Therefore they called a council of state,5
To know what was best to be done
For to quell their pride, or else they reply'd
The land would be over-run.
Having consulted a whole summers day,
At length it was agreed10
That one should be sent to try the event,
And fetch him away with speed.
Therefore a trusty and most worthy knight
The king was pleas'd to call,
Sir William by name; when to him he came,15
He told him his pleasure all.
"Go you from hence to bold Robin Hood,
And bid him, without more ado,
Surrender himself, or else the proud elf
Shall suffer with all his crew.20
"Take here a hundred bowmen brave,
All chosen men of great might,
Of excellent art to take thy part,
In glittering armour most bright."
Then said the knight, "My sovereign liege,25
By me they shall be led;
I'll venture my blood against bold Robin Hood,
And bring him alive or dead."
One hundred men were chosen straight,
As proper as e'er men saw:30
On Midsummer-day they march'd away,
To conquer that brave outlaw.
With long yew bows and shining spears,
They marched with mickle pride,
And never delay'd, nor halted, nor stay'd,35
Till they came to the green-wood side.
Said he to his archers, "Tarry here;
Your bows make ready all,
That, if need should be, you may follow me;
And see you observe my call.40
"I'll go first in person," he cry'd,
"With the letters of my good king,
Well sign'd and seal'd, and if he will yield,
"We need not to draw one string."