Then Robin takes a cann of ale:85
"Come, let us now begin;
And every man shall have his cann;
Here's a health unto the king."
The king himself drank to the king,
So round about it went;90
Two barrels of ale, both stout and stale,
To pledge that health was spent.
And after that, a bowl of wine
In his hand took Robin Hood;
"Until I die, I'll drink wine," said he,95
"While I live in the green-wood.
"Bend all your bows," said Robin Hood,
"And with the grey goose-wing
Such sport now show, as you would do
In the presence of the king."100
They shewed such brave archery
By cleaving sticks and wands,
That the king did say, such men as they
Live not in many lands.
"Well, Robin Hood," then says the king,105
"If I could thy pardon get,
To serve the king in every thing
Wouldst thou thy mind firm set?"
"Yes, with all my heart," bold Robin said,
So they flung off their hoods;110
To serve the king in every thing,
They swore they would spend their bloods.
"For a clergyman was first my bane,
Which makes me hate them all;
But if you will be so kind to me,115
Love them again I shall."
The king no longer could forbear,
For he was mov'd with ruth,
["Robin," said he, "I'll now tell thee]
[The very naked truth.]120
"I am the king, thy sovereign king,
That appears before you all:"
When Robin saw that it was he,
Strait then he down did fall.