The foremost monk,his life and his death Is clos-ed in my hand!
Abide,churl monk,"said Little John,"No farther that thou gone;
If thou dost,by dere-worthy God,Thy death is in my hond.
And evil thrift on thy head,"said Little John,"Right under thy hat's bond,For thou hast made our master wroth,He is fast-ing so long."
"Who is your master?"said the monk.
Little John said,"Robin Hood."
"He is a strong thief,"said the monk,"Of him heard I never good."
"Thou liest!"then said Little John,"And that shall rew-e thee;
He is a yeoman of the for-est,To dine hath bod-e thee."
Much was ready with a bolt,Redly and anon,He set the monk tofore the breast,To the ground that he can gon.
Of fifty-two wight young men,There abode not one,Save a little page,and a groom To lead the somers with Little John.
They brought the monk to the lodge door,Whether be were loth or lief,For to speak with Robin Hood,Maugr-e in their teeth.
Robin did adown his hood,The monk when that he see;
The monk was not so courteyous,His hood then let he be.
"He is a churl,master,by dere-worthy God,"
Then said Little John.
"Thereof no force,"said Rob-in,"For courtesy can he none.
How man-y men,"said Rob-in,"Had this monk,John?"
"Fifty and two when that we met,But many of them be gone."
"Let blow a horn,"said Robin,"That fellowship may us know."
Seven score of wight yeomen,Came pricking on a row,And everich of them a good mant-ell,Of scarlet and of ray,All they came to good Rob-in,To wite what he would say.
They made the monk to wash and wipe,And sit at his dinere,Robin Hood and Little John They served them both infere.
"Do gladly,monk,"said Robin.
"Gram-ercy,sir,"said he.
"Where is your abbey,whan ye are at home,And who is your avow-e?"
"Saint Mary abbey,"said the monk,"Though I be simple here."
"In what offic-e?"said Rob-in.
"Sir,the high cellarer."
"Ye be the more welcome,"said Rob-in,"So ever mote I thee.
Fill of the best wine,"said Rob-in,"This monk shall drink to me.