Third, William Sevenoake, who went over to France with Henry V. as a lad just out of his apprenticeship, and there fought with the Dauphin (p. 447):—
“The Dolphyne then of France, a comelie knight, Disguised, came by chaunce into a place, Where I, well wearied with the heate of fight, Had layd me downe, for warre had ceast his chace; And with reproachful words, as layzie swaine He did salute me, ere I long had layne.
I, knowing that he was mine enemie, A bragging French-man (for we tearm’d them so) Ill brookt the proud disgrace he gave to me And therefore, lent the Dolphyne such a blowe, As warm’d his courage well to lay about, Till he was breathlesse, though he were so stout.
At last the noble prince did aske my name, My birth, my calling, and my fortunes past; With admiration he did heare the same, And so a bagge of crownes to me he cast; And when he went away, he saide to mee, ‘Sevenoake, be prowd, the Dolphyne fought with thee.’”
Fourth, Thomas White, who founded schools and almshouses (p. 449):—
“I cannot sing of armes and blood-red warres, Nor was my collur mixt with Mars his hew; I honour those that ended countrey jarres, For herein subjects shew that they are trew; But privately at home I shewde my selfe, To be no lover of vaine worldly pelfe.
My deedes have tongues to speak, though I surcease, My orators the learned strive to bee, Because I twined paulmes in time of peace, And gave such gifts, that made faire learning free; My care did build them bowers of sweet content, Where many wise their golden time have spent.
A noyse of gratefull thankes within mine eares, Descending from their studies, glads my heart, That I began to wish with private teares, There lived more that were of White’s desert; But now I looke, and spie that time is balde, And Vertue comes not, being seldome calde.”
Fifth, John Bonham, citizen and mercer, who went to Denmark with his merchandise, there was received at Court and distinguished himself at a tournament—the only occasion on record of a merchant fighting in a tournament—and finally led an army to victory over the Great Solyman, who made him a knight after the defeat of the Turk:—
“Then, at a parley he admirde me so; He made me knight and let his armie go.”