首页 >出版文学> A Collection of Ballads>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.