All dreary then was his semblaunt[728],
And little was his pride;
His one foot in the stirrup stood,
The other waved beside.
XXIII
His hood hang’d in his eyen two;
He rode in simple array;
A sorrier man than he was one
Rode never in summer day.
XXIV
Little John was full courteous,
And set him[729] on his knee;
‘Welcome be ye, gentle Knight,
Welcome are ye to me.
XXV
‘Welcome be thou to greenè wood.
Hendè[730] Knight and free;
My master hath abiden you fasting
Sir, all these hourès three.’
XXVI
‘Who is thy master?’ said the Knight.
John said, ‘Robin Hood.’
‘He is a good yeoman,’ said the Knight,
‘Of him I have heard much good.