CXCV
Robin commanded his wight young men,
Under the green-wood tree,
They shall lie in that same sort;
That the Sheriff might them see.
CXCVI
All night lay that proud Sheriff,
In his breech and in his shirt,
No wonder it was in green-wood,
Tho’ his sides do smerte[817].
CXCVII
‘Make glad cheer,’ said Robin Hood,
‘Sheriff, for charity!
For this is our ordèr, i-wis,
Under the green-wood tree.’
CXCVIII
‘This is harder order,’ said the Sheriff,
‘Than any anchor[818] or frere[819];
For all the gold in merry England
I would not long dwell here.’
CXCIX
‘All these twelve months,’ said Robin
‘Thou shalt dwell with me;
I shall thee teach, proud Sheriff,
An outlaw for to be.’