When the morning of the 21st of July, 1403, dawned, the two armies were drawn up in array at a place then called Oldfield, Bullfield, and Haitefield, subsequently Battlefield, near Shrewsbury. Percy held the most advantageous ground, but the king, to balance the loss of superior position, made a most skilful disposition of his men. Hotspur addressed his men, telling them that they must either conquer or die an ignominious death. They replied with shouts of applause. The king sent the Abbot of Shrewsbury to offer pardon, but it was useless: Hotspur would not lay down arms. He was asked why he appeared to oppose his king? In reply he repeated the accusations of the manifesto. Henry counselled him to confide in his royal clemency. Percy peremptorily declared that he would not, and thereupon the standard bearer of the king’s army marched forward, and the battle commenced. Terrible was the shock of opposing forces. It was one of the most fearful actions in all our history. It began with a shower of arrows on both sides. The Scots followed with a rush of tremendous fury upon the front of the royal line, and put them into temporary confusion. The king, however, was in the thickest of the fight, and was known to his soldiers, although arrayed in a manner which effectually prevented his being recognised by his enemies. His presence lent new courage to his partially disorganised forces. Though foremost among the foremost Hotspur and Douglas tried in vain to discover him. A device of concealment had been adopted. Several were armed like the king, and thus it was impossible to distinguish the royal warrior. But at every one that was conspicuous Hotspur and Douglas furiously charged with swords and lances. The gap in the royal line had nearly decided the victory by disordering the king’s army. It was a daring and dashing move, and spread dismay among the disconcerted, but it evinced more impetuosity than judgment. It was one road to victory to force a way into the centre of the king’s forces, but it opened up a path into which Hotspur’s men were unable to follow. Seeing this, the king ordered his reserve to be brought up. The promise of triumph was lost to Hotspur. The reinforcements turned the scale. Hotspur’s army was defeated, and fled in great confusion, after a severe contest of three hours duration. Douglas performed feats of incredible valour. Hotspur sustained his fame for supernatural courage; but the moment he observed the certainty of defeat, he rushed into the hottest part of the battle, and was killed, some say by Prince Henry. _Two stars keep not their motion in one sphere_, _Nor can one England brook a double reign_ _Of Harry Percy and the Prince of Wales_.