Read me , I pray , this libel . '' Dick Shelton took the paper in his hand and read it aloud . It contained some lines of very rugged doggerel , hardly even rhyming , written in a gross character , and most uncouthly spelt . With the spelling somewhat bettered , this is how they ran : `` I had four blak arrows under my belt , Four for the greefs that I have felt , Four for the nomber of ill menne That have opressid me now and then . One is gone ; one is wele sped ; Old Apulyaird is ded . One is for Maister Bennet Hatch , That burned Grimstone , walls and thatch . One for Sir Oliver Oates , That cut Sir Harry Shelton 's throat . Sir Daniel , ye shull have the fourt ; We shall think it fair sport . Ye shull each have your own part , A blak arrow in each blak heart . Get ye to your knees for to pray : Ye are ded theeves , by yea and nay ! `` JON AMEND-ALL of the Green Wood , And his jolly fellaweship . `` Item , we have mo arrowes and goode hempen cord for otheres of your following . '' `` Now , well-a-day for charity and the Christian graces ! '' cried Sir Oliver , lamentably . `` Sirs , this is an ill world , and groweth daily worse . I will swear upon the cross of Holywood I am as innocent of that good knight 's hurt , whether in act or purpose , as the babe unchristened . Neither was his throat cut ; for therein they are again in error , as there still live credible witnesses to show . '' `` It boots not , sir parson , '' said Bennet . `` Here is unseasonable talk . '' `` Nay , Master Bennet , not so .
Keep ye in your due place , good XXXXX , '' answered the priest .
AMEND-ALL Bennet Daniel Grimstone Oates Oliver Shelton Wood greefs nomber