The Standard-Bearer + 

“How can I tell,” Sir Edmund said, + 

“Who has the right or the wrong o’ this thing? + 

Cromwell stands for the people’s cause, + 

Charles is crowned by the ancient laws; + 

English meadows are sopping red, + 

Englishmen striking each other dead⁠— + 

Times are black as a raven’s wing. + 

Out of the ruck and the murk I see + 

Only one thing! + 

The King has trusted his banner to me, + 

And I must fight for the King.” + 

Into the thick of the Edgehill fight + 

Sir Edmund rode with a shout; and the ring + 

Of grim-faced, hard-hitting Parliament men + 

Swallowed him up⁠—it was one against ten! + 

He fought for the standard with all his might, + 

Never again did he come to sight⁠— + 

Victor, hid by the raven’s wing! + 

After the battle had passed we found + 

Only one thing⁠— + 

The hand of Sir Edmund gripped around + 

The banner-staff of his King. + 