The Battle of Floddon Field; A Poem of the Sixteenth Century. with the Various Readings of the Different Copies Historical Notes, a Glossary, and an Appendix Containing Ancient Poems and Historical Matter Relating to the Same Event (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1808. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... FLO D DEN-FIELD. FIT THE FIRST. Now will I cease for to recite King Henry's affairs in France so wide, And of domestic wars I'll write, That in his absence did betide. A fearful field in verse to frame, 5 I mean if that to mark ye list, O Flodden Mount thy fearful name Doth sore affray my trembling fist. Almighty Mars do me admit For to discourse, with sounding praise, 10 This bloody field, this fearful right, Which fought was in our fathers' days. A You Muses all my mind incense, And thou, Polymnia, most prudent Lest Nemesis, for each offence, With poet's rod make me repent. Pardon, ye poets all, I cry, My simple, rude, and rugged rhyme; Even tho' the hill, Parnassus high, Presumptuously I press to climb. For what is he, with haughty stile, Such deeds of honour could contrive? No, not the poet, great Virgile, If that on earth he was alive. Who could reveal in volume short, The haughty Howard's noble act f Though paper none did make report, Fame would not fail such noble fact. Or thou, O Stanley, stiff in stour, Thou imp of Mars, thy worthy meeds Who can discourse with due honour, Or paint with praise thy valiant deeds? Thy doleful daywork still shall be In Scotland curs'd with an outcry: For Hector's match this man was he, 35 Who climb'd the mount of Flodden high. What banners, bravely blaz'd and borne, What standarts stout brought he to ground, What worthy lords by him forlorn, What sorrow in Scotland yet doth sound 40 Ye heavenly powers your aid I crave, My sleeping muse help to awake; Grant, this work, which in hand I have, A lucky fine and end may make. Before King Henry crost the seas, 45 And e'er to France he did transfleet, Least that the Scots should him disease, He constituted captains meet. For he perusing, in presence Of English kings, th...