The Sheriff he saddled a good palfrèy,
With three hundred pound in gold,
And away he went with bold Robin Hood,
His hornèd beasts to behold.
XXIII
Away then the Sheriff and Robin did ride,
To the forest of merry Sherwood;
Then the Sheriff did say, ‘God bless us this day
From a man they call Robin Hood!’
XXIV
But when that a little further they came,
Bold Robin he chancèd to spy
A hundred head of the good red deer,
Come tripping the Sheriff full nigh.
XXV
‘How like you my horn’d beasts, Master Sheriff?
They be fat and fair for to see;’
‘I tell thee, good fellow, I would I were gone,
For I like not thy company.’
XXVI
Then Robin he set his horn to his mouth,
And blew but blastès three;
Then quickly anon there came Little John,
And all his company.