12
And as they looked them beside,
A pair of new Gallows they see,
And the Justice with a guest of squires,
That judged William hang’d to be.
And Cloudeslie lay ready there in a cart,
Fast bound both foot and hand;
And a strong rope about his neck,
All ready for to hang.
The Justice called to him a lad,
Cloudeslie’s clothes he should have,
To take the measure of that yeoman,
Thereafter to make his grave.
I have seen as great mervaile, said Cloudeslie,
As between this and prime,
He that maketh a grave for me,
Himself may lie therein.
Thou speakest proudly, said the Justice,
I will thee hang with my hand;
Full well heard this his brethren two,
There still as they did stand.
Then Cloudeslie cast his eyes aside
And saw his brethren twayne,
At a corner of the market place,
Ready the Justice to slaine.
I see comfort, said Cloudeslie,
Yet hope I well to fare,
If I might have my hands at will,
Right lytle wold I care.
Then spake up then good Adam Bell,
To Clym of the Clough so free,
Brother, see you mark the Justice well,
Lo, yonder you may him see.
