\"Haveherethygold,sirabb-ot,\"saidtheknight,\"Whichthatthoulentestme;
Haddestthoubeencurteysatmycom-ing,Rewardedshouldstthouhavebe.\"
Theabb-otsatstill,andatenomore.
Forallhisroyalcheer,Hecasthishoodonhisshould-er,Andfastbegantostare.
\"Takememygoldagain,\"saidtheabb-ot,\"Sirjust-ice,thatItookthee.\"
\"Notapenny,\"saidthejust-ice,\"Byhimthatdiedonatree.\"
\"Sirabbot,andyemenoflaw,NowhaveIheldmyday,NowshallIhavemylandagain,Foraughtthatyoucansay.\"
Theknightstertoutofthedoor,Awaywasallhiscare,Andonheputhisgoodcloth-ing,Theotherheleftthere.
Hewenthimforthfullmerrysing-ing,Asmenhavetoldintale,Hisladymethimatthegate,AthomeinUterysdale.
\"Welc-ome,mylord,\"saidhislady;
\"Sir,lostisallyourgood?\"
\"Bemerry,dam-e,\"saidtheknight,\"AndprayforRobinHood,Thateverhissoul-ebeinbliss,Heholpmeoutofmytene;
Nehadnotbehiskind-enesse,Beggarshadwebeen.
Theabb-otandIaccordedben,Heisservedofhispay,Thegoodyeomanlentitme,AsIcamebytheway.\"
Thisknightthendwell-edfairathome,Thesoothfortosay,Tillhehadgotfourhundredpound,Allreadyfortopay.
Hep-urveyedhimanhundredbows,Thestring-eswellydight,Anhundredsheafofarrowsgood,Theheadsburn-ishedfullbright,Andeveryarrowanell-elong,Withpeacockwellydight,I-nock-edallwithwhitesilv-er,Itwasaseemlysight.
Hep-urveyedhimanhundredmen,Wellharneysedinthatstead,Andh-imselfinthatsam-eset,Andclothedinwhiteandred.
Hebarealaunsgayinhishand,Andamanledhismale,Andriddenwithalightsong,UntoBarnisdale.
Ashewentatabridgetherewasawresteling,Andtheretarriedwashe,Andtherewasallthebestyeom-enOfallthewestcountree.
Afullfairgametherewasupset,Awhitebullupi-pight;
Agreatcours-erwithsaddleandbridle,Withgoldburn-ishedfullbright;
Apairofgloves,aredgoldring,Apipeofwine,ingoodfay:
Whatmanbearethhimbest,i-wis,Theprizeshallbearaway.
Therewasayeomaninthatplace,Andbestworth-ywashe.
Andforhewasferreandfremdbestad,I-slainheshouldhavebe.
Theknighthadruthofthisyeom-an,Inplacewherethathestood,Hesaidthatyeomanshouldhavenoharm,ForloveofRobinHood.
Theknightpress-edintotheplace,Anhundredfollowedhimfree,Withbow-esbent,andarrowssharp,Fortoshendthatcompany.
Theyshoulderedall,andmadehimroom,Towetewhathewouldsay,Hetooktheyeomanbythehand,Andgavehimalltheplay;
Hegavehimfivemarkforhiswine,Thereitlayonthemould,Andbadeitshouldbesetabroach,Drink-ewhosowould.
Thuslongtarriedthisgentleknight,Tillthatplaywasdone,SolongabodeRob-infasting,Threehoursafterthenone.
THETHYRDEFYTTE.
Litheandlisten,gentlemen,Allthatnowbehere,OfLittleJohn,thatwastheknight\'sman,Goodmirthyeshallhear.
Itwasuponamerryday,Thatyoungmenwouldgoshete,LittleJohnfethisbowanon,Andsaidhewouldthemmeet.
ThreetimesLittleJohnshotabout,Andalwayscleftthewand,Theproudsher-iffofNottinghamBythemarksganstand.
Thesheriffsworeafullgreatoath,\"Byhimthatdiedonatree,Thismanisthebestarch-erThateveryetsawIme.
Sa-ymenow,wightyoungman,Whatisnowthyname?
Inwhatcountrywerethouborn,Andwhereisthywonningwan?\"
\"InHold-ernesseIwasbore,I-wisallofmydame,MencallmeReynoldGreenleaf,WhanIamathame.\"
\"Sayme,ReynoldGreenleaf,Wiltthoudwellwithme?
AndeveryyearIwilltheegiveTwent-ymarktothyfee.\"
\"Ihaveamaster,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Acurteysknightishe,Ma-yyegetleaveofhim,Thebettermayitbe.\"
Thesher-iffgatLittleJohnTwelvemonthsoftheknight,Theref-orehegavehimrightanonAgoodhorseandawight.
NowisLittleJohnthesheriff\'sman,Hegiveuswelltospeed,Butalw-aythoughtLittleJohnToquitehimwellhismeed.
\"NowsoGodmehelp,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Andbymytruelewt-e,Ish-allbetheworstserv-anttohimThateveryethadhe!\"
ItbefelluponaWednesday,Thesheriffa-huntingwasgone,AndLittleJohnlayinhisbed,Andwasforgotathome.
Thereforehewasfast-ingTillitwaspastthenone.
\"GoodsirSteward,Ipraythee,Givemetodine,\"saidLittleJohn;
\"ItistoolongforGreenleaf,Fast-ingsolongtobe;
ThereforeIpraythee,stew-ard,Mydinnergivethoume!\"
\"Shaltthounevereatnedrink,\"saidthestew-ard,\"Tillmylordbecometotown.\"
\"Imakemineavow,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Ihadlievertocrackthycrown!\"
Thebutlerwasfulluncurteys,Therehestoodonfloor,Hesterttothebuttery,Andshutfastthedoor.
LittleJohngavethebutlersuchastrokeHisbackyedenighintwo,Thoughhelivedanhundredwinter,Theworseheshould-ego.
Hespurnedthedoorwithhisfoot,Itwentupwellandfine,AndtherehemadealargeliverayBothofaleandwine.
\"Sithyewillnotdine,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Ishallgiveyoutodrink,Andthoughyeliveanhundredwinter,OnLittleJohnyeshallthink!\"
LittleJohnate,andLittleJohndrank,Thewhil-ethathewould.
Thesheriffhadinhiskitchenacook,Astoutmanandabold.
\"ImakemineavowtoGod,\"saidthecook,\"Thouartashrewd-ehind,Inanhouseholdtodwell,Fortoaskthustodine.\"
AndtherehelentLittleJohn,Goodstrok-esthree.
\"Imakemineavow,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Thesestrok-eslikethwellme.
Thouartaboldmanandanhardy,Andsothinkethme;
AndereIpassfromthisplace,Assayedbettershaltthoube.\"
LittleJohndrewagoodsword,Thecooktookanotherinhand;
Theythoughtnothingfortoflee,Butstifflyfortostand.
Theretheyfoughtsor-etogether,Twomilewayandmore,Mightneitherotherharmdon,Themountenanceofanhour.
\"Imakemineavow,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Andbymytruelewt-e,ThouartoneofthebestswordmenThateveryetsawIme.
Couldestthoushootaswellinabow,Togreenwoodthoushouldestwithme,AndtwotimesintheyearthyclothingI-changedshould-ebe;
AndeveryyearofRobinHoodTwent-ymarktothyfee.\"
\"Putupthysword,\"saidthecook,\"Andfellowswillwebe.\"
ThenhefettoLittleJohnThenumblesofadoe,Goodbreadandfullgoodwine,Theyateanddrankthereto.
Andwhentheyhaddrunkenwell,Theirtrothstogethertheyplight,ThattheywouldbewithRob-inThatilkesamedayatnight.
Theyhiedthemtothetreasure-house,Asfastastheymightgone,ThelocksthatwereofgoodsteelTheybrakethemeveryone;
Theytookawaythesilvervessel,Andallthattheymightget,Pi-eces,mas-ars,andspoons,Wouldtheynoneforget;
Alsotheytookthegoodpence,Threehundredpoundandthree;
AnddidthemstraighttoRobinHood,Underthegreenwoodtree.
\"Godtheesave,mydearmast-er,AndChristtheesaveandsee.\"
AndthensaidRob-intoLittleJohn,\"Welcomemightthoube;
Andalsobethatfairyeom-anThoubringesttherewiththee.
Whattiding-esfromNottingham?
LittleJohn,tellthoume.\"
\"Welltheegreeteththeproudsher-iff,Andsendeththeeherebyme,Hiscookandhissilv-ervessel,Andthreehundredpoundandthree.\"
\"ImakemineavowtoGod,\"saidRobin,\"AndtotheTrinit-y,Itwasneverbyhisgoodwill,Thisgoodiscometome.\"
LittleJohnhimtherebethought,Onashrewedwile,Fivemileinthefor-estheran,Himhapp-edathiswill;
Thenbemettheproudsher-iff,Hunt-ingwithhoundandhorn,LittleJohncoudhiscurteysye,Andkneel-edhimbeforn:
\"Godtheesave,mydearmast-er,AndChristtheesaveandsee.\"
\"RaynoldGreenleaf,\"saidthesher-iff,\"Wherehastthounowbe?\"
\"Ihavebeinthisfor-est,AfairsightcanIsee,ItwasoneofthefairestsightsThateveryetsawIme;
YonderIseearightfairhart,Hiscolourisofgreen,Sevenscoreofdeeruponanherd,Bewithhimallbedene;
Histyndearesosharp,mast-er,Ofsixtyandwellmo,ThatIdurstnotshootfordredeLesttheywoldmeslo.\"
\"ImakemineavowtoGod,\"saidthesheriff,\"ThatsightwouldIfainsee.\"
\"Buskyouthitherward,mydearmast-er,Anon,andwendwithme.\"
Thesheriffrode,andLittleJohnOffoothewasfullsmart,AndwhentheycameaforeRobin:
\"Lo,hereisthemasterhart!\"
Stillstoodtheproudsher-iff,Asorrymanwashe:
\"Woworththee,RaynoldGreenleaf!
Thouhastnowbetray-edme.\"
\"Imakemineavow,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Mast-er,yebetoblame,Iwasmisservedofmydinere,WhenIwaswithyouathame.\"
Soonhewastosupperset,Andservedwithsilverwhite;
Andwhenthesher-iffseehisvess-el,Forsorrowhemightnoteat.
\"Makegoodcheer,\"saidRobinHood,\"Sher-iff,forcharit-y,AndfortheloveofLittleJohn;
Thylifeisgrantedtothee.\"
Whentheyhadsupp-edwell,Thedaywasallagone,RobincommandedLittleJohnTodrawoffhishosenandhisshone,Hiskirtleandhiscoatapye,Thatwasfurr-edwellfine,Andtakehimagreenmant-ell,Tolaphisbodytherein.
Robincommandedhiswightyoungmen,Underthegreenwoodtree,Theyshalllieinthatsamesort,Thatthesheriffmightthemsee.
Allnightlaythatproudsher-iffInhisbrecheandinhissherte,Nowonderitwas,ingreenwood,Thoughhissidesdosmerte.
\"Makegladcheer,\"saidRobinHood,\"Sher-iff,forcharit-e,Forthisisourord-eri-wis,Underthegreenwoodtree.\"
\"Thisisharderorder,\"saidthesheriff,\"Thananyankerorfrere;
ForallthegoldinmerryEngl-andIwouldnotlongdwellhere.\"
\"Allthesetwelvemonths,\"saidRob-in,\"Thoushaltdwellwithme;
Ishalltheeteach,thouproudsher-iff,Anoutlawfortobe.\"
\"EreIhereanothernightlie,\"saidthesheriff,\"Robin,nowIpraythee,Smiteoffmyheadratherto-morn,AndIforgiveitthee.
Letmego,\"thensaidthesher-iff,\"ForsaintCharit-e,AndIwillbethybestfriendThateveryethadthee.\"
\"Thoushaltswearmeanoath,\"saidRobin,\"Onmybrightbrand,Thoushaltneverawaytemescathe,Bywaternebyland;
Andifthoufindanyofmymen,Bynightorbyday,Uponthineoaththoushaltswear,Tohelpthemthatthoumay.\"
Nowhaththesheriffi-sworehisoath,Andhomehegantogone,HewasasfullofgreenwoodAseverwasheapofstone.
THEFOURTHFYTTE.
ThesheriffdwelledinNottingham,Hewasfainthathewasgone,AndRobinandhismerrymenWenttowoodanone.
\"Gowetodinner,\"saidLittleJohn.
RobinHoodsaid,\"Nay;
ForIdreadOurLadybewrothwithme,Forshesentmenotmypay.\"
\"Havenodoubt,master,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Yetisnotthesunatrest,ForIdaresay,andsafelysware,Theknightistrueandtrust.\"
\"Takethybowinthyhand,\"saidRobin,\"LetMuchwendewiththee,AndsoshallWilliamScathelock,Andnomanabidewithme,AndwalkupintotheSa-yl-es,AndtoWatlingStreet,Andwaitaftersuchunkethgest,Up-chanceyemaythemmeet.
Whetherhebemesseng-er,Oramanthatmirth-escan,Orifhebeapoorman,Ofmygoodheshallhavesome.\"
ForththenstertLittleJohn,Halfintrayandteen,Andgirdedhimwithafullgoodsword,Underamantleofgreen.
TheywentuptotheSa-yl-es,Theseyeomenallthree;
Theylook-edeast,theylook-edwest,Theymightnomansee.
ButashelookedinBarnisdale,Bythehighway,Thenweretheywareoftwoblackmonks,Eachonagoodpalfray.
Thenbespak-eLittleJohn,ToMuchhegansay,\"Idarelaymylifetowed,Thatthesemonkshavebroughtourpay.
Makegladcheer,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Andfreseourbowsofyew,Andlookyourheartsbesickerandsad,Yourstringstrust-yandtrue.
Themonkhathfifty-twomen,Andsevensom-ersfullstrong,ThereridethnobishopinthislandSoroyally,Iunderstond.
Brethren,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Herearenomorebutwethree;
Butwebringthemtodinn-er,Ourmasterdarewenotsee.
Bendyourbows,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Makeallyonpresstostand!
Theforemostmonk,hislifeandhisdeathIsclos-edinmyhand!
Abide,churlmonk,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Nofartherthatthougone;
Ifthoudost,bydere-worthyGod,Thydeathisinmyhond.
Andevilthriftonthyhead,\"saidLittleJohn,\"Rightunderthyhat\'sbond,Forthouhastmadeourmasterwroth,Heisfast-ingsolong.\"
\"Whoisyourmaster?\"saidthemonk.
LittleJohnsaid,\"RobinHood.\"
\"Heisastrongthief,\"saidthemonk,\"OfhimheardInevergood.\"
\"Thouliest!\"thensaidLittleJohn,\"Andthatshallrew-ethee;
Heisayeomanofthefor-est,Todinehathbod-ethee.\"
Muchwasreadywithabolt,Redlyandanon,Hesetthemonktoforethebreast,Tothegroundthathecangon.
Offifty-twowightyoungmen,Thereabodenotone,Savealittlepage,andagroomToleadthesomerswithLittleJohn.
Theybroughtthemonktothelodgedoor,Whetherbewerelothorlief,FortospeakwithRobinHood,Maugr-eintheirteeth.
Robindidadownhishood,Themonkwhenthathesee;
Themonkwasnotsocourteyous,Hishoodthenlethebe.
\"Heisachurl,master,bydere-worthyGod,\"
ThensaidLittleJohn.
\"Thereofnoforce,\"saidRob-in,\"Forcourtesycanhenone.
Howman-ymen,\"saidRob-in,\"Hadthismonk,John?\"
\"Fiftyandtwowhenthatwemet,Butmanyofthembegone.\"
\"Letblowahorn,\"saidRobin,\"Thatfellowshipmayusknow.\"
Sevenscoreofwightyeomen,Cameprickingonarow,Andeverichofthemagoodmant-ell,Ofscarletandofray,AlltheycametogoodRob-in,Towitewhathewouldsay.
Theymadethemonktowashandwipe,Andsitathisdinere,RobinHoodandLittleJohnTheyservedthembothinfere.
\"Dogladly,monk,\"saidRobin.
\"Gram-ercy,sir,\"saidhe.
\"Whereisyourabbey,whanyeareathome,Andwhoisyouravow-e?\"
\"SaintMaryabbey,\"saidthemonk,\"ThoughIbesimplehere.\"
\"Inwhatoffic-e?\"saidRob-in.
\"Sir,thehighcellarer.\"
\"Yebethemorewelcome,\"saidRob-in,\"SoevermoteIthee.
Fillofthebestwine,\"saidRob-in,\"Thismonkshalldrinktome.
ButIhavegreatmarvel,\"saidRob-in,\"Ofallthislong-eday,IdreadOurLadybewrothwithme,Shesentmenotmypay.\"
\"Havenodoubt,master,\"saidLittleJohn,\"YehavenoneedIsay,Thismonkithathbrought,Idarewellswear,Forheisofherabbay.\"
\"Andshewasaborow,\"saidRobin,\"Betweenaknightandme,OfalittlemoneythatIhimlent,Underthegreenwoodtree;
Andifthouhastthatsilveri-brought,Ipraytheeletmesee,AndIshallhelptheeeftsoons,Ifthouhaveneedofme.\"
Themonksworeafullgreatoath,Withasorrycheer,\"Oftheborowhoodthouspeakesttome,HeardIneverere!\"
\"ImakemineavowtoGod,\"saidRobin,\"Monk,thouarttoblame,ForGodisholdarighteousman,Andsoishisdame.
Thoutoldestwiththineowntongue,Thoumaynotsaynay,Howthatthouartherserv-antAndservesthereveryday,Andthouartmadehermessenger,Mymoneyfortopay,ThereforeIcontheemorethank,Thouartcomeatthyday.
Whatisinyourcoffers?\"saidRobin,\"Truethentellthoume.\"
\"Sir,\"hesaid,\"twentymark,AllsomoteIthee.\"
\"Iftherebenomore,\"saidRobin,\"Iwillnotonepenny;
Ifthouhastmisterofanymore,Sir,moreIshalllendtothee;
AndifIfindmore,\"saidRobin,\"I-wisthoushaltitforgone;
Forofthyspendingsilver,monk,ThereofwillIrightnone.
Gonowforth,LittleJohn,Andthetruthtellthoume;
Iftherebenomorebuttwentymark,NopennyofthatIsee.\"
LittleJohnspreadhismantledown,Ashehaddonebefore,Andhetoldoutofthemonk-esmail,Eighthundredpoundandmore.
LittleJohnletitliefullstill,Andwenttohismasterinhaste;
\"Sir,\"hesaid,\"themonkistrueenow,Ourladyhathdoubledyourcost.\"
\"ImakemineavowtoGod,\"saidRobin,\"Monk,whattoldIthee?
OurLadyisthetruestwoman,ThateveryetfoundIme.
Bydere-worthyGod,\"saidRobin,\"ToseekallEnglandthorowe,YetfoundInevertomypayAmuchbetterborowe.
Fillofthebestwine,dohimdrink,\"saidRobin;
\"AndgreetwellthyLadyhend,AndifshehaveneedofRobinHood,Afriendsheshallhimfind;
Andifsheneedethanymoresilv-er,Comethouagaintome,And,bythistokenshehathmesent,Sheshallhavesuchthree!\"
ThemonkwasgoingtoLondonward,Theretoholdgreatmote,Theknightthatrodesohighonhorse,Tobringhimunderfoot.
\"Whitherbeyeaway?\"saidRobin.
\"Sir,tomanorsinthislond,Toreckonwithourrev-es,Thathavedonemuchwrong.\"
\"Comenowforth,LittleJohn,Andhearkentomytale,AbetteryeomanIknownone,Tosearchamonk-esmail.
Howmuchisinyonderothercourser?\"saidRobin,\"Thesoothmustwesee.\"
\"ByourLady,\"thensaidthemonk,\"Thatwerenocourtes-yTobidamantodinner,Andsithhimbeatandbind.\"
\"Itisouroldmanner,\"saidRob-in,\"Toleavebutlittlebehind.\"
Themonktookthehorsewithspur,Nolongerwouldheabide.
\"Asktodrink,\"thensaidRob-in,\"Erethatyefurtherride.\"
\"Nay,foreGod,\"thensaidthemonk,\"MerewethIcamesonear,ForbettercheapImighthavedined,InBlythorinDoncastere.\"
\"Greetwellyourabbot,\"saidRob-in,\"Andyourprior,Iyoupray,AndbidhimsendmesuchamonkTodinnereveryday!\"
Nowletwethatmonkbestill,Andspeakweofthatknight,YethecametoholdhisdayWhilethatitwaslight.
HedidhimstraighttoBarnisdale,Underthegreenwoodtree,AndhefoundthereRobinHood,Andallhismerrymeyn-e.
Theknightlightdowneofhisgoodpalfr-ey,Rob-inwhenhegansee.
Socourteyslyhedidadownhishood,Andsethimonhisknee.
\"Godtheesave,goodRobinHood,Andallthiscompany.\"
\"Welcomebethou,gentleknight,Andrightwelc-ometome.\"
ThenbespakehimRobinHood,Tothatknightsofree,\"Whatneeddriveththeetogreenwood?
Ipraythee,sirknight,tellme.
Andwelcomebethou,gentleknight,Whyhastthoubesolong?\"
\"FortheabbotandthehighjusticeWouldhavehadmylond.\"
\"Hastthouthylandagain?\"saidRobin,\"Truththentellthoume.\"
\"Yea,foreGod,\"saidtheknight,\"AndthatthankIGodandthee.
Buttakenotagrief,\"saidtheknight,\"ThatIhavebeensolong;
Icamebyawresteling,AndthereIdidhelpapooryeom-an,Withwrongwasputbehind.\"
\"Nay,foreGod,\"saidRob-in,\"Sirknight,thatthankIthee;
Whatmanthathelpethagoodyeom-an,HisfriendthenwillIbe.\"
\"Haveherefourhundredpound,\"thensaidtheknight,\"Thewhichyelenttome;
AndhereisalsotwentymarkForyourcourtes-y.\"
\"Nay,foreGod,\"thensaidRobin,\"Thoubrookitwellforaye,ForourLady,byhercellarer,Hathsenttomemypay;
AndifItookittwice,Ashameitweretome:
Buttruly,gentleknight,Welc-omeartthoutome.\"
WhenRob-inhadtoldhistale,Helaughedandhadgoodcheer.
\"Bymytroth,\"thensaidtheknight,\"Yourmoneyisreadyhere.\"
\"Brookitwell,\"saidRob-in,\"Thougentleknightsofree;
Andwelcomebethou,gentleknight,Undermytrystelltree.
Butwhatshallthesebowsdo?\"saidRobin,\"Andthesearrowsi-featheredfree?\"
\"Itis,\"thensaidtheknight,\"Apoorpres-enttothee.\"
\"Comenowforth,LittleJohn,Andgotomytreasur-y,Andbringmetherefourhundredpound,Themonkover-toldittome.
Haveherefourhundredpound,Thougentleknightandtrue,Andbuyhorseandharnessgood,Andgildthyspursallnew:
Andifthoufailan-yspend-ing,CometoRobinHood,AndbymytroththoushaltnonefailThewhilesIhaveanygood.
Andbrookwellthyfourhundredpound,WhichIlenttothee,Andmakethyselfnomoresobare,Bythecounselofme.\"
ThusthenholphimgoodRob-in,Theknightofallhiscare.
God,thatsittethinheavenhigh,Grantuswelltofare.
THEFIFTHFYTTE.
Nowhaththeknighthisleavei-take,Andwenthimonhisway;
RobinHoodandhismerrymenDwelledstillfullmanyaday.
Litheandlisten,gentlemen,AndhearkenwhatIshallsay,HowtheproudsheriffofNottinghamDidcryafullfairplay;
ThatallthebestarchersofthenorthShouldcomeuponaday,AndtheythatshootallofthebestThegameshallbearaway.
\'HethatshootethallofthebestFurthestfairandlaw,Atapairoffynlybutts,Underthegreenwoodshaw,Arightgoodarrowheshallhave,Theshaftofsilverwhite,Theheadandthefeathersofrichredgold,InEnglandisnonelike.\'
ThisthenheardgoodRob-in,Underhistrystelltree:
\"Makeyouready,yewightyoungmen,ThatshootingwillIsee.
Buskyou,mymerr-yyoungmen,Yeshallgowithme;
AndIwillwetethesheriff\'sfaith,Trueanifhebe.\"
Whentheyhadtheirbowsi-bent,Theirtacklesfeatheredfree,SevenscoreofwightyoungmenStoodbyRobin\'sknee.
WhentheycametoNottingham,Thebuttswerefairandlong,Manywastheboldarch-erThatshootedwithbow-esstrong.
\"Thereshallbutsixshootwithme,Theothershallkeepmyhead,Andstandwithgoodbow-esbentThatIbenotdeceived.\"
Thefourthoutlawhisbowganbend,AndthatwasRobinHood,Andthatbeheldtheproudsher-iff,Allbythebutthestood.
Thri-esRobinshotabout,Andalwayhecleftthewand,AndsodidgoodGilbert,Withthewhit-ehand.
LittleJohnandgoodScathelockWerearchersgoodandfree;
LittleMuchandgoodReynold,Theworstwouldtheynotbe.
Whentheyhadshotabout,Thesearchersfairandgood,Evermorewasthebest,Forsooth,RobinHood.
Himwasdeliveredthegoodarr-ow,Forbestworthywashe;
HetookthegiftsocourteyslyTogreenwoodwold-ehe.
Theycri-edoutonRobinHood,Andgreathornsgantheyblow.
\"Woworththee!treason!\"saidRob-in,\"Fullevilthouarttoknow!
Andwoebethou,thouproudsher-iff,Thusgladdingthyguest,Otherwisethoubehot-emeInyonderwildfor-est;
ButhadItheeingreenwood,Undermytrystelltree,ThoushouldestleavemeabetterwedThanthytruelewt-e.\"
Fullmanyabowtherewasbent,Andarrowslettheyglide,Manyakirtletherewasrent,Andhurtman-yaside.
Theoutlaw-esshotwassostrong,Thatnomanmightthemdrive,Andtheproudsherif-esmenTheyfledawayfullblive.
Robinsawthebusshementto-broke,Ingreenwoodhewouldhavebe,ManyanarrowtherewasshotAmongthatcompany.
LittleJohnwashurtfullsore,Withanarrowinhisknee,Thathemightneithergonorride:
Itwasfullgreatpit-e.
\"Master,\"thensaidLittleJohn,\"Ifeverthoulovestme,Andforthatilk-eLord-eslove,Thatdieduponatree,Andforthemeedsofmyserv-ice,ThatIhaveserv-edthee,Letnev-ertheproudsher-iffAliv-enowfindme;
Buttakeoutthybrownsword,Andsmitealloffmyhead,Andgivemewound-esdeadandwide,ThatIaftereatnobread.\"
\"Iwold-enotthat,\"saidRob-in,\"John,thatthouwer-eslawe,ForallthegoldinmerryEngland,Thoughitlaynowonarawe.\"
\"Godforbid,\"saidLittleMuch,\"Thatdiedonatree,Thatthoushouldest,LittleJohn,Partourcompany!\"
Uphetookhimonhisback,Andbarehimwellamile,Manyatimehelaidhimdown,Andshotanotherwhile.
Thenwasthereafaircast-ell,Alittlewithinthewood,Double-ditcheditwasabout,Andwall-ed,bytherood;
Andtheredwelledthatgentleknight,SirRichardattheLee,ThatRob-inhadlenthisgood,Underthegreenwoodtree.
InhetookgoodRob-in,Andallhiscompan-y:
\"Welcomebethou,RobinHood,Welc-omeartthoume;
Andmuchthanktheeofthycomf-ort,Andofthycourtesy,Andofthygreatkind-eness,Underthegreenwoodtree;
IlovenomaninallthisworldSomuchasIdothee;
ForalltheproudsheriffofNottingham,Righthereshaltthoube.
Shutthegates,anddrawthebridge,Andletnomancomein;
Andarmyouwell,andmakeyouread-y,Andtothewallyewin.
Foronething,Rob-in,Itheebehote,IswearbySaintQuin-tin,Thesetwelvedaysthouwonestwithme,Tosup,eat,anddine.\"
Boardswerelaid,andcloth-esspread,Readilyandanon;
RobinHoodandhismerrymenTomeatgantheygon.
THESIXTHFYTTE.
Litheandlisten,gentlemen,Andhearkenuntoyoursong;
HowtheproudsheriffofNottingham,Andmenofarm-esstrong,Fullfastcametothehighsher-iff,Thecountryuptorout,Andtheybesettheknight\'scast-ell,Thewall-esallabout.
Theproudsher-iffloud-egancry,Andsaid,\"Thoutraitorknight,Thoukeepestheretheking\'senemy,Againstthelawsandright!\"
\"Sir,IwillavowthatIhavedone,Thedeedsthatherebedight,Uponalltheland-esthatIhave,AsIamatrueknight.
Wend-eforth,sirs,onyourway,Anddothnomoretome,Tillyewiteourking-eswillWhathewillsaytothee.\"
Thesheriffthushadhisansw-er,Withoutan-yleas-ing,ForthheyodetoLondontown,Allfortotellourking.
Therehetoldhimofthatknight,AndekeofRobinHood,Andalsooftheboldarch-ers,Thatnoblewereandgood.
\"Hewouldavowthathehaddone,Tomaintaintheoutlawsstrong;
Hewouldbelord,andsetyouatnought,Inallthenorthlond.\"
\"IwillbeatNottingham,\"saidtheking,\"Withinthisfortnight,AndtakeIwillRobinHood,AndsoIwillthatknight.
Gohome,thouproudsher-iff,AnddoasIbidthee,Andordaingoodarch-ersenow,Ofallthewidecountree.\"
Thesheriffhadhisleavei-take,Andwenthimonhisway;
AndRobinHoodtogreenwoodUponacertainday;
AndLittleJohnwaswholeofthearrow,Thatshotwasinhisknee,AnddidhimstraighttoRobinHood,Underthegreenwoodtree.
RobinHoodwalkedinthefor-est,Undertheleav-esgreen,Theproudsher-iffofNottingham,Thereforehehadgreatteen.
ThesherifftherefailedofRobinHood,Hemightnothavehisprey,Thenheawaitedthatgentleknight,Bothbynightandbyday.
Everheawaitedthatgentleknight,SirRichardattheLee.
Ashewentonhawkingbytheriverside,Andlethishawk-esflee,Tookhetherethisgentleknight,Withmenofarm-esstrong,AndledhimhometoNottinghamward,I-boundbothfootandhond.
Thesheriffsworeafullgreatoath,Byhimthatdiedonatree,Hehadlieverthananhundredpound,ThatRobinHoodhadhe.
Thenthelad-y,theknight-eswife,Afairlad-yandfree,Shesetheronagoodpalfr-ey,Togreenwoodanonrodeshe.
Whenshecametothefor-est,Underthegreenwoodtree,Found-eshethereRobinHood,Andallhisfairmeyn-e.
\"Godtheesave,goodRobinHood,Andallthycompan-y;
ForourdeareLadyeslove,Aboongrantthoutome.
LetthounevermyweddedlordShamefullyslaintobe;
Heisfasti-boundetoNottinghamward,Fortheloveofthee.\"
AnonthensaidgoodRob-in,Tothatlad-yefree,\"Whatmanhathyourlordi-take?\"
\"Theproudsheriff,\"thensaidshe.
\"ForsoothasItheesay;
Heisnotyetthreemil-esPass-edonyourway.\"
Upthenstert-egoodRob-in,Asamanthathadbewode:
\"Buskyou,mymerr-yyoungmen,Forhimthatdiedonarode;
Andhethatthissorrowforsaketh,Byhimthatdiedonatree,Shallheneveringreenwoodbe,Norlongerdwellwithme.\"
Soonthereweregoodbowsi-bent,Morethansevenscore,Hedgeneditchspar-edtheynone,Thatwasthembefore.
\"Imakemineavow,\"saidRobin,\"TheknightwouldIfainsee,AndifIma-yhimtake,Iquitthenshallhebe.\"
AndwhentheycametoNottingham,Theywalk-edinthestreet,Andwiththeproudsheriff,i-wis,Soon-egantheymeet.
\"Abide,thouproudsher-iff,\"hesaid,\"Abideandspeakwithme,Ofsometidingsofourking,Iwouldfainhearofthee.
Thissevenyear,bydere-worthyGod,NeyedeIsofastonfoot,Imakemineavow,thouproudsheriff,Isnotforthygood.\"
Robinbentagoodbow-e,Anarrowhedrewathiswill,Hehitsotheproudsher-iff,Onthegroundhelayfullstill;
Anderehemightuparise,Onhisfeettostand,Hesmoteoffthesheriff\'shead,Withhisbrightbrand.
\"Liethouthere,thouproudsher-iff,Evilmotethouthrive;
Theremightnomantotheetrust,Thewhilesthouwerealive.\"
HismendrewouttheirbrightswordsThatweresosharpandkeen,Andlaidonthesher-iff\'smen,Anddrivedthemdownbidene.
Robinsterttothatknight,Andcutatwohisband,Andtookhiminhishandabow,Andbadehimbyhimstand.
\"Leav-ethyhorsetheebehind,Andlearnfortoren;
Thoushaltwithmetogreenwood,Throughmire,moss,andfen;
Thoushaltwithmetogreenwood,Withoutan-yleas-ing,TillthatIhavegetusgrace,OfEdwardourcomelyking.\"
THESEVENTHFYTTE.
ThekingcametoNottingham,Withknightsingreatarray,Fortotakethatgentleknight,AndRobinHood,ifhemay.
Heaskedmenofthatcountr-e,AfterRobinHood,Andafterthatgentleknight,Thatwassoboldandstout.
Whentheyhadtoldhimthecase,Ourkingunderstoodtheirtale,AndseisedinhishandTheknight-eslandesall,AllthepassofLancashire,Hewentbothfarandnear,TillhecametoPlomptonpark,Hefailedmanyofhisdeer.
WhereourkingwaswonttoseeHerd-esmanyoneHecouldunnethfindonedeer,Thatbarean-ygoodhorn.
Thekingwaswonderwrothwithal,Andsworebythetrinit-e,\"IwouldIhadRobinHood,WitheyenImighthimsee;
Andhethatwouldsmiteofftheknight-eshead.
Andbringittome,Heshallhavetheknight-eslands,SirRychardattheLee;
Igiveithimwithmychart-er,Andsealitwithmyhand,Tohaveandholdforever-more,Inallmerr-yEngl-and.\"
Thenbespakeafairoldknight,Thatwastrueinhisfay,\"Ah,mylieg-elordtheking,OnewordIshallyousay:
Thereisnomaninthiscountr-yMayhavetheknight-eslands,WhileRobinHoodmayrideorgon,Andbearabowinhishands,Thatheneshalllosehishead,Thatisthebestballinhishood:
Giveitnoman,mylordtheking,Thatyewillanygood!\"
Halfayeardwelledourcomelyking,InNottingham,andwellmore,CouldhenothearofRobinHood,Inwhatcountrythathewere;
Butalw-aywentgoodRob-inByhalkandekebyhill,Andalwayslewtheking-esdeer,Andweltthemathiswill.
Thenbespakeaproudforstere,Thatstoodbyourking\'sknee,\"IfyewillseegoodRob-in,Yemustdoafterme.
Takefiveofthebestknyght-esThatbeinyourlede,Andwalkdownbyyourabb-ey,Andgetyoumonk-esweed.
AndIwillbeyourled-esman,Andled-eyoutheway,AndereyecometoNottingham,MineheadthendareIlay,ThatyeshallmeetwithgoodRob-in,Aliveifthathebe,EreyecometoNottingham,Witheyenyeshallhimsee.\"
Fullhastilyourkingwasdight,Sowerehisknight-esfive,Eachoftheminmonk-esweed,Andhastedthemthitherblithe.
Ourkingwasgreatabovehiscowl,Abroadhatonhiscrown,Rightashewereabbot-like,Theyrodeupintothetown.
Stiffbootsourkinghadon,ForsoothasIyousay,Herodesing-ingtogreenwood,Theconventwasclothedingray,Hismailhorse,andhisgreatsom-ers,Followedourkingbehind,Tilltheycametogreen-ewood,Amileunderthelind:
TheretheymetwithgoodRob-in,Standingontheway,Andsodidmanyaboldarch-er,ForsoothasIyousay.
Robintooktheking-eshorse,Hastilyinthatstead,Andsaid,\"Sirabbot,byyourleave,Awhileyemustabide;
Webeyeom-enofthisfor-est,Underthegreenwoodtree,Welivebyourking-esdeer,Othershifthavenotwe;
Andyehavechurchesandrent-esboth,Andgoldfullgreatplent-y;
Giveussomeofyourspend-ing,ForsaintCharity.\"
Thanbespakeourcomelyking,Anonthensaidhe,\"Ibroughtnomoretogreen-ewood,Butfortypoundwithme.
IhavelainatNottingham,Thisfortnightwithourking,AndspentIhavefullmuchgood,Onmanyagreatlording;
AndIhavebutfortypound,NomorethenhaveIme;
ButifIhadanhundredpound,Iwouldgiveittothee.\"
Robintookthefortypound,Anddeparteditintwopart-ye,Halfendellhegavehismerrymen,Andbadethemmerr-ytobe.
FullcourteouslyRob-ingansay,\"Sir,havethisforyourspend-ing,Weshallmeetanotherday.\"
\"Gramerc-y,\"thensaidourking,\"ButwelltheegreetethEdw-ardourking,Andsenttotheehisseal,AndbiddeththeecometoNottingham,Bothtomeatandmeal.\"
Hetookoutthebroadtarpe,Andsoonhelethimsee;
Robincoudhiscourtesy,Andsethimonhisknee:
\"IlovenomaninalltheworldSowellasIdomyking,Welcomeismylord-esseal;
And,monk,forthytid-ing,Sirabbot,forthytiding-es,To-daythoushaltdinewithme,Fortheloveofmyking,Undermytrystelltree.\"
Forthheledourcomelyking,Fullfairbythehand,Manyadeertherewasslain,Andfullfastdightand.
Robintookafullgreathorn,Andloudheganblow;
Sevenscoreofwightyoungmen,Camereadyonarow,Alltheykneel-edontheirknee,FullfairbeforeRob-in.
Thekingsaidhimselfunto,AndsworebysaintAustin,\"Hereisawonderseemlysight,Methinketh,byGoddespine;
Hismenaremoreathisbidd-ing,Thanmymenbeatmine!\"
Fullhastilywastheirdinneri-dight,Andtheretogantheygon,Theyservedourkingwithalltheirmight,BothRobinandLittleJohn.
AnonbeforeourkingwassetThefatt-evenison,Thegoodwhitebread,thegoodredwine,Andtheretothefinealebrown.
\"Mak-egoodcheer,\"saidRob-in,\"Abb-ot,forcharit-y;
Andforthisilk-etiding-e,Bless-edmotethoube.
Nowshaltthouseewhatlifewelead,Orthouhenn-eswend,Thenthoumayinformourking,Whenyetogetherlend.\"
Uptheystertallinhaste,Theirbowsweresmartlybent,Ourkingwasneversosoreagast,Heweenedtohavebeshent.
Twoyard-estherewereupset,Theretogantheygang;
Butfiftypace,ourkingsaid,Themark-esweretoolong.
Oneverysidearosegarl-and,Theyshotundertheline.
\"Whosofailethoftherosegarland,\"saidRobin,\"Histackleheshalltine,Andyieldittohismaster,Beitneversofine,——
FornomanwillIspare,SodrinkeIaleorwine,——
AndbearabuffetonhisheadI-wysrightallbare.\"
AndallthatfellinRobin\'slot,Hesmotethemwondersair.
Twi-esRobinshotabout,Andeverhecleavedthewand,AndsodidgoodGilb-ert,Withthelilywhitehand;
LittleJohnandgoodScath-elock,Fornothingwouldtheyspare,Whentheyfailedofthegarl-and,Robinsmotethemfallsair.
AtthelastshotthatRobinshot,Forallhisfriendsfair,Yethefailedofthegarl-and,Threefingersandmair.
Thenbespak-egoodGilb-ert,Andthushegansay,\"Master,\"hesaid,\"yourtackleislost,Standforthandtakeyourpay.\"
\"Ifitbeso,\"saidRob-in,\"Thatmaynobetterbe:
Sirabbot,Idelivertheeminearrow,Ipraythee,sir,servethoume.\"
\"Itfallethnotformineorder,\"saidourking;
\"Robin,bythyleave,Fortosmitenogoodyeom-an,FordoubtIshouldhimgrieve.\"
\"Smiteonboldly!\"saidRob-in,\"Igivetheelarg-eleave.\"
Anonourking,withthatword,Hefolduphissleeve,AndsuchabuffethegaveRob-in,Togroundheyedefullnear.
\"ImakemineavowtoGod,\"saidRobin,\"Thouartastalworthyfrere;
Thereispithinthinearm,\"saidRob-in,\"Itrowthoucanstwellshoot!\"
ThusourkingandRobinHoodTogetherthentheymet.
RobinbeheldourcomelykingWistlyintheface,SodidSirRichardattheLee,Andkneeleddowninthatplace;
Andsodidallthewildoutl-aws,Whentheyseethemkneel.
\"MylordthekingofEngl-and,NowIknowyouwell.
Merc-y,\"thenRobinsaidtoourking,\"Underyourtrystaltree,Ofthygoodnessandthygrace,Formymenandme!
Yes,foreGod,\"saidRobin,\"AndalsoGodmesave;
Iaskmerc-y,mylordtheking,AndformymenIcrave.\"
\"Yes,foreGod,\"thensaidourking,\"ThypetitionIgrantthee,Withthatthouleavethegreenwood,Andallthycompan-y;
Andcomehome,sir,tomycourt,Andtheredwellwithme.\"
\"Imakemineavow,\"saidRob-in,\"Andrightsoshallitbe;
Iwillcometoyourcourt,Yourservicefortosee,AndbringwithmeofmymenSevenscoreandthree.
Butmelikewellyourserv-ice,Icomeagainfullsoon,Andshootatthedonn-edeer,AsIamwonttodoon.\"
THEEIGHTHFYTTE.
\"Hastthouanygreencloth,\"saidourking,\"Thatthouwiltsellnowtome?\"
\"Yea,foreGod,\"saidRobin.
\"Thirtyyardsandthree.\"
\"Robin,\"saidourking,\"NowprayIthee,Tosellmesomeofthatcloth,Tomeandmymeyn-e.\"
\"Yes,foreGod,\"thensaidRob-in,\"OrelseIwereafool;
Anotherdayyewillmeclothe,Itrow,againsttheYule.\"
Thekingcastoffhiscot-ethen,Agreengarmenthedidon,Andeveryknighthadso,i-wis,Theycloth-edthemfullsoon.
WhentheywereclothedinLincolngreen,Theycastawaytheirgray.
NowweshalltoNottingham,Allthusourkinggansay.
Theirbowstheybentandforththeywent,Shootingallin-fere,TowardthetownofNottingham,Outlawsastheywere.
OurkingandRobinrodetogether,ForsoothasIyousay,Andtheyshotpluck-buffet,Astheywentbytheway;
Andmanyabuffetourkingwan,OfRobinHoodthatday:
Andnothingspar-edgoodRob-inOurkinginhispay.
\"SoGodmehelp-e,\"saidourking,\"Thynameisnoughttolere,Ishouldnotgetashotofthee,ThoughIshotallthisyear.\"
AllthepeopleofNottinghamTheystoodandbeheld,Theysawnothingbutmantlesofgreen,Theycoveredallthefeld;
Theneverymantoothergansay,\"Idreadourkingbeslone;
ComeRobinHoodtothetown,i-wis,Onliveheleavethnotone.\"
Fullhastilytheybegantoflee,Bothyeomenandknaves,Andoldwivesthatmightevilgo,Theyhopp-edontheirstaves.
Thekingbeloughfullfast,Andcommandedthemagain;
Whentheyseeourcomelyking,I-wistheywerefullfain.
Theyateanddrank,andmadethemglad,Andsangwithnot-eshie.
ThenbespakeourcomelykingToSirRichardattheLee:
Hegavehimtherehislandagain,Agoodmanhebadehimbe.
Robinthankedourcomelyking,Andsethimonhisknee.
HadRobindwelledintheking\'scourtButtwelv-emonthsandthree,Thathehadspentanhundredpound,Andallhismenn-esfee,IneveryplacewhereRobincame,Evermorehelaiddown,Bothforknightsandsquires,Togethimgreatrenown.
Bythentheyearwasallagone,Hehadnomanbuttwain,LittleJohnandgoodScathlocke,Withhimallfortogane.
Robinsawyong-ementoshoot,Fullfairuponaday,\"Alas!\"thensaidgoodRob-in,\"Mywealthiswentaway.
SometimeIwasanarchergood,Astiffandekeastrong,Iwascommittedthebestarch-erThatwasinmerryEnglond.
Alas!\"thensaidgoodRob-in,\"Alasandwellaway!
IfIdwelllongerwiththeking,Sorrowwillmeslay!\"
ForththenwentRobinHood,Tillhecametoourking:
\"MylordthekingofEnglond,Grantmemineask-ing.
ImadeachapelinBarnysdale,Thatseemlyistosee,ItisofMaryMagdalene,AndtheretowouldIbe;
Imightneverinthisseven-night,Notimetosleepnewink,Neitherallthesesevendays,Neithereatnedrink.
MelongethsoretoBarnysdale,Imaynotbetherefro,BarefootandwoolwardIhavehightThitherfortogo.\"
\"Ifitbeso,\"thensaidourking,\"Itmaynobetterbe;
Seven-nightIgivetheeleave,Nolonger,todwellfrome.\"
\"Gram-ercy,lord,\"thensaidRob-in,Andsethimonhisknee;
Hetookhisleavefullcourteously,Togreenwoodthenwenthe.
Whenhecametogreen-ewood,Inamerr-ymorning,Thereheheardthenot-essmallOfbird-esmerrysing-ing.
\"Itisferregone,\"saidRob-in,\"ThatIwaslasthere,MelistalittlefortoshootAtthedunnedeer.\"
Robinslewafullgreathart,Hishornthenganheblow,Thatalltheoutlawsofthatfor-est,Thathorncouldtheyknow,Andgatheredthemtogether,Inalittlethrow,Sevenscoreofwightyoungmen,Camereadyonarow;
Andfairdidofftheirhoods,Andsetthemontheirknee:
\"Welcome,\"theysaid,\"ourmast-er,Underthisgreenwoodtree!\"
Robindwelledingreenwood,Twentyyearandtwo,ForalldreadofEdwardourking,Againwouldhenotgo.
Yethewasbeguiled,i-wis,Throughawickedwom-an,ThePrioressofKirklees,Thatnighwasofhiskin,Fortheloveofaknight,SirRogerofDoncaster,Thatwasherownspecial,Fullevilmotetheythee,Theytooktogethertheircouns-el,RobinHoodfortosle,Andhowtheymightbestdothatdeed,Hisbanisfortobe.
Thenbespak-egoodRob-in,Inplacewhereashestood,\"To-morrowImusttoKirklees,Craftilytobelettenblood.\"
SirRogerofDoncaster,BythePrioresshelay,AndtheretheybetrayedgoodRobinHood,Throughtheirfals-eplay.
Christhavemercyonhissoul,Thatdi-edontherood!
Forhewasagoodoutlaw,Anddidpoormenmuchgood.
KINGEDWARDIV.ANDTHETANNEROFTAMWORTH.
Insummertime,whenleavesgrowgreen,Andblossomsbedeckthetree,KingEdwardwouldahuntingride,Somepastimefortosee.
Withhawkandhoundhemadehimboun,Withhorn,andekewithbow;
ToDraytonBassethetookhisway,Withallhislordsarow.
Andhehadriddeno\'erdaleanddownByeightofclockintheday,Whenhewaswareofaboldtann-er,Comeridingalongtheway.
Afairrussetcoatthetannerhadon,Fastbuttonedunderhischin,Andunderhimagoodcow-hide,Andamareoffourshill-ing.
\"Nowstandyoustill,mygoodlordsallUnderthegreenwoodspray;
AndIwillwendtoyonderfell-ow,Toweetwhathewillsay.\"——
\"Godspeed,Godspeedthee,\"saidourking——
\"Thouartwelcome,sir,\"saidhe——
\"ThereadiestwaytoDraytonBassetIpraytheetoshowtome.\"——
\"ToDraytonBassetwouldstthougo,Frotheplacewherethoudoststand?
ThenextpairofgallowsthoucomestuntoTurninuponthyrighthand.\"——
\"Thatisanunreadyway,\"saidourking,\"Thoudoestbutjest,Isee;
Nowshowmeoutthenearestway,AndIpraytheewendwithme.\"——
\"Awaywithavengeance!\"quoththetanner:
\"Iholdtheeoutofthywit:
AlldayhaveIriddenonBrockmymare,AndIamfastingyet.\"——
\"GowithmedowntoDraytonBasset,Nodaintieswewillspare;
Alldayshaltthoueatanddrinkofthebest,AndIwillpaythyfare.\"——
\"Gram-ercyfornothing,\"thetannerreplied,\"Thoupayestnofareofmine:
ItrowI\'vemorenoblesinmypurse,Thanthouhastpenceinthine.\"——
\"Godgivetheejoyofthem,\"saidtheking,\"Andsendthemwelltoprief.\"——
Thetannerwouldfainhavebeenaway,Forheweenedhehadbeenathief.
\"Whatartthou,\"hesaid,\"thoufinefell-ow?
OftheeIamingreatfear,FortheclothesthouwearestuponthybackMightbeseemalordtowear.\"——
\"Ineverstolethem,\"quothourking,\"Itellyou,sir,bytherood.\"——
\"Thenthouplayest,asmanyanunthriftdoth,Andstandestinmidstofthygood.\"——
\"Whattidingshearyou,\"saidtheking.
\"Asyouridefarandnear?\"——
\"Ihearnotidings,sir,bythemass,Butthatcow-hidesaredear.\"——
\"Cow-hides!cow-hides!whatthingsarethose?
Imarvelwhattheybe!\"——
\"What,artthouafool?\"thetannerreplied;
\"Icarryoneunderme.\"——
\"Whatcraftsmanartthou?\"saidtheking,\"Ipraytheetellmetrow.\"\"——
\"Iamabarker,sir,bymytrade.
Nowtellmewhatartthou?\"——
\"Iamapoorcourtier,sir,\"quothhe,\"Thatamforthofserviceworn;
AndfainIwouldthy\'prenticebe,Thycunningfortolearn.\"——
\"Marry,heavenforfend,\"thetannerreplied,\"Thatthoumy\'prenticewere!
Thou\'dstspendmoregoodthanIshouldwin,Byfortyshillingayear.\"——
\"YetonethingwouldI,\"saidourking,\"Ifthouwiltnotseemstrange:
Thoughmyhorsebebetterthanthymare,YetwiththeeIfainwouldchange.\"——
\"Why,ifwithmethoufainwiltchange,Aschangefullwellmaywe,Bythefaithofmybody,thouproudfell-owIwillhavesomebootofthee.\"——
\"Thatwereagainstreason,\"saidtheking,\"Iswear,somoteIthee:
Myhorseisbetterthanthymare,Andthatthouwellmay\'stsee.\"——
\"Yea,sir,butBrockisgentleandmild,Andsoftlyshewillfare;
Thyhorseisunrulyandwild,i-wis;
Ayeskippinghereandthere.\"——
\"Whatbootwiltthouhave?\"ourkingreplied;
\"Nowtellmeinthisstound.\"——
\"Nopence,norhalfpence,bymyfay,Butanobleingoldsoround.\"——
\"Here\'stwentygroatsofwhitemon-ey,Siththouwilthaveitofme.\"——
\"Iwouldhaveswornnow,\"quoththetanner,\"Thouhadstnothadonepenni-e.
\"Butsincewetwohavemadeachange,Achangewemustabide;
AlthoughthouhastgottenBrockmymare,Thougettestnotmycow-hide.\"——
\"Iwillnothaveit,\"saidtheking,\"Iswear,somoteIthee;
Thyfoulcow-hideIwouldnotbear,Ifthouwouldstgiveittome.\"
Thetannerhetookhisgoodcow-hideThatofthecowwashilt;
Andthrewitupontheking\'ssad-elle,Thatwassofairlygilt.
\"Nowhelpmeup,thoufinefell-ow,\'TistimethatIweregone:
WhenIcomehometoGyllianmywife,She\'llsayIamagentilmon.\"
Whenthetannerhewasintheking\'ssad-elle,Andhisfootinthestirrupwas;
Hemarvelledgreatlyinhismind,Whetheritweregoldorbrass.
Butwhenhissteedsawthecow\'stailwag,Andeketheblackcow-horn;
Hestamped,andstared,andawayheran,Asthedevilhadhimborne.
Thetannerhepulled,thetannerhesweat,Andheldbythepummelfast:
Atlengththetannercametumblingdown;
Hisneckhehadwell-nighbrast.
\"Takethyhorseagainwithavengeance!\"hesaid,\"Withmeheshallnotbide!\"——
\"Myhorsewouldhavebornetheewellenough,Butheknewnotofthycow-hide.
\"Yetifagainthoufainwouldstchange,Aschangefullwellmaywe,Bythefaithofmybody,thoujollytann-er,Iwillhavesomebootofthee.\"——
\"Whatbootwiltthouhave?\"thetannerreplied,\"Nowtellmeinthisstound.\"——
\"Nopencenorhalfpence,sir,bymyfay,ButIwillhavetwentypound.\"——
\"Here\'stwentygroatsoutofmypurse;
AndtwentyIhaveofthine:
AndIhaveonemore,whichwewillspendTogetheratthewine.\"
Thekingsetabuglehorntohismouth,Andblewbothloudandshrill:
Andsooncamelords,andsooncameknights,Fastridingoverthehill.
\"Now,outalas!\"thetannerhecried,\"ThateverIsawthisday!
Thouartastrongthief,yoncomethyfell-owsWillbearmycow-hideaway!\"——
\"Theyarenothieves,\"thekingreplied,\"Iswear,somoteIthee:
Buttheyarethelordsofthenorthcountr-y,Herecometohuntwithme.\"
Andsoonbeforeourkingtheycame,Andkneltdownontheground:
Thenmightthetannerhavebeenaway,Hehadlieverthantwentypound.
\"Acollar,acollar,here!\"saidtheking,\"Acollar!\"heloudgancry;
Thenwouldhelieverthantwentypound,Hehadnotbeensonigh.
\"Acollar,acollar,\"thetannerhesaid,\"Itrowitwillbreedsorrow;
Afteracollarcomethahalter,ItrowI\'llbehangedto-morrow.\"——
\"Benotafraid,tanner,\"saidourking;
\"Itellthee,somoteIthee,LohereImaketheethebestesquireThatisinthenorthcountrie.
\"ForPlumptonParkIwillgivethee,Withtenementsfairbeside:
\'Tisworththreehundredmarksbytheyear,Tomaintainthygoodcow-hide.\"——
\"Gram-ercy,myliege,\"thetannerreplied\"Forthefavourthouhastmeshown;
IfeverthoucomesttomerryTam-worth,Neat\'sleathershallcloutthyshoon.\"
SIRPATRICKSPENS.
ThekingsitsinDumferlingtoune,Drinkingtheblude-reidwine:
\"OwharewillIgetaskeelyskipperTosailthisnewshipofmine?\"
Upandspakaneldernknicht,Satattheking\'srightknee:
\"SirPatrickSpensisthebestsail-orThateversailedthesea.\"
Ourkinghaswrittenabraidletter,Andsealeditwithhishand;
AndsentittoSirPatrickSpens,Waswalkingonthesand.
\"ToNoroway,toNoroway,ToNorowayo\'erthefaem;
Theking\'sdaughterofNoroway,\'Tisthoumaunbringherhame.\"
ThefirstwordthatSirPatrickread,Aloudlaughlaughedhe:
TheneistwordthatSirPatrickread,Thetearblindedhisee.
\"Owhaisthishasdonethisdeed,Andtauldthekingo\'me;
Tosendusoutthistimeo\'theyear,Tosailuponthesea?
\"Beitwind,beitweet,beithail,beitsleet,Ourshipmustsailthefaem,Theking\'sdaughterofNoroway,\'Tiswemustfetchherhame.\"
TheyhoysedtheirsailsonMonendaymorn,Wi\'a\'thespeedtheymay;
TheyhaelandedinNoroway,UponaWodensday.
Theyhadnabeenaweek,aweek,InNoroway,buttwae,Whenthatthelordso\'NorowayBeganaloudtosay,——
\"YeScottishmenspenda\'ourking\'sgoud,Anda\'ourqueenisfee.\"——
\"Yelie,yelie,yeliarsloud,Fu\'loudIhearyelie;
\"ForIbroughtasmuchwhitemonieAsganemymenandme,AndIbroughtahalf-fouofguderedgoud,Outo\'ertheseawi\'me.
\"Makeready,makeready,mymerrymena\',Ourgudeshipsailsthemorn!\"——
\"Now,everalack,mymasterdear,Ifearadeadlystorm!
\"Isawthenewmoon,lateyestreen,Wi\'theauldmooninherarm;
Andifwegangtosea,master,Ifearwe\'llcometoharm.\"
Theyhadnasailedaleague,aleague,Aleaguebutbarelythree,Whentheliftgrewdark,andthewindblewloud,Andgurlygrewthesea.
Theankersbrak,andthetopmastslap,Itwassicadeadlystorm;
Andthewavescamo\'erthebrokenship,Tilla\'hersidesweretorn.
\"OwherewillIgetagudesail-orTotakemyhelminhand,TillIgetuptothetalltopmastToseeifIcanspyland?\"——
\"OhereamI,asailorgude,Totakethehelminhand,Tillyougouptothetalltopmast,ButIfearyou\'llne\'erspyland.\"
Hehadnaganeastep,astep,Astepbutbarelyane,Whenaboltflewoutofourgoodlyship,Andthesaltseaitcamein.
\"Gae,fetchawebo\'thesilkenclaith,Anothero\'thetwine,Andwapthemintoourship\'sside,Andletnaetheseacomein.\"
Theyfetchedawebo\'thesilkenclaith,Anothero\'thetwine,Andtheywappedthemroundthatgudeship\'sside,Butstilltheseacamin.
Olaith,laith,wereourgudeScotslordsTowettheircork-heeledshoon!
Butlangora\'theplaywasplayedTheywattheirhatsaboon.
AndmonywasthefeatherbedThatflatteredonthefaem;
Andmonywasthegudelord\'ssonThatnevermaircamhame.
Theladieswrangtheirfingerswhite,Themaidenstoretheirhair,A\'forthesakeoftheirtrueloves;
Forthemthey\'llseenaemair.
Olang,lang,maytheladiessit,Wi\'theirfansintotheirhand,BeforetheyseeSirPatrickSpensComesailingtothestrand!
Andlang,lang,maythemaidenssit,Wi\'theirgoldcombsintheirhair,Awaitingfortheiraindearloves!
Forthemthey\'llseenaemair.
OfortymilesoffAberdeen\'Tisfiftyfathomsdeep,AndthereliesgudeSirPatrickSpens,Wi\'theScotslordsathisfeet.
EDOMO\'GORDON.
ItfellabouttheMartinmas,Whenthewindblewshrillandcauld,SaidEdomo\'Gordontohismen,\"Wemaundrawtillahauld.
\"Andwhatahauldsallwedrawtill,Mymerrymenandme?
Wewullgaetothehouseo\'theRode,Toseethatfairlad-ie.\"
Theladiestudeonhercastlewa\',Beheldbaithdaleanddown:
ThereshewaswareofahostofmenComeridingtowardsthetoun.
\"Oseeyenat,mymerrymena\'?
OseeyenatwhatIsee?
MethinksIseeahostofmen:
Imarvelwhatheybe!\"
Sheweenedithadbeenherluvelylord,Ashecameridinghame;
ItwasthetraitorEdomo\'Gordon,Whareckednaesinnorshame.
Shehadnaesoonerbuskithersel,Andputtenonhergoun,ButEdomo\'GordonandhismenWereroundaboutthetoun.
Theyhadnaesoonersupperset,Naesoonersaidthegrace,ButEdomo\'GordonandhismenWerelightabouttheplace.
Theladyranuptohertowerhead,Saefastasshecouldhie,Toseeifbyherfairspeech-esShecouldwi\'himagree.
Butwhanheseethisladysaif,Andhergat-esalllockedfast,Hefellintoarageofwrath,Andhislookwasallaghast.
\"Comedowntome,yeladygay,Comedown,comedowntome!
ThisnightsallyeligwithinminearmsTo-morrowmybridesallbe.\"——
\"Iwinnacomedown,yefalseGord-on,Iwinnacomedowntothee;
Iwinnaforsakemyaindearlord,Thatissaefarfraeme.\"——
\"Giveo\'eryourhouse,yeladyfair,Giveo\'eryourhousetome,OrIsallbrenyourseltherein,Botandyourbabiesthree.\"——
\"Iwinnagiveo\'er,yefalseGord-onTonaesictraitorasye;
Andifyebrenmyaindearbabes,Mylordsallmakeyoudree.
\"Butreachmypistol,Glaud,myman,Andchargeyeweelmygun:
For,butanIpiercethatbluidybutcherMybabeswebeenundone.\"
Shestudeuponhercastlewa\',Andlettwabulletsflee:
Shemissedthatbluidybutcher\'sheartAndonlyrasedhisknee.
\"Setfiretothehouse!\"quo\'falseGord-on,Allwoodwi\'duleandire:
\"Falselady,yesallruethisdeed,Asyebreninthefire!\"——
\"Waeworth,waeworthye,Jockmyman,Ipaidyeweelyourfee:
Whypu\'yeouttheground-wa\'stane,Letsinthereektome?
\"Ande\'enwaeworthye,Jockmyman,Ipaidyeweelyourhire;
Whypu\'yeouttheground-wa\'stane,Tomeletsinthefire?\"——
\"Yepaidmeweelmyhire,lady;
Yepaidmeweelmyfee;
ButnowI\'mEdomo\'Gordon\'sman,Mauneitherdoordee.\"
Othenbespakeherlittleson,Sateonthenurse\'sknee:
Says,\"Mitherdear,gi\'eo\'erthishouse,Forthereekitsmithersme.\"——
\"Iwadgi\'ea\'mygowd,mychild,SaewadIa\'myfee,Foraneblasto\'thewesternwindToblawthereekfraethee.\"
Othenbespakeherdochterdear,Shewasbaithjimpandsma\',\"Orowmeinapairo\'sheets,Andtowmeo\'erthewa\'.\"
Theyrowdherinapairo\'sheets,Andtowdhero\'erthewa\':
ButonthepointofGordon\'sspearShegatadeadlyfa\'.
Obonniebonniewashermouth,Andcherrywerehercheeks,Andclearclearwasheryellowhair,Whereonthereidbluiddreeps.
Thenwi\'hisspearheturnedhero\'er,——
Oginherfacewaswan!
Hesaid,\"Yearethefirstthate\'erIwishedaliveagain.\"
Heturnedhero\'erando\'eragain,——
Oginherskinwaswhite!
\"Imightha\'sparedthatbonniefaceTohaebeensomeman\'sdelite.
\"Buskandboun,mymerrymena\',ForilldoomsIdoguess;
Icannaluikinthatbonnieface,Asitliesonthegrass.\"——
\"Thamluikstofreits,mymasterdear,Thenfreitswillfollowthame:
LetitneirbesaidbraveEdomo\'GordonWasdauntedbyadame!\"——
ButwhentheladieseethefireComeflamingo\'erherhead,Sheweptandkissedherchildrentwain,Said,\"Bairns,webeenbutdead!\"
TheGordonthenhisbugleblew,Andsaid,\"Awa\',awa\';
Thishouseo\'theRodesisa\'inflame,Ihauldittimetoga\'.\"
Othenbespiedheraindearlord,Ashecameo\'erthelee;
HespiedhiscastleallinblazeSaefarashecouldsee.
Thensair,Osairhismindmisgave,Andallhisheartwaswae;
\"Puton!puton!mywightymen,Sofastasyecangae!
\"Puton!puton!mywightymen,Saefastasyecandree;
ForhethatishindmostofthethrangSallneirgetguido\'me!\"
Thensometheyrade,andsometheyrin,Foufastout-o\'erthebent,Buteretheforemostcouldgetup,Baithladieandbabeswerebrent.
Hewranghishands,herenthishair,Andweptinteenefu\'muid:
\"Otraitors!forthiscrueldeedYesallweeptearso\'bluid!\"
AndaftertheGordonheisgane,Sofastashemightdree;
Andsooni\'theGordon\'sfoulheart\'sbluidHe\'swrokenhisdearladie.
THECHILDRENINTHEWOOD.
Nowponderwell,youparentsdear,ThesewordswhichIshallwrite;
Adolefulstoryyoushallhear,Intimebroughtforthtolight.
AgentlemanofgoodaccountInNorfolkdweltoflate,WhodidinhonourfarsurmountMostmenofhisestate.
Soresickhewas,andliketodie,Nohelphislifecouldsave;
Hiswifebyhimassickdidlie,Andbothpossessedonegrave.
Nolovebetweenthesetwowaslost,Eachwastootherkind;
Inlovetheylived,inlovetheydied,Andlefttwobabesbehind:
Theoneafineandprettyboy,Notpassingthreeyearsold;
Theotheragirlmoreyoungthanhe,Andframedinbeauty\'smould.
Thefatherlefthislittleson,Asplainlydothappear,Whenhetoperfectageshouldcome,Threehundredpoundsayear.
AndtohislittledaughterJaneFivehundredpoundsingold,Tobepaiddownonmarriage-day,Whichmightnotbecontrolled:
Butifthechildrenchancetodie,Eretheytoageshouldcome,Theiruncleshouldpossesstheirwealth;
Forsothewilldidrun.
\"Now,brother,\"saidthedyingman,\"Looktomychildrendear;
Begooduntomyboyandgirl,Nofriendselsehavetheyhere:
ToGodandyouIrecommendMychildrendearthisday;
ButlittlewhilebesurewehaveWithinthisworldtostay.
\"Youmustbefatherandmotherboth,Anduncleallinone;
Godknowswhatwillbecomeofthem,WhenIamdeadandgone.\"
Withthatbespaketheirmotherdear,\"Obrotherkind,\"quothshe,\"YouarethemanmustbringourbabesTowealthormisery:
\"Andifyoukeepthemcarefully,ThenGodwillyoureward;
Butifyouotherwiseshoulddeal,Godwillyourdeedsregard.\"
Withlipsascoldasanystone,Theykissedtheirchildrensmall:
\"Godblessyouboth,mychildrendear!\"
Withthatthetearsdidfall.
ThesespeechesthentheirbrotherspakeTothissickcouplethere,——
\"Thekeepingofyourlittleones,Sweetsister,donotfear:
Godneverprospermenormine,NoraughtelsethatIhave,IfIdowrongyourchildrendear,Whenyouarelaidingrave!\"
Theparentsbeingdeadandgone,Thechildrenhomehetakes,Andbringsthemstraightuntohishouse,Wheremuchofthemhemakes.
HehadnotkepttheseprettybabesAtwelvemonthandaday,But,fortheirwealth,hediddeviseTomakethembothaway.
Hebargainedwithtworuffiansstrong,Whichwereoffuriousmood,Thattheyshouldtakethesechildrenyoung,Andslaytheminawood.
Hetoldhiswifeanartfultale,HewouldthechildrensendTobebroughtupinfairLond-on,Withonethatwashisfriend.
Awaythenwentthoseprettybabes,Rejoicingatthattide,Rejoicingwithamerrymind,Theyshouldoncock-horseride.
Theyprateandprattlepleasantly,Astheyrodeontheway,Tothosethatshouldtheirbutchersbe,Andworktheirlives\'decay:
Sothattheprettyspeechtheyhad,MadeMurder\'sheartrelent;
Andtheythatundertookthedeed,Fullsoredidnowrepent.
Yetoneofthemmorehardofheart,Didvowtodohischarge,Becausethewretchthathir-edhimHadpaidhimverylarge.
Theotherwon\'tagreethereto,Soheretheyfalltostrife;
Withoneanothertheydidfight,Aboutthechildren\'slife:
Andhethatwasofmildestmood,Didslaytheotherthere,Withinanunfrequentedwood;
Thebabesdidquakeforfear!
Hetookthechildrenbythehand,Tearsstandingintheireye,Andbadethemstraightwayfollowhim,Andlooktheydidnotcry:
Andtwolongmilesheledthemon,Whiletheyforfoodcomplain:
\"Stayhere,\"quothhe,\"I\'llbringyoubread,WhenIcomebackagain.\"
Theseprettybabes,withhandinhand,Wentwanderingupanddown;
ButnevermorecouldseethemanApproachingfromthetown:
Theirprettylipswithblack-berries,Wereallbesmearedanddyed;
Andwhentheysawthedarksomenight,Theysatthemdownandcried.
Thuswanderedthesepoorinnocents,Tilldeathdidendtheirgrief;
Inoneanother\'sarmstheydied,Aswantingduerelief:
NoburialthisprettypairOfanymanreceives,TillRobin-red-breastpiouslyDidcoverthemwithleaves.
AndnowtheheavywrathofGodUpontheirunclefell;
Yea,fearfulfiendsdidhaunthishouse,Hisconsciencefeltanhell:
Hisbarnswerefired,hisgoodsconsumed,Hislandswerebarrenmade,Hiscattlediedwithinthefield,Andnothingwithhimstaid.
AndinavoyagetoPortugalTwoofhissonsdiddie;
Andtoconclude,himselfwasbroughtTowantandmiser-y:
HepawnedandmortgagedallhislandEresevenyearscameabout;
AndnowatlengththiswickedactDidbythismeanscomeout:
ThefellowthatdidtakeinhandThesechildrenfortokill,Wasforarobberyjudgedtodie;
SuchwasGod\'sblessedwill;
Whodidconfesstheverytruth,Asherehathbeendisplayed:
Theirunclehavingdiedingaol,Wherehefordebtwaslaid.
Youthatexecutorsbemade,Andoverse-ersekeOfchildrenthatbefatherlessAndinfantsmildandmeek;
Takeyouexamplebythisthing,Andyieldtoeachhisright,LestGodwithsuchlikemiseryYourwickedmindsrequite.
THEBEGGAR\'SDAUGHTEROFBETHNALGREEN.
PARTTHEFIRST.
Itwasablindbeggar,hadlonglosthissight,Hehadafairdaughterofbeautymostbright;
Andmanyagallantbravesuitorhadshe,FornonewassocomelyasprettyBessee.
Andthoughshewastrulyoffavourmostfair,Yetseeingshewasbutapoorbeggar\'sheir,Ofancienthousekeepersdespis-edwasshe,WhosesonscameassuitorstoprettyBessee.
WhereforeingreatsorrowfairBessydidsay,\"Goodfather,andmother,letmegoawayToseekoutmyfortune,whateveritbe.\"
ThissuitthentheygrantedtoprettyBessee.
ThenBessy,thatwasofabeautysobright,Allcladingreyrusset,andlateinthenightFromfatherandmotheralonepartedshe;
Whosigh-edandsobb-edforprettyBessee.
ShewenttillshecameintoStratford-le-Bow;
Thenknewshenotwhither,norwhichwaytogo:
Withtearsshelamentedherharddestin-ie,SosadandsoheavywasprettyBessee.
Shekeptonherjourneyuntilitwasday,AndwentuntoRumfordalongthehighway;
WhereattheQueen\'sArmsentertain-edwasshe:
Sofairandwell-favouredwasprettyBessee.
Shehadnotbeenthereamonthtoanend,Butmasterandmistressandallwasherfriend:
Andeverybravegallant,thatoncedidhersee,WasstraightwayenamouredofprettyBessee.
Greatgiftstheydidsendherofsilverandgold,Andintheirsongsdailyherlovewasextolled;
Herbeautywasblaz-edineverydegree,SofairandsocomelywasprettyBessee.
TheyoungmenofRumfordinherhadtheirjoy;
Sheshowedherselfcourteous,andmodestlycoy,Andathercommand-ementstillwouldtheybe;
SofairandsocomelywasprettyBessee.
Foursuitorsatonceuntoherdidgo;
Theycrav-edherfavour,butstillshesaidno;
Iwouldnotwishgentlestomarrywithme;
Yetevertheyhonour-edprettyBessee.
Thefirstofthemwasagallantyoungknight,Andhecameuntoherdisguisedinthenight: