Then with a dozen of his lords5
To Nottingham he rode;
When he came there, he made good cheer,
And took up his abode.
He having staid there some time,
But had no hopes to speed,10
He and his lords, with one accord,
All put on monks' weeds.
From Fountain abbey they did ride,
Down to Barnsdale;
Where Robin Hood preparèd stood15
All company to assail.
The king was higher than the rest,
And Robin thought he had
An abbot been whom he had seen;
To rob him he was glad.20
He took the kings horse by the head,
"Abbot," says he, "abide;
I am bound to rue such knaves as you,
That live in pomp and pride."
"But we are messengers from the king,"25
The king himself did say;
"Near to this place his royal grace
To speak with thee does stay."
"God save the king," said Robin Hood,
"And all that wish him well;30
He that does deny his sovereignty,
I wish he was in hell."
"Thyself thou cursedst," says the king,
"For thou a traitor art:"
"Nay, but that you are his messenger,35
I swear you lie in heart.
"For I never yet hurt any man
That honest is and true;
But those who give their minds to live
Upon other mens due.40
"I never hurt the husbandmen,
That use to till the ground:
Nor spill their blood who range the wood
To follow hawk or hound.