69 In different parts a godly psalm Most sweetly they did chaunt; Behind their backs six minstrels came, Who tuned the strong bataunt. 70 Then five-and-twenty archers came; Each one the bow did bend, From rescue of King Henry's friends Sir Charles for to defend. 71 Bold as a lion came Sir Charles, Drawn on a cloth-laid sled By two black steeds, in trappings white, With plumes upon their head. 72 Behind him five-and-twenty more Of archers strong and stout, With bended bow each one in hand, Marched in goodly rout: 73 Saint James's friars marched next, Each one his part did chaunt; Behind their backs six minstrels came Who tuned the strong bataunt: 74 Then came the mayor and aldermen, In cloth of scarlet decked; And their attending men, each one Like eastern princes tricked: 75 And after them a multitude Of citizens did throng; The windows were all full of heads, As he did pass along. 76 And when he came to the high cross, Sir Charles did turn and say,-- 'O Thou that savest man from sin, Wash my soul clean this day!' 77 At the great minster window sat The king in mickle state, To see Charles Bawdin go along To his most welcome fate. 78 Soon as the sledge drew nigh enough That Edward he might hear, The brave Sir Charles he did stand up, And thus his words declare: 79 'Thou seest me, Edward! traitor vile! Exposed to infamy; But be assured, disloyal man! I'm greater now than thee. 80 'By foul proceedings, murder, blood, Thou wearest now a crown; And hast appointed me to die, By power not thine own. 81 'Thou thinkest I shall die to-day; I have been dead till now, And soon shall live to wear a crown For ever on my brow: 82 'Whilst thou, perhaps, for some few years Shall rule this fickle land, To let them know how wide the rule 'Twixt king and tyrant hand: 83 'Thy power unjust, thou traitor slave! Shall fall on thy own head'---- From out of hearing of the king Departed then the sled. 84 King Edward's soul rushed to his face, He turned his head away, And to his brother Gloucester He thus did speak and say: 85 'To him that so much dreaded death No ghastly terrors bring, Behold the man! he spake the truth, He's greater than a king!' 86 'So let him die!' Duke Richard said; 'And may each of our foes Bend down their necks to bloody axe, And feed the carrion crows!' 87 And now the horses gently drew Sir Charles up the high hill; The axe did glisten in the sun, His precious blood to spill. 88 Sir Charles did up the scaffold go, As up a gilded car Of victory, by valorous chiefs, Gained in the bloody war: 89 And to the people he did say,-- 'Behold, you see me die, For serving loyally my king, My king most rightfully.