Page:True tale of Robin Hood (1).pdf/22

 roaring gun was then in use,
 * they dreamt of no such thing.

Our Englishmen in fight did chuſe
 * the gallant gray gooſe wing.

In which activity our men,
 * thro' practice were ſo good,

That in thoſe days none equall'd them,
 * eſpecially Robin Hood.

So that it ſeems keeping in caves
 * in woods and forests thick,

They beat a multitude with staves,
 * their arrows did ſo prick,

And none durst near unto them come,
 * unless in courteſy

And all ſuch he would fain ſend home,
 * with mirth and jollity

His courteſy won him much love,
 * as before have told,

This was the reaſon he did prove,
 * more proſperous than he would.

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

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

Let no one think this is a lie,
 * for wer't put to the worſt,

They muſt the truth of it deſcry,
 * in Richard's reign the firſt.

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