Page:Hunting of Chevy-chase (4).pdf/4

 Lord Douglas on a milk-white steed, Most like a Baron bold, Rode forermost of his company, His armour shone like gold.

Show me, he said, whose men ye be, That hunt so boldly here; That without my consent do chase And kill my fallow deer.

The first man that did answer make Was noble Pery, he Who said, we list not to declare Nor show whose men we be;

Yet we will spend our dearest blood, The choicest harts to slay. Then Douglas swore a solemn oath, And thus in rage did say-

E'er this I will ouebraved be, One of us two shall die. I know thee well, an Earl thou art- Lord Percy-so am I:

But trust me Percy, pity it were, And great offence to kill Any of these our harmless men, For they have done no ill.

Let thee and me the battle try, And set our men aside; Accurs'd be he, said Earl Percy, By whom this is denied.

Then stept a gallant squire forth, Witherington by name; Who said he would not have it told To Henry his King for shame-

That e'er my captain fought on foot, And I stood looking on. Ye be two Earls, said Witherington, And I a 'squire alone,