Page:Life and death of Robin Hood.pdf/9

 But still when any came to him,
 * within the gay green wood;

And wanted for to speak to him,
 * his men in order stood.

He shew'd to them such martial sport
 * with his long bow and arrow.

That they of him did give repor'
 * how that it was great sorrow.

That such a worthy man as he,
 * should thus be put to shift,

Being of late a lord of high degree,
 * of living quite bereft.

The king to take him more and more,
 * sent men of meikle might;

But he and his still beat them sore,
 * and conquer'd them in fight;

Or else with love and courtesy
 * to him lie won their hearts;

Thus still he liv'd by robbery,
 * throughout the northern parts.

And all the country stood in dread,
 * of Robin and his men;

For stouter lads ne'er liv'd by bread
 * n those days, nor since then;

The Abbot which before I nam'd,
 * sought all the means he could,