Page:True tale of Robin Hood (1).pdf/5

 And loved men of quality
 * more than becoms him well:

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

He kept three hundred bowmen bold,
 * he ſhooting lov'd ſo dear,

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

He practic'd all his youthful prime
 * in exerciſe moſt rare

At laſt by his profuſe expence,
 * he had conſum'd his wealth.

And being outlaw'd by his prince
 * in wood he liv'd by ſtealth

The abbot of St. Mary's church,
 * to whom he money ow'd,

His hatred to the Earl was ſuch,
 * that he his downfal prov'd.

So being outlaw'd, as 'tis told,
 * he with a went forth,

Of lofty cutters ſtout and bold,
 * who robbed in the North.

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

Who could, if need ſtood him upon,
 * with eaſe encounter three

One hundred men in all he got
 * with whom the ſtory ſays,

Three hundred men in arms durſt not,
 * keep combat any ways