George Wharton Edwards

The Book of Old English Ballads George Wharton Edwards

God prosper long our noble king, Our liffes and safetyes all; A woefull hunting once there didIn Chevy-Chace befall. To drive the deere with hound and horne, Erle Percy took his way; The child may rue that is unborneThe hunting of that day. The stout Erle of NorthumberlandA vow to God did make, His pleasure in the Scottish woodsThree summers days to take; The cheefest harts in Chevy-ChaceTo kill and beare away: These tydings to Erle Douglas came, In Scotland where he lay. Who sent Erie Percy present word, He wold prevent his sport; The English Erle not fearing that, Did to the woods resort, With fifteen hundred bow-men bold, All chosen men of might, Who knew full well in time of needeTo ayme their shaft