Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/194

 Yet have we well begun; Battles so bravely won Have ever to the sun By fame been raisèd.

'And for myself (quoth he) This my full rest shall be: England ne'er mourn for me   Nor more esteem me: Victor I will remain Or on this earth lie slain, Never shall she sustain Loss to redeem me.

'Poitiers and Cressy tell, When most their pride did swell, Under our swords they fell: No less our skill is Than when our grandsire great, Claiming the regal seat, By many a warlike feat Lopp'd the French lilies.'

The Duke of York so dread The eager vaward led; With the main Henry sped Among his henchmen. Excester had the rear, A braver man not there; O Lord, how hot they were On the false Frenchmen!

They now to fight are gone, Armour on armour shone, Drum now to drum did groan, To hear was wonder;