CXXVI

He went him forth full merry singing,
As men have told in tale;
His Lady met him at the gate,
At home in Uttersdale.

CXXVII

‘Welcome, my lord,’ said his Lady;
‘Sir, lost is all your good?’—
‘Be merry, damè,’ said the Knight,
‘And pray for Robin Hood,

CXXVIII

‘That ever his soulè be in bliss:
He help me out of teen;
Ne had not been[787] his kindèness,
Beggars had we been.

CXXIX

‘The Abbot and I accorded be,
He is servèd of his pay;
The goodè yeoman lent it me,
As I came by the way.’

CXXX

This Knight then dwellèd fair at home,
The soothè for to say,
Till he had got four hundred pound,
All ready for to pay.