Page:Life and death of Robin Hood.pdf/6

 Which to prevent those sparks did geld
 * all that came in their ways.

But Robin Hood so gently was.
 * and bore so brave a mind.

If any in distress should pass,
 * to them he was so kind.

That he would give and lend to them,
 * to help them in their need;

Thus made all poor men pray for him
 * and wish he well might speed.

The widow and the fatherless
 * he would send means unto;

And those who famine did oppress,
 * found him a friendly foe:

Nor would he do the woman wrong,
 * but see her safe convey’d;

He would protect with power strong,
 * All those who crav’d his aid.

The Abbot of St. Mary’s then,
 * who undid him before,

Was riding with his two hundred men,
 * and gold and silver store

But Robin Hood upon him set
 * with his courageous sparks.

And all the coin by force did get,
 * which was twelve thousands merks.