unch their arrows against the Scots. On descending, it was
found that the Scottish bowmen were already in the valley. These they
speedily drove up the hill, and then sent their arrows thick and fast
among the Scottish men-at-arms.

Douglas had, like the Earl of Dunbar, perceived at what disadvantage
the party who took the offensive would have to fight; and had
determined to stand on the defensive, especially as, if he moved
forward, the English could detach bodies of horsemen to work round the
hill, and fall upon his immense train of waggons.

For a time, he refused to accede to the earnest entreaties of his
knights to advance. But as man after man fell under the English arrows,
their impatience increased; until one of his best knights, Sir John
Swinton, rode a few paces out of the ranks, and in a loud voice said:

"My brave comrades, what fascinates you today, that you stand like deer
and fawns in a park to be shot; instead of showing your ancient valour,
and meeting your foes hand to hand? Let those who will descend with me
and, in the name of God, we will break that host and conquer; or if
not, we will at least die with honour, like soldiers."

A mighty shout followed his words, and the whole Scottish host dashed
down the hill. The English archers fell back a little, still shooting
as they did so; but halted a short way up the hill, and shot so hotly
and strongly that they pierced helmet and armour with their arrows.

Nothing could withstand these missiles, shot by the finest and
strongest bowmen in the world. The Scots rolled over in heaps. Douglas,
although clad in the most perfect steel armour, was wounded in five
places, one arrow destroying the sight of one of his eyes. He fell from
his horse, and utter confusion reigned in the Scottish ranks.

Swinging their bows behind them, the archers drew their axes and rushed
into the crowd, effecting a terrible slaughter. Douglas was made
prisoner, as was the Earl of Fife, a son of the Regent Albany, the
Earls of Moray and Angus and Orkney. Two barons, eighty knights, among
whom were several Frenchmen, and several other persons of rank were
also captured; while Swinton, Gordon, and many other knights and
gentlemen were slain, together with seven hundred of the commonalty.
With the exception only of Flodden, no battle on the Border was so
fatal to the Scottish nobility, whose defeat was effected by the
archers only.

The confusion was so terrible that the Earl of No