Page:Famous exploits of Robin Hood, Little John, and his merry men all.pdf/24

 24 HISTORY OF, &c.

ROBIN HOOD’S DEATH And now I must bring my stories to a close, and the death of valiant Robin Hood! Robin fell ill, and because he required to be treated with skill, he went to Kirkley Abbey, where they sent for a monk to bleed him, and this monk being eager to get the reward the King had set upon Robin’s head, treacherously bled him to death. Thus he that never feared a sword or a bow, or any man that lived, was basely killed, in letting of blood, and died without a friend to close his eyes. As soon as his men heard of his death, they were filled with grief and dismay, and fled away in haste. Some of them crossed the! seas, and went to Flanders, some to France, and some to Spain and Rome.

EPITAPH, Inscribed on his Tombstone, at Kirklees, in Yorkshire. Dear undernead Robert Earl of Duntingtun Nea arrir der as die sae geud An pipl kauld im Robin Dead Sick utlaw as an is men Vil England nibir si agen Obiit 24 kal. Dekembris. 1247.