In time as I think it good ;
For the people that dwell in the North can tell
Of Marian and bold Robin Hood.
XXV. THE KING’S DISGUISE, AND FRIENDSHIP WITH ROBIN HOOD,
from the common collection of Aldermary-church-yard, seems to be taken from the old legend in Part I., and to have been written by some miserable retainer to the press, merely to eke out the book; being, in fact, a most contemptible performance.
The two concluding lines (the same with those of the next ballad) refer to song xxvii., which they have once immediately preceded.
King Richard hearing of the pranks
Of Robin Hood and his men,