Page:Life and death of Robin Hood, the renowned out-law.pdf/8

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His men were forc'd to be his guide, For he rode backwards home; The Abbot being thus vilified, Did sorely chase and foam. Thus Robin Hood did vindicate His former wrongs receiv'd;                       For 'twas the covetous prélate, That him of land bereav'd.

The Abbot he rode to the king, With all the haste he could; And to his grade he every thing Exactly did unfold: And said, that if no course was ta'en                         (By force or stratagem) To take this rebel and his train, No man could pass for them.

The king protested by and by, Unto the Abbot then, That Robin Hood with speed should die With all his merry men: But ere the king did any send, He did another feat, Which did his grace much more offend, The fact indeed was great.