=Source.=--_Bosworth Field_, in Percy Folio MS., iii. 256, 257.
(1868.)
Then to King Richard there came a knight,
And said, "I hold it time for to flee;
For yonder Stanley's dints they be so might,
Against them no man may dree.
Here is horse at thy hand ready;
Another day thou may thy worship win,
And for to reign with royalty,
To wear the crown and be our king."
"Nay! give me my battle-axe in my hand,
Set the crown of England on my head so high,
For by him that made both sea and land,
King of England this day will I die.
One foot will I never flee
Whilst the breath is my breast within."
As he said, so did it be;
If he lost his life, he died a King.