Page:Life and death of Robin Hood.pdf/17

 This sad perplexity did cause
 * a fever, as some say.

Which him into confusion draws,
 * though in a stranger way.

This deadly danger to prevent,
 * he hied him with all speed

Into a nunnery, with intent
 * for his health’s sake to bleed,

A faithless friar did there pretend,
 * In love, to let him blood;

Bu he by falseness wrought the en
 * of famous Robin Hood.

The friar, as some say, did this
 * to vindicate the wrong

Which to the clergy him and his
 * had done by power strong.

Thus died he by treachery,
 * who could not die by force;

Had he liv’d longer, certainly
 * king Richard, in remorse.

Had into favour him received,
 * his brave men elevated;

’Tis pity he was of live bereaved,
 * by one that he so hated:

A treacherous leech this friar was
 * to let him bleed to death;