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Sir Edward Stanley, the fifth son of Thomas, first Earl of Derby, early
received the notice and favour of his sovereign King Henry the Eighth.
It is said of him, "The camp was his school, and his learning the pike
and sword." The king's greeting, when they met, was "_Ho! my soldier_."
Honour floated in his veins, and valour danced in his spirits. At the
battle of Flodden he commanded the rear of the English army, and was
attacked by the Earls of Lennox and Argyle, both of whom were slain,
together with the King of Scots, on that memorable day. Through his
great bravery and skill he mainly contributed to its success. A sudden
feint inducing the Scots to descend a hill, their stronghold, an opening
was caused in their ranks, which Sir Edward Stanley espying, he attacked
them on the sudden with his Lancashire bowmen. So unexpected an assault
put them into great disorder, which gave the first hopes of success, and
kindled fresh courage through the English ranks, ending in the complete
overthrow and discomfiture of their enemies.
Upon this signal achievement, Sir Edward Stanley, being much advanced
thereby in the king's favour, received from the hand of his royal master
a letter of thanks, together with an assurance of some future reward.
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