So the beggar drew nigh, and at Robin let fly,

But gave him never a word.

Fight on, fight on, said Robin Hood then,

This game well pleaseth me.

For every blow that Robin gave,

The beggar gave buffets three. {277}

And fighting there full hard and sore,

Not far from Nottingham town,

They never fled, till from Robin Hoods head

The blood came trickling down.