University of Virginia Library

While Merlin to fetch Robin Hood was preparing,
John Lackland was blustering, and vapouring, and swearing,
And seemed quite determined the roast to be ruling;
But some stout fellows near him prepared him a cooling;
Who seized him, and held him, nor gave him release,
Till he signed them a bond for preserving the peace.
 

King John, surnamed Lackland.

Ambitious of absolute power.

Forced by his barons to sign Magna Charta.