Original
Modern English
Thus far our fortune keeps an upward course, And we are graced with wreaths of victory. But, in the midst of this bright-shining day, I spy a black, suspicious, threatening cloud, That will encounter with our glorious sun, Ere he attain his easeful western bed: I mean, my lords, those powers that the queen Hath raised in Gallia have arrived our coast And, as we hear, march on to fight with us.
So far, our fortune has been rising, And we are adorned with victory’s garlands. But in the middle of this bright day, I see a dark, suspicious, threatening cloud, That will clash with our glorious sun, Before it reaches its peaceful western rest: I mean, my lords, those forces the queen Has raised in France have reached our shores, And, as we’ve heard, are marching to fight us.
A little gale will soon disperse that cloud And blow it to the source from whence it came: The very beams will dry those vapours up, For every cloud engenders not a storm.
A little breeze will soon blow that cloud away And send it back to where it came from: The sun’s rays will dry up those clouds, For not every cloud brings a storm.
The queen is valued thirty thousand strong, And Somerset, with Oxford fled to her: If she have time to breathe be well assured Her faction will be full as strong as ours.
The queen’s army is thirty thousand strong, And Somerset, with Oxford, has fled to her: If she has time to regroup, be sure Her faction will be just as strong as ours.
We are advertised by our loving friends That they do hold their course toward Tewksbury: We, having now the best at Barnet field, Will thither straight, for willingness rids way; And, as we march, our strength will be augmented In every county as we go along. Strike up the drum; cry ’Courage!’ and away.
We’ve been informed by our loyal friends That they are heading towards Tewkesbury: We, having the upper hand at Barnet field, Will go there straight away, for quick action clears the path; And as we march, our strength will grow In every county we pass through. Sound the drum; cry ’Courage!’ and march on.