They were ware on the roade of three peddlers with loade,
For each one had his packe,
Full of all wares for countrie faires,15
Trust up upon his backe.
A good oke staffe, a yard and a halfe,
Each one had in his hande;
And they were all boune to Nottingham toune,
As you shall understand.20
"Yonder I see bolde peddlers three,"
Said Robin to Scarlett and John;
"Wele search their packes upon their backes
Before that they be gone.
"Holla, good fellowes!" quod Robin Hood,25
"Whether is it ye doe goe?
Now stay and rest, for that is the best,
'Tis well you should doe so."
"Noe rest we neede, on our roade we speede,
Till to Nottingham we get:"30
"Thou tellst a lowde lye," said Robin, "for I
Can see that ye swinke and swet."
The peddlers three crosst over the lee,
They did not list to fight:
"I charge ye tarrie," quod Robin, "for marry,35
This is my owne land by right.
"This is my mannor and this is my parke,
I would have ye for to knowe;
Ye are bolde outlawes, I see by cause
Ye are so prest to goe.40
The peddlers three turned round to see,
Who it might be they herd;
Then again went on as they list to be gone,
And never answered word.
Then tooke Robin Hood an arrow so good,45
Which he did never lacke,
And drewe his bowe, and the swift arrowe
Went through the last peddlers packe.
For him it was well on the packe it fell,
Or his life had found an end;50
And it pierct the skin of his backe within,
Though the packe did stand his friend.