Then tooke Robin Hood an arrow so good, 45 Which he did never lacke, And drewe his bowe, and the swift arrowe Went through the last peddlers packe. For him it was well on the packe it fell, Or his life had found an end; 50 And it pierct the skin of his backe within, Though the packe did stand his friend. Then downe they flung their packes each one, And stayde till Robin came. Quod Robin, "I saide ye had better stayde; 55 Good sooth, ye were to blame." "And who art thou? by S. Crispin, I vowe, Ile quickly cracke thy head!" Cried Robin, "Come on, all three, or one; It is not so soone done as said. 60 "My name, by the roode, is Robin Hood, And this is Scarlett and John; It is three to three, ye may plainelie see, Soe now, brave fellowes, laye on." The first peddlers blowe brake Robins bowe, 65 That he had in his hand; And Scarlett and John, they eche had one That they unneath could stand. "Now holde your handes," cried Robin Hood, "For ye have oken staves; 70 But tarie till wee can get but three, And a fig for all your braves." Of the peddlers the first, his name Kit o Thirske, Said, "We are well content;" So eche tooke a stake for his weapon, to make 75 The peddlers to repent. Soe to it they fell, and their blowes did ring well Uppon the others backes; And gave the peddlers cause to wish They had not cast their packes. 80 Yet the peddlers three of their blowes were so free, That Robin began for to rue; And Scarlett, and John, had such loade laide on, It made the sunne looke blue. At last Kits oke caught Robin a stroke, 85 That made his head to sound; He staggerd, and reelde, till he fell on the fielde, And the trees with him went round. "Now holde your handes," cried Little John, And soe said Scarlett eke; 90 "Our maister is slaine, I tell you plaine, He never more will speake." "Now, heaven forefend he come to that end," Said Kit, "I love him well; But let him learne to be wise in turne, 95 And not with poore peddlers mell. "In my packe, God wot, I a balsame have got, That soone his hurts will heale;" And into Robin Hoods gaping mouth He presentlie powrde some deale. 100 "Now fare ye well, tis best not to tell, How ye three peddlers met; Or if that ye doe, prithee tell alsoe, How they made ye swinke and swett." Poor Robin in sound they left on the ground, 105 And hied them to Nottingham, Whilst Scarlett and John, Robin tended on, Till at length his senses came.