That, without my consent, do chase And kill my fallow deer? "That man that first did answer make Was noble Percy, he; Who said: "We list not to declare, Nor show whose men we be, Yet will we spend our dearest blood Thy chiefest hearts to slay." — Then Douglas made a solemn vow, And thus in rage did say: "Ere thus I will outbraved be One of us two shall die; I know thee well, an earl thou art, Lord Percy, so am I. "But trust me Percy, pity 'twere, And great offense, to kill Any of these our harmless men, For they have done no ill. "Let thou and I the battle try, And set our men aside." — "A coward be, lord Percy said, By whom this were denied." — Then stepped a gallant squire forth, Witherington was his name, Who said, "I would not have it told To king Henry, for shame. 