"My chiefest spite to clergy is,45
Who in these days bear great sway;
With fryars and monks, and their fine sprunks,
I make my chiefest prey.
"But I am glad," says Robin Hood,
"That I have met you here;50
Before we end, you shall, my friend,
Taste of our green-wood cheer."
The king he then did marvel much,
And so did all his men;
They thought with fear, what kind of cheer55
Robin would provide for them.
Robin took the kings horse by the head,
And led him to his tent:
"Thou wouldst not be so us'd," quoth he,
"But that my king thee sent.60
"Nay, more than that," quoth Robin Hood,
"For good king Richards sake,
If you had as much gold as ever I told,
I would not one penny take."
Then Robin set his horn to his mouth,65
And a loud blast he did blow,
Till a hundred and ten of Robin Hoods men,
Came marching all of a row.
And when they came bold Robin before,
Each man did bend his knee:70
"O," thought the king, "'tis a gallant thing
And a seemly sight to see."
Within himself the king did say,
"These men of Robin Hoods
More humble be than mine to me;75
So the court may learn of the woods."
So then they all to dinner went,
Upon a carpet green;
Black, yellow, red, finely minglèd,
Most curious to be seen.80
Venison and fowls were plenty there,
With fish out of the river:
King Richard swore, on sea or shore,
He never was feasted better.