CCCCXXXIV
In every place where Robin came,
Evermore he laid down[915]
Both for knightès and for squires,
To get him great renown.
CCCCXXXV
By then[916] the year was all agone
He had no man but twain,
Little John and good Scathèlock
With him all for to gane.
CCCCXXXVI
Robin saw the young men shoot
Full far upon a day;
‘Alas!’ then said good Robin Hood,
‘My wealth is went away.
CCCCXXXVII
‘Sometime I was an archer good,
A stiff and eke a strong;
I was counted the best archèr
That was in merry Englond.
CCCCXXXVIII
‘Alas!’ then said good Robin Hood,
‘Alas and well-a-way!
If I dwell longer with the King,
Sorrow will me slay.’