University of Virginia Library


123

Scene II.

Meanwhile the Sheriff has attacked Robin's men. Little John, hurrying towards the scene of the conflict, meets Scarlet in flight.
Little John.
Welle mete, felowe myn,
What herst thou of gode Robyn?

Scarlet.
Robyn Hode and his menye
With the Sheryffe takyn be.

Little John.
Sette on foote with gode wyll,
And the Sheryffe wull we kyll.

They watch the fight going on in the distance.
Scarlet.
Be-holde wele Frere Tuke
Howe he dothe his bowe pluke!

The Sheriff and his men enter with Friar Tuck and other outlaws as prisoners.
Sheriff.
Ȝeld yow, syrs, to the Sheryffe,
Or elles shall your bowes clyffe.

Takes them prisoner.
Little John.
Now we be bownden alle in same:
Frere [T]uke this is no game.

Sheriff.
Co[m]e thou forth, thou fals outlawe;
Thou shall [be] hangyde and y-drawe.

Friar Tuck.
Now[e], allas, what shall we doo?
We [m]oste to the prysone goo.

Sheriff.
Opy[n] the yatis faste anon,
An[d la]te theis thevys ynne gon.

[OMITTED] In the sequel Robin follows and rescues his men.