Which afterwards were ransomed, 245 For twenty markes a man; The rest set spurres to horse, and fled To th' town of Warrington. The bishop sore enraged then, Did, in king Richards name, 250 Muster a power of northerne men, These outlawes bold to tame. But Robbin with his courtesie So wonne the meaner sort, That they were loath on him to try 255 What rigor did import. So that bold Robbin and his traine Did live unhurt of them, Untill king Richard came againe From faire Jerusalem. 260 And then the talke of Robbin Hood His royal eares did fill; His grace admir'd that i' th' greene wood He thus continued still. So that the country farre and neare 265 Did give him great applause; For none of them neede stand in feare, But such as broke the lawes. He wished well unto the king, And prayed still for his health, 270 And never practis'd any thing Against the common-wealth. Onely, because he was undone By th' crewele clergie then, All meanes that he could thinke upon 275 To vexe such kinde of men, He enterpriz'd with hateful spleene; For which he was to blame, For fault of some to wreake his teene On all that by him came. 280 With wealth which he by robbery got Eight almes-houses he built, Thinking thereby to purge the blot Of blood which he had spilt. Such was their blinde devotion then, 285 Depending on their workes; Which, if 'twere true, we Christian men Inferiour were to Turkes. But, to speak true of Robbin Hood, And wrong him not a jot, 290 He never would shed any mans blood That him invaded not. Nor would he injure husbandmen, That toyld at cart and plough; For well he knew, were't not for them 295 To live no man knew how. The king in person, with some lords, To Nottingham did ride, To try what strength and skill affords To crush these outlaws pride. 300 And, as he once before had done, He did againe proclaime, That whosoe'er would take upon To bring to Nottingham, Or any place within the land, 305 Rebellious Robbin Hood, Should be prefer'd in place to stand With those of noble blood. When Robbin Hood heard of the same, Within a little space, 310 Into the towne of Nottingham A letter to his grace He shot upon an arrow head, One evening cunningly; Which was brought to the king, and read 315 Before his majestie.