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⟨There⟩ they set up two hazel rods,
Twenty score pace between.
(illegible text) hold an archer, said Cloudeslie,
That cleaves your wand in two;
Here is none such, reply’d the king,
For no man can do so,
⟨I⟩ will essay, Sir, said Cloudeslie,
Ere that I further go;
Cloudeslie, with a bearing arrow,
Did cleave the wand in two.
Thou’rt the best archer, said the king,
That ever I did see;
⟨But⟩ for your love, said William,
I’ll do more masterly
I have a son of seven years old,
He is to me full dear,
⟨I⟩ will tie him unto a stake,
You shall see him that’s here.
I'll lay an apple on his head,
Go six score paces fro',
And I myself with broad arrow,
Will cleave the apple in two.
⟨So⟩ haste thee then said the good king,
By him that died by thee ;
(illegible text) thou dost not as thou hast said,
Hang’d surely thou shalt be:
But if thou touch his head or go(illegible text),
In sight, that men may see,
By all the stars that are in heav’n,
I hang you shall all three.
