‘I seeke an outlàwe,’ the straunger sayd,
‘Men call him Robin Hood;
Rather I’ld meet with that proud outlàwe,
Than fortye pound of go’d.’—
XXVII
‘If you two met, it wold be seene
Whether were better man:
But let us under the levès grene
Some other pastime plan.
XXVIII
‘Let us some other masteryes[943] make
Among the woods so even,
Wee may chance meet with Robin Hood
Here att some unsett steven[944].’
XXIX
They cutt them downe two summer shroggs[945],
That grew both under a breere,
And sett them threescore rood in twinne[946]
To shoot the prickes[947] y-fere.
XXX
‘Leade on, good fellowe,’ quoth Robin Hood,
‘Leade on, I doe bidd thee.’—
‘Nay by my faith, good fellowe,’ hee sayd,
‘My leader thou shalt bee.’