In summer when the shawès be sheen,And leavès be large and long,It is full merry in fair forèstTo hear the fowlès song;To see the deer draw to the dale,And leave the hillès hee,And shadow them in the leavès greenUnder the green-wood tree.
In summer when the shawès be sheen,And leavès be large and long,It is full merry in fair forèstTo hear the fowlès song;To see the deer draw to the dale,And leave the hillès hee,And shadow them in the leavès greenUnder the green-wood tree.
The poetical character of the season affords all the explanation that is required.
Nor need the occurrence of exhibitions of archery and of the Robin Hood plays and pageants, at this time of the year, occasion any difficulty. Repeated statutes, from the 13th to the 16th century, enjoined practice with the bow, and ordered that the leisure time of holidays should be employed for this purpose. Under Henry the Eighth the custom was still kept up, and those who partook in this exercise often gave it a spirit by assuming the style and character of Robin Hood and his associates. In like manner the society of archers in Elizabeth's time, took the name of Arthur and his knights: all which was very natural then and would be now. None of all the merrymakings in merry England surpassed the May festival. The return of the sun stimulated the populace to the accumulation of all sorts of amusements. In addition to the traditional and appropriate sports of the season, there were, as Stowe tells us, divers warlike shows, with good archers, morris-dancers, and other devices for pastime all day long, and towards the evening stage-plays and bonfires in the streets. A Play of Robin Hood was considered "very proper for a May-game," but if Robin Hood was peculiarly prominent in these entertainments, the obvious reason would appear to be that he was the hero of that loved green-wood to which all the world resorted, when the cold obstruction of winter was broken up, "to do observance for a morn of May."
We do not therefore attribute much value to the theory of Mr. Wright, that the May festival was, in its earliest form, "a religious celebration, though, like such festivals in general, it possessed a double character, that of a religious ceremony, and of an opportunity for the performance of warlike games; that, at such festivals, the songs would take the character of the amusements on the occasion, and would most likely celebrate warlike deeds—perhaps the myths of the patron whom superstition supposed to preside over them; that, as the character of the exercises changed, the attributes of the patron would change also, and he who was once celebrated as working wonders with his good axe or his elf-made sword, might afterwards assume the character of a skilful bowman; that the scene of his actions would likewise change, and the person whose weapons were the bane of dragons and giants, who sought them in the wildernesses they infested, might become the enemy only of the sheriff and his officers, under the 'grene-wode lefe.'" It is unnecessary to point out that the language we have quoted contains, beyond the statement that warlike exercises were anciently combined with religious rites, a very slightly founded surmise, and nothing more.
Another circumstance which weighs much with Mr. Wright, goes but a very little way with us in demonstrating the mythological character of Robin Hood. This is the frequency with which hisname is attached to mounds, wells, and stones, such as in the popular creed are connected with fairies, dwarfs, or giants. There is scarcely a county in England which does not possess some monument of this description. "Cairns on Blackdown in Somersetshire, and barrows near to Whitby in Yorkshire and Ludlow in Shropshire, are termed Robin Hood's pricks or butts; lofty natural eminences in Gloucestershire and Derbyshire are Robin Hood's hills; a huge rock near Matlock is Robin Hood's Tor; ancient boundary stones, as in Lincolnshire, are Robin Hood's crosses; a presumed loggan, or rocking-stone, in Yorkshire, is Robin Hood's penny-stone; a fountain near Nottingham, another between Doncaster and Wakefield, and one in Lancashire, are Robin Hood's wells; a cave in Nottinghamshire is his stable; a rude natural rock in Hope Dale is his chair; a chasm at Chatsworth is his leap; Blackstone Edge, in Lancashire, is his bed."[25]In fact, his name bids fair to overrun every remarkable object of the sort which has not been already appropriated to King Arthur or the Devil; with the latter of whom, at least, it is presumed that, however ancient, he will not dispute precedence.
"The legends of the peasantry," quoth Mr. Wright, "are the shadows of a very remote antiquity." This proposition, thus broadly stated, we deny. Nothing is more deceptive than popularlegends; and the "legends," we speak of, if they are to bear that name, have no claim to antiquity at all. They do not go beyond the ballads. They are palpably of subsequent and comparatively recent origin. It was absolutely impossible that they should arise while Robin Hood was a living reality to the people. The archer of Sherwood who could barely stand King Edward's buffet, and was felled by the Potter, was no man to be playing with rocking stones. This trick of naming must have begun in the decline of his fame, for there was a time when his popularity drooped, and his existence was just not doubted; not elaborately maintained by learned historians, and antiquarians deeply read in the Public Records. And what do these names prove? The vulgar passion for bestowing them is notorious and universal. We Americans are too young to be well provided with heroes that might serve this purpose. We have no imaginative peasantry to invent legends, no ignorant peasantry to believe them. But we have the good fortune to possess the Devil in common with the rest of the world; and we take it upon us to say, that there is not a mountain district in the land, which has been opened to summer travellers, where a "Devil's Bridge," a "Devil's Punch-bowl," or some object with the like designation, will not be pointed out.[26]
We have taken no notice of the later fortunes of Robin Hood in his true and original character of a hero of romance. Towards the end of the 16th century, Anthony Munday attempted to revive the decaying popularity of this king of good fellows, who had won all his honors as a simple yeoman, by representing him in the play ofThe Downfall of Robert Earl of Huntington, as a nobleman in disguise, outlawed by the machinations of his steward. This pleasing and successful drama is Robin's sole patent to that title of Earl of Huntington, in confirmation of which, Dr. Stukeley fabricated a pedigree that transcends even the absurdities of heraldry, and some unknown forger an epitaph beneath the skill of a Chatterton. Those who desire a full acquaintance with the fabulous history of Robin Hood, will seek it in the well-known volumes of Ritson, or in those of his recent editor, Gutch, who does not make up by superior discrimination for his inferiority in other respects to that industrious antiquary.
[1]"This is a tale indeed of Robin Hood,Which to beleeve might show my wits but weake."Harington'sAriosto, p. 391, as cited by Ritson.
[1]
"This is a tale indeed of Robin Hood,Which to beleeve might show my wits but weake."
"This is a tale indeed of Robin Hood,Which to beleeve might show my wits but weake."
Harington'sAriosto, p. 391, as cited by Ritson.
[2]Sloth says:—"I kan noght parfitly my pater-noster,As the preest it syngeth,But I kan rymes of Robyn Hood,And Randolf erl of Chestre."Wright's ed. v. 3275-8.
[2]Sloth says:—
"I kan noght parfitly my pater-noster,As the preest it syngeth,But I kan rymes of Robyn Hood,And Randolf erl of Chestre."
"I kan noght parfitly my pater-noster,As the preest it syngeth,But I kan rymes of Robyn Hood,And Randolf erl of Chestre."
Wright's ed. v. 3275-8.
[3]A writer in theEdinburgh Review, (July, 1847, p. 134,) has cited an allusion to Robin Hood, of a date intermediate between the passages from Wyntown, and the one about to be cited from Bower. In the year 1439, a petition was presented to Parliament against one Piers Venables of Aston, in Derbyshire, "who having no liflode, ne sufficeante of goodes, gadered and assembled unto him many misdoers, beynge of his clothynge, and, in manere of insurrection, wente into the wodes in that countrie, like as it hadde beRobyn Hode and his meynè."Rot. Parl.v. 16.
[3]A writer in theEdinburgh Review, (July, 1847, p. 134,) has cited an allusion to Robin Hood, of a date intermediate between the passages from Wyntown, and the one about to be cited from Bower. In the year 1439, a petition was presented to Parliament against one Piers Venables of Aston, in Derbyshire, "who having no liflode, ne sufficeante of goodes, gadered and assembled unto him many misdoers, beynge of his clothynge, and, in manere of insurrection, wente into the wodes in that countrie, like as it hadde beRobyn Hode and his meynè."Rot. Parl.v. 16.
[4]"Legendis non raro incredibilibus aliisque plusquam anilibus neniis." Hearne,Scotichronicon, p. xxix.
[4]"Legendis non raro incredibilibus aliisque plusquam anilibus neniis." Hearne,Scotichronicon, p. xxix.
[5]Hearne. Mr. Hunter agrees to this.
[5]Hearne. Mr. Hunter agrees to this.
[6]Hearne, p. 774.
[6]Hearne, p. 774.
[7]Scotichronicon, ed. Goodall, ii. 104.
[7]Scotichronicon, ed. Goodall, ii. 104.
[8]A comparison of the legends concerning William Tell, as they appear in any of the recent discussions of the subject, (e.g. Ideler'sSage von dem Schuss des Tell, Berlin, 1836,) with those of Robin Hood and Adam Bell, will be found interesting and instructive.
[8]A comparison of the legends concerning William Tell, as they appear in any of the recent discussions of the subject, (e.g. Ideler'sSage von dem Schuss des Tell, Berlin, 1836,) with those of Robin Hood and Adam Bell, will be found interesting and instructive.
[9]In hisHistoire de la Conquête de l'Angleterre par les Normands, l. xi. Thierry was anticipated in his theory by Barry, in a dissertation cited by Mr. Wright in his Essays:Thèse de Littérature sur les Viccissitudes et les Transformations du Cycle populaire de Robin Hood.Paris, 1832.
[9]In hisHistoire de la Conquête de l'Angleterre par les Normands, l. xi. Thierry was anticipated in his theory by Barry, in a dissertation cited by Mr. Wright in his Essays:Thèse de Littérature sur les Viccissitudes et les Transformations du Cycle populaire de Robin Hood.Paris, 1832.
[10]London and Westminster Review, vol. xxxiii. p. 424.
[10]London and Westminster Review, vol. xxxiii. p. 424.
[11]No. 4.The Ballad Hero, Robin Hood.June, 1852.
[11]No. 4.The Ballad Hero, Robin Hood.June, 1852.
[12]Hunter, p. 28, p. 35-38.
[12]Hunter, p. 28, p. 35-38.
[13]Mr. Hunter thinks it necessary to prove that it was formerly a usage in England to celebrate real events in popular song. We submit that it has been still more customary to celebrate them in history, when they were of public importance. The case of private and domestic stories is different.
[13]Mr. Hunter thinks it necessary to prove that it was formerly a usage in England to celebrate real events in popular song. We submit that it has been still more customary to celebrate them in history, when they were of public importance. The case of private and domestic stories is different.
[14]Most remarkable of all would this be, should we adopt the views of Mr. Hunter, because we know from the incidental testimony ofPiers Ploughman, that only forty years after the date fixed upon for the outlaw's submission, "rhymes of Robin Hood," were in the mouth of every tavern lounger; and yet no chronicler can spare him a word.
[14]Most remarkable of all would this be, should we adopt the views of Mr. Hunter, because we know from the incidental testimony ofPiers Ploughman, that only forty years after the date fixed upon for the outlaw's submission, "rhymes of Robin Hood," were in the mouth of every tavern lounger; and yet no chronicler can spare him a word.
[15]Matthew Paris, London, 1640, p. 1002.
[15]Matthew Paris, London, 1640, p. 1002.
[16]Mr. Hunter had previously instituted a similar argument in the case of Adam Bell, and doubtless the reasoning might be extended to Will Scathlock and Little John. With a little more rummaging of old account-books we shall be enabled to "comprehend all vagrom men." It is a pity that the Sheriff of Nottingham could not have availed himself of the services of our "detective." The sagacity that has identified the Porter might easily, we imagine, have unmasked the Potter.
[16]Mr. Hunter had previously instituted a similar argument in the case of Adam Bell, and doubtless the reasoning might be extended to Will Scathlock and Little John. With a little more rummaging of old account-books we shall be enabled to "comprehend all vagrom men." It is a pity that the Sheriff of Nottingham could not have availed himself of the services of our "detective." The sagacity that has identified the Porter might easily, we imagine, have unmasked the Potter.
[17]See Wright'sEssays, ii. 207. "The name of Witikind, the famous opponent of Charlemagne, who always fled before his sight, concealed himself in the forests, and returned again in his absence, is no more thanwitu chint, in Old High Dutch, and signifies theson of the wood, an appellation which he could never have received at his birth, since it denotes an exile or outlaw. Indeed, the name Witikind, though such a person seems to have existed, appears to be the representative of all the defenders of his country against the invaders." (Cf.theThreeTells.)
[17]See Wright'sEssays, ii. 207. "The name of Witikind, the famous opponent of Charlemagne, who always fled before his sight, concealed himself in the forests, and returned again in his absence, is no more thanwitu chint, in Old High Dutch, and signifies theson of the wood, an appellation which he could never have received at his birth, since it denotes an exile or outlaw. Indeed, the name Witikind, though such a person seems to have existed, appears to be the representative of all the defenders of his country against the invaders." (Cf.theThreeTells.)
[18]Thus, in Kent, the Hobby Horse is calledhooden, i.e. wooden. It is curious that Orlando, inAs You Like It, (who represents the outlaw Gamelyn in theTale of Gamelyn, a tale which clearly belongs to the cycle of Robin Hood,) should be the son of Sir Rowlandde Bois. Robin de Bois (says a writer inNotes and Queries, vi. 597) occurs in one of Sue's novels "as a well-known mythical character, whose name is employed by French mothers to frighten their children."
[18]Thus, in Kent, the Hobby Horse is calledhooden, i.e. wooden. It is curious that Orlando, inAs You Like It, (who represents the outlaw Gamelyn in theTale of Gamelyn, a tale which clearly belongs to the cycle of Robin Hood,) should be the son of Sir Rowlandde Bois. Robin de Bois (says a writer inNotes and Queries, vi. 597) occurs in one of Sue's novels "as a well-known mythical character, whose name is employed by French mothers to frighten their children."
[19]Kuhn, inHaupt's Zeitschrift für deutsches Alterthum, v. 472. The idea of a northern myth will of course excite the alarm of all sensible patriotic Englishmen, (e.g. Mr. Hunter, at page 3 of his tract,) and the bare suggestion of Woden will be received, in the same quarters, with an explosion of scorn. And yet we find the famous shot of Eigill, one of the mythical personages of the Scandinavians, (and perhaps to be regarded as one of the forms of Woden,) attributed in the ballad ofAdam Belto William of Cloudesly, who may be considered as Robin Hood under another name. See the preface toAdam Bel.
[19]Kuhn, inHaupt's Zeitschrift für deutsches Alterthum, v. 472. The idea of a northern myth will of course excite the alarm of all sensible patriotic Englishmen, (e.g. Mr. Hunter, at page 3 of his tract,) and the bare suggestion of Woden will be received, in the same quarters, with an explosion of scorn. And yet we find the famous shot of Eigill, one of the mythical personages of the Scandinavians, (and perhaps to be regarded as one of the forms of Woden,) attributed in the ballad ofAdam Belto William of Cloudesly, who may be considered as Robin Hood under another name. See the preface toAdam Bel.
[20]As in Tollett's window.
[20]As in Tollett's window.
[21]In Lord Hailes'sExtracts from the Book of the Universal Kirk.
[21]In Lord Hailes'sExtracts from the Book of the Universal Kirk.
[22]More openly exhibited in the mock battle between Summer and Winter celebrated by the Scandinavians in honor of May, a custom still retained in the Isle of Man, where the month is every year ushered in with a contest between the Queen of Summer, and the Queen of Winter. (Brand'sAntiquities, by Ellis, i. 222, 257.) A similar ceremony in Germany, occurring at Christmas, is noticed by Kuhn, p. 478.
[22]More openly exhibited in the mock battle between Summer and Winter celebrated by the Scandinavians in honor of May, a custom still retained in the Isle of Man, where the month is every year ushered in with a contest between the Queen of Summer, and the Queen of Winter. (Brand'sAntiquities, by Ellis, i. 222, 257.) A similar ceremony in Germany, occurring at Christmas, is noticed by Kuhn, p. 478.
[23]Hence the Spring begins with March. The connection with Mars suggests a possible etymology for the Morris—which is usually explained, for want of something better, as a Morisco or Moorish dance. There is some resemblance between the Morris and the Salic dance. The Salic games are said to have been instituted by the Veian king Morrius, a name pointing to Mars, the divinity of the Salii. Kuhn, 488-493.
[23]Hence the Spring begins with March. The connection with Mars suggests a possible etymology for the Morris—which is usually explained, for want of something better, as a Morisco or Moorish dance. There is some resemblance between the Morris and the Salic dance. The Salic games are said to have been instituted by the Veian king Morrius, a name pointing to Mars, the divinity of the Salii. Kuhn, 488-493.
[24]The name Robin also appears to Kuhn worthy of notice, since the horseman in the May pageant is in some parts of Germany called Ruprecht (Rupert, Robert).
[24]The name Robin also appears to Kuhn worthy of notice, since the horseman in the May pageant is in some parts of Germany called Ruprecht (Rupert, Robert).
[25]Edinburgh Review, vol. 86, p. 123.
[25]Edinburgh Review, vol. 86, p. 123.
[26]See some sensible remarks in theGentleman's Magazinefor March, 1793, by D. H., that is, says the courteous Ritson, by Gough, "the scurrilous and malignant editor of that degraded publication."
[26]See some sensible remarks in theGentleman's Magazinefor March, 1793, by D. H., that is, says the courteous Ritson, by Gough, "the scurrilous and malignant editor of that degraded publication."
This excellent ballad, which appears to be the oldest of the class preserved, and is possibly as old as the reign of Edward II. (see Wright'sEssays, &c., ii. 174), is found in a manuscript belonging to the public library of the University of Cambridge (Ff. 5, 48). It was first printed by Jamieson,Popular Ballads, ii. 54, afterwards in Hartshorne'sMetrical Tales, p. 179, and is here given from the second edition of Ritson'sRobin Hood, (ii. 221,) as collated by Sir Frederic Madden.
The story is nearly the same inAdam Bel, Clym of the Cloughe, and Wyllyam of Cloudeslè.
In somer when the shawes be sheyne,And leves be large and longe,Hit is full mery in feyre foresteTo here the foulys song.To se the dere draw to the dale,5And leve the hilles hee,And shadow hem in the leves grene,Vndur the grene-wode tre.Hit befell on Whitsontide,Erly in a may mornyng,10The son vp fayre can shyne,And the briddis mery can syng."This is a mery mornyng," seid Litulle Johne,"Be hym that dyed on tre;A more mery man then I am one15Lyves not in Cristianté.""Pluk vp thi hert, my dere mayster,"Litulle Johne can sey,"And thynk hit is a fulle fayre tymeIn a mornynge of may."20"Ze on thynge greves me," seid Robyne,"And does my hert mych woo,That I may not so solem dayTo mas nor matyns goo."Hit is a fourtnet and more," seyd hee,25"Syn I my Sauyour see;To day will I to Notyngham," seid Robyn,"With the myght of mylde Mary."Then spake Moche the mylner sune,Euer more wel hym betyde,30"Take xii of thi wyght zemenWell weppynd betheiside.Such on wolde thi selfe slonThat xii dar not abyde.""Off alle my mery men," seid Robyne,35"Be my feithe I wil non haue;But Litulle Johne shall beyre my bowTil that me list to drawe.* * * * * * * ** * * * * * *"Thou shalle beyrethin own," seid Litulle Jon,"Maister, and I wil beyre myne,40And we wille shete a peny," seid Litulle Jon,"Vnder the grene wode lyne.""I wil not shete a peny," seyde Robyn Hode,"In feith, Litulle Johne, with thee,But euer for on as thou shetes," seid Robyn,45"In feith I holde the thre."Thus shet thei forthe, these zemen too,Bothe at buske and brome,Til Litulle Johne wan of his maisterV s. to hose and shone.50A ferly strife fel them betwene,As they went bi the way;Litull Johne seid he had won v shyllyngs,And Robyn Hode seid schortly nay.With that Robyn Hode lyed Litul Jone,55And smote hym with his honde;Litul John waxed wroth therwith,And pulled out his bright bronde."Were thou not my maister," seid Litulle Johne,"Thou shuldis by hit ful sore;60Get the a man where thou wilt, Robyn,For thou getes me no more."Then Robyn goes to Notyngham,Hymselfe mornynge allone,And Litulle Johne to mery Scherewode,65The pathes he knowe alkone.Whan Robyn came to Notyngham,Sertenly withoutene layne,He prayed to God and myld MaryTo brynge hym out saue agayne.70He gos into seynt Mary chirche,And knelyd downe before the rode;Alle that euer were the churche withinBeheld wel Robyne Hode.Beside hym stode a gret-hedid munke,75I pray to God woo he be;Ful sone he knew gode RobynAs sone as he hym se.Out at the durre he ranFul sone and anon;80Alle the zatis of NotynghamHe made to be sparred euerychone."Rise vp," he seid, "thou prowde schereff,Buske the and make the bowne;I haue spyed the kynges felone,85For sothe he is in this towne."I haue spyed the false felone,As he stondes at his masse;Hit is longe of the," seide the munke,"And euer he fro vs passe.90"This traytur[s] name is Robyn Hode;Vnder the grene wode lynde,He robbyt me onys of a C pound,Hit shalle neuer out of my mynde."Vp then rose this prowd schereff,95And zade towarde hym zare;Many was the modur sonTo the kyrk with him can fare.In at the durres thei throly thrastWith staves fulgode ilkone,100"Alas, alas," seid Robin Hode,"Now mysse I Litulle Johne."But Robyne toke out a too-hond swordeThat hangit down be his kne;Ther as the schereff and his men stode thyckust,105Thidurward wold he.Thryes thorow at them he ran,Then for sothe as I yow say,And woundyt many a modur sone,And xii he slew that day.110Hys sworde vpon the schireff hedSertanly he brake in too;"The smyth that the made," seid Robyn,"I pray God wyrke hym woo."For now am I weppynlesse," seid Robyne,115"Alasse, agayn my wylle;But if I may fle these traytors fro,I wot thei wil me kylle."Robyns men to the churche ranThroout hem euerilkon;120Sum fel in swonyng as thei were dede,And lay still as any stone.* * * * * * ** * * * * * *Non of theym were in her myndeBut only Litulle Jon."Let be yourdule," seid Litulle Jon,125"For his luf that dyed on tre;Ze that shulde be duzty men,Hit is gret shame to se."Oure maister has bene hard bystode,And zet scapyd away;130Pluk up your hertes and leve this mone,And herkyn what I shal say."He has seruyd our lady many a day,And zet wil securly;Therefore I trust in her specialy135No wycked deth shal he dye."Therfor be glad," seid Litul Johne,"And let this mournyng be,And I shall be the munkes gyde,With the myght of mylde Mary.140"And I mete hym," seid Litull Johne,"We wille go but we too* * * * * * * ** * * * * * *"Loke that ze kepe wel our tristil treVnder the levys smale,And spare non of this venyson145That gose in thys vale."Forthe thei went these zemen too,Litul Johne and Moche onfere,And lokid on Moche emys howsThe hyeway lay fulle nere.150Litul John stode at a window in the mornynge,And lokid forth at a stage;He was war wher the munke came ridynge,And with hym a litul page."Be my feith," seid Litul Johne to Moche,155"I can the tel tithyngus gode;I se wher the munk comys rydyng,I know hym be his wyde hode."Thei went into the way these zemen bothe,As curtes men and hende,160Thei spyrred tithyngus at the munke,As thei hade bene his frende."Fro whens come ze," seid Litul Johne;"Tel vs tithyngus, I yow pray,Off a false owtlay [called Robyn Hode],165Was takyn zisturday."He robbyt me and my felowes botheOf xx marke in serten;If that false owtlay be takyn,For sothe we wolde be fayne."170"So did he me," seid the munke,"Of a C pound and more;I layde furst hande hym apon,Ze may thonke me therfore.""I pray God thanke yow," seid Litulle Johne,175"And we wil when we may;We wil go with yow, with your leve,And brynge yow on your way."For Robyn Hode hase many a wilde felow,I telle yow in certen;180If thei wist ze rode this way,In feith ze shulde be slayn."As thei went talkyng be the way,The munke and Litulle Johne,Johne toke the munkes horse be the hede185Ful sone and anone.Johne toke the munkes horse be the hed,For sothe as I yow say,So did Muche the litulle page,For he shulde not stirre away.190Be the golett of the hodeJohne pulled the munke downe;Johne was nothynge of hym agast,He lete hym falle on his crowne.Litulle Johne wassoreagrevyd,195And drew out his swerde in hye;The munke saw he shulde be ded,Lowd mercy can he crye."He was my maister," seid Litulle Johne,"That thou hase browzt in bale;200Shalle thou neuer cum at oure kyngeFor to telle hym tale."John smote of the munkes hed,No longer wolde he dwelle;So did Moche the litulle page,205For ferd lest he wold tell.Ther thei beryed hem bothIn nouther mosse nor lynge,And Litulle Johne and Muche infereBare the letturs to oure kyng.210* * * * * *He kneled down vpon his kne,"God zow saue, my lege lorde,"Jesus yow saue and se."God yow saue, my lege kyng,"To speke Johne was fulle bolde;215He gaf hym the letturs in his hond,The kyng did hit unfold.The kyng red the letturs anon,And seid, "so mot I the,Ther was neuer zoman in mery Inglond220I longut so sore to see."Wher is the munke that these shuld haue browzt?"Oure kynge gan say;"Be my trouthe," seid Litull Jone,"He dyed aftur the way."225The kyng gaf Moche and Litul Jonxx pound in sertan,And made theim zemen of the crowne,And bade theim go agayn.He gaf Johne the seel in hand,230The scheref for to bere,To brynge Robyn hym to,And no man do hym dere.Johne toke his leve at oure kyng,The sothe as I yow say;235The next way to NotynghamTo take he zede the way.When Johne came to NotynghamThe zatis were sparred ychone;Johne callid vp the porter,240He answerid sone anon."What is the cause," seid Litul John,"Thou sparris the zates so fast?""Because of Robyn Hode," seid [the] porter,In depe prison is cast.245"Johne, and Moche, and Wylle Scathlok,For sothe as I yow say,Thir slew oure men vpon oure wallis,And sawtene vs euery day."Litulle Johne spyrred aftur the schereff,250And sone he hym fonde;He oppyned the kyngus privè seelle,And gaf hym in his honde."When the schereff saw the kyngus seelle,He did of his hode anon;255"Wher is the munke that bare the letturs?"He seid to Litulle Johne."He is so fayn of hym," seid Litulle Johne,"For sothe as I yow sey,He has made hym abot of Westmynster,260A lorde of that abbay."The scheref made John gode chere,And gaf hym wine of the best;At nyzt thei went to her bedde,And euery man to his rest.265When the scheref was on-slepeDronken of wine and ale,Litul Johne and Moche for sotheToke the way vnto thejale.Litul Johne callid vp the jayler,270And bade hym ryse anon;He seid Robyn Hode had brokyn preson,And out of hit was gon.The portere rose anon sertan,As sone as he herd John calle;275Litul Johne was redy with a swerd,And bare hym to the walle."Now will I be porter," seid Litul Johne,"And take the keyes in honde;"He toke the way to Robyn Hode,280And sone he hym vnbonde.He gaf hym a gode swerd in his hond,His hed with for to kepe,And ther as the walle was lowystAnon down can thei lepe.285Be that the cok began to crow,The day began to sprynge,The scheref fond the jaylier ded,The comyn belle made he rynge.He made a crye thoroowt al the tow[n],290Whedur he be zoman or knave,That cowthe brynge hym Robyn Hode,His warisone he shuld haue."For I dar neuer," said the scheref,"Cum before oure kynge,295For if I do, I wot serten,For sothe he wil me henge."The scheref made to seke Notyngham,Bothe be strete and stye,And Robyn was in mery Scherwode300As lizt as lef on lynde.Then bespake gode Litulle Johne,To Robyn Hode can he say,"I haue done the a gode turne for an euylle,Quyte mewhan thou may.305"I haue done the a gode turne," said Litulle Johne,"For sothe as I you saie;I haue brouzt the vnder grene wode lyne;Fare wel, and haue gode day.""Nay, be my trouthe," seid Robyn Hode,310"So shalle hit neuer be;I make the maister," seid Robyn Hode,"Off alle my men and me.""Nay, be my trouthe," seid Litulle Johne,"So shall hit neuer be,315But lat me be a felow," seid Litulle Johne,"Non odur kepe I'll be."Thus Johne gate Robyn Hode out of prisone,Sertan withoutyn layne;When his men saw hym hol and sounde,320For sothe they were ful fayne.They filled in wyne, and made him glad,Vnder the levys smale,And zete pastes of venysone,That gode was with ale.325Than worde came to oure kynge,How Robyn Hode was gone,And how the scheref of NotynghamDurst neuer loke hyme vpone.Then bespake oure cumly kynge,330In an angur hye,"Litulle Johne hase begyled the schereff,In faith so hase he me."Litulle Johne has begyled vs bothe,And that fulle wel I se,335Or ellis the schereff of NotynghamHye hongut shuld he be."I made hem zemen of the crowne,And gaf hem fee with my hond,I gaf hem grithe," seid oure kyng,340"Thorowout alle mery Inglond."I gaf hem grithe," then seide oure kyng,"I say, so mot I the,For sothe soche a zeman as he is onIn alle Ingland ar not thre.345"He is trew to his maister," seide oure kynge,"I sey, be swete seynt Johne;He louys bettur Robyn Hode,Then he dose vs ychone."Robyne Hode is euer bond to him,350Bothe in strete and stalle;Speke nomoreof this matter," seid oure kynge,"But John has begyled vs alle."Thus endys the talkyng of the munkeAnd Robyne Hode i-wysse;God, that is euer a crowned kyng,Bryng vs alle to his blisse.
In somer when the shawes be sheyne,And leves be large and longe,Hit is full mery in feyre foresteTo here the foulys song.
To se the dere draw to the dale,5And leve the hilles hee,And shadow hem in the leves grene,Vndur the grene-wode tre.
Hit befell on Whitsontide,Erly in a may mornyng,10The son vp fayre can shyne,And the briddis mery can syng.
"This is a mery mornyng," seid Litulle Johne,"Be hym that dyed on tre;A more mery man then I am one15Lyves not in Cristianté."
"Pluk vp thi hert, my dere mayster,"Litulle Johne can sey,"And thynk hit is a fulle fayre tymeIn a mornynge of may."20
"Ze on thynge greves me," seid Robyne,"And does my hert mych woo,That I may not so solem dayTo mas nor matyns goo.
"Hit is a fourtnet and more," seyd hee,25"Syn I my Sauyour see;To day will I to Notyngham," seid Robyn,"With the myght of mylde Mary."
Then spake Moche the mylner sune,Euer more wel hym betyde,30"Take xii of thi wyght zemenWell weppynd betheiside.Such on wolde thi selfe slonThat xii dar not abyde."
"Off alle my mery men," seid Robyne,35"Be my feithe I wil non haue;But Litulle Johne shall beyre my bowTil that me list to drawe.
* * * * * * * ** * * * * * *
"Thou shalle beyrethin own," seid Litulle Jon,"Maister, and I wil beyre myne,40And we wille shete a peny," seid Litulle Jon,"Vnder the grene wode lyne."
"I wil not shete a peny," seyde Robyn Hode,"In feith, Litulle Johne, with thee,But euer for on as thou shetes," seid Robyn,45"In feith I holde the thre."
Thus shet thei forthe, these zemen too,Bothe at buske and brome,Til Litulle Johne wan of his maisterV s. to hose and shone.50
A ferly strife fel them betwene,As they went bi the way;Litull Johne seid he had won v shyllyngs,And Robyn Hode seid schortly nay.
With that Robyn Hode lyed Litul Jone,55And smote hym with his honde;Litul John waxed wroth therwith,And pulled out his bright bronde.
"Were thou not my maister," seid Litulle Johne,"Thou shuldis by hit ful sore;60Get the a man where thou wilt, Robyn,For thou getes me no more."
Then Robyn goes to Notyngham,Hymselfe mornynge allone,And Litulle Johne to mery Scherewode,65The pathes he knowe alkone.
Whan Robyn came to Notyngham,Sertenly withoutene layne,He prayed to God and myld MaryTo brynge hym out saue agayne.70
He gos into seynt Mary chirche,And knelyd downe before the rode;Alle that euer were the churche withinBeheld wel Robyne Hode.
Beside hym stode a gret-hedid munke,75I pray to God woo he be;Ful sone he knew gode RobynAs sone as he hym se.
Out at the durre he ranFul sone and anon;80Alle the zatis of NotynghamHe made to be sparred euerychone.
"Rise vp," he seid, "thou prowde schereff,Buske the and make the bowne;I haue spyed the kynges felone,85For sothe he is in this towne.
"I haue spyed the false felone,As he stondes at his masse;Hit is longe of the," seide the munke,"And euer he fro vs passe.90
"This traytur[s] name is Robyn Hode;Vnder the grene wode lynde,He robbyt me onys of a C pound,Hit shalle neuer out of my mynde."
Vp then rose this prowd schereff,95And zade towarde hym zare;Many was the modur sonTo the kyrk with him can fare.
In at the durres thei throly thrastWith staves fulgode ilkone,100"Alas, alas," seid Robin Hode,"Now mysse I Litulle Johne."
But Robyne toke out a too-hond swordeThat hangit down be his kne;Ther as the schereff and his men stode thyckust,105Thidurward wold he.
Thryes thorow at them he ran,Then for sothe as I yow say,And woundyt many a modur sone,And xii he slew that day.110
Hys sworde vpon the schireff hedSertanly he brake in too;"The smyth that the made," seid Robyn,"I pray God wyrke hym woo.
"For now am I weppynlesse," seid Robyne,115"Alasse, agayn my wylle;But if I may fle these traytors fro,I wot thei wil me kylle."
Robyns men to the churche ranThroout hem euerilkon;120Sum fel in swonyng as thei were dede,And lay still as any stone.
* * * * * * ** * * * * * *Non of theym were in her myndeBut only Litulle Jon.
"Let be yourdule," seid Litulle Jon,125"For his luf that dyed on tre;Ze that shulde be duzty men,Hit is gret shame to se.
"Oure maister has bene hard bystode,And zet scapyd away;130Pluk up your hertes and leve this mone,And herkyn what I shal say.
"He has seruyd our lady many a day,And zet wil securly;Therefore I trust in her specialy135No wycked deth shal he dye.
"Therfor be glad," seid Litul Johne,"And let this mournyng be,And I shall be the munkes gyde,With the myght of mylde Mary.140
"And I mete hym," seid Litull Johne,"We wille go but we too* * * * * * * ** * * * * * *
"Loke that ze kepe wel our tristil treVnder the levys smale,And spare non of this venyson145That gose in thys vale."
Forthe thei went these zemen too,Litul Johne and Moche onfere,And lokid on Moche emys howsThe hyeway lay fulle nere.150
Litul John stode at a window in the mornynge,And lokid forth at a stage;He was war wher the munke came ridynge,And with hym a litul page.
"Be my feith," seid Litul Johne to Moche,155"I can the tel tithyngus gode;I se wher the munk comys rydyng,I know hym be his wyde hode."
Thei went into the way these zemen bothe,As curtes men and hende,160Thei spyrred tithyngus at the munke,As thei hade bene his frende.
"Fro whens come ze," seid Litul Johne;"Tel vs tithyngus, I yow pray,Off a false owtlay [called Robyn Hode],165Was takyn zisturday.
"He robbyt me and my felowes botheOf xx marke in serten;If that false owtlay be takyn,For sothe we wolde be fayne."170
"So did he me," seid the munke,"Of a C pound and more;I layde furst hande hym apon,Ze may thonke me therfore."
"I pray God thanke yow," seid Litulle Johne,175"And we wil when we may;We wil go with yow, with your leve,And brynge yow on your way.
"For Robyn Hode hase many a wilde felow,I telle yow in certen;180If thei wist ze rode this way,In feith ze shulde be slayn."
As thei went talkyng be the way,The munke and Litulle Johne,Johne toke the munkes horse be the hede185Ful sone and anone.
Johne toke the munkes horse be the hed,For sothe as I yow say,So did Muche the litulle page,For he shulde not stirre away.190
Be the golett of the hodeJohne pulled the munke downe;Johne was nothynge of hym agast,He lete hym falle on his crowne.
Litulle Johne wassoreagrevyd,195And drew out his swerde in hye;The munke saw he shulde be ded,Lowd mercy can he crye.
"He was my maister," seid Litulle Johne,"That thou hase browzt in bale;200Shalle thou neuer cum at oure kyngeFor to telle hym tale."
John smote of the munkes hed,No longer wolde he dwelle;So did Moche the litulle page,205For ferd lest he wold tell.
Ther thei beryed hem bothIn nouther mosse nor lynge,And Litulle Johne and Muche infereBare the letturs to oure kyng.210
* * * * * *He kneled down vpon his kne,"God zow saue, my lege lorde,"Jesus yow saue and se.
"God yow saue, my lege kyng,"To speke Johne was fulle bolde;215He gaf hym the letturs in his hond,The kyng did hit unfold.
The kyng red the letturs anon,And seid, "so mot I the,Ther was neuer zoman in mery Inglond220I longut so sore to see.
"Wher is the munke that these shuld haue browzt?"Oure kynge gan say;"Be my trouthe," seid Litull Jone,"He dyed aftur the way."225
The kyng gaf Moche and Litul Jonxx pound in sertan,And made theim zemen of the crowne,And bade theim go agayn.
He gaf Johne the seel in hand,230The scheref for to bere,To brynge Robyn hym to,And no man do hym dere.
Johne toke his leve at oure kyng,The sothe as I yow say;235The next way to NotynghamTo take he zede the way.
When Johne came to NotynghamThe zatis were sparred ychone;Johne callid vp the porter,240He answerid sone anon.
"What is the cause," seid Litul John,"Thou sparris the zates so fast?""Because of Robyn Hode," seid [the] porter,In depe prison is cast.245
"Johne, and Moche, and Wylle Scathlok,For sothe as I yow say,Thir slew oure men vpon oure wallis,And sawtene vs euery day."
Litulle Johne spyrred aftur the schereff,250And sone he hym fonde;He oppyned the kyngus privè seelle,And gaf hym in his honde.
"When the schereff saw the kyngus seelle,He did of his hode anon;255"Wher is the munke that bare the letturs?"He seid to Litulle Johne.
"He is so fayn of hym," seid Litulle Johne,"For sothe as I yow sey,He has made hym abot of Westmynster,260A lorde of that abbay."
The scheref made John gode chere,And gaf hym wine of the best;At nyzt thei went to her bedde,And euery man to his rest.265
When the scheref was on-slepeDronken of wine and ale,Litul Johne and Moche for sotheToke the way vnto thejale.
Litul Johne callid vp the jayler,270And bade hym ryse anon;He seid Robyn Hode had brokyn preson,And out of hit was gon.
The portere rose anon sertan,As sone as he herd John calle;275Litul Johne was redy with a swerd,And bare hym to the walle.
"Now will I be porter," seid Litul Johne,"And take the keyes in honde;"He toke the way to Robyn Hode,280And sone he hym vnbonde.
He gaf hym a gode swerd in his hond,His hed with for to kepe,And ther as the walle was lowystAnon down can thei lepe.285
Be that the cok began to crow,The day began to sprynge,The scheref fond the jaylier ded,The comyn belle made he rynge.
He made a crye thoroowt al the tow[n],290Whedur he be zoman or knave,That cowthe brynge hym Robyn Hode,His warisone he shuld haue.
"For I dar neuer," said the scheref,"Cum before oure kynge,295For if I do, I wot serten,For sothe he wil me henge."
The scheref made to seke Notyngham,Bothe be strete and stye,And Robyn was in mery Scherwode300As lizt as lef on lynde.
Then bespake gode Litulle Johne,To Robyn Hode can he say,"I haue done the a gode turne for an euylle,Quyte mewhan thou may.305
"I haue done the a gode turne," said Litulle Johne,"For sothe as I you saie;I haue brouzt the vnder grene wode lyne;Fare wel, and haue gode day."
"Nay, be my trouthe," seid Robyn Hode,310"So shalle hit neuer be;I make the maister," seid Robyn Hode,"Off alle my men and me."
"Nay, be my trouthe," seid Litulle Johne,"So shall hit neuer be,315But lat me be a felow," seid Litulle Johne,"Non odur kepe I'll be."
Thus Johne gate Robyn Hode out of prisone,Sertan withoutyn layne;When his men saw hym hol and sounde,320For sothe they were ful fayne.
They filled in wyne, and made him glad,Vnder the levys smale,And zete pastes of venysone,That gode was with ale.325
Than worde came to oure kynge,How Robyn Hode was gone,And how the scheref of NotynghamDurst neuer loke hyme vpone.
Then bespake oure cumly kynge,330In an angur hye,"Litulle Johne hase begyled the schereff,In faith so hase he me.
"Litulle Johne has begyled vs bothe,And that fulle wel I se,335Or ellis the schereff of NotynghamHye hongut shuld he be.
"I made hem zemen of the crowne,And gaf hem fee with my hond,I gaf hem grithe," seid oure kyng,340"Thorowout alle mery Inglond.
"I gaf hem grithe," then seide oure kyng,"I say, so mot I the,For sothe soche a zeman as he is onIn alle Ingland ar not thre.345
"He is trew to his maister," seide oure kynge,"I sey, be swete seynt Johne;He louys bettur Robyn Hode,Then he dose vs ychone.
"Robyne Hode is euer bond to him,350Bothe in strete and stalle;Speke nomoreof this matter," seid oure kynge,"But John has begyled vs alle."
Thus endys the talkyng of the munkeAnd Robyne Hode i-wysse;God, that is euer a crowned kyng,Bryng vs alle to his blisse.