CCCLXXV
There they met with good Robin,
Standing on the way,
And so did many a bold archèr,
For sooth as I you say.
CCCLXXVI
Robin took the Kingè’s horse
Hastily in that stide[898],
And said, ‘Sir Abbot, by your leave,
A while ye must abide.
CCCLXXVII
‘We be yeomen of this forèst
Under the green-wood tree;
We livè by our Kingès deer,
None other shift have we.
CCCLXXVIII
‘And ye have churches and rentès both
And gold full great plentỳ,
Give us some of your spending
For saintè charity.’
CCCLXXIX
Then bespake our comely King,
Anon then saidè he,
‘I have brought no more to greenè-wood
But forty pound with me.