Note 6 — A LEGEND OF BEWSEY.
Reading edition
Oh listen to my roundelay, Oh listen a while to me, And I'll tell ye of a deadly feud That fell out in the north countrie. The summer leaves were fresh and green When Earl Derby forth would ride; For King Henry and his company To Lathom briskly hied. A bridge he had builded fair and strong, With wondrous cost and pain, O'er Mersey's stream, by Warrington, For to meet that royal train.[6] And lord, and knight, and baron bold, That dwelt in this fair countrie, With the Derby train a-riding were, Save Sir John of proud Bewsey. "Now foul befa' that scornfu' knight," Cried Stanley in his pride; "For he hath my just and honest suit Discourteously denied: "Such hatred of our high estate, This traitor sore shall rue; I'll be avenged, or this good sword Shall rot the scabbard through!" He swore a furious oath, I trow, And clenched his iron hand, As he rode forth to meet his son, The monarch of merry England.