Page:History of Adam Bell, Clim of the Clough, and William of Cloudeslie (2).pdf/21

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That I have promif’d, faid William, I never will for fake ; So there, even before the King, In earth he drove a flake, And bound thereto his eldeft fon, Bade him ftand ftill thereat: He turn'd the child’s face him from, Becaufe he fhould not ftart. Then on his head an apple fet, And his bow then he bent; Full fix fcore paces they were met. To which place Cloudeflie went. There he drew a fair broad arrow, His bow was great and long. He fet that arrow in his bow, That was Loth ftiff and ftrong. He pray’d the people that were there, That they would all ftill ftand; For he that fhoots for fuch a wager. Had need of fteady hand. Much people pray’d'for Cloudeflie, That fav’d his life might be ; And when he made ready to fhoot. Was many a weeping eye, Then Cloudeflie clave the apple in two, Which many a man did fee Now God forbid, then faid the king, That you fhould fhoot at me. I give the eighteen pence a day, And my bow fhalt thou bear’