CCCLXXX
‘I have lain at Nottingham
This fortnight with our King,
And spent I have full muchè good
On many a great lording[899].
CCCLXXXI
‘And I have but forty pound,
No more I have with me:
But if I had an hundred pound,
I vouch it half on thee.’
CCCLXXXII
Robin took the forty pound,
And departed it in twain;
Halfen-deal[900] he gave his men,
And bade them be full fain.
CCCLXXXIII
Full courteously Robin gan say,
‘Sir, this for your spending!
We shall meet another day.’—
‘Gramerci!’ said our King.
CCCLXXXIV
‘But well thee greeteth Edward our King,
And sent to thee his seal,
And biddeth thee come to Nottingham,
Both to meat and meal.’