Within himself the king did say, "These men of Robin Hoods More humble be than mine to me; 75 So the court may learn of the woods." So then they all to dinner went, Upon a carpet green; Black, yellow, red, finely minglèd, Most curious to be seen. 80 Venison and fowls were plenty there, With fish out of the river: King Richard swore, on sea or shore, He never was feasted better. Then Robin takes a cann of ale: 85 "Come, let us now begin; And every man shall have his cann; Here's a health unto the king." The king himself drank to the king, So round about it went; 90 Two barrels of ale, both stout and stale, To pledge that health was spent. And after that, a bowl of wine In his hand took Robin Hood; "Until I die, I'll drink wine," said he, 95 "While I live in the green-wood. "Bend all your bows," said Robin Hood, "And with the grey goose-wing Such sport now show, as you would do In the presence of the king." 100 They shewed such brave archery By cleaving sticks and wands, That the king did say, such men as they Live not in many lands. "Well, Robin Hood," then says the king, 105 "If I could thy pardon get, To serve the king in every thing Wouldst thou thy mind firm set?" "Yes, with all my heart," bold Robin said, So they flung off their hoods; 110 To serve the king in every thing, They swore they would spend their bloods. "For a clergyman was first my bane, Which makes me hate them all; But if you will be so kind to me, 115 Love them again I shall." The king no longer could forbear, For he was mov'd with ruth, "Robin," said he, "I'll now tell thee[L119] The very naked truth.[L120] 120 "I am the king, thy sovereign king, That appears before you all:" When Robin saw that it was he, Strait then he down did fall. "Stand up again," then said the king, 125 "I'll thee thy pardon give; Stand up, my friend; who can contend, When I give leave to live?" So they are all gone to Nottingham, All shouting as they came: 130 But when the people them did see, They thought the king was slain; And for that cause th' outlaws were come, To rule all as they list; And for to shun, which way to run, 135 The people did not wist. The plowman left the plow in the field, The smith ran from his shop; Old folks also, that scarce could go, Over their sticks did hop. 140