Page:Life and death of Robin Hood.pdf/15

 Or any place within the lands.
 * rebellious Robin Hood,

Should be preferred in place to stand
 * with those of noble blood.

When Robin heard of the same
 * within a little space,

Into the town of Nottingham,
 * a letter to his grace

He shot upon an arrow head,
 * one evening cunningly;

Which was brought to the king and read,
 * before his majesty:

The tenor of the letter was,
 * that Robin would Submit,

And be true liege-man to his grace.
 * In any thing that’s fit.

So that his highness would forgive
 * him and his merry men all;

If not, he must in the green wood live,
 * and take what chance did fall.

The king would fain have pardon’d him,
 * but that some lords did say.
 * This precedent will much condemn

your grace another day.

While that the king and lords did stay
 * debating on this thing,