‘I have no money,’ then quoth the young man,
‘No ready gold nor fee,
But I will swear upon a book
Thy true servant for to be.’—
XIV
‘But how many miles to thy true-love?
Come tell me without any guile.’—
‘By the faith of my body,’ then said the young man,
‘It is but five little mile.’
XV
Then Robin he hasted over the plain,
He did neither stint nor lin[1013],
Until he came unto the church
Where Alan should keep his weddìng.
XVI
‘What dost thou do here?’ the Bishop he said,
‘I prithee now tell to me:’
‘I am a bold harper,’ quoth Robin Hood,
‘And the best in the north countrey.’
XVII
‘O welcome, O welcome!’ the Bishop he said,
‘That musick best pleaseth me.’—
‘You shall have no musick,’ quoth Robin Hood,
‘Till the bride and the bridegroom I see.’