56.2 ‘rawsty by the root.’ It is suggested that this means rusty (i.e. with blood) at the root (tip, end).
But John took Guy’s bow in his hand
(His arrows were rawsty by the root);
The sheriff saw Little John draw a bow
And fettle him to shoot.
57.
Towards his house in Nottingham
He fled full fast away,
And so did all his company,
Not one behind did stay.