But Robin cast downe his baggs of bread,
Soe did he his staffe with a face,
And in a doublet of red velvett40
This yeoman stood in his place.
But Robin he lope, and Robin he threw,
He lope over stocke and stone,
But those that saw Robin Hood run
Said he was a liver old man.45
"But bend your bowes, and stroke your strings,
Set the gallow tree aboute,
And Christes curse on his head," said Robin,
"That spares the sheriff and [the sergeant].
When the sheriffe see gentle Robin wold shoote,50
He held up both his hands,
Says, "Aske, good Robin, and thou shalt have,
Whether it be house or land."
"I will neither have house nor land," said Robin,
"Nor gold, nor none of thy fee,55
But I will have those 3 squires,
To greene forest with mee."
"Now marry, gods forbott," said the sheriffe,
"That ever that shold be,
Ffor why, they be the kings felons;60
They are all condemned to dye."
"But grant me my askynge," said Robin,
["Or by the faith of my body,]
Thou shalt be the first man
Shall flower this gallow tree."65
But I will * * 3 squires
* * * * * *
cetera desunt.
[8]. By proposing, that is, to make an exchange of clothes, the bargain being so much to the advantage of the old man. Jamieson.