"Wi' a fause tale, disguised, they came, And wi' a fauser trayne; 150 And to regain my gaye standard, These men were a' down slayne." "It ill befits," the youngest said, "A crowned king to lie; But, or that I taste meat and drink, 155 Reproved sall he be." He went before King Edward straight, And kneel'd low on his knee; "I wad hae leave, my lord," he said, "To speak a word wi' thee." 160 The king he turn'd him round about, And wistna what to say-- Quo' he, "Man, thou's hae leave to speak, Though thou should speak a' day." "Ye said that three young lads o' France 165 Your standard stole away, Wi' a fause tale, and a fauser trayne, And mony men did slay. "But we are nane the lads o' France, Nor e'er pretend to be; 170 We are three lads o' fair Scotland, Auld Maitland's sons are we; "Nor is there men, in a' your host, Daur fight us three to three." "Now, by my sooth," young Edward said, 175 "Weel fitted ye sall be! "Piercy sall with the eldest fight, And Ethert Lunn wi' thee: William of Lancaster the third, And bring your fourth to me!" 180 ["Remember, Piercy, aft the Scot[L181] Has cower'd beneath thy hand:] For every drap of Maitland blood, I'll gie a rig of land." He clanked Piercy ower the head, 185 A deep wound and a sair, Till the best blood o' his bodie Came rinning down his hair. "Now, I've slayne ane; slay ye the twa; And that's gude companye; 190 And if the twa suld slay ye baith, Ye'se get na help frae me." But Ethert Lunn, a baited bear, Had many battles seen; He set the youngest wonder sair, 195 Till the eldest he grew keen. "I am nae king, nor nae sic thing: My word it shanna stand! For Ethert sall a buffet bide, Come he beneath my brand." 200 He clankit Ethert ower the head, A deep wound and a sair, Till the best blood of his bodie Came rinning ower his hair. "Now I've slayne twa; slaye ye the ane; 205 Isna that gude companye? And tho' the ane suld slaye ye baith, Ye'se get nae help o' me." The twa-some they hae slayne the ane; They maul'd him cruellie; 210 Then hung them over the draw-brigg, That all the host might see. They rade their horse, they ran their horse, Then hover'd on the lee: "We be three lads o' fair Scotland, 215 That fain would fighting see."