And SCATHELOCK went before, He told out four hundred pound By eighteen [? _eight and twenty_] score. "Is this well told?" say Little MUCH." JOHN said, "What grieveth thee? It is alms to help a gentle Knight That is fallen in poverty!" "Master!" then said Little JOHN, "His clothing is full thin! Ye must give the Knight a livery To lap his body therein: For ye have scarlet and green, Master! And many a rich array; There is no merchant in merry England So rich, I dare well say." "Take him three yards of every colour, And look it well meeted be!" Little JOHN took none other measure But his bow tree; And of every handful that he met He leaped over feet three. "What devilkins draper!" said Little MUCH, "Thinkst thou to be?" SCATHELOCK stood full still, and laughed, And said "By God Almight! JOHN may give him the better measure, For it cost him but light!" "Master!" said Little JOHN, All unto ROBIN HOOD, "Ye must give the Knight an horse To lead home all this good." "Take him a grey courser!" said ROBIN, "And a saddle new! He is Our Lady's Messenger; God leve that he be true!" "And a good palfrey," said Little MUCH, "To maintain him in his right!" "And a pair of boots," said SCATHELOCK, "For he is a gentle Knight!" "What shalt thou give him, Little JOHN?" said ROBIN, "Sir; a pair of gilt spurs clean, To pray for all this company; God bring him out of teen!" "When shall my day be," said the Knight, "Sir! and your will be?" "This day twelvemonth!" said ROBIN, "Under this green-wood tree. It were great shame," said ROBIN, "A Knight alone to ride; Without Squire, yeoman, or page, To walk by his side! I shall thee lend, Little JOHN, my man; For he shall be thy knave! In a yeoman's stead, he may thee stand, If thou great need have!" +¶ The second fytte.+