ANCIENT AND MODERN FORESTRY 33 



of the forest as had attained the age of twelve 

 years had to take their oath of allegiance in the 

 following ancient rhyme : 



" You shall true Liege-man be, 

 Unto the King's Majestic : 



Unto the Beasts of the Forest you shall no hurt do, 

 Nor to anything that doth belong thereto : 

 The Offences of others you shall not conceal, 

 But, to the utmost of your Power, you shall them reveal 

 Unto the Officers of the Forest, 

 Or to them who may see them redrest : 

 All these things you shall see done, 

 So help you God at his Holy Doom." 



