Sir Robert's second brother was he;
Outstepped Sir John of Fontanlee,
He was the youngest of the three.
There are three gloves on the oaken boards,
And three white hands on their hilted swords:
"On horse or foot, by day or night,
We stand to do our father right."
The Baron Tranmere hath bent his knee,
And gathered him up the gages three:
"Ye are young knights, and loyal, I wis,
And ye know not how false your father is.
"Put on, put on your armour bright;
And God in heaven help the right!"
"God help the right!" the sons replied;
And straightway on their armour did.
The Baron Tranmere hath mounted his horse,
And ridden him down the battle-course;
The young Sir Robert lifted his eyes,
Looked fairly up in the open skies:
"If my father was true in deed and in word,
Fight, O God, with my righteous sword;
If my father was false in deed or in word,
Let me lie at length on the battle-sward!"
The Baron Tranmere hath turned his horse,
And ridden him down the battle-course;
Sir Robert's visor is crushed and marred,
And he lies his length on the battle-sward.
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