15. But when he came to his brether again, And told this tidings full of woe, And then they found a well good gate They might ride o'er by two and two.
16. And when they were come over the ford, All safe gotten at the last, 'Thanks be to God!' says Hobby Noble, 'The worst of our peril is past.'
17. And then they came into Howbrame wood, And there then they found a tree, And cut it down then by the root. The length was thirty foot and three.
18. And four of them did take the plank, As light as it had been a flea, And carried it to the New Castle, Where as John o' Side did lie.
19. And some did climb up by the walls, And some did climb up by the tree, Until they came up to the top of the castle, Where John made his moan truly.
20. He said, 'God be with thee, Sybil o' the Side! My own mother thou art,' quoth he; 'If thou knew this night I were here, A woe woman then wouldst thou be.
21. 'And fare you well, Lord Mangerton! And ever I say God be with thee! For if you knew this night I were here, You would sell your land for to loose me.
22. 'And fare thou well, Much, Miller's son! Much, Miller's son, I say; Thou has been better at mirk midnight Than ever thou was at noon o' the day.
23. 'And fare thou well, my good lord Clough! Thou art thy father's son and heir; Thou never saw him in all thy life But with him durst thou break a spear.
24. 'We are brothers childer nine or ten, And sisters children ten or eleven; We never came to the field to fight, But the worst of us was counted a man.'
25. But then bespake him Hobby Noble, And spake these words unto him; Says 'Sleepest thou, wakest thou, John o' the Side, Or art thou this castle within?'
26. 'But who is there,' quoth John o' the Side, 'That knows my name so right and free?' 'I am a bastard-brother of thine; This night I am comen for to loose thee.'
27. 'Now nay, now nay,' quoth John o' the Side, 'It fears me sore that will not be, For a peck of gold and silver,' John said, 'In faith this night will not loose me.'
28. But then bespake him Hobby Noble, And till his brother thus said he; Says 'Four shall take this matter in hand, And two shall tent our geldings free.'
29. Four did break one door without, Then John brake five himsel'; But when they came to the iron door, It smote twelve upon the bell.