A Mirror for Magistrates
Stanzas 26–30
And that appeared by us three beasts in deed,
Through false persuasion highly born in hand
That in our feat we could not choose but speed
To kill the king, and to enjoy his land.
180For which exploit we bound our selves in band
To stand contented each man with his part,
So fully folly assured our foolish heart.
But such they say as fish before the net
Shall seldom surfeit of the prey they take,
185Of things to come the haps be so unset
That none but fools may warrant of them make.
The full assured, success doth oft forsake.
For Fortune findeth none so fit to flout,
As suresby sots which cast no kind of doubt.
190How sayest thou Henry Hotspur, do I lie?
For thou right manly gavest the king a field,
And there was slain because thou wouldest not fly.
Sir Thomas Percy thine uncle (forced to yield)
Did cast his head (a wonder seen but seld)
195From Shrewsbury town to the top of London bridge.
Lo thus fond hope did their both lives abridge.
When Henry king this victory had won,
Destroyed the Percies, put their power to flight,
He did appoint prince Henry his eldest son
200With all his power to meet me if he might.
But I discomfort through my partners' fight
Had not the heart to meet him face to face,
But fled away, and he pursued the chase.
Now Baldwin mark, for I, called prince of Wales,
205And made believe I should be he indeed,
Was made to fly among the hills and dales,
Where all my men forsook me at my need.
Who trusteth loiterers seld hath lucky speed,
And when the captain's courage doth him fail
210His soldiersʼ hearts a little thing may quail.

A Mirror for Magistrates