But as they looked in Barnèsdale,
By the highè-way,
Then were they ware of a Black Monk[828],
Upon a good palfrèy.
CCXIV
Then bespake him Little John,
To Muchè gan he say:
‘I dare well lay my life to wed[829],
That Monk hath brought our pay.
CCXV
‘Make glad cheer,’ said Little John,
‘And dress your bows of yew,
And look your hearts be seker and sad[830],
Your strings trusty and true.
CCXVI
‘The Monk hath two and fifty men,
And seven somers[831] strong;
There rideth no bishop in this land
So royally along.
CCXVII
‘Bretheren,’ said Little John,
‘Here are no more but three;
But[832] we bring them to dinnèr,
Our master we dare not see.