That shal make his body smarte.
But, maisters,[333] to shew you the matter,
Wherefore and why I am come hither,
In fayth I wyl not spare :
I am come to seke a good yeman,
In Bernisdale men sai is his habitacion,
His name is Robyn Hode.
And if that he be better man than I,
His servaunt wyll I be, and serve him truely ;
But if that I be better man than he,