CCCC
‘And bear a buffet on his head
I-wis aright all bare:’
And all that fell to Robin’s lot
He smote them wonder sair.
CCCCI
Twice Robin shot about,
And ever he cleft the wand,
And so did eke the good Gilbèrt
With the white hand.
CCCCII
Little John and good Scathèlock,
For nothing would they spare;
When they fail’d of the garlànd
Robin smote them sair.
CCCCIII
At the last shot that Robin shot,
For all his friendès fare,
Yet he fail’d of the garlànd
Three fingers and mair.
CCCCIV
Then bespake him good Gilbèrt,
And thus he gan him say:
‘Master,’ he said, ‘your tackle is lost,
Stand forth and take your pay.’