Then they bent their good yew bows,
And looked their strings were round,
The market place in merry Carlisle
They beset that stound.[52]
And, as they looked them beside,
A pair of new gallows they see,
And the justice with a quest of squires,
Had judged William hanged to be.
And Cloudesly lay ready there in a cart,
Fast bound both foot and hand;
And a strong rope about his neck,
All ready for to hang.
The justice called to him a lad,
Cloudesly's clothes he should have,
To take the measure of that yeoman,
Thereafter to make his grave.
I have seen as great marvel, said Cloudesly,
As between this and pryme,[53]
He that maketh a grave for me
Himself may lie therein.
Thou speakest proudly, said the justice,
I will thee hang with my hand.
Full well heard this his brethren two,
There still as they did stand.
Then Cloudesly cast his eyes aside,
And saw his brethren twain
At a corner of the market place,
Ready the justice for to slain.
I see comfort, said Cloudesly,
Yet hope I well to fare,
If I might have my hands at will
Right little would I care.
Then spake good Adam Bell
To Clym of the Clough so free,
Brother, see you mark the justice well;
Lo! yonder you may him see:
And at the sheriff shoot I will
Strongly with arrow keen;
A better shot in merry Carlisle
This seven year was not seen.