Page:Life and death of Robin Hood.pdf/21

 Let us be thankful for these times
 * of plenty, truth, and peace;

And leave our great and horrid crimes,
 * lest they cause this to cease.

I know there’s many feigned tales,
 * of Robin and his crew.

But chronicles which seldom fail,
 * report this to he true;

Let none then think this is a lie,
 * for if ’twere put to the worst.

They might the truth descry,
 * in reign of Richard the first.

If any reader please to try,
 * as I direction shew.

The truth of this brave history,
 * he’ll find it true I know;

And I shall think my labour well
 * bestow’d to purpose good,

When’t shall be said, that I did tell
 * true tales of Robin Hood.