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 To have by force this rebel ta'en,
 * and his adherents bold.

Therefore he arm'd five hundred men
 * with furniture complete;

But the out-laws slew half of them
 * and made the rest retreat;

The long bow and the arrow keen,
 * they were so used unto,

That still he kept the forest green
 * In spite of the proudest foe.

Twelve of the Abbot's men he took,
 * who came to have him ta'en;

When all the rest the field forsook,
 * these he did entertain

With banqueting and merriment
 * and, having used them well.

He to their landlord them safely sent,
 * and will'd them him to tell.

That if he would be pleased at last
 * to beg of our good king,

That he might pardon what was past,
 * and him to favour bring:

He would surrender back again
 * the money, which before

Was taken by him and his men
 * from him and many more.