第3章

"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: