Little John his mantle spread
Full fair upon the ground,
And there he found in the Knight’s coffer
But even half a pound.
XLIII
Little John let it lie full still,
And went to his master low;
‘What tidings, John?’ said Robin Hood.—
‘Sir, the Knight is true enow.’
XLIV
‘Fill of the best wine,’ said Robin,
‘The Knight shall begin;
Muchè wonder thinketh me
Thy clothing is so thin.
XLV
‘Tell me one word,’ said Robin,
‘And counsel[740] shall it be;
I trow thou wert made a knight of force[741],
Or else of yeomanry[742].
XLVI
‘Or else thou hast been a sorry husband[743],
And lived in stroke and strife;
An okerer[744], or a lecher[745],
With wrong hast led thy life.’