Page:Life and death of Robin Hood, the renowned out-law.pdf/18



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But ere the pardon to him came, This famous archer died: His death and manner of the same, I'll presently describe; For being vex'd to think upon His followers revolt, In melancholy passion He did recount his fault.

Perfidious traitors, said he then, In all your dangers past, Have I you guarded as my men, To leave me thus at last! This sad perplexity did cause A fever, as some say, Which him into confusion draws, Though in a stranger way.

This deadly danger to prevent, He hied him with all speed Into a nunnery, with intent For his health's sake to bleed, A faithless fair did there pretend, In love, to let him blood; But she by falseness wrought the end Of famous Robin Hood.