to York would never yield,  
For all the struggling stir and strife,  
Nine times he fiercely fought in field,  
So oft in danger was his life.  
And when the King was captive caught,  
And the Earl of Warwick overthrown,  
To save his life best means he sought,  
And was in Bark to Britain blown.  
And with the Earl of Richmond remained,  
With Lords of the Lancastrian kin,  
When the Earl in th' end the garland gained,  
And of England did the Empire win.  
He rendered Tunstal to his right,  
And knowing his blotless blood unblamed,  
He eke did cause this trusty Knight,  
Undefiled Tunstal to be named.  
Most fiercely he sought at Thallian field,  
Where Martin Swart on ground lay slain,  
When rage did reign he never reeled,  
But like a rock did still remain.  
Now came this man amongst the rest,  
To match his father in manhood,  
For battle ready bend and pressed,  
With him a band of lusty blood.  
Next went Sir Bould and Butler brave,  
Two lusty Knights of Lancashire,  
Then Barkerton bold, and By god grave,  
With Warcop willed a worthy Squire.  
Next Richard Chomley, and Chiston stout,  
With men of Haafield, and of Hull,  
Laurence of Dun with all his rout,  
The people fresh with them did pull.  
John Clar●ice then was nexed near,  
With Stapleton of stomach stern,  
Next whom Fitz William forth did fare,  
Whom martial 'ffairs was not to learn.  
These Captains keen with all their might  
In Right-hand wing did warlike wend,  
All these on Edmund Haworth Knight  
The Earl his sire ordained to attend.  
Then next the Lefthand wing did wield  
Sir Marmaduke Constable old,  
With him a troop well tried in field,  
And eke his sons and kinsfolk bold.  
Next whom Sir William Percy proud  
Went with the Earl Pearcy's power  
From Lancashire of lusty blood,  
A thousand soldiers stiff in store.  
Then the Earl himself can undertake  
Of the rearward the Regiment,  
Whom Barons bold did bravely back,  
And Southern soldiers seemly bend.  
Next whom in place was nexed near  
Lord Scroop of Bolton stern and stout  
On horseback, who had not his peer,  
No Englishman Scots more did doubt.  
With him did wend all Wensadale,  
From Morton unto Moisdel-more,  
All they that dwelled by th' banks of Small  
With him were bend in harness store.  
From W●nsedale warlike wights did wend  
From Bishops-dale went bowmen bold,  
From Coverdale to Cotter-end  
And all to Kidstone-cause cold.  
From Mollerstang and Midleham,  
And all from Mask and Midleconby,  
And all that climb the Mountain Cam,  
Whose crown from frost is seldom free.  
With lusty lads and large of length  
Which dwelled on Seimar wather side,  
All Richmondshire total strength  
The lusty Scroop did lead and guide.  
Next went Sir Philip Tilney tall,  
With him Sir Thomas Barkley brave,  
Sir John Radcliffe in arms Royal,  
With Sir William Gascoine grave.  
Next whom did pass with all his rour  
Sir Christopher Pickering proud,  
Sir Bryan Stappleton stout,  
Two valiant Knights of Noble blood.  
Next with Sir John Stanley there yea●  
The Bishop of Elyes servants bold,  
Sir Lionel Percy eke did lead.  
Some hundred men well tried and told.  
Next went Sir Mimham Markinfie  
In armour coat of cunning work:  
The next went Sir John Mounvile,  
With him the Citizens of York.  
Sir George Darcy in banner bright,  
Did bear a bloody broken spear,  
Next went Sir Magnus with his might,  
And Chestane bold of lusty cheer.  
Sir Guy Dawnie with glorious rou●,  
Then Mr. Dawbies' servants bold,  
Then Richard Tempest with his roo●,  
In Rearward thus their ray did hold.  
The right hand wing with all his rout,  
The lusty Lord Dacres did lead  
With him the bows of Kendal stout.  
With milk-white coats and crosses red.  
All Keswick eke and Cockermonth,  
And all the Capel and craggy hills,  
All Westmoreland, both North and South,  
Whose weapons were great weighty bills.  
All Carlisle eke, and Cumberland,  
They with the Dacres proud did pass  
From Branton and from Broughly sands,  
From Craistone and from Ravens-glasse.  
With striplings strong from Stainmoore-side  
And Austenmoore men marched even,  
All chose that Gilsland grave did hide,  
With horsemen light from Heshan leven.  
All these did go in Dacres band,  
All these ensued his banner broad,  
No lustier Lord was in this land,  
Nor more might boast of birth and blood.  
Many houses strong and huge of height,  
Were all his own to give or sell;  
Fair Baronyes for his birthright  
For heritage to him befell.  
These royal Lords thus ray did hold  
With ranges, ranks, and warlike wings:  
But yet the man is left untold  
On whom the matter wholly hangs.  
Whose worthy praise and prowess great,  
Whose glorious fame shall never blind:  
Nor Neptune never shall forget  
What laud he hath left to his kin.  
Sr. Edward Stanley stiff in stoure,  
He is the man on whom I mean;  
With him did pass a mighty power  
Of Soldiers seemly to be seen.  
Most liver Lads in Lonsdale bred,  
With weapons of unwealdy weight;  
All such as Tatham Fells had fed,  
Went under Stanley's Streamer bright.  
From Bolland bill men bold were boon,  
With such as Botten-Banks did hide:  
From Wharmoore up to Whittington,  
And all to Wenning waterside.  
From Silverdale and Kent Sand-side,  
Whose soil is sown with Cockle-shells;  
From Cartmell eke and Conny-side,  
With Fellows fierce from furnaces fells.  
All Lancashire for the most part  
The lusty Stanley stout can lead,  
A stock of Striplings strong of heart,  
Brought up from Babes with beef and bread.  
From Warton unto Warrington,  
From Wigham unto Wirsdale,  
From Wedicar to Waddington.  
From Ribchester to Ratchdale.  
From Poulton and Preston with pikes,  
They with the Stanley stout forth went;  
From Pemerton and Pillingdikes,  
For battle bilmen bold were bend,  
With Fellows fresh and fierce in sight,  
Which Horton Fields did turn in fores;  
With lusty Lads liver and light,  
From Blaikborn and Bolton i'th' Moors.  
With Children chosen from Cheshire,  
In Armour hold for battle dressed;  
And many Gentleman and Squire  
Were under Stanley's streamer pressed.  
Thus Stanley stout the last of all  
Of the Rearward the rule did wield,  
Which done, to Bolton in Glendale  
The total Army took the Field.  
Where all the Council did consent  
That Roug●rosse to the Scotish King  
With ●raight Instructions should be sent  
To know his Majesty's meaning.   

The Sixth Fit.  
AND whereas the Castle of Ford  
He threateneth for to overthrow,  
Rougcrosse was charged word for word,  
The Earls intent to let him know.  
That if his Grace would so agree  
To suffer that said Fort to stand,  
And William Herron send home free,  
Who then was captive in Scotland.  
Whereto if th' King would condescend,  
The Earl promised to restore,  
And to the King straightway to send  
Of his Countrymen Captives four.  
Lord Johnston, and Sr. Sandy Humes,  
Richard Hume, and William Carr;  
And where the King did sore presume  
In wrongful sort to stir up war.  
Against King Henry his Brother in Law,  
And Commons cruelly did kill.  
And Piles and Forts did fierce down throw,  
And English blood spared not to spill.  
The Earl charged the Herald strait,  
To certify the said Scotch King,  
That he in Field with him would fight  
On Friday than next following.  
And yet ere Rougcrosse forth did face,  
The Admiral took him by aside,  
And bade him to the King declare  
His coming and access that tide.  
That he from Sea descended was  
With all his total power and might,  
And that in forward with his Grace  
He should him find fit for to fight.  
And when the Scots on him did call  
At days of March to make redress  
For Andrew Barton their Admiral,  
Whom he with bloody blade did bless.  
Now he was come in person pressed,  
The said Andrews death to avouch,  
And if it in his power doth rest,  
Quoth he, I shall serve them with such.  
For there shall no Scot scape unslain,  
The King his person sole except;  
For so of th' Scots, quoth he, again  
No other courtesy I expect.  
And yet ere Rougcrosse went his way,  
The Earl and his Council did consent,  
That the Scotch King without delay  
An Herald would again direct.  
Wherefore Rougcrosse commanded was  
No Scotchman near the Field to bring,  
Lest he their conduct might declare,  
And thereby dangers great might spring.  
Then Rougcrosse ready took his horse,  
Bedecked in coat of Arms most brave;  
With him did weaned a trumpet hoarse,  
That Scots their coming might perceive.  
Their Geldings were both good and light,  
From galloping they seldom stayed,  
Till at the length they viewed in sight  
Whereas their Enemy's Army laid.  
The Scots watch them, anon descried,  
And them conveyed before the King,  
Where he with Barons bold did bide,  
Whom Rougcrosse did on knees kneeling,  
With seemly salutation greet,  
And after his instructions strait,  
Each one he expressed in order meet,  
And Letters ' livered there in sight.  
Whom when the King of Scots had heard,  
And eke had viewed his Letters large,  
Even frantic like, he fuming fared,  
And Bombard like, did boasts discharge.  
If true, quoth he, let be expressed,  
Thou Herald sent anon recite;  
And was your Earl so bold of breast.  
Thus proudly to a Prince to write.  
But since he seems to be so rough,  
I swear, quoth he, by Sceptre and Crown,  
In faith he shall have fight enough,  
On Friday before Sun go down.  
For here to God I promise plight,  
We never pass will from this hill,  
Till we have tried your Earls might,  
And given their folks fight their fill.  
Because he vexed our Land of late,  
Perchance his stomach is extolled;  
But now we will withstand his Grace,  
Or thousand pates there shall he polled.  
To presence than he called his Peers,  
To whom he read the Earls Bill,  
And audience given with ireful ears,  
So said it came of little skill.  
An Earl of so simple a Shire,  
To anointed King such words to write,  
Some bad the Schedule cast in fire,  
Some for to speak did spare for spite.  
Some said the Herald of his own head  
Such talk extempore did express,  
And counselled with all possible speed  
An Herald hastily to address.  
To know of the Earl of Surrey plain  
If he such message did procure,  
And till the time he turned again  
The English Herald to make sure.  
Whereto the King did so●n consent,  
And Rougcrosse sure in safety kept,  
And home with th' English trumpet sent  
An Herald by name Illy Klept.  
Who was commanded for to know  
Of th' Earl and his Council sage,  
If Rougcrosse truth to him did show,  
Or if they had sent such Message.  
And if he tidings t●●e had brought,  
And to his Grace avouced no lie,  
The King in mind anon for thought  
How the Earl he might certify.  
Wherefore he Ilay instructed strait  
With Letters l●rge and loquin●ue;  
Which done, they soon set forth that night,  
And towards th' English Camp they drew.  
But at a little Village poor,  
Ilay did ●ight, and took lodging,  
For th' Army was two mi●es or more,  
Whilst the trumpet shows of his coming.  
The night was even at midst well near,  
And th' English Lords lying on grass,  
Till time the trumpet did appear,  
And told the Earl all the case.  
How that the Scots they did detain  
Rougcrosse, and credit would him not,  
And for to know the truth more plain,  
The King himself had sent a Scot  
Which he constrained for to stay  
And lodged then in a little Village,  
Lest he their order might display,  
Which might turn to the Scots advantage.  
Which when the Earl understood,  
He viewed the Scotchmens' dealings all,  
With little sound and sober mood,  
He strait did on his Council call.  
Where he in presence did report  
The total tale the Trumpet told;  
The Council mused with marvel great,  
Why th' Scots their Herald did withhold.  
And causes none they could conject,  
But all surmises were deferred,  
And sage advice was clean defect  
Till they the Scotish Herald heard.  
Wherefore as soon as Phoebus' fair  
Dame Luna's light, and Stars did slain,  
And burn in Chaffing fiery chair  
His startling Steeds hailed forth amain.  
The Earl and his Council sage  
To horseback than they hied round,  
And every man did bring his Page  
To hold their horses in that stound.  
But when they stepped within the street,  
The Scot was scarce from Capage got,  
Where he their English Lord did greet  
With little courtesy, like a Scot  
Which done, the Earl did command  
His Message he should manifest,  
Then Ilay hastily out of hand  
His chiefest charge anon expressed.  
My Sovereign Lord, quoth he, King James,  
Would of your Honour gladly hear,  
If Rougcrosse was charged in your name,  
Such bold word to his Grace to bear.  
My Mr. doth mistrust his word  
With leasing to be understood,  
Likewise do all our peerless Lords?  
Then soon he told what Rougcrosse said.  
Quoth th' Earl, what doth thy Mr. mean  
Of Herald ours to make such dread,  
His Message for to forge or feign  
Of leasing we do stand no need.  
Our Herald's words we'll justify,  
For verity he did reveil,  
His writings eke the same will try,  
Which of our Arms do bear the seal,  
Wherefore I of thy Mr. muse  
Our Herald why he handleth so,  
And 'gainst all reason doth refuse  
Our Message to make answer to.  
Then Ilay again to him replied,  
I say, quoth he, be said, my Lord,  
And to your Message at this tide  
I shall make answer word for word.  
And for Ford Castle first of all,  
Which to preserve ye did make suit,  
To save the same from fire and fall,  
My Mr. thereto biddeth mute,  
And for the Owner of the Fort,  
Who William Herr●n hath to name,  
My Mr. name to show you short,  
He will not answer to the same.  
For Johnston, and Sr. Sandy Hume.  
Richard Hume, and William Carr,  
Our Prince himself in person's come  
Them to redeem by dint of war.  
If ye your message dare make good,  
On Friday next in Field to fight,  
My Mr. with a manful mood,  
To mighty J●ve hath promised plight.  
For to abide the battle bold,  
And give their folks fight their fill;  
And that your Lordship show I should,  
So grateful be his Grace until.  
As any Earl England through,  
For if ye had such message sent,  
He being at home in Edinburgh,  
Would gladly have answered your intent  
Now if wi●h dint of sword ye dare  
Abide his Grace in battle bold,  
On Friday next, he craves no far;  
My Message whole now I have told.  
A thousand thinks the Earl there  
Unto the royal King did yield,  
Whose princely heart did not forbear  
So simple a Lord to meet in field.  
And then a valiant vow he plight,  
That he the battle bold would bide,  
And on prefixed day to fight;  
Which done he did command that tide,  
The Scotish Herald Iley Klept,  
A season there he should sojourn,  
And in safe custody be kept  
Till time that Rougcrosse did return.  
When as the Herald Ilay heard,  
Strait to the King his servant sent,  
Who to his Grace all things declared,  
With the Earls answer and intent.  
The King than Rougercsse did discharge.  
Who h●ed home to th' Earl in haste:  
Then Illy was let go at large,  
When Rougcrosse came, who was kept fast.  
Then Rougcrosse did make true report  
To th' Earl and Captains in like case,  
As he had seen, and in what sort  
The Scotish King encamped was.  
Even on the height of Floddan Hill,  
Where down below his Ordinance lay,  
So strong that no man's study or skill  
To fight with him could find a way.  
Such mountains steep, such craggy hills,  
His Army on th' one side did enclose:  
The other side great grizly gills  
Did sense with fenny mire and moss:  
Which when the Earl understood,  
He counsel craved of his Captains all,  
Who bade set forth with manful mood;  
And take such fortune as would fall.   

The Seventh Fit followeth.  

WHereto the Earl did soon consent,  
And quickly called for a guide,  
Le● by the way he harm might hent;  
But hark what happened that tide.  
When th' Army pressed was to proceed,  
All rayed in ranks, ready to fight,  
C●me scouring all in scarlet red,  
With lusty Lance a horseman light.  
His face with velvet vizard hid,  
Thus plainly have I heard report,  
Who radly by the ranks did ride,  
And strait to the Earl did resort.  
All th' Army marveled at this man  
To see him ride in such array;  
But what he was, or whence he came,  
No wight there was could certain say.  
When he the Earl of Surrey saw,  
From Saddle light he leapt there,  
And down on knees did low full low,  
Holding in hand his horse and spear.  
And on this sort he silence broke,  
My Lord; quoth he, grant me some grace,  
Pardon my life for pity sake,  
You have the Prince's power and place.  
Grant at your hand I grace may have,  
Freely forgive me mine offence;  
Perchance ye shortly shall perceive  
Your kindness I may recompense.  
Quoth the Earl then note us thy name,  
Belike thou hast done some heinous deed,  
Thou dare not show thy face for shame.  
What is thy fact declare with speed?  
If thou have wrought some treason tell,  
Or English blood by murder spilt,  
Or thou hast been some rude Rebel,  
Else we will pardon thee thy guilt.  
Then he to the Earl can reply,  
And say, my Lord, for offence such  
The total world I do defy,  
With treason me no man can touch.  
I grant indeed I wrong have wrought,  
Yet disobedience was the worst,  
Else am I clear from deed or thought,  
And extremes they to me have forced,  
And as for murdering English men,  
I never hurt man, maid, nor wife;  
Howbeit Scots some nine or ten  
At least I have bereaved of life.  
Else I in time of wealth or want  
Still to my King persisted true;  
Wherefore good Lord my life do grant,  
My name then shortly I shall show.  
Quoth the Earl, then pluck up thy heart▪  
Thou seems to be no person brave;  
Stand up at once lay dread apart,  
Thy pardon free here thou shalt have.  
Thou seems to be a man indeed,  
And of thy hands hardy and wight,  
Of such a man we shall stand need  
Perchance on Friday next at night.  
Then on his feet he start up strait  
And thanked the Earl at that tide;  
Then on his horse he leapt light,  
Saying, my Lord, ye lack a Guide.  
But I shall you conduct full strait  
To where the Scots encamped are,  
I know of old the Scotish sleight,  
And crafty stratagems of war.  
Thereto experience hath me taught,  
Now I shall show you who I am;  
On borders here I was up brought,  
And Bastard Hearon is my name.  
What quoth th' Earl Bastard Hearon,  
He died at least now two years since,  
Betwixt Newarke and Northampton,  
He perished through the Pestilence.  
Our King to death had deemed the man  
'Cause he the Scotish Warden slew;  
And on our borders first began  
Those ●aging wars for to renew.  
But God his purpose did prevent.  
He died of the Plague to prove  
King Harry his death did since lament,  
He wondrous well the man did love.  
Would God thy tale were true this tide,  
Thou Bastard H●aron might be found,  
Thou in this gate should be our guide,  
I wot right well thou knows the ground.  
I am the same, said he again,  
And therewith did unfold his face,  
Each person than perceived plain;  
That done, he opened all the case.  
Quoth he, when I the Scots Warden  
Had with blade bereaved of life,  
I wist well I should get no pardon,  
But sure I was to suffer death.  
In haste King Harry for me sent,  
To whom I durst not disobey,  
So towards London strait I went▪  
But hark what wile I wrought by th' way.  
I nought but truth to you shall note;  
That time in many a Town and Borough,  
The Pestilence was passing hot  
And raging, reigned all England thorough.  
So coming to a certain Town,  
I said I was infected sore,  
And in a Lodge they laid me down,  
Where company I had no more.  
But my own secret servants three,  
For Townsmen' afraid for fear did watch;  
So in that stead no more I stayed,  
But homeward by the dark dispatch.  
My servants secretly that night  
Did frame a Corpse in cunning sort,  
And on the morrow as it was light  
My death did ruefully report.  
And so my servants soon that Morn  
The Corpse to bury made them boon,  
Crying alas, like men forlorn,  
And seemed for sorrow to fall down.  
The Corpse they cunningly conveyed,  
And caused the Bells aloud be rung,  
And money to the Priest they paid,  
And Service for my soul was sung.  
Which done, they tidings strait did bring  
Unto King Henry, how I was dead.  
Christ have his soul then said the King,  
For sure he should have lost his head.  
If he up to the Court had come,  
I promise had so by St. Paul;  
But since God did prevent our doom,  
Almighty Christ forgive his soul.   

To Mansion mine I came at last  
By journeys nimbly all be night  
And now two years or more are past  
Since I aptly appeared in sight.   

No wight did weet but I was dead,  
Save my three Servants and my wife  
Now I am start up in this steed,  
And come again from death to life.   

Which said the Lords and Captains Sam:  
From laughing loud, could not abstain  
To hear his ga●de they had good gam.  
And of his welfare all were fain.   

Whose policy they had perceived,  
And often times his truth had tried  
Which was the cause so sore they craved  
This Hearon grave to be their guide.   

Then forth before he fiercely flew  
The Borders bold to him did draw  
The total Army did ensue,  
And came that night to waller's Haw.   

There the English Lords did lodge their Host  
Because the place was plain and dry  
And was within six miles at most  
Whereas their Enemies host did lie   

The morrow next they all removed  
Though weather were both fold and ill  
Along down by a pleasant flo●d  
which called is the water of till.   

And all that day they viewed in sight  
Whereas the Scots for battle bold,  
Because the day was spent that night,  
The Army lodged at Barrin wood.   

Then Valiantly with the Vanguard,  
The morrow next with Mature skill  
The Admiral did march forward,  
And passed over the water of till.   

At Toynsil bridge with ordinance  
And other Engine fit for War,  
His father eke did forth advance  
And at Milford from thence not f●●   

With the rear ward the river past  
All ready in ranks and battle array  
They had no need more time to waste,  
For victuals they had none that day   

But black fasting as they were born  
From flesh or fish or other food  
Drink had they none two days before  
But water won in running flood.   

Yet they such stedful faiths did bear  
Unto their King and Native land  
Each one to other than did swear,  
'Gainst foes to fight while they could stand.   

And never flee while life did last,  
But rather die by dint of sword,  
thus over plains and hills they passed,  
Until they came at Sandifort.   

A brook of breadth a Tailor's yard,  
Where the Earl of Surry thus did say,  
Good fellows Soldiers be not feared,  
But fight it out like men this day.   

Like English men, now play your parts  
Bestow your strokes with stomach bold  
Ye know the Scottish coward hearts,  
And how we have them scourged of old.   

Strike but three strokes with stomach stout  
And shoot each man sharp arrows three,  
And you shall see without all doubt  
The scolding Scots begin to flee.   

Think on your Country's common wealth  
In what estate the same shall stand,  
To English men no hopes of health  
If Scots do get the upper hand,   

If we should not boldly abide.  
But beastlike backs of them should turn,  
All England North from Trent to Tweed,  
The haughty Scots would harry and burn.   

Your Faithful wives, your daughters pure  
They would not stick for to defile,  
Of life none should be safe and sure  
But murdered be by villains vile.   

But if you'll fight like Soldiers fierce  
So that by force we win the field,  
My tongue cannot tell and rehearse  
What plenteous soil we then shall wield   

Beside all that perpetual praise,  
Throughout all ages shall we gain  
And quietly drive forth our days  
And in perduring peace remain   

All Sam. the soldiers then repl●d  
And there to th' Earl promised plight  
There on that bent boldly to bide  
And never flee but fiercely fight   

Then Marched forth the men of War  
And every band their banner showed  
And Trumpets hoarse was heard afar  
And glistering harness shining viewed.   

Thus they passed forth on the plain  
And straight forth by a valley low  
Where up above on the Mountain  
The Scotish army in fight they saw.   

Whom they did leave on the left hand,  
And past forth on the sunny side  
Till 'twixt the Scots and Scotish land  
They were conducted by their guide   

Now all this while the King of Scots  
Beheld them fair before his eyen  
Within his mind drove many doubts  
Musing what th' English men did mean.   

Giles Musgrave was a Guileful Greek  
And friend familiar with the King  
Who said Sir King if you do seek  
To know the English men's meaning.   

Ye better notice none can have  
Then that which I to you shall tell  
What they forecast I full conceive  
Yea I know their purpose passing well.   

Your marshes they mean for to sack  
And borders yours to harry and burn  
Wherefore it● best that we go back  
From such intent them for to turn.   

This Musgrave was a man of skill  
And speak this for a policy,  
To cause the King come down the hill  
That so the battle tried might be.   

The King gave credit to his word,  
Trusting his talk was void of train,  
He with consents of all his Lords,  
Did march with speed down to the plain.   

By North there was another hill,  
Which Brankstone-hill is called by name,  
The Scots anon did skoure there till  
Lest th' Englishmen should get the same.   

The Letter which they left behind,  
And other filth on fire they set,  
Whose dusty smoke the wrestling wind,  
Even strait between the Army's bet.   

Still on the height the Scots them held,  
The Englishmen march on below,  
The smothering smoke the light so feald,  
That neither Army other saw.   

At length the weather waxed clear,  
And smoke consumed within a while,  
Now both the Hosts in distance were,  
Not past a quarter of a mile   

Then the Admiral did plainly aspect,  
The Scots arrayed in battles four,  
The man was sage and circumspect,  
And soon perceived that his power   

So great a strength would not game stand,  
Wherefore he to his father sent,  
Desiring him straight out of hand,  
With the rearward ready to be bend.   

And join with him in equal ground,  
Whereto the Earl agreed anon,  
Then Drum's struck up with dreadful sound,  
And Trumpets blew with terrible tune.   

Then sounding Bows were soon up bend,  
Some did their Arrows sharp forth take,  
Some did in hand their halberds hent  
Some rusty bills did ruffling shake.    

The Eight Fit.  

THen Ordinance great anon out braced,  
On either side with thundering thumps,  
And roaring Guns with fire fast,  
Then levelled out great leaden lumps.   

With rumbling rage thus Vulcan's art,  
Began this field and fearful fight,  
But th'archgunner on th' English part,  
The Master Scot did mark so right,   

That he will bullet braced his brain,  
And hurled his heels his head above,  
Then piped he such a peal again,  
That Scots he from their Ordinance drove.   

So by the Scots Artillery,  
The Englishmen no harm did hent,  
But the English gunner grievously,  
Them Tennis balls he sousing sent.   

Into the midst of Enemy's ranks  
Where they with ragious caps down rushed,  
Some shouting laid with broken shanks,  
Some crying laid with members crushed,   

Thus the Englishmen with Bombards shot  
Their foes on heaps down thick they threw,  
But yet the Scots with stomaches stout,  
Their broken ranks did still renew.   

And when the roaring Guns did cease,  
To handy strokes they hied apace,  
And with their total power press,  
To join with Enemy's face to face,   

Then the Englishmen their feathered flights,  
Sent out anon from sounding Bow,  
Which wounded many warlike wights,  
And many a Groom to ground did throw.   

The grey gooswing did work such grief,  
And did the Scots so skoure and skaile,  
For in their battle to be bre●f,  
They rattling slew as rank as ●●ile.   

That many a soldier on the soil,  
Laid dead that day through dint of darts,  
The Arrows keen kept such a coil,  
And wounded many wight men's hearts.   

And pierced the scalp of many a Scot,  
So that on ground they groaning fell,  
Some had his shoulder quite through shot,  
Some leaving life did loudly yell,   

Some from his leg the Lance did pull,  
Some through his stomach store was strict,  
Some bleeding belled like a Bull,  
Some were through privy members pricked.   

But yet the Scots still stout did stand,  
Till Arrows shot at length was done,  
And hied apace to strokes of hand,  
And at the last did battle join.   

Then on the English part with speed,  
The Bills stepped forth and Bows went back,  
The morrish pikes and mells of Lead,  
Did deal there many a dreadful thwack.   

The Englishmen stretched East and West,  
And Southward did their faces set,  
The Scotchmen Norward proudly pressed,  
And manfully their foes they met.   

First westward of a wing there was,  
Sir Edmond Haworth Captain chief,  
With whom did pass in equal mace,  
Sir Bryan Tunstal to be brief.   

With whom encountered a strong Scot,  
Which was the King's chief Chamberlain,  
Lord Humes by name of courage hot,  
Who manfully marched them again,   

Ten thousand Scots well tried and told,  
Under his Standart stout he led,  
When th' Englishmen did them behold,  
For fear at first they would have fled.   

Had not the vol●ent Tunstal been,  
Who still stepped on with stomach stout,  
Crying come on good Countrymen,  
Now fiercely let us sight it out.   

Let not the number of our foes,  
Your manful hearts minish or shake,  
Let it never be laid unto our nose,  
That Scotchmen made us turn our back.   

Like doughty lads let's rather die,  
And from our blood take all rebuke,  
With edged tools now let us try,  
Then from the ground he mould up took.   

And did the same in mouth receive,  
In token of his maker dear,  
Which when his people did perceive,  
His valiant heart renewed their cheer.   

Then first before in foremost ray,  
The trusty Tunstal bold forth sprung,  
His stomach could no longer stay,  
But thundering thrust into the throng.   

And as true men did make report,  
In present place which did on look,  
He was the first for to be short,  
On th' English part that proffered stroke,   

All those that ho with Halberd reached,  
He made to stacker in that stound,  
And many a groan to ground he brought,  
And dealt there many a deadly wound.   

And forward still 'gainst foes he flew,  
And threshing turned them all to teen,  
Where he a noble Scotchman slew,  
Which called was Sir Malkin●keen   

And still his foes pursued fast,  
And weapon in Scotch blood he warmed  
And slaughters lashed till at last,  
The Scots so thick about him swarmed.   

That he from succour severed was,  
And from his men which Scots had scaled  
Yet for all that he kept his place,  
He fiercely fought and never failed.   

Till with an edged sword one came,  
And at his legs below did lash,  
And near a score of Scots all Sam,  
Upon his Helmet high did dash.   

Though he could not gainstand such strength.  
Yet never would he flee nor yield,  
Alas for lack of aid at length,  
He slain was fight fierce in field.   

Down falls this valiant active Knight,  
His body great on ground doth lie,  
B●t up to heaven with Angels bright,  
His golden ghost did slickring fly.   

After his fall his people fled,  
And all that wing did fail to wrack,  
Some fight fierce died in that stead,  
The rest for terror turned their back.   

Save Sir Edmond Haworth all alone,  
Who with his standard-bearer yet,  
Seeing his folks all fled and gone,  
In ha●t to vanguard hied to get.   

But he scotfree had not so scaped,  
For why right hot Sir David Hume,  
With troop of Scot● had him entrapped,  
Had not John Bastard Hearon come.   

With half a score of Horsemen light  
Crying now Haworth have good heart,  
For unto death till we be dight,  
I promise here to take thy part.   

Which heard then Haworth heart up drew,  
And with the spear-men forth he sprung.  
And fiercely among their foes he flew  
Where David Hume down dead lay flung.   

And many a Scot that stout did stand,  
With dreadful death they did reward  
So Haworth through bold Hearons' hand  
Came safe and sound to the Vanguard.   

Where the Admiral with strength extent,  
Then in the field fierce fight was  
'Gainst whom in battle bold was bend  
Two Earls of an Antique race.   

Th' one Crafford called th' other Montrosse  
Who led twelve thousand Scotchmen strong,  
Who manfully met with their foes  
With leaden meells and lances long.   

Their battering blows made salad sound,  
There many a sturdy stroke was given;  
And many a Baron brought to ground  
And many a Banner broad was riven.   

But yet in fine through mighty force,  
The Admiral quit himself so well,  
And wrought so that the Scots had worst,  
For down in field both Earls fell.   

Then the Earl of Surry next by east.  
Most fiercely 'gainst his enemies fought  
'Gainst whom King James in person pressed  
With banners blaised his battle brought.   

Wherein was many a Baron bold,  
And many a Lord of lusty blood  
And trusty Knight well tried of old,  
And mitered Prelates passing proud.   

With th' Earl of Catnesse and Castle  
The Earl of Moarton and of Mar  
With Arell and adel and Athell  
Of Bothwell bold and of Clenbar.   

Lord Lovet led a lusty power,  
So Clueston Inderby and Rosse  
Lord Maxwell with his brethren four  
With Borthwick Brogginy and Forbos.   

Lord Arskill Sentclea● and simpell  
With soldiers tried a mighty some  
All with the King came down the hill  
With cowel Kay and Caddie Hume.   

With Captains of Commons stout  
Above twenty thousand men at lest  
Which with the King most fierce on foot  
Against their foes then addressed.   

Now th' Earl of Surry on th' English side  
Encouraged his Soldiers keen,  
Crying good fellows strike this tide  
Now let your doughty deeds be seen,   

Then spears and picks to work was put  
And blows with bills most dure was dealt  
And many a cap of steel through cut,  
And swingeing swaps made many swelled   

There many a soldier fell in swoon  
On either side with wounds right sore  
And many a strong man strucken down  
Some dying ragiously did roar.   

Then on the Scotch part right proud  
The Earl of Bothwell then out braced  
And stepping forth with stomach good,  
Into the Enemy's throng he thrust.   

And Bothwell Bothwel cried bold,  
To cause his soldiers to ensue,  
But there he catcht a welcome cold  
Th' English men straight down him threw   

Thus Haburn through his hardy hart  
His fatal fine in conflict found,  
Now all this while on either part  
Were dealt full many a deadly wound   

On either side were soldiers slain  
And stricken down by strength of hand  
That who could win none weet might plain  
The victory in doubt did stand.    

The Ninth fit.  

Ti●l at the last the Stanley stout.  
Came marching up the mountain steep  
His folks could hard●y fest their feet  
But forced on hands and feet to creep.   

And some their boots left down below  
That toes might take the better hold  
Some from their feet the shoes did throw  
Of true men thus I have heard told.   

The sweat down from their bodies ran,  
And hearts did hop in panting breast  
At last the mountain top they won  
In warlike wise ere Scotchmen wist   

Where for a space the Stanley stayed  
Till time his folks had taken breath  
To whom all Sam even thus he said,  
Most hardy mates down from this heath,   

Against our foes fast let us hie  
Our Country men to comfort and aid  
With fight fierce I fear me I,  
Through lingrink long may be overlayed.   

My Lancashire most lively wights,  
And chosen mates of Cheshire strong  
From sounding bow your feathered flight  
Let fiercely fly your foes among.   

March down from this mountain top  
And brunt of battle let us bide,  
With stomach stout lets make no stop  
And Stanley stout will be your guide.   

A scourge for Scots my father was  
He Barwick town from them did gain  
No doubt so ere this day shall pass  
His son like fortune shall obtain.   

And now the Earl of Surry sore  
The Scots I see besets this ti●e  
Now since with foes he fight before  
we'll suddenly set on their side;   

The noise than made the mountains ring  
And Stanley stout they all did cry  
Out went anon the grey goose wing  
Against the Scots did slickering fly.   

Then showers of arrows sharp were shot,  
They rattling ran as rank as hail  
And pierced the scalp o● many a Scot  
No shield nor pavish could prevail   

Although the Scots at Stanley's name  
Were stonisht sore yet stout they stood  
Yet for defence they fiercely f●ame  
And narrow dint with danger boad.   

And when the shower of arrows shot  
Did somewhat cease within a while  
That the Earl of Huntley haughty and hot,  
With th' ●arl of Lenox and Argile.   

Lord Bo●thick Bogginie and Forb●sse  
With them ten thousand Scotchm●n strong.  
Though death they endured with d●nger force  
Right stoutly yet they stood too't long.   

Which when the Stanley stout did see  
Into the throng he thundering thrust  
My lovely Lancashire lads quoth he  
Down with the Scots the day we wast.   

Then foes he forced to break their ranks  
Where many a life was lost that while  
No voice was heard but kill and slay,  
Down goes the Earl of Argile.   

The Earl of Lenox luck was like,  
He fighting fier●e was slain that tide  
So Lord Forb●sse Bogginie and Borthwick  
Upon the bent did breathless bide.   

And so the Earl of H●ntly's hap  
Had been resembling to the rest  
But that through skill he made a escape  
With an English blade he had been blest.   

But he by hap had a horse at hand  
On whom he scouring scap't away  
Else doubtless as the case did stand  
On Floddan hill he had died that day   

After these Lords were fallen and fled  
And companies left captain-lesse  
Being sore stonisht in that stead  
Did fall to flight both more and less.   

Whom Stanley gits his total strength,  
Persu●d right sore down on the plain  
Where on the King he light at length  
Which fight was with all his main.   

When his approach the King perceived,  
With stomach stout he him withstood,  
His Scots right bravely them behaved  
And boldly there the battle bode   

But when the English arrows shot  
On each part did so pierce and gall  
That e●re they came to handy strokes  
A number great on ground did fall.   

The King himself was wounded sore  
An arrow fierce in his for head light  
That hardly he could fight any more,  
The blood so blemished his sight.   

Yet like a warrior stout he said  
And fiercely did exhort that tide  
His men to be nothing dismayed  
But battle boldly there to bide.   

But what availed his valour great  
Or bold device all was but vain  
His Captains keen failed at his feet  
And Standard Bearer down was slain.   

Th' Archbishop of St. Andrews brave  
King James his son in base begot  
That doleful day did death receive  
With many lusty Lord like Scot   

As the Earl of Catness and castle,  
Marton and Fiarr for all their power,  
The Earl of Arel and Athel,  
Lord Maxwel with his brethren four   

And last of all among the lave,  
King James himself to death was brought,  
Yet by whose fact few could perceive,  
But Stanley still most like was thought.   

After the King and Captain slain,  
The Commons strait did fall to flight  
The Englishmen pursued a main,  
And never ceased while Sun gave light.   

Then the Earl of Surrey made to sound,  
A Trumpet for to retreat anon,  
And Captains caused to keep their ground,  
Till morrow next while night was done,   

But th' English Soldiers all that night,  
Although they weary were with roil.  
The Scotchmen costly slain in fight,  
Of Jewels rich spared not to spoil,   

The Corpse of many worthy wight,  
They uncase of his comely array,  
And many a Baron brave and Knight,  
Their bodies there naked lay.   

The carcase of the King himself,  
Bare naked was left as it was born,  
th'earl than could not know it well,  
Searching the same upon the Morn,   

Until Lord Dacres at the last.  
By certain signs did him bewray,  
The Corpse then in a Cart being cast,  
They to Newcastle did convey·   

Great store of Guns and Warlike gear,  
Whereas the field was fought they found,  
Which they to Barwick then being near,  
And to Newcastle carried round.   

The certain Sum being searched out,  
Twelve thousand Scots died in that stead,  
On th' English side were slain about,  
Some fifteen hundred as we read.   

Yet never a noble man of fame,  
But Bryan Tunstal bold alas!  
Whose Corpse home to his burial came,  
With worship great as worthy was,   

This field was fought in September,  
In Chronicles as may be seen,  
In the year of God as I remember,  
One thousand five hundreth and thirteen.   Praconia Post funera manent  
FINIS.