Page:Life and death of Robin Hood.pdf/20

 (If need be) have an hundred ways
 * such out-laws to prevent.

In those days men more barbarous were,
 * and lived less in awe;

Now, God be thanked, people fear,
 * more to offend the law.

No roaring guns were then in use,
 * they dreamt of no such thing;

Our Englishmen in fight did chuse,
 * the gallant grey goose wing;

In which activity those men,
 * through practice were so good.

That in those days none equall’d them,
 * especially Robin Hood.

So that it seems keeping in caves,
 * in woods and forests thick.

They’d heat a multitude with staves,
 * their arrows did so prick;

And none durst near unto them come,
 * unless in courtesy;

All such he bravely would send home
 * with mirth and jollity.

Which courtesy won him such love,
 * as I before have told;

’Twas the chief cause that he did prove
 * more prosperous than he would;