The priests their hands in their pockets put,
But money would find none:
‘We’ll search ourselves,’ said Robin Hood,
‘Each other, one by one.’
XVII
Then Robin took pains to search them both,
And he found good store of gold;
Five hundred pieces presently
Upon the grass was told.
XVIII
‘Here’s a brave show,’ said Robin Hood,
‘Such store of gold to see!
And you shall each one have a part,
’Cause you pray’d so heartily.’
XIX
He gave them fifty pound a-piece,
And the rest for himself did keep;
The priests they durst not speak one word,
But they sighèd wondrous deep.
XX
With that the priests rose up from their knees,
And thought to have parted so;
‘Nay, stay,’ said Robin Hood, ‘one thing more
I have to say ere you go.