Were he out of their hands, he thought,
And had again his tree,
He should not be had back for nought,
With such as he did see.130
Then he bethought him on a wile,
If it could take effect,
How he the young men might beguile,
And give them a begeck.
Thus for to do them shame or ill,135
His beastly breast was bent;
He found the wind grew something shril,
To further his intent.
He said, "Brave gentlemen, be good,
And let the poor man be;140
When ye have taken a beggar's blood,
It helps you not a flea.
"It was but in my own defence,
If he hath gotten skaith;
But I will make a recompense,145
Much better for you baith.
"If ye will set me safe and free,
And do me no dangèr,
An hundred pounds I will you give,
And much more good silvèr,150
"That I have gather'd this many years,
Under this clouted cloak,
And hid up [wonder] privately,
In bottom of my pock."
The young men to a council yeed,155
And let the beggar gae;
They wist full well he had no speed
From them to run away.
They thought they would the money take,
Come after what so may;160
And then they would not bring him back,
But in that place him slay.
By that good Robin would not know
That they had gotten coin;
It would content him for to show165
That there they had him slain.