And when he came bold Robin before,
Robin askt him courteously,
‘O hast thou any money to spare,
For my merry men and me?’
IX
‘I have no money,’ the young man said,
‘But five shillings and a ring;
And that I have kept this seven long years,
To have it at my weddìng.
X
‘Yesterday I should have married a maid,
But she is now from me tane,
And chosen to be an old knight’s delight,
Whereby my poor heart is slain.’
XI
‘What is thy name?’ then said Robin Hood,
‘Come tell me, without any fail.’—
‘By the faith of my body,’ then said the young man,
‘My name it is Alan a Dale.’
XII
‘What wilt thou give me,’ said Robin Hood,
‘In ready gold or fee,
To help thee to thy true-love again,
And deliver her unto thee?’