History of the house and race of Douglas and Angus

House of Douglas. 177
Percy, were matter rather of sharpening than discouraging
and dejecting their spirits, and bred not hatred, but an high-
er, though emulous esteem of each towards other. This
overthrow and loss of the Earl Douglas did not diminish,
but rather increase his praise and glory, and that even
in the opinion of the conqueror. It became also the occa-
sion of showing his worth in a more conspicuous and public
theatre, and on a more eminent subject and powerful enemy:
for not long after, the Earl of Northumberland, whether
for envy of King Henry's good success, to whom he had been
a great friend in the beginning; or for that Henry usurped
the kingdom contrary to his oath and promise; or for his ne-
glecting to relieve Edmond Mortimer Earl of March, taken
prisoner in his service against Owen Glendower by the said
Owen, or out of indignation against him for craving to have
his prisoners from him, which he had taken at West-Nisbet
and at Homildon, of whom only they had sent Murdoch Stew-
art to the King, or for whatever other cause, the said Earl
entered into league with Edmond, Owen, and some other
Lords, against the King, with such confidence, that they made
a tripartite indenture, wherein they divided all England into
three parts to each of them a third: whereupon Percy, esteem-
ing highly of the Douglas's valour, having had good proof
thereof at Homildon, offered, if he would take part with him
in this enterprise, and show himself as valiant on his side, as
he had done against him, that he should not only be let go
without ransom, but also, if they prevailed, he should have
Berwick and a part of Northumberland for his reward.
Douglas, who was nowise slack to embrace any good oc-
casion against England, gladly accepted the condition, and
getting leave to come home, returned again at the time ap-
pionted, well accompanied with many of his friends and fol-
lowers. The leading of the vanguard was committed to him,
which place he discharged bravely, and behaved himself so,
as no man ever did more valiantly and admirably by all men's
confession; for after the Scots who were led by him, had mada
a fierce onset upon the King's vanguard, conducted by the
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