66 But putting to the main, Landed King Harry: And taking many a fort Skirmishing day by day With those that stopp'd his way, Where the French gen'ral lay With all his power. Which, in his height of pride, His ransom to provide Unto him sending; Which he neglects the while As from a nation vile, Yet with an angry smile Their fall portending. And turning to his men, Quoth our brave Henry then: Yet have we well begun; Have ever to the sun 8 16 24 By fame been raised. 32 "And for myself (quoth he) Victor I will remain Or on this earth lie slain, Loss to redeem me. "Poitiers and Cressy tell, When most their pride did swell, No less our skill is Than when our grandsire great, Lopp'd the French lilies." The Duke of York so dread Among his hench-men. Excester had the rear, A braver man not there, O Lord, how hot they were They now to fight are gone, Armour on armour shone, Drum now to drum did groan,— To hear was wonder. 40 48 56 That with the cries they make Well it thine age became, Which didst the signal aim When from a meadow by, Like a storm suddenly The English archery Stuck the French horses, With Spanish yew so strong, None from his fellow starts, Stuck close together. When down their bows they threw, And forth their bilbos drew, And on the French they flew, Not one was tardy; Arms were from shoulders sent, Our men were hardy. This while our noble king, Gloster, that duke so good, With his brave brother; Scarce such another. Warwick in blood did wade, Oxford the foe invade, And cruel slaughter made Still as they ran up: Suffolk his axe did ply, Upon Saint Crispin's Day 96 104 112 WHEN the British warrior queen, Sage beneath the spreading oak Full of rage and full of grief: "Princess! if our aged eyes Weep upon thy matchless wrongs, 'T is because resentment ties All the terrors of our tongues. 'Rome shall perish,-write that word 66 Rome, for empire far renowned, Tramples on a thousand states; Soon her pride shall kiss the ground,- 8 12 16 20 |