But as it is said, when men be mett
Fyve can doe more than three,
The Sheriffe hath taken Little John,
And bound him fast to a tree.
XXII
‘Thou shalt be drawen by dale and downe,
And hangèd hye on a hill.’—
‘But thou mayst fayle,’ quoth Little John,
‘If itt be Christ his will.’
XXIII
Let us leave talking of Little John,
And thinke of Robin Hood,
How he is gone to the wight yemàn,
Where under the leaves he stood.
XXIV
‘Good morrowe, good fellowe,’ sayd Robin so fayre,
‘Good morrowe, good fellow,’ quoth he:
‘Methinkes by this bowe thou beares in thy hande
A good archere thou sholdst bee.’
XXV
‘I am wilfull[941] of my waye,’ quo’ the yeman,
‘And of my morning tyde[942].’
‘I’le lead thee through the wood,’ sayd Robin;
‘Good fellow, I’le be thy guide.’