"You'd best have a care," said the forester then,
"For these are his majesty's deer;
Before you shall shoot, the thing I'll dispute,15
For I am head forester here."
"These thirteen long summers," quoth Robin, "I'm sure,
My arrows I here have let fly,
Where freely I range; methinks it is strange,
You should have more power than I.20
"This forest," quoth Robin, "I think is my own,
And so are the nimble deer too;
Therefore I declare, and solemnly swear,
I'll not be affronted by you."
The forester he had a long quarter staff,25
Likewise a broad sword by his side;
Without more ado, he presently drew,
Declaring the truth should be try'd.
Bold Robin Hood had a sword of the best,
Thus, ere he would take any wrong,30
His courage was flush, he'd venture a brush,
And thus they fell to it ding dong.
The very first blow that the forester gave,
He made his broad weapon cry twang;
'Twas over the head, he fell down for dead,35
O that was a damnable bang!
But Robin he soon recovered himself,
And bravely fell to it again;
The very next stroke their weapons they broke.
Yet never a man there was slain.40
At quarter staff then they resolvèd to play,
Because they would have the other bout;
And brave Robin Hood right valiantly stood,
Unwilling he was to give out.
Bold Robin he gave him very hard blows,45
The other return'd them as fast;
At every stroke their jackets did smoke,
Three hours the combat did last.
At length in a rage the forester grew,
And cudgell'd bold Robin so sore,50
That he could not stand, so shaking his hand,
He cry'd, "Let us freely give o'er.