The history of the houses of Douglas and Angus written by Master David Hume ...

Of James, the second of that name, the eleventh Lord, and second Earle of Douglas, slaine at Otterburne.

UNto William the first Earle his son James did succeed, a man in all kinde of vertue worthy of so great a father, and honourable place; who was no whit inferiour to him either in courage or for∣tunatenesse, unlesse we account him lesse fortunate for that he lived but few yeares: wherefore wee shall heare his owne judgement at his death.

He had two wives, Euphane eldest daughter to the King (as we have* 1.1 said) by his wife the Earle of Rosses daughter: yet the genealogie of the Kings in the Acts of Parliament sayes that she was daughter to Eliza∣beth Moore, and not the Earle of Rosses daughter. He had a son by her, who lived not halfe a yeare: he had also two base sons, William (of

whom is descended the house of Drumlanrig, as evidents do witnes given* 1.2 by Jacobus Douglas Comes de Douglas silio nostro) and Archbald of whom is come the house Cavers and Sheriffes of Tivedale, who if they had beene lawfull, had been sonnes to the Kings daughter, and had succeeded to the Earledome before his brother Archbald the Grimme, who did suc∣ceed to him. But though they did not succeed, yet have they shewed themselves very worthy, and amongst the chief great men of the land. Of this William also are descended the houses of Coshogle, Pinyerie, Da∣veine, and others in Niddisdale: for Archbald Douglas the first of Cosho∣gle, was second sonne to this William of Drumlanrigge, and was married to one Pringle of the house of Galasheiles, who bore to him twelve sonnes, and after his death shee was married to one Carnel Wallace, and bore twelve more to him also.

Touching Earle James his actions, which were done in his fathers daies, one thing we have spoken of them in his fathers life, as most proper: there is one thing more, besides what hath been said, recorded of him by some; that during his fathers life he was sent into France, for renewing t•…•…e* 1.3 ancient League with that Kingdome; in which Ambassage were joyned with him Walter Wardlaw, Cardinall and Bishop of Glasgow, and his Un∣cle Archbald, Lord of Galloway. This is said to have been in the yeare 1381. which is the eleventh yeare of the reigne of Robert Stuart. The oc∣casion of it was a message that came out of France from Charles the sixth, who desired to have it so.

After his returne in September, hee recovered the towne of Berwick* 1.4 from the English; and entring England with a competent power, burnt and spoyled all the Countrey about as farre as Newcastle.

About the time of his fathers decease (in the yeare 1384.) there was a Truce concluded between France and England, to last a yeare, in which Scotland was also comprehended. This treatie was at Boloigne, or at Lil∣legham (as others write) and for intimation hereof, some French men were directed to come into Scotland: but while they prepare themselves too negligently, the Earles of Northumberland and Nottingham, with such as lay nearest to the Scottish Marches, laying hold of this opportu∣nitie to annoy Scotland, so that the Scots should have no time to revenge it before the truce were proclaimed, entered Scotland with an Army of 20000. or (as others say) 10000. horse, and 6000. Archers and Bow∣men, and spoyled the Countrey farre and wide; especially the lands per∣taining to the Douglasses, and Lindsayes. The Scots who trusting to the brute of the truce dreamed of no such thing, finding themselves thus used, were greatly grieved with their owne sloth, and no lesse incensed at the fra•…•…d and falsehood of England, and resolved to avenge the same. In the mean time the report of the English incursion coming to the eares of the French, who had the charge to intimate the assurance, admonished them of their slownesse: wherefore to make amends (though somewhat too late) they hasten over to London in the very time that the English Army was in Scotland. There they were very chearefully received, and mag∣nificently entertained with feasting and banquetting, and under this co∣lour cunningly detained, untill it was knowne that the English Army

was come home and dismissed: then being suffered to depart, they came into Scotland, and shew their Commission. The greatest part of the No∣bility, but chiefly the Earle of Douglas and such as with him had recei∣ved great losse by that expedition, cried out against the craft of the Eng∣lish, that this their fraud and manifest ludification was no way to be suffe∣red. The King went about to pacifie them, and shewed plainly that hee meant to receive and keep the truce, which they perceiving, drew out the matter at length by reasoning and arguing to and fro, untill such time as they had gathered together quietly 15000. horsemen; then Douglas,* 1.5 Dumbarre and Lindsay, withdrew themselves from Court without noise, at a day appointed; and joyning their companies at the place of rende∣vous, enter England with displayed banners, waste and spoile Northum∣berland to Newcastle. Then they doe the like to the Earle of Notting∣hams lands, and the Mowbrayes, and so returne home with a huge prey of men and cattell. Straight after their returne the truce was proclaimed meeting fraud, not with fraud, but with open force, by a just and honest recompence and retalliation. Neither were the English discontented for all this to accept the truce, acknowledging that the Scots had reason to doe what they did, or confessing their owne weaknesse and want of abi∣lity to avenge it at this time, or both, by their sitting still and acceptation: for neither could right (though weake) have had patience in so great an injury, neither would force (if it had thought it selfe sufficient) have been bridled with reason onely in so manifest an affront, and so great dam∣mage. How ever it be, they stirred not, and so the truce was kept till it expired of it selfe.

When it was runne out, John de vienne a Burgundian, a very valiant man, Admirall of France, and Earle of Valentinois, arrived in Scotland, and brought with him 2000. men, amongst whom were 100. men at Armes. He brought also 400. Curiasses, and 400. halfe long swords to be distributed amongst the Scots, and (as some write) 50000. Crownes. Before their coming James Earle of Douglas entred into England with a new Armie; and upon their arrival was called back to Court, where they attended his coming. Then having consulted of their businesse, and the Army being ready, they accompanied him into England, where they tooke in the Castles of Wark, Foord and Cornewall, and spoyled and burnt the Country between Berwick and Newcastle. But when they inten∣ded to goe on further, the continuall rain that fell in great abundance (being in Autumne) did so spoile the wayes, and raise the waters, and wet the Souldiers with their armour, that they were forced to retire home again into Scotland. In the mean time King Richard greatly moved that the Scots must bring in strangers to waste his Countrey, entereth Scotland with an Army of 60000. foot, and 8000. horse, and used all sort of Hostilitie in the Merse and Lowthian, not sparing the religious hou∣ses and persons, such as Newbotle, Melrosse and Dribrough, with the Monkes thereof. The French Admirall better remembring, and more carefull of his Masters directions, then considering what was fit to bee done, dealt earnestly with the Earle of Douglas to give him battell. But the Earle knowing better, and regarding more the good of his Countrey,

and weighing with judgement the English power and forces, would no wayes listen to him: he told him it was not for want of affection to doe the King of France service that he refused to fight, but in respect of the unequall number and appointment of the Armies at that time. And that he might the better see the English forces, he tooke him up to a hill, from whence they might have a reasonable view of them as they passed by in order; which when the Admirall had seen, and considered thereof, hee easily yeelded to the Earles opinion. Hollinshed setteth downe the oddes, saying, that the Scots and French were not above 8000. speares, and 30000. of all other sorts, and the most part of those not well armed: where he reckoneth of English 6000. horse, and 60000. Archers, which are 2000. horses fewer then our Histories do reckon. In this inequalitie therefore being no lesse a wise Conductour, then a valiant Warriour, he resolved not to hazard a battell, but determined to take another course, which he did, for he entered England on that quarter, which was furthest distant from the English Army, and wasted Cumberland and the adja∣cent Countrey neare to it. The King of England being advertised here∣of, purposed to have followed him, and forced him to fight, but being better advised, and put in mind (no question) of what had be•…•…allen his Grandfather (Edward the third) at Stanhope Parke against good Sir James, he altered his purpose, and marched the readiest way home. And so both Armies having spoiled and wasted each others Countreyes, they returned without encountring or fight of other.

In the return the Earle Douglas perswaded them to besiege Roxbrough Castle, making full account that the King of England would not raise a new Army before the next Spring, and so they sat downe before it; but it did not continue eight dayes ere they raised the siege. The cause was a reasonlesse demand of the Frenchmen, who would needs have the Ca∣stle to bee given to them, and to belong to the King of France, when it were wonne from the enemy. This demand did so offend the Scots, that they could by no means heare of it, and so the enterprise was deserted upon this occasion, but chiefly by the Frenchmens insolent and licentious behaviour and carriage in the warres; who rob and steal, and use all man∣ner of force and violence: there arose many times great strife, and many quarrells between the Country people, and them: for the Country peo∣ple watched them when they were alone, or but few together, and some∣times robbed them of their horses, sometimes of their valises and lug∣gage: sometimes they hurt, and at other times slew of them. The French Commanders complained to the Kings Councell, and the common peo∣ple answered, that they had received more losse and hurt by the French, who professed themselves to be friends, then they had done by the Eng∣lish, who were sworne enemies. And therefore they said it were reason that the French should no wayes be suffered to goe home, untill they had satisfied for the wrongs they had done. The Earle Douglas in this hard case seeing they were strangers that came to aide Scotland, was willing partly to bear with their faults, as proceeding from an evill custome and form used at home in France, and therefore interposed himself to have mi∣tigated the people, but could hardly pacifie them, yet at last with great in∣stancy

and entreatie, being greatly favoured, and generally well beloved and popular, hee obtained that the common Souldiers, and the Army should be suffered to returne into France, and that their Captains and Commanders should be retained still untill satisfaction were made for the losse they had sustained. And so the King of Frances desire was satisfied, who had then sent for them, and withall order taken with the dammage done by them.

This was the aide, and this was the successe of the help received from France now the second time. It was very small before, and it is now to very little purpose: more hurtfull and troublesome to the Countrey, then of importance against the enemy. A•…•…ter their embarking the Scots re∣mained still in England the space of two moneths, and then the English having withdrawne and conveighed all the victuall out of the way, they returned into Scotland. And hereby they did show clearly how little they leaned to forrain aid, without which there greater enterprises were ever performed: neither was there ever either by these, or by others be∣fore or since (though we looke over all Histories) any great exploit at∣chieved. All the help they ever got was onely in the besieging of some Townes at some happening times, and some such trifles scarce worth the naming, in respect of the whole power of the body and state of the Coun∣trey which I remark again, and commend to the Reader to be truely con∣sidered for vindicating the valour and worth of the inhabitants, from that obloquie and unequall judgement of such as diminish and impair it: who cannot but know that it was never forraine forces (as is wrongfully sur∣mised) but the vertue and valour of their Predecessours that hath preser∣ved the honour and liberty of their Countrey, all manner of wayes: and that any one man amongst diverse of the name of Douglas hath done more in that cause, then the force of France (if it were put all together) did ever to this houre.

The yeare following, the Earle of Douglas with Robert Stuart Earle of Fife, and Archbald Douglas Lord of Galloway his Uncle, entered into England with an Army of three thousand men, passing the water of Sol∣way so secretly, that they were at Cocket-mouth on such a sudden, that the people had no leasure to convey their goods out of the way. Where∣fore having for the space of three dayes gathered together a rich bootie, they returned home through Cumberland, Westmerland, and Northum∣berland, into Scotland again without any encounter.

Not long after Archbald Lord of Galloway in company of the same Earle of Fife, made a road into England, in revenge whereof the King of England sent an Army into Scotland, which did great harm in the Merse,* 1.6 and occasioned that notable battell of Otterburn.

For the Scots irritated herewith boyled with de•…•…ire of revenge, being at that time very flourishing with strong youth, and never better furnished with Commanders. But King Robert a man by nature given to quietnesse, farre stricken in yeares (seaventy three yeares old) was become slacker, and seemed not to make so great account of the publique injuries. His eldest sonne John was dull of nature, and having received a hurt by a stroake of a horse, which pertained to James Douglas Lord of Dalkeith,

was thereby lame of a legge, and halted, and so unfit for the travell of warre. Therefore they have their recourse to the Kings next sonne the Earle of Fife, and do easily agr•…•…e with him, resolving to avenge the hurt and dammage they had lately received. So every man promising his best endeavour, appointment is made to conveen in August, or (as some say) in July, but so covertly, as it should not come to the knowledge of either of the two Kings, lest the King of Scotland should hinder them, or the King of England prevent them▪ yet when they had used all the expedi∣tion and secresie they could▪ The English had notice of it, and were in∣formed of both the day and place of their meeting. Wherefore that they might entrap them and take them at unawares, they advertised one ano∣ther, and the Noblemen commanded the Commons to be in a readinesse against the next advertisement, without appointing any certain day, for feare that the Scots should heare of it. These things thus ordered when they heard that the Scots were conveened in Tivedale not farre from the March to the number of 30000. or (as Froysard saith) 40000. men, not daring to joyne battell with such a multitude, they concluded not to stir or appeare before the coming of the enemy, but that every man should ramain in his owne bounds, till they saw on what coast and quarter the tempest would light, and then to take the best course they could accord∣ing as occasion should offer, and if they could doe no more, to invade Scotland on another hand farre from the enemy, as the Scots had done to them the yeare before, and so to recompense losse with losse: In the mean time they sent a spie to the Scots camp, who might bring them more certain report of all things; desirous to know not onely their inten∣tion, but even their particular speeches and actions. Hee who was sent (being nothing different from the rest in language, apparell, or armour, did easily passe for a Scot, and by that mean having been in the company undiscovered, and having observed sufficiently all that was needfull to be knowne) as he returned to his horse to be gone, which he had bound to a tree, he found that he was taken away, whereupon taking him to his feet with his cloake, boots and spurres, and his other riding equipage; he was perceived, suspected, taken and examined what he was, whence he came, and whither hee went: and being found to vary in his answers, hee was brought before the Generall of the Army, where being threatned with the rack, he confessed all, and revealed the English mens intentions, and purposes. Upon this the Scots altered their purpose, and whereas they were before minded to have gone all together in one Hoast, they now divided themselves in two; so that the greatest part of the Army should passe in at Carlile, led by the Kings two sonnes, the Earles of Fi•…•…e and Stratherne, together with Archbald Douglas Lord of Galloway, Uncle to the Earle. The other part of the Army was committed to the Earle of Douglas, and with him George and John Dumbars Earles of March and Murray (his Uncles) William or James Lindsay Earle of Crawford, the Earle of Arolle Constable, the Lord Montgomry, and Patrick Hepburn of Hales with his sonne: the number of his company is not agreed up∣on. Some say that he had the halfe of the Army, 15000. others but 2000. foote, and 300. horse, with as many foote men waiting on the horse men,

who were lightly armed and able to fight, and almost equalling the horse men in speedy expedition. Some say they were foure thousand chosen horsemen in all, which is most apparent by the great diligence and haste he made: with his company he entred England on the East hand, and crossing the river of Tine with great celerity, hee was past Durham, before ever the enemy was advertised or knew of his coming, till he him∣selfe made it knowne by fire and smoake, in burning the Countrey.

The Earle of Northumberland hearing of him, himselfe being a man of great yeares, sent his two sonnes Henrie and Ralph (hardy and valiant young men) to Newcastle, commanding the rest of the Countrey also to resort thither, that they might intercept the Earle of Douglas in his returne: but hee having spoyled the Countrey about Durham, and got∣ten a great bootie, passeth Tine again, about three miles above Newca∣stle; and being desirous of glory, and encouraged by this successe, esteem∣ing it but small honour for him to spoil the villages, and not to dare to looke upon the townes, marched towards Newcastle, and did make of∣fer to have assaulted it, and (as some write) did assault it, having first fil∣led the ditches with hay and faggots, hoping thereby to have drawne out the enemy to the open fields, having stayed there two dayes; there passed some light skirmishes amongst them every day: And at last, Hen∣rie Percie eldest sonne to the Earle of Northumberland (called Hotspurre) being desirous to trie his valour, either provoking the Earle Douglas, or provoked by him; the combate was offered, and accepted betwixt them. They mounted on two faire steeds, and ran together with sharp ground* 1.7 spears at outrance; in which encounter the Earle Douglas bore Percie out of his saddle. But the English that were by did rescue him so that hee could not come at himself, but he snatched away his spear with his guid∣don or witter; and holding it aloft, and shaking it, he cried out aloud, that hee would carry that into Scotland as his spoil. Hollinshed saith (out of F•…•…oysard) that they did not runne on horseback, but that in an assault at the Barriers without the gate, Douglas by chance being matched hand to hand with Percie, by force pluckt his Pennon from him, and holding it up on high, said, he would carry it for his sake into Scotland.

There was then at Newcastle a great number of people, for besides the indwellers, there were all the choice men from York to the borders, as the Writers relate. Wherefore Earle Douglas (in respect of his small number) caused keep strait watch; and on the morrow removing his Camp, he marched toward Scotland a slow pace, being loden with boo∣tie. Then sending it away before, hee assaulted, tooke, and demolished a certain Castle and Towne, that was in their way, called Pouclane, where∣of Sir Aymer of Alpholl was Lord, whom he tooke within the Castle and made him a prisoner. Then marching forward, they came to a place cal∣led Otterburn, about twelve miles from Newcastle, where they pitched downe their tents, that the Souldiers might take some rest, and refresh themselves after their great travell, as not having rested that day, nor the night before, nor much any where since their entrie into England. There they consulted about the rest of their journey, and the most part advised to march toward Carlile, that they might joyne with the other Army,

that so they might observe the order given them, which was not to fight at all, till both Hoasts were joyned t•…•…gether. But the Earle Douglas thought best to stay there some three or four daies that they might refell the Percies bragging, who had affirmed that they should not carry his speare into Scotland, and that the Souldiers might not be idle the while, they might be taking in the Castles, and Gentlemens houses about, that lay neare. To this opinion the others did yeeld for his sake, howsoever it seemed not to be the most expedient: so they fortified and strengthned their Camp as well as they could on that side where it was weake, being fensed with Marishes on the other sid•…•…: they went and besieged a certain Castle, called Combure. Percie would fain have followed them present∣ly upon their retreat, but he was hindered by the better advised, for fear of an ambush: for they thought it was not likely, that the Scots being so fevv in number vvould have assaulted 〈◊〉〈◊〉 strong a Towne, unlesse they had knovvne of some greater povver to succour and aid them.

Having therefore searched diligently that day, and the next, and un∣derstanding that the other great Army wat not to bee feared, as being far* 1.8 from the Earle Douglas; Percie marched towards him with 10000. strong, not staying for the Bishop of Durham, who was said to be at Newcastle that same night, esteeming his present forces sufficient to overthrow his enemies, who were fewer in number by the one halfe at least. The avant∣curriers of the English Hoast were come in sight, whilest the Scots were some at supper, and others gone to rest▪ being wearied with assaulting the Castle. Hereupon the alarum was given, and the English approaching, assail them fiercely, and were received valiantly by a part of the foote∣men, and the lackies, and the groomes; who having the advantage of the Fortification which had been made, sustained the charge till the rest were armed and ready. At their first encamping when they viewed the fields, they had espied a little hill which they meant to make use of if the enemy should follow and assaile them, (as they did certainly expect) and now it stood the horsemen in very good stead: for whiles the English assaulted the entrie of the Camp, the horse men fetching a compasse about this hill, charged them in flank at the farre side, in which charge many were slain, and the whole Army was filled with tumult and fears. But by the coming of fresh supplies, the English abounding in number, the battell was resto∣red, and their ranks ordered as before: yet this profit it brought to the Scots, that the fight being slaked at the entrie of the Camp, they had space to go forth, and to put their men in array. In the mean time night drew on, which was troublesome, and unwelcome to both; but being short (as in the Northern parts it useth to be in July) and the season faire, the Moon light did serve them in stead of Day light, and the fight was continued very hard as amongst noble men on both sides, who did e∣steem more of glory, then life, Percie strove to repair the foil he had got∣ten at Newcastle, and the Earle Douglas did as much labour to keep the honour he had wonne: So in unequall number, but both equally eager in mind, they continued fighting a great part of the night. At last a Cloud covering the face of the Moone, not being able to discerne friend from foe, they tooke some respite for a while; but so soone as the Cloud was

gone, the English gave so hard a charge, that the Scots were put back in such sort, that the Douglas Standard was in great perill to have been lost. This did so irritate him, that hee himselfe in the one wing, and the two Hepburnes (father and sonne) in the other, pressing through the rankes of their owne men, and advancing to the place where the greatest perill ap∣peared, renewed a hard conflict, and by giving and receiving many wounds, they restored their men into the place from whence they had been beaten, and continued the fight untill the next day at noone. The Earle Douglas not being satisfied, nor contenting himselfe with that, that he had renewed the battell, but himselfe with two companions, Robert Hart, and Simon Glendining, rushed into▪ the midst of the enemies, and equalling the courage of his minde with the strength of his body, what∣soever way he set himself he made great havock of the enemies. It was a wonder to see the great vassallage that he wrought: Major in descri∣bing them can make no end, nor satisfie himselfe: his comparisons are high, like a Lion of Lybia: his description of his body is, that it was faire and well compacted, his strength huge, which hee yet amplifieth with greater hugenesse, saying that he fought with a Mace of iron, which two ordinary men were not able to lift, which notwithstanding hee did weild easily, making a great lane round about him wheresoever hee went: his courage and confidence appeareth in his so valiant insisting, as though he would have slaine the whole English Army himselfe alone: and seeking to finde Henry Percie amongst the midst of them, hee was entered farre within the rankes of the enemies. Hollinshed confesseth, that with a great Mace in his hand he laid such sad strokes about him, that none came with∣in his reach but he went downe to the ground. And Boetius saith plainly hee fought with a mase heavier then any man is able to beare in those dayes, and that rushing into the midst of his enemies, hee made such a slaughter, that it was chiefly attributed to his vertue, that the Scots wan the field.

But whiles he is thus fighting in the midst of them, before his friends could come at him, though they pressed forward to have seconded and assisted him with all the force and speed that might be, they found him* 1.9 lying on the ground with three deadly wounds. There was lying dead by him Robert Hart; and the Priest called Richard Lundie (who was after made Arch Dean of Aberdene) that had ever stood fast by his side, defended his fainting body with a halbert from injury: he being in this estate, his kins∣men James Lindsay, and John and Walter Sinclairs came to him, and asked him how he did: I do well (saith he) dying as my Predecessours have done before; not in a bed of languishing sicknesse, but in the field. These things I require of you as my last Petitions, First, that yee keep my death close both from our owne folke, and from the enemy; then that ye suffer not my Standard to be lost, or cast downe; and last, that ye avenge my death, and bury me at Melrosse with my Father. If I could hope for these things, I should die with the greater contentment, for long since I heard a Prophesie that a dead man should winne a field, and I hope in God it shall be I. Hereupon they covered his body with a cloake that it might not bee knowne, and then hoiseing aloft his Stand∣ard, and crying (as the manner is) a Douglas, a Douglas, most part repairing

thither from all quarters they began the fight afresh; for not onely the common sort of Souldiers came thither, but the Earle of Murray also came with great speed, thinking that the battell went hard on that hand, for he had beaten those that he had to deal with, and Sir John Mackyrell had taken the young Percie named Ralph, and delivered him to his Master the Earle of Murray, who had sent him (being hurt) to the Camp to bee cured, as Froysard saith. Hollinshed and Boetius agree that it was Keith Marshall that tooke him. By this means the ardour of the battell being re∣lented on that hand, the fight was renewed, and the strife redoubled on this side, and the Earle Douglas followers (who were gathered about his Ensigne) did at last scatter and defeat the English, weary with the former fight which had continued both day and night: And in this assault the Earle of Montgomery tooke Henrie Percie their Captain prisoner, where∣upon the Army fled and turned their backs. There were slain in this bat∣teil 1840. of the English, and 1040. taken prisoners, 1000. also were hurt. Of the Scots there were 100. slain, and 200. taken prisoners, whilest they followed over rashly (fewer following more) they turned and tooke those that would have taken them.

This is the battell at Otterburn, memorable not onely for the magna∣nimity, courage, perseverance, tolerance of travell, and (in victory) mo∣destie of Souldiers and Captains, but also for the variable event, where the victor in high expectation of glory preven•…•…ed by death, could not en∣joy the fruit of his travels: the vanquished, albeit his Army was defeat∣ed, and himselfe made a prisoner, yet lived long after this battell with praise; for it was no reproach to him to be overcome, nor so great a blot to have been put to the worse, as it was honourable to have so contended. The event of battells is uncertain, and onely in the hands of the highest: if men do there endeavour, what more can be required? It is not the least part of the Percies honour that they did contest with the Douglasses, and did sometimes overcome, and sometimes were thus vanquished: thought it were but seldome that the Douglasses got the worse, when their forces were equall

Here there was great inequalitie, where notwithstanding he wonne the honour through the losse of himselfe: neither was it accounted dishonour to his Army, though more in number, or to himselfe to have been thus overcome: for they are recorded to have done their endeavours, and dis∣charged the parts of valiant men, and were onely overmatched by excel∣lency of valour as we have showne, and as it may be seen by all Writers; not by hunger, or cold, steepnesse of hills and mountains; which I speake not to reproach any, but to make known the truth, and withall, not to cover vertue on either side, which was confessed of all in that age, neither was any man found of another minde: onely the Earle Marshall of Eng∣land being a little after sent downe with a company to be Warden of the Borders during Percies captivitie (who did build for his ransome the Ca∣stle of Penoun neare to Glasgow) durst extenuate the vertue of the Scots with the reproach of his owne Countrey-men, attributing the cause of this victory, not to the valour of the Scots, but to the cowardise of the English that fought against them, boasting much of himselfe, that if hee

had beene present, or if he should happen to have occasion to sight with the Scots, he should doe great matters; but his brags were soone made to appeare but idle words: for moved by these his speeches, the Governour of Scotland (viz. Robert Earle of Fife) having raised an Army, went into England with Archbald Earle of Douglas (called the Grimme) brother to this deceased Earle (and who did succeed him in the Earledome) and made directly toward the Earle Marshall, and as soone as they came in sight, offered him battell: and when they could not draw him out to fight, they sent an Herauld to him to challenge him, and provoke him to fight, but all in vain, for neither did hee send back any answer, neither would hee come to an equall and even ground. Therefore they having spoyled and wasted the Countrey with fire and sword in his sight, and as it were under his nose, returned home into Scotland, to the great content∣ment of the Scots, and no great discontentment of the English prisoners, who were not sorry that his vanity was thus discovered. Certainly, the truth can hardly be belied, and if partiality will not, yet indifferency will beare witnesse to it. Froysard (a stranger, and favouring more the Eng∣lish) concludeth touching this battell, that in all History, there is none so notable by the vertue of the Captains, and valour of the Souldiers, fought so long, so hardely, so variable, the victory enclining dive•…•…sly divers times, and at last obtained, not by the cowardise of the overcome, but by the valour of the overcomers: neither is that vertue of valour onely remarkable in this place, and marked by him, but their modestie when they had overcome, rare and wonderfull to him (as it is indeed to others) but common enough to the Scottish Nation, practised by them often in their victories, and almost ever where some great enormitie hath not ir∣ritated them, contrary to their nature and custome; yet here very singular∣ly▪ for in the heat of the conflict no men ever fought more fiercely, in the victory obtained none ever behaved themselves more mercifully; taking prisoners, and having taken them, using them as their dearest friends, with all humanitie, courtesie, gentlenesse, tendernesse, curing their wounds, sending them home, some free without ransome, some on small ran∣some, almost all on their simple word and promise to return at certaine times appointed, or when they should be called upon. So that of 1000. prisoners scarce 400. were brought into Scotland, the rest all remitted in that same manner, with Ralph Percie; and by his example, who because of his words desired this courtesie of the Earle of Murray, and obtained it, and was sent to Newcaste on his naked word to returne when hee should be called for. But what courage and confidence was it, that they durst adventure with so great perill to bee so courteous as they were? when the Bishop of Durham approaching to invade them the next day, 10000. (as some say) with 7000. (as others) of fresh men, yet they would not kill their prisoners that were within their Campe, equall (almost) to the halfe of their owne number, but on their owne promises to remaine true prisoners (how ever the field went) and with a small guard, having onely pinioned them together with small cords, suffered them to live in the Campe, and went themselves to encounter the Bishop, full of con∣fidence and scorn, that after the defeat of the flowre of Northumberland,

with there so worthy Leaders as the Percies, that a Priest (so they called the Bishop, should dare to set upon them, or but to abide them three marked strokes, as their Leaders said to them in his exhortation, as it came indeed to passe without any strokes: for they affrighted him with the onely sound of their hornes (as it seems Major would say) which they winding against him, and the hills redoubling the sound thereof, hee was affraid and durst not invade them, finding them ready and resolved to fight, whom hee thought to have found weary, because of their former travell, or negli∣gent because of their victory. And considering (saith Froysard) there was more to be lost, then to be wonne at their hands, the Captain distrust∣ing his Hoast, and the Hoast their Captain, it was thought best not to give battell, and so he retired without assaulting them. Their Leader after the Earle Douglas death, was the Earle of Murray (saith Buchanan) but I should rather take it to be the Earle of March, for hee was the elder bro∣ther; and Major saith it was March. However our Scottish mens courte∣sie and courage is exceeedingly to be commended, who notwithstanding that they looked for nothing but to have fought with the Bishop of Dur∣ham, yet did they spare their prisoners, which (and the like actions) when I consider, I would gladly understand of such as delight to reproach our Nation with all the calumnies they can invent, and amongst the rest, stile them barbarous, what it is they call barbarity? and if crueltie, and inhumanity bee not the speciall points of it? whereof they shall never reade that any Nation were more free, or that ever hath been more cour∣teous, humane, gentle, in peace and in warre, even at all times, and in all places. I wish all men would acknowledge the truth as it is: if they will not, yet shall it be truth, and truth shall never want a witnesse. It will be acknowledged, and must prevail to their great reproach that seek to hide or to impaire it.

To return to our History: when the newes of these things were brought to the other Campe, which was in Cumberland, they were stricken with extreme griefe, and were more sorry for the death of the Earle of Douglas, then they were glad for the victory obtained; all their joy for that suc∣cesse being turned into grievous lamentation. So great was the affection of all the Army towards him, that not onely those who followed him, but those of the other Army also, retired home silent and sad, as if they had been discomfited, and overcome. It increased the commiseration of men, that he died in the flowre of his age, and that he alone should be de∣prived of that victory which was obtained by his vertue and valour. And I think that the same affection doth continue in the hearts of the Rea∣ders of the History, which is never mentioned without a tender com∣passion.

And for my selfe so often I call to mind his great worth, and short life, I remember withall that of the Poet,

Ostendent terris hunc tantum fata, nec ultra Esse sinent, &c.

The fates shall make but of this youth a show, Such vertue must not tarry long below.

And with a great hyperbole, greater then Piety can well admit, if any such speeches can be over great, which doe not import what they speak, but are onely brought to expresse the highest excellency that can be.

Nimium vobis Romana propago Visa potens, superi, propria haec si dona fuissent.

The Heavens had made the Roman race to be Too blest, if this gift had held on with thee.

Change but the Countrey name, call it (Scotana propago) and you shall accommodate these verses more fitly here to this man: but most of all in the simple sense, that which followes,

—Non illi quisquam se impune tulisset Obvius armato, seu cum pedes iret in hostem, Seu spumantis equi foderet calcaribus armos.

No man in Armes that durst to him make head, Did scape unfoild, on foot, or foaming steed.

Which he speaking of Marcellus, if he had lived, is witnessed of this Earle Douglas, even by the adversary, whiles he yet lived. To which pur∣pose I remember that worthy Sir Philip Sidney in his defence of Poesie writeth of himself, that hee never heard the song of Douglas and Percie, but hee found his heart more moved therewith then with a Trumpet; whereof hee alledgeth the cause to bee the force and power of Poetrie: though it bee sung (saith hee) by some rude crowder, and with no rougher voyce then a grosse stile. What he saith of himselfe I doubt not but others have found in themselves: neither is it the m•…•…sick of that rough singer, that giveth it this force, farre lesse the vertue of the grosse rime: it is the matter that gives the efficacie, and the vertue of the man that begetteth a resembling vertue in the heart; not by Poesie, but by the rightly described History. Indeed this is the man apparantly, who hath given subject to those songs, being the first that encountred with Percie in such a particular conflict: but that which is commonly sung of the hunting of Chiviot seemeth indeed Poeticall, and a meer fiction (perhaps to stirre up vertue) yet a fiction, whereof there is no mention neither in the Scottish, nor English Chronicle: neither are the songs that are made of them both one, for the Scots song made of Otterburn telleth the time about Lammasse, and the occasion to take preyes out of England; also the dividing of the Armies betwixt the Earles of Fife and Douglas, and their severall journeys, almost as in the authentick History: It beginneth thus:

It fell about the Lammas tide When yeomen wonne their hay, The doughtie Douglas gan to ride, In England to take a prey.

Whereas the other m•…•…keth another occasion, and altogether different, yet it is not more effectuall to move vertue, then the true History here set downe: nor indeed so effectuall as it. And therefore let it bee read, and read over again, by such as delight in Military vertues; chiefly by those to whom these examples are as hereditary, and domestick, which they must needs affect, as also all the other actions of the life, but none testifying a better mind, a better resolution of the mind; more courage, more valour, with gifts of the body, strength and activity, all ruled by reason, and guided by wisedome, as is seen in his dealing with the French men, when they would have had him to •…•…ight with the King of England: which vertues of valour and wisedome so joyned, are able to make a due harmony, acceptable to a right judgement, commendable to after ages, and profitable for the present.

Boetius writeth that hee died not in the field, but after the field in his owne Tent, and that the Earles of Crawford, Murray, and March, went into his Tent, and found him lying hurt with three great wounds, almost dead: at which sight, each looked upon other with a silent ast•…•…nishment, and then burst forth into teares and weeping: which he beholding, said unto them (with a weake and faint voyce which could scarcely be heard) I beseech you good friends leave your lamenting, and be glad of the present vi∣ctorie which God of his goodnesse hath granted to us: We exposed our bodies to the enemies sword, to obtain that which wee have obtained: Turne therefore your teares un•…•…o thanks, mindefull rather of the benefit, then sorrowfull for that which is happened otherwayes then ye wished. If yee regard my paines and my life, which for you I lose, pray for my soul, and follow Vertue, and Armes, as ye doe, which you may imploy for the liberty of your Countrey, keeping con∣cord amongst your selves, with a kinde remembrance of me.

Soone after these words were utte•…•…ed, hee died in the armes of his friends. There are that say, that he was not slain by the enemy, but by one of his owne men, a Groome of his Chamber, whom he had struck the day before with a truncheon in the ordering of the battell, because hee saw him make somewhat slowly to: and they name this man John Bickerton of Luffenesse, who left a part of his armour behinde unfastned, and when hee was in the greatest conflict, this servant of his came be∣hinde his back, and slew him thereat: but this narration is not so proba∣ble.* 1.10 He was buried at Melrosse besides his father, with a Military pompe of the whole Army, and all the honour that could bee devised for him besides by the Abbot, and Monks of that Convent, after the most solemne manner of those times:

Jacobus Duglassius qui obiit ad Otterburnum Julii 21. 1388. Moriens.

Quaeritis ô quid agam? an animam jam ago, fata meorum Hac sequor. Innumero huc vulnere facta via est. Nesciat hoc hostis, sequitor quam quisque secat spem: Atque aliquis nostri funeris ultor ades. Finiit: Et subito redivivo funere surgens Mars novus intonuit, victor & ultor obit.

Johnst. Herees.

In English thus:

My friends you aske me how I do. My soul is now prepar'd to go, Where many wounds have made her way. Conceal it, till you winne the day: Pursue your hopes: this said, he dy'd; Then the whole rank's a Douglas cry'd, And charg'd a fresh, that thou might'st have Revenge and honour in the grave.

Before we proceed to speake of the next Earle of Douglas, the order of the History requireth that first wee speake of Archbald Douglas Lord of Galloway, brother to William the first Earle of Douglas, and of the said Archbalds naturall sonne VVilliam Lord of Nithisdale. Of this Arch∣bald we have mentioned what was remarkable in his brother Earle VVil∣liams life, for that was the time of his action. The first was after the bat∣tell of Penure, to bee revenged of the losse, whereof the English invaded Scotland with 50000. men (as they say that make them the fewest) or 40000. (as others) conducted by the Lord Talbot a very valiant man: with this huge number when they had spoyled the Countrey farre and wide, as they retired towards England, they were assailed at a strait pas∣sage by the Lord of Galloway, who had not above 5000. in his compa∣ny: with these he discomfited his hoast, and recovered the whole bootie. There were slain of the enemies in the conflict. 400. and 200. taken pri∣soners, and many were drowned in the river Solway, as they fled unad∣visedly. Some write that he set upon them in the night being incamped in a strait valley, not farre from England, where the first that they met withall being slain, the rest were affrighted and disordered, and so over∣throwne.

The next thing that we heare of him, is that he was with his brother the Earle at the conference with John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, con∣cerning a truce, and that hee accompanied the said Duke to Holyrood∣house. The truce was made for three yeares.

And after these were expired, the Lord of Galloway being very much

grieved that there should be a Garrison of English in the Castle of Loch∣mabane, which did daily spoil and rob the villages and townes of Gallo∣way, and Annandale, raised a great power by the help of his brother the Earle Douglas, and the Earle of March, and besieged the Castle for the space of eleven dayes. There came some English companies to have rai∣sed the siege, and relieved the Castle, but he repulsed them. Thereafter* 1.11 having assaulted it very fiercely, the Captain thereof, Sir William Ediston, yeelded it up unto him, lives and goods safe, and he having gotten it into his hands, razed it to the ground.

It is written also of him that hee went into France with his Nephew James Earle of Douglas, when he was sent to renew the ancient league with that Kingdome.

The last of his actions that we can finde is that hee was with his Ne∣phew James Earle of Douglas, and the Earle of March, at the taking of Wark, Foord, and Cornhill, where he wasted and spoyled the Countrey betwixt Berwick and Newcastle with the Frenchmen. These Frenchmen not contented herewith, but desirous to doe some other exploit, joyning with Archbald Lord of Galloway, passed Solway sands, and did wonder∣full great hurt in Cumberland.

He is accounted by Writers, to have been a very sufficient and valorous* 1.12 Gentleman, and that he died before the battell of Otterburn, in the yeare 1387. He founded the Hospitall of Holiwood, and to him succeded his Nephew Archbald (called the Grimme) in the Lordship of Galloway, who afterwards was both Earle of Douglas, and Lord of Galloway.

And here it is to be observed, that there were three Archbald Douglasses almost contemporary, which are to be distinguished, that we mistake not one for another. The first is this Archbald, brother to William the first Earle, who was Lord of Galloway, then when his brother lived, and who was father to the Lord Niddisdale. The second Archbald was son naturall to good Sir James, slain in Spain, who was made Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh, when it was taken by his brother the Lord of Liddesdale, who is wrongfully named VVilliam in our Chronicles, in stead of Archbald. He was at the battell of Poytiers, and is reported to have married in France, and remained there till his death. The third is Archbald the Grimme, of whom we shall speake hereafter. Our Writers through inadvertance doe divers times confound these three; taking one of them for another. As when they say Archbald Lord of Galloway, sonne to sir James slain in Spain, was taken at Poytiers, it is a manifest er∣rour: for if he was Lord of Galloway, hee was not sonne to Sir James; if he were sonne to Sir James, then was hee not Lord of Galloway; for Galloway did never belong to Sir James, but to his brother Archbald slain at Halydoun hill, who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it by m•…•…rrying the heire of Gallo∣way (as hath been said) and gave it to his second sonne this Archbald. Thus much I thought good to advertise the Reader in this place, for the better distinguishing of them.

Notes

• * 1.1

  His wife and children.
• * 1.2

  The Origi∣nall, of the houses of Drumlanrig, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.3

  He goeth into France.
• * 1.4

  He taketh Berwick.
• * 1.5

  15000. horse∣men.
• * 1.6

  Occasion of the battell of Otterburn.
• * 1.7

  A combat be∣twixt Percie and Douglas.
• * 1.8

  The battell of Otterburn.
• * 1.9

  Douglas slain.
• * 1.10

  Buried at Melrosse.
• * 1.11

  He taketh and razeth the Ca∣stle of Loch∣mabane.
• * 1.12

  His death. He found the Hospitall of Holywood.