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.

¶ 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 the 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 the 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 that 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 the 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 thousand 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 the 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 afore 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 that 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 maugre 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 the 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 him 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 him 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 the 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 .