The next loud blast that he did give, He blew both loud and amain; And quickly sixty of Robin Hood’s men Came shining over the plain. XXVIII ‘O who are yon,’ the Sheriff he said, ‘Come tripping over the lee?’ ‘They’re my attendants,’ brave Robin did say, ‘They’ll pay a visit to thee.’ XXIX They took the gallows from the slack[1016], They set it in the glen, They hang’d the proud Sheriff on that, And releas’d their own three men. FOOTNOTES: [1014] ballup = front, or flap. [1015] list = inclination, desire for it. [1016] slack = hollow, dell. _123. Robin Hood’s Golden Prize_ I I have heard talk of bold Robin Hood, And of brave Little John, Of Friar Tuck, and Will Scarlet, Locksley, and Maid Marion. II But such a tale as this before I think there was never none; For Robin Hood disguised himself, And to the wood is gone. III Like to a friar bold Robin Hood Was accouter’d in his array; With hood, gown, beads and crucifix, He pass’d upon the way. IV He had not gone miles two or three, But it was his chance to spy Two lusty priests, clad all in black, Come riding gallantly. V ‘Benedicite,’ then said Robin Hood, ‘Some pity on me take; Cross you my hand with a silver groat, For Our dear Ladye’s sake! VI ‘For I have been wand’ring all this day, And nothing could I get; Not so much as one poor cup of drink, Nor bit of bread to eat.’ VII ‘By my holydame,’ the priests repli’d, ‘We never a penny have; For we this morning have been robb’d, And could no money save.’ VIII ‘I am much afraid’ said bold Robin Hood, ‘That you both do tell a lye; And now before that you go hence, I am resolv’d to try.’ IX When as the priests heard him say so, They rode away amain; But Robin betook him to his heels, And soon overtook them again. X Then Robin Hood laid hold of them both, And pull’d them down from their horse: ‘O spare, us, friar!’ the priests cry’d out, ‘On us have some remorse!’ XI ‘You said you had no money,’ quoth he; ‘Wherefore without delay We three will fall down on our knees, And for money we will pray.’ XII The priests they could not him gainsay, But down they kneel’d with speed; ‘Send us, O send us,’ then quoth they, ‘Some money to serve our need!’ XIII The priests did pray with mournful chear, Sometimes their hands did wring, Sometimes they wept and cried aloud, Whilst Robin did merrily sing. XIV When they had pray’d an hour’s space, The priests did still lament; Then quoth bold Robin, ‘Now let’s see What money heaven hath us sent. XV