And riding towards Nottingham,
Some pastime for to ’spy,
There was he aware of a jolly beggàr,
As ere he beheld with his eye.
An old pacht coat the beggar had on,
Which he daily did use to wear ;
And many a bag about him did wag,
Which made Robin[318] to him repair.
God speed, God speed, said Robin Hood,
What countryman ? tell to me.