But, master, I know from him, and he got it from the Sheriff's man Ralph o' the Scar, that this same knavish Sheriff hath but laid a trap for thee in this shooting match and wishes nothing so much as to see thee there.

So go not, good master, for I know right well he doth seek to beguile thee, but stay within the greenwood lest we all meet dole and woe." "Now," quoth Robin, "thou art a wise lad and keepest thine ears open and thy mouth shut, as becometh a wise and crafty woodsman.

But shall we let it be said that the Sheriff of Nottingham did cow bold Robin Hood and sevenscore as fair archers as are in all merry England?
Nay, good David, what thou tellest me maketh me to desire the prize even more than I else should do.

But what sayeth our good gossip Swanthold?
Is it not 'A hasty man burneth his mouth, and the fool that keepeth his eyes shut falleth into the pit'?
Thus he says, truly, therefore we must meet guile with guile.

Now some of you clothe yourselves as curtal friars, and some as rustic peasants, and some as tinkers, or as beggars, but see that each man taketh a good bow or broadsword, in case need should arise.