And over him she caused a stone To be fixed on the ground; 390 An epitaph was set thereon, Wherein his name was found. The date o' th' yeare, and day also, Shee made to be set there, That all who by the way did goe 395 Might see it plain appeare, That such a man as Robbin Hood Was buried in that place; And how he lived in the greene wood And robb'd there for a space. 400 It seemes that though the clergie he Had put to mickle woe, He should not quite forgotten be, Although he was their foe. This woman, though she did him hate, 405 Yet loved his memory; And thought it wondrous pitty that His fame should with him dye. This epitaph, as records tell, Within this hundred yeares, 410 By many was discerned well, But time all things out-weares.[L412] His followers, when he was dead, Were some receiv'd to grace; The rest to forraign countries fled, 415 And left their native place. Although his funerall was but mean, This woman had in minde, Least his fame should be buried clean From those that came behind. 420 For certainly, before nor since, No man e're understood, Under the reign of any prince, Of one like Robbin Hood. Full thirteene years, and something more, 425 These outlawes lived thus, Feared of the rich, loved of the poor, A thing most marvelous. A thing unpossible to us This story seems to be; 430 None dares be now so venturous, But times are chang'd we see. We that live in these later dayes Of civile government, If need be, have an hundred wayes 435 Such outlawes to prevent. In those days men more barbarous were, And lived less in awe; Now (God be thanked) people feare More to offend the law. 440 No roaring guns were then in use, They dreampt of no such thing; Our Englishmen in fight did chuse The gallant gray-goose wing: In which activity these men, 445 Through practice, were so good, That in those days none equal'd them, Specially Robbin Hood. So that, it seemes, keeping in caves, In woods and forests thicke, 450 They'd beate a multitude with staves, Their arrowes did so pricke. And none durst neare unto them come, Unlesse in courtesie; All such he bravely would send home, 455 With mirth and jollity. Which courtesie won him such love, As I before have told, 'Twas the cheef cause that he did prove More prosperous than he could. 460