_K. Edw._ Yes, sir, we are big enough; but here is a custom kept, That none may pass, his staff upon his neck, Unless he trail it at the weapon's point. Sir, we are men of peace, and love to sleep In our whole skins, and therefore quietness is best. _Geo._ Base-minded peasants, worthless to be men! What, have you bones and limbs to strike a blow, And be your hearts so faint you cannot fight? Were't not for shame, I would drub your shoulders well, And teach you manhood 'gainst another time. _First Shoe._ Well preach'd, Sir Jack! down with your staff! _K. Edw._ Do you hear, my friends? an you be wise, keep down Your staves, for all the town will rise upon you. _Geo._ Thou speakest like an honest, quiet fellow: But hear you me; in spite of all the swains Of Bradford town, bear me your staves upon your necks, Or, to begin withal, I'll baste you both so well, You were never better basted in your lives. _K. Edw._ We will hold up our staves. [GEORGE-A-GREENE _fights with the_ Shoemakers, _and beats them all down._ _Geo._ What, have you any more? Call all your town forth, cut and longtail.[318] [_The_ Shoemakers _recognise_ GEORGE-A-GREENE. _First Shoe._ What, George a-Greene, is it you? A plague found[319] you! I think you long'd to swinge me well. Come, George, we will crush a pot before we part. _Geo._ A pot, you slave! we will have an hundred.-- Here, Will Perkins, take my purse; fetch me A stand of ale, and set in the market-place, That all may drink that are athirst this day; For this is for a fee to welcome Robin Hood To Bradford town. [_The stand of ale is brought out, and they fall a-drinking._ Here, Robin, sit thou here; For thou art the best man at the board this day. You that are strangers, place yourselves where you will. Robin, here's a carouse to good King Edward's self; And they that love him not, I would we had The basting of them a little. _Enter the_ EARL OF WARWICK _with other_ Noblemen, _bringing out the_ King's _garments; then_ GEORGE-A-GREENE _and the rest kneel down to the_ King. _K. Edw._ Come, masters, ale--fellows.--Nay, Robin, You are the best man at the board to-day.-- Rise up, George. _Geo._ Nay, good my liege, ill-nurtur'd we were, then: Though we Yorkshire men be blunt of speech, And little skill'd in court or such quaint fashions, Yet nature teacheth us duty to our king; Therefore I humbly beseech you pardon George-a-Greene. _Rob._ And, good my lord, a pardon for poor Robin; And for us all a pardon, good King Edward. _First Shoe._ I pray you, a pardon for the shoemakers.