Page:Memorable Battle of Bannockburn.pdf/4

 Precipitate inglorious flight was all they could attempt,

While the hardy Scots harass'd their rear almost to Edward's camp.

King Robert gave his order in front of the line,

Where in refulgent armour he royally did shine

Which pointed him out to a bold English Knight,

Who from the rest detached himself with Robert for to fight,

With ardour on the wings of hope, advancing with his spear;

But Robert wi’ his battle-axe met him in full carreer,

And thro’ the temper’d shining helm did cleave his head in two,

Till reeling to the earth with a thud he did go.

Such two successful preludes did raise King Robert’s heart.

And fir’d each Scottish warrior his courage to exert;

Then brazen trumpets flourishing with peals of death did ring,

Each army join’d, in loud huzzas, and cry’d, Long live our king.

The hurricane of doubtful war began on every side,

And death in every awful form did o'er the field preside: