History of the house and race of Douglas and Angus

}~8 HISTORY OF THE
Earl of Stafford, and forced them to give back, having almost
broken their ranks, the King came to their aid with his fresh
troops, and renewed the fight more fiercely than before.
Douglas and Percy perceiving the King to be there in person
bent their whole forces towards him with such voilence, that
if George Dunbar Earl of March, who had of late betaken
himself to the King's side, had not warned the King to with-
draw himself from that place, Douglas had certainly slain him;
for he made so hard an onset on the King's standard, that he
bore down all before him, and slew the Earl of Stafford witk
his own hands, who had been made constable of England that
same day; as also three more, who were apparelled like the
King: and when the King restored the battle again, and had
broken the ranks of those that stood against him, Douglas
seeing him the fourth man in royal apparel, he said aloud in
great choler and indignation, Where the devil were all these
Kings born? And withal running fiercely at him, beat him
from his horse, and at the same instant slew Sir Walter Blunt,
the King's standard-bearer, and overthrew the standard. But
the King was rescued, and mounted again by those that were
about him, especially by his own son, afterwards Henry V.
and so escaped. At last the victory fell to the King's side,
who had behaved himself most valoivusly, and is reckoned to
have slain with his own hands thirty-six of the enemies. So
that the victory is ascribed chiefly unto him, who did, both
by word and example, encourage his soldiers, that they re-
newed the fight, slew the Lord Percy, and with him discom-
fited the whole host.
The Earl Douglas was taken prisoner, and brought to the
King, who would on no wise consent to have him put to
death, though divers persuaded him to it, but commended
his faithfulness to his friend, and praised his valour, which he
honoured much; in regard whereof, he both caused cure his
wounds, and sent him rich presents. Some write, that being
asked by those of the King's side, why he did join with such
traitors agninst the King, his reply was only this, It seemeth
saith he, that the King is yet alive, thongh divers Kings have