A merry Iest of Robin Hood, and of his life, VVith a newe play for to be plaied in May-games. Very pleasant and full of pastime.
LONDON. Printed for Edward White.
¶ Heere beginneth a little iest of Robin Hood and his merry men and of the proud Sheriffe of Notingham.
Lythe and listen Gentlemen,
that be of fre borne blood:
I shall you tell of a good yeoman
his name was Robin Hood.
Robin was a proud out-law
whilst he walked on the ground,
So courteise an out-law as he was one,
was neuer none yfound,
Robin stood in Bernsdale
and leaned vpon a tree,
And by him little Iohn
a good yeoman was he.
And also did good Scathlock,
and Much the milners sonne,
there was no inch of his body
but it was worth a grome.
Then bespake him little Iohn
all vnto Robin hood:
Maister if you would dine betime
it would doe you much good.
Then bespake good Robin hood,
to dine I haue no lust
till I haue some bould Baron
or some vnketh gest
that may pay for the best
Or some Knight, or some Squire
that dwelleth heere by west.
A good manner then had Robin
in land where that he were,
Euery day ere he would dine
three masses would he heere.
The one in the worship of the Father,
the other of the holy Ghost:
the third was of our deere Lady
that he loued of all other most.
Robin he loued our deere Lady,
for doubt of deadly sinne,
would he neuer doe company harme
that any woman was in.
Maister then said little Iohn
and we our boord shall spread
tell vs what way we shall gone,
and what life we shall lead,
where we shall take wher we shall leaue
where we shall abide behinde:
where we shall rob where we shall reaue
where we shall beat and binde.
Thereof no force said Robn,
we shall doe well enough,
but look you doe no husbandman harme
that tilleth with the plough,
No more you shall no good yeoman
that walketh by greene wod shaw:
Ne no Knight, ne no Squire
that would be a good fellow.
Bishops and these Archbishops
ye shall them beate and binde,
the high Sheriffe of Nottingeam
him hold in your minde.
this word shall hold said little Iohn,
and this lesson shall we lere.
It is farre daies God send vs a guest
that we were at our dinnere.
Take thy good bowe in thy hand said Robin
let Much goe with thee,
and so shall William Scathlock,
and no man abide with me.
Now walke ye vp vnto the shore,
and so to Watling-street
and wait after some vncouth guest,
by chance some may ye meet.
Be he Earle or any Baron
Abbot or any Knighti
bring him then to lodge to me
his dinner shall be dight.
They went anon vnto the Sayles
these yeomen all three,
they looked East they looked West,
they might no man see
But as they looked in Bernesdale
by a deme street:
Then came there a Knight riding,
full soone they gan him meet.
All drouflye was his semblant,
and little was his pride,
His one foot on the stirtop stood,
the other waued beside:
His hood hanged ouer his eyes two,
he rode in simple array,
A sorrier man then he was one
rode neuer on Summers day.
Little Iohn was courteous,
and set him on his knee:
Welcome be ye gentle Knight,
welcome are you to me,
Welcome be thou to greene-wood
hend Knight and free.
My Maister hath abiden fasting
sir all these howers three.
Who is your Maister said the Knight.
Iohn said Robin hood:
He is a good yeoman said the Knight,
of him haue I heard much good.
I grant he said with you to wend
my bretheren all three:
My purpose was to haue dined to day
at Blithe or Dancastre.
Forth then went that gentle Knight
with a carefull cheere,
The teares out of his eyes rann
and fell downe by his leere.
They brought him vnto the lodge doore
When Robin gan him see
Full courteously he did off his hood
and set him downe on his knee.
welcome sir Knight then said Robin,
welcome thou art to me,
I haue abyden fasting sir
all these houres three.
Then answered the gentle Knight
with words faire and free,
God thee saue good Robin,
and all thy faire menye.
They washed together and wiped both
and set to their dinnere,
Bread and wine they had enough
and numbles of the Deere.
Swans and Fesants they had full good
and Foules of the riuer
there faileth neuer so little a bird
that euer was spread on bryer.
Doe gladly sir Knight said Robin,
Gramercy sir said he
Such a dinner had I not
Of all these weekes three.
If I come againe Robin
Heere by this Countrie,
As good a dinner I shall thee make,
as thou hast made to me.
I thanke thee Knight then said Robin
my dinner when I haue,
By God I was neuer so greedy
my dinner for to craue.
But pay ere you wend said Robin
me thinke is good right,
It was neuer ye manner by worthy God
a yeoman to pay for a Knight.
I haue nought in my Coffers said the Knight
that I may proffer for shame:
Little Iohn goe looke said Robin hood,
Ne let not for no blame.
Tell me truth said Robin
so God haue part of thee:
I haue no more but x s. said the Knight
so God haue part of me.
If thou haue no more said Robin
I will not one peny,
And if thou haue need of any more
more I shall lend thee.
Goe now foorth little Iohn
the truth tell thou me,
If there be no more but ten sbillings
not any peny that I see
Little Iohn spred downe his mantle
full faire vpon the ground
And there he found in the Knights cofer
but euen halfe a pound
Little Iohn let it lye full still
and went to his maister full lowe
What tidings Iohn said Robin
Sir the Knight is true
Fill of the best wine said Robin
the Knight shall beginne
Much wonder thinketh me
thy clothing is so thin.
Tell me one word said Robin
and counsaile shall it be,
I trow thou wert made Knight of force
or else of yeomanry,
or else thou hast be a sorry husband,
and liued in stroke and strife,
an Okerer or else a Letcher said Robin
with whores hast thou led thy life.
I am none of these said the Knight
by God that mage me,
An hundreth winters heare before
mine Ancestors Knights haue be.
But of it hath befall Robin
a man hath be disgrast
But God that sitteth in heauen aboue
may amend his estate.
Within 2. or 3. yeares Robin said he
Foure hundreth pound of good money
full well then might I spend.
Now haue I no good said the Knight
but my children an my wife,
God hath shapen such an end
till God it amend.
In what manner said Robin
hast thou lost thy riches?
For my great folly he said
and for my kindnes.
I had a sonne forsooth Robin
that should haue beene mine heire,
When he was twenty winters old
In field would iust full faire.
He slewe a Knight of Lancashire
and a Squire bold,
For to saue him in his right
my goods both set and sold.
My Landes be set to wed Robin
vntill a certaine day,
To a rich Abbot heere beside
of Saint Mary Abbay.
What is the summe said Robin,
truth then tell thou me
Sir he said foure hundreth pound
the Abbot told it to me.
Now and thou loose thy land said Robin
what shall fall of thee?
Hastily I will me buske said the Knight
ouer the salt Sea:
And see where Christ was quick & dead
on the mount of Caluere.
Farewell friend and haue good day
it may no better be.
Teares fell out of his eyes two,
he would haue gone his way,
Farewell friends and haue good day,
I haue no more to pay.
Where be thy friends said Robin,
sir neuer a one will know me:
Whiles I was rich enough at home
great boast then would they blow:
And now they run away from me
As beasts on a rowe
They take no more heed of me
than they me neuer saw
For ruthe they went little Iohn
Scathlocke and Much also
Fill of the best wine said Robin
for here is a simple cheere
Hast thou any friends said Robin
thy borrowes that will be
I haue none said the Knight
but God that dyed on a tree
Doo away thy iest said Robin
thereof I will right none
weenest thou I will God to borrow
Peter, Paul or Iohn
Nay by him that made me
and shope both Sun and Moone
Finde a better borrow said Robin
Or money gettest thou none
I haue none other said the Knight
the sooth for to say,
But it be our deere Lady
she faileth me neuer or this day.
By deere worthy God said Robin
to seech all England thorowe
Yet found I neuer to my pay
a much better borowe
Come now forth little Iohn
and goe to my treasure
And bring me foure hundreth pound
and looke it well tolde be
Forth then went little Iohn
and Scathelocke went before
He tolde forth foure hundreth pound
by eighteene score
Is this well tolde said little Much
Iohn said what grieued thee
It is almes to help a gentle knight
that is fallen in pouertie
Maister then said little Iohn
his clothing is full thinne
Ye must giue the knight a liuery,
to wrap his body therein
For ye haue Scarlet and greene maister
and much rich aray
there is no marchant in mery England
so rich I dare well say
Take him three yeards of euery colour
and looke that well ymet it be
Little Iohn tooke none other measure
but his bowe tree
And of euery handfull that he met
he leped ouer foots three
What diuels draper said little Much
thinkest thou to be
Scathelocke stood still and laught
and said by God almight
Iohn may giue him the better measure
by God it cost him but light
Maister said little Iohn
All vnto Robin hood
Ye must giue the knight an horse
to lede home all his good
Take him a gray courser said Robin
and a saddle new
He is our Ladies messenger
God lend that it be true
And a good Palfray said little much
to maintaine him in his right
And a paire of boots said Scathelocke
for he is a gentle knight
what shalt thou giue him litle Iohn said Robin
sir a paire of gilte spurres clene
to pray for all this company
God bring them out of tene
When shall my day be said the Knight
sir and your will be
This day twelue months said Robin
vnder the greene wood tree
It were great shame said Robin
a Knight alone to ride
without squire, yeomen or page
to walke by his side
I shall thee lend little Iohn my man
for he shall be thy knaue
In a yeomans sted he may stand
if thou great need haue.
¶ The second fitte.
NOw is the Knight gon on his way
this game he thought full good
When he looked on Bernisdale
he blessed Robin hood
And when he thought on Bernisdale
on Scathelocke much and Iohn
He blessed them for the best company
that euer he in came
Then spake the gentle Knight
to little Iohn gan he say
tomorrow I must to Yorke towne
to saint Mary Abbay
And to the Abbot of that place
foure hundreth pound I must pay
And but I be there this night
my land is lost for aye
The Abbot said to his couent
there he stood on ground
this day xii. months came a Knight
and borrowed four [...] hundreth pound
Vpon his land and fee
But he come this ilke day
disberited shall he be
It is full early said the priour
the day is not yet farre gone
I had leuer to pay a hundreth pound
and lay it downe anone
The Knight is farre beyond the sea
in England is his right
And suffereth hunger and cold
and many a sore night
It were great pittie said the priour
So to haue his land
And ye be so light of your conscience
you doe him much wrong
Thou art euer in my berde said ye Abbot
by God and saint Richad
With that came in a fat headed muncke
the high sellerere
He is dead or hanged said the Muncke
by God that bought me deere
Ind we shall haue to spend in this place
foure hundreth pounds by yeere
The Abbot and high sellerere
stert forth full bolde
The high Iustice of England
the Abbot there did holde
The high Iustice and many mo
had taken into their hand
Wholly all the knights det
to put that knight to wrong
They demed the knight wonder sore
the Abbot and his meiny
But he comes this ylke day
disherited shall he be
He will come yet said the Iustice
I dare well vndertake
But in sorrow time to them all
The knight came to the gate
Then bespake that gentle knight
vntill his menye
Now put on your simple weeds
that ye brought fro the sea
They came to the gates anon
the porter was redy himselfe
and welcommed them euerie chone
Welcome sir knight said the porter
my Lord to meat is he
And so is many a gentleman
for the loue of thee
The Porter swore a full great oath.
by God that made me
Heere be the best corse horse
that euer yet saw me
Lede them to the stable he said
that eased might they be
they shall not come there said the knight
by God that dyed on a tree
Lords were to meat yset
in that Abbots hall
the knight went foorth & kneeled downe
and saluted them great and small:
Doe gladly sir Abbot (said the Knight)
I am come to hold my day.
The first word the Abbot spake
hast thou brought me my pay?
Not one penny said the Knight
by God that hath made me:
Thou art a shrewde debter said yt Abbot
sir Iustice drinke to me.
What doest thou heere (said the Abbot)
but thou hadst brought thy pay?
For God then said the Knight
to desire of a longer day.
Thy day is broake said the Iustice,
land gettest thou none:
Now good sir Iustice be my friend,
and defend me against my fone.
I am hold with the Abbot said ye Iustice
both with cloath and fee:
Now good sir Sheriffe be my friend,
nay for God said he.
Now good sir Abbot be my friend
for thy curtesie:
and hold my lands in thy hand
till I haue made thee gree:
and I will be thy true seruant,
till ye haue foure hundreth pound
of money good and free.
The Abbot sware a full great oath,
by God that died on a tree,
Get thy land where thou may
for thou gettest none of me.
By deere worthy God said the Knight
that all this world wrought
but I haue my land againe
full deere it shall be bought.
God that was of a maiden borne
send vs well to speed,
for it is good to assay a friend
or that a man haue need.
The Abbot loathly on them gan looke,
Out he said thou false Knight,
step thee out of the hall.
Thou liest then said the gentle Knight
Abbot in thy hall:
false Knight was I neuer;
by God that made vs all.
Vp then stood that gentle Knight
to the Abbot said he:
To suffer a Knight to kneele so long
thou canst no curtesie.
In Iusts and in Tournaments
full farre that haue I be,
and put my selfe as farre in presse
as any that euer I see.
What will ye giue more said the Iustice
and the Knight shall make release:
or else dare I safely say
ye hold neuer your land in peace.
An hundreth pound said the Abbot,
the Iustice said giue him two:
Nay by God said the Knight,
ye get not my land so.
Though ye would giue a thousād pound more
yet were thou neuer the neere:
Shall there neuer be mine heire
Abbot, Iustice ne Fryer.
He stert him to a bourd anon
till a table round
And there he shooke out of a bag
euen foure hundreth pound
Haue heere thy gold sir abbot said the Knight
which thou lentest me
Hadst thou bene curtise at my comming
I would haue rewarded thee
The Abbot sat still and eat no more
for all his royall cheere
He cast his head on his shoulder
and fast gan to stare
Take my gold againe said the Abbot
sir Iustice that I tooke to thee
Not a penny said the Iustice
by God that dyed on a tree
Sir Abbot and you men of lawe
Now haue I held my day
Now shall I haue my land again
for ought that you can say
The knight start out of the dore
away was all his care
And on he put his good clothing
and the other he left there
He went him forthfull mery singing
as men haue told in tale
His Lady met him at the gate
at home in Verisdale
Welcome my Lord said his Lady
sir lost is all your good
Be merry dame said the knight
and pray for Robin hood
That euer his soule be in blisse
he holpe me out of tene
Ne had not bee his kindnes
beggers had we beene.
The Abbot and I accorded beene,
he serued of his pay:
the good yeoman lent it me
as I came on the way.
This Knight then dwelled faire at home
the sooth for to say:
till he had got foure hundreth pound
all ready for to pay.
He puruaide him an hundreth bowes
the strings were well dight:
An hundreth sheafe of arrowes good,
the heads burnisht full bright:
And euery arrow an ell long,
with Peacocke well ydight:
And nocked they were with white siluer
it was a seemely sight.
He puruaide him an hundreth men
well harnased in that stead:
And himselfe in that same suite,
and cloathed in white and red.
He bare a launce gay in his hand,
and a man led his male:
and rode with a light song
vnto Bernisdale.
As he went vp a bridge was a wrastling
and there taried was he:
And there was all the best yeomen
of all the west Cuntrie.
A great courser with a saddle and bridle
with gould burnisht full bright:
A paire of gloues a red gold ring,
a pipe of wine in good fay:
What man beareth him best ywis
the prize shall beare away.
There was a yeoman in that place
and best worthy was he,
And for he was farre and friend bested
yslaine he should haue be.
The Knight had ruth of this yeoman
in place where that he stood,
He said the yeoman should haue no harm
for the loue of Robin hood.
The Knight preased into the place,
an hundreth followed him in feare,
With bowes bent and arrowes sharpe
for to shend that company.
They shouldred and made him roome
to wit what he would say:
He tooke the yeoman by the hand,
and gaue him all the play,
He gaue him fiue markes for his wine
there it lay then on the mould,
and bad it should be set abroach
and drinke who so would.
Thus long taried this gentle Knight
till that the play was doone.
So long abode Robin fasting
three houres after noone.
¶ The third fitte.
LYthe and listen Gentlemen
all that now be heere,
Of little Iohn that was the Knights man
good mirth ye shall heare.
It was vpon a merry day
that yong men would goe shoote
Little Iohn fet his bowe anon
and said he would them mnete.
Three times little Iohn shot about
and alway claue the wand.
The proud Sheriffe of Nottingham
by the markes gan stand.
The Sheriffe swore a full great oath
by him that died on a tree,
this man is the best archer
that euer I did see.
Say me thou wight yong man
what is now thy name:
in what countrie wast thou borne,
and where is thy wonning wane.
In Holdernes I was borne
ywis of my dame,
Men call me Reinald Greene-leafe.
when I am at home.
Say me Reinald Greene-leafe
Wilt thou dwell with me,
and euery yeare I will thee giue
twenty marke to thy fee.
I haue a Maister said little Iohn,
A courteous Knight is he,
may ye get leaue of him the better may it be
The Sheriffe gat little Iohn
twelue monthes of the Knight:
therefore he gaue to him anon
a good horse and a wight.
Now is little Iohn the Sheriffes man
he giue vs well to speed.
But alway thought little Iohn
to quite him well his meed.
Now so God helpe said little Iohn
and by my true lewte
I shall be the worst seruant to him
that euer he had yet.
It befell vpon a wednesday
the Sheriffe on hunting was gone:
and little Iohn lay in his bed
and was forgot at home:
Therefore he was fasting
till it was past noone.
Good sir Steward I pray thee
giue me meat said little Iohn:
It is long for greene-leafe
fasting so long to be:
Therefore I pray thee Steward
my dinner giue thou me.
Shalt neither eat nor drinke said the Steward
till my Lord be come to towne
I make mine auow to God said little Iohn
I had leuer to crack thy crowne.
The Butler was vncourteous
there he stood on the floore:
He start to the buttery and shut fast the doore
little Iohn gaue the Butler such a rappe
his backe yede nigh in two:
Though he liueth an hundreth winters
the worse he still shall goe.
He spurned the doore with his foote
it went ope well and fine:
And there he made a large liuery
both of ale and wine.
Sith you will not dine said little Iohn
I shall giue you to drinke:
and thogh you liue this hundreth winter
on little Iohn shall ye thinke:
Little Iohn eat and also drunke
the while that he would:
the Sheriffe had in the kitchin a Cooke
a stout man and a bold.
I make my auow to God said the Cooke
thou art a shrewd hine
in an hous-hold for to dwell
for to aske thus to dine.
And there he lent little Iohn
good strokes three:
I make mine auow said little Iohn
these strokes doe like well me.
Thou art a bold man and a hardie,
and so thinketh me:
And ere I passe from this place
assaied better shalt thou be.
Little Iohn drew a good sword:
The Cooke an other in hand,
they thought nothing to flee
but stifly for to stand.
There they fought sore togethrr
two mile way and more:
might neither other harme done
the mountenance of an houre.
I make mine auow to God said little Iohn
and by my true lewte
thou art one of the best sword-men
that euer I saw yet.
Couldst thou shoote as well in a bow
to greene-wood thou shouldst with me:
And two times in the yeare thy clothing
changed it should be:
And euery yeare of Robin hood
twenty marke to thy fee.
Put vp thy sword said the Cooke
and fellowes we will be
Then he fet to little Iohn
the numbles af a Doe:
Good bread and full good wine,
they eat and dranke thereto.
And when they had drunken well
their truthes together they plight,
that they would be with Robin
that ylke day at night:
They hied them to the treasure-house
as fast as they could gone:
The lockes that were of good steele
they brake them euery one:
They tooke away siluer Vessell,
and all that they might get:
Peeces Masers and spoones
would they none forget:
Also they tooke the good pence
three hundreth pound and three,
and hied them to Robin hood
vnder the greene-wood tree.
God thee saue my deere Maister,
and Christ thee saue and see.
And thou said Robin to little Iohn
welcome thou art to me,
and so is that good yeoman
that thou hast brought with thee.
What tydings from Noti [...]ngham
little Iohn tell thou me.
Well thee greeteth the proude Sheriffe
he hath sent thee heere by me
his Cup and his siluer Vessell,
and three hundreth pound and three
I make mine auow to God said Robin
and by the Trinity
it was neuer by his good will
this good is come to me.
Little Iohn him bethought
on a shrewde wile 5. mile in the Forrest
him happened at his will.
Then he met the proude Sheriffe
hunting with hound and horne.
Little Iohn could his courtesie
and kneeled him besorne.
God saue thee my deere Maister:
and Christ you saue and see.
Reinald Greene-leafe said the Sheriffe
where haue you now be.
I haue now be in the Forrest
a faire sight can I see,
it was one of the fairest sights
that euer yet saw I me.
Yonder I see a right faire Hart
his colour is of greene,
seauen score Deere vpon a heard
be with him all by deene,
His tindes be so sharpe Maister
of sixty and well mo,
that I durst not shoote for dread
least they would me slo.
I make my auow to God said ye sheriffe
that sight would I faine see.
Buske thee thither ward my deere Maister
anon and wend with me
The Sheriffe rode and little Iohn
a foote he was full smart,
And when they came a fore Robin
Loe heere is the maister Ha [...]t,
Still stood the proude Sheriffe,
a sorry man was he:
Woe worth thee Reinald Greenleafe
thou hast betrayed me.
I make mine auow to God said Iohn
Maister ye be to blame:
I was misserued of my dinner
when I was with you at home.
Soone he was to supper set,
and serued with siluer white:
And when the Sheriffe saw his Vessell
for sorrow he might not eat.
Make good cheere said Robin hood
Sheriffe of charity:
And for the loue of little Iohn
thy life is graunted to thee.
When they had all supped well
the day was all gone:
Robin commanded little Iohn
to draw off his hose and shoone:
His kertle and his coate a pie
that was furred well and fine:
And tooke him a greene mantle
to lap his body therein.
Robin commanded his wight yeomen
vnder the greene wood tree
that they shall lie in that sorte
that the Sheriffe might them see.
All night lay that proud Sheriffe
in his breech and in his shirt:
Now wonder it was in greene-wood
though his sides doe smart.
Make glad said Robin hood
Sheriffe for charity:
For this is our order ywis
vnder the greene-wood tree.
This is harder order said the Sheriffe
then any ancre or frere:
For all the gold in merry England
I would not dwell long heere.
All these twelue monthes said Robin
thou shalt dwell with me,
I shall thee teach proude Sheriffe
an out-law for to be.
Or I heere an other night lie
Robin now I pray thee
Smite off my head rather to morne,
Let me goe then said the Sheriffe
and I forgiue it thee:
for Saint Chaiity:
and I will be the best friend
thar euer yet had ye.
Thou shalt sweare me an oath said Robin
on my bright brand,
Thou shalt neuer wait me scath
by water nor by land.
And if thou finde any of my men
by night or else by day
vppon thine oath thou shalt sweare
to helpe them that thou may.
Now hath the Sheriffe sworne his oath
and home againe to gone,
He was full of greene-wood
as euer was any man.
¶ The fourth fitte.
THe Sheriffe dwelt in Nottingham
he was faine that he was gon:
and Robin and his merry men
went to wood anon.
Goe we to dinner said little Iohn:
but Robin said nay,
for I dread our Lady be wrath with me
for she sent me not my pay.
Haue no doubt Maister said little Iohn
yet is not the Sunne at rest,
for I dare sweare and safely sweare
the Knight is true and trust.
Take thy bowe in thy hand said Robin
let Much wend with thee,
and so shall William Scathlock
and no man abide with me,
and vp into the sayles,
and to watling street,
and looke for some strange guest,
by chance you may them meet:
Whither he be Messenger,
or man that mirths can,
or if he be a poore man
of my goods he shall haue some.
Foorth then start little Iohn
halfe in a fray and teene,
and girt him with a full good sword
vnder a mantle of greene.
They went then vnto the Sayles
these yeomen all three,
they looked East they looked West
they might no man see,
But as they looked in Bernisdale
by the high way
they were ware of two black Monkes
each on a good palfray.
Then bespake little Iohn
to Much he gan say,
I dare lay my life to wed
these Monkes haue brought our pay.
Make glad cheere said little Iohn,
and bend we our bowes of ewe,
and looke our hearts be syker and sad
your strings trusty and true,
the Monke hath but fifty and two man
and seouen sommers full strong,
there rideth no Byshop in this land
so royall I vnderstand.
Bretheren said little Iohn
heere are no more but we three,
but we bring them to dinner
our Maister dare we not see.
Bend your bowes said little Iohn,
make you youder Priest to stand,
the formost Monk his life and his death
is cloased in my hand.
Abide churle Monke said little Iohn,
no farther that thou gon,
if thou doest by deere worthy God
thy death is in my hand.
An euill thrift on thy head said little Iohn
right vnder thy hattes band,
for thou hast made our Maister wrath
he is fasting so long.
What hight your Maister said the Monke
Little Iohn said Robin hood:
He is a strong theefe said the Monke
of him heard I neuer good.
Thou liest then said little Iohn
and that shall sore rue thee.
He is a yeoman of the Forrest
to dine he hath bode thee.
Much was ready with a Bowe
ready and anone.
He set the monke to fore the brest
to the ground he gan gone
Of two and fiftie wight yeomen
there abode but one
Saue a little Page and a groome
to leade the sommers with little Iohn.
they brought the monk to the lodge dore
whither he were loth or leefe
For to speake with Robin
mangre in their teeth
Robin did downe his hood
the monke when he did see
the monke was not so curteise
his hood then let it be.
He is a churle maister by deere worthy God
then said little Iohn:
Thereof no force said Robin
for curtesie can he none.
How many men said Robin
had this monke Iohn:
Fifty and two, when that we met
but many of them be gon.
Let blowe we a horne said Robin
that fellowship may vs knowe
Seuen score of wight yeomen
came pricking on a rowe
And euerich of them a good mantell
of scarlet and of raye,
All they came to good Robin
to wete what he would saie
They made the monke to wash & wipe
and sit at his diner:
Robin hood and little Iohn
they serued him both in fere.
Doo gladly monke said Robin
gramercy sir said hee:
Where is your abbay when you are at home
and who is your auowe
Saint Mary abbay said the monke
though I be simple here.
In what office said Robin
sir the hie Sellerere.
Ye be the more welcome said Robin
So mote I thriue of thee
Fill of the best wine said Robin
this monke shall drinke to me
But I haue great maruaile said Robin
of all this long day,
I dread our Lady be wrath with me
she sent me not my pay.
haue no dout maister said little Iohn swere
you neede not so to say
This monk hath brought it I dare well
for he is of her abbay.
She was a borrowe said Robin
betweene a knight and me
Of a little money that I him lent
vnder the greene wood tree:
And if thou hast the mony brought
I pray thee let me see
And I shall helpe thee eft againe
if thou haue need of me.
The Monke swore a full great oath
with a sorry cheere,
of the borrowhood thou speakest to me
heard I neuer ere.
I make my auow to God said Robin
Monke thou art too blame,
for God is hold a right wise man,
and so is his Dame:
Thou toldest with thine owne tongue
thou maist it not denay,
how thou art her seruant,
and seruest her euery day:
And thou art her Messenger
my money for to pay,
therefore I doe thee thanke
thou art come at thy day.
What is in your coffers said Robin,
truth then tell thou me,
Sir he said twenty marke,
so mought I thriue and thee.
If there be no more said Robin
I will not take one penny,
if thou hast need of any more
sir more shall I lend thee:
And if I finde more said Robin,
ywis thou shalt it forgone,
for of thy spending money Monke
thereof I will haue none.
Goe now foorth little Iohn,
and the truth tell thou me,
if there be no more but twenty marke,
no penny let me see.
Little Iohn laid his mantle downe,
as he had done before,
and told out of the Mankes male
eight hundreth pound and more.
Little Iohn let it lie full still,
and went to his Maister in hast:
Sir he said the Monke is true now,
our Lady hath doubled your cost.
I make mine auow to God said Robin
Monke that told I thee:
Our Lady is the truest woman
that euer yet found I me.
By deere worthy God said Robin,
to seeke all England thorow,
yet found I neuer to my pay
a much better borrow.
Fill of the best wine & to him drinke said Robin
and greet well thy Lady hend,
and if she haue need of Robin hood,
a friend she shall him finde:
And if she haue need of any more siluer
come thou againe to me,
and by this token she hath me sent
she shall haue such three.
The Monk was going to Londonward
there to hold great mote,
the Knight that rode so hie on horse
to bring him vnder foot.
Whither be ye away said Robin,
sir to manners in this land,
to reckon with our reues,
that haue done much wrong.
Come now foorth little Iohn
and hearken to my tale,
a better yeoman I know none
to seeke a Monkes male.
And what is in ye other coffer said Robin
the soothe we must see
By our Lady said the Monk
that were no curtesie
To bid a man to dinner
and sith him beate and binde.
It is our olde manner said Robin
to leaue but little behinde.
The Monk tooke the horse with spurre
no longer would abide.
Aske to drinke then said Robin
or that ye farther ride.
Nay for God said the Monk
Me rueth I came so neere
For better chepe I might haue dined
in Blithe or Dancaster.
Greet well your Abbot said Robin
and your Priour I you pray
And bid hun send me such a Monk
to dinner euery day.
Now let we that Monk be still
and speake we of that knight
Yet he came to holde his day
while that it was light
He did him straight to Bernesdale
vnder the greenwood tree:
And he found there Robin hood
and all his merry menie.
The Knight light from his good palfrey
Robin when he can see,
Right curteously he did down his hood
and set him on his knee.
God thee saue good Robin hood
and all this company.
Welcome be thou gentle Knight,
and right welcome to me:
Then bespoke good Robin
to that Knight so free:
What need driueth thee to greene-wood
I pray thee sir Knight tell me,
and welcome be thou gentle Knight,
why hast thou be so long:
The Abbot and the high Iustice
they would haue had my land.
Hast thou thy land againe said Robin,
truth then tell thou me:
Yea for God then said the Knight,
and thanke I God and thee.
But take no griefe said the Knight
that I haue be so long,
I came by a wrastling,
and there did I helpe a poore yeoman
with wrong they put behinde,
Now by my truth then said Robin,
for that Knight thanke I thee,
what man that helpeth a good yeoman
his friend then will I be.
Haue heere cccc. pound said the Knight
the which ye lent to me:
And there is xx. marke for your curtesie.
Nay fore God said Robin
thou brooke it well for ay,
for our Lady by her hie Sellerer
hath sent to me my pay,
and I should take it twice
a shame it were for me,
but truely gentle Knight
welcome thou art to me.
And when Robin had tolde his tale,
he laughed and made good cheere:
By my troth then said the knight
your mony is ready heere.
Brooke it well said Robin
thou gentle knight so free,
And welcome be thou gentleknight
vnder this trusty tree:
But what shall these Bowes do he said
and these Arrowes fethered free,
By God then said the gentle knight
a poore present to thee.
Come now foorth little Iohn
my will doone that it be,
Go and fetch me foure hundreth pounds
the monk ouer tolde it me:
Haue heere foure hundreth pound
thou gentle Knight and true,
And buye thee horse and harnes good
and gilt thy spucres all newe:
And if thou faile any spending
come to Robin hood,
And by my troth thou shalt not faile
whilste I haue any good:
And brook well for thy hundreth pound
which I did send to thee,
And make thy selfe no more so bare
by the counsaile of me.
Thus then holpe him good Robin
the Knight of all his care,
God that sitteth in heauen hie
graunt vs well to fare.
¶ The fift fitte.
NOw hath the Knight his leane take
and wend him on his way,
Robin hood and his merry men
dwell still full many a day.
Lythe and listen Gentlemen,
and hearken what I shall say,
how the proud Sheriffe of Nottingham
did crie a full faire play,
that all the best archers of the North
should come vpon a day,
and they that shoote all of the best
the best shall beare away,
He that shooteth all of the best
furthest faire and low,
at a paire of goodly Buttes
vnder the greene wood shawe,
a right good Arrow he should haue
the shaft of siluer white,
the head and feathers of richred gold,
in England is none the like.
This then heard good Robin
vnder his trusty tree:
Make ye ready you wight yeomen,
that shooting will I see,
buske you my merry yeomen
ye shall goe with me:
And I shall know the Sheriffes faith
true and if he be.
When they had their vowes ybend,
their arrowes fethered free,
seauenscore wight yeomen
stood by Robins knee.
When they came to Nottingham
the Buttes were faire and long:
Many were the bold archers
that shot with bowes strong:
There shall but sixe shoote with me,
the other shall keepe my head,
and stand with good bowes bent
that I be not deceiued:
The first out-law his vowe gan bend,
and that was Robin hood:
and that beheld the proud Sheriffe
all by the buttes where he stood.
Thrice Robin shot about,
and alway he claue the wand:
And so did good Gilbert
with the lilly-white hand.
Little Iohn and good Scathlock
were archers good and free,
little Much and good Reinald
the worst they would not be.
When they had shot about
these archers faire and good,
euermore then was the best
for sooth Robin hood.
To him was deliuered the good Arrow,
for best worthy was he,
he tooke the guift full curteously,
to greene-wood then would he.
They cried out on Robin hood,
a great horne gan he blow:
Woe worth thee treason said Robin
for euill tohu art to know:
And woe be to thee thou proud Sheriffe
thus cheering thy guest,
an other promise thou madest to me
within the greene forrest:
But and I had thee there againe
vnder the trusty tree,
thou shouldest giue me a better wed
then thy true lewte,
Full many a bowe there was bent,
and arrowes let they glide:
Many a kirtle there was torne,
and hurt many a side.
The out-lawes shot was so strong,
that no man might them driue,
and the proud Sheriffes men
they fled away beliue,.
Robin saw the bushment broke,
in greene-wood he would haue be,
many an arrow there was shot
among the company.
Little Iohn he was hurt full sore
with an arrow on the knee,
that he might neither goe nor ride,
it was full great pitty.
Maister then said little Iohn
if euer you loued me,
and for that ylke Lords loue
that died vpon a tree,
and for the meeds of my seruice
that I haue serued thee,
let neuer the proud Sheriffe
aliue now finde me,
but take out thy browne sword,
and smite thou off my head,
and giue me wounds so wide and long
that I after eat no bread.
I would not said Robin
Iohn that thou wert slaine
for all the gold in merry England
though I had it all by me.
God forbid that said little Much then
that died on a tree
that thou shouldst little Iohn
depart our company:
Vp he tooke him on his back,
and bare hun well a mile,
many a time he set him downe
and shot another while.
Then was there a faire Castle
a little within the wood,
double ditched it was about,
and walled by the Rood:
And there dwelt that gentle Knight
sir Richard of the Lee
that Robin had lent his good
vnder the greene wood tree.
In he tooke good Robin,
and all his company:
Welcome Robin hood
welcome art thou to me,
I doo thee thanke for thy comfort
and for thy curtesie
And for thy great kindenes,
vnder the greene wood tree,
I loue no man in all the world
so much as I doo thee:
For all the proud Sheriffe of Notingham
right heere shalt thou be.
Shut the gates and draw the bridge
and let no man come in,
And arme you well and make you ready
and to the wall ye win.
For one thing Robin I thee hite,
And sweare by Saint Quintine,
thou shalt these twelue daies abide with me
to sup, eat and dine.
Boordes were laid and cloathes were spread
ready and anon
Robin hood and his merry men
to meat gan they gon.
✚ The sixt fitte.
LYthe and listen Gentlemen,
and hearken vnto the song,
how the proud Sheriffe began,
and men of armes strong
full fast came to the hie Sheriffe
the countrie vp to rout,
and they beset the Knights Castle
the walls all about.
The proud Sheriffe loude gan crie,
and said thou traytor Knight,
thou keepest there the Kings enemies
against all law and right.
Sir I will anow what I haue doone,
the deeds that heere be dight,
vpon all the lands that I haue
as I am true Knight:
Wend foorth sirs on your way,
and doe ye no more to me
till you wit your Kings will
what he will say to thee.
The Sheriffe thus had his answere
without any leasing:
Forth he went to London Town
all for to tell our King,
there he told him of that Knight,
and eke of Robin hood,
and also of the bold archers,
that noble were and good,
he would auow that he had done
to maintaine the out-lawes strong
he would be Lord and set you at naught
in all the north land.
I will be at Nottingham said the King
within this fortnight,
and take I will Robin hood,
and so will I that Knight.
Goe home thou proude Sheriffe,
and doe as I you bid,
and ordaine good archers enough
of all the wide country.
The Sheriffe had his leaue ytake,
and went him on his way:
And Robin hood to greene-wood
vpon a certaine day.
And little Iohn was hole of the arrow
that was shot in his knee:
And did him strait to Robin hood
vnder the greene-wood tree.
Robin hood walked in the Forrest,
vnder the leaues greene,
the proud Sheriffe of Nottingham
therefore had great teene.
The Sheriffe there he failed of Robin hood
he might not haue his pray,
then he awaited that gentle Knight
both by night and day,
euer awaited that gentle Knight
sir Richard of the Lee:
As he went on banking by the riuer side
and let his Hauke flee.
To betray this gentle knight
with men of armes strong,
And led him home to Notingham-ward
ybound both foote and hand,
The Sheriffe swore a full great oath
by him that died on a tree,
he had rather then a hundreth pound
that Robin hood had hee.
Then the Lady the Knights wife.
a faire Lady and free,
she set her on a good Palfray,
to greene-wood anon rode shee:
When she came to the Forrest.
vnder the greene-wood tree
there found she Robin hood,
and all his merry menye:
God thee saue good Robin,
and all thy company:
For our deere Ladies loue
a boon grant thou me:
Let thou neuer my wedded Lord
shamefully slaine be:
He is fast bound to Nottingham-ward
for the loue of thee:
Anon then said good Robin
to that Lady free,
What man hath thy Lord ytake?
The proud Sheriffe then said she,
he is not yet passed three miles,
you may them ouertake,
Vp then start good Robin
as a man that had beene wake.
Buske ye my merry yeomen
for him that dyed on a tree,
And he that this sorrow forsaketh
by him that dyed on a tree.
And by him that all things maketh
no lenger shall dwell with me:
Soone there were good vowes ybent
more then seuen score,
Hedge ne ditche they spared none
that was them before.
I make mine auow to God said Robin
the Knight would I faine see,
And if ye may him ouertake
yquight then shall he be.
And when they came to Nottingham
they walked in the street,
And with the proud Sheriffe ywis
soon gan they meet.
Abide thou proud Sheriffe he said
abide and speake with me,
Of some tidings of our King
I would faine heare of thee,
this seauen yeere by deere worthy God
ne yede I so fast on foot.
I make mine auow to God thou proud sheriffe
that is not for thy boote:
Robin bent a good Bowe
An arrow he drew at his will,
He hit so the proud sheriffe
vpon the ground he lay full still.
And ere he might vp arise
on his feet to stand,
He smote of the sheriffes head
with his bright brand.
Lye thou there the proud sheriffe
euill may thou thriue,
there might no man to thee trust
the whiles thou were aliue.
His men drew out their bright swordes
that were so sharpe and keene,
And laid it on the Sheriffes men
and driue them downe by deene.
Robin start to that knight
and cut in twe his band,
And tooke him in his hand a Bowe
and bad him by him stand.
Leaue thy horse thee behinde
and learn for to renne,
Thou shalt with me to greene wood
through mire, mosse and feene.
thou shalt with me to greenewood
without any leasind,
till that I haue get vs grace
of Edward our comely King.
✚ The vii. fitte.
THe King came to Nottingham
with knights in great aray,
For to take that gentle Knight
and Robin hood if he may.
He asked them of that country
after Robin hood
And after that gentle knight
that was so boulde and stout,
when they had tolde him the case
our King vnderstood their tale,
And seased in his hand
all the knights land:
The compasse of Lankashire
he wend both farre and neere.
Till he came to Plumpton parke
he fayled many of his Deere.
There the king was wont to see
heards many a one,
He could vnneth finde any Deere
that bare any good horne.
the King was wonder wroth withall
and swore by the Trinitie,
I would I had Robin hood
with eyes I might him see.
And he that would smite of the knights head
and bring it vnto mee.
He should haue the knights lands
sir Richard of the Lee:
I giue it him with my charter
and seale it with my hand,
To haue and holde for euermore
in all merry England,
than bespake a faire olde knight
that was true in his fay,
O my lege Lord the King
one word I shall you say:
there is no man in this country
may haue the knights lands,
While Robin hood may ride or gone
and beare a Bowe in his hands.
that he ne shall lose his head
that is his best ball in his hood,
Giue it to no man my Lord the King
that ye will any good.
Halfe a yere dwelled our comely King
in Nottingham and well more,
Could he not heare of Robin hood
in what country that he were,
but allway went good Robin
by halt and eke by hill,
and alway he slew the Kings Dere,
and vsed them at his will.
Than bespake a proud Foster
that stood by our Kings knee,
If ye will see good Robin,
you must do after mee:
take fiue of the best knights
that now be in your lede,
And walke downe by your Abbay
And get you a Monks wede.
And I will be your lodes man
and lead you on the way,
And ere you come at Notingham
my head then dare I lay:
that ye shall meet with good Rodin
on liue if that he be,
Or ye come to Nottingham
with eyes ye shall him see.
full hastily our king was dight
so were his knights fiue,
they were all in Monks weeds
and hasted them thither blithe
Our King was great aboue his coule
a broad hat on his Crowne,
Right as he were Abbot like
they rode vp in the towne:
Stiffe bootes our King had on
forsooth as I you say,
He rode singing to green-wood
the couent was clothed in gray.
His male horse and his great sommer
followed our King behinde,
Vntill they came to greenwood
a mile vnder the linde.
there they met with good Robin
standing by the way,
And so did many a bolde Archer
forsooth as I you say.
Robin tooke the Kings horse
hastely in that stede,
And sir Abbot by your leaue
a while you must abide:
We be yeomen of this Forrest
vnder the greenewood tree,
We liue by our Kings Deere
other shift haue not wee.
And ye haue Churches and rents both
and good full great plenty,
Giue vs some of your spending
for saint Chritie.
Then bespake our comely King
anon then said he,
I brought no more to greenwood
but forty pound with me:
I haue laine at Nottingham
this fortnight with our King,
And spent I haue much good
on many a great Lording:
And haue but forty pound
no more then haue I mee,
But if I had a hundreth pound
I would giue it to thee.
Robin tooke the forty pound
and deuided it then did he,
Halfe he gaue to his merry men
and bad them merry be:
Full curteously Robin gan say,
haue this for your spending,
we shall meet another day
gramercy then said our King.
but well thee greeteth Edward our king
he hath sent to thee his Seale,
And biddeth thee come to Nottingham
both to meat and meale:
He tooke out the broad Seale
and soone he let him see,
Robin could his curtesie
and set him on his knee.
I loue no man in all the world
so well as I doe my King,
Welcome be my Lords Seale
and Monk for thy tyding:
Sir Abbot for thy tyding
to day thou shalt dine with mee,
For the loue of my King
vnder the trusty tree.
Foorth he had our comely King
full faire by the hand,
Many a Deere there was slaine
and full was fast dight and:
Robin tooke a full great horne
and loud he gan it blowe,
Seauen score of wight yeomen
came running on a rowe.
All they kneeled on their knee
full faire before Robin,
The King said himselfe vntill
and swore by saint Austin,
Here is a wonder seemely sight
me thinketh by Gods pine,
His men are more at his bidding
then my men be at mine.
Full hastily was their dinner dight,
and thereto can they gone,
they serued our king with all their might
both Robin and little Iohn.
Anon before our King was set
the fat Venison.
the good white bread, the good red wine
and thereto the good Ale browne:
Make good cheere said Robin
Abbot for charitie,
And for this ylke tiding
blessed may thou be.
Now shalt thou see what life I lead
or that thou hence wend,
then thou maist enforme our King
when ye together be lend:
Vp they start all in haste
their Bowes were smartly bent,
Our King was neuer so sore agast
he went to haue beene shent.
Two yardes there were vp set
thereto can they gang,
By fiftye pace our King said
the markes were too long:
On euery side a rose garland
they shot vnder the line,
who so faileth of the rose garland said Robin
his tackle he shall tine,
And yeeld it to his maister
be it neuer so fine.
For no man will I spare
so drink I ale or wine
A good buffet on his head beare
for this shall be his fine
And those that fell to Robins lot
he smote them wonder sare
twice Robin shot about
and euer he claue the wand,
And so did good Gilbert
with the lilly white hand.
Little Iohn and good Scathlock
for nothing would they spare,
When they failed of the garland
Robin smote them full sare,
At the last shoote that Robin shot
fore all his freends faire.
Yet he failed the garland
three fingers and more,
Then bespake good Gilbert
and then he gan say,
Master he said your tackle is lost
stand foorth and take your pay.
If it be so said Robin
that may no better be,
Sir Abbot I deliuer thee mine arrow
I pray thee serue thou me.
It falleth not for mine order said ye King
Robin be thy leaue,
For to smite no good yeoman
for dout I should him greue.
Smite one boldely said Robin
I giue thee largely leaue,
Anon our King with that word
he folded vp his sleue.
And such a buffet he gaue Robin
to ground he yede full neere,
I make mine auow to God said Robin
thou art a tall Frier:
There is pith in thine arme said Robin
I trow thou can well shoot
Thus our King and Robin hood
togither gan they meet:
Robin beheld our comely King
stedfast in the face,
So did Sir Richard at the Lee
and kneeled downe in that place.
And so did all the said outlawes
when they sawe them kneele,
My Lord the King of England
now I know you well.
Mercy then said Robin to our King
vnder this trusly tree,
Of thy goodnes and thy grace
for my men and for mee.
And yet said good Robin
as good God do me saue,
I aske thee mercy my Lord the King
and for my men I it craue.
Yes for God said our King
thy petition I graunt thee,
So that thou wilt leaue the greenwood
and all thy company:
And come home to my Court
there to dwell with me.
I make mine auow to God said Robin
and right so shall it be,
I will come to your Court
your seruice for to see,
And bring with me of my men
seuenscore and three
But and I like not your seruice
I will come again full soon
And shoot at the dunne deere
as I was wunt to doon.
¶ The viii. fit.
HAst thou any green cloth said our king
that thou wilt sell to me
Yea for God said Robin
thirtie yardes and three.
Robin said our king
now pray I thee
To sell me some of that cloth
to me and my meynye:
Yes for God then said Robin
or els I were a foole
An other day ye will me clothe
Itrowe against the yule.
The king cast of his cote then
a green garment he did on
And euery knight had so ywis
they clothed them full soon
When they were clothed in Lincoln green
they cast a way the gray
Now shall we to Notingham
all this our king can say
They bent their bowes and forth they went
shooting all in fere
toward the towne of Nottingham
outlawes as thy were
Our king and Robin rode togither
forsooth as I you say
And all they shot pluck buffet
as thy went by the way
And many a buffet our King wan.
of Robin hood that day,
And nothing spared good Robin
our King when he did pay.
So God me helpe said the King
thy game is naught to lere,
I should not get a shot of thee
though I shot all this yeere.
All the people of Nottingham
they stood and beheld,
they saw nothing but mantles of greene
that couered all the field.
Then euery man togither can say
I drede our King be stone.
Come Robin hood to the towne ywis
on liue he leaueth not one.
Full hastely they began to flee
both yeomen and knaues,
And olde wiues that might euill goe
they hipped on their staues.
The King lough full fast
and commaunded them to come againe
when they saw our comely King
ywis they were full faine:
They eat and drank & made them glad
and sung with notes hye,
Then bespake our comely King
to sir Richard of the Lee,
He gaue him there his land again
a good man he had him be.
Robin hood thanked our comely King
and set him on his knee.
Robin hood dwelled in the Kings court
but twelue moneths and three,
that he had spent an hundreth pound
and all his mens fee.
In euery place where Robin came
euermore he laid downe,
Both for Knights and Squires
to get him a great renowne.
By than the yere was all gone
he had no man but twaine,
Little Iohn and good Scathelock
with all for to gone:
Robin saw young men shoot
full faire vpon a day,
Alas then said good Robin
my wealth is wend away.
Sometime I was an archer good
a stiffe and eke a strong,
I was commended for the best archer
that was in merry England:
Alas then said good Robin
alas what shall I doe,
If I dwell lenger with the King
sorrow will me slo.
Foorth then went Robin hood
till he came to our King,
My Lord the King of England
graunt me my asking.
I made a Chappell in bernisdale
that seemely is to see.
It is of Mary Magdalen
and there would I faine be.
I might no time this seauen nights
no time to sleepe one winke,
Neither all this seauen dayes
nother eat nor drinke.
Me longeth sore to Bernisdale
I may not be there fro
Bare foot and wolward haue I hight
thither for to goe
If it be so then said our king
it may no better be
Seuen nights I giue thee leue
no lenger to dwell from me.
Gramarcy Lord then said Robin
and set him on his knee,
He tooke his leaue full curteously
to greenwood then went he.
When he came to greenwood
in a mery morning,
There he heard the notes small
of birds mery singing.
It is farre gon said Robin
that I was last heere,
I haue a little lust for to shoot
at the dunne deere.
Robin slew a full great hart
his horne then can he blowe.
That all the outlawes of that Forrest
that horne could they knowe:
and gathered them togither
in a little throwe,
Seauenscore of wight yeomen
came running on a rowe.
And faire did of their hoods
and set them on their knee,
Welcome they said our maister
vnder the greenwood tree,
Robin dwelled in greenwood
twenty yeeres and two,
Then for dred of Edward our King
againe would he not goe:
Yet he was beguiled ywis
through a wicked woman.
the prioresse of Kirkesley
that nye was of his kinne,
For the loue of a knight
sir Roger of Dankastre.
For euill mote they thee,
they tooke togither their counsaile
Robin hood for to sley:
And how they might best doe that deed
his banes for to be
Then bespake good Robin
in place whereas he stood,
to morrow I must to Kirkesley
craftely to be letten blood.
Sir Roger of Dancastre
by the prioresse he lay,
And there they betrayed Robin hood
through their false play:
Christ haue mercy on his soule
that died on the rood,
For he was a good outlaw
and did poore men much good.
* Thus endeth the life of Robin hood.
Heere beginneth the play of Robin Hood, very proper to be played in May games.
Robin hood.
NOw stand ye forth my merry men all
and hark what I shall say,
Of an aduenture I shall you tell
the which befell this other day.
As I went by the high way
with a stout Frier I met.
And a quarter staffe in his hand,
lightly to me he leapt
And still he bad me stand.
there were stripes two or three,
But I cannot tell who had the worse
but well I wot the whorson
Leapt within me
and fro me tooke my pursse.
Is there any of my merry men all
that to the Frier will goe,
And bring him to me foorth withall
whether he will or no.
Little Iohn.
Yes Maister I make God auow
to that Frier will I goe,
And bring him to you
whither he will or no,
Frier Tuck.
Deus hic, Deus hic, God be heere
is not this a holy word of a Frier,
God saue all this company,
But am not I a iolly Frier
For I can shoote both farre and neere.
and handly the sword and buckler
and this quarter staffe also
If I meet with a gentle man or yeman,
I am not afraid to looke him vpon
nor boldly with him to carp [...],
If he speake any words to me,
He shall haue stripes two or three
that shall make his body smart.
But maisters to shew you the matter
wherefore and why I am come hither
in faith I will not spare,
I am come to seeke a good yeoman
in Bernisdale men say is his habitation
His name is Robin hood
And if he be better man then I
his seruant will I be and serue him truly
But if that I be a better man then he
by my truth my knaue shall he be
and lead these dogges all three.
Robin hood.
Yeeld thee Frier in thy long cote my throte,
Frier tuck
I beshrew thy hart Knaue thou hurtest
Robin hood.
I trowe Frier thou beginnest to dote
who made thee so malapert and so bold,
To come into this Forrest heere,
among my fallow deere.
Frier.
Goe louse thee ragged knaue
if thou make many words I wil giue thee on ye eare
though I be but a poore Frier
to seeke Robin hood I am come heere
and to him my hart to break.
thou lousie Frier what wouldst thou with him
he neuer loued Frier nor none of Friers kin.
Frier
Auaunt ragged knaue
or ye shall haue on the skin.
Robin hood
Of all the men in a morning thou art ye worst
to meet with thee I haue no lust,
For he yt meeteth a frier or a fox in the morning
to speede ill that day he standeth in ieopardie
therefore I had rather meet with the deuill
Frier I tell thee as I think,
then meete with a frier or a fox
in a morning or I drinke.
Frier
Auaunt thou ragged knaue this is but a mock
if yu make many words yu shalt haue a knock,
Robin hood
Hark frier what I say heere,
ouer this water thou shalt me beare
the bridge is borne away.
Frier
To say thee nay I will not
to let thee of thine oth it were great pitty & sin
but vpon a Friers back and haue euen in.
Robin hood
Nay haue ouer.
Frier
now am I frier within & thou Robin without,
to lay thee heere I haue no great doubt:
Now art thou Robin without & I frier within
Lye there knaue. choose either sinke or swim.
Robin hood
[Page]Why thou lousie frier what hast thou doon
Frier
Marry set a knaue ouer the shoon,
Robin hood
Therefor thou shalt abye
Frier
Why wilt thou fight a pluck
Robin hood
And God send me good luck,
Frier
Then haue a stroke for Frier tuck.
Robin hood
Holde thy hand Frier and heare me speak
Frier
Say on ragged knaue
me seemeth ye begin to sweat.
Robin hood
In this Forrest I haue a hound
I will not giue him for an hundreth pound:
Giue me leaue my horne to blowe,
that my hound may know.
Frier
Blowe on ragged knaue without any doubt,
vntill both thine eyes start out:
Heere is a sorte of ragged knaues come in
Clothed all in kendall greene
and to thee they take their way now.
Robin hood
Peraduenture they doe so
Frier
I gaue thee leaue to blow at thy will,
now giue me leaue to whistle my sill.
Robin hood
Frier
Now cut and Bause,
Bring foorth the clubbes and staues
And downe with those ragged knaues.
Robin hood
How saist thou Frier wilt thou be my man
to doo me the best seruice thou can,
Thou shalt haue both gold and fee,
And also heer is a lady free I will giue hir vnto thee
And her chaplain I thee make
to serue her for my sake.
Frier
Heere is a huckle duckle an inch aboue the buckle
She is a trul of trust to serue a frier at his lust
A pricker, a prauncer, a tearer of sheetes,
a wagger of buttocks when other men sleeps,
Goe home ye knaues and lay crabs in the fier
for my lady & I will dance in the mire for very pure ioy.
Robin hood.
Listen my merry men all
and harken what I shall say,
Of an aduenture I shall you tell
that befell this other day:
With a proud potter I met
and a rose garland on his head,
the flowers of it shone meruailous fresh
this seuen yeere & more he hath vsed this way
Yet was he neuer so curteous a potter
as one peny passage to pay.
Is there any of my merry men all
that dare be so bolde,
to make the Potter pay passage
either stluer or golde.
Little Iohn
[Page]Not I maister for twenty pound ready tolde
For there is not amongst vs all one that
dare meddle with that potter man for man
I felt his hands not long agon
but I had leuer be heere by thee,
therefore I know what he is
Meete him when ye will
or meete him when you shall,
He is as proper a man as euer you medled withall
Robin hood
I will lay with thee little Iohn xx. pound so red
if I with the potter meet
I will make him pay passage mauger his hed.
Little Iohn
I consent thereto so I eat bread,
If he pay passage mauger his head
twenty pound shall ye haue for your meed.
The potters boy Iack.
Out alas that euer I saw this day.
For I am cleane out of my way:
From Nottingham towne,
If I me hie not the faster
Or I come there the market will be doon.
Robin
Let me see are thy pots whole and sound.
Iack
Yea maister but they will not breake ye ground sake
Robin
I will them break-for the cuckold thy masters
And if they will break the ground
thou shalt haue three pence for a pound.
Iack
the Potter
Why thou whorson art thou heere yet
thou shouldest haue been at market.
Iack
I met with Robin hood a good yeman
He hath broken my pottes
and cald you Cuckold by your name.
Potter
Thou maist be a gentleman so God me saue,
but thou seemest a naughty knaue:
Thou callest me a cuckold by my name.
And I swere by God and saint Iohn.
Wife had I neuer none
this cannot I deny
But if thou be a good fellow
I will sell my horse harnes, pots & paniers too
thou shalt haue the one halfe and I the other
if thou be not so content thou shalt haue
stripes if thou were my brother.
Robin
Hark potter what I shall say.
this 7. yeer and more thou hast vsed this way
Yet were thou neuer so curteous to me
as one peny passage to pay.
Potter
Why should I pay passage to thee,
Robin
For I am Robin hood cheefe gouernour
vnder the greene-wood tree.
Potter
This seuen yere I vsed this way vp and down
yet payed I passage to no man,
Nor now I will not begin do the worst yu can.
Robin
[Page]Passage shalt thou pay heere vnder the greenwoodtree
or els thou shalt leaue a wed with me:
Potter
Yf thou be a good fellow as men doo thee call,
laye away thy bowe
And take thy sword and buckler in thy hand
and see what shall befall.
Robin hood
Little Iohn where art thou,
Little Iohn
Here maister I make auow
I toulde you maister so God me saue,
that you should finde the potter a knaue:
Holde your buckler fast in your hand,
and I will stiffely by you stand,
Ready for to fight,
Be the knaue neuer so stout
I shall rap him on the snout,
and put him to flight.
¶ Thus endeth the play of Robin hood.