Then with a dozen of his lords 5 To Nottingham he rode; When he came there, he made good cheer, And took up his abode. He having staid there some time, But had no hopes to speed, 10 He and his lords, with one accord, All put on monks' weeds. From Fountain abbey they did ride, Down to Barnsdale; Where Robin Hood preparèd stood 15 All company to assail. The king was higher than the rest, And Robin thought he had An abbot been whom he had seen; To rob him he was glad. 20 He took the kings horse by the head, "Abbot," says he, "abide; I am bound to rue such knaves as you, That live in pomp and pride." "But we are messengers from the king," 25 The king himself did say; "Near to this place his royal grace To speak with thee does stay." "God save the king," said Robin Hood, "And all that wish him well; 30 He that does deny his sovereignty, I wish he was in hell." "Thyself thou cursedst," says the king, "For thou a traitor art:" "Nay, but that you are his messenger, 35 I swear you lie in heart. "For I never yet hurt any man That honest is and true; But those who give their minds to live Upon other mens due. 40 "I never hurt the husbandmen, That use to till the ground: Nor spill their blood who range the wood To follow hawk or hound. "My chiefest spite to clergy is, 45 Who in these days bear great sway; With fryars and monks, and their fine sprunks, I make my chiefest prey. "But I am glad," says Robin Hood, "That I have met you here; 50 Before we end, you shall, my friend, Taste of our green-wood cheer." The king he then did marvel much, And so did all his men; They thought with fear, what kind of cheer 55 Robin would provide for them. Robin took the kings horse by the head, And led him to his tent: "Thou wouldst not be so us'd," quoth he, "But that my king thee sent. 60 "Nay, more than that," quoth Robin Hood, "For good king Richards sake, If you had as much gold as ever I told, I would not one penny take." Then Robin set his horn to his mouth, 65 And a loud blast he did blow, Till a hundred and ten of Robin Hoods men, Came marching all of a row. And when they came bold Robin before, Each man did bend his knee: 70 "O," thought the king, "'tis a gallant thing And a seemly sight to see."