54 BALLADS
So thus did both these nobles dye, Whose courage none could staine !
An English archer then perceived The noble Erie was slaine :
He had a bow bent in his hand,
Made of a trusty tree ; An arrow of a cloth-yard long
Up to the head drew he;
Against Sir Hugh Mountgomerye
So right the shaft he set, The grey goose-winge that was thereon
In his heart's bloode was wet.
This fight did last from breake of day
Till setting of the sun; For when they rung the evening-bell,
The battle scarce was done.
THE SLAIN
With stout Erie Percy, there was slaine
Sir John of Egerton, Sir Robert Ratcliff, and Sir John,
Sir James, that bold baron;
And with Sir George and stout Sir James, Both knights of good account,
Good Sir Ralph Raby there was slaine, Whose prowesse did surmount.
For Witherington needs must I wayle, As one in doleful dumpes ;
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