Thus do I punish those that come into the greenwood to deal dole to me.

As for thine own self, never knew I landlord yet that would not charge twice an he could." At this the host smiled slyly, as though saying to himself the rustic saw, "Teach a magpie to suck eggs." The Tinker slept until the afternoon drew to a close and the shadows grew long beside the woodland edge, then he awoke.

First he looked up, then he looked down, then he looked east, then he looked west, for he was gathering his wits together, like barley straws blown apart by the wind.

First he thought of his merry companion, but he was gone.

Then he thought of his stout crabstaff, and that he had within his hand.