Page:Hunting of Chevy Chace.pdf/3

(3) Their back ſides all with ſpecial care,

that day was guarded ſure,

The hounds ran ſwitly through the wood,

the nimble dear to take;

And with their cries the hills and dales,

echo thrill did make.

Earl Piercy to the quary went,

to view the fallow-dear,

Quoth he earl Douglas promiſed,

this day to meet me here,

But if I thought he would not come,

no longer would I ſtay,

With that a brave young gentleman,

thus to the earl did ſay,

Lo! yonder doth lord. Douglas come,

his men in armour bright,

all fifteen hundred Scottiſh ſpears,

all marching in our fight,

all pleaſant men of Tivotdale , dwell by the river Tweed,

Then come your ſport, earl Piercy ſaid;

And take your bows with ſpeed,

and now with me my countrymen,

Your courage to advance

For there was ne'er a champion born yet,

in Scotland or in France,

That ever did on horseback come,

but if my Hap it were,

durſt encounter man for men,

with him to break a ſpear,

Lord Douglas on a milk white ſtead,

moſt like a Baron bold,

Rode foremoſt of the company,

whoſe armour ſhone like gold,

Thew me, ſaid he, whoſe men ye be,

that hunt ſo boldly here