CLV
It befell upon a Wednesday,
The Sheriff on hunting was gone,
And Little John lay in his bed,
And was forgotten at home.
CLVI
Therefore he was fasting
Till it was past the noon.
‘Good sir steward, I pray thee,
Give me to dine,’ said Little John.
CLVII
‘It is too long for Greenleaf,
Fasting so long to be;
Therefore I pray thee, steward,
My dinner give thou me.’
CLVIII
‘Shall thou never eat nor drink,’ said the steward,
‘Till my lord be come to town.’
‘I make mine avow to God,’ said Little John,
‘I had liefer to crack thy crown.’
CLIX
The butler was full uncourteous,
There he stood on floor,
He started to the buttery,
And shut fast the door.