Then Douglas swore a solemn oath,
And thus in rage did say,

"Ere thus I will outbrav-ed be,
One of us two shall die!
I know thee well! an earl thou art,
Lord Piercy! so am I.

"But trust me, Piercy, pity it were,
And great offence, to kill
Any of these our guiltless men
For they have done no ill;

"Let thou and I the battle try,
And set our men aside."
"Accurst be he," Earl Piercy said,
"By whom it is denied."

Then stepped a gallant squire forth,--
Witherington was his name,--
Who said, "I would not have it told
To Henry our king, for shame,

"That e'er my captain fought on foot,
And I stand looking on:
You be two Earls," quoth Witherington,
"And I a Squire alone.

"I'll do the best that do I may,
While I have power to stand!