Page:Life and death of Robin Hood, the renowned out-law.pdf/6

 His chiefest spite to the clergy was,
 * That liv'd in monstrous pride;

No one of them he could let pass
 * Along the highway side;

But first they must to dinner go,
 * And afterwards to shift;

Full many a one he served so,
 * Thus while he liv'd by theft.

No monks or friars he would let go,
 * Without paying their fees;

If they thought much to be used so,
 * Their gear he made them leave.

For such as they the country fill'd
 * With bastards in those days;

Which to prevent those sparks they geld
 * All that came in their ways.

But Robin Hood so gentle was,
 * And bore so brave a mind,

If any in distress should pass,
 * To them he was so kind,

That he would give and lend to them,
 * To help them in their need;

Thus made all poor men pray for him
 * And wish he well might speed.