Page:Adam Bell, Clym of the Clough, and William of Cloudeslie (2).pdf/22

 At what a butt, now, wold ye shoot?

I pray thee tell to me;

At such a butt, Sir, then he said,

As men use in my countrie.

William then went into a field

With his two brethren;

There they set up two hazel rods,

Twenty score paces between.

I hold him an archer, said Cloudeslie,

That yonder wand cleaveth in two;

Here is none such, said the King,

Nor no man can so do.

I shall essay, Sir, said Cloudeslie,

Or that I farther go;

And then with a bearing arrow

He clave the wand in two.

Thou art the best archer, then said the King,

Forsooth that ever I see;

And yet for your love, said William,

I will do more mastery.

I have a son is seven yere old,

He is to me full dear;

I will him tye unto a stake

All shall see that be here.

And lay an apple upon his head,

And go six score paces him fro,

And I myself with a broad arrow,

Shall cleave the apple in two.

Now haste thee, do this, said the King,

By him that died on tree;

But if thou do not as thou hast said,

High hanged shall thou be.