ROBIN HOOD AND THE PEDDLERS.

The shepherd fought for twenty pound, and Robin for bottle and bag,But the shepherd stout gave them the rout, so sore they could not wag.

Tune is, Robin Hood and Queen Katherine.

"From two old black-letter copies, one of them in the collection of Anthony à Wood, the other in that of Thomas Pearson, Esq.," [now in the British Museum.] Ritson'sRobin Hood, ii. 55.

The same story, with verbal coincidences, serves for the first part ofKing Alfred and the Shepherd.

All gentlemen and yeomen good,Down, a down, a down, a down,I wish you to draw near;For a story of gallant bold Robin HoodUnto you I will declare.Down, &c.As Robin Hood walkt the forrest along,5Some pastime for to spie,There he was aware of a jolly shephèrd,That on the ground did lie."Arise, arise," cried jolly Robin,"And now come let me see10What's in thy bag and bottle, I say,Come tell it unto me.""What's that to thee, thou proud fellòw?Tell me as I do stand;What hast thou to do with my bag and bottle?15Let me see thy command.""My sword, which hangeth by my side,Is my command I know;Come, and let me taste of thy bottle,Or it may breed thy woe."20"The devil a drop, thou proud fellòw,Of my bottle thou shalt see,Until thy valour here be tried,Whether thou wilt fight or flee.""What shall we fight for?" cries Robin Hood,25"Come tell it unto me;Here is twenty pound in good red gold,Win it, and take it thee."The shepherd stood all in a maze,And knew not what to say;30"I have no money, thou proud fellow,But bag and bottle I'le lay.""I am content, thou shepherd swain,Fling them down on the ground;But it will breed thee mickle pain,35To win my twenty pound.""Come draw thy sword, thou proud fellow,Thou standest too long to prate;This hook of mine shall let thee know,A coward I do hate."40So they fell to it, full hard and sore;It was on a summers day;From ten till four in the afternoonThe shepherd held him play.Robin's buckler proved his chiefest defence,45And saved him many a bang,For every blow the shepherd gaveMade Robins sword cry twang.Many a sturdie blow the shepherd gave,And that bold Robin found,50Till the blood ran trickling from his head,Then he fell to the ground."Arise, arise, thou proud fellow,And thou shalt have fair play,If thou wilt yield, before thou go,55That I have won the day.""A boon, a boon," cry'd bold Robin,"If that a man thou be,Then let me take my beugle horn,And blow out blasts three."60Then said the shepherd to bold Robin,"To that will I agree;For if thou shouldst blow till to-morrow morn,I scorn one foot to flee."Then Robin he set his horn to his mouth,65And he blew with mickle main,Until he espied Little JohnCome tripping over the plain."O who is yonder, thou proud fellow,That comes down yonder hill?"70"Yonder is John, bold Robin Hoods man,Shall fight with thee thy fill.""What is the matter?" saies Little John,"Master, come tell unto me:""My case is bad," cries Robin Hood,75"For the shepherd hath conquered me.""I am glad of that," cries Little John,"Shepherd turn thou to me;For a bout with thee I mean to have,Either come fight or flee."80"With all my heart, thou proud fellòw,For it never shall be saidThat a shepherds hook at thy sturdy lookWill one jot be dismaied."So they fell to it, full hardy and sore,85Striving for victorie;"I will know," says John, "ere we give o'er,Whether thou wilt fight or flee."The shepherd gave John a sturdie blow,With his hook under the chin;90"Beshrew thy heart," said Little John,"Thou basely dost begin.""Nay, that is nothing," said the shepherd;"Either yield to me the daie,Or I will bang thy back and sides,95Before thou goest thy way."What, dost thou think, thou proud fellow,That thou canst conquer me?Nay, thou shalt know, before thou go,I'll fight before I'le flee."100Again the shepherd laid on him,'Just as he first begun;'"Hold thy hand," cry'd bold Robin,"I will yield the wager won.""With all my heart," said Little John,105"To that I will agree;For he is the flower of shepherd swains,The like I did never see."Thus have you heard of Robin Hood,Also of Little John,110How a shepherd swain did conquer them;The like was never known.

All gentlemen and yeomen good,Down, a down, a down, a down,I wish you to draw near;For a story of gallant bold Robin HoodUnto you I will declare.Down, &c.

As Robin Hood walkt the forrest along,5Some pastime for to spie,There he was aware of a jolly shephèrd,That on the ground did lie.

"Arise, arise," cried jolly Robin,"And now come let me see10What's in thy bag and bottle, I say,Come tell it unto me."

"What's that to thee, thou proud fellòw?Tell me as I do stand;What hast thou to do with my bag and bottle?15Let me see thy command."

"My sword, which hangeth by my side,Is my command I know;Come, and let me taste of thy bottle,Or it may breed thy woe."20

"The devil a drop, thou proud fellòw,Of my bottle thou shalt see,Until thy valour here be tried,Whether thou wilt fight or flee."

"What shall we fight for?" cries Robin Hood,25"Come tell it unto me;Here is twenty pound in good red gold,Win it, and take it thee."

The shepherd stood all in a maze,And knew not what to say;30"I have no money, thou proud fellow,But bag and bottle I'le lay."

"I am content, thou shepherd swain,Fling them down on the ground;But it will breed thee mickle pain,35To win my twenty pound."

"Come draw thy sword, thou proud fellow,Thou standest too long to prate;This hook of mine shall let thee know,A coward I do hate."40

So they fell to it, full hard and sore;It was on a summers day;From ten till four in the afternoonThe shepherd held him play.

Robin's buckler proved his chiefest defence,45And saved him many a bang,For every blow the shepherd gaveMade Robins sword cry twang.

Many a sturdie blow the shepherd gave,And that bold Robin found,50Till the blood ran trickling from his head,Then he fell to the ground.

"Arise, arise, thou proud fellow,And thou shalt have fair play,If thou wilt yield, before thou go,55That I have won the day."

"A boon, a boon," cry'd bold Robin,"If that a man thou be,Then let me take my beugle horn,And blow out blasts three."60

Then said the shepherd to bold Robin,"To that will I agree;For if thou shouldst blow till to-morrow morn,I scorn one foot to flee."

Then Robin he set his horn to his mouth,65And he blew with mickle main,Until he espied Little JohnCome tripping over the plain.

"O who is yonder, thou proud fellow,That comes down yonder hill?"70"Yonder is John, bold Robin Hoods man,Shall fight with thee thy fill."

"What is the matter?" saies Little John,"Master, come tell unto me:""My case is bad," cries Robin Hood,75"For the shepherd hath conquered me."

"I am glad of that," cries Little John,"Shepherd turn thou to me;For a bout with thee I mean to have,Either come fight or flee."80

"With all my heart, thou proud fellòw,For it never shall be saidThat a shepherds hook at thy sturdy lookWill one jot be dismaied."

So they fell to it, full hardy and sore,85Striving for victorie;"I will know," says John, "ere we give o'er,Whether thou wilt fight or flee."

The shepherd gave John a sturdie blow,With his hook under the chin;90"Beshrew thy heart," said Little John,"Thou basely dost begin."

"Nay, that is nothing," said the shepherd;"Either yield to me the daie,Or I will bang thy back and sides,95Before thou goest thy way.

"What, dost thou think, thou proud fellow,That thou canst conquer me?Nay, thou shalt know, before thou go,I'll fight before I'le flee."100

Again the shepherd laid on him,'Just as he first begun;'"Hold thy hand," cry'd bold Robin,"I will yield the wager won."

"With all my heart," said Little John,105"To that I will agree;For he is the flower of shepherd swains,The like I did never see."

Thus have you heard of Robin Hood,Also of Little John,110How a shepherd swain did conquer them;The like was never known.

Communicated to Gutch by Mr. Payne Collier, and first published in Gutch'sRobin Hood, ii. 351.

Will you heare a tale of Robin Hood,Will Scarlett, and Little John?Now listen awhile, it will make you smile,As before it hath many a one.They were archers three, of hie degree,5As good as ever drewe bowe;Their arrowes were long and their armes were strong,As most had cause to knowe.But one sommers day, as they toke their wayThrough the forrest of greene Sherwood,10To kill the kings deare, you shall presently heareWhat befell these archers good.They were ware on the roade of three peddlers with loade,For each one had his packe,Full of all wares for countrie faires,15Trust up upon his backe.A good oke staffe, a yard and a halfe,Each one had in his hande;And they were all boune to Nottingham toune,As you shall understand.20"Yonder I see bolde peddlers three,"Said Robin to Scarlett and John;"Wele search their packes upon their backesBefore that they be gone."Holla, good fellowes!" quod Robin Hood,25"Whether is it ye doe goe?Now stay and rest, for that is the best,'Tis well you should doe so.""Noe rest we neede, on our roade we speede,Till to Nottingham we get:"30"Thou tellst a lowde lye," said Robin, "for ICan see that ye swinke and swet."The peddlers three crosst over the lee,They did not list to fight:"I charge ye tarrie," quod Robin, "for marry,35This is my owne land by right."This is my mannor and this is my parke,I would have ye for to knowe;Ye are bolde outlawes, I see by causeYe are so prest to goe.40The peddlers three turned round to see,Who it might be they herd;Then again went on as they list to be gone,And never answered word.Then tooke Robin Hood an arrow so good,45Which he did never lacke,And drewe his bowe, and the swift arroweWent through the last peddlers packe.For him it was well on the packe it fell,Or his life had found an end;50And it pierct the skin of his backe within,Though the packe did stand his friend.Then downe they flung their packes each one,And stayde till Robin came.Quod Robin, "I saide ye had better stayde;55Good sooth, ye were to blame.""And who art thou? by S. Crispin, I vowe,Ile quickly cracke thy head!"Cried Robin, "Come on, all three, or one;It is not so soone done as said.60"My name, by the roode, is Robin Hood,And this is Scarlett and John;It is three to three, ye may plainelie see,Soe now, brave fellowes, laye on."The first peddlers blowe brake Robins bowe,65That he had in his hand;And Scarlett and John, they eche had oneThat they unneath could stand."Now holde your handes," cried Robin Hood,"For ye have oken staves;70But tarie till wee can get but three,And a fig for all your braves."Of the peddlers the first, his name Kit o Thirske,Said, "We are well content;"So eche tooke a stake for his weapon, to make75The peddlers to repent.Soe to it they fell, and their blowes did ring wellUppon the others backes;And gave the peddlers cause to wishThey had not cast their packes.80Yet the peddlers three of their blowes were so free,That Robin began for to rue;And Scarlett, and John, had such loade laide on,It made the sunne looke blue.At last Kits oke caught Robin a stroke,85That made his head to sound;He staggerd, and reelde, till he fell on the fielde,And the trees with him went round."Now holde your handes," cried Little John,And soe said Scarlett eke;90"Our maister is slaine, I tell you plaine,He never more will speake.""Now, heaven forefend he come to that end,"Said Kit, "I love him well;But let him learne to be wise in turne,95And not with poore peddlers mell."In my packe, God wot, I a balsame have got,That soone his hurts will heale;"And into Robin Hoods gaping mouthHe presentlie powrde some deale.100"Now fare ye well, tis best not to tell,How ye three peddlers met;Or if that ye doe, prithee tell alsoe,How they made ye swinke and swett."Poor Robin in sound they left on the ground,105And hied them to Nottingham,Whilst Scarlett and John, Robin tended on,Till at length his senses came.No sooner, in haste, did Robin Hood tasteThe balsame he had tane,110Then he gan to spewe, and up he threweThe balsame all againe.And Scarlett, and John, who were looking onTheir master as he did lie,Had their faces besmeared, both eies and beard,115Therewith most piteouslie.Thus ended that fray; soe beware alwayeHow ye doe challenge foes;Looke well aboute they are not to stoute,Or you may have worst of the blowes.120

Will you heare a tale of Robin Hood,Will Scarlett, and Little John?Now listen awhile, it will make you smile,As before it hath many a one.

They were archers three, of hie degree,5As good as ever drewe bowe;Their arrowes were long and their armes were strong,As most had cause to knowe.

But one sommers day, as they toke their wayThrough the forrest of greene Sherwood,10To kill the kings deare, you shall presently heareWhat befell these archers good.

They were ware on the roade of three peddlers with loade,For each one had his packe,Full of all wares for countrie faires,15Trust up upon his backe.

A good oke staffe, a yard and a halfe,Each one had in his hande;And they were all boune to Nottingham toune,As you shall understand.20

"Yonder I see bolde peddlers three,"Said Robin to Scarlett and John;"Wele search their packes upon their backesBefore that they be gone.

"Holla, good fellowes!" quod Robin Hood,25"Whether is it ye doe goe?Now stay and rest, for that is the best,'Tis well you should doe so."

"Noe rest we neede, on our roade we speede,Till to Nottingham we get:"30"Thou tellst a lowde lye," said Robin, "for ICan see that ye swinke and swet."

The peddlers three crosst over the lee,They did not list to fight:"I charge ye tarrie," quod Robin, "for marry,35This is my owne land by right.

"This is my mannor and this is my parke,I would have ye for to knowe;Ye are bolde outlawes, I see by causeYe are so prest to goe.40

The peddlers three turned round to see,Who it might be they herd;Then again went on as they list to be gone,And never answered word.

Then tooke Robin Hood an arrow so good,45Which he did never lacke,And drewe his bowe, and the swift arroweWent through the last peddlers packe.

For him it was well on the packe it fell,Or his life had found an end;50And it pierct the skin of his backe within,Though the packe did stand his friend.

Then downe they flung their packes each one,And stayde till Robin came.Quod Robin, "I saide ye had better stayde;55Good sooth, ye were to blame."

"And who art thou? by S. Crispin, I vowe,Ile quickly cracke thy head!"Cried Robin, "Come on, all three, or one;It is not so soone done as said.60

"My name, by the roode, is Robin Hood,And this is Scarlett and John;It is three to three, ye may plainelie see,Soe now, brave fellowes, laye on."

The first peddlers blowe brake Robins bowe,65That he had in his hand;And Scarlett and John, they eche had oneThat they unneath could stand.

"Now holde your handes," cried Robin Hood,"For ye have oken staves;70But tarie till wee can get but three,And a fig for all your braves."

Of the peddlers the first, his name Kit o Thirske,Said, "We are well content;"So eche tooke a stake for his weapon, to make75The peddlers to repent.

Soe to it they fell, and their blowes did ring wellUppon the others backes;And gave the peddlers cause to wishThey had not cast their packes.80

Yet the peddlers three of their blowes were so free,That Robin began for to rue;And Scarlett, and John, had such loade laide on,It made the sunne looke blue.

At last Kits oke caught Robin a stroke,85That made his head to sound;He staggerd, and reelde, till he fell on the fielde,And the trees with him went round.

"Now holde your handes," cried Little John,And soe said Scarlett eke;90"Our maister is slaine, I tell you plaine,He never more will speake."

"Now, heaven forefend he come to that end,"Said Kit, "I love him well;But let him learne to be wise in turne,95And not with poore peddlers mell.

"In my packe, God wot, I a balsame have got,That soone his hurts will heale;"And into Robin Hoods gaping mouthHe presentlie powrde some deale.100

"Now fare ye well, tis best not to tell,How ye three peddlers met;Or if that ye doe, prithee tell alsoe,How they made ye swinke and swett."

Poor Robin in sound they left on the ground,105And hied them to Nottingham,Whilst Scarlett and John, Robin tended on,Till at length his senses came.

No sooner, in haste, did Robin Hood tasteThe balsame he had tane,110Then he gan to spewe, and up he threweThe balsame all againe.

And Scarlett, and John, who were looking onTheir master as he did lie,Had their faces besmeared, both eies and beard,115Therewith most piteouslie.

Thus ended that fray; soe beware alwayeHow ye doe challenge foes;Looke well aboute they are not to stoute,Or you may have worst of the blowes.120

From Dixon's "Ancient Poems, Ballads, and Songs of the Peasantry of England," Percy Society, vol. xvii. p. 71.—"An aged female in Bermondsey, Surrey, from whose oral recitation the editor took down the present version, informed him, that she had often heard her grandmother sing it, and that it was never in print; but he has of late met with several common stall copies."

There chanced to be a pedlar bold,A pedlar bold he chanced to be,He rolled his pack all on his back,And he came tripping o'er the lee.Down, a down, a down, a down,Down, a down, a down.By chance he met two troublesome blades,5Two troublesome blades they chanced to be;The one of them was bold Robin Hood,And the other was Little John so free."Oh! pedlar, pedlar, what is in thy pack,Come speedilie and tell to me?"10"I've several suits of the gay green silks,And silken bow-strings two or three.""If you have several suits of the gay green silk,And silken bow-strings two or three,Then it's by my body," cries Little John,15"One half your pack shall belong to me.""O nay, o nay," says the pedlar bold,"O nay, o nay, that never can be;For there's never a man from fair NottinghamCan take one half my pack from me."20Then the pedlar he pulled off his pack,And put it a little below his knee,Saying, "If you do move me one perch from this,My pack and all shall gang with thee."Then Little John he drew his sword;25The pedlar by his pack did stand;They fought until they both did sweat,Till he cried, "Pedlar, pray hold your hand."Then Robin Hood he was standing by,And he did laugh most heartilie;30Saying, "I could find a man of a smaller scale,Could thrash the pedlar and also thee.""Go you try, master," says Little John,"Go you try, master, most speedilie,Or by my body," says Little John,35"I am sure this night you will not know me."Then Robin Hood he drew his sword,And the pedlar by his pack did stand,They fought till the blood in streams did flow,Till he cried, "Pedlar, pray hold your hand!40"Pedlar, pedlar, what is thy name?Come speedilie and tell to me:""My name! my name I ne'er will tell,Till both your names you have told to me.""The one of us is bold Robin Hood,45And the other Little John so free:""Now," says the pedlar, "it lays to my good will,Whether my name I chuse to tell to thee."I am Gamble Gold of the gay green woods,And travelled far beyond the sea;50For killing a man in my father's land,rom my country I was forced to flee.""If you are Gamble Gold of the gay green woods,And travelled far beyond the sea,You are my mother's own sister's son;55What nearer cousins then can we be?"They sheathed their swords with friendly words,So merrilie they did agree,They went to a tavern and there they dined,And bottles cracked most merrilie.60

There chanced to be a pedlar bold,A pedlar bold he chanced to be,He rolled his pack all on his back,And he came tripping o'er the lee.Down, a down, a down, a down,Down, a down, a down.

By chance he met two troublesome blades,5Two troublesome blades they chanced to be;The one of them was bold Robin Hood,And the other was Little John so free.

"Oh! pedlar, pedlar, what is in thy pack,Come speedilie and tell to me?"10"I've several suits of the gay green silks,And silken bow-strings two or three."

"If you have several suits of the gay green silk,And silken bow-strings two or three,Then it's by my body," cries Little John,15"One half your pack shall belong to me."

"O nay, o nay," says the pedlar bold,"O nay, o nay, that never can be;For there's never a man from fair NottinghamCan take one half my pack from me."20

Then the pedlar he pulled off his pack,And put it a little below his knee,Saying, "If you do move me one perch from this,My pack and all shall gang with thee."

Then Little John he drew his sword;25The pedlar by his pack did stand;They fought until they both did sweat,Till he cried, "Pedlar, pray hold your hand."

Then Robin Hood he was standing by,And he did laugh most heartilie;30Saying, "I could find a man of a smaller scale,Could thrash the pedlar and also thee."

"Go you try, master," says Little John,"Go you try, master, most speedilie,Or by my body," says Little John,35"I am sure this night you will not know me."

Then Robin Hood he drew his sword,And the pedlar by his pack did stand,They fought till the blood in streams did flow,Till he cried, "Pedlar, pray hold your hand!40

"Pedlar, pedlar, what is thy name?Come speedilie and tell to me:""My name! my name I ne'er will tell,Till both your names you have told to me."

"The one of us is bold Robin Hood,45And the other Little John so free:""Now," says the pedlar, "it lays to my good will,Whether my name I chuse to tell to thee.

"I am Gamble Gold of the gay green woods,And travelled far beyond the sea;50For killing a man in my father's land,rom my country I was forced to flee."

"If you are Gamble Gold of the gay green woods,And travelled far beyond the sea,You are my mother's own sister's son;55What nearer cousins then can we be?"

They sheathed their swords with friendly words,So merrilie they did agree,They went to a tavern and there they dined,And bottles cracked most merrilie.60

Shewing how Robin Hood and the Beggar fought, and how he changed cloaths with the Beggar, and how he went a begging to Nottingham: and how he saved three brethren from being hang'd for stealing of deer. To the tune ofRobin Hood and the Stranger.

"From an old black-letter copy in the collection of Anthony à Wood." Ritson'sRobin Hood, ii. 126.

The three pieces which follow are all different versions of what is called the Second Part of this ballad.

Come and listen, you gentlemen all,Hey down, down, an a down,That mirth do love for to hear,And a story true Ile tell unto you,If that you will but draw near.In elder times, when merriment was,5And archery was holden good,There was an outlaw, as many do knowWhich men called Robin Hood.Upon a time it chanced soBold Robin was merry disposed,10His time to spend he did intend,Either with friend or foes.Then he got upon a gallant brave steed,The which was worth angels ten,With a mantle of green, most brave to be seen,15He left all his merry men.And riding towards Nottingham,Some pastime for to 'spy,There was he aware of a jolly beggàr,As ere he beheld with his eye.20An old patcht coat the beggar had on,Which he daily did use to wear;And many a bag about him did wag,Which madeRobinto him repair."God speed, God speed," said Robin Hood,25"What countryman? tell to me:""I am Yorkshire, sir; but, ere you go far,Some charity give unto me.""Why, what wouldst thou have?" said Robin Hood,"I pray thee tell unto me:"30"No lands nor livings," the beggar he said,"But a penny for charitie.""I have no money," said Robin Hood then,"But [am] a ranger within the wood;I am an outlaw, as many do know,35My name it is Robin Hood."But yet I must tell thee, bonny beggàr,That a bout with [thee] I must try;Thy coat of gray, lay down I say,And my mantle of green shall lye by."40"Content, content," the beggar he cry'd,"Thy part it will be the worse;For I hope this bout to give thee the rout,And then have at thy purse."So the beggar he had a mickle long staffe,45AndRobinhad a nut-brown sword;So the beggar drew nigh, and at Robin let fly,But gave him never a word."Fight on, fight on," said Robin Hood then,"This game well pleaseth me;"50For every blow that Robin gave,The beggar gave buffets three.And fighting there full hard and sore,Not far from Nottingham town,They never fled, till from Robin Hoods head55The blood came trickling down."O hold thy hand," said Robin Hood then,"And thou and I will agree;""If that be true," the beggar he said,"Thy mantle come give unto me."60"Now a change, a change," cri'd Robin Hood,"Thy bags and coat give me;And this mantle of mine Ile to thee resign,My horse and my braverie."When Robin Hood had got the beggars clothes,65He lookèd round about;"Methinks," said he, "I seem to beA beggar brave and stout."For now I have a bag for my bread,So have I another for corn;70I have one for salt, and another for malt,And one for my little horn."And now I will a begging goe,Some charitie for to find:"And if any more of Robin you'll know,75In the second part 'tis behind.

Come and listen, you gentlemen all,Hey down, down, an a down,That mirth do love for to hear,And a story true Ile tell unto you,If that you will but draw near.

In elder times, when merriment was,5And archery was holden good,There was an outlaw, as many do knowWhich men called Robin Hood.

Upon a time it chanced soBold Robin was merry disposed,10His time to spend he did intend,Either with friend or foes.

Then he got upon a gallant brave steed,The which was worth angels ten,With a mantle of green, most brave to be seen,15He left all his merry men.

And riding towards Nottingham,Some pastime for to 'spy,There was he aware of a jolly beggàr,As ere he beheld with his eye.20

An old patcht coat the beggar had on,Which he daily did use to wear;And many a bag about him did wag,Which madeRobinto him repair.

"God speed, God speed," said Robin Hood,25"What countryman? tell to me:""I am Yorkshire, sir; but, ere you go far,Some charity give unto me."

"Why, what wouldst thou have?" said Robin Hood,"I pray thee tell unto me:"30"No lands nor livings," the beggar he said,"But a penny for charitie."

"I have no money," said Robin Hood then,"But [am] a ranger within the wood;I am an outlaw, as many do know,35My name it is Robin Hood.

"But yet I must tell thee, bonny beggàr,That a bout with [thee] I must try;Thy coat of gray, lay down I say,And my mantle of green shall lye by."40

"Content, content," the beggar he cry'd,"Thy part it will be the worse;For I hope this bout to give thee the rout,And then have at thy purse."

So the beggar he had a mickle long staffe,45AndRobinhad a nut-brown sword;So the beggar drew nigh, and at Robin let fly,But gave him never a word.

"Fight on, fight on," said Robin Hood then,"This game well pleaseth me;"50For every blow that Robin gave,The beggar gave buffets three.

And fighting there full hard and sore,Not far from Nottingham town,They never fled, till from Robin Hoods head55The blood came trickling down.

"O hold thy hand," said Robin Hood then,"And thou and I will agree;""If that be true," the beggar he said,"Thy mantle come give unto me."60

"Now a change, a change," cri'd Robin Hood,"Thy bags and coat give me;And this mantle of mine Ile to thee resign,My horse and my braverie."

When Robin Hood had got the beggars clothes,65He lookèd round about;"Methinks," said he, "I seem to beA beggar brave and stout.

"For now I have a bag for my bread,So have I another for corn;70I have one for salt, and another for malt,And one for my little horn.

"And now I will a begging goe,Some charitie for to find:"And if any more of Robin you'll know,75In the second part 'tis behind.

24. Robin Hood.46, he had.

24. Robin Hood.

46, he had.

Now Robin he is to Nottingham bound,With his bag hanging down to his knee,His staff, and his coat, scarce worth a groat,Yet merrilie passed he.80As Robin he passed the streets along,He heard a pittiful cry;Three brethren dear, as he did hear,Condemned were to dye.Then Robin he highed to the sheriffs,85Some reliefe for to seek;He skipt, and leapt, and capered full high,As he went along the street.But when to the sheriffs doore he came,There a gentleman fine and brave,90"Thou beggar," said he, "come tell unto meWhat it is thou wouldest have.""No meat, nor drink," said Robin Hood then,"That I come here to crave;But to get the lives of yeomen three,95And that I fain would have.""That cannot be, thou bold beggàr,Their fact it is so cleer;I tell to thee, they hanged must be,For stealing of our kings deer."100But when to the gallows they did come,There was many a weeping eye:"O hold your peace," said Robin Hood then,"For certainly they shall not dye."Then Robin he set his horn to his mouth,105And he blew out blastès three,Till a hundred bold archers braveCame kneeling down to his knee."What is your will, mastèr?" they said,"We are here at your command:"110"Shoot east, shoot west," said Robin Hood then,"And see you spare no man."Then they shot east, then they shot west,Their arrows were so keen,The sheriffe he, and his companie,115No longer could be seen.Then he stept to those brethren three,And away he has them tane;The sheriffe was crost, and many a man lost,That dead lay on the plain.120And away they went into the merry green wood,And sung with a merry glee;Then Robin Hood took those brethren goodTo be of his yeomandrie.

Now Robin he is to Nottingham bound,With his bag hanging down to his knee,His staff, and his coat, scarce worth a groat,Yet merrilie passed he.80

As Robin he passed the streets along,He heard a pittiful cry;Three brethren dear, as he did hear,Condemned were to dye.

Then Robin he highed to the sheriffs,85Some reliefe for to seek;He skipt, and leapt, and capered full high,As he went along the street.

But when to the sheriffs doore he came,There a gentleman fine and brave,90"Thou beggar," said he, "come tell unto meWhat it is thou wouldest have."

"No meat, nor drink," said Robin Hood then,"That I come here to crave;But to get the lives of yeomen three,95And that I fain would have."

"That cannot be, thou bold beggàr,Their fact it is so cleer;I tell to thee, they hanged must be,For stealing of our kings deer."100

But when to the gallows they did come,There was many a weeping eye:"O hold your peace," said Robin Hood then,"For certainly they shall not dye."

Then Robin he set his horn to his mouth,105And he blew out blastès three,Till a hundred bold archers braveCame kneeling down to his knee.

"What is your will, mastèr?" they said,"We are here at your command:"110"Shoot east, shoot west," said Robin Hood then,"And see you spare no man."

Then they shot east, then they shot west,Their arrows were so keen,The sheriffe he, and his companie,115No longer could be seen.

Then he stept to those brethren three,And away he has them tane;The sheriffe was crost, and many a man lost,That dead lay on the plain.120

And away they went into the merry green wood,And sung with a merry glee;Then Robin Hood took those brethren goodTo be of his yeomandrie.

From Jamieson'sPopular Ballads, ii. 49, where it was printed "verbatim et literatim" from the Percy Manuscript.

This is the same story with the two ballads which follow and the Second Part of the preceding.

* * * * * * *In faith, thou shalt have mine,And 20s. in thy purse,To spend at ale and wine.""Though your clothes are of light Lincolne green,And mine gray russet, and torne,5Yet it doth not you besemeTo doe an old man scorne.""I scorne thee not, old man," says Robin,"By the faith of my body;Doe of thy clothes, thou shalt have mine,10For it may noe better be."But Robin did on the old mans hose,The were torn in the wrist;"When I looke on my leggs," said Robin,"Then for to laugh I list."15But Robin did on the old mans shoes,And the were chitt full cleane;"Now by my faith," says Little John,"These are good for thornes keene."But Robin did on the old mans cloake,20And it was torne in the necke;"Now by my faith," said William Scarlett,"Heere shold be set a specke."But Robin did on the old mans hood,Itt goggled on his crowne;25"When I come into Nottingham," said Robin,"My hood it will lightly downe."But yonder is an outwood," said Robin,"An outwood all and a shade,And thither I reede you, my merrymen all,30The ready way to take."And when you heare my little horne blow,Come raking all on a rowte,* * * * * * ** * * * * * ** * horne to his mouth,A loud blast cold he blow,35Full three hundred bold yeomenCame raking all on a row.But Robin cast downe his baggs of bread,Soe did he his staffe with a face,And in a doublet of red velvett40This yeoman stood in his place.But Robin he lope, and Robin he threw,He lope over stocke and stone,But those that saw Robin Hood runSaid he was a liver old man.45"But bend your bowes, and stroke your strings,Set the gallow tree aboute,And Christes curse on his head," said Robin,"That spares the sheriff andthe sergeant.When the sheriffe see gentle Robin wold shoote,50He held up both his hands,Says, "Aske, good Robin, and thou shalt have,Whether it be house or land.""I will neither have house nor land," said Robin,"Nor gold, nor none of thy fee,55But I will have those 3 squires,To greene forest with mee.""Now marry, gods forbott," said the sheriffe,"That ever that shold be,Ffor why, they be the kings felons;60They are all condemned to dye.""But grant me my askynge," said Robin,"Or by the faith of my body,Thou shalt be the first manShall flower this gallow tree."65But I will * * 3 squires* * * * * *

* * * * * * *In faith, thou shalt have mine,And 20s. in thy purse,To spend at ale and wine."

"Though your clothes are of light Lincolne green,And mine gray russet, and torne,5Yet it doth not you besemeTo doe an old man scorne."

"I scorne thee not, old man," says Robin,"By the faith of my body;Doe of thy clothes, thou shalt have mine,10For it may noe better be."

But Robin did on the old mans hose,The were torn in the wrist;"When I looke on my leggs," said Robin,"Then for to laugh I list."15

But Robin did on the old mans shoes,And the were chitt full cleane;"Now by my faith," says Little John,"These are good for thornes keene."

But Robin did on the old mans cloake,20And it was torne in the necke;"Now by my faith," said William Scarlett,"Heere shold be set a specke."

But Robin did on the old mans hood,Itt goggled on his crowne;25"When I come into Nottingham," said Robin,"My hood it will lightly downe.

"But yonder is an outwood," said Robin,"An outwood all and a shade,And thither I reede you, my merrymen all,30The ready way to take.

"And when you heare my little horne blow,Come raking all on a rowte,

* * * * * * ** * * * * * *

* * horne to his mouth,A loud blast cold he blow,35Full three hundred bold yeomenCame raking all on a row.

But Robin cast downe his baggs of bread,Soe did he his staffe with a face,And in a doublet of red velvett40This yeoman stood in his place.

But Robin he lope, and Robin he threw,He lope over stocke and stone,But those that saw Robin Hood runSaid he was a liver old man.45

"But bend your bowes, and stroke your strings,Set the gallow tree aboute,And Christes curse on his head," said Robin,"That spares the sheriff andthe sergeant.

When the sheriffe see gentle Robin wold shoote,50He held up both his hands,Says, "Aske, good Robin, and thou shalt have,Whether it be house or land."

"I will neither have house nor land," said Robin,"Nor gold, nor none of thy fee,55But I will have those 3 squires,To greene forest with mee."

"Now marry, gods forbott," said the sheriffe,"That ever that shold be,Ffor why, they be the kings felons;60They are all condemned to dye."

"But grant me my askynge," said Robin,"Or by the faith of my body,Thou shalt be the first manShall flower this gallow tree."65

But I will * * 3 squires* * * * * *

cetera desunt.

8. By proposing, that is, to make an exchange of clothes, the bargain being so much to the advantage of the old man.Jamieson.27,i.e.I shall easily bare my head, in reverence to the sheriff, &c.33. Nine or ten stanzas wanting. J.49. For "the sergeant" read "his rowte." J.63, by me.

8. By proposing, that is, to make an exchange of clothes, the bargain being so much to the advantage of the old man.Jamieson.

27,i.e.I shall easily bare my head, in reverence to the sheriff, &c.

33. Nine or ten stanzas wanting. J.

49. For "the sergeant" read "his rowte." J.

63, by me.

Ritson'sRobin Hood, ii. 155.

"This ballad," says Ritson, "from the York edition ofRobin Hood's Garland,[29]is probably one of the oldest extant of which he is the subject. The circumstance of Robin's changing clothes with the palmer, is, possibly, taken from an old romance, entitledThe noble hystory of the moost excellent and myghty prynce and hygh renowmed knyght kynge Ponthus of Galyce and of lytell Brytayne. Emprynted at London in Fletestrete, at the sygne of the sonne, by Wynken de Worde. In the yere of our lorde god 1511, 4to. bl. sig,L6. 'And as he (Ponthus) rode, he met with a poore palmer, beggynge his brede, the whiche had his gowne all to-clouted and an olde pylled hatte: so he alyght, and sayd to the palmer, frende, we shall make a chaunge of all our garmentes, for ye shall have my gowne and I shall have yours and your hatte. A, syr, sayd the palmer, ye bourde you with me. In good fayth, sayd Ponthus, I do not; so he dyspoyled hym and cladde hym with all his rayment,and he put upon hym the poore mannes gowne, his gyrdell, his hosyn, his shone, his hatte and his bourden.'"

"There is an allusion to this ballad," adds Gutch, "in Anthony Munday's play ofThe Downfall of Robert Earl of Huntington. Collier'sOld Plays, p. 41."

Another version of this piece is immediately subjoined.

[29]The earliest known edition ofRobin Hood's Garlandwas formerly in the possession of Mr. Douce, and is now among the books bequeathed by him to the Bodleian Library. It is dated 1670, and contains sixteen ballads. In the later Garlands this number is increased to twenty four, and to twenty seven.

There are twelve months in all the year,As I hear many say,But the merriest month in all the yearIs the merry month of May.Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone,5With a link a down and a day,And there he met a silly old woman,Was weeping on the way."What news? what news, thou silly old woman?What news hast thou for me?"10Said she, "There's three squires in Nottingham town,To-day is condemned to die.""O have they parishes burnt?" he said,"Or have they ministers slain?Or have they robbèd any virgin,15Or with other men's wives have lain?""They have no parishes burnt, good sir,Nor yet have ministers slain,Nor have they robbèd any virgin,Nor with other men's wives have lain."20"O what have they done?" said Robin Hood,"I pray thee tell to me:""It's for slaying of the king's fallow deer,Bearing their long bows with thee.""Dost thou not mind, old woman," he said,25"Since thou made me sup and dine?By the truth of my body," quoth bold Robin Hood,"You could not tell it in better time."Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone,With a linka down and aday,30And there he met with a silly old palmer,Was walking along the highway."What news? what news, thou silly old man?What news, I do thee pray?"Said he, "Three squires in Nottingham town35Are condemn'd to die this day.""Come change thy apparel with me, old man,Come change thy apparel for mine;Here is forty shillings in good silvèr,Go drink it in beer or wine."40"O thine apparel is good," he said,"And mine is ragged and torn;"Wherever you go, wherever you ride,Laugh ne'er an old man to scorn.""Come change thy apparel with me, old churl,45Come change thy apparel with mine;Here are twenty pieces of good broad gold,Go feast thy brethren with wine."Then he put on the old man's hat,It stood full high on the crown:50"The first bold bargain that I come at,It shall make thee come down."Then he put on the old man's cloak,Was patch'd black, blew, and red;He thought it no shame all the day long55To wear the bags of bread.Then he put on the old man's breeks,Was patch'd from ballup to side:"By the truth of my body," bold Robin can say,"This man lov'd little pride,"60Then he put on the old man's hose,Were patch'd from knee to wrist:"By the truth of my body," said bold Robin Hood,"I'd laugh if I had any list."Then he put on the old man's shoes,65Were patch'd both beneath and aboon;Then Robin Hood swore a solemn oath,It's good habit that makes a man.Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone,With a link a down and a down,70And there he met with the proud sheriff,Was walking along the town."O Christ you save, O sheriff," he said,"O Christ you save and see;And what will you give to a silly old man75To-day will your hangman be?""Some suits, some suits," the sheriff he said,"Some suits I'll give to thee:Some suits, some suits, and pence thirteen,To-day's a hangman's fee."80Then Robin he turns him round about,And jumps from stock to stone:"By the truth of my body," the sheriff he said,"That's well jumpt, thou nimble old man.""I was ne'er a hangman in all my life,85Nor yet intends to trade;But curst be he," said bold Robìn,"That first a hangman was made."I've a bag for meal, and a bag for malt,And a bag for barley and corn;90A bag for bread, and a bag for beef,And a bag for my little small horn."I have a horn in my pockèt,I got it from Robin Hood,And still when I set it to my mouth,95Fortheeit blows little good.""O wind thy horn, thou proud fellòw,Of thee I have no doubt:I wish that thou give such a blastTill both thy eyes fall out."100The first loud blast that he did blow,He blew both loud and shrill;A hundred and fifty of Robin Hood's menCame riding over the hill.The next loud blast that he did give,105He blew both loud and amain,And quickly sixty of Robin Hood's menCame shining over the plain."O who are those," the sheriff he said,"Come tripping over the lee?"110"They're my attendants," brave Robin did say,"They'll pay a visit to thee."They took the gallows from the slack,They set it in the glen,They hang'd the proud sheriff on that,115Releas'd their own three men.

There are twelve months in all the year,As I hear many say,But the merriest month in all the yearIs the merry month of May.

Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone,5With a link a down and a day,And there he met a silly old woman,Was weeping on the way.

"What news? what news, thou silly old woman?What news hast thou for me?"10Said she, "There's three squires in Nottingham town,To-day is condemned to die."

"O have they parishes burnt?" he said,"Or have they ministers slain?Or have they robbèd any virgin,15Or with other men's wives have lain?"

"They have no parishes burnt, good sir,Nor yet have ministers slain,Nor have they robbèd any virgin,Nor with other men's wives have lain."20

"O what have they done?" said Robin Hood,"I pray thee tell to me:""It's for slaying of the king's fallow deer,Bearing their long bows with thee."

"Dost thou not mind, old woman," he said,25"Since thou made me sup and dine?By the truth of my body," quoth bold Robin Hood,"You could not tell it in better time."

Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone,With a linka down and aday,30And there he met with a silly old palmer,Was walking along the highway.

"What news? what news, thou silly old man?What news, I do thee pray?"Said he, "Three squires in Nottingham town35Are condemn'd to die this day."

"Come change thy apparel with me, old man,Come change thy apparel for mine;Here is forty shillings in good silvèr,Go drink it in beer or wine."40

"O thine apparel is good," he said,"And mine is ragged and torn;"Wherever you go, wherever you ride,Laugh ne'er an old man to scorn."

"Come change thy apparel with me, old churl,45Come change thy apparel with mine;Here are twenty pieces of good broad gold,Go feast thy brethren with wine."

Then he put on the old man's hat,It stood full high on the crown:50"The first bold bargain that I come at,It shall make thee come down."

Then he put on the old man's cloak,Was patch'd black, blew, and red;He thought it no shame all the day long55To wear the bags of bread.

Then he put on the old man's breeks,Was patch'd from ballup to side:"By the truth of my body," bold Robin can say,"This man lov'd little pride,"60

Then he put on the old man's hose,Were patch'd from knee to wrist:"By the truth of my body," said bold Robin Hood,"I'd laugh if I had any list."

Then he put on the old man's shoes,65Were patch'd both beneath and aboon;Then Robin Hood swore a solemn oath,It's good habit that makes a man.

Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone,With a link a down and a down,70And there he met with the proud sheriff,Was walking along the town.

"O Christ you save, O sheriff," he said,"O Christ you save and see;And what will you give to a silly old man75To-day will your hangman be?"

"Some suits, some suits," the sheriff he said,"Some suits I'll give to thee:Some suits, some suits, and pence thirteen,To-day's a hangman's fee."80

Then Robin he turns him round about,And jumps from stock to stone:"By the truth of my body," the sheriff he said,"That's well jumpt, thou nimble old man."

"I was ne'er a hangman in all my life,85Nor yet intends to trade;But curst be he," said bold Robìn,"That first a hangman was made.

"I've a bag for meal, and a bag for malt,And a bag for barley and corn;90A bag for bread, and a bag for beef,And a bag for my little small horn.

"I have a horn in my pockèt,I got it from Robin Hood,And still when I set it to my mouth,95Fortheeit blows little good."

"O wind thy horn, thou proud fellòw,Of thee I have no doubt:I wish that thou give such a blastTill both thy eyes fall out."100

The first loud blast that he did blow,He blew both loud and shrill;A hundred and fifty of Robin Hood's menCame riding over the hill.

The next loud blast that he did give,105He blew both loud and amain,And quickly sixty of Robin Hood's menCame shining over the plain.

"O who are those," the sheriff he said,"Come tripping over the lee?"110"They're my attendants," brave Robin did say,"They'll pay a visit to thee."

They took the gallows from the slack,They set it in the glen,They hang'd the proud sheriff on that,115Releas'd their own three men.

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