Page:Life and death of Robin Hood.pdf/8

 That Robin Hood with speed should die
 * with all his merry men:

But ere the king did any send,
 * he did another feat.

Which did his grace much more offend,
 * the fact indeed was great.

For in a short time after,
 * the king’s receiver’s went

Towards London with the coin they got
 * for’s highness’s northern rent.

Bold Robin Hood and Little John,
 * with the rest of their train,

Not dreading law, set them upon,
 * and did their gold obtain.

The king much moved at the same,
 * and th’ Abbot’s talk also,

In this his anger did proclaim,
 * and sent words to and fro.

That whosoe’er alive or dead,
 * could bring him Robin Hood,

Should have one thousand merks well paid,
 * In gold and silver good.

This promise of the king’s did mak
 * full many a yeoman bold.

Attempt stout Robin Hood to take
 * with all the force they could