A Herault posted presently away

A Herault posted presently away, The King of England to the field to dare, To bid him cease his spoyle, nor to delay Gainst the French power his forces but prepare: For that King Charles determin'd to display His bloody Ensignes, and through France declare The day, and place, that Henry should set downe, In which their Battailes, should dispose the Crowne.

[Stanza 136: The King of Englands modest answer.]

This newes to Henry by the Herault brought, As one dispassion'd soberly (quoth he) Had your King pleas'd, we sooner might haue fought; For now my Souldiers much enfeebled be: Nor day, nor place, for Battaile shall be sought By English Henry: but if he seeke me, I to my vtmost will my selfe defend, And to th'Almighties pleasure leaue the end.