CCCLXV
Half a year dwelt our comely King
In Nottingham, and more;
Could he not hear of Robin Hood,
In what country he wore.
CCCLXVI
But alway wentè good Robin
By halk[891] and eke by hill,
And alway slew the Kingès deer,
And wielded them at will.
CCCLXVII
Then bespake a proud forstèr[892],
That stood by our Kingès knee:
‘If ye will see good Robin Hood,
Ye must do after me.
CCCLXVIII
‘Take five of the bestè knights
That be in yourè lede[893],
And walkè down by yon Abbèy,
And get you monkès weed.
CCCLXIX
‘And I will be your leadès-man[894],
And leadè you the way,
And ere ye come to Nottingham
Mine head then dare I lay