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10 your consent that we passed over the Tweed for recreation, which is soon likely to be disturbed—Earl Douglas has sent me a challenge; he is going to give us battle, or make us fly over the Tweed. Remember that you are Englishmen, and that Piercy is at your head. Be courageous; and for the honour of our king and country gain such lasting fame, as shall not die but with time.

Having said thus much, they all shouted, and immediately fell into order, some prunning their arrows and others new stringing their bows which were made of trusty steel.

CHAP. IV.

Of the meeting of the two Earls their proposal to decide the quarrel in single combat, with Witherington's objection.

HE English archers were scarcely in readiness when Earl Dou-