the enemy was coming towards us, evidently with
the intention of attacking our right flank. This was the part of the
army in which Harleston and I were to play our part; we having been
sent there with a body of other knights to add somewhat to its
strength, the which was somewhat weak in comparison with the left wing,
which was led by the Duke of Albany, who was a brother of the Scottish
King, James, against whom he was now about to fight--but then, royal
brothers are ever longing to kill each other.

As we came over the brow of a hill we could see a considerable body of
knights and men-at-arms, preceded by a stronger force of archers,
coming slowly towards us, as the messenger had said.

Our archers were now thrown out in front, the knights followed, and the
men-at-arms brought up the rear. As we were drawing near unto the foe
we beheld their main body advancing on our centre, which was led by the
Duke of Gloucester himself. Soon we were engaged, and then we had not
time to see how the Duke did receive the Scotchmen; for indeed we were
too busy with the receiving of them, or rather their arrows, which
poured down on either side like rain.

When this long distance battle had gone on for a short space we thought
it time that we knights should take part, and not let all of the glory
go to the archers. Therefore, the command was given to swing to the
right, past them, and take the enemy in the flank. Around, as on a
hinge, swung the double ranks of mail-clad figures, and then, when we
had cleared our archers, we placed our lances in the rests, and came
down upon the enemy like a thunderbolt. They, however, had seen us
change position, and, though they be thick-skulled knaves, they did
divine our object, ere our plan was carried out. Their knights dashed
forward at the same time as did we, and we met before their archers
with a crash that was heard for the distance of a mile.

I had singled out a knight, which, by his size, and the way he sat his
horse, led me to think he should be a foeman worthy of my steel. In
this I was not disappointed; for when we met in the front rank, each
had aimed at the centre of the other's shield, and it is seldom that I
have ever had so heavy a shock. Both our lances flew into a thousand
pieces, as though they had been made of straw. Mine opponent's horse
was forced back upon his haunches, and he was like to lose his seat.
But he did recover himself with such dexterity as did sho