Page:Life and death of Robin Hood, the renowned out-law.pdf/12



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Poor men might safely pass by him, And some that way would cbuse; For well they knew, that to help them, He ever more did use. But where he knew a miser rich, That did the poor oppress, To feel his coin his hands did itch, He’d have it more or less.

And sometimes when the highway fail’d, Then he his courage rouses; He and his men have oft assail’d Such rich men in their houses. So that thro‘ dread of Robin then, And his advent’rous crew, The misers kept great store of men, Which else maintain’d but few.

King Richard, of that name the first, Sur-named Coeur de Lion; Went to defeat the Pagans curst, Who kept the coasts of Sion. The bishop of Ely, chancellor, Was the vice-roy here; Who, like a potent emperor, Did proudly domineer.