Page:Life and death of Robin Hood.pdf/4

 And loved men of quality,
 * more than exceeding well.

His great revenues all he sold,
 * for wine and costly cheer;

He kept three hundred bowmen hold,
 * he shooting lov’d so dear

No archer living in his time,
 * with him might well compare;

He practic’d all his youthful prime
 * that exercise most rare.

At last, by his profound expence,
 * he had consum’d his wealth;:

And being out-law’d by his prince.
 * In woods he liv’d by stealth.

The Abbot of St Mary’s rich,
 * to whom he money owed;

His hatred to the Earl was such,
 * that he his downfall wrought;

So being out-lawed, as ’tis told,
 * he with a crew went forth.

Of lusty cutlers, stout and bold,
 * and robbed in the North.

Amongst the rest, one Little John,
 * a yeoman bold and free.

Who could (if it stood him upon)
 * with ease encounter three