NOW WHEN THE SHERIFF found that neither law nor guile could overcome Robin Hood, he was much perplexed, and said to himself, "Fool that I am! Had I not told our King of Robin Hood, I would not have gotten myself into such a coil; but now I must either take him captive or have wrath visited upon my head from his most gracious Majesty.

I have tried law, and I have tried guile, and I have failed in both; so I will try what may be done with might." Thus communing within himself, he called his constables together and told them what was in his mind.

"Now take ye each four men, all armed in proof," said he, "and get ye gone to the forest, at different points, and lie in wait for this same Robin Hood.

But if any constable finds too many men against him, let him sound a horn, and then let each band within hearing come with all speed and join the party that calls them.
Thus, I think, shall we take this green-clad knave.

Furthermore, to him that first meeteth with Robin Hood shall one hundred pounds of silver money be given, if he be brought to me dead or alive; and to him that meeteth with any of his band shall twoscore pounds be given, if such be brought to me dead or alive.