And when they came to the castle near
Wherein Will Stutly lay,
"I hold it good," said Robin Hood,35
"We here in ambush stay,
"And send one forth some news to hear,
To yonder palmer fair,
That stands under the castle wall;
Some news he may declare."40
With that steps forth a brave young man,
Which was of courage bold;
Thus he did say to the old man:
"I pray thee, palmer old,
"Tell me, if that thou rightly ken,45
When must Will Stutly dye,
Who is one of bold Robin's men,
And here doth prisoner lye?"
"Alas, alas," the palmer said,
"And for ever woe is me!50
Will Stutly hang'd will be this day,
On yonder gallows tree.
"O had his noble master known,
He would some succour send;
A few of his bold yeomanry55
Full soon would fetch him hence."
"Ay, that is true," the young man said;
"Ay, that is true," said he;
"Or, if they were near to this place,
They soon would set him free.60
"But fare thou well, thou good old man,
Farewel, and thanks to thee;
If Stutly hanged be this day,
Reveng'd his death will be."
No sooner he was from the palmer gone,65
But the gates were open'd wide,
And out of the castle Will Stutly came,
Guarded on every side.
When he was forth from the castle come,
And saw no help was nigh,70
Thus he did say unto the sheriff,
Thus he said gallantly: