O'er Mersey's stream, by Warrington,

    For to meet that royal train.

      [6]

   And lord, and knight, and baron bold,

    That dwelt in this fair countrie,

   With the Derby train a-riding were,

    Save Sir John of proud Bewsey.

   "Now foul befa' that scornfu' knight,"

    Cried Stanley in his pride;

   "For he hath my just and honest suit

    Discourteously denied:

   "Such hatred of our high estate,

    This traitor sore shall rue;

   I'll be avenged, or this good sword

    Shall rot the scabbard through!"

   He swore a furious oath, I trow,

    And clenched his iron hand,

   As he rode forth to meet his son,

    The monarch of merry England.

   The summer leaves were over and gone,

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