第2章
Theypress-edprestlyintothehall,Ofnomanhadtheydread;
Theportercameafter,anddidthemcall,Andwiththemgantochide.
Theushersaid:"Yeomen,whatwouldyehave?
Iprayyoutelltome;
Youmightthusmakeofficersshent,Goodsirs,ofwhencebeye?"
"Sir,webeoutlawsofthefor-est,Certainwithoutanylease,AndhitherwebecometoourKing,Togetusacharterofpeace."——
AndwhentheycamebeforetheKing,Asitwasthelawoftheland,Theykneel-eddownwithoutlett-ing,Andeachhelduphishand.
Theysaid:"Lord,webeseechtheehere,Thatyewillgrantusgrace:
ForwehaveslainyourfatfallowdeerInmanyasundryplace."——
"Whatbeyournames?"thensaidourKing,"Anonthatyoutellme."
Theysaid:"AdamBell,ClymoftheClough,AndWilliamofCloudeslie."——
"Beyethosethieves,"thensaidourKing,"Thatmenhavetoldoftome?
HeretoGodImakeavoweYeshallbehangedallthree!
"Yeshallbedeadwithoutmerc-y,AsIamKingofthisland."
HecommandedhisofficerseveryoneFastonthemtolayhand.
Theretheytookthesegoodyeomen;
Andarrestedthemallthree.
"SomayIthrive,"saidAdamBell,"Thisgamelikethnotme.
"But,goodlord,webeseechyounow,Thatyewillgrantusgrace,Insomuchaswebetoyoucomen;
OrelsethatwemayfroyoupaceWithsuchweaponsaswehavehere,Tillwebeoutofyourplace;
Andifwelivethishundredyear,Ofyouwewillasknograce."——
"Yespeakproudly,"saidtheKing;
"Yeshallbehangedallthree."
"Thatweregreatpity,"thensaidtheQueen,"Ifanygracemightbe.
Mylord,whenIcamefirstintothisland,Tobeyourweddedwife,YesaidthefirstboonthatIwouldask,Yewouldgrantitmebelife.
"AndIaskednevernonetillnow:
Therefore,goodlord,grantitme."
"Nowaskit,madam,"saidtheKing,"Andgrantedshallitbe."——
"Then,goodmylord,Iyoubeseech,Theseyeomengrantyeme."——
"Madam,yemighthaveaskedaboon,Thatshouldhavebeenworththemallthree:
"Yemighthaveask-edtowersandtowns,Parksandfor-estsplent-y."——
"Nonesopleasanttomypay,"shesaid,"Nornonesolieftome."——
"Madam,sithitisyourdesire,Youraskinggrantedshallbe;
ButIhadlieverhavegivenyouGoodmarkettown-esthree."
TheQueenshewasagladwom-an,Andsaid:"Lord,gramerc-y,IdarewellundertakeforthemThattruemenshalltheybe.
But,goodlord,speaksomemerryword,Thatcomforttheymaysee."——
"Igrantyougrace,"thensaidourKing;
"Wash,fellows,andtomeatgoye."
Theyhadnotsittenbutawhile,Certain,withoutleas-ing,Therecametwomessengersoutofthenorth,WithletterstoourKing.
AndwhentheycamebeforetheKing,Theykneeleddownupontheirknee,Andsaid:"Lord,yourofficersgreetyouwellOfCarlisleinthenorthcountree."——
"HowfarethmyJustice?"saidtheKing,"AndmySheriffalso?"——
"Sir,theybeslain,withoutleas-ing,Andmanyanofficermo."——
"Whohaththemslain?"thensaidtheKing,"Anonthoutell-eme."——
"AdamBell,andClymoftheClough,AndWilliamofCloudeslie."——
"Alas,forruth!"thensaidourKing,"Myheartiswondroussore;
IhadlieverthanathousandpoundIhadknownofthisbefore;
ForIhavey-grantedthemgrace,Andthatforthinkethme:
ButhadIknownallthisbefore,Theyhadbeenhangedallthree."——
TheKingheopenedtheletteranon,Himselfhereadittho,AndfoundhowthesethreeoutlawshadslainThreehundredmenandmo;
FirsttheJusticeandtheSheriff,AndtheMayorofCarlisletown,Ofalltheconst-ablesandcatchipollsAlivewereleftbutone;
Thebailiffsandthebedelsboth,Andtheserjeantsofthelaw,Andfortyfostersofthefee,Theseoutlawshavetheyslaw;
Andbrokenhisparks,andslainhisdeer,Overalltheychosethebest,Soperilousoutlawsastheywere,Walkednotbyeastnorwest.
WhentheKingthisletterhadread,Inhishearthesigh-edsore:
"Takeupthetable,"anonhebade:
"ForImayeatnomore."
TheKingcalledhisbestarchersTothebuttswithhimtogo;
"Iwillseethesefellowsshoot,"hesaid,"Thatinthenorthhavewroughtthiswoe."
TheKing-esbowmenbuskthemblive,AndtheQueen"sarchersalso,Sodidthesethreewightyeomen;
Withthemtheythoughttogo.
Theretwiceorthricetheyshotabout,Fortoassaytheirhand;
Therewasnoshottheseyeomenshot,Thatanyprickmightthemstand.
ThenspakeWilliamofCloudeslie:
"ByHimthatformedied,Iholdhimnevernogoodarcher,Thatshootethatbuttssowide."——
"Whereat,then?"saidourKing,"Ipraytheetelltome."——
"Atsuchabutt,sir,"hesaid,"Asmenuseinmycountree."——
Williamwentintothefield,Andhistwobrotherswithhim,Theretheysetuptwohazelrods,Twentyscorepacesbetween.
"Iholdhimanarcher,"saidCloudeslie,"Thatyonderwandcleavethintwo."——
"Hereisnonesuch,"saidtheKing,"Fornomanthatcansodo."
"Ishallassay,sir,"saidCloudeslie,"ErethatIfarthergo."
CloudesliewithabearingarrowClavethewandintwo.
"Thouartthebestarcher,"saidtheKing,"ForsooththateverIsee."——
"Andyetforyourlove,"saidWilliam,"Iwilldomoremastrie.
"Ihaveasonissevenyearold;
Heistomefulldear;
Iwilltiehimtoastake,Allshallseehimthatbehere,Andlayanappleuponhishead,Andgosixscorepaceshimfro,AndImyselfwithabroadarrowShallcleavetheappleintwo."——
"Nowhastethee,then,"saidtheKing,"Byhimthatdiedonatree,Butifthoudonotasthouhastsaid,Hang-edshaltthoube.
Anthoutouchhisheadorgown,Insightthatmenmaysee,Byallthesaintsthatbeinheaven,Ishallyouhangallthree."——
"ThatIhavepromised,"saidWilliam,"ThatIwillneverforsake;"
Andthereeven,beforetheKing,Intheearthhedroveastake,Andboundtheretohiseldestson,Andbadehimstandstillthereat,Andturn-edthechild"sfacehimfro,Becauseheshouldnotstart.
Anappleuponhisheadheset,Andthenhisbowhebent,Sixscorepacestheywereoutmet,AndthitherCloudesliewent;
Therehedrewoutafairbroadarrow;
Hisbowwasgreatandlong;
Hesetthatarrowinhisbow,Thatwasbothstiffandstrong.
Heprayedthepeoplethatwasthere,Thattheywouldstillstand:
Forhethatshootethforsuchawag-erHathneedofasteadyhand.
MuchpeopleprayedforCloudeslie,Thathislifesavedmightbe;
Andwhenhemadehimreadytoshoot,Therewasmanyaweepingee.
ThusCloudeslieclefttheappleintwo,Asmanyamanmightsee.
"NowGodforbid,"thensaidtheKing,"Thateverthoushootatme!
Igivetheeeighteenpenceaday,Andmybowshaltthoubear,AndoverallthenorthcountreeImaketheechiefrid-er."——
"AndIgivetheeseventeenpenceaday,"saidtheQueen,"ByGodandbymyfay,Comefetchthypaymentwhenthouwilt,Nomanshallsaytheenay.
William,ImaketheeagentlemanOfclothingandoffee,Andthytwobrethrenyeomenofmychamber:
Fortheyareseemlytosee;
"Yourson,forheistenderofage,Ofmywine-cellarshallhebe,Andwhenhecomethtoman"sestate,Betterpreferredshallhebe.
And,William,bringmeyourwife,"saidtheQueen,"Melongethhersoretosee;
Sheshallbemychiefgentlewoman,Togovernmynursery."
Theyeomenthankedthemfullcourteously,Andsaid:"Tosomebishopwe"llwend,OfallthesinsthatwehavedoneTobeassoiledathishand."
Soforthbegonethesegoodyeomen,Asfastastheymighthie;
AndaftercameanddweltwiththeKing,Anddiedgoodmenallthree.
Thusendedthelivesofthesegoodyeomen,Godsendthemeternalbliss;
Andallthatwithahand-bowshooteth,Thatofheaventheymaynevermiss!
BINNORIE.
Thereweretwosisterssatinabour;
Binnorie,OBinnorie!
TherecameaknighttobetheirwooerBythebonnymill-damsofBinnorie.
Hecourtedtheeldestwithgloveandring,Buthelo"edtheyoungestaboona"thing.
Hecourtedtheeldestwithbroochandknife,Buthelo"edtheyoungestaboonhislife.
Theeldestshewasvex-edsair,Andsoreenvi-edhersisterfair.
UponamorningfairandclearShecrieduponhersisterdear:
"O,sister,cometoyonriverstrand,Andseeourfather"sshipscometoland."
She"sta"enherbythelilyhand,Andledherdowntotheriverstrand.
Andastheywalk-edbythelinn,Theeldestdangtheyoungestin.
"O,sister,sister,reachyourhand,Andye"llbeheirtoa"myland!"——
"Foulfa"thehandthatIwadtakeTotwinmeo"mywarld"smake!"——
"O,sister,reachmebutyourglove,AndsweetWilliamshallbeyourlove!"——
"Sinkon,norhopeforhandorglove,AndsweetWilliamshallbemylove:
"YourcherrycheeksandyouryellowhairGarr"dmegangmaidenevermair."
Sheclaspedherhandsaboutabroomroot,Buthercruelsistersheloosedthemout.
Sometimesshesunk,andsometimessheswam,Untilshecametothemiller"sdam.
Themiller"sdaughterwasbakingbread,Shewentforwaterasshehadneed.
"Ofather,father,drawyourdam!
There"seitheramaidoramilk-whiteswan!"
Themillerhastedanddrewhisdam,Andtherehefoundadrownedwom-an.
YoucouldnaseeheryellowhairForgowdandpearlsthatweresaerare;
Youcouldnaseehermiddlesma",Hergowdengirdlewassaebra".
Afamousharperpassingby,Thesweetpalefacehechancedtospy;
Andwhenhelookedthatladyeon,Hesighedandmadeaheavymoan.
Hemadeaharpofherbreast-bone,Whosesoundswouldmeltaheartofstone;
He"sta"enthreelocksofheryellowhair,Andwi"themstrunghisharpsaefair.
Hebroughtittoherfather"shall,Andtherewasthecourtassembledall.
Helaidthisharpuponastone,Andstraightitbegantoplayalone:
"Oh,yondersitsmyfather,theking,Andyondersitsmymother,thequeen,Andyonderstandsmybrother,Hugh,AndyondermyWilliam,sweetandtrue."
ButthelasttunethattheharpplayedthenBinnorie!OBinnorie!
Was,"Waetomysister,falseEllen,Bythebonnymill-damsofBinnorie!"
KINGCOPHETUAANDTHEBEGGAR-MAID.
IreadthatonceinAfricaAprincelywightdidreign,WhohadtonameCophetua,Aspoetstheydidfeign:
Fromnature"slawshediddecline,Forsurehewasnotofmymind,Hecar-ednotforwomen-kind,Butdidthemalldisdain.
Butmarkwhathappenedonaday:
Asheoutofhiswindowlay,Hesawabeggarallingray,Thewhichdidcausehispain.
Theblindedboy,thatshootssotrim,Fromheavendowndidhie;
Hedrewadartandshotathim,Inplacewherehedidlie:
Whichsoondidpiercehimtothequick,Andwhenhefeltthearrowprick,Whichinhistenderheartdidstick,Helookedashewoulddie.
"Whatsuddenchanceisthis,"quothhe,"ThatItolovemustsubjectbe,Whichnevertheretowouldagree,Butstilldiditdefy?"
Thenfromthewindowhedidcome,Andlaidhimonhisbed,AthousandheapsofcaredidrunWithinhistroubledhead:
Fornowhemeanstocraveherlove,AndnowheseekswhichwaytoproveHowhehisfancymightremove,Andnotthisbeggarwed.
ButCupidhadhimsoinsnare,ThatthispoorbeggarmustprepareAsalvetocurehimofhiscare,Orelsehewouldbedead.
And,ashemusingthusdidlie,HethoughtfortodeviseHowhemighthavehercompany,Thatsodid"mazehiseyes.
"Inthee,"quothhe,"dothrestmylife;
Forsurelythoushaltbemywife,OrelsethishandwithbloodyknifeThegodsshallsuresuffice!"
Thenfromhisbedhesoonarose,Andtohispalacegatehegoes;
FulllittlethenthisbeggarknowsWhenshethekingespies.
"Thegodspreserveyourmajesty!"
Thebeggarsallgancry:
"VouchsafetogiveyourcharityOurchildren"sfoodtobuy!"
Thekingtothemhispursedidcast,Andtheytopartitmadegreathaste;
ThissillywomanwasthelastThatafterthemdidhie.
Thekinghecalledherbackagain,Anduntoherhegavehischain;
Andsaid,"WithusthoushaltremainTillsuchtimeaswedie:
"Forthou,"quothhe,"shaltbemywife,Andhonouredformyqueen;
WiththeeImeantoleadmylife,Asshortlyshallheseen:
Ourweddingshallappointedbe,Andeverythinginitsdegree;
Comeon,"quothhe,"andfollowme,Thoushaltgoshifttheeclean.
Whatisthyname,fairmaid?"quothhe.
"Zenelophon,Oking,"quothshe:
Withthatshemadealowcourts-ey,AtrimoneasIween.
ThushandinhandalongtheywalkUntotheking"spal-ace:
ThekingwithcourteouscomelytalkThisbeggardothembrace:
Thebeggarblushethscarletred,Andstraightagainaspaleaslead,Butnotawordatallshesaid,Shewasinsuchamaze.
AtlastshespakewithtremblingvoiceAndsaid,"Oking,IdorejoiceThatyouwilltakemeforyourchoice,Andmydegree"ssobase."
Andwhentheweddingdaywascome,ThekingcommandedstraightThenoblemenbothallandsomeUponthequeentowait.
Andshebehavedherselfthatday,Asifshehadneverwalkedtheway;
Shehadforgothergownofgray,Whichshedidwearoflate.
Theproverboldiscometopass,Thepriest,whenhebeginshismass,Forgetsthateverclerkhewas;
Heknowethnothisestate.
Hereyoumayread,Cophetua,Thoughlongtimefancy-fed,Compell-edbytheblindedboyThebeggarfortowed:
Hethatdidlovers"looksdisdain,Todothesamewasgladandfain,Orelsehewouldhimselfhaveslain,Instoryasweread.
Disdainnowhit,Oladydear,Butpitynowthyservanthere,Lestthatithaptotheethisyear,Astothatkingitdid.
AndthustheyledaquietlifeDuringtheirprincelyreign;
Andinatombwereburiedboth,Aswritersshowethplain.
Thelordstheytookitgrievously,Theladiestookitheavily,Thecommonscri-edpiteously,Theirdeathtothemwaspain.
Theirfamedidsoundsopassingly,Thatitdidpiercethestarrysky,AndthroughoutalltheworlddidflyToeveryprince"srealm.
TAKETHYOLDCLOAKABOUTTHEE.
Thiswinter"sweatheritwaxethcold,Andfrostdothfreezeoneveryhill,AndBoreasblowshisblastssobold,Thatallourcattleareliketospill;
Bellmywife,wholovesnostrife,Shesaiduntomequietly,"Riseup,andsavecowCrumbock"slife;
Man,putthineoldcloakaboutthee."
He.
"OBell,whydostthouflyteandscorn?
Thouken"stmycloakisverythin:
ItissobareandoverwornAcrickhethereoncannotrenn:
ThenI"llnolongerborrownorlend,ForonceI"llnewapparelledbe,To-morrowI"lltotownandspend,ForI"llhaveanewcloakaboutme."
She.
"CowCrumbockisaverygoodcow,Sheha"beenalwaystruetothepail,She"shelpedustobutterandcheese,Itrow,Andotherthingsshewillnotfail:
Iwadbelothtoseeherpine,Goodhusband,counseltakeofme,Itisnotforustogosofine;
Man,takethineoldcloakaboutthee."
He.
"Mycloakitwasaverygoodcloak,Ithathbeenalwaystruetothewear,Butnowitisnotworthagroat;
Ihavehaditfourandfortyyear:
Sometimeitwasofclothingrain,"Tisnowbutasigh-clout,asyoumaysee,Itwillneitherholdoutwindnorrain;
AndI"llhaveanewcloakaboutme."
She.
"ItisfourandfortyyearsagoSincetheoneofustheotherdidken,AndwehavehadbetwixtustwoOfchildreneithernineorten;
Wehavebroughtthemuptowomenandmen;
InthefearofGodItrowtheybe;
Andwhywiltthouthyselfmisken?
Man,takethineoldcloakaboutthee."
He.
"OBellmywife,whydostthouflout?
Nowisnow,andthenwasthen:
Seeknowalltheworldthroughout,Thouken"stnotclownsfromgentlemen.
Theyarecladinblack,green,yellow,orgray,Sofarabovetheirowndegree:
OnceinmylifeI"lldoasthey,ForI"llhaveanewcloakaboutme."
She.
"KingStephenwasaworthypeer,Hisbreechescosthimbutacrown,Heheldthemsixpencealltoodear;
Thereforehecalledthetailorlown.
Hewasawightofhighrenown,Andthou"sbutofalowdegree:
It"spridethatputsthiscountrydown;
Man,takethineoldcloakaboutthee."
He.
Bellmywifeshelovesnotstrife,Yetshewillleadmeifshecan;
Andoft,toliveaquietlife,Iamforcedtoyield,thoughI"mgood-man;
It"snotforamanwithawomantothreap,Unlesshefirstgaveo"ertheplea:
Aswebeganwenowwillleave,AndI"lltakemineoldcloakaboutme.
WILLOW,WILLOW,WILLOW.
Apoorsoulsatsighingunderasycamoretree;
"Owillow,willow,willow!"
Withhishandonhisbosom,hisheadonhisknee:
"Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and."
Hesighedinhissinging,andaftereachgroan,"Comewillow,willow,willow!
Iamdeadtoallpleasure,mytrue-loveisgone;
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Mylovesheisturned;untrueshedothprove:
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sherendersmenothingbuthateformylove.
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Opityme,"criedhe,"yelovers,eachone;
Owillow,willow,willow!
Herheart"shardasmarble;sheruesnotmymoan.
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and."
Thecoldstreamsranbyhim,hiseyesweptapace;
"Owillow,willow,willow!"
Thesalttearsfellfromhim,whichdrown-edhisface:
"Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and."
Themutebirdssatbyhim,madetamebyhismoans:
"Owillow,willow,willow!"
Thesalttearsfellfromhim,whichsoftenedthestones.
"Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Letnobodyblameme,herscornsIdoprove;
Owillow,willow,willow!
Shewasborntobefair;I,todieforherlove.
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Othatbeautyshouldharbouraheartthat"ssohard!
Singwillow,willow,willow!
Mytrueloverejectingwithoutallregard.
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Letlovenomoreboasthiminpalaceorbower;
Owillow,willow,willow!
Forwomenaretrothless,andfleetinanhour.
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Butwhathelpscomplaining?InvainIcomplain:
Owillow,willow,willow!
Imustpatientlysufferherscornanddisdain.
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Come,allyouforsaken,andsitdownbyme,Owillow,willow,willow!
Hethatplainsofhisfalselove,mine"sfalserthanshe.
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"ThewillowwreathwearI,sincemylovedidfleet;
Owillow,willow,willow!
Agarlandforloversforsakenmostmeet.
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and."
PARTTHESECOND.
"Lowlaidbymysorrow,begotbydisdain;
Owillow,willow,willow!
Againsthertoocruel,stillstillIcomplain,Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and!
"Olovetooinjurious,towoundmypoorheart!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Tosufferthetriumph,andjoyinmysmart:
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Owillow,willow,willow!thewillowgarl-and,Owillow,willow,willow!
Asignofherfalsenessbeforemedothstand:
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Ashereitdothbidtodespairandtodie,Owillow,willow,willow!
Sohangit,friends,o"ermeingravewhereIlie:
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"IngravewhereIrestme,hangthistotheview,Owillow,willow,willow!
Ofallthatdoknowher,toblazeheruntrue.
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Withthesewordsengraven,asepitaphmeet,Owillow,willow,willow!
"Hereliesonedrankpoisonforpotionmostsweet,"
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Thoughshethusunkindlyhathscorn-edmylove,Owillow,willow,willow!
AndcarelesslysmilesatthesorrowsIprove;
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Icannotagainstherunkindlyexclaim,Owillow,willow,willow!
"CauseoncewellIlovedher,andhonouredhername:
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Thenameofhersoundedsosweetinmineear,Owillow,willow,willow!
Itraisedmyheartlightly,thenameofmydear;
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Asthen"twasmycomfort,itnowismygrief;
Owillow,willow,willow!
Itnowbringsmeanguish;thenbroughtmerelief.
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and.
"Farewell,fairfalse-hearted:plaintsendwithmybreath!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Thoudostloatheme,Ilovethee,thoughcauseofmydeath.
Owillow,willow,willow!
Owillow,willow,willow!
Sing,Othegreenwillowshallbemygarl-and."
THELITTLEWEEMAN.
AsIgaedouttotaktheairBetweenMidmarandbonnyCraigha",ThereImetalittleweeman,Thelesso"himIneversaw.
Hislegswerebutafingerlang,Andthickandnimblewashisknee;
Betweenhisbrowstherewasaspan,Betweenhisshouldersell-esthree.
Heliftedastanesaxfeetinheight,Heliftedituptillhisrightknee,AndfiftyyardsandmairI"msure,Iwitehemadethestanetoflee.
"O,littleweeman,butyehaepower!
AndO,wheremayyourdwellingbe?"——
"Idwellbeneathyonbonnybower.
O,willyegaewi"meandsee?"——
Saeonwelap,andawa"weradeTillwecometoyonlittleha",Thekippleswereo"theguderedgowd,Theroofwaso"theproseyla.
Therewerepipersplayingineveryneuk,Andladiesdancing,jimpandsma";
Andayetheowre-turno"theirtuneWas,"Ourweeweemanhasbeenlongawa!"
Outgatthelights,oncamthemistLadiesnormanniemaircouldsee,Iturnedabout,andga"ealookJustatthefooto"Benachie.
THESPANISHLADY"SLOVE.
AFTERTHETAKINGOFCADIZ.
WillyouhearaSpanishlady,HowshewooedanEnglishman?
GarmentsgayandrichasmaybeDeckedwithjewelsshehadon.
Ofacomelycountenanceandgracewasshe,Andbybirthandparentageofhighdegree.
Ashisprisonertherehekepther,Inhishandsherlifedidlie;
Cupid"sbandsdidtiethemfasterBythelikingofaneye.
Inhiscourteouscompanywasallherjoy,Tofavourhiminanythingshewasnotcoy.
ButatlasttherecamecommandmentFortosettheladiesfree,Withtheirjewelsstilladorn-ed,Nonetodotheminjury.
Thensaidthisladymild,"Fullwoeisme;
Oletmestillsustainthiskindcaptivity!
"Gallantcaptain,showsomepityToaladyindistress;
Leavemenotwithinthiscity,Fortodieinheaviness:
Thouhastsetthispresentdaymybodyfree,Butmyheartinprisonstillremainswiththee."
"Howshould"stthou,fairlady,loveme,Whomthouknow"stthycountry"sfoe?
Thyfairwordsmakemesuspectthee:
Serpentsliewhereflowersgrow."——
"AlltheharmIwishtothee,mostcourteousknight:
Godgrantthesameuponmyheadmayfullylight.
"Blessedbethetimeandseason,ThatyecameonSpanishground;
Ifourfoesyemaybeterm-ed,Gentlefoeswehaveyoufound:
Withourcityyehavewonourheartseachone;
Thentoyourcountrybearawaythatisyourown."——
"Restyoustill,mostgallantlady;
Restyoustill,andweepnomore;
Offairloversthereisplenty,Spaindothyieldawondrousstore."——
"Spaniardsfraughtwithjealousyweoftenfind,ButEnglishmenthroughalltheworldarecountedkind.
"LeavemenotuntoaSpaniard,Youaloneenjoymyheart;
Iamlovely,young,andtender,Loveislikewisemydesert:
Stilltoservetheedayandnightmymindisprest;
ThewifeofeveryEnglishmaniscountedblest."——
"Itwouldbeashame,fairlady,Fortobearawomanhence;
EnglishsoldiersnevercarryAnysuchwithoutoffence."——
"I"llquicklychangemyself,ifitbeso,AndlikeapageI"llfollowthee,where"erthougo."——
"IhaveneithergoldnorsilverTomaintaintheeinthiscase,Andtotravelisgreatcharges,Asyouknowineveryplace."——
"Mychainsandjewelseveryoneshallbethyown,Andekefivehundredpoundsingoldthatliesunknown."
"Ontheseasaremanydangers;
Manystormsdotherearise,Whichwillbetoladiesdreadful,Andforcetearsfromwateryeyes."——
"WellintrothIshallendureextremity,ForIcouldfindinhearttolosemylifeforthee."——
"Courteouslady,leavethisfancy;
Herecomesallthatbreedsthestrife.
IinEnglandhavealreadyAsweetwomantomywife:
Iwillnotfalsifymyvowforgoldnorgain,NoryetforallthefairestdamesthatliveinSpain."
"Ohowhappyisthatwoman,Thatenjoyssotrueafriend!
ManyhappydaysGodsendher!
OfmysuitImakeanend:
OnmykneesIpardoncraveformyoffence,Whichdidfromloveandtrueaffectionfirstcommence.
"Commendmetothylovelylady.
Beartoherthischainofgold,Andthesebraceletsforatoken;
GrievingthatIwassobold:
Allmyjewelsinlikesorttakethouwiththee,Fortheyarefittingforthywife,butnotforme.
"Iwillspendmydaysinprayer;
Loveandallherlawsdefy;
InanunnerywillIshroudmeFarfromanycompan-y:
Buteremyprayershaveanend,besureofthis,ToprayfortheeandforthyloveIwillnotmiss.
"Thusfarewell,mostgallantcaptain!
Farewell,too,myheart"scontent!
CountnotSpanishladieswanton,Thoughtotheemylovewasbent:
Joyandtrueprosperitygostillwiththee!"
"Thelikefallevertothyshare,mostfairlad-ie!"
EDWARD,EDWARD.
"Whydoesyourbrandsaedropwi"bluid,Edward,Edward?
Whydoesyourbrandsaedropwi"bluid,Andwhysaesadgangye,O?"——
"O,Iha"ekill-edmyhawksaeguid,Mither,mither!
O,Iha"ekill-edmyhawksaeguid,AndIhadnaemairbuthe,O."——
"Yourhawkisbluidwasneversaereid,Edward,Edward:
Yourhawkisbluidwasneversaereid,Mydearson,Itellthee,O."——
"O,Iha"ekill-edmyreid-roansteed,Mither,mither!
O,Iha"ekill-edmyreid-roansteedThaterstwassofairandfree,O."——
"Yoursteedwasauld,andyeha"egotmair,Edward,Edward:
Yoursteedwasauld,andyeha"egotmair,Someotherduleyedree,O."——
"O,Iha"ekill-edmyfatherdear,Mither,mither!
O,Iha"ekill-edmyfatherdear,Alas,andwaeisme,O!"——
"Andwhattenpen-ancewillyedreeforthat,Edward,Edward?
Andwhattenpen-ancewillyedreeforthat?
Mydearson,nowtellme,O!"——
"I"llsetmyfeetinyonderboat,Mither,mitherI"llsetmyfeetinyonderboat,AndI"llfareoverthesea,O."——
"Andwhat"llyedowi"yourtowersandyourha",Edward,Edward?
Andwhat"llyedowi"yourtowersandyourha",Thatweresofairtosee,O?"——
"I"llletthemstandtilltheydownfa",Mither,mither:
I"llletthemstandtilltheydownfa",ForherenevermairmaunIbe,O!"——
"Andwhat"llyeleavetoyourbairnsandyourwife,Edward,Edward?
Andwhat"llyeleavetoyourbairnsandyourwife,Whenyegangoverthesea,O?"——
"Thewarldisroom,letthembegthroughlife,Mither,mither:
Thewarldisroom,letthembegthroughlife,FortheynevermairwillIsee,O!"
"Andwhat"llyeleavetoyourainmotherdear,Edward,Edward?
Andwhat"llyeleavetoyourainmotherdear?
Mydearson,nowtellme,O."——
"Thecurseofhellframesallyebear,Mither,mither!
Thecurseofhellframesallyebear,——
Siccounselsyegavetome,O."
ROBINHOOD.
Litheandlisten,gentlemen,Thatbeoffreebornblood;
Ishallyoutellofagoodyeom-an,HisnamewasRobinHood.
Robinwasaproudoutlaw,Whil-eshewalkedonground,SocurteyseanoutlaweashewasoneWasnevernoneyfound.
RobinstoodinBarnysdale,Andleanedhimtoatree,Andbyh-imstoodLittleJohn,Agoodyeom-anwashe;
AndalsodidgoodScath-elock,AndMuchthemiller"sson;
Therewasnoinchofhisbod-y,Butitwasworthagroom.
ThenbespakehimLittleJohnAlluntoRobinHood,"Master,ifyewoulddinebetime,Itwoulddoyoumuchgood."
Thenbespak-egoodRob-in,"TodineIhavenolust,TillIhavesomeboldbar-on,Orsomeunkethgest,Thatmaypayforthebest;
Orsomeknightorsomesquy-ereThatdwellethherebywest."
Agoodmann-erthenhadRobinInlandwherethathewere,EverydayerehewoulddineThreemasseswouldhehear:
TheoneintheworshipoftheFather,TheotheroftheHolyGhost,ThethirdwasofourdearLady,Thathelovedofallothermost.
RobinlovedourdearLad-y,Fordoutofdeadlysin;
WouldheneverdocompanyharmThatanywomanwasin.
"Master,"thensaidLittleJohn,"Anweourboardshallspread,Telluswhitherweshallgon,Andwhatlifeweshalllead;
Whereweshalltake,whereweshallleave,Whereweshallbidebehind,Whereweshallrob,whereweshallreve,Whereweshallbeatandbind."
"Thereofnoforce,"thensaidRob-in,"Weshalldowellenow;
ButlookyedonohousbondeharmThattillethwithhisplow;
Nomoreyeshallnogoodyeoman,Thatwalk"thbygreenwoodshaw,Nenoknight,nenosquy-er,Thatwouldbeagoodfel-aw.
Thesebishops,andthesearchbishops,Yeshallthembeatandbind;
ThehighsheriffofNottingham,Himholdinyourmind."
"Thiswordshallbeholde,"saidLittleJohn,"Andthislessonshallwelere;
Itisferr-edays,Godsendusageste,Thatwewereatourdinere!"
"Takethygoodbowinthyhand,"saidRobin,"LetMuchwend-ewiththee,AndsoshallWilliamScath-elock,Andnomanabidewithme:
AndwalkuptotheSa-yl-es,AndsotoWatlingStreet,Andwaitaftersomeunkethgest,Up-chanceyemowethemmeet.
Beheearloranybar-on,Abb-otoranyknight,Bringhimtolodgetome,Hisdinnershallbedight."
TheywentuntotheSa-yl-es,Theseyeomenallthree,Theylook-edeast,theylook-edwest,Theymight-enomansee.
ButastheylookedinBarnisdale,Byadern-estreet,Thencameth-ereaknightrid-ing,Fullsoontheyganhimmeet.
Alldrear-ywashissemblaunce,Andlittlewashispride,Hisonefootinthestirrupstood,Thatotherwavedbeside.
Hishoodhangingoverhiseyentwo,Herodeinsimplearray;
AsorriermanthanhewasoneRodeneverinsummer"sday.
LittleJohnwasfullcurt-eyse,Andsethimonhisknee:
"Welcomebeye,gentleknight,Welc-omeareyetome,Welcomebethoutogreenwood,Hendeknightandfree;
Mymasterhathabidenyoufast-ing,Sir,allthesehour-esthree."
"Whoisyourmaster?"saidtheknight.
Johnsaid,"RobinHood."
"Heisagoodyeoman,"saidtheknight,"OfhimIhaveheardmuchgood.
Igrant,"hesaid,"withyoutowend,Mybrethrenallin-fere;
Mypurposewastohavedinedto-dayAtBlythorDoncastere."
Forththenwentthisgentleknight,Withacarefulcheer,Thetearsoutofhiseyenran,Andfelldownbyhislere.
Theybroughthimuntothelodgedoor,WhenRobinganhimsee,Fullcurteyslyhedidoffhishood,Andsethimonhisknee.
"Welc-ome,sirknight,"thensaidRob-in,"Welc-omethouarttome;
Ihaveabidenyoufasting,sir,Allthesehour-esthree."
Thenansweredthegentleknight,Withword-esfairandfree,"Godtheesav-e,goodRob-in,Andallthyfairmeyn-e."
Theywashedtogetherandwip-edboth,Andsettotheirdinere;
Breadandwinetheyhadenough,Andnumblesofthedeer;
Swansandpheasantstheyhadfullgood,Andfowlsoftherivere;
Therefail-edneversolittleabird,Thateverwasbredonbrere.
"Dogladly,sirknight,"saidRob-in.
"Gram-ercy,sir,"saidhe,"SuchadinnerhadInotOfalltheseweek-esthree;
IfIcomeagain,Rob-in,Hereb-ythiscountr-e,AsgoodadinnerIshalltheemake,Asthouhastmadetome."
"Gramerc-y,knight,"saidRob-in,"MydinnerwhenIhave;
Iwasneversogreedy,bydere-worthyGod,Mydinnerfortocrave.
Butpayereyewend,"saidRob-in,"Methinkethitisgoodright;
Itwasneverthemanner,bydere-worthyGod,Ayeomantopayforaknight."
"Ihavenoughtinmycoffers,"saidtheknight,"ThatImayprofferforshame."
"LittleJohn,golook,"saidRobin,"Neletnotfornoblame.
Tellmetruth,"thensaidRob-in,"SoGodhavepartofthee."
"Ihavenomorebuttenshillings,"saidtheknight,"SoGodhavepartofme!"
"Ifthouhavenomore,"saidRob-in,"Iwillnotonepenn-y;
Andifthouhaveneedofanymore,MoreshallIlendthee.
Gonowforth,LittleJohn,Thetruthtellthoume,IftherebenomorebuttenshillingsNopennyofthatIsee."
LittleJohnspreaddownhismantleFullfairupontheground,Andtherehefoundintheknight"scoff-erButevenhalfapound.
LittleJohnletitliefullstill,Andwenttohismasterfulllow.
"Whattiding-e,John?"saidRob-in.
"Sir,theknightistrueenow."
"Fillofthebestwine,"saidRob-in,"Theknightshallbegin;
MuchwonderthinkethmeThyclothingissothin.
Tellmeoneword,"saidRob-in,"Andcounselshallitbe;
Itrowthouweremadeaknightofforce,Orelseofyeomanry;
OrelsethouhastbeenasorryhousbandAndlivedinstrokeandstrife;
Anokerer,orlechour,"saidRob-in,"Withwronghastthouledthylife."
"Iamnoneofthem,"saidtheknight,"Byhimthatmad-eme;
Anhundredwinterherebefore,Mineaunsettersknightshavebe.
Butoftithathbefal,Rob-in,Amanhathbedisgrate;
ButGodthatsittethinheavenaboveMayamendhisstate.
Withintwoorthreeyear,Robin,"hesaid,"Myneighbourswellitkend,Fourhundredpoundofgoodmon-eyFullwellthenmightIspend.
NowhaveInogood,"saidtheknight,"Butmychildrenandmywife;
Godhathshapensuchanend,Tillheitmayamend."
"Inwhatmanner,"saidRob-in,"Hastthoulorethyrich-esse?"
"Formygreatfolly,"hesaid,"Andformykind-enesse.
Ihadason,forsooth,Rob-in,Thatshouldhavebeenmyheir,Whenhewastwentywinterold,Infieldwouldjoustfullfair;
HeslewaknightofLancashire,Andasquyerbold;
FortosavehiminhisrightMygoodsbethsetandsold;
Mylandsbethsettowed,Rob-in,Untilacertainday,Toarichabbotherebeside,OfSaintMar-yabbay."
"Whatisthesumm-e?"saidRob-in,"Truththentellthoume."
"Sir,"hesaid,"fourhundredpound,Theabb-ottoldittome."
"Now,anthoulosethyland,"saidRobin,"Whatshallfallofthee?"
"HastilyIwillmebusk,"saidtheknight,"Overthesalt-esea,AndseewhereChristwasquickanddead,OnthemountofCalvar-y.
Farewell,friend,andhavegoodday,Itmaynobetterbe"——
Tearsfelloutofhiseyentwo,Hewouldhavegonehisway——
"Farewell,friends,andhavegoodday,Inehavemoretopay."
"Wherebethyfriends?"saidRob-in.
"Sir,neveronewillmeknow;
WhileIwasrichenowathomeGreatboastthenwouldtheyblow,Andnowtheyrunawayfromme,Asbeast-esonarow;
TheytakenomoreheedofmeThantheymeneversaw."
Forruth-ethenweptLittleJohn,ScathelockeandMuchalso.
"Fillofthebestwine,"saidRob-in,"Forhereisasimplecheer.
Hastthouanyfriends,"saidRobin,"Thyborowesthatwillbe?"
"Ihavenone,"thensaidtheknight,"Buthimthatdiedonatree."
"Dowaythyjap-es!"saidRob-in,"ThereofwillIrightnone;
WeenestthouIwillhaveGodtoborowe?
Peter,Paul,orJohn?
Nay,byhimthatmemade,Andshopebothsunandmoon,Findabetterborowe,"saidRobin,"Ormoneygettestthounone."
"Ihavenoneother,"saidtheknight,"Thesoothfortosay,ButifitbeourdearLad-y,Shefailedmene"ererethisday."
"Bydere-worthyGod,"thensaidRob-in,"ToseekallEnglandthorowe,YetfoundInevertomypay,Amuchbetterborowe.
Comenowforth,LittleJohn,Andgotomytreasur-y,Andbringmefo-urhundredpound,Andlookthatitwelltoldbe."
ForththenwentLittleJohn,AndScathelockwentbefore,Hetoldoutfo-urhundredpound,Byeighteen-escore.
"Isthiswelltold?"saidLittleMuch.
Johnsaid,"Whatgrieveththee?
ItisalmstohelpagentleknightThatisfallinpovert-y.
Master,"thensaidLittleJohn,"Hisclothingisfullthin,Yemustgivetheknightaliver-ay,Towraphisbod-ytherein.
Foryehavescarl-etandgreen,mast-er,Andmanyaricharray,Thereisnomerch-antinmerryEngl-andSorich,Idarewellsay."
"Takehimthreeyardsofeverycolo-ur,Andlookthatwellmeteitbe."
LittleJohntooknoneothermeas-ureButhisbow-etree,AndofeveryhandfullthathemetHeleaptouerfoot-esthree.
"Whatdevilkynsdraper,"saidLittleMuch,"Thinkestthoutobe?"
Scathelockstoodfullstillandlough,Andsaid,"ByGodallmight,Johnmaygivehimthebettermeas-ure,Foritcosthimbutlight."
"Master,"thensaidLittleJohn,AlluntoRobinHood,"Yemustgivethatknightanhorse,Toleadhomeallthisgood."
"Takehimagraycours-er,"saidRobin,"Andasaddlenew;
HeisourLady"smessengere,Godlendthathebetrue!"
"Andagoodpalfr-ey,"saidLittleMuch,"Tomaintainhiminhisright."
"Andapairofboots,"saidScath-elock,"Forheisagentleknight."
"Whatshaltthougivehim,LittleJohn?"saidRobin.
"Sir,apaireofgiltspursclene,Toprayforallthiscompany:
Godbringehimoutoftene!"
"Whenshallmydaybe,"saidtheknight,"Sir,anyourwillbe?"
"Thisdaytwelvemonth,"saidRob-in,"Underthisgreenwoodtree.
Itweregreatsham-e,"saidRob-in,"Aknightalonetoride,Withoutsquy-er,yeomanorpage,Towalk-ebyhisside.
IshalltheelendLittleJohanmyman,Forheshallbethyknave;
Inayeoman"ssteadhemaytheestandIfthougreatneedhave."
THESECONDEFYTTE.
Nowistheknightwentonhisway,Thisgamehethoughtfullgood,WhenhelookedonBarnisdale,Hebless-edRobinHood;
AndwhenhethoughtonBarnisdaleOnScathelock,Much,andJohn,Heblessedthemforthebestcompan-yThateverheincome.
Thenspakethatgentleknight,ToLittleJohnganhesay,"To-morrowImusttoYorktown,ToSaintMar-yabbay;
AndtotheabbotofthatplaceFourhundredpoundImustpay:
AndbutIbethereuponthisnightMylandislostforaye."
Theabbotsaidtohisconv-ent,Therehestoodonground,"ThisdaytwelvemonthcamethereaknightAndborrowedfourhundredpoundUponallhislandfree,Buthecomethisilk-edayDisheritedshallhebe."
"Itisfullearly,"saidtheprior,"Thedayisnotyetfargone,Ihadlievertopayanhundredpound,Andlayitdownanone.
Theknightisfarbeyondthesea,InEnglandishisright,Andsufferethhung-erandcoldAndmanyasorrynight:
Itweregreatpity,"saidtheprior,"Sotohavehislond;
Anyebesolightofyourconsci-ence,Yedotohimmuchiswrong."
"Thouarteverinmybeard,"saidtheabb-ot,"ByGodandSaintRich-ard!"
Withthatcameinafat-headedmonk,Thehighcellarer;
"Heisdeadorhang-ed,"saidthemonk,"Byhimthatboughtmedear,AndweshallhavetospendinthisplaceFourhundredpoundbyyear."
Theabbotandthehighcellarer,Stert-eforthfullbold.
ThehighjusticeofEnglondTheabb-ottheredidhold;
Thehighjust-iceandmanymoHadtakeintotheirhondWhollyalltheknight-esdebt,Toputthatknighttowrong.
Theydeemedtheknightwondersore,Theabb-otandhismeyn-e:
"Buthecomethisilk-edayDisheritedshallhebe."
"Hewillnotcomeyet,"saidthejust-ice,"Idarewellundertake."
Butinsorrow-etim-eforthemallTheknightcametothegate.
ThenbespakethatgentleknightUntohismeyn-e,"NowputonyoursimpleweedsThatyebroughtfromthesea."
Andcam-etothegatesanone,Theporterwasreadyhimself,Andwelcom-edthemeveryone.
"Welc-ome,sirknyght,"saidtheport-er,"Mylordtomeatishe,Andsoismanyagentleman,Fortheloveofthee."
Theportersworeafullgreatoath,"Byhimthatmad-eme,Herebethebestcores-edhorseThateveryetsawIme.
Leadthemintothestable,"hesaid,"Thateas-edmighttheybe."
"Theyshallnotcometherein,"saidtheknight,"Byhimthatdiedonatree."
Lord-esweretomeatisetInthatabb-ot-eshall,Theknightwentforthandkneel-eddown,Andsalvedthemgreatandsmall.
"Dogladly,sirabb-ot,"saidtheknight,"Iamcometoholdmyday."
Thefirstwordtheabbotspake,"Hastth-oubroughtm-ypay?"
"Notonepenny,"saidtheknight,"Byhimthatmak-edme."
"Thouartashrewddebtor!"saidtheabb-ot;
"Sirjustice,drinktome!
Whatdostthouhere,"saidtheabb-ot,"Butthouhadstbroughtthypay?"
"For-eGod,"thensaidtheknight,"Toprayofalongerday."
"Thydayisbroke,"saidthejustice,"Landgettestthounone."
"Now,goodsirjustice,bemyfriend,Andfendmeofmyfone."
"Iamholdwiththeabbot,"saidthejustice,"Bothwithclothandfee."
"Now,goodsirsheriff,bemyfriend."
"Nay,for-eGod,"saidhe.
"Now,goodsirabbot,bemyfriend,Forthycurteys-e,Andholdmyland-esinthyhandTillIhavemadetheegree;
AndIwillbethytrueserv-ant,Andtrulyserv-ethee,Tillyehavefo-urhundredpoundOfmoneygoodandfree."
Theabbotswareafullgreatoath,"Byhimthatdiedonatree,Getthelandwherethoumay,Forthougettestnoneofme."
"Bydere-worthyGod,"thensaidtheknight,"Thatallthisworldwrought,ButIhavemylandagain,Fulldearitshallbebought;
God,thatwasofamaidenborne,Leneuswelltospeed!
ForitisgoodtoassayafriendErethatamanhaveneed."
Theabb-otloathl-yonhimganlook,Andvillainousl-ygancall;
"Out,"hesaid,"thoufals-eknight!
Speedtheeoutofmyhall!"
"Thouliest,"thensaidthegentleknight,"Abbotinthyhall;
Fals-eknightwasInev-er,Byhimthatmadeusall."
Upthenstoodthatgentleknight,Totheabb-otsaidhe,"Tosufferaknighttokneelsolong,Thoucanstnocourtes-y.
Injoust-esandintournem-entFullfarthenhaveIbe,AndputmyselfasfarinpressAsanythate"erIsee."
"Whatwillyegivemore?"saidthejust-ice,"Andtheknightshallmakearelease;
Andell-esdareIsafelyswearYeholdneveryourlandinpeace."
"Anhundredpound,"saidtheabb-ot.
Thejusticesaid,"Givehimtwo."
"Na-y,byGod,"saidtheknight,"Yetgetyeitnotso:
Thoughyewouldgiveathousandmore,Yetwerethouneverthenere;
Shallthereneverbemineheir,Abb-ot,just-ice,nefrere."
Hesterthimtoaboardanon,Toatableround,AndthereheshookoutofabagEvenfo-urhundredpound.