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. — Flodden feilde.

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. — Flodden feilde.

Table of contents

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Title page

Floddan Field

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The second Fit.

The Third Fit.

The fourth Fit.

The fifth Fit.

The Sixth Fit.

The Seventh Fit followeth.

The Eight Fit.

The Ninth fit.

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Licensed November 11. 1663 Roger L'Estrange.

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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. VV P. and S. H. and are to be sold in I [...]y-lane and Grays-Inn gate 1664.

Floddan Field

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NOW will I cease for to recite,

King Harry's Affairs in France so wide:

And of Domestick Wars i'le write,

which in his absence did betide.

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 fathers dayes.

You muses all my mind incense,

And thou Polhymnia most prudent,

Least Nemesis for each offence,

With Poets rod make me repent.

Pardon ye Poets all I cry,

My simple rude and rugged rime,

And though your hill Pernassus hie

Presumptuously I press to climbe.

[Page]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 Volumne short,

The haughty Howards [...]liant act,

Though paper none did make report

Fame would not fail such noble fact.

Or thou O Stanley stiffe in store,

Thou imp of Mars thy worthy meeds,

Who can discourse with due honour

Or paint with praise thy valliant deeds.

Thy doleful day work still shall be

Accurst in Scotland with an out-cry,

For Hectors match this man was he

who calm the mount of Floddan hye.

What banners bravely blaz'd and born;

What standarts stout brought he to th' ground,

What worthy Lords by him forlorne,

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,

Least that the Scots should him disease,

He constitut [...] [...]ains meet.

[Page]For he perusing in presence

Of English Kings their acts so bold,

He saw how Scots in their absence,

What dammage 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 rul'd by her read.

Then for the Earl of Surry he sent

And regent of the North him made

And bad him if the Scots were bent,

The Northern border to invade.

That he should raise a Royal band,

In Yorkshire and in Bishoprick

In Westmorland 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 Kendall bold,

Who fierce will fight and never flee.

There is sir Edward Stanley stout,

For Martiall skill clear without make

Of Lathom house by line came out;

whose blood will never turn their back.

[Page]All Lancashire will live and dye,

With him, so chiefly will Cheshire,

For through his Fathers force quoth he,

This Kingdome first came to my sire.

Lord Clifford eke a lusty Troope.

Will there conduct, a Captain wise,

And with the lusty knight Lord Scroope,

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 discerne,

The Beacons bid them fire fast.

The Earl their sight with sorry heart,

And drown'd 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,

Bereav'd of the Kings Company.

Some thought to th' King of Scots that he

Did wish such foul fortune and fate

And some thought to the Earl of Darby

Between whom then was great debate.

The Earl then his Tennants tall,

Martially in Musters did elect,

And then his way by Journeys small,

To Pomfret Castle did direct.

[Page]Then did he send sir William Bulmer

And bad him on the borders ly,

With Ordinance and other gear,

Each house offence to fortify.

And bad 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 caus'd he watch in every street

And posts to prick through downs and dales,

So what was wrought he straight 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 blaz'd 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 obeysance.

England to over run with rage.

The Scots then meant as was their guise,

Still when the King was under age,

Or Occupide some otherwise.

King James his courage gan to increase,

And of his counsel crav'd to know,

If he were better bide in peace,

Or fight against his brother in Law.

[Page]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 entred 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 over-run,

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 Dowglasse blood.

My Leige quoth he have you no doubt,

But mark my words with mirthful mood.

The League is broak have you no dreed,

Believe me Leige my words are true,

What was the English Admirals 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 Gelders your own cosen 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.

[Page]Then manful Maxwell answered soon

My Leige 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 entred late,

With L [...]wis your cosen the French King,

And now you see what great debate

Betwixt the King and him doth hing.

What greater kindnesse could you shew,

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 dammage to you was done,

By English Kings in time of old.

Your B [...]rders 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 Leige 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 past with all his Peers,

At home is left none in the Land,

But [...]ul [...]-head Monks and brosten Fryers.

[Page]Of ragged rusticks without rules,

Or Priests prating for pudding shives.

Or Milners madder then their mules,

Or wanton Clarkes waking their wives.

Ther'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 cryed on Dallamount

Which Bodword out of France did bring,

Quoth he the nobles names do note

Which are encamp'd with th' English King.

That shall I do my Leige quoth he,

As many as I have in heart,

For first there is the Earl of Darby,

With a lusty Lord called Harbert,

There is an Earl of Antique race,

Passing in pride and costly aray

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 stampe,

There is not such a Lord again,

Not in all King Henry's campe.

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.

[Page]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 Gray,

With haughty Hastings hote as fire.

There is the Marques 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 plumpe of Spears

I know not what his name should be,

A boisterous ball all black he bears.

Lord Hume then answered London hight

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 stomack stout

In England is not lest his make.

[Page]The King then asked his Lords all round

If Wars or peace they did prefer,

They cryed and made the Hall to sound,

Let peace goe back and let's have War.

Our Armour is for usage mar'd,

Both Helmet, Haber [...]eon, and Crest,

Our st [...]ling Nags in Stables sparde,

Are waxen wild with too much rest.

Our Staves that were both tall and straight

Wax crooked, and are cast each where,

Wherefore in England let's go fight

Our Boutyes brave for them to bear.

The King rejoyced then to see

His Lords such lively heart; to have,

And to their says did soon agree

And plyed to their ple [...]sures prave.

With that on Lyon loud he cry'd

And took to him a letter broad;

Quoth he no longer look thou bide

But towards France soon take the rode,

To Torwin Town take thou thy way,

And Grece well there my Brother in-law

And bid him there no longer stay,

But homward to his Country draw·

And bid him cease his fury and force

Against on [...] friend the King of France,

For fear Domestick wars prove worse

And make from me full defiance.

[Page]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 Lyon made him boun lightly,

And with his coat of Arms him deck [...].

He ha [...]'d up Saile 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 Barrons bold in Musters met,

Each man made hast 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 binde,

Some made a Helmet for his head,

Some did their grizly gisarings grind.

Some made their battle-axes bright

Some from their bills did rub the rust▪

Some made long pikes and lances light

Some Pike-forks for to joyn and thrust.

[Page]Some did a spear for weapon weild

Some did their lusty geldings try,

Some all with gold did gild their shield

Some did with divers colours dye.

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.

Dam Ceres did unserv'd remain

The fertile fields did lie until'd.

Outragious Mars so so [...]e did raigne

And Scotland all with fury fil'd.

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 Chamberl [...]in Lord Hume in hast,

O're th' East ma [...]sh Warden was also;

Within the Engli [...]h borders brast:

With eight thou [...]and [...]ll men and moe.

And entred in Northumberland,

With banners bravely blaz'd and born

And finding none them to withstand

D [...]d straight destroy both hay and cor [...].

And spoild and harried all abroad

And on each side Booties in brought

Some coursers catcht some geldings good

Some droves of kin and cattle caught.

[Page]Ma [...]y stately halls and houses gay

And buildings brave they boldly burn'd

And with a mighty spoil and pray

Toward Scotland straight return'd

Sir William Bulmer being told,

Of this great road and wild aray

Did straight 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,

Repair'd to him with all their rout·

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 prickt forth with their pray:

Thinking their perills all were past.

They straggling ran clear out of ray.

The English men burst forth apace:

And skirmished with the Scots anon

There was fighting fierce face to face.

And many geldings made to groan.

There men might see spears flie in spells,

And tall men tumbling on the soil,

And many a horse turn'd up his heells.

Outragious Mars kept such a coil.

[Page]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 mosse mire and ling.

The Chamberlain viewing this chance

And seeing his Host all put to flight,

He with the formost forth advanc'd

And happy he had a horse so light.

For Prickers him so nigh pursu'd

His banner bearer down they bet,

And all the prey and spoile rescude

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 past threescore.

In August moneth this broile befell

The Scots black day with their blood,

As diverse old men yet do tell

The Scots call it the devilish road.

Thus while the Scots both nigh and far

Were through all Scotland occupide

In framing weapons fit for war

And mustring men on every side.

[Page]By this time came the herald sent

Before the Town of Torwin high,

Whereto King Harry straight did wend

And louting low upon his knee.

The King he reverently gan greet

And took to him his Letters large

His Masters minde he let him weet,

And did his whole message discharge.

The Letters soon were look'd upon,

And in the Kings presence perus'd,

The Scottish Kings cracks, who shew'd each one

And how his Majesty he misus'd.

And summond him his seige to cease

And stay his wars taken in hand;

Or else he with a mighty press,

Would straight 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 partl [...] play.

Indeed he doth not now digress

From his old predecessors prave,

But if he do my Land distress

I hope he welcom 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.

[Page]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 stifly in store

And eke his streaming standarts rent

He shall meet with many sharp showers

Before he pass the flood of Trent.

For since he perjur'd 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 spight

Would still proceed his Wars in France.

And took it to the Heraulds hand

And gave him eke a rich reward,

Then homewards he away gan ween'd

And towards Scotland forth he far'd.

[Page]But while he waited for the wind

And for his Ship, did things ordain,

For all his hast, 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 battel bent.

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 Souldiers 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 array'd.

Then with sir Phillip Tillney he spoke,

How that their wages might be paid;

[Page]And after for Ordnance he sent

Unto Sir Nicholas Appleyard,

Which to his bidding soon was bent,

And towards him apace prepar'd.

With Culverings and Cortals great,

And double Canons two or three

He brought them on by stee and street

To Durham in the North-country.

That done, the Earle letters wrote

Unto each Castle, Fort and hold.

That they should furnish them with shot

And fortifie their Bulwarks bold.

Which answered all with stomacks 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 Earle 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 battel bent.

When they were all assembled Sa [...] ▪

The town of Edenbrough before,

Fifty great Lords there were of Fame;

And Barons bold besides great store.

[Page]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 Sc [...]ts religious rules,

Who taught the Priests such pranks perverse,

To march forth mustred on their mules,

And souldier 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 crosse,

But sure St. Triman of Quitor [...]e,

Or Doffin their Demigod 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.

[Page]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 crue,

Then Minstrels mirthed all the land,

And brazen trumpets loud up blew.

Then drums struck up with hideous sound,

And banners bravely waved wide,

Men might behold no where bare ground

But souldiers arm'd on every side.

In midst of ranks, there rode the King

On stately steed which stout did stamp,

A goodly sight to see him fling,

And how his fomy bits he champ'd.

King James thus gorgeously can ride

Great pleasure to his Peers to see,

Thus rode this Prince puft 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 Christendome,

In field to meet him was of might,

No not the great Caesar of Rome

Had been of force with him to fight,

[Page]Nor Hercules, nor Haniball,

The Soulden, Sophy, nor the Turk,

None of the mighty Monarchs 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 bost,

And brought to London in a Cart.

Even in the midst of harvest tide

The two and twentith of August

Did this proud Prince, puft 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 Souldiers sacred to Mahound:

Fa [...] Matrons they did force each where,

And ravished maidens fair and mild,

And houses burnt, and hent up geare,

And murther'd many man and child;

For so the King commanded had

To waste and spoil with fire and flame,

And rifling so by Journies rad

To Norham Castle straight they came.

[Page]Which soon with siege he did beset

And trenches dig'd without delay,

With Bombard shot the walls he bet

And to assault it did assay.

But the Captain with courage stout

His Fortresse fiercely did defend,

But alas too lewdly he lashed out,

And foolishly his Ordnance spend.

And powder did profusely wast,

And hail'd out arrows every houre,

So that he lacked at the last

Which should have been his chief succour.

But yet five dayes he did defend,

Though with hard faults they him assaild,

And all their total strength extend,

But all their Power had not prevaild.

Had it not been a false traiterous thief

Which came King James his face before,

That in that hould 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 expresse, and speak anon,

And I shall let you plain perceive

How that this C [...]stle may be won.

[Page]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 rent and raze,

And with brief battery bring them low.

Which as he said the King did so,

And 'gainst the Walls his Ordnance bent,

And er'e five pieces were shot or moe,

The walls were all to raz'd and rent.

Which made the Captains sore agast

Seeing the walls down ratling reel'd,

His weapons all away he cast,

And to King James simply did yeeld.

The Scots anon they scoured in,

And plyed 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 Traytor 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.

[Page]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 then thirty year.

Why, quoth the King, hast thou thus wrought

Unto thy friends this frantick raige,

That in this building thee up brought

And still hath given thee meat and waige?

But since thy faith thou hast falsify'd

To them that gave thee meat and fee,

It is a token to be try'd

That thou wilt not prove true to me:

Therefore for this thy trayterous trick

Thou shalt be tied in a trace,

Hang-man, quoth he, therefore be quick,

The groom shall gain no better grace.

What he had said fore-past was nought,

This Kings judgment was worthy praise,

If he in all things had so wrought

Belike he had driven forth moe dayes.

By this time came the pricking Post,

Which made the Earl understand

How the King of Scots with a great host

Already entred had the Land;

Which when the Earl of Surry knew,

It was but vain to bid him hast,

He sent to all his friends full true

That they their men should muster fast.

[Page]And shortly he sent to every shire

That the first day of September,

Both Gentlemen, Knights, Lords, and Squire

Unto Newcastle should repaire.

Then with five hundred Souldiers stout

Himself set forth in seemly aray,

And neither stint nor staid his foot

But strait to Durham took his way.

Where he devoutly did he [...]r Mass,

And worship'd God his Maker dear,

Then pray'd he the prayer o [...] that place

St. Cut [...]berts banner for to bear.

Then straight he to Newcastle came

Of August on the thirtieth day,

Where many a noble man of Fame

To him did draw without delay.

There dough [...]y Dacres and him meet,

And brought with him a burly bird

Of warlike wights right well [...]leat

From Westmorland 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 'gan he flie

And took his way to Anwick [...]wn,

That weary men with weather b [...]t

Might h [...]re the m [...]re [...] and room.

[Page]Then should you have seen on every side

The wayes all fill'd with men of War

And stragling streamers waving wide,

And helmets high, glistring afar.

F [...]om Lancashire and Cheshire fast,

They to the lusty Stanley drew,

From Hornby where as he in hast

Set forward with a comley crew▪

What Banners brave before him blaz'd,

The people mus'd where he did pass,

Poor husband-men were much amaz'd,

And women wondering, cryd alass!

Young wives did weep with woful cheer

To see their friends in harness drest,

Some rent their cloath, some tore their hair,

Some held their babes unto their brest.

And woful mothers mourning stood

To see their sons in harness horse,

And shouting skrik'd when they forth rode,

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 valiently return;

The bells did sound a night and day,

The sacred fires bright did burn.

[Page]Men with gray 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 straight

Did pass, and resting there did view

A banner brave born up on high,

Whereunder went a warlike crew.

What l [...]sty Troop is yon I see?

Sr. Edward Stanley did enquire,

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 Valie [...] [...] [...]nde,

His [...] [...]e fixe f [...]st.

[Page]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 Howards let's make hast,

And being sore wearied with the way,

At Anwick town arriv'd at last.

Whose coming did greatly rejoyce

The Earle and all his company,

Who but the Eagle bare the voice

With wings wapped as he would flee.

At Anwick while the army increast,

The weather wax't both soul and wet

With rain down ratling never ceas'd,

That every brook burst forth on float.

Such rustling winds, such blustering breast,

And rushing day and night did sound,

Which made the Earle sore agast.

His son Lord Admiral should be drown'd.

Which at his parting had promis'd plight

To his father if he were alive

At Newcastle with main and might

His Fleet in merry ray to arive.

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.

[Page]Then souldiers soon he set on land,

And to his father fast he hy'd,

With warlike wights in worthy band,

Two thousand men at least well tryed.

With Cartains couragious and keen

At Anwick they arriv'd at last,

Whom when the Earle his army had seen,

With sudden fear they were agast.

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 forraign land.

Some took their harnesse, some their horse,

And forward fast busied to feight.

But when they saw St. Georges Cros [...],

And English armes born up on height.

Some said it was some [...]olly crew

The King had sent from France that [...]yde,

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 milde,

And hand [...]or joy to heaven did throw,

His son was say'd from waters wild.

A merry mee [...]ing there was seen,

For first they kist and then imbrac'd,

For joy the tears fell from th [...] eyne,

All sorepost fears was [...] [...]ac'd.

[Page]Then caus'd the Earl each Captain count

Under their wings what souldiers were,

Which done, the number did but mount

To six and twenty thousand seere.

Then the Earl call'd a Council [...]oone

Of prudent Lords and Captains wife,

And how the battle might best be done,

He bade them shew their best device:

Some said too small their number was

To atchieve so great an enterprise;

S [...]me councell'd posts back for to pass

For aid, and cause the countries rise:

And from the south, the Queen, some [...]

A band of souldiers soon would send,

And will'd to stay, for while they staid

Their powers daily might amend.

Some said the Scots straightway would slee,

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 stomack [...]

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 dasta [...]d part,

[...] ne're be blown by trump of faine

That you should bear a cowards heart.

[Page]Hath not King Henry left you here

His Lieutenant to rule the Land?

Trusting that fiercely without fear

The scoulding Scots you would withstand.

Think on your Fathers 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 seat'd

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 scoure and sweep,

No Pirate proud durst peare 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 griev'd,

If he had scap'd that fatal [...]nce

What worthy acts by him atchiev'd▪

No multitudes made him dismay'd,

Nor numbers great his stomack swage,

Great shame then would to us be laid,

And to our [...] spring in [...]ch [...]ge.

[Page]Your Fathers fame then 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 loytering here like lowns,

And do not sight 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 stomack s [...]out.

The fourth Fit.

THen th' Earle of Surrey again reply'd,

And to his son thus gan he say,

No bashfulness doth make me bide,

Nor stomack faint doth make me stay.

The cause is for no cowardize,

So long time here we make delay,

And yet I fear this enterprize

Will prove no childish sport or play▪

Great counsel therefore must be imbrac'd,

With good deliberation,

Our Cards we had both need to count & cast,

Since it lieth on such a weight and fashion.

[Page]Two hardy oft good hap doth hazard,

And over-bold oft is not best,

That prove I by my son Sir Edward,

Which ever was too bold of brest.

He had been man alive this day

If he with counsel wise had wrought,

But he was drown'd in Bartrumbs bay,

This end his great boldness him brought,

My Father at King Richards field

Under the Stanley's launce lay slain,

And I there did a Captive yield,

Our manhood great got us this gain:

We might have scap'd that scurvy day

If warning could out wits have bet,

A friend of ours to cause us stay,

Upon my Fathers 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 fighting fierce was slain,

King Richard reav'd 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 scap'd if he had wrought

The counsel wise of David Hall.

[Page]I read of Conquerors and Kings,

For lack of Councel cast away,

Now since at hand such danger hings,

Our Councel we had need to say.

It is not I am fright with fear,

Nor for my self such thought I take,

But for young babes and infants dear,

Which fathers sore I fear will lack.

Such fortune falls through fights doubtless,

Poore 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'de rather one English souldier save,

Then for to kill a thousand Scots.

I can no kind of compasse 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 prepar'd for War,

With Barons, Knights and Commons bent,

A hundred thousand men they are.

Put case our total English power

Were ready drest and made in meat

They at meals two would us devour,

The Scottish army is so great.

[Page]Therefore let each mans mind be exprest,

How that the Scots we may convince,

And how to passe this peril best,

And save the honour of our Prince.

Then spake Sir Edward Stanley stout,

Where fierce on the Earl he fix'd his eyn,

What need have we thus for to doubt,

And be afraid of foes unseen.

Shall we lie loytering on this manner

And still permit the Scots in rest,

Fy, let them see an English banner,

And how our souldiers are seemly drest.

What though our foes be five to one,

For that let not our stomacks 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're came in sight,

Sir Jonathan Saul's son alone,

The fierce Phillistians put to flight,

[Page]So Judas Machabeus the man

Of formost fame amongst all Knights

Who can describe war fields he wan

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 blin,

Nor fame that daily fils 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 wan 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 mens fingers drawn.

Where Scipio with numbers small

Of warlike wights of lusty blood

In field to flight put Haniball

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 reke

Of Harry with his famous facts.

[Page]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 proclaim'd,

If fate had lent him longer life

With English Laws all France he had fram'd.

Of Bedford eke his brother John

The Dolphin bet with a small band,

Lord Talbott with his name alone

To tremble forc'd all the French land.

The Earl of Richmond with small power

Of England wan both Realm and Crown

At Bosworth where the braging bore

With all his host was overthrown.

So though the Scottish host be great,

Let us not stint, but them withstand

In battel hold we shall them beat,

For God will help us with his hand.

If we in field be fighting slain,

And be in battel brought to ground,

Perpetual praise then we shall gain,

Men will our fame for aye out sound.

[Page]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 fighting for our Countries right.

Put case the lot light contrary,

As firm my faith is fixt it shall,

And we to gain the Victory,

Good fortune on our side shall fall.

And that we give our foes the foile

What worthy praise then shall we win

What mighty prey, what plenteous spoile

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.

[Page]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 Tinmoth he was forc't 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 yeeld.

What shall I further mention make,

Of Henry the fourth how in his dayes,

The Earl of Morry and Lord Mordack,

Augons and Douglasse prickt with praise.

Did enter in Northumberland,

And murthered men without mercy,

Were they not bet by a small band

In battle by Sir Henry Pearcy.

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 loyter here so long.

[Page]If any seem abased to be,

That we in battel 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 fix'd upon his valiant face:

His wisdome great all wondered at,

And all his manful proffer prais'd,

All they that would have lingered late

Their courage keen now was up-rais'd;

Now they that lately would have stay'd

With formost cry'd, forth to the field,

With one voice all the Earl pray'd,

That Stanley might the Vangard weild.

But on that side the Earl of Surry

Was deaf, for why he could not hear,

For stirr'd now up with Stanley's glory,

His rancor old it was up-rear'd;

Quoth he, the Kings 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 battel brief on this same sort,

Whose order and aray right-plain

With Pen I shall make true report.

[Page]

The fifth Fit.

FOr when Stanley with stomack stout

Did valiantly the Vangard 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 valient victor did return,

' [...]ainst Stanleys blood, such hateful heart

In the Earls breast did boiling burn.

Wherefore in foreward first of all,

Chief Captain constituted he

His loving son Lord Admiral,

With souldiers 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 seal'd,

Till [...] [...]le of Richmond g [...]n his reign.

[Page]Who him restor'd to all his right,

And seated him in his sires 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 bedeckt.

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 broun'd with sounding bows up bend,

All such as Hort [...]n fells had fed,

On Cliffords Banner did attend.

Next whom Lord Lomley and Latimer

Were equal matcht with all their power,

With whom was nex'd their neighbour near

Lord Comis stout and stiff in stoure,

With many a Gentleman and Squire

From Ryppon, Ripley and Rye-dale;

With them march'd forth all Massamshire,

With N [...]isterfield and Nether-dale;

[Page]With till-men tough in harness store,

Which turn'd the furrows of Mittan field,

With bill-wen bold from Blaikamore

Most warlike wights these Lords did wield.

Next whom was plac'd with all his power

Lord Scroop of Upsall the agie Knight,

Then Sir Stephen Bull with all his power

Was match'd next him with all his might.

Sir Walter Arisith sage and grave,

Was with Sir Henry Sherburn bent,

And under Bulmers banner brave,

Th' whole Bishoprick 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 battel bold,

These valiant wights in vangard were,

Seven thousand men numbred and told,

Simplest of whom bare bow or spear.

Then the Earl Sir Edmond Haworth

'Gan 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,

Imploy thy power, let for no pain.

[Page]Of Southern souldiers hundred two,

Under thy wing shall wend with thee,

A thousand thanks Sir Edmond tho,

Did render to his father free.

With him was match't as equal mate,

Bryan Tunstal a trusty Squire,

Whose stomack 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 stir'd his stomack hot as fire.

For when debate did first begin,

And rancor rais'd most ruful work,

And ruffling rul'd this Realm within,

'Twixt Lancaster and the house of York.

During which hurly burly and strife

Were murthered many a mothers child,

And many a Lord bereav'd of life,

And many a noble house blood fild.

But this mans 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 yeeld,

For all the struggling stir and strife,

Nine times he fiercely fought in field,

So oft in danger was his life.

[Page]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 Brittain blown.

And with the Earl of Richmond remaind,

With Lords of the Lancastrian kin,

When the Earl in th' end the garland gain'd,

And of England did the Empire win.

He rendred Tunstal to his right,

And knowing his blotless blood unblam'd,

He eke did cause this trusty Knight,

Undefil'd Tunstal to be nam'd.

Most fiercely he sought at Thallian field,

Where Martin Swart on ground lay slain,

When rage did reign he never reel'd,

But like a rock did still remain.

Now came this man amongst the rest,

To match his father in manhood,

For battel ready bent and prest,

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 wild a worthy Squire.

Next Richard Chomley, and Chiston stout,

With men of Haafield, and of Hull,

Lawrence of Dun with all his rout,

The people fresh with them did pull.

[Page] John Clar [...]ice then was nexed neare,

With Stapleton of stomack 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 ordain'd to attend.

Then next the Left-hand wing did wield

Sir Marmaduke Constable old,

With him a troop well tryed in field,

And eke his sons and kinsfolk bold.

Next whom Sir William Pearcy proud

Went with the Earl Pearcy's power

From Lancashire of lusty blood,

A thousand souldiers stiff in store.

Then the Earl himself can undertake

Of the reereward the Regiment,

Whom Barons bold did bravely back,

And Southern souldiers seemly bent.

Next whom in place was nexed neare

Lord Scroop of Bolton stern and stout

On horse-back, who had not his peere,

No English-man Scots more did doubt.

With him did wend all Wensadale,

From Morton unto Moisdel-more,

All they that dwelt by th' banks of Swale

With him were bent in harness store.

[Page]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 seldome free.

With lusty lads and large of length

Which dwelt on Seimar wather side,

All Richmondshire total strength

The lusty Scroop did lead and guid.

Next went Sir Phillip Tilney tall,

With him Sir Thomas Barkley brave,

Sir John Radcliffe in armes 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 Lyonell Pearcy eke did lead.

Some hundred men well tryed and told.

Next went Sir Mimham Markinfie

In armour coat of cuning work:

The next went Sir John Mounvile,

With him the Citizens of York.

[Page]Sir George Darcy in banner bright,

Did bear a bloody broken spear,

Next went Sir Magnus with his might,

And Chestane bold of lusty cheere.

Sir Guy Dawnie with glorious rou [...],

Then Mr. Dawbies servants bold,

Then Richard Tempest with his roo [...],

In Rereward thus their ray did hold.

The right hand wing with all his rout,

The lusty Lord Dacres did lead

With him the bowes of Kendall stout.

With milk-white coats and crosses red.

All Keswick eke and Cockermonth,

And all the Capel and craggy hills,

All Westmorland, both North and South,

Whose weapons were great weighty bills.

All Carlile eke, and Cumberland,

They with the Dacres proud did pass

From Branton and from Broughly sands,

From Craistone and from Ravens-glasse.

With stripplings strong from Stainmoore-side

And Austenmoore men marched even,

All chose that Gilsland grave did hide,

With horsmen light from Heshan leven.

All these did go in Dacres band,

All these ensu'd his banner broad,

No lustier Lord was in this land,

Nor more might boast of birth and blood.

[Page]Many houses strong and huge of height,

Were all his own to give or sell;

Fair Baronyes for his birth-right

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 hings.

Whose worthy praise and prowesse great,

Whose glorious fame shall never blin:

Nor Neptune never shall forget

What laud he hath left to his kin.

Sr. Edward Stanley stiffe in stoure,

He is the man on whom I mean;

With him did pass a mighty power

Of Souldiers seemly to be seen.

Most liver Ladds 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 bowne,

With such as Botten-Banks did hide:

From Wharmoore up to Whittington,

And all to Wenning water-side.

From Silverdale and Kent Sand-side,

Whose soile is sown with Cockle-shells;

From Cartmell eke and Conny-side,

With Fellows fierce from Forneys fells.

[Page]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 battel bilmen bold were bent,

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 battel drest;

And many Gentleman and Squire

Were under Stanley's streamer prest.

Thus Stanley stout the last of all

Of the Rereward 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 Majesties meaning.

[Page]

The Sixth Fit.

AND whereas the Castle of Ford

He threatneth 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 warr.

Against King Henry his Brother in Law,

And Commons cruelly did kill.

And Piles and Forts did fierce down throw,

And English blood spar'd not to spill.

The Earl charged the Herald straight,

To certifie the said Scotch King,

That he in Field with him would fight

On Friday then next following.

[Page]And yet ere Rougcrosse forth did face,

The Admiral took him by aside,

And bad him to the King declare

His coming and accesse that tide.

That he from Sea descended was

VVith all his total power and might,

And that in foreward with his Grace

He should him find fit for to fight.

And when the Scots on him did call

At dayes of March to make redresse

For Andrew Barton their Admiral,

Whom he with bloody blade did blesse.

Now he was come in person prest,

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 courtesie 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.

[Page]Then Rougcrosse ready took his horse,

Bedeckt in coat of Armes most brave;

With him did weend a trumpet hoarse,

That Scots their coming might perceive.

Their Geldings were both good and light,

From galloping they seldom staid,

Till at the length they view'd in sight

Whereas their Enemies Army laid.

The Scots watch them, anon descride,

And them convey'd before the King,

Where he with Barons bold did bide,

Whom Rougcrosse did on knees kneeling,

With seemly salutation greet,

And after his instructions straight,

Each one he exprest in order meet,

And Letters 'livered there in sight.

Whom when the King of Scots had heard,

And eke had view'd his Letters large,

Even franticke like, he fuming far'd,

And Bombard like, did boasts discharge.

If true, quoth he, let be exprest,

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 Scepter and Crown,

In faith he shall have fighting enough,

On Friday before Sun go down.

[Page]For here to God I promise plight,

We never pass will from this hill,

Till we have tryed your Earls might,

And given their folks fighting their fill.

Because he vex'd our Land of late,

Perchance his stomack is extold;

But now we will withstand his Grace,

Or thousand pates there shall he poll'd.

To presence then he call'd 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 annointed 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 counsell'd 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 turn'd 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 Il [...]y Klept.

[Page]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 tydings t [...]e had brought,

And to his Grace avouc'd no lye,

The King in mind anon for thought

How the Earl he might certifie.

Wherefore he Ilay inst [...]ucted straight

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 shews 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 lodg'd then in a little Village,

Lest he their order might display,

Which might turn to the Scots advantage.

[Page]Which when the Earl understood,

He view'd the Scotchmens dealings all,

With little sound and sober mood,

He straight did on his Council call.

Where he in presence did report

The total tale the Trumpet told;

The Council mus'd with marvel great,

Why th' Scots their Herald did with-hold.

And causes none they could conject,

But all surmises were defer'd,

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 stain,

And burn in Chaffings fiery chair

His startling Steeds hail'd forth amain.

The Earl and his Council sage

To horseback then they hyed round,

And every man did bring his Page

To hold their horses in that stound.

But when they stept within the street,

The Scot was scarce from Capage got,

Where he their English Lord did greet

With little courtesie, like a Scot.

Which done, the Earl did command

His Message he should manifest,

Then Ilay hastily out of hand

His chiefest charge anon exprest.

[Page]My Soveraign Lord, quoth he, King James,

Would of your Honour gladly hear,

If Rougcrosse was charg'd 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 peer [...]es [...] 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 Heralds words wee'l justifie,

For verity he did reveil,

His writings eke the same will try,

Which of our Armes 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 reply'd,

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,

[Page]And for the Owner of the Fort,

Who William Herr [...]n hath to name,

My Mr. name to shew 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 warr.

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 promis'd plight.

For to abide the battel bold,

And give their folks fighting their fill;

And that your Lordship show I should,

So grateful be his Grace until.

As any Earl England thorough,

For if ye had such message sent,

He being at home in Edenborough,

Would gladly have answer'd your intent

Now if wi [...]h dint of sword ye dare

Abide his Grace in battel 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.

[Page]And then a valiant vow he plight,

That he the battel 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,

Straight to the King his servant sent,

Who to his Grace all things declar'd,

With the Earls answer and intent.

The King then Rougercsse did discharge.

Who h [...]ed home to th' Earl in hast:

Then Il [...]y 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 Ord'nance lay,

So strong that no mans study or skill

To fight with him could find a way.

Such mountains steep, such craggy hills,

His Army on th' one side did inclose:

The other side great grizly gills

Did sence with fenny mire and mosse:

[Page]Which when the Earl understood,

He counsel crav'd of his Captains all,

Who bad set sorth 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 press'd was to proceed,

All ray'd in ranks, ready to fight,

C [...]me scowring 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 straight to the Earl did resort.

All th' Army marvel'd 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 leaped there,

And down on knees did lowe full low,

Holding in hand his horse and spear.

[Page]And on this sort he silence brake,

My Lord; quoth he, grant me some grace,

Pardon my life for pitty sake,

You have the Princes 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 recompence.

Quoth the Earl then note us thy name,

Belike thou hast done some heinous deed,

Thou dare not shew thy face for shame.

What is thy fact declare with speed?

If thou have wrought some treason tell,

Or English blood by murther 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 defie,

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 extreams they to me have forc'd,

And as for murthering English men,

I never hurt man, maid, nor wife;

Howbeit Scots some nine or ten

At least I have bereav'd of life.

[Page]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 shew.

Quoth the Earl, then pluck up thy heart▪

Thou seems to be no person prave;

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 straight

And thanked the Earl at that tide;

Then on his horse he leaped light,

Saying, my Lord, ye lack a Guide.

But I shall you conduct full straight

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 shew you who I am;

On borders here I was up brought,

And Bastard Hearon is my name.

What quoth th' Earl Bastard Hearon,

He dyed at least now two years since,

Betwixt Newarke and Northampton,

He perisht through the Pestilence.

[Page]Our King to death had deem'd the man

'Cause he the Scotish Warden slew;

And on our borders first began

Those [...]aging warrs 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 then perceived plain;

That done, he opened all the case.

Quoth he, when I the Scots Warden

Had with blade bereav'd of life,

I wist well I should get no pardon,

But sure I was to suffer death.

In hast King Harry for me sent,

To whom I durst not disobey,

So towards London straight 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, reign'd all England thorough.

[Page]So coming to a certain Town,

I said I was infected sore,

And in a Lodge they laid me down,

VVhere company I had no more.

But my own secret servants three,

For Townsmen 'fraid for fear did watch;

So in that stead no more I staid,

But homeward by the dark dispatch.

My servants secretly that night

Did frame a Corps in cunning sort,

And on the morrow as it was light

My death did rufully report.

And so my servants soon that Morn

The Corps to bury made them bowne,

Crying alas, like men forlorn,

And seem'd for sorrow to fall down.

The Corps they cunningly convey'd,

And caus'd the Bells aloud be rung,

And money to the Priest they paid,

And Service for my soul was sung.

Which done, they tydings straight 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.

[Page]

To Mansion mine I came at last

By journies nimbly all be night

And now two years or more are past

Since J aptly appeard 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 try'd

Which was the cause so sore they craved

This Hearon grave to be their guid.

Then forth before he fiercely flew

The Borders bold to him did draw

The total Army did ensue,

And came that night to Wallers 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 Enemyes host did ly

[Page]

The morrow next they all remov'd

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 view'd in sight

Whereas the Scots for battle bold,

Because the day was spent that night,

The Army lodg'd at Barrin wood.

Then Valiantly with the Vantgard,

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 Engin [...] 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 wast,

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 dayes before

But water wan in runing flood.

[Page]

Yet they such stedful faiths did bear

Unto their King and Native land

Each one to other then did swear,

Gainst foes to fight while they could stand.

And never flee while life did last,

But rather dye by dint of sword,

thus over plains and hills they past,

Vntill they came at Sandifort.

A brook of breadth a Taylors yard,

Where the Earl of Surry thus did say,

Good fellows Souldiers be not fear'd,

But fight it out like men this day.

Like English men, now play your parts

Bestow your stroaks with stomack bold

Yee know the Scottish coward hearts,

And how we have them scourged of old.

Strike but three stroaks with stomack stout

And shoot each man sharp arrows three,

And you shall see without all doubt

The scolding Scots begin to flee.

Think on your Countries common wealth

In what estate the same shall stand,

To English men no hopes of health

If Scots do get the upper hand,

[Page]

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 murthered be by villains vile.

But if yee'l fight like Souldiers 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 dayes

And in perduring peace remain

All Sam. the souldiers 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 shew'd

And Trumpets hoarse was heard afar

And glistering harness shining view'd.

[Page]

Thus they past forth on the plain

And streight 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 eyne

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 mens 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.

[Page]

This Musgrave was a man of skill

And speak this for a policy,

To cause the King come down the hil

That so the battle try'd might be.

The King gave credit to his word,

Trusting his talk was void of trayne,

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 call'd by name,

The Scots annon did skoure there till

Lest th' Englishmen should get the same.

The Letter which they left behinde,

And other filth on fire they set,

Whose dusty smoak the wrastling wind,

Even straight between the Armies bet.

Still on the height the Scots them held,

The English-men march on below,

The smothering smoak the light so feald,

That neither Army other saw.

At length the weather waxed clear,

And smoak consum'd within a while,

Now both the Hoasts in distance were,

Not past a quarter of a mile

[Page]

Then the Admiral did plainly aspect,

The Scots aray'd 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 streight out of hand,

With the rearward ready to be bent.

And joyn with him in equal ground,

Whereto the Earle agreed anon,

Then Drums struck up with dreadful sound,

And Trumpets blew with terrible tune.

Then sounding Bows were soon up bent,

Some did their Arrows sharp forth take,

Some did in hand their holberds hent

Some rusty bills did ruffling shake.

[Page]

The Eight Fit.

THen Ordinance great anon out brast,

On either side with thundring thumps,

And roaring Guns with fire fast,

Then levell'd out great leaden lumps.

With rumbling rage thus Vulcans 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 brast his brain,

And hurl'd his heels his head above,

Then pip'd 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.

[Page]

Into the midst of Enemies ranks

Where they with ragious caps down rush'd,

Some shouting laid with broken shanks,

Some crying laid with members crush'd,

Thus the Englishmen with Bombards shot

Their foes on heaps down thick they threw,

But yet the Scots with stomacks stout,

Their broken ranks did still renew.

And when the roaring Guns did cease,

To handy stroaks they hyed apace,

And with their total power prease,

To joyn with Enemies face to face,

Then the Englishmen their fethered flights,

Sent out anon from sounding Bow,

Which wounded many warlike wights,

And many a Groom to ground did throw.

The gray gooswing did work such greif,

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 souldier on the soile,

Laid dead that day through dint of darts,

The Arrows keen kept such a coyle,

And wounded many wight mens hearts.

[Page]

And pierc'd 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 Launce did pull,

Some through his stomack store was strickt,

Some bleeding belled like a Bull,

Some were through privy members prickt.

But yet the Scots still stout did stand,

Till Arrows shot at length was done,

And hyed apace to stroaks of hand,

And at the last did battle joyn.

Then on the English part with speed,

The Bills stept forth and Bows went back,

The morrish pikes and mells of Lead,

Did deale there many a dreadful thwack.

The English-men stretcht East and West,

And Southward did their faces set,

The Scotchmen Norward proudly prest,

And manfully their foes they met.

First westward of a wing there was,

Sir Edmond Haworth Captain cheif,

With whom did pass in equal mace,

Sir Bryan Tunstal to be breif.

[Page]

With whom encountred a strong Scot,

Which was the Kings cheif Chamberlain,

Lord Humes by name of courrage hot,

Who manfully march'd them again,

Ten thousand Scots well try'd 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 stept on with stomack 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 dye,

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 renew'd their chear.

[Page]

Then first before in formost ray,

The trusty Tunstal bold forth sprung,

His stomack could no longer stay,

But thundring 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 profer'd stroke,

All those that ho with Halberd raught,

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 turn'd 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 warm'd

And slaughters lashed till at last,

The Scots so thick about him swarm'd.

That he from succour severed was,

And from his men which Scots had ska [...]ld

Yet for all that he kept his place,

He fiercely fought and never fail [...]d.

[Page]

Till with an edged sword one came,

And at his leggs 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 yeild,

Alas for lack of aid at length,

He slain was fighting fierce in field.

Down falls this valiant active Knight,

His body great on ground doth lye,

B [...]t up to heaven with Angels bright,

His golden ghost did slickring flye.

After his fall his [...]eople fled,

And all that wing did faile to wrack,

Some fighting fierce died in that stead,

The rest for terrour turn'd 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 vangard hyed to get.

But he scotfree had not so scap'd,

For why right hot Sir David Hume,

With troupe of Scot [...] had him entrapt,

Had not John Bastard Hearon come.

[Page]

VVith half a score of Horse-men 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 Vantgard.

VVhere the Admiral with strength extent,

Then in the field fierce fighting was

'Gainst whom in battle bold was bent

Two Earles of an Antique race.

Th' one Crafford call'd th' other Montrosse

Who led twelve thousand Scotch-men strong,

Who manfully met with their foes

With leaden meells and lances long.

Their battering blows made sallet sound,

There many a sturdy stroak was given;

And many a Barron brought to ground

And many a Banner broad was riven.

[Page]

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 prest

With banners blaised his battle brought.

Wherein was many a Barron bold,

And many a Lord of lusty blood

And trusty Knight well tried of old,

And mitered Prelats passing proud.

With th' Earl of Catnesse and Castell

The Earl of Moarton and of Mar

With Arell and Adell 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 souldiers try'd a mighty some

All with the King came down the hill

VVith Cowell Kay and Caddie Hume.

[Page]

With Captains of Commons stout

Above twenty thousand men at least

Which with the King most fierce on foot

Against their foes then adrest.

Now th' Earl of Surry on th' English side

Incouraged his Souldiers keen,

Crying good fellows strike this tide

Now let your doughty deeds be seen,

Then spears and pickes to work was put

And blows with bils most dure was delt

And many a cap of steel through cut,

And swindging swaps made many svvelt

There many a souldier fell in svvound

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 brast

And stepping forth with stomach good,

Into the Enemies throng he thrast.

And Bothwell Bothwel cryed bold,

To cause his souldiers to ensue,

But there he catcht a welcome cold

Th' English men streight down him threw

[Page]

Thus Haburn through his hardy hart

His fatal fine in conflict found,

Now all this while on either part

Were delt full many a deadly wound

On either side were souldiers 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 forc'd 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 brest

At last the mountain top they wan

In warlick wise e're Scotchmen wist

[Page]

Where for a space the Stanley staid

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 hye

Our Country men to comfort and aid

With fighting fierce I fear me I,

Through lingrink long may be o'relaid.

My Lancashire most lively wights,

And chosen mates of Cheshire strong

From sounding bow your fethered flight

Let fiercely fly your foes among.

March down from this mountain top

And brunt of battle let us bide,

With stomack stout lets make no stop

And Stanley stout will be your guid.

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

Wee'l suddenly set on their side;

[Page]

The noise then made the mountains ring

And Stanley stout they all did cry

Out went anon the gray goose wing

Against the Scots did slickering fly.

Then showrs of arrows sharp were shot,

They ratling ran as rank as hail

And pierc'd the scalp o [...] many a Scot

No shield nor pavish could prevaile

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 showre 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 endur'd with d [...]nger force

Right stoutly yet they stood too't long.

Which when the Stanley stout did see

Into the t [...]rong he thundring thrast

My lovely Lancashire lads quoth he

Down with the Scots the day we wast.

[Page]

Then foes he forc't 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 scape

With an English blade he had been blest.

But he by hap had a horse at hand

On whom he skowring scap't away

Else doubtlesse as the case did stand

On Floddan hill he had dyed that day

After these Lords were fallen and sled

And companies left captain-lesse

Being sore stonisht in that stead

Did fall to flight both more and lesse.

Whom Stanley gits his total strength,

Persu [...]d right sore down on the plain

Where on the King he light at length

Which fighting was with all his main.

[Page]

When his approach the King perceived,

With stomack 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 stroaks

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 blemisht his sight.

Yet like a warrier stout he said

And fiercely did exhort that tide

His men to be nothing dismaid

But battaile boldly there to bide.

But what avail'd his valour great

Or bold device all was but vain

His Captains keen faild at his feet

And Standard Bearer down was slain.

Th' Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews brave

King James his son in base begot

That doleful day did death receive

With many lusty Lord like Scot.

[Page]

As the Earle of Catness and Castel,

Marton and Fiarr for all their power,

The Earle 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 straight did fall to flight

The Englishmen pursued a main,

And never ceased while Sun gave light.

Then the Earle of Surrey made to sound,

A Trumpet for to retreat anon,

And Captains caus'd to keep their ground,

Till morrow next while night was done,

But th'English Souldiers all that night,

Although they weary were with royl [...].

The Scotchmen costly slain in fight,

Of Jewels rich spared not to spoyle,

The Corps of many worthy wight,

They uncase of his comely aray,

And many a Barron brave and Knight,

Their bodies there naked lay.

[Page]

The carcase of the King himself,

Bare naked was left as it was born,

th'Earle then could not know it well,

Searching the same upon the Morne,

Until Lord Dacres at the last.

By certain signs did him bewray,

The Corps then in a Cart being cast,

They to New-Castle did convey·

Great store of Guns and Warlike geare,

Whereas the field was fought they found,

Which they to Barwick then being near,

And to New-Castle carryed round.

The certaine Summe being searched out,

Twelve thousand Scots dyed 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 Corps home to his burial came,

With worship great as worthy was,

This field was foughten 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.

Information about this book

Title statement

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.Flodden feilde.

Edition statement

1664

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A39822

ID [STC]

Wing F1365

ID [STC]

ESTC R3032

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

11787252

ID [OCLC]

ocm 11787252

ID [VID]

49142

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Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A39822)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 49142)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 531:3)

Source

— 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., Flodden feilde.,

Extent

[4], 87 p.

Printed by P.L. for H.B., VV.P. and S.H. ...,. London :: 1664.. (In verse.) (Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library.)

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