‘But now I have slaine the master,’ he sayes,
‘Let me go strike the knave;
This is all the rewarde I aske;
Nor noe other will I have.’
LII
‘Thou art a madman,’ said the Sheriffe,
‘Thou sholdest have had a knight’s fee:
But seeing thy asking hath beene so bad,
Well granted it shall be.’
LIII
When Little John heard his master speake,
Well knewe he it was his steven[954]:
‘Now shall I be looset,’ quoth Little John,
‘With Christ his might in heaven.’
LIV
Robin hee hyed him to Little John,
He thought to loose him belive[955];
The Sheriffe and all his companye
Fast after him did drive.
LV
‘Stand abacke! stand abacke!’ sayd Robin Hood;
‘Why draw you mee soe neere?
Itt was never the use in our countrye,
One’s shrift another shold heere.’