The Avncient Order, Societie, and Unitie Laudable, of Prince Arthure and his Knightly Armory of the Round Table. With a Threefold Assertion frendly in fauour and furtherance of English Archery at this day. Translated and Collected by R. R. [i.e. Richard Robinson] |
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THE THIRDE ASSERTION
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 | The Avncient Order, Societie, and Unitie Laudable, of Prince Arthure |  |
THE THIRDE ASSERTION
Englishe Hystoricall.
Relinquishing those prophane feates and fautors, now my penne
Approche the prowesse and the praise of natiue Elglishmen:
From Brute the Troyans time, who as hee vsed shooting theare
When vnwares he his Father slew, in forest hunting deare
After hee had by that mischaunce his Syluius deare bereft,
Aryued in this our Albyon then his natiue Troy so left.
Approche the prowesse and the praise of natiue Elglishmen:
From Brute the Troyans time, who as hee vsed shooting theare
When vnwares he his Father slew, in forest hunting deare
After hee had by that mischaunce his Syluius deare bereft,
Aryued in this our Albyon then his natiue Troy so left.
The Brytons his successors ruled this Lande, till Cæsar hee
Conquerd the same, not long before Christes natiuity.
Conquerd the same, not long before Christes natiuity.
The Romanes held the Brittaines in their rule and tribute long.
Agricola a Capteyn (sent the Romanes from among)
With shot of arrowes and of darts did greeue the Brittons much
They with huge swords and bucklers smal eke kept the Romans tuch.
Agricola a Capteyn (sent the Romanes from among)
With shot of arrowes and of darts did greeue the Brittons much
They with huge swords and bucklers smal eke kept the Romans tuch.
Hengist a Saxon hether came, in kent whose Kingdome was.
And warrd vppon the Brytons till he lyued in quyet case
And warrd vppon the Brytons till he lyued in quyet case
ARTHVRE the mirrour of manhood, and Champion of Cheualrie.
Subdewed the Saxons to him tho, with many a victorie
Among the Brittons after his time, west Saxons still bare sway,
Subdewed the Saxons to him tho, with many a victorie
Among the Brittons after his time, west Saxons still bare sway,
Aelfird, a Godly learned King a Saxon, stories saye
By cruell pursute of the Danes which troubled then this Land,
Dyd wander with his Bow and shafts their force and did withstand:
For God not onely victor him full many a time did make
Ouer the Paganes, but by him enforst their force to stake.
By cruell pursute of the Danes which troubled then this Land,
Dyd wander with his Bow and shafts their force and did withstand:
For God not onely victor him full many a time did make
Ouer the Paganes, but by him enforst their force to stake.
Harolde the Dane vsurpt and tooke on him to raigne as king,
Untill the tyme of Willyam Duke of Normandies coming:
Whose powers together beeing met Haroldes was ouermatcht,
And hee (a shaft shot into his head) at once was so dispacht.
Untill the tyme of Willyam Duke of Normandies coming:
Whose powers together beeing met Haroldes was ouermatcht,
And hee (a shaft shot into his head) at once was so dispacht.
Willyam the Duke had conquerd there this Land & ruled the same,
But not in bondage would shee lyue thoug he her ouercame
It's worth the reading therfore heare to shew how Stigand then
Archbishop, and how Egelstyn that Abbot playde the men:
For freedome of their Cnntrey, thus therfore they did deuise,
A power of Horsemen and footemen should for time exercyse
Alongst their feeldes as't were lanelike long boughes & large to beare,
To make the Duke should thether come, when hee therof did heare.
And as they said it hapned so, the Duke came with his traine,
Who seeing this thought it had bene euen moouing trees certaine:
Whereto approching with meane space (discomfited in minde)
Hee pawsd, the Kentish power a far did smell him in the winde.
Who (when within their army him enclosed got they had)
Down cast their boughs vp bent their Bowes their shafts to shoot most glad.
The trompets sound, their Banners waue, their weapōs busied were,
To feight with whome they so desyrde in Cuntryes quarrel there.
So hee, who thought he had in his fist the whole land late so fast,
Began his life now to despaire, affrighted and agast:
Then they oracion frendly framed, condicions graunt hee should,
Their wonted freedome that they might in certaine order holde:
Hee thereto grees, confirmes the graunt by pledge sufficyent so,
That by this meanes those liberties continwed hetherto.
But not in bondage would shee lyue thoug he her ouercame
It's worth the reading therfore heare to shew how Stigand then
Archbishop, and how Egelstyn that Abbot playde the men:
For freedome of their Cnntrey, thus therfore they did deuise,
A power of Horsemen and footemen should for time exercyse
Alongst their feeldes as't were lanelike long boughes & large to beare,
To make the Duke should thether come, when hee therof did heare.
And as they said it hapned so, the Duke came with his traine,
Who seeing this thought it had bene euen moouing trees certaine:
Whereto approching with meane space (discomfited in minde)
Hee pawsd, the Kentish power a far did smell him in the winde.
Who (when within their army him enclosed got they had)
Down cast their boughs vp bent their Bowes their shafts to shoot most glad.
The trompets sound, their Banners waue, their weapōs busied were,
To feight with whome they so desyrde in Cuntryes quarrel there.
So hee, who thought he had in his fist the whole land late so fast,
Began his life now to despaire, affrighted and agast:
Then they oracion frendly framed, condicions graunt hee should,
Their wonted freedome that they might in certaine order holde:
Hee thereto grees, confirmes the graunt by pledge sufficyent so,
That by this meanes those liberties continwed hetherto.
Willyam Rufus was his sonne, who ruled not so well,
As that men could not weepe for ioy of his death to heare tell,
To his owne subiectes wicked hee and so to strangers was:
But most wicked vnto himselfe when Gods will taking place
In Hamshyer that new forrest, as hee hunted on a time,
A Knight in shooting at a Deare gaue him his fatall fine.
But now of Noble Princes I will penne the noble praise,
Euen such as worthie Archery mentained in their dayes.
As that men could not weepe for ioy of his death to heare tell,
To his owne subiectes wicked hee and so to strangers was:
But most wicked vnto himselfe when Gods will taking place
A Knight in shooting at a Deare gaue him his fatall fine.
But now of Noble Princes I will penne the noble praise,
Euen such as worthie Archery mentained in their dayes.
Henry the First of England King, fought many a battell strong
Agenst the French with Archers stout, his other powers among:
A victor eke hee still preuaild in warres: and in peace tyme,
His People vnto shooting did them selues greatly enclyne.
Agenst the French with Archers stout, his other powers among:
A victor eke hee still preuaild in warres: and in peace tyme,
His People vnto shooting did them selues greatly enclyne.
Stephen, King of England stoutly dyd with Archers in his bande
As also by his other powers the Scottish broylles withstand:
He made warres eke genst Robert then the Earle of Glocester
Who did inuade his Kingdome with ten knights and in nomber
Of Archers iust so many, which on horseback passed through
The midst of all the Realme, but yet resisted well enough.
As also by his other powers the Scottish broylles withstand:
He made warres eke genst Robert then the Earle of Glocester
Who did inuade his Kingdome with ten knights and in nomber
Of Archers iust so many, which on horseback passed through
The midst of all the Realme, but yet resisted well enough.
Henry the second valyantly aduentured Irelands soyle
With warlike power, some Archers were, with labour small and toyle
The Archbishops and Bishops did receiue him for their King,
And hee them ruled like worthie prince in loue and peace tendring.
With warlike power, some Archers were, with labour small and toyle
The Archbishops and Bishops did receiue him for their King,
And hee them ruled like worthie prince in loue and peace tendring.
Richard Cœur de Lyon cald a king and Conquerour was,
With Phillip king of France, who did vnto Ierusalem passe:
Olde Chronicles report, his power had Archers them among,
Whose force confounded Pagans fell and layde them dead along.
In this Kings time was Robyn Hood: that Archer and outlawe,
And litle Iohn his partener eke, vnto them which did drawe
One hondred tall and good Archers, on whome foure hondred men
Were their power neuer so strong could not giue onset then:
The Abbots Monkes and Carles rich, these onely did molest
And reskewd woemen when they saw of theeues them so opprest,
Restoring poore mens goods, and eke aboundantly releeued
Poore Trauellers which wanted food, or were with sicknes greeued.
With Phillip king of France, who did vnto Ierusalem passe:
Olde Chronicles report, his power had Archers them among,
Whose force confounded Pagans fell and layde them dead along.
In this Kings time was Robyn Hood: that Archer and outlawe,
And litle Iohn his partener eke, vnto them which did drawe
One hondred tall and good Archers, on whome foure hondred men
Were their power neuer so strong could not giue onset then:
The Abbots Monkes and Carles rich, these onely did molest
And reskewd woemen when they saw of theeues them so opprest,
Restoring poore mens goods, and eke aboundantly releeued
Poore Trauellers which wanted food, or were with sicknes greeued.
And, heare because of Archery I do by penne explane
The vse, the proffet, and the praise, to England by the same,
My self remembreth of a childe in Contreye natiue mine:
A May game was of Robyn-hood and of his traine that time
To traine vp young men, stripplingsand, eche other younger childe
In shooting, yearely this with solempne feast was by the Guylde,
Or Brother hood of Townsmen done, with sport, with ioy, and loue
To proffet which in present tyme, and afterward did proue.
The vse, the proffet, and the praise, to England by the same,
My self remembreth of a childe in Contreye natiue mine:
A May game was of Robyn-hood and of his traine that time
To traine vp young men, stripplingsand, eche other younger childe
In shooting, yearely this with solempne feast was by the Guylde,
Or Brother hood of Townsmen done, with sport, with ioy, and loue
To proffet which in present tyme, and afterward did proue.
Iohn King, subdewed Ireland with manly force and might
Of Horsemen, Archers, speares, and such as put their foes to flight.
Of Horsemen, Archers, speares, and such as put their foes to flight.
Edward the second that valyant Prince, when Scotland hee rescewed,
From them, whose force his Father had not long before subdewed,
In his hoste for his second ward had Archers and footmen,
But many of the Enemies were slaine by Archers then.
From them, whose force his Father had not long before subdewed,
In his hoste for his second ward had Archers and footmen,
But many of the Enemies were slaine by Archers then.
Edward that victorious King the thirde so cald by name,
When his noble Nauy agenst the French Kings nauy came,
Hee had the winde most wishfully and sonne so at his back,
His purpose and his enterprise that hee no time did slack:
A shower of English arrowes sharp from long bowes powered downe,
Uppon the Frenchmen, whereby fell to our men great renowme,
When at that Bickering Frenchmen there to leaue their ships were faine,
And leape into the seayes for want of landing place certaine.
When his noble Nauy agenst the French Kings nauy came,
Hee had the winde most wishfully and sonne so at his back,
His purpose and his enterprise that hee no time did slack:
A shower of English arrowes sharp from long bowes powered downe,
Uppon the Frenchmen, whereby fell to our men great renowme,
When at that Bickering Frenchmen there to leaue their ships were faine,
And leape into the seayes for want of landing place certaine.
Therles of Northampton, and of Oxeford fought also,
With Charles Duke of Brittayne, as the Chronicles do shoe:
At Morleys where oure men of armes, and Archers valyant might
Subdewed that Contrey, foilde their foes, and wan that field outright.
With Charles Duke of Brittayne, as the Chronicles do shoe:
At Morleys where oure men of armes, and Archers valyant might
Subdewed that Contrey, foilde their foes, and wan that field outright.
That yeare the King the noble Earle of Darby eke did send,
Newly create first King of Man, with an army to thend
Hee Gascoyne by strong power might win, which hee wt great goodwill,
And Archers ayde, (as God would giue him leaue) did so fulfill:
For many a walled Towne hee theare and castle also wonne,
With skermishes which made his foes to flee away and ronne,
So that hee dubbed there .50. Knights as Chronicles declare,
And to his King with honour dewe did homewards then repare.
Newly create first King of Man, with an army to thend
Hee Gascoyne by strong power might win, which hee wt great goodwill,
And Archers ayde, (as God would giue him leaue) did so fulfill:
For many a walled Towne hee theare and castle also wonne,
With skermishes which made his foes to flee away and ronne,
So that hee dubbed there .50. Knights as Chronicles declare,
And to his King with honour dewe did homewards then repare.
The noble King in person came agenst the French at length,
And made the English Dragon mount in feelde with force and strength:
When Oleflam that Frenchmen bare, went flittering to and fro,
Which ayded was at Cressy feelde by other Kings twaine mo,
Of Boheme and of Malogres: their men innumerable,
The English fifteene hondreth scarse nothing like comparable.
And made the English Dragon mount in feelde with force and strength:
When Oleflam that Frenchmen bare, went flittering to and fro,
Which ayded was at Cressy feelde by other Kings twaine mo,
Of Boheme and of Malogres: their men innumerable,
The English fifteene hondreth scarse nothing like comparable.
K. Edward hee corageously endured from noone to night,
The English Archers did their best with arrowes long and light.
Their Footemen (being plast among their Horsemen greeued and gald,
With Archers girdes) were troden downe and so sore ouerhalde,
That great and greeuous was their crye, but greater was the showte,
Which in pursute our Shooters gaue th'enimies hoast throughout:
Their aray was broke, they scattered were, and by our armed men
Were many of them beaten downe, the rest did flee as then.
The English Archers did their best with arrowes long and light.
Their Footemen (being plast among their Horsemen greeued and gald,
With Archers girdes) were troden downe and so sore ouerhalde,
That great and greeuous was their crye, but greater was the showte,
Which in pursute our Shooters gaue th'enimies hoast throughout:
Were many of them beaten downe, the rest did flee as then.
And see, about that present time. The Scots with power inuade
This Realme as farre as Dyrham come, with weapon and with blade:
Th'archbishop of Yorke and States there left as then which were,
With the Archers tall a nomber good and stout of Lankashier
Encountring with the King of Scots and all his hoste, in fine,
Dauid their King sore wounded was with shafts that present time.
A nomber of his cheef Lordes and Knights were taken there captiues,
Of common Souldiours most parte slaine, a few fled with their lyues.
This Realme as farre as Dyrham come, with weapon and with blade:
Th'archbishop of Yorke and States there left as then which were,
With the Archers tall a nomber good and stout of Lankashier
Encountring with the King of Scots and all his hoste, in fine,
Dauid their King sore wounded was with shafts that present time.
A nomber of his cheef Lordes and Knights were taken there captiues,
Of common Souldiours most parte slaine, a few fled with their lyues.
K. Edward yet did vnderstand Calys betrayed should bee,
Hee therefore as a valyant Prince gathered an Army,
Of horse and man, of billes and bowes, of speares and swordes also,
Embarcked in an Nauy meete, and Calys comes hee to:
About their Kingly Conquerour this English Army clings,
As who (next God) would cleaue to him aboue all earthly things,
Hee with a Kingly courage doth likewise vnto them call,
Hee placeth them in Batle ray and princely cheares them all.
But specially to his Archers which, stood on the hilles there drye
Doo well yee Archers play the men, and know (saith hee) that I
Am EDWARD of Windsore: herewith, thēselues they did prepare,
To set vppon their Enemies, no force nor might they spare.
The shafts from hilles so hye sent downe into the valleys lowe,
Did wash the Frenchmen euery wheare like mighty flakes of snow,
But such a washing as that was with woundes and wofull plight,
They seldome saw, which with the same were foyld and slaine outright.
God giuing him this victory, the King doth order take,
For all things meete, and his returne to England streight dothe make:
Wheare hee the first Feast did ordaine of S. George the Marter,
And made the First most noble Knights of thorder of the Garter.
Hee therefore as a valyant Prince gathered an Army,
Of horse and man, of billes and bowes, of speares and swordes also,
Embarcked in an Nauy meete, and Calys comes hee to:
About their Kingly Conquerour this English Army clings,
As who (next God) would cleaue to him aboue all earthly things,
Hee with a Kingly courage doth likewise vnto them call,
Hee placeth them in Batle ray and princely cheares them all.
But specially to his Archers which, stood on the hilles there drye
Doo well yee Archers play the men, and know (saith hee) that I
Am EDWARD of Windsore: herewith, thēselues they did prepare,
To set vppon their Enemies, no force nor might they spare.
The shafts from hilles so hye sent downe into the valleys lowe,
Did wash the Frenchmen euery wheare like mighty flakes of snow,
But such a washing as that was with woundes and wofull plight,
They seldome saw, which with the same were foyld and slaine outright.
God giuing him this victory, the King doth order take,
For all things meete, and his returne to England streight dothe make:
Wheare hee the first Feast did ordaine of S. George the Marter,
And made the First most noble Knights of thorder of the Garter.
After this yet euen that yeare the Spainyards did beset
The Brittaine Sea, with Forty and foure Ships like Castles great:
The King againe 50. great Ships with Pynnaces preparde,
More like vnto small Cotages. Hee then and Prince Edward
His Sonne with Nobles Knights and Squiers, and their retenue smal,
Amongst whome (lo the Archers were not least nor worst of all)
Embarckt them selues & Crosse the Seays till such time as they meete
With their prouoking Enemies, I meane the Spanish fleete:
To bickering and then they fell on both sides for best game,
Twentie and seuen Spanish shippes by night did flie with shame,
Which left Seauenteene for English spoyle, and prise the eeuen before,
The Realme fared better by the same against their wils full sore.
The Brittaine Sea, with Forty and foure Ships like Castles great:
The King againe 50. great Ships with Pynnaces preparde,
More like vnto small Cotages. Hee then and Prince Edward
His Sonne with Nobles Knights and Squiers, and their retenue smal,
Amongst whome (lo the Archers were not least nor worst of all)
Embarckt them selues & Crosse the Seays till such time as they meete
With their prouoking Enemies, I meane the Spanish fleete:
Twentie and seuen Spanish shippes by night did flie with shame,
Which left Seauenteene for English spoyle, and prise the eeuen before,
The Realme fared better by the same against their wils full sore.
Edward the Blacke Prince so syrnamed King Edward the 3. his son,
(Who lately with the Spanyards fought) as Generall now is come,
With men of Armes foure thousand, and one thousand soldiours such,
As Armour bare, of Archers eke, two thousand which kept tuch,
Under conduct of Earles three, of Oxford, Salisbury,
And Suffolke, which to meete the king of Fraunce did make them redy:
By Poytiers Towne, in pitched field the Prince himselfe doth take,
Cheefe charge vpon himselfe, And doth a graue oration make
To his Soldiours all, but specially, his Archers worthines
He doth extoll, from time to time, Exhorting them no lesse,
To hold on their fidelitie and prooued Prowesse still,
Which they did seeme most dutifull at that time to fulfill:
When they so fast their arrowes shot vpon the French that day,
Their quiuers emptied were apace, then catch that can or may,
From euery wounded corps a shaft, in haste and it bestowed,
Upon another where he could, to pay the debt he owed.
Thus passed they the time with toyle, when all their shafts were spent,
To lay on load with Sword and Bill, to hand strokes foot they went,
The French King and his sonne they tooke, and almost all his peares,
And Thirtie thousand slew besides in those their warlike feares.
Prince Edward (God thus giuing him a valiant victorie,)
Returneth to his Father streight, and with him his armie.
(Who lately with the Spanyards fought) as Generall now is come,
With men of Armes foure thousand, and one thousand soldiours such,
As Armour bare, of Archers eke, two thousand which kept tuch,
Under conduct of Earles three, of Oxford, Salisbury,
And Suffolke, which to meete the king of Fraunce did make them redy:
By Poytiers Towne, in pitched field the Prince himselfe doth take,
Cheefe charge vpon himselfe, And doth a graue oration make
To his Soldiours all, but specially, his Archers worthines
He doth extoll, from time to time, Exhorting them no lesse,
To hold on their fidelitie and prooued Prowesse still,
Which they did seeme most dutifull at that time to fulfill:
When they so fast their arrowes shot vpon the French that day,
Their quiuers emptied were apace, then catch that can or may,
From euery wounded corps a shaft, in haste and it bestowed,
Upon another where he could, to pay the debt he owed.
Thus passed they the time with toyle, when all their shafts were spent,
To lay on load with Sword and Bill, to hand strokes foot they went,
The French King and his sonne they tooke, and almost all his peares,
And Thirtie thousand slew besides in those their warlike feares.
Prince Edward (God thus giuing him a valiant victorie,)
Returneth to his Father streight, and with him his armie.
Richard the second in his time (the Scots inuading so
His land, so far as Warck Castle) to stoppe his faithlesse foe,
Who now had brent within his land, his promisse likewise broke,
Against him sent a chosen power, to giue him battell stroke.
Th'Earle of Buckingam did leade a thousand Launses tall,
Two Thousand Archers, made his hoste, most faithfull and loyall,
But when they came into the field of th'enemeis to haue sight:
They neuer shewed their faces, nor once signe that they would fight.
Wherefore the Earle with his power pursued them homewards then,
Burning their Countrey as he could, and so made hither againe.
His land, so far as Warck Castle) to stoppe his faithlesse foe,
Who now had brent within his land, his promisse likewise broke,
Against him sent a chosen power, to giue him battell stroke.
Th'Earle of Buckingam did leade a thousand Launses tall,
Two Thousand Archers, made his hoste, most faithfull and loyall,
But when they came into the field of th'enemeis to haue sight:
They neuer shewed their faces, nor once signe that they would fight.
Wherefore the Earle with his power pursued them homewards then,
Burning their Countrey as he could, and so made hither againe.
Againe the King to Scotland ward his power did addresse,
Of Knights, of Squiers, and Archers stoute, whose number to expresse
The like not heard of in those dayes, which enterd Scotland Roade:
Who thither come, their Enemies fled their sight and not aboade.
Of Knights, of Squiers, and Archers stoute, whose number to expresse
Who thither come, their Enemies fled their sight and not aboade.
The King and all his states holding a Parlement as then,
At Westminster a stur began, through Criminall causes, when
Four thousand of the Kings Archers (the parliament about)
Encompassed, as though some euill were worcking in the rowte:
Their Bowes were bent, and they ready the same for to withstand,
But that the King in person was euen presently at hand,
Which did appease the sturr supposde that afterward would fall,
So all was hwisht, and euery man went well apaide withall.
At Westminster a stur began, through Criminall causes, when
Four thousand of the Kings Archers (the parliament about)
Encompassed, as though some euill were worcking in the rowte:
Their Bowes were bent, and they ready the same for to withstand,
But that the King in person was euen presently at hand,
Which did appease the sturr supposde that afterward would fall,
So all was hwisht, and euery man went well apaide withall.
The king in Person went with power ouer into Ireland
To Diblyn, where he being come did streight way vnderstand,
His common Enemy Mack more so sauage ferce and fell,
Against all dewty did resist, and others made rebell:
His grace thought meete to make out then the Earle of Glocester,
With Launces tall two hondreth and 2000 Archers thether:
The Enemy and all his power to bring vnder his bande,
For I will haue him, (saith the king,) or els out of this Lande
A liue hence will I neuer go. The Chronicles at large
Declare what thereof did ensew in that enioyned charge.
To Diblyn, where he being come did streight way vnderstand,
His common Enemy Mack more so sauage ferce and fell,
Against all dewty did resist, and others made rebell:
His grace thought meete to make out then the Earle of Glocester,
With Launces tall two hondreth and 2000 Archers thether:
The Enemy and all his power to bring vnder his bande,
For I will haue him, (saith the king,) or els out of this Lande
A liue hence will I neuer go. The Chronicles at large
Declare what thereof did ensew in that enioyned charge.
Henry the 4. of England King, a certen power sent forth.
The Earle of Northumberland, and others in the North,
With armed men and Archers tall appointed all aright,
Who with the Scots their army and their Archers eke should feght.
Our Archers with theirs changd no ground, and both did manly well:
(So as the nobles and the rest on both partes truth to tell,
While they did stand as lookers on) our English Archery
Slew many a Scot and tooke the flower of all their Cheualry:
The Earle of Northumberland, and others in the North,
With armed men and Archers tall appointed all aright,
Who with the Scots their army and their Archers eke should feght.
Our Archers with theirs changd no ground, and both did manly well:
(So as the nobles and the rest on both partes truth to tell,
While they did stand as lookers on) our English Archery
Slew many a Scot and tooke the flower of all their Cheualry:
Henry the 5. the pereles Prince and Conquerour puisant
Agenst the French at Agincourt about him attendant
Had but 7000 feighting men, and many of them sick,
Yet most of them a yeard in length their shaftes there drew to prick,
Euen all the Cheualry in france, and downeright so them slew,
Which 40000 coumpted were: Of oure Men slaine but few.
Agenst the French at Agincourt about him attendant
Had but 7000 feighting men, and many of them sick,
Yet most of them a yeard in length their shaftes there drew to prick,
Euen all the Cheualry in france, and downeright so them slew,
Which 40000 coumpted were: Of oure Men slaine but few.
To Troys in Campaine Championlike this King with army came
Of 16000 Souldiours and the most part of the same
Were English Archers which behaued them with the rest so well,
And valyant, that the victory vnto the king then fell.
Of 16000 Souldiours and the most part of the same
Were English Archers which behaued them with the rest so well,
And valyant, that the victory vnto the king then fell.
Richard the thirde and Henry Earle of Richmond met in feeld
At Bosworth where both partes were strong with horse, sword, bow, & sheeld
Richard, two forwings had in midst of whome his Archers were
Th'Earle 2. wings of horsmen had and Archers few, did bere
Themselues eche vnto others so, that after long felle fight
The King was slaine, and to the Earle the victory did light:
Who there was Crowned King in feeld, as God him grace did giue,
Not suffering Tyrants longer then hee thinkes good heare to liue.
At Bosworth where both partes were strong with horse, sword, bow, & sheeld
Richard, two forwings had in midst of whome his Archers were
Th'Earle 2. wings of horsmen had and Archers few, did bere
Themselues eche vnto others so, that after long felle fight
The King was slaine, and to the Earle the victory did light:
Who there was Crowned King in feeld, as God him grace did giue,
Not suffering Tyrants longer then hee thinkes good heare to liue.
K. Henry the 7. that noble Prince (the Earle of Richmond yore,
Sent Sir Humfrey Talbot but, with Archers iust sixeschore
To Newports seege in Flaunders soyle: these Archers euery one
An arrowe shot which made the flemings groueling for to grone:
So that 8000 of them slaine by shafts and gonne shot were,
Of Englishmen in all the hoast, and not one hondreth theare.
Sent Sir Humfrey Talbot but, with Archers iust sixeschore
To Newports seege in Flaunders soyle: these Archers euery one
An arrowe shot which made the flemings groueling for to grone:
So that 8000 of them slaine by shafts and gonne shot were,
Of Englishmen in all the hoast, and not one hondreth theare.
At Black heath feelde the king his power with Cornish rebells met,
Whose Archers drawing a clothyeards length of force were very gret:
But greater was the power of God (assistant with the King,
His Army, and his Archers eke,) those Rebells conquering:
Of whome 2000 slaine there was, and infinite captiues,
Which had (their guerdon dew to such) the losse of all their liues.
Whose Archers drawing a clothyeards length of force were very gret:
But greater was the power of God (assistant with the King,
His Army, and his Archers eke,) those Rebells conquering:
Of whome 2000 slaine there was, and infinite captiues,
Which had (their guerdon dew to such) the losse of all their liues.
Henry the 8. that mighty Prince and mirour of Maiesty
Ayded the Douches of Sauoy with power of Archery,
Fifteene hondreth tall good men men, genst Duke of Gelderland
Which did full great good Seruice there her Enemies to withstand
Sir Edward Poynings did conduct this Army to and fro.
Of whome the Chronicles much fame and valyancy do sho.
Ayded the Douches of Sauoy with power of Archery,
Fifteene hondreth tall good men men, genst Duke of Gelderland
Which did full great good Seruice there her Enemies to withstand
Sir Edward Poynings did conduct this Army to and fro.
Of whome the Chronicles much fame and valyancy do sho.
This mighty Prince did, also ayde the King of Aragon
Agenst French power where as I read our Archers many one
Of the French Horsemen galled so, that foundring, downe they fell,
And chasing their footemen also, slew many, as stories tell.
Agenst French power where as I read our Archers many one
Of the French Horsemen galled so, that foundring, downe they fell,
And chasing their footemen also, slew many, as stories tell.
K. Henries Ship, the Regent cald with Carik French grapling,
Our Archers geanst French-crosbowes shot & held them such tackling:
So as in fine the Englishmen the Carick layde aboarde,
Where vnto them the pryze and pray the Lorde God did affoard.
Our Archers geanst French-crosbowes shot & held them such tackling:
So as in fine the Englishmen the Carick layde aboarde,
Where vnto them the pryze and pray the Lorde God did affoard.
Arde and Gwynes, and Turwyn too with Turney testified
Our Archers force, which freshly shot, as then was veryfied.
King Henry in his Campe at Arkes, by Culpepers Conduct
Did cause 200 Archers stout to bee at full instruct,
Under the Banner of S. George to issew manly owte,
Which set so fercely on the French and flew so through the rowte,
That (they forthwith discomfited) twice twelue of them were slaine,
And Twelue score taken prisoners were, not small yet was the gaine
Oure English got, when as the brason ordeinance and feelde peeces,
Before time lost they wan againe, with bootyes spoyle and fleeces.
Our Archers force, which freshly shot, as then was veryfied.
King Henry in his Campe at Arkes, by Culpepers Conduct
Did cause 200 Archers stout to bee at full instruct,
Which set so fercely on the French and flew so through the rowte,
That (they forthwith discomfited) twice twelue of them were slaine,
And Twelue score taken prisoners were, not small yet was the gaine
Oure English got, when as the brason ordeinance and feelde peeces,
Before time lost they wan againe, with bootyes spoyle and fleeces.
Whiles the King in France was on this manner busied theare,
The Scottish King began as fast his broyles in England heare:
Genst whome the noble Norffolke Duke with Northren noble harts
Of Archers Cheshyer, Lankasshyer, and others playd their partes
Euen brant against that Flodden-hill so swift their arrowes flew,
K. Ieamy and many a noble Scot wherby they downeright slew.
The Scottish King began as fast his broyles in England heare:
Genst whome the noble Norffolke Duke with Northren noble harts
Of Archers Cheshyer, Lankasshyer, and others playd their partes
Euen brant against that Flodden-hill so swift their arrowes flew,
K. Ieamy and many a noble Scot wherby they downeright slew.
Two Knights I read wanne worthy praise in France, at the Turnepike
Neare Hames, with xvi. Archers and no mo which put to flight
So many Frenchmen as then fled: Both English Knights these were,
Sir William Walgraue and Sir George that Somersets name did bere
These turned so many owte of their Iacks at Turnepike nere to Hame
All France it turned to reproch and, them to perpetuall fame.
Neare Hames, with xvi. Archers and no mo which put to flight
So many Frenchmen as then fled: Both English Knights these were,
Sir William Walgraue and Sir George that Somersets name did bere
These turned so many owte of their Iacks at Turnepike nere to Hame
All France it turned to reproch and, them to perpetuall fame.
Among that thousand Souldiours which the Citty of London sent,
Archers, Harquebushes, Pikes, and Billes conuenient,
Which past from Douer to Calys: what seruice Bowemen there
Perfourmed, the Chronicles thereof at large do witnesse beare.
Archers, Harquebushes, Pikes, and Billes conuenient,
Which past from Douer to Calys: what seruice Bowemen there
Perfourmed, the Chronicles thereof at large do witnesse beare.
But to bee breef, what Archers haue accomplisht Cheualry?
In this Kings dayes to Gods dew praise and Contreyes vtility?
The Duke of Suffolke passing Some, and Earle of Surrey then
Which Iedworth brent. And those two Knightes withall the Northern men
Which ouerthrew the Scottish power. And those to Laundersay
Sent by the King. As also vnder Lorde Edward Seymer they
To Scotland which embarcked were. To Mutterell eke in Fraunce
Which sent were, and the same beseeged, by (Gods will,) not by chance
All these and euery hoaste of them (I say) in this Kings time
Some part of prowesse, praise, and proffet to the Bowe resine.
In this Kings dayes to Gods dew praise and Contreyes vtility?
The Duke of Suffolke passing Some, and Earle of Surrey then
Which Iedworth brent. And those two Knightes withall the Northern men
Which ouerthrew the Scottish power. And those to Laundersay
Sent by the King. As also vnder Lorde Edward Seymer they
To Scotland which embarcked were. To Mutterell eke in Fraunce
Which sent were, and the same beseeged, by (Gods will,) not by chance
All these and euery hoaste of them (I say) in this Kings time
Some part of prowesse, praise, and proffet to the Bowe resine.
K. Edward the 6 that Mirrour myld and pearle of Princely grace,
His Unckle the Duke of Somerset did send in rightfull case,
With Army vnder his conduct agenst the Scottish power,
Eche Army other did affront with countenance sterne and stower:
Our Archers marched in aray at Muskeleborow feelde,
They shot their shaftes so sharp to foyle the Scots or make them yeelde,
God gaue our men the victory, such they 14000 slewe
Of Scottes, and 1400. were tane Prisoners of their crewe,
Many of them Gentlemen: and but English threeschore
At that time slaine, the rest aliue did praise the Lorde therefore.
Queene Maryes dayes most miserable and troublesome though they were
His Unckle the Duke of Somerset did send in rightfull case,
With Army vnder his conduct agenst the Scottish power,
Eche Army other did affront with countenance sterne and stower:
Our Archers marched in aray at Muskeleborow feelde,
They shot their shaftes so sharp to foyle the Scots or make them yeelde,
Of Scottes, and 1400. were tane Prisoners of their crewe,
Many of them Gentlemen: and but English threeschore
At that time slaine, the rest aliue did praise the Lorde therefore.
Of Archers actes (nothing or small) the Chronicles witnesse beare.
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