26176176And that appeared by us three beasts in deed,
177177Through false persuasion highly born in hand
178178That in our feat we could not choose but speed
179179To kill the king, and to enjoy his land.
180180For which exploit we bound our selves in band
181181To stand contented each man with his part,
182182So fully folly assured our foolish heart.
27183183But such they say as fish before the net
184184Shall seldom surfeit of the prey they take,
185185Of things to come the haps be so unset
186186That none but fools may warrant of them make.
187187The full assured, success doth oft forsake.
188188For Fortune findeth none so fit to flout,
189189As suresby sots which cast no kind of doubt.
28190190How sayest thou Henry Hotspur, do I lie?
191191For thou right manly gavest the king a field,
192192And there was slain because thou wouldest not fly.
193193Sir Thomas Percy thine uncle (forced to yield)
194194Did cast his head (a wonder seen but seld)
195195From Shrewsbury town to the top of London bridge.
196196Lo thus fond hope did their both lives abridge.
29197197When Henry king this victory had won,
198198Destroyed the Percies, put their power to flight,
199199He did appoint prince Henry his eldest son
200200With all his power to meet me if he might.
201201But I discomfort through my partners' fight
202202Had not the heart to meet him face to face,
203203But fled away, and he pursued the chase.
30204204Now Baldwin mark, for I, called prince of Wales,
205205And made believe I should be he indeed,
206206Was made to fly among the hills and dales,
207207Where all my men forsook me at my need.
208208Who trusteth loiterers seld hath lucky speed,
209209And when the captain's courage doth him fail
210210His soldiersʼ hearts a little thing may quail.