Then the king did for armour send, For lances, swords, and shields: 150 And thus all three in armour bright Came marching to the field. The trumpets began to sound a charge, Each singled out his man; Their arms in pieces soon were hew'd, 155 Blood sprang from every vain. The prince he reacht Robin Hood a blow, He struck with might and main, Which forc'd him to reel about the field, As though he had been slain. 160 "God-a-mercy," quoth Robin, "for that blow! The quarrel shall soon be try'd; This stroke shall shew a full divorce Betwixt thee and thy bride." So from his shoulders he's cut his head, 165 Which on the ground did fall, And grumbling sore at Robin Hood, To be so dealt withal. The giants then began to rage To see their prince lie dead: 170 "Thou's be the next," quoth little John, "Unless thou well guard thy head." With that his faulchion he wherled about, It was both keen and sharp; He clove the giant to the belt, 175 And cut in twain his heart. Will Scadlock well had play'd his part, The giant he had brought to his knee; Quoth Will, "The devil cannot break his fast, Unless he have you all three." 180 So with his faulchion he run him through, A deep and ghastly wound; Who dam'd and foam'd, curst and blasphem'd, And then fell to the ground. Now all the lists with shouts were fill'd, 185 The skies they did resound, Which brought the princess to herself, Who had fal'n in a swound. The king and queen and princess fair, Came walking to the place, 190 And gave the champions many thanks, And did them further grace. "Tell me," quoth the king, "whence you are, That thus disguised came, Whose valour speaks that noble blood 195 Doth run through every vain." "A boon, a boon," quoth Robin Hood, "On my knees I beg and crave;" "By my crown," quoth the king, "I grant; Ask what, and thou shalt have." 200 "Then pardon I beg for my merry men, Which are in the green-wood, For Little John, and Will Scadlock, And for me bold Robin Hood." "Art thou Robin Hood?" then quoth the king; 205 "For the valour thou hast shewn, Your pardons I do freely grant, And welcome every one. "The princess I promis'd the victor's prize;[L209] She cannot have you all three." 210 "She shall chuse," quoth Robin; said Little John, "Then little share falls to me."