Page:Life and death of Robin Hood, the renowned out-law.pdf/10



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He sliew'd to them such martial sport With his long bow and arrow, That they of him did give report, How that it was great sorrow, That such a worthy man as he, Should thus be put to shift; Being of late a lord of high degree,: Of living quite bereft.

The king to take him more and more, Sent men of mickle might; But he and his still beat them sore, And conquer‘d them in fight; Or else with love and courtesy, To him he won their hearts; Thus still he liv'd by robbery, Throughout the northern parts.

And all the country stood in dread. Of Robin and his men; For stouter lads ne'er liv'd by bread, In those days, nor since then; The Abbot which before I nam'd,                         Sought all the means he could, To have by force this rebel ta'en, And his adherents bold.