But Robin pull’d forth an Irysh kniffe,
And losed John hand and foote,
And gave him Sir Guy’s bow into his hand,
And bade it be his boote.
LVII
Then John he took Guy’s bow in his hand,
His boltes and arrowes eche one:
When the Sheriffe saw Little John bend his bow,
He fettled him to be gone.
LVIII
Towards his house in Nottingham towne
He fled full fast away;
And soe did all his companye:
Not one behind wold stay.
LIX
But he cold neither goe soe fast,
Nor away soe fast cold runne,
But Little John with an arrowe soe broad,
Did cleave his herte in twinne.
FOOTNOTES:
[926] shaws = woods.
[927] sheene = bright.