take:
I'll be revenged on them all,
For brave Earl Percy's sake.

This vow full well the king perform'd
After, at Humbledown;
In one day, fifty knights were slain,
With lords of great renown:

And of the rest, of small account,
Did many thousands die:
Thus endeth the hunting of Chevy Chase,
Made by the Earl Percy.

God save our king, and bless this land
In plenty, joy, and peace;
And grant henceforth, that foul debate
'Twixt noblemen may cease.

FOOTNOTES:

[82] Field.

[83] Wild.

[84] The curfew.

KING EDWARD THE FOURTH AND THE TANNER OF TAMWORTH.

In summer time, when leaves grow green,
And blossoms bedeck the tree,
King Edward would a hunting ride,
Some pastime for to see.

With hawk and hound he made him bowne,[85]
With horn, and eke with bow;
To Drayton Basset he took his way,
With all his lords in a row.

And he had ridden o'er dale and down
By eight of clock in the day,
When he was 'ware of a bold tanner,
Come riding along the way.

A fair russet coat the tanner had on
Fast buttoned under his chin,
And under him a good cow-hide,
And a mare of four shilling.[86]

Now stand you still, my good lords all,
Under the greenwood spray;
And I will wend to yonder fellow,
To weet[87] what he will say.

God speed, God speed thee, said our king.
Thou art welcome, sir, said he.
The readiest way to Drayton Basset
I pray thee to show to me.

To Drayton Basset wouldst thou go,
Fro' the place where thou dost stand?
The next pair of gallows thou comest unto,
Turn in upon thy right hand.

That is an unready way, said our king,
Thou dost but jest I see;
Now show me out the nearest way,
And I pray thee wend with me.

Away with a vengeance! quoth the tanner:
I hold thee out of thy wit:
All day have I ridden on Brock my mare,
And I am fasting yet.

Go with me down to Drayton Basset,
No dainties we will spare;
All day shalt thou eat and drink of the best,
And I will pay thy fare.

Gramercy for nothing, the tanner replied,
Thou payest no fare of mine:
I trow I've more nobles in my purse,
Than thou hast pence in thine.

God give thee joy of them, said the king,
And send them well to prie