The abbot of Saint Maries rich, To whom he mony ought, His hatred to the earle was such 35 That he his downefall wrought. So being outlaw'd (as 'tis told) He with a crew went forth Of lusty cutters stout and bold, And robbed in the North. 40 Among the rest one Little John, A yeoman bold and free, Who could (if it stood him upon) With ease encounter three. One hundred men in all he got, 45 With whom (the story sayes) Three hundred commen men durst not Hold combat any wayes. They Yorkshire woods frequented much, And Lancashire also, 50 Wherein their practises were such That they wrought mickle woe. None rich durst travell to and fro, Though nere so strongly arm'd, But by these theeves (so strong in show) 55 They still were rob'd and harm'd. His chiefest spight to th' clergie was, That liv'd in monstrous pride: No one of them he would let passe Along the highway side, 60 But first they must to dinner go, And afterwards to shrift: Full many a one he served so, Thus while he liv'd by theft. No monks nor fryers would he let goe, 65 Without paying their fees: If they thought much to be us'd so, Their stones he made them leese. For such as they the country fill'd With bastards in those dayes; 70 Which to prevent, these sparkes did geld All that came by their ways. But Robbin Hood so gentle was, And bore so brave a minde, If any in distresse did passe, 75 To them he was so kinde, That he would give and lend to them, To helpe them in their neede; This made all poore men pray for him, And wish he well might speede. 80 The widdow and the fatherlesse He would send meanes unto; And those whom famine did oppresse Found him a friendly foe. Nor would he doe a woman wrong, 85 But see her safe conveid: He would protect with power strong All those who crav'd his ayde. The abbot of Saint Maries then, Who him undid before, 90 Was riding with two hundred men, And gold and silver store. But Robbin Hood upon him set, With his couragious sparkes, And all the coyne perforce did get, 95 Which was twelve thousand markes. He bound the abbot to a tree, And would not let him passe, Before that to his men and he His lordship had said masse. 100 Which being done, upon his horse He set him fast astride, And with his face towards his---- He forced him to ride.