第6章

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.