KING RICHARD

God, for thy grace, How could I miss the Stag I had in chase! Twice did I hit him in the very neck, When back my arrows flew, as they had smit On some sure armour. Where is Robin Hood, And y wight Scarlet? Seek them little John, I'll have that Stag before I dine to day. Why, how now Much? Cry you mercy, master king. Marry this is the matter; Scarlet is following the Stag you hit, and has all most lodged him: now the Friar has the best bow, but yours, in all the field: which and Scarlet had, he would have him straight. Come Much, canst led us where as Scarlet is? Gramercy Friar for thy glee, Thou greatly hast contented me, What with thy sporting and thy game, I swear I highly pleased am. Friar, heres somewhat graved upon the Ring, I pray thee read it. Mean while list to me; This while, most compassing the Friar about the Ring. Scarlet a worser Scathlock, you bold brethren, Twelve pence a day I give each for his fee, And hence forth see ye live Like honest men. Much, be thou ever master of that mill, I give it thee for thine in heritance. In Harold's time, more than a hundred year, Hath this ring be about this new slain Dear! I am sorry now it died: but let the same Head, ring and all be sent to Nottingham, And in the Castle kept for monuments. It was no doubt. It should not be in Julius Caesars time: There was no English used in this Land, Until the Saxons came, and this is writ In Saxon characters. How now earl Robert? I pray thee Friar, read them me. Theres more than twenty marks, mad Friar. Gramercy Friar. Now Robin Hood, Sith Robin Hood it needs must be, I was about to ask before, If thou didst see the great Stags fallen. Know you where ere a spring is nigh? Fain would I drink, I am right dry. I would be loath indeed, being in heat, To drink cold water. Let us to thy bower. Thanks lovely hostess: we are homely guests. Where Robin Hood? He promised me some drink. Why Robin Hood, be brief and answer me: I am amazed at thy troubled looks. Robin be brief, and tell us what hath chanced? What dost thou speak of death? how shouldst thou die? Dost thou feel any ease? Villain what art thou? How scaped the villain punishment, that time? Soon shall the world be rid of such a wretch, Let him be hanged alive, in the high way, that joineth to the power. Is there no law, Lord Ely, to convict, This Prior, that confesses murders thus? Thy own mouth hath condemned thee. Hence with him. Hang this man dead, then see him buried: But let the other hang alive in chains. Robin, we see what we are sad to see, Death Like a champion treading down thy life: Yet in thy end somewhat to comfort thee, We freely give to thy betrothed wife, Beauteous and chased Matilda, all those lands, Fallen by thy folly, to the Priors hands, And by his fault now forfetted to me: Earl Huntington, she shall thy Countess be, And thy wight yeomen, they shall weened with me, Against the faithless enemies of Christ. Laments are bootless, tears cannot restore Lost life: Matilda, therefore weep no more. And since our mirth is turned into moan, Our merry sport, to tragic funeral, We will prepare our power for Austria, After earl Roberts timeless burial. Fallen to your w d-songs therefore yeomen bol , And deck his hearse with flowers, that loved you deer, Dispose his goods, as he hath them disposed. Fitzwater and Matilda, bide you here, See you the body unto Wakefield born, A little we will bear ye company, But all of us at London point to meet: Thither Fitzwater, bring earl Robins men: And Friar, see you come along with them. Where is our mother? Where is thy master? Well, in a better time it could not come, For I am very hight and passing dry. Do Chester.