Page:True tale of Robin Hood (2).pdf/6

6 The Yorkshire woods frequented much,

and Lancashire also,

Wherein their practices were such.

that they wrought meikle woe,

None rich to travel too and fro'

tho' ne'er so strongly arm'd;

But by thieves so strong in shew,

they were both rob'd and harm'd.

His chief spite to the clergy was,

who liv'd in monſtrous pride,

Not one of them he would let paſs,

along the highway side;

But first to dinner they must go,

and afterwards to shrift,

For they suppos'd that he was ta'en,

while thus he liv'd by theft,

Nor Monks nor Friars he would let go,

without paying their fees,

If they pleas'd not to be served so,

their stones he made them leave,

For such as these the country fill'd

with bastards in those days,

Which to prevent, these sparks did geld

all that came in their way,

But Robin Hood so gentle was,

and bore so great a mind.

If any in distress did pass,

he was to them most kind,

That he would give or lend them,

or help them in their need,