Who sent Earl Piercy present word He would prevent his sport. The English Earl, not fearing that, Did to the woods resort,

With fifteen hundred bowmen bold, All chosen men of might, Who knew full well in time of need To aim their shafts aright.

The gallant greyhounds swiftly ran To chase the fallow deer; On Monday they began to hunt Ere daylight did appear;

And long before high noon they had A hundred fat bucks slain. Then having dined, the drivers went To rouse the deer again.

The bowmen mustered on the hills, Well able to endure; Their backsides all with special care That day were guarded sure.

The hounds ran swiftly through the woods The nimble deer to take, That with their cries the hills and dales An echo shrill did make.

Lord Piercy to the quarry went To view the tender deer; Quoth he, "Earl Douglas promised once This day to meet me here;

"But if I thought he would not come, No longer would I stay." With that a brave young gentleman Thus to the Earl did say,