Stories of the Olden Time Part 20

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

5. 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.

6. Poictiers 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, Lop'd the French lilies.

7. The Duke of York so dread The eager vanward led; With the main Henry sped Amongst his henchmen.

Excester had the rear, A braver man not there; O Lord, how hot they were On the false Frenchmen!

8. They now to fight are gone, Armor on armor shone, Drum now to drum did groan, To hear was wonder; That with the cries they make, The very earth did shake, Trumpet to trumpet spake, Thunder to thunder.

9. Well it thine age became, O n.o.ble Erpingham, Which did the signal aim To our hid forces; When from a meadow by, Like a storm suddenly, The English archery Struck the French horses.

10. With Spanish yew so strong, Arrows a cloth-yard long, That like to serpents stung, Piercing the weather; None from his fellow starts, But playing manly parts, And, like true English hearts, Stuck close together.

11. When down their bows they threw And forth their bilbows drew, And on the French they flew; Not one was tardy.

Arms from their shoulders sent, Scalps to the teeth were rent, Down the French peasants went, Our men were hardy.

12. This while our n.o.ble king, His broadsword brandis.h.i.+ng, Down the French host did ding, As to o'erwhelm it; And many a deep wound lent, His arms with blood besprent, And many a cruel dent Bruised his helmet.

13. Glo'ster, that duke so good, Next of the royal blood, For famous English stood, With his brave brother, Clarence, in steel so bright, Though but a maiden knight, Yet in that furious fight Scarce such another.

14. Warwick in blood did wade, Oxford the foe invade, And cruel slaughter made, Still as they ran up; Suffolk his axe did ply, Beaumont and Willoughby; Bore them right doughtily, Ferrers and Fanhope.

15. Upon Saint Crispin's day Fought was this n.o.ble fray, Which fame did not delay To England to carry.

O when shall Englishmen With such acts fill a pen, Or England breed again Such a King Harry?

_Michael Drayton._

THE END.