But yet her archers she had to seek, With their bows and arrows so good; 10 But her mind it was bent, with a good intent, To send for bold Robin Hood. But when bold Robin he came there, Queen Katherin she did say, "Thou art welcome, Locksley," said the queen, 15 "And all thy yeomen gay; "For a match of shooting I have made, And thou on my part, Robin, must be." "If I miss the mark, be it light or dark, Then hanged I will be." 20 But when the game came to be played, Bold Robin he then drew nigh; With his mantle of green, most brave to be seen, He let his arrows fly. And when the game it ended was, 25 Bold Robin wan it with a grace; But after the king was angry with him, And vowed he would him chace. What though his pardon granted was, While he with him did stay; 30 But yet the king was vexed at him, Whenas he was gone his way. Soon after the king from the court did hye, In a furious angry mood, And often enquired both far and near 35 After bold Robin Hood. But when the king to Nottingham came, Bold Robin was in the wood: "O come now," said he, "and let me see Who can find me bold Robin Hood." 40 But when that bold Robin he did hear The king had him in chase, Then said Little John, "Tis time to be gone, And go to some other place." Then away they went from merry Sherwood, 45 And into Yorkshire he did hye; And the king did follow, with a hoop and a hallow, But could not come him nigh. Yet jolly Robin he passed along, And went strait to Newcastle town; 50 And there he stayed hours two or three, And then to Barwick is gone.[L52] When the king did see how Robin did flee, He was vexed wondrous sore; With a hoop and a hallow he vowed to follow, 55 And take him, or never give ore. "Come now, let's away," then crys Little John, "Let any man follow that dare; To Carlisle we'l hye with our company, And so then to Lancastèr." 60 From Lancaster then to Chester they went, And so did king Henry; But Robin [went] away, for he durst not stay, For fear of some treachery. Says Robin, "Come, let us for London goe, 65 To see our noble queens face; It may be she wants our company, Which makes the king so us chase." When Robin he came queene Katherin before, He fell low upon his knee: 70 "If it please your grace, I am come to this place, For to speak with king Henry."