That is well advised, said Robin Hood, But how must it be sent ? “Pugh ! when you please, ’tis done with ease ; Master, be you content. I’ll stick it on my arrow’s head, And shoot it into the town ; The mark must show where it must go, Whenever it lights down.” The project it was well perform’d, The sheriff that letter had, Which when he read, he scratch’d his head, And rav’d like one that’s mad. {329} So we’ll leave him chafing in ‘his’ grease, Which will do him no good : Now, my friends, attend, and hear the end Of honest Robin Hood. [Illustration] {330} [Illustration] XXVII. ROBIN HOOD AND THE VALIANT KNIGHT. “Together with an account of his death and burial, &c. Tune of Robin Hood and the fifteen Foresters.” From the common garland of Aldermary-church-yard; corrected by the York copy. When Robin Hood, and his merry men all, _Derry down, down_, Had reigned many years, The king was then told that they had been bold To his bishops and noble peers. _Hey down, derry, derry down._ {331} Therefore they called a council of state, To know what was best to be done, For to quell their pride, or else they reply’d The land would be over-run. Having consulted a whole summer’s day, At length it was agreed, That one should be sent to try the event, And fetch him away with speed. Therefore a trusty and most worthy knight The king was pleased to call, Sir William by name ; when to him he came, He told him his pleasure all. “Go you from hence to bold Robin Hood, And bid him, without more ado, Surrender himself, or else the proud elf Shall suffer with all his crew. Take here a hundred bowmen brave, All chosen men of great might, Of excellent art to take thy part, In glittering armour most bright.” Then said the knight, My sovereign liege, By me they shall be led ; I’ll venture my blood against bold Robin Hood, And bring him alive or dead. {332} One hundred men were chosen straight, As proper as e’er men saw : On Midsummer-day they marched away, To conquer that brave outlaw. With long yew bows, and shining spears, They march’d with mickle pride, And never delay’d, nor halted, nor stay’d Till they came to the green-wood side. Said he to his archers, Tarry here, Your bows make ready all, That if need should be, you may follow me, And see you observe my call. I’ll go first in person, he cry’d, With the letters of my good king, Well sign’d and seal’d, and if he will yield, We need not to draw one string. He wander’d about till at length he came To the tent of Robin Hood ; The letter he shows ; bold Robin arose, And there on his guard he stood. They’d have me surrender, quoth bold Robin Hood, And lie at their mercy then ; But tell them from me, that never shall be, While I have full seven score men. {333}