AboutthemiddleofthenightThecocksbegantocraw;
Andatthedeadhourofthenight,Thecorpsebegantothraw.
\"Oh,whahasdonetheewrang,sister,Ordaredthedeadlysin?
Whawassaestout,andfear\'dnaedout,Asthrowyeo\'erthelinn?\"
\"YoungBenjiewasthefirstaemanIlaidmyloveupon;
Hewassaestoutandproud-hearted,Hethrewmeo\'erthelinn.\"
\"ShallweyoungBenjiehead,sister?
ShallweyoungBenjiehang?
Orshallwepikeouthistwagrayeen,Andpunishhimerehegang?\"
\"YemaunnaBenjiehead,brothers,YemaunnaBenjiehang;
Butyemaunpikeouthistwagrayeen.
Andpunishhimerehegang.
\"Tieagreengravatroundhisneck,Andleadhimoutandin,AndthebestaeservantaboutyourhouseTowaityoungBenjieon.
\"Andayeateverysevenyears\'end,Ye\'lltakehimtothelinn;
Forthat\'sthepenancehemaundree,Toscughisdeadlysin.\"
Ballad:AuldMaitlandTherelivedakinginsouthernland,KingEdwardhighthisname;
Unwordilyheworethecrown,Tillfiftyyearsweregane.
Hehadasister\'ssono\'sain,Waslargeofbloodandbane;
Andafterward,whenhecameup,YoungEdwardhighthisname.
Onedayhecamebeforetheking,Andkneel\'dlowonhisknee:
\"Aboon,aboon,mygooduncle,Icravetoaskofthee!
\"Atourlangwars,infairScotland,Ifainha\'ewish\'dtobe,IffifteenhundredwaledwightmenYou\'llgranttoridewithme.\"
\"Thoushallha\'ethae,thoushallha\'emae;
Isayitsickerlie;
AndImyself,anauldgrayman,Array\'dyourhostshallsee.\"
KingEdwardrade,KingEdwardran-
Iwishhimdoolandpyne!
TillhehadfifteenhundredmenAssembledontheTyne.
AndthriceasmanyatBerwickeWereallforbattlebound,[Who,marchingforthwithfalseDunbar,Areadywelcomefound.]
TheylightedonthebanksofTweed,Andblewtheircoalssaehet,AndfiredtheMerseandTeviotdale,Allinaneveninglate.
Astheyfaredupo\'erLammermoor,Theyburn\'dbaithupanddown,Untiltheycametoadarksomehouse,SomecallitLeader-Town.
\"Whahaudsthishouse?\"youngEdwardcried,\"Orwhagi\'esto\'ertome?\"
Agray-hair\'dknightsetuphishead,Andcrackitrightcrousely:
\"OfScotland\'skingIhaudmyhouse;
Hepaysmemeatandfee;
AndIwillkeepmygudeauldhouse,Whilemyhousewillkeepme.\"
Theylaidtheirsowiestothewall,Withmonyaheavypeal;
Buthethrewo\'ertothemagenBaithpitchandtarbarrel.
Withspringalds,stanes,andgadsofairn,Amangthemfasthethrew;
TillmonyoftheEnglishmenAboutthewallheslew.
Fullfifteendaysthatbraidhostlay,SiegingAuldMaitlandkeen;
Synetheyha\'elefthim,hailandfeir,Withinhisstrengthofstane.
Thenfifteenbarks,allgailygood,Metthemuponaday,WhichtheydidladewithasmuchspoilAstheyyou\'dbearaway.
\"England\'sourainbyheritage;
Andwhatcanuswithstand,Nowweha\'econquer\'dfairScotland,Withbuckler,bow,andbrand?\"
ThentheyareontothelandofFrance,WhereauldkingEdwardlay,Burningbaithcastle,tower,andtown,Thathemetinhisway.
Untilhecameuntothattown,WhichsomecallBillop-Grace:
TherewereAuldMaitland\'ssons,allthree,Learningatschool,alas!
Theeldesttotheyoungestsaid,\"Oh,seeyewhatIsee?
Ifallbetrueyonstandardsays,We\'refatherlessallthree.
\"ForScotland\'sconquer\'dupanddown;
Landmenwe\'llneverbe!
Now,willyougo,mybrethrentwo,Andtrysomejeopardy?\"
Thentheyha\'esaddledtwablackhorse,Twablackhorseandagray;
AndtheyareontokingEdward\'shost,Beforethedawnofday.
Whentheyarrivedbeforethehost,Theyhover\'donthelay:
\"Wiltthoulendmeourking\'sstandard,Tobearalittleway?\"
\"Wherewastthoubred?wherewastthouborn?
Where,orinwhatcountrie?\"
\"InnorthofEnglandIwasborn;\"
Itneededhimtolee.
\"Aknightmegat,aladyebore,Iamasquireofhighrenown;
Iwellmaybear\'ttoanykingThateveryetworecrown.\"
\"Hene\'ercameofanEnglishman,Hadsicane\'eorbree;
ButthouartthelikestAuldMaitland,ThateverIdidsee.
\"Butsicagloomonaebrowhead,GrantIne\'erseeagain!
Formonyofourmenheslew,Andmonyputtopain.\"
WhenMaitlandheardhisfather\'sname,Anangrymanwashe;
Then,liftingupagiltdagger,Hunglowdownbyhisknee,Hestabb\'dtheknightthestandardbore,Hestabb\'dhimcruellie;
Thencaughtthestandardbytheneuk,Andfastawayrodehe.
\"Now,is\'tnatime,brothers,\"hecried,\"Now,is\'tnatimetoflee?\"
\"Ay,bymysooth!\"theybaithreplied,\"We\'llbearyoucompanye.\"
Theyoungestturn\'dhiminapath,Anddrewaburnish\'dbrand,Andfifteenoftheforemostslew,Tillbackthelavedidstand.
Hespurr\'dthegrayintothepath,Tillbaithhissidestheybled:
\"Gray!thoumauncarrymeaway,Ormylifeliesinwad!\"
Thecaptainlookito\'erthewall,Aboutthebreakofday;
TherehebeheldthethreeScotsladsPursuedalongtheway.
\"Pullupportcullize!downdraw-brig!
Mynephewsareathand;
Andtheyshalllodgewithmeto-night,InspiteofallEngland.\"
Whene\'ertheycamewithintheyate,Theythrusttheirhorsethemfrae,Andtookthreelangspearsintheirhands,Saying-\"Hereshallcomenaeme!\"
Andtheyshotout,andtheyshotin,Tillitwasfairlyday;
WhenmonyoftheEnglishmenAboutthedraw-briglay.
Thentheyha\'eyokedthecartsandwains,Toca\'theirdeadaway,Andshotaulddykesabunethelave,Ingutterswheretheylay.
Theking,athispaviliondoor,Washeardaloudtosay:
\"Lastnight,threeoftheladsofFranceMystandardstoleaway.
\"Withafausetale,disguisedtheycame,Andwithafausertrayne;
Andtoregainmygayestandard,Thesemenwherealldownslayne.\"
\"Itillbefits,\"theyoungestsaid,Acrownedkingtolee;
But,orthatItastemeatanddrink,Reprovedshallhebe.\"
HewentbeforekingEdwardstraight,Andkneel\'dlowonhisknee:
\"Iwou\'dha\'eleave,mylord,\"hesaid,\"Tospeakawordwiththee.\"
Thekingheturn\'dhimroundabout,Andwistnawhattosay:
Quo\'he,\"Man,thou\'sha\'eleavetospeak,Thoughthoushouldspeakallday.\"
\"YesaidthatthreeyoungladsofFranceYourstandardstoleaway,Withafausetaleandfausertrayne,Andmonymendidslay;
\"ButwearenanetheladsofFrance,Nore\'erpretendtobe:
WearethreeladsoffairScotland,-
AuldMaitland\'ssonsarewe.
\"NoristheremeninallyourhostDaurfightusthreetothree.\"
\"Now,bymysooth,\"youngEdwardsaid,\"Weelfittedyeshallbe!
\"Piercyshallwiththeeldestfight,AndEthertLunnwiththee;
WilliamofLancasterthethird,Andbringyourfourthtome!
\"Remember,Piercy,afttheScotHascower\'dbeneaththyhand;
ForeverydrapofMaitlandblood,I\'llgi\'earigofland.\"
HeclankedPiercyo\'ertheheadAdeepwoundandasair,TillthebestbloodofhisbodyCamerunningdownhishair.
\"Now,I\'veslayneane;slayyethetwa;
Andthat\'sgudecompanye;
Andifthetwashou\'dslayyebaith,Ye\'segetnaehelpfraeme.\"
ButEthertLunn,abaitedbear,Hadmanybattlesseen;
Hesettheyoungestwondersair,Tilltheeldesthegrewkeen.
\"Iamnaeking,nornaesicthing:
Myworditshannastand!
ForEthertshallabuffetbide,Comehebeneathmybrand.\"
HeclankitEtherto\'ertheheadAdeepwoundandasair,TillthebestbloodinhisbodyCamerunningo\'erhishair.
\"Now,I\'veslaynetwa;slayyetheane;
Isnathatgudecompanye?
Andthoughtheaneshou\'dslayyebaith.
Ye\'segetnaehelpofme.\"
Thetwa-sometheyha\'eslaynetheane,Theymaul\'dhimcruellie;
Thenhunghimoverthedraw-brig,Thatallthehostmightsee.
Theyradetheirhorse,theyrantheirhorse,Thenhover\'donthelee:
\"WebethreeladsoffairScotland,Thatfainwou\'dfightingsee.\"
ThisboastingwhenyoungEdwardheard,Anangrymanwashe:
\"I\'lltakeyonlad,I\'llbindyonlad,Andbringhimboundtothee!
\"Now,Godforbid,\"kingEdwardsaid,\"Thateverthoushou\'dtry!
Threeworthyleadersweha\'elost,Andthoutheforthwou\'dlie.
\"Ifthoushou\'dsthangonyondraw-brig,Blythewou\'dIneverbe.\"
But,withthepoll-axeinhishand,Uponthebrigsprangbe.
ThefirststrokethatyoungEdwardga\'e,Hestruckwithmightandmain;
HeclovetheMaitland\'shelmetstout,Andbitrightnighthebrain.
WhenMaitlandsawhisainbloodfall,Anangrymanwashe;
Helethisweaponfraehimfall,Andathisthroatdidflee.
Andthriceabouthedidhimswing,Tillonthegroundhelight,WherehehashaldenyoungEdward,Tho\'hewasgreatinmight.
\"Nowlethimup,\"kingEdwardcried,\"Andlethimcometome;
Andforthedeedthatthouhastdone,Thoushaltha\'eearldomesthree!\"
\"It\'sne\'erbesaidinFrance,nore\'erInScotland,whenI\'mhame,ThatEdwardoncelayunderme,Ande\'ergatupagain!\"
Hepiercedhimthroughandthroughtheheart,Hemaul\'dhimcruellie;
Thenhunghimo\'erthedraw-brig,Besidetheotherthree.
\"Nowtakefraemethatfeather-bed,Makemeabedofstrae!
IwishIhadnalivedthisday,Tomakemyheartsaewae.
\"IfIwereanceatLondonTow\'r,WhereIwaswonttobe,Inevermairshou\'dgangfraehame,Tillborneonabier-tree.\"
Ballad:TheBroomfieldHillTherewasaknightandladybrightSettrystsamothebroom,Theonetocomeatmorningeav,Theotheratafternoon.
\"I\'llwagerawagerwi\'you,\"hesaid,\"Anhundredmarksandten,ThatyeshallnotgotoBroomfieldHills,Returnamaidenagain.\"
\"I\'llwagerawagerwi\'you,\"shesaid,\"Ahundredpoundsandten,ThatIwillgangtoBroomfieldHills,Amaidenreturnagain.\"
Theladystandsinherbowerdoor,Andthusshemadehermane:
\"Oh,shallIgangtoBroomfieldHills,OrshallIstayathame?
\"IfIdogangtoBroomfieldHillsAmaidI\'llnotreturn;
ButifIstayfromBroomfieldHills,I\'llbeamaidmis-sworn.\"
Thenoutitspeaksanauldwitchwife,Satintheboweraboon:
\"OyeshallgangtoBroomfieldHills,Yeshallnotstayathame.
\"ButwhenyegangtoBroomfieldHills,Walkninetimesroundandround;
Downbelowabonnyburnbank,Ye\'llfindyourlovesleepingsound.
\"Ye\'llputhebloomfraeoffthebroom,Strew\'tathisheadandfeet,Andayethethickerthatyedostrew,Thesounderhewillsleep.
\"Thebroachthatisonyournapkin,Putitonhisbreastbane,Tolethimknow,whenhedoeswake,That\'struelove\'scomeandgane.
\"Theringsthatareonyourfingers,Laythemdownonastane,Tolethimknow,whenhedoeswake,That\'struelove\'scomeandgane.
\"Andwhenhehaeyourworkalldone,Ye\'llgangtoabusho\'broom,Andthenyou\'llhearwhathewillsay,Whenheseesyearegane.\"
WhenshecametoBroomfieldHills,Shewalkeditninetimesround,Anddownbelowyonburnbank,Shefoundhimsleepingsound.
Shepu\'dthebloomfraeoffthebroom,Strew\'ditat\'sheadandfeet,Andayethethickerthatshestrewd,Thesounderhedidsleep.
Thebroachthatwasonhernapkin,Sheputitonhisbreast-bane,Tolethimknow,whenhedidwake,Hislovewascomeandgane.
Theringsthatwereonherfingers,Shelaiduponastane,Tolethimknow,whenhedidwake,Hislovewascomeandgane.
Nowwhenshehadherworkalldune,Shewenttoabusho\'broom,Thatshemighthearwhathedidsay,Whenhesawthatshewasgane.
\"Owherewereyemyguidgreyhound,ThatIpaidforsaedear,YedidnawakenmefraemysleepWhenmytruelovewassaenear?\"
\"Iscrapedwi\'myfoot,master,Tilla\'mycollarsrang,ButstillthemairthatIdidscrape,Wakenwoudyenane.\"
\"Wherewereye,mybonybrownsteed,ThatIpaidforsaedear,Thatyewoudnawakenmeouto\'mysleepWhenmylovewassaenear?\"
\"Ipattedwimyfoot,master,Tilla\'mybridlesrang,ButthemairthatIdidpatt,Wakenwoudyenane.\"
\"Owherewereye,mygaygoss-hawkThatIpaidforsaedear,Thatyewoudnawakenmeouto\'mysleepWhenyesawmylovenear?\"
\"Iflappedwimywings,master,Tilla\'mbellstheyrang,Butstill,themairthatIdidflap,Wakenwoudyenane.\"
\"Owherewereye,mymerryyoungmenThatIpaymeatandfee,Thatyewoudnawakenmeouto\'mysleepWhenmyloveyedidsee?\"
\"Ye\'llsleepmaironthenight,master,Andwakemairontheday;
GaesoonerdowntoBroomfieldHillsWhenye\'vesicprankstoplay.
\"IfIhadseenanyarmedmenComeridingoverthehill-
ButIsawbutafairladyComequietlyyouuntil.\"
\"Owaematworthyow,myyoungmen,ThatIpaymeatandfee,ThatyewoudnawakenmefraesleepWhenyemylovedidsee?
\"OhadIwakedwhenshewasnigh,Andohergotmywill,IshoudnacareduponthemornThesmabirdsoherwerefill.\"
Whenshewentout,rightbittershewept,Butsingingcameshehame;
Says,\"IhaebeenatBroomfieldHills,Andmaidreturnedagain.\"
Ballad:Willie\'sLadyeWilliehasta\'enhimo\'erthefaem,He\'swooedawife,andbroughtherhame;
He\'swooedherforheryellowhair,Buthismotherwroughthermeiklecare;
Andmeikledolourgar\'dherdree,Forlightershecanneverbe;
Butinherbow\'rshesitswithpain,AndWilliemournso\'erherinvain.
Andtohismotherhehasgane,Thatvilerankwitch,ofvilestkind!
Hesays-\"Myladyhasacup,Withgowdandsilversetabout;
Thisgudelygiftshallbeyourain,Andletherbelighterofherbairn.\"
\"Ofherbairnshe\'sneverbelighter,Norinherbow\'rtoshinethebrighterButsheshalldie,andturntoclay,Andyoushallwedanothermay.\"
\"AnothermayI\'llneverwed,AnothermayI\'llneverbringhame.\"
But,sighing,saidthatwearywight-
\"Iwishmylifewereatanend.\"
\"Yetgaeyetoyourmotheragain,Thatvilerankwitch,ofvilestkindAndsay,yourladyehasasteed,Thelikeofhim\'snointhelandofLeed.
\"Forheissilvershodbefore,Andheisgowdenshodbehind;
AteverytuftofthathorsemaneThere\'sagoldenchess,andabelltoring.
Thisgudelygiftshallbeherain,Andletmebelighterofmybairn.\"
\"Ofheryoungbairnshe\'sne\'erbelighter,Norinherbow\'rtoshinethebrighter;
Butsheshalldie,andturntoclay,Andyeshallwedanothermay.\"
\"AnothermayI\'llneverwed,AnothermayI\'llneverbringhame.\"
But,sighing,saidthatwearywight-
Iwishmylifewereatanend!\"
\"Yetgaeyetoyourmotheragain,Thatvilerankwitch,ofrankestkind!
Andsay,yourladyehasagirdle,It\'sallredgowdtothemiddle;
\"Andaye,atilkasillerhem,Hangfiftysillerbellsandten;
Thisgudelygiftshallbeherain,Andletmebelighterofmybairn.\"
\"Ofheryoungbairnshe\'sne\'erbelighter,Norinyourbow\'rtoshinethebrighter;
Forsheshalldie,andturntoclay,Andthoushallwedanothermay.\"
\"AnothermayI\'llneverwed,AnothermayI\'llneverbringhame.\"
But,sighing,saidthatwearywight-
\"Iwishmydayswereatanend!\"
ThenoutandspaktheBillyBlind,Hespakayeingoodtime[hismind]:-
\"Yetgaeyetothemarketplace,Andtheredobuyaloafofwace;
Doshapeitbairnandbairnlylike,Andinittwoglasseneenyou\'llput.
\"Oh,whahasloosedtheninewitch-knotsThatwereamangthatladye\'slocks?
Andwha\'sta\'enoutthekamesofcare,Thatwereamangthatladye\'shair?
\"Andwhahasta\'endownthatbushofwoodbineThathungbetweenherbow\'randmine?
Andwhahaskill\'dthemasterkidThatranbeneaththatladye\'sbed?
Andwhahasloosedherleftfootshee,Andletthatladyelighterbe?\"
Syne,Willie\'sloosedtheninewitch-knotsThatwereamangthatladye\'slocks;
AndWillie\'sta\'enoutthekamesofcareThatwereintothatladye\'shair;
Andhe\'sta\'endownthebushofwoodbine,Hungatweenherbow\'randthewitchcarline.
AndhehaskilledthemasterkidThatranbeneaththatladye\'sbed;
Andhehasloosedherleftfootshee,Andlattenthatladyelighterbe;
Andnowhehasgottenabonnieson,Andmeiklegracebehimupon.
Ballad:RobinHoodAndTheMonkInsomerwhentheshawesbesheyne,Andlevesbelargeandlonge,HitisfullmeryinfeyreforesteToherethefoulyssong.
Tosethederedrawtothedale,Andlevethehilleshee,Andshadowheminthelevesgrene,Vndurthegrene-wodetre.
HitbefellonWhitsontide,Erlyinamaymornyng,Thesonvpfayrecanshyne,Andthebriddismerycansyng.
\"Thisisamerymornyng,\"seidLitulleJohne,\"Behymthatdyedontre;
AmoremerymanthanIamoneLyvesnotinCristiante.\"
\"Plukvpthihert,myderemayster,\"
LitulleJohnecansey,\"AndthynkhitisafullefayretymeInamornyngeofmay.\"
\"Zeonthyngegrevesme,\"seidRobyne,\"Anddoesmyhertmychwoo,ThatImaynotsosolemdayTomasnormatynsgoo.
\"Hitisafourtnetandmore,\"seydhee,\"SynImySauyoursee;
TodaywillItoNotyngham,\"seidRobyn,\"WiththemyghtofmyldeMary.\"
ThenspakeMochethemylnersune,Euermorewelhymbetyde,\"TakexiithiwyghtzemenWellweppyndbetheiside.
SuchonwoldethiselfeslonThatxiidarnotabyde.\"
\"Offallemymerymen,\"seidRobyne,\"BemyfeitheIwilnonhaue;
ButLitulleJohneshallbeyremybowTilthatmelisttodrawe.\"
*****
\"Thoushallebeyrethinown,\"seidLitulleJon,\"Maister,andIwilbeyremyne,Andwewillesheteapeny,\"seidLitulleJon,\"Vnderthegrenewodelyne.\"
\"Iwilnotsheteapeny,\"seydeRobynHode,\"Infeith,LitulleJohne,withthee,Buteuerforonasthoushetes,\"seidRobyn,\"InfeithIholdethethre.\"
Thusshettheiforthe,thesezementoo,Botheatbuskeandbrome,TilLitulleJohnewanofhismaisterVs.tohoseandshone.
Aferlystrifefelthembetwene,Astheywentbitheway;
LitullJohneseidhehadwonvshyllyngs,AndRobynHodeseidschortlynay.
WiththatRobynHodelyedLitulJone,Andsmotehimwithhishonde;
LitulJohnwaxedwroththerwith,Andpulledouthisbrightbronde.
\"Werethounotmymaister,\"seidLitulleJohne,\"Thoushuldisbyhitfulsore;
Gettheamanwherethouwilt,Robyn,Forthougetesmenomore.\"
ThenRobyngoestoNotyngham,Hymselfemornyngeallone,AndLitulleJohnetomeryScherewode,Thepathesheknowealkone.
WhanRobyncametoNotyngham,Sertenlywithoutenelayne,HeprayedtoGodandmyldMaryTobryngehymoutsaueagayne.
HegosintoseyntMarychirche,Andknelyddownebeforetherode;
AllethateuerwerethechurchewithinBeheldwelRobyneHode.
Besidehymstodeagret-hedidmunke,IpraytoGodwoohebe;
FullsoneheknewgodeRobynAssoneashehymse.
OutatthedurreheranFulsoneandanon;
AllethezatisofNotynghamHemadetobesparredeuerychone.
\"Risevp,\"heseid,\"thouprowdeschereff,Busketheandmakethebowne;
Ihauespyedthekyngesfelone,Forsotheheisinthistowne.
\"Ihauespyedthefalsefelone,Ashestondesathismasse;
Hitislongeofthe,\"seidethemunke,\"Andeuerhefrovspasse.
\"Thistraytur[s]nameisRobynHode;
Vnderthegrenewodelynde,HerobbytmeonysofaCpound,Hitshalleneueroutofmymynde.\"
Vpthenrosethisprowdschereff,Andzadetowardehymzare;
ManywasthemodursonTothekyrkwithhimcanfare.
InatthedurrestheithrolythrastWithstavesfulgodeilkone,\"Alas,alas,\"seidRobinHode,\"NowmysseILitulleJohne.\"
ButRobynetokeoutatoo-hondswordeThathangitdownbehiskne;
Therastheschereffandhismenstodethyckust,Thidurwardwoldhe.
Thryesthorowatthemheran,ThenforsotheasIyowsay,Andwoundytmanyamodursone,Andxiiheslewthatday.
HysswordevpontheschireffhedSertanlyhebrakeintoo;
\"Thesmyththatthemade,\"seidRobyn,\"IprayGodwyrkehimwoo.
\"FornowamIweppynlesse,\"seidRobyne,\"Alasse,agaynmywylle;
ButifImayflethesetraytorsfro,Iwottheiwilmekylle.\"
RobynsmentothechurcheranThroouthemeuerilkon;
Sumfelinswonyngastheiweredede,Andlaystillasanystone.
*****
NonoftheymwereinhermyndeButonlyLitulleJon.
\"Letbeyourdule,\"seidLitulleJon,\"Forhislufthatdyedontre;
Zethatshuldebeduztymen,Hitisgretshametose.
\"Ouremaisterhasbenehardbystode,Andzetscapydaway;
Plukupyourhertesandlevethismone,AndherkynwhatIshalsay.
\"Hehasseruydourladymanyaday,Andzetwilsecurly;
ThereforeItrustinherspecialyNowyckeddethshalhedye.
\"Therforbeglad,\"seidLitulJohne,\"Andletthismournyngbe,AndIshallbethemunkesgyde,WiththemyghtofmyldeMary.
\"AndImetehym,\"seidLitullJohne,\"Wewillgobutwetoo*****
\"LokethatzekepewelourtristiltreVnderthelevyssmale,AndsparenonofthisvenysonThatgoseinthysvale.\"
Forthetheiwentthesezementoo,LitulJohneandMocheonfere,AndlokidonMocheemyshowsThehyewaylayfullenere.
LitulJohnstodeatawindowinthemornynge,Andlokidforthatastage;
Hewaswarwherthemunkecameridynge,Andwithhimalitulpage.
\"Bemyfeith,\"saidLitulJohnetoMoche,\"Icantheteltithyngusgode;
Isewherthemunkcomysrydyng,Iknowhymbehiswydehode.\"
TheiwentintothewaythesezemenbotheAscurtesmenandhende,Theispyrredtithyngusatthemunke,Astheihadebenehisfrende.
\"Frowhenscomeze,\"seidLitulJohne,\"Telvstithyngus,Iyowpray,Offafalseowtlay[calledRobynHode],Wastakynzisturday.
\"HerobbytmeandmyfelowesbotheOfxxmarkeinserten;
Ifthatfalseowtlaybetakyn,Forsothewewoldebefayne.\"
\"Sodidheme,\"seidthemunke,\"OfaCpoundandmore;
Ilaydefursthandehymapon,Zemaythonkemetherefore.\"
\"IprayGodthankeyow,\"seidLitulleJohne,\"Andwewilwhenwemay;
Wewilgowithyow,withyourleve,Andbryngeyowonyourway.
\"ForRobynHodehasemanyawildefelow,Itelleyowincerten;
Iftheiwistzerodethisway,Infeithzeshuldebeslayn.\"
Astheiwenttalkyngbetheway,ThemunkeanLitulleJohne,JohnetokethemunkeshorsebethehedeFulsoneandanone.
Johnetokethemunkeshorsebethehed,ForsotheasIyowsay,SodidMuchethelitullepage,Forheshuldenotstirreaway.
BethegolettofthehodeJohnepulledthemunkedowne;
Johnewasnothyngeofhymagast,Heletehymfalleonhiscrowne.
LitulleJohnewassoreagrevyd,Anddrewouthisswerdeinhye;
Themunkesawheshuldebeded,Lowdmercycanhecrye.
\"Hewasmymaister,\"saidLitulleJohne,\"Thatthouhasebrowztinbale;
ShallethouneuercumatourkyngeFortotellehymtale.\"
Johnsmoteofthemunkeshed,Nolongerwoldehedwelle;
SodidMochethelitullepage,Forferdlesthewoldtell.
ThertheiberyedhembothInnouthermossenorlynge,AndLitulleJohneandMucheinfereBaretheletturstoourekyng.
*****
Hekneleddownvpon-hiskne,\"Godzowsane,mylegelorde,Jesusyowsaueandse.
\"Godyowsaue,mylegekyng,\"
TospekeJohnewasfullebolde;
Hegafhymtbelettursinhishond,Thekyngdidhitunfold.
Thekyngredthelettursanon,Andseid,\"sometIthe,TherwasneuerzomaninmeryInglondIlongutsosoretosee.
\"Wheristhemunkethattheseshuldhauebrowzt?\"
Ourekyngegansay;
\"Bemytrouthe,\"seidLitullJone,\"Hedyedafturtheway.\"
ThekynggafMocheandLitulJonxxpoundinsertan,Andmadetheimzemenofthecrowne,Andbadetheimgoagayn.
HegafJohnetheseelinhand,Theschereffortobere,TobryngeRobynhymto,Andnomandohymdere.
Johnetokehisleveatcurekyng,ThesotheasIyowsay;
ThenextwaytoNotynghamTotakehezedetheway.
WhenJohnecametoNotynghamThezatisweresparredychone;
Johnecallidvptheporter,Heansweridsoneanon.
\"Whatisthecause,\"seidLitulJohn,\"Thousparristhezatessofast?\"
\"BecauseofRobynHode,\"seid[the]porter,\"Indepeprisoniscast.
\"Johne,andMoche,andWylleScathlok,ForsotheasIyowsay,Thirslewouremenvponourewallis,Andsawtenevseueryday.\"
LitulleJohnespyrredafturtheschereff,Andsonehehymfonde;
Heoppynedthekynguspriveseelle,Andgafhyninhishonde.
Whentheschereftsawthekyngusseelle,Hedidofhishodeanon;
\"Wheristhemunkethatbaretheletturs?\"
HesaidtoLitulleJohne.
\"Heissofaynofhym,\"seidLitulleJohne,\"ForsotheasIyowsey,HehasmadehymabotofWestmynster,Alordeofthatabbay.\"
ThescherefmadeJohngodechere,Andgafhymwineofthebest;
Atnyzttheiwenttoherbedde,Andeuerymantohisrest.
Whenthescherefwason-slepeDronkenofwineandale,LitulJohneandMocheforsotheTokethewayvntothejale.
LitulJohnecallidvpthejayler,Andbadehimryseanon;
HeseidRobynHodehadbrokynpreson,Andoutofhitwasgon.
Theportereroseanonsertan,AssoneasheherdJohncalle;
LitulJohnewasredywithaswerd,Andbarehymtothewalle.
\"NowwillIbeporter,\"seidLitulJohne,\"Andtakethekeyesinhonde;\"
HetokethewaytoRobynHode,Andsonehehymvnbonde.
Hegafhymagodeswerdinhishond,Hishedwithfortokepe,AndtherasthewallewaslowystAnondowncantheilepe.
Bethatthecokbegantocrow,Thedaybegantosprynge,Theschereffondthejaylierded,Thecomynbellemadeherynge.
Hemadeacryethoroowtalthetow[n],Whedurhebezomanorknave,ThatcowthebryngehyrnRobynHode,Hiswarisoneheshuldhaue.
\"ForIdarneuer,\"saidthescheref,\"Cumbeforeourekynge,ForifIdo,Iwotserten,Forsothehewilmehenge.\"
ThescherefmadetosekeNotyngham,Bothebestreteandstye,AndRobynwasinmeryScherwodeAsliztaslefonlynde.
ThenbespakegodeLitulleJohne,ToRobynHodecanhesay,\"Ihauedonetheagodeturneforaneuylle,Quytemewhanthoumay.
\"Ihauedonetheagodeturne,\"saidLitulleJohne,\"ForsotheasIyousaie;
Ihauebrouztthevndergrenewodelyne;
Farewel,andhauegodeday.\"
\"Nay,bemytrouthe,\"seidRobynHode,\"Soshallehitneuerbe;
Imakethemaister,\"seidRobynHode,\"Offallemymenandme.\"
\"Nay,bemytrouthe,\"seidLitulleJohne,\"Soshallhitneuerbe,Butlatmebeafelow,\"seidLitulleJohne,\"NonodurkepeI\'llbe.\"
ThusJohnegateRobynHodeoutofprisone,Sertanwithoutynlayne;
Whenhismensawhymholandsounde,Forsothetheywerefulfayne.
Theyfilledinwyne,andmadehimglad,Vnderthelevyssmale,Andzetepastesofvenysone,Thatgodewaswithale.
Thanwordecametoourekynge,HowRobynHodewasgone,AndhowthescherefofNotynghamDurstneuerlokehymevpone.
Thenbespakeourecumlykynge,Inanangurhye,\"LitulleJohnehasebegyledtheschereff,Infaithsohaseheme.
\"LitulleJohnehasbegyledvsbothe,AndthatfullewelIse,OrellistheschereffofNotynghamHyehongutshuldhebe.
\"Imadehemzemenofthecrowne,Andgafhemfeewithmyhond,Igafhemgrithe,\"seidourekyng,\"ThorowoutallemeryInglond.
\"Igafhemgrithe,\"thenseideourekyng,\"Isay,somotIthe,ForsothesocheazemanasheisonInalleInglandarnotthre.
\"Heistrewtohismaister,\"seideourekynge,\"Isay,besweteseyntJohne;
HelouysbetturRobynHode,Thenhedosevsychone.
\"RobyneHodeiseuerbondtohim,Botheinstreteandstalle;
Spekenomoreofthismatter,\"seidourekynge,\"ButJohnhasbegyledvsalle.\"
ThusendysthetalkyngofthemunkeAndRobyneHodei-wysse;
God,thatiseueracrownedkyng,Bryngvsalletohisblisse.
Ballad:RobinHoodAndThePotterInschomer,whenthelevesspryng,Thebloschemsoneverybowe,SomereydoyttheberdyssyngYnwodysmereynow.
Herkens,godyemen,Comley,corteysse,andgod,Onofthebestthatyeverbarbou,HesnamewasRobenHode.
RobenHoodwastheyemansname,Thatwasboytcorteysandfre;
Fortheloffeofowrladey,Allwemenwerschephe.
Botasthegodyemenstodonaday,Amonghesmerymaney,Hewaswarofaprowdpotter,Camdryfyngowyrtheley.
\"Yondercometaprodpotter,\"seydeRoben,\"Thatlonghaythantydthiswey;
HewasneversocorteysamanOnpeneyofpawagetopay.\"
\"YmethembotatWentbreg,\"seydeLytyllJohn,\"Andtherforyeffellmothethe,Sechethrestrokeshemegafe,Yettheycleffebymyseydys.
\"Yleyfortyshillings,\"seydeLytyllJohn,\"Topayhetthessameday,TherysnatamanarnonghusallAwedschallmakehemley.\"
\"Herysfortyshillings,\"seydeRoben,\"Mor,andthowdarsay,Thatyschallmakethatprowdepotter,Awedtomeschallheley.\"
Therthesmoneytheyleyde,Theytokebotayemantokepe;
Robenbeforthepotterhebreyde,Andbadhemstondstell.
Handysaponheshorseheleyde,Andbadthepotterstondefollstell;
Thepotterschorteleytohemseyde,\"Felow,whatystheywell?\"
\"Allthesthreyer,andmor,potter,\"heseyde,\"Thowhasthantydtheswey,YetwertowneversocortysamanOnepeneyofpauagetopay.\"
\"Whatystheyname,\"seydethepotter,\"Forpauagethowaskofme?\"
\"RobenHodysmeyname,Awedschallthowleffeme.\"
\"Wellwellynonleffe,\"seydethepotter,\"Norpavagwellynonpay;
Awaytheyhondefromeyhorse,Ywelltheteneeyls,bemefay.\"
Thepottertohescarthewent,Hewasnottoseke;
Agodto-handestaffetherowthehent,BeforRobenhelepe.
Robenhowtwithaswerdbent,Abokelerenheshonde[therto];
ThepottertoRobenhewent,Andseyde,\"Felow,letmeyhorsego.\"
Togederthenwentthestwoyemen,Hetwasagodseyttose;
TheroflowRobynhesmen,Thertheystodonderatre.
LeytellJohntohesfelowhesseyde,\"Yendpotterwellesteffeleystonde:\"
Thepotter,withanacwardstroke,Smotthebokelerowtofheshonde;
AndarRobenmeytgethemagenHesbokelerathesfette,Thepotterynthenekehemtoke,Tothegrondesoneheyede.
ThatsawRobenhesmen,Astheystodeenderabow;
\"Letushelpeowrmaster,\"seyedLytellJohn,\"Yonderpotterelswellhemsclo.\"
Thesyemenwentwithabreyde,Tothermastertheycam.
LeytellJohntohesmasterseyde,\"Hehaetthewagerwon?
\"Schallyhaffyowrfortyshillings,\"seydeLytelJohn,\"Orye,master,schallhaffemyne?\"
\"Yefftheywerahundred,\"seydeRoben,\"Yfeythe,theybenalltheyne.\"
\"Hetysfolleytellcortesey,\"seydethepotter,\"Asyhaffehardeweysemensaye,Yeffaporyemancomdrywyngowerthewey,Tolethemofhesgorney.\"
\"Bemeytrowet,thowseyssoyt,\"seydeRoben,\"Thowseysgodyemenrey;
Andthowdreyffefortheyeveryday,Thowschaltneverbeletforme.
\"Ywellpreythe,godpotter,Afelischepewellthowhaffe?
Geffemetheyclothyng,andthowschalthafemyne;
YwellgotoNotynggam.\"
\"Ygranttherto,\"seydethepotter,\"Thowschaltfeyndemeafelowgode;
Butthowcansellmeypotteswell,Comeayenasthowyode.\"
\"Nay,bemeytrowt,\"seydeRoben,\"AndthenybescromeyhedeYeffeybryngeneypottesayen,Andeneyweyffewellhemchepe.\"
ThanspakeLeytellJohn,Andallhesfelowhesheynd,\"Master,bewellwarofthescreffeofNotynggam,Forheysleytellhowrfrende.\"
\"Heytwarhowte,\"seydeRoben,\"Felowhes,letmealone;
Thorowthehelpeofhowrladey,ToNotynggamwellygon.\"
RobynwenttoNotynggam,Thespottesfortosell;
ThepotterabodewithRobensmen,Therheferednoteylle.
ThoRobendroffeonheswey,Somereyowerthelonde:
Heresmorandaffterystosaye,Thebestysbeheynde.
[THESECONDFIT.]
WhenRobencamtoNetynggam,Thesoytyefyscholdesaye,Hesetopheshorseanon,Andgaffehemhotysandhaye.
Ynthemedysofthetowne,Therheschowedheswar;
\"Pottys!pottys!\"hegancreyfollsone,\"Haffehansellforthemar.\"
FolleffenagenestthescreffeysgateSchowedheheschaffar;
Weyffesandwedowesabowthemdrow,Andchepydfastofheswar.
Yet,\"Pottys,gretchepe!\"creyedRobyn,\"Yloffeyeffellthestostonde;\"
Andallthatsawhemsell,Seydehehadbenopotterlong.
Thepottysthatwerwerthepensfeyffe,Hesoldthamforpensthre;
Preveleyseydemanandweyffe,\"Ywnderpotterschallneverthe.\"
ThosRobensoldefollfast,Tellhehadpottysbotfeyffe;
Onhehemtokeofhiscar,Andsendehemtothescreffeysweyffe.
Therofschewasfollfayne,\"Gramarsey,sir,\"thanseydesche;
\"Whenyecomtothescontreayen,Yschallbeyoftheypottys,somotythe.\"
\"Yeschallhaffeofthebest,\"seydeRoben,Andswarbethetreneyte;
Follcorteysleysheganhemcall,\"Comdeynewiththescrefeandme.\"
\"Godamarsey,\"seydeRoben,\"Yowrbedyngschallebedoyn;\"
Amaydenynthepottysganber,Robenandthescreffeweyffefolowedanon.
WhanRobenyntothehallcam,Thescreffesonehemet;
Thepottercowedofcorteysey,Andsonethescreffehegret.
\"Lokethwhatthespotterhaytgeffeyowandme;
Feyffepottyssmalleandgrete!\"
\"Heysfolwellcom,seydthescreffe,\"Letoswas,andgotomete.\"
Astheysatathermethe,Withanobellcher,TwoofthescreffesmenganspekeOffagretwager,Wasmadethethotherdaye,Offaschotyngwasgodandfeyne,Offfortyshillings,thesoyttosaye,Whoscholdetheswagerwen.
Styllthansatthesprowdepo,Thosthanthowthe;
\"AsyamatrowCerstynman,Thesschotyngwellyse.\"
Whantheyhadfaredofthebest,Withbredandaleandweyne,Tothebottystheymadethemprest,Withbowesandboltysfullfeyne.
Thescreffesmenschotfollfast,Asarcharesthatwerengodde;
ThercamnonnerneythemarkeBeyhalfeagodarcharesbowe.
Stellthenstodtheprowdepotter,Thosthanseydehe;
\"Andyhadabow,betherode,Onschotscholdeyowse.\"
\"Thowschallhaffeabow,\"seydethescreffe,\"Thebestthatthowwellcheysofthre;
Thousemystastalwardandastronge,Asayschallthowbe.\"
ThescreffecommandydayemanthatstodhembeyAffterbowhestowende;
ThebestbowthattheyemanbrowtheRobensetonastryng.
\"Nowschallywetandthowbegod,Andpollehetoptotheyner;\"
\"Sogodmehelpe,\"seydetheprowdepotter,\"Thysysbotrygztwekeger.\"
ToaquequerRobenwent,Agodboltowthehetoke;
Soneyontothemarkehewent,Hefaylednotafothe.
Alltheyschotabowtheagen,Thescreffesmenandhe;
Offthemarkeheweldenotfayle,Hecleffedtheprekeonthre.
Thescreffesmenthowtgretschame,Thepotterthemastrywan;
Thescreffeloweandmadegodgame,Andseyde,\"Potter,thowartaman;
Thowartwortheytoberabowe,Ynwhatplasthatthowgang.\"
\"Ynmeycartyhaffeabowe,Forsoyt,\"heseyde,\"andthatagodde;
YnmeycartysthebowThatIhadofRobynHode.\"
\"KnowestthowRobynHode?\"seydethescreffe,\"Potter,ypreythetellthoume;\"
\"Ahundredtorneyhaffeschotwithhem,Underhestortylltree.\"
\"Yhadlevernarahundredponde,\"seydethescreffe,Andswarbethetrenite,[\"Yhadlevernarahundredponde,\"heseyde,]
\"Thatthefalsowtelawestodbeme.
\"Andyewelldoafftyrmeyred,\"seydethepotter,\"Andboldeleygowithme,Andtomorow,orwehetbred,RobenHodewelwese.\"
\"Ywellqueytthe,\"kodthescreffe,Andswerbegodofmeythe;
Schetyngthayleft,andhomtheywent,Herscoperwasredeydeythe.
Uponthemorow,whenhetwasday,Heboskydhemforthetoreyde;
Thepotterhescartefortheganray,Andwoldenot[be]leffebeheynde.
Hetokeleffeofthescreffyswyffe,Andthankydherofallthyng:
\"Dam,formeyloffe,andyewellthyswer,Ygeffeyowheragolderyng.\"
\"Gramarsey,\"seydetheweyffe,\"Sir,godeyldehetthe;\"
Thescreffeshartwasneversoleythe,Thefeyrforesttose.