королю Ричарду Йорку и всем павшим с ним на Босфортском поле 22 августа 1485 года - вечная память
Then to King Richard there came a knight
And said, I hold it time for to flee;
For yonder Stanleys' dints they be so wight,
Against them no man may dree.
'Here is thy horse at thy hand ready;
Another day thou may worship win,
And for to reign with royalty,
To wear the crown, and be our King.'
He said, 'Give me my battle-axe in my hand,
Set the crown of England on my head so high!
For by Him that shope both sea and land,
King of England this day will I die!
Battle of Bosworth
Earliest surviving copy mid-17th century, but prose summary of earlier version late 16th century; form and content indicate initial composition within living memory of battle. Author: anonymous member of Stanley entourage, probably eye-witness.