‘You said you had no money,’ quoth he;
‘Wherefore without delay
We three will fall down on our knees,
And for money we will pray.’
XII
The priests they could not him gainsay,
But down they kneel’d with speed;
‘Send us, O send us,’ then quoth they,
‘Some money to serve our need!’
XIII
The priests did pray with mournful chear,
Sometimes their hands did wring,
Sometimes they wept and cried aloud,
Whilst Robin did merrily sing.
XIV
When they had pray’d an hour’s space,
The priests did still lament;
Then quoth bold Robin, ‘Now let’s see
What money heaven hath us sent.
XV
‘We will be sharers all alike
Of the money that we have;
And there is never a one of us
That his fellows shall deceive.’