Page:Life and death of Robin Hood.pdf/11

 Poor men might safely pass by him,
 * and some that way would chuse;

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 high way 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 Cœur 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.

Our chronicles of him report,
 * that commonly he rode,