But when a little farther they came,
Bold Robin he chancèd to spy
A hundred head of good red deer,95
Come tripping the sheriff full nigh.
"How like you my horn'd beasts, good master sheriff?
They be fat and fair for to see;"
"I tell thee, good fellow, I would I were gone,
For I like not thy company."100
Then Robin set his horn to his mouth,
And blew but blasts three;
Then quickly anon there came Little John,
And all his company.
"What is your will, master?" then said Little John,105
"Good master come tell unto me;"
"I have brought hither the sheriff of Nottingham
This day to dine with thee."
"He is welcome to me," then said Little John,
"I hope he will honestly pay;110
I know he has gold, if it be but well told,
Will serve us to drink a whole day."
Then Robin took his mantle from his back,
And laid it upon the ground:
And out of the sheriffs portmantle115
He told three hundred pound.
Then Robin he brought him thorow the wood,
And set him on his dapple gray;
"O have me commended to your wife at home;"
So Robin went laughing away.120
[17]. What is price.