The news that Edward was just upon them ran like wildfire through the ranks, and all the most experienced leaders, including the royal Margaret herself, were of opinion that it would be better not to run the risk of a battle, but retire rapidly and stealthily from their present position, and not encounter the onset of Edward's veteran troops, flushed with victory and thirsting for blood, until their hardy mountain allies had contrived to join them.
But there is something revolting to young and ardent spirits in the thought of flight, and the Duke of Somerset was eager for the fray.
He argued that an easy victory must be theirs if they did but act boldly and hastened to the attack.

To fly were fatal; their troops would become disheartened and melt away.

Their foes would openly triumph, and all men would be drawn to them.

Edward's soldiers, weary with long marching, would be taken by surprise.

It were a thousand times better to risk the fight than to play the coward at so critical a juncture.
And these impetuous words carried the younger spirits along with them.