One Robin of Riddesdale[1263] many a soule did smother,
His rascall rable at my father wroth
Tooke sire and sonne, and quicke beheaded both.
38.
This heynous act, although the king detested,
Yet was hee fayne to pardon, for the rout
Of rebels all the realme so sore infested,
That euery way assaylde, he stoode in doubt:
And though he were of courage high and stout,
Yet hee assayde by fayre meanes to asswage