The Lancastrians had the advantage of position, and were so certain of victory that Somerset issued orders that no quarter should be given to the Yorkists, but the latter had firearms of a rude description, which gave them a counter advantage. Clifford, however, kept them at bay bravely, and prevented them from coming to close conflict. Meanwhile, Warwick, with his northern warriors, entered the town from the other side, and fell upon the King's troops with such vigour that, as Hall says, "the King's army was profligate disposed, and all the chieftains of the field almost slain and brought to confusion." The barriers were at length burst, and York entered the town, and then in the streets were heard the shouts of "A Warwick! a Warwick!" on the other side "A York! a York!" and in the midst the war cries of "King Henry! a Somerset! a Percy! a Clifford!" etc., all intermingled with the clash of swords upon armour and shield; the whir of arrows flying through the air; the groans of wounded and dying men, and the screams of flying women; whilst the market-place was strewn with the bodies of fallen men, and the streets flowed with blood. Shakspeare makes Clifford fall at the hand of the Duke of York. Warwick enters crying-- "Clifford of Cumberland, 'tis Warwick calls! And if thou do'st not hide thee from the bear Now when the angry trumpet sounds alarm And dead men's cries do fill the empty air, Clifford, I say, come forth and fight with me! Proud northern lord, Clifford of Cumberland, Warwick is hoarse with calling thee to arms." York, however, interposes, and claims the right of fighting with him. "_Clifford._--What seest thou in me, York? Why dost thou pause? _York._--With thy brave bearing I should be in love, But that thou art so fast mine enemy. _Clifford._--Nor should thy prowess want praise and esteem, But that 'tis shown ignobly and in treason. _York._--So let it help me now against thy sword, As I in justice and true right express it! _Clifford._--My soul and body on the action both! _York._--A dreadful lay!--address thee instantly. (_They fight, and Clifford falls._) _Clifford._--La fin couronne les oeuvres. (_Dies._) _York._--Thus war hath given thee peace, for thou art still. Peace with his soul, Heaven, if it be Thy will." The slaughter of Lord Clifford at the hands of the Duke of York is the keynote to young Clifford's subsequent ruthless hatred of the House of York. Coming up to the body of his father, Shakspeare puts these words into his mouth--