A merry jest of Robin Hood, and of his life, With a new play for to be played in May-games. Very pleasant and full of pastime. Robin Hood (?) with a longbow and arrow, wearing a cap with a feather, facing Little John, who bears a sword and axe Little john. LONDON. Printed for Edward White. ¶ Hear beginneth a little jest of Robin Hood and his merry men and of the proud Sheriff of Nottingham. Lythe and listen Gentlemen, that be of fire borne blood: I shall you tell of a good yeoman his name was Robin Hood. Robin was a proud outlaw whilst he walked on the ground, So courteise an outlaw as he was one, was never none yfound, Robin stood in Bernsdale and leaned upon a tree, And by him little john a good yeoman was he. And also did good Scathlock, and Much the milners son, there was no inch of his body but it was worth a groom. Then bespoke him little john all unto Robin hood: Master if you would dine betime it would do you much good. Then bespoke good Robin hood, to dine I have no lust till I have some bold Baron or some uncouth guessed that may pay for the best Or some Knight, or some Squire that dwelleth here by west. A good manner than had Robin in land where that he were, Every day ere he would dine three masses would he here. The one in the worship of the Father, the other of the holy Ghost: the third was of our dear Lady that he loved of all other most. Robin he loved our dear Lady, for doubt of deadly sin, would he never do company harm that any woman was in. Master than said little john and we our board shall spread tell us what way we shall gone, and what life we shall lead, where we shall take where we shall leave where we shall abide behind: where we shall rob where we shall reave where we shall beat and bind. Thereof no force said Robn, we shall do well enough, but look you do no husbandman harm that tilleth with the plough, No more you shall no good yeoman that walketh by green wood shaw: Ne no Knight, ne no Squire that would be a good fellow. Bishops and these Archbishops ye shall them beat and bind, the high Sheriff of Nottingeam him hold in your mind. this word shall hold said little john, and this lesson shall we lere. It is far days God send us a guest that we were at our dinner. Take thy good bow in thy hand said Robin let Much go with thee, and so shall William Scathlock, and no man abide with me. Now walk ye up unto the shore, and so to Watling-street and wait after some uncouth guest, by chance some may ye meet. Be he Earl or any Baron Abbot or any Knightis bring him then to lodge to me his dinner shall be dight. They went anon unto the Sails these yeomen all three, they looked East they looked West, they might no man see But as they looked in Bernesdale by a dame street: Then came there a Knight riding, full soon they 'gan him meet. All drouflye was his semblant, and little was his pride, His one foot on the stirtop stood, the other waved beside: His hood hanged over his eyes two, he road in simple array, A sorrier man than he was one road never on Summer's day. Little john was courteous, and set him on his knee: Welcome be ye gentle Knight, welcome are you to me, Welcome be thou to green-wood heard Knight and free. My Master hath abiden fasting sir all these hours three. Who is your Master said the Knight. john said Robin hood: He is a good yeoman said the Knight, of him have I heard much good. I grant he said with you to wend my brethren all three: My purpose was to have dined to day at Blithe or Dancastre. Forth then went that gentle Knight with a careful cheer, The tears out of his eyes ran and fell down by his leer. They brought him unto the lodge door When Robin 'gan him see Full courteously he did off his hood and set him down on his knee. welcome sir Knight then said Robin, welcome thou art to me, I have abiden fasting sir all these hours three. Then answered the gentle Knight with words fair and free, God thee save good Robin, and all thy fair meinie. They washed together and wiped both and set to their dinner, Bread and wine they had enough and numbles of the Dear. Swans and Pheasants they had full good and Fowls of the river there faileth never so little a bird that ever was spread on briar. Do gladly sir Knight said Robin, Gramercy sir said he Such a dinner had I not Of all these weeks three. If I come again Robin Hear by this Country, As good a dinner I shall thee make, as thou hast made to me. I thank thee Knight than said Robin my dinner when I have, By God I was never so greedy my dinner for to crave. But pay ere you wend said Robin me think is good right, It was never the manner by worthy God a yeoman to pay for a Knight. I have nought in my Coffers said the Knight that I may proffer for shame: Little john go look said Robin hood, Ne let not for no blame. Tell me truth said Robin so God have part of thee: I have no more but x s. said the Knight so God have part of me. If thou have no more said Robin I will not one penny, And if thou have need of any more more I shall lend thee. Go now forth little john the truth tell thou me, If there be no more but ten sbillings not any penny that I see Little john spread down his mantle full fair upon the ground And there he found in the Knight's coffer but even half a pound Little john let it lie full still and went to his master full low What tidings john said Robin Sir the Knight is true Fill of the best wine said Robin the Knight shall begin Much wonder thinketh me thy clothing is so thin. Tell me one word said Robin and counsel shall it be, I trow thou wert made Knight of force or else of yeomanry, or else thou hast be a sorry husband, and lived in stroke and strife, an Okerer or else a Lecher said Robin with whores hast thou led thy life. I am none of these said the Knight by God that mage me, An hundredth winters hear before mine Ancestors Knights have be. But of it hath befall Robin a man hath be disgraced But God that sitteth in heaven above may amend his estate. Within 2. or 3. years Robin said he Four hundredth pound of good money full well then might I spend. Now have 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 kindness. I had a son forsooth Robin that should have been mine heir, When he was twenty winters old In field would just full fair. He slew a Knight of Lancashire and a Squire bold, For to save him in his right my goods both set and sold. My Lands be set to wed Robin until a certain day, To a rich Abbot here beside of Saint Mary Abbay. What is the sum said Robin, truth then tell thou me Sir he said four hundredth pound the Abbot told it to me. Now and thou lose thy land said Robin what shall fall of thee? Hastily I will me busk said the Knight over the salt Sea: And see where Christ was quick & dead on the mount of Caluere. Farewell friend and have good day it may no better be. Tears fell out of his eyes two, he would have gone his way, Farewell friends and have good day, I have no more to pay. Where be thy friends said Robin, sir never 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 row They take no more heed of me than they me never saw For ruth they went little john Scathlock and Much also Fill of the best wine said Robin for here is a simple cheer Hast thou any friends said Robin thy borrows that will be I have none said the Knight but God that died on a tree Do away thy jest said Robin thereof I will right none weenest thou I will God to borrow Peter, Paul or john Nay by him that made me and shope both Sun and Moon Find a better borrow said Robin Or money gettest thou none I have none other said the Knight the sooth for to say, But it be our dear Lady she faileth me never or this day. By dear worthy God said Robin to seech all England thorough Yet found I never to my pay a much better borrow Come now forth little john and go to my treasure And bring me four hundredth pound and look it well told be Forth then went little john and Scathelocke went before He told forth four hundredth pound by eighteen score Is this well told said little Much john said what grieved thee It is alms to help a gentle knight that is fallen in poverty Master than said little john his clothing is full thin Ye must give the knight a livery, to wrap his body therein For ye have Scarlet and green master and much rich array there is no merchant in merry England so rich I dare well say Take him three yards of every colour and look that well ymet it be Little john took none other measure but his bow tree And of every handful that he met he leaped over feet three What devils draper said little Much thinkest thou to be Scathelocke stood still and laughed and said by God almight john may give him the better measure by God it cost him but light Master said little john All unto Robin hood Ye must give the knight an horse to lead home all his good Take him a grey courser said Robin and a saddle new He is our Lady's messenger God lend that it be true And a good Palfrey said little much to maintain him in his right And a pair of boots said Scathelocke for he is a gentle knight what shalt thou give him little john said Robin sir a pair of guilt spurs clean 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 twelve months said Robin under the green wood tree It were great shame said Robin a Knight alone to ride without squire, yeomen or page to walk by his side I shall thee lend little john my man for he shall be thy knave In a yeoman's stead he may stand if thou great need have. ¶ The second fit. NOw is the Knight gone 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 john He blessed them for the best company that ever he in came Then spoke the gentle Knight to little john 'gan he say tomorrow I must to York town to saint Mary Abbay And to the Abbot of that place four hundredth pound I must pay And but I be there this night my land is lost for aye The Abbot said to his covent there he stood on ground this day xii. months came a Knight and borrowed four● hundredth pound Upon his land and fee But he come this ilke day disberited shall he be It is full early said the prior the day is not yet far gone I had liefer to pay a hundredth pound and lay it down anon The Knight is far beyond the sea in England is his right And suffereth hunger and cold and many a sore night It were great pity said the prior So to have his land And ye be so light of your conscience you do him much wrong Thou art ever in my beard said the Abbot by God and saint Richad With that came in a fat headed monk the high sellerere He is dead or hanged said the monk by God that bought me dear Ind we shall have to spend in this place four hundredth pounds by year The Abbot and high sellerere start forth full bold The high justice of England the Abbot there did hold The high justice and many more had taken into their hand Wholly all the knight's det to put that knight to wrong They deemed the knight wonder sore the Abbot and his meinie But he comes this ilk day disherited shall he be He will come yet said the justice I dare well undertake But in sorrow time to them all The knight came to the gate Then bespoke that gentle knight until his meinie Now put on your simple weeds that ye brought fro the sea They came to the gates anon the porter was ready himself and welcomed them every eachone Welcome sir knight said the porter my Lord to meat is he And so is many a gentleman for the love of thee The Porter swore a full great oath. by God that made me Hear be the best corpse horse that ever yet saw me lead them to the stable he said that eased might they be they shall not come there said the knight by God that died on a tree Lords were to meat yset in that Abbot's hall the knight went forth & kneeled down and saluted them great and small: Do gladly sir Abbot (said the Knight) I am come to hold my day. The first word the Abbot spoke hast thou brought me my pay? Not one penny said the Knight by God that hath made me: Thou art a shrewd debtor said that Abbot sir justice drink to me. What dost thou here (said the Abbot) but thou hadst brought thy pay? For God then said the Knight to desire of a longer day. Thy day is broke said the justice, land gettest thou none: Now good sir justice be my friend, and defend me against my fone. I am hold with the Abbot said the justice both with cloth and fee: Now good sir Sheriff be my friend, nay for God said he. Now good sir Abbot be my friend for thy courtesy: and hold my lands in thy hand till I have made thee 'gree: and I will be thy true servant, till ye have four hundredth pound of money good and free. The Abbot swore a full great oath, by God that died on a tree, Get thy land where thou may for thou gettest none of me. By dear worthy God said the Knight that all this world wrought but I have my land again full dear it shall be bought. God that was of a maiden borne send us well to speed, for it is good to assay a friend or that a man have need. The Abbot loathly on them 'gan look, 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 never; by God that made us all. Up then stood that gentle Knight to the Abbot said he: To suffer a Knight to kneel so long thou canst no courtesy. In justs and in Tournaments full far that have I be, and put myself as far in press as any that ever I see. What will ye give more said the justice and the Knight shall make release: or else dare I safely say ye hold never your land in peace. An hundredth pound said the Abbot, the justice said give him two: Nay by God said the Knight, ye get not my land so. Though ye would give a thousand pound more yet were thou never the near: Shall there never be mine heir Abbot, justice ne Friar. He start him to a board anon till a table round And there he shook out of a bag even four hundredth pound Have here thy gold sir abbot said the Knight which thou lentest me Hadst thou been curtise at my coming I would have rewarded thee The Abbot sat still and eat no more for all his royal cheer He cast his head on his shoulder and fast 'gan to stare Take my gold again said the Abbot sir justice that I took to thee Not a penny said the justice by God that died on a tree Sir Abbot and you men of law Now have I held my day Now shall I have my land again for aught that you can say The knight start out of the door away was all his care And on he put his good clothing and the other he left there He went him forthfull merry singing as men have 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 ever his soul be in bliss he holp me out of tene Ne had not be his kindness beggars had we been. The Abbot and I accorded been, he served of his pay: the good yeoman lent it me as I came on the way. This Knight than dwelled fair at home the sooth for to say: till he had got four hundredth pound all ready for to pay. He purveyed him an hundredth bows the strings were well dight: An hundredth sheaf of arrows good, the heads burnished bookful bright: And every arrow an ell long, with Peacock well ydight: And nocked they were with white silver it was a seemly sight. He purveyed him an hundredth men well harnased in that stead: And himself in that same suit, and clothed in white and red. He bore a lance gay in his hand, and a man led his male: and road with a light song unto Bernisdale. As he went up a bridge was a wrestling and there tarried was he: And there was all the best yeomen of all the west Country. A great courser with a saddle and bridle with gold burnished full bright: A pair of gloves a red gold ring, a pipe of wine in good faith: What man beareth him best iwis the prize shall bear away. There was a yeoman in that place and best worthy was he, And for he was far and friend bestead yslain he should have be. The Knight had ruth of this yeoman in place where that he stood, He said the yeoman should have no harm for the love of Robin hood. The Knight pressed into the place, an hundredth followed him in fear, With bows bend and arrows sharp for to shend that company. They shouldered and made him room to wit what he would say: He took the yeoman by the hand, and gave him all the play, He gave him five marks for his wine there it lay then on the mould, and bade it should be set abroach and drink who so would. Thus long tarried this gentle Knight till that the play was done. So long abode Robin fasting three hours after noon. ¶ The third fit. Lieth and listen Gentlemen all that now be here, Of little john that was the Knight's man good mirth ye shall hear. It was upon a merry day that young men would go shoot Little john fet his bow anon and said he would them mnete. Three times little john shot about and always clave the wand. The proud Sheriff of Nottingham by the marks 'gan stand. The Sheriff swore a full great oath by him that died on a tree, this man is the best archer that ever I did see. Say me thou wight young man what is now thy name: in what country wast thou borne, and where is thy woning wane. In Holdernes I was borne iwis 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 every year I will thee give twenty mark to thy fee. I have a Master said little john, A courteous Knight is he, may ye get leave of him the better may it be The Sheriff got little john twelve months of the Knight: therefore he gave to him anon a good horse and a wight. Now is little john the sheriffs man he give us well to speed. But always thought little john to quite him well his meed. Now so God help said little john and by my true lewte I shall be the worst servant to him that ever he had yet. It befell upon a wednesday the Sheriff on hunting was gone: and little john lay in his bed and was forgot at home: Therefore he was fasting till it was past noon. Good sir Steward I pray thee give me meat said little john: It is long for greene-leafe fasting so long to be: Therefore I pray thee Steward my dinner give thou me. Shalt neither eat nor drink said the Steward till my Lord be come to town I make mine avow to God said little john I had liefer to crack thy crown. The Butler was uncourteous there he stood on the floor: He start to the buttery and shut fast the door little john gave the Butler such a rap his back go nigh in two: Though he liveth an hundredth winters the worse he still shall go. He spurned the door with his foot it went well and fine: And there he made a large livery both of ale and wine. Sith you will not dine said little john I shall give you to drink: and though you live this hundredth winter on little john shall ye think: Little john eat and also drunk the while that he would: the Sheriff had in the kitchen a Cook a stout man and a bold. I make my avow to God said the Cook thou art a shrewd hine in an household for to dwell for to ask thus to dine. And there he lent little john good strokes three: I make mine avow said little john these strokes do like well me. Thou art a bold man and a hardy, and so thinketh me: And ere I pass from this place assayed better shalt thou be. Little john drew a good sword: The Cook an other in hand, they thought nothing to flee but stiffly for to stand. There they fought sore togethrr two mile way and more: might neither other harm done the maintenance of an hour. I make mine avow to God said little john and by my true lewte thou art one of the best swordmen that ever I saw yet. Couldst thou shoot as well in a bow to green-wood thou shouldst with me: And two times in the year thy clothing changed it should be: And every year of Robin hood twenty mark to thy fee. Put up thy sword said the Cook and fellows we will be Then he fet to little john the numbles of a do: Good bread and full good wine, they eat and drank thereto. And when they had drunken well their truths together they plight, that they would be with Robin that ilk day at night: They hied them to the treasure-house as fast as they could gone: The locks that were of good steel they broke them every one: They took away silver Vessel, and all that they might get: Pieces Masers and spoons would they none forget: Also they took the good pence three hundredth pound and three, and hied them to Robin hood under the green-wood tree. God thee save my dear Master, and Christ thee save and see. And thou said Robin to little john welcome thou art to me, and so is that good yeoman that thou hast brought with thee. What tidings from Noti●ngham little john tell thou me. Well thee greeteth the proud Sheriff he hath sent thee here by me his Cup and his silver Vessel, and three hundredth pound and three I make mine avow to God said Robin and by the Trinity it was never by his good will this good is come to me. Little john him bethought on a shrewd wile 5. mile in the Forest him happened at his will. Then he met the proud Sheriff hunting with hound and horn. Little john could his courtesy and kneeled him besorne. God save thee my dear Master: and Christ you save and see. Reinald Greene-leafe said the Sheriff where have you now be. I have now be in the Forest a fair sight can I see, it was one of the fairest sights that ever yet saw I me. Yonder I see a right fair Hart his colour is of green, seven score Dear upon a heard be with him all by deene, His tindes be so sharp Master of sixty and well more, that I durst not shoot for dread lest they would me slow. I make my avow to God said the sheriff that sight would I feign see. Busk thee thither ward my dear Master anon and wend with me The Sheriff road and little john a foot he was full smart, And when they came afore Robin Lo here is the master Ha●t, Still stood the proud Sheriff, a sorry man was he: Woe worth thee Reinald Greenleafe thou hast betrayed me. I make mine avow to God said john Master ye be to blame: I was misserued of my dinner when I was with you at home. Soon he was to supper set, and served with silver white: And when the Sheriff saw his Vessel for sorrow he might not eat. Make good cheer said Robin hood Sheriff of charity: And for the love of little john thy life is granted to thee. When they had all supped well the day was all gone: Robin commanded little john to draw off his hose and shone: His kertle and his coat a pie that was furred well and fine: And took him a green mantle to lap his body therein. Robin commanded his wight yeomen under the green wood three that they shall lie in that sort that the Sheriff might them see. All night lay that proud Sheriff in his breech and in his shirt: Now wonder it was in green-wood though his sides do smart. Make glad said Robin hood Sheriff for charity: For this is our order iwis under the green-wood tree. This is harder order said the Sheriff than any ancre or frere: For all the gold in merry England I would not dwell long here. All these twelve months said Robin thou shalt dwell with me, I shall thee teach proud Sheriff an outlaw for to be. Or I here an other night lie Robin now I pray thee Smite off my head rather to morn, Let me go then said the Sheriff and I forgive it thee: for Saint Chaiity: and I will be the best friend that ever yet had ye. Thou shalt swear me an oath said Robin on my bright brand, Thou shalt never wait me scathe by water nor by land. And if thou find any of my men by night or else by day upon thine oath thou shalt swear to help them that thou may. Now hath the Sheriff sworn his oath and home again to gone, He was full of green-wood as ever was any man. ¶ The fourth fit. THe Sheriff dwelled in Nottingham he was feign that he was gone: and Robin and his merry men went to wood anon. Go we to dinner said little john: but Robin said nay, for I dread our Lady be wrath with me for she sent me not my pay. Have no doubt Master said little john yet is not the Sun at rest, for I dare swear and safely swear the Knight is true and trust. Take thy bow in thy hand said Robin let Much wend with thee, and so shall William Scathlock and no man abide with me, and up into the sails, and to watling street, and look for some strange guest, by chance you may them meet: Wither he be Messenger, or man that mirths can, or if he be a poor man of my goods he shall have some. Forth then start little john half in a fray and teen, and girt him with a full good sword under a mantle of green. They went then unto the Sails 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 Monks each on a good palfrey. Then bespoke little john to Much he 'gan say, I dare lay my life to wed these Monks have brought our pay. Make glad cheer said little john, and bend we our bows of ewe, and look our hearts be sicker and sad your strings trusty and true, the Monk hath but fifty and two man and seoven summers full strong, there rideth no Bishop in this land so royal I understand. brethren said little john here are no more but we three, but we bring them to dinner our Master dare we not see. Bend your bows said little john, make you yonder Priest to stand, the foremost Monk his life and his death is closed in my hand. Abide churl Monk said little john, no farther that thou gone, if thou dost by dear worthy God thy death is in my hand. An evil thrift on thy head said little john right under thy hats band, for thou hast made our Master wrath he is fasting so long. What hight your Master said the Monk Little john said Robin hood: He is a strong thief said the Monk of him heard I never good. Thou liest then said little john and that shall sore rue thee. He is a yeoman of the Forest to dine he hath bode thee. Much was ready with a Bow ready and anon. He set the monk to fore the breast to the ground he 'gan gone Of two and fifty wight yeomen there abode but one Save a little Page and a groom to lead the summers with little john. they brought the monk to the lodge door whither he were loath or lief For to speak with Robin maugre in their teeth Robin did down his hood the monk when he did see the monk was not so curteise his hood then let it be. He is a churl master by dear worthy God then said little john: Thereof no force said Robin for courtesy can he none. How many men said Robin had this monk john: Fifty and two, when that we met but many of them be gone. Let blow we a horn said Robin that fellowship may us know Seven score of wight yeomen came pricking on a row And every of them a good mantel of scarlet and of ray, All they came to good Robin to wete what he would say They made the monk to wash & wipe and sit at his dinner: Robin hood and little john they served him both in fere. Do gladly monk said Robin gramercy sir said he: Where is your abbey when you are at home and who is your avow Saint Mary abbey said the monk though I be simple here. In what office said Robin sir the high Sellerere. Ye be the more welcome said Robin So moat I thrive of thee Fill of the best wine said Robin this monk shall drink to me But I have great marvel said Robin of all this long day, I dread our Lady be wrath with me she sent me not my pay. have no doubt master said little john swear you need not so to say This monk hath brought it I dare well for he is of her abbey. She was a borrow said Robin between a knight and me Of a little money that I him lent under the green wood three: And if thou hast the money brought I pray thee let me see And I shall help thee eft again if thou have need of me. The Monk swore a full great oath with a sorry cheer, of the borrowhood thou speakest to me heard I never ere. I make my avow to God said Robin Monk thou art too blame, for God is hold a right wise man, and so is his Dame: Thou toldest with thine own tongue thou mayst it not denay, how thou art her servant, and servest her every day: And thou art her Messenger my money for to pay, therefore I do thee thank thou art come at thy day. What is in your coffers said Robin, truth then tell thou me, Sir he said twenty mark, so mought I thrive 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 find more said Robin, iwis thou shalt it foregone, for of thy spending money Monk thereof I will have none. Go now forth little john, and the truth tell thou me, if there be no more but twenty mark, no penny let me see. Little john laid his mantle down, as he had done before, and told out of the Mankes male eight hundredth pound and more. Little john let it lie full still, and went to his Master in haste: Sir he said the Monk is true now, our Lady hath doubled your cost. I make mine avow to God said Robin Monk that told I thee: Our Lady is the truest woman that ever yet found I me. By dear worthy God said Robin, to seek all England thorough, yet found I never to my pay a much better borrow. Fill of the best wine & to him drink said Robin and greet well thy Lady heard, and if she have need of Robin hood, a friend she shall him find: And if she have need of any more silver come thou again to me, and by this token she hath me sent she shall have such three. The Monk was going to Londonward there to hold great mote, the Knight that road so high on horse to bring him under foot. Whither be ye away said Robin, sir to manners in this land, to reckon with our reves, that have done much wrong. Come now forth little john and hearken to my tale, a better yeoman I know none to seek a Monks male. And what is in the other coffer said Robin the sooth we must see By our Lady said the Monk that were no courtesy To bid a man to dinner and sith him beat and bind. It is our old manner said Robin to leave but little behind. The Monk took the horse with spur no longer would abide. Ask to drink then said Robin or that ye farther ride. Nay for God said the Monk Me ruth I came so near For better cheap I might have dined in Blithe or Dancaster. Greet well your Abbot said Robin and your Prior I you pray And bid him send me such a Monk to dinner every day. Now let we that Monk be still and speak we of that knight Yet he came to hold his day while that it was light He did him strait to Bernesdale under 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 courteously he did down his hood and set him on his knee. God thee save 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 driveth thee to green-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 justice they would have had my land. Hast thou thy land again said Robin, truth then tell thou me: Yea for God then said the Knight, and thank I God and thee. But take no grief said the Knight that I have be so long, I came by a wrestling, and there did I help a poor yeoman with wrong they put behind, Now by my truth then said Robin, for that Knight thank I thee, what man that helpeth a good yeoman his friend then will I be. Have here cccc. pound said the Knight the which ye lent to me: And there is xx. mark for your courtesy. Nay fore God said Robin thou brook it well for ay, for our Lady by her high Sellerer hath sent to me my pay, and I should take it twice a shame it were for me, but truly gentle Knight welcome thou art to me. And when Robin had told his tale, he laughed and made good cheer: By my troth then said the knight your money is ready here. Brook it well said Robin thou gentle knight so free, And welcome be thou gentleknight under this trusty tree: But what shall these Bows do he said and these Arrows feathered free, By God then said the gentle knight a poor present to thee. Come now forth little john my will done that it be, Go and fetch me four hundredth pounds the monk over told it me: Have here four hundredth pound thou gentle Knight and true, And buy thee horse and harness good and gilt thy spucres all new: And if thou fail any spending come to Robin hood, And by my troth thou shalt not fail whilst I have any good: And brook well for thy hundredth pound which I did send to thee, And make thyself no more so bare by the counsel of me. Thus then holp him good Robin the Knight of all his care, God that sitteth in heaven high grant us well to far. ¶ The fift fit. NOw hath the Knight his lean 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 Sheriff of Nottingham did cry a full fair play, that all the best archers of the North should come upon a day, and they that shoot all of the best the best shall bear away, He that shooteth all of the best furthest fair and low, at a pair of goodly Butts under the green wood shaw, a right good Arrow he should have the shaft of silver white, the head and feathers of richred gold, in England is none the like. This than heard good Robin under his trusty tree: Make ye ready you wight yeomen, that shooting will I see, busk you my merry yeomen ye shall go with me: And I shall know the sheriffs faith true and if he be. When they had their vows ybend, their arrows feathered free, seavenscore wight yeomen stood by Robin's knee. When they came to Nottingham the Butts were fair and long: Many were the bold archers that shot with bows strong: There shall but six shoot with me, the other shall keep my head, and stand with good bows bend that I be not deceived: The first outlaw his vow 'gan bend, and that was Robin hood: and that beheld the proud Sheriff all by the butts where he stood. Thrice Robin shot about, and always he clave the wand: And so did good Gilbert with the lily-white hand. Little john 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 fair and good, evermore then was the best for sooth Robin hood. To him was delivered the good Arrow, for best worthy was he, he took the gift full courteously, to green-wood then would he. They cried out on Robin hood, a great horn 'gan he blow: Woe worth thee treason said Robin for evil tohu art to know: And woe be to thee thou proud Sheriff thus cheering thy guest, an other promise thou madest to me within the green forest: But and I had thee there again under the trusty tree, thou shouldest give me a better wed then thy true lewte, Full many a bow there was bend, and arrows let they glide: Many a kirtle there was torn, and hurt many a side. The outlaws shot was so strong, that no man might them drive, and the proud sheriffs men they fled away believe,. Robin saw the ambushment broke, in green-wood he would have be, many an arrow there was shot among the company. Little john he was hurt full sore with an arrow on the knee, that he might neither go nor ride, it was full great pity. Master than said little john if ever you loved me, and for that ilk Lords love that died upon a tree, and for the meeds of my service that I have served thee, let never the proud Sheriff alive now find me, but take out thy brown sword, and smite thou off my head, and give me wounds so wide and long that I after eat no bread. I would not said Robin john that thou wert slain for all the gold in merry England though I had it all by me. God forbidden that said little Much then that died on a tree that thou shouldst little john departed our company: Up he took him on his back, and bare him well a mile, many a time he set him down and shot another while. Then was there a fair Castle a little within the wood, double ditched it was about, and walled by the Rood: And there dwelled that gentle Knight sir Richard of the Lee that Robin had lent his good under the green wood three. In he took good Robin, and all his company: Welcome Robin hood welcome art thou to me, I do thee thank for thy comfort and for thy courtesy And for thy great kindness, under the green wood tree, I love no man in all the world so much as I do thee: For all the proud Sheriff of Nottingham right here shalt thou be. Shut the gates and draw the bridge and let no man come in, And arm you well and make you ready and to the wall ye win. For one thing Robin I thee hit, And swear by Saint Quintine, thou shalt these twelve days abide with me to sup, eat and dine. Boards were laid and clothes were spread ready and anon Robin hood and his merry men to meat 'gan they gone. ✚ The sixth fit. Lieth and listen Gentlemen, and hearken unto the song, how the proud Sheriff began, and men of arms strong full fast came to the high Sheriff the country up to rout, and they beset the Knight's Castle the walls all about. The proud Sheriff loud 'gan cry, and said thou traitor Knight, thou keepest there the King's enemies against all law and right. Sir I will enough what I have done, the deeds that here be dight, upon all the lands that I have as I am true Knight: Wend forth sirs on your way, and do ye no more to me till you wit your Kings will what he will say to thee. The Sheriff thus had his answer 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 avow that he had done to maintain the outlaws strong he would be Lord and set you at nought 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. Go home thou proud Sheriff, and do as I you bid, and ordain good archers enough of all the wide country. The Sheriff had his leave tale, and went him on his way: And Robin hood to green-wood upon a certain day. And little john was hole of the arrow that was shot in his knee: And did him straight to Robin hood under the green-wood tree. Robin hood walked in the Forest, under the leaves green, the proud Sheriff of Nottingham therefore had great teen. The Sheriff there he failed of Robin hood he might not have his prey, than he awaited that gentle Knight both by night and day, ever awaited that gentle Knight sir Richard of the Lee: As he went on banking by the river side and let his Hawk flee. To betray this gentle knight with men of arms strong, And led him home to Notingham-ward ybound both foot and hand, The Sheriff swore a full great oath by him that died on a tree, he had rather than a hundredth pound that Robin hood had he. Then the Lady the Knight's wife. a fair Lady and free, she set her on a good Palfrey, to green-wood anon road she: When she came to the Forest. under the green-wood tree there found she Robin hood, and all his merry meinie: God thee save good Robin, and all thy company: For our dear Ladies love a boon grant thou me: Let thou never my wedded Lord shamefully slain be: He is fast bound to Nottingham-ward for the love of thee: Anon then said good Robin to that Lady free, What man hath thy Lord tale? The proud Sheriff than said she, he is not yet passed three miles, you may them overtake, Up then start good Robin as a man that had been wake. Busk ye my merry yeomen for him that died on a tree, And he that this sorrow forsaketh by him that died on a tree. And by him that all things maketh no longer shall dwell with me: Soon there were good vows ybent more than seven score, Hedge ne ditch they spared none that was them before. I make mine avow to God said Robin the Knight would I feign see, And if ye may him overtake yquight than shall he be. And when they came to Nottingham they walked in the street, And with the proud Sheriff iwis soon 'gan they meet. Abide thou proud Sheriff he said abide and speak with me, Of some tidings of our King I would feign hear of thee, this seven year by dear worthy God ne go I so fast on foot. I make mine avow to God thou proud sheriff that is not for thy boot: Robin bent a good Bow An arrow he drew at his will, He hit so the proud sheriff upon the ground he lay full still. And ere he might up arise on his feet to stand, He smote of the sheriffs head with his bright brand. Lie thou there the proud sheriff evil may thou thrive, there might no man to thee trust the whiles thou were alive. His men drew out their bright sword that were so sharp and keen, And laid it on the sheriffs men and drive them down by deene. Robin start to that knight and cut in two his band, And took him in his hand a Bow and bade him by him stand. Leave thy horse thee behind and learn for to run, Thou shalt with me to green wood through mire, moss and feene. thou shalt with me to greenewood without any leasind, till that I have get us grace of Edward our comely King. ✚ The seven. fit. THe King came to Nottingham with knights in great array, 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 bold and stout, when they had told him the case our King understood their tale, And seized in his hand all the knight's land: The compass of Lancashire he wend both far and near. Till he came to Plumpton park he failed many of his Deer. There the king was wont to see herds many a one, He could uneath find any Deer that bore any good horn. the King was wonder wroth withal and swore by the Trinity, I would I had Robin hood with eyes I might him see. And he that would smite of the knight's head and bring it unto me. He should have the knight's lands sir Richard of the Lee: I give it him with my charter and seal it with my hand, To have and hold for evermore in all merry England, than bespoke a fair old knight that was true in his faith, O my league Lord the King one word I shall you say: there is no man in this country may have the knight's lands, While Robin hood may ride or gone and bear a Bow in his hands. that he ne shall lose his head that is his best ball in his hood, Give it to no man my Lord the King that ye will any good. Half a year dwelled our comely King in Nottingham and well more, Can he not hear of Robin hood in what country that he were, but alway went good Robin by halt and eke by hill, and always he slew the King's Dear, and used them at his will. Than bespoke a proud Foster that stood by our King's knee, If ye will see good Robin, you must do after me: take five of the best knights that now be in your lead, And walk down by your Abbay And get you a Monks weed. And I will be your loads man and lead you on the way, And ere you come at Nottingham my head then dare I lay: that ye shall meet with good Rodin on live 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 five, they were all in Monks weeds and hasted them thither blithe Our King was great above his cowl a broad hat on his Crown, Right as he were Abbot like they road up in the town: Stiff boots our King had on forsooth as I you say, He road singing to green-wood the covent was clothed in grey. His male horse and his great summer followed our King behind, Until they came to greenwood a mile under the lined. there they met with good Robin standing by the way, And so did many a bold Archer forsooth as I you say. Robin took the King's horse hastily in that stead, And sir Abbot by your leave a while you must abide: We be yeomen of this Forest under the greenewood tree, We live by our King's Deer other shift have not we. And ye have Churches and rents both and good full great plenty, Give us some of your spending for saint Chritie. Then bespoke our comely King anon then said he, I brought no more to greenwood but forty pound with me: I have lain at Nottingham this fortnight with our King, And spent I have much good on many a great Lording: And have but forty pound no more than have I me, But if I had a hundredth pound I would give it to thee. Robin took the forty pound and divided it then did he, Half he gave to his merry men and bade them merry be: Full courteously Robin 'gan say, have 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 Seal, And biddeth thee come to Nottingham both to meat and meal: He took out the broad Seal and soon he let him see, Robin could his courtesy and set him on his knee. I love no man in all the world so well as I do my King, Welcome be my Lords Seal and Monk for thy tiding: Sir Abbot for thy tiding to day thou shalt dine with me, For the love of my King under the trusty tree. Forth he had our comely King full fair by the hand, Many a Dear there was slain and full was fast dight and: Robin took a full great horn and loud he 'gan it blow, Seven score of wight yeomen came running on a row. All they kneeled on their knee full fair before Robin, The King said himself until and swore by saint Austin, Here is a wonder seemly sight me thinketh by God's 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 served our king with all their might both Robin and little john. Anon before our King was set the fat Venison. the good white bread, the good red wine and thereto the good Ale brown: Make good cheer said Robin Abbot for charity, And for this ilk tiding blessed may thou be. Now shalt thou see what life I lead or that thou hence wend, than thou mayst inform our King when ye together be lend: Up they start all in haste their Bows were smartly bend, Our King was never so sore aghast he went to have been shent. Two yards there were up set thereto can they gang, By fifty pace our King said the marks were too long: On every side a rose garland they shot under the line, who so faileth of the rose garland said Robin his tackle he shall tine, And yield it to his master be it never so fine. For no man will I spare so drink I ale or wine A good buffet on his head bear for this shall be his fine And those that fell to Robin's lot he smote them wonder sare twice Robin shot about and ever he clave the wand, And so did good Gilbert with the lily white hand. Little john and good Scathlock for nothing would they spare, When they failed of the garland Robin smote them full sare, At the last shoot that Robin shot fore all his friends fair. Yet he failed the garland three fingers and more, Then bespoke good Gilbert and then he 'gan say, Master he said your tackle is lost stand forth and take your pay. If it be so said Robin that may no better be, Sir Abbot I deliver thee mine arrow I pray thee serve thou me. It falleth not for mine order said the King Robin be thy leave, For to smite no good yeoman for doubt I should him grieve. Smite one boldly said Robin I give thee largely leave, Anon our King with that word he folded up his sleeve. And such a buffet he gave Robin to ground he go full near, I make mine avow to God said Robin thou art a tall Friar: There is pith in thine arm said Robin I trow thou can well shoot Thus our King and Robin hood together 'gan they meet: Robin beheld our comely King steadfast in the face, So did Sir Richard at the Lee and kneeled down in that place. And so did all the said outlaws when they saw them kneel, My Lord the King of England now I know you well. Mercy then said Robin to our King under this trusly tree, Of thy goodness and thy grace for my men and for me. And yet said good Robin as good God do me save, I ask thee mercy my Lord the King and for my men I it crave. Yes for God said our King thy petition I grant thee, So that thou wilt leave the greenwood and all thy company: And come home to my Court there to dwell with me. I make mine avow to God said Robin and right so shall it be, I will come to your Court your service for to see, And bring with me of my men sevenscore and three But and I like not your service I will come again full soon And shoot at the done dear as I was wont to done. ¶ The viii. fit. HAst thou any green cloth said our king that thou wilt sell to me Yea for God said Robin thirty yards and three. Robin said our king now pray I thee To sell me some of that cloth to me and my meinie: Yes for God then said Robin or else I were a fool another day ye will me cloth Itrowe against the yule. The king cast of his cote then a green garment he did on And every knight had so iwis they clothed them full soon When they were clothed in Lincoln green they cast a way the grey Now shall we to Nottingham all this our king can say They bend their bows and forth they went shooting all in fere toward the town of Nottingham outlaws as thy were Our king and Robin road together forsooth as I you say And all they shot pluck buffet as thy went by the way And many a buffet our King won. of Robin hood that day, And nothing spared good Robin our King when he did pay. So God me help said the King thy game is nought to lere, I should not get a shot of thee though I shot all this year. All the people of Nottingham they stood and beheld, they saw nothing but mantles of green that covered all the field. Then every man together can say I dread our King be stone. Come Robin hood to the town iwis on live he leaveth not one. Full hastily they began to flee both yeomen and knaves, And old wives that might evil go they hipped on their staves. The King lough full fast and commanded them to come again when they saw our comely King iwis they were full feign: They eat and drank & made them glad and sung with notes high, Then bespoke our comely King to sir Richard of the Lee, He gave 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 King's court but twelve months and three, that he had spent an hundredth pound and all his men's fee. In every place where Robin came evermore he laid down, Both for Knights and Squires to get him a great renown. By than the year was all gone he had no man but twain, Little john and good Scathelock with all for to gone: Robin saw young men shoot full fair upon a day, Alas than said good Robin my wealth is wend away. Sometime I was an archer good a stiff and eke a strong, I was commended for the best archer that was in merry England: Alas than said good Robin alas what shall I do, If I dwell longer with the King sorrow will me slo. Forth then went Robin hood till he came to our King, My Lord the King of England grant me my ask. I made a Chapel in bernisdale that seemly is to see. It is of Mary Magdalen and there would I feign be. I might no time this seven nights no time to sleep one wink, Neither all this seven days neither eat nor drink. Me longeth sore to Bernisdale I may not be there fro Bare foot and woolward have I hight thither for to go If it be so then said our king it may no better be Seven nights I give thee leave no longer to dwell from me. Gramercy Lord than said Robin and set him on his knee, He took his leave full courteously to greenwood than went he. When he came to greenwood in a merry morning, There he heard the notes small of birds merry singing. It is far gone said Robin that I was last here, I have a little lust for to shoot at the done dear. Robin slew a full great heart his horn then can he blow. That all the outlaws of that Forest that horn could they know: and gathered them together in a little throw, Seavenscore of wight yeomen came running on a row. And fair did of their hoods and set them on their knee, Welcome they said our master under the greenwood tree, Robin dwelled in greenwood twenty years and two, Then for dread of Edward our King again would he not go: Yet he was beguiled iwis through a wicked woman. the prioress of Kirkesley that nigh was of his kin, For the love of a knight sir Roger of Dankastre. For evil might they thee, they took together their counsel Robin hood for to slay: And how they might best do that deed his banes for to be Then bespoke good Robin in place whereas he stood, to morrow I must to Kirkesley craftily to be let blood. Sir Roger of Dancastre by the prioress he lay, And there they betrayed Robin hood through their false play: Christ have mercy on his soul that died on the rood, For he was a good outlaw and did poor men much good. * Thus endeth the life of Robin hood. Hear 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 adventure I shall you tell the which befell this other day. As I went by the high way with a stout Friar I met. And a quarter staff in his hand, lightly to me he leapt And still he bade me stand. there were stripes two or three, But I cannot tell who had the worse but well I wots the whoreson Leapt within me and fro me took my purse. Is there any of my merry men all that to the Friar will go, And bring him to me forth withal whether he will or no. Little john. Yes Master I make God avow to that Friar will I go, And bring him to you whither he will or no, Friar Tuck. Deus hic, Deus hic, God be here is not this a holy word of a Friar, God save all this company, But am not I a jolly Friar For I can shoot both far and near. and hardly the sword and buckler and this quarter staff also If I meet with a gentle man or yeoman, I am not afraid to look him upon nor boldly with him to carp●, If he speak any words to me, He shall have stripes two or three that shall make his body smart. But masters to show you the matter wherefore and why I am come hither in faith I will not spare, I am come to seek a good yeoman in Bernisdale men say is his habitation His name is Robin hood And if he be better man than I his servant will I be and serve him truly But if that I be a better man than he by my truth my knave shall he be and lead these dogs all three. Robin hood. Yield thee Friar in thy long cote my throat, Friar tuck I beshrew thy heart Knave thou hurtest Robin hood. I trow Friar thou beginnest to dote who made thee so malapert and so bold, To come into this Forest here, among my fallow dear. Friar. Go louse thee ragged knave if thou make many words I will give thee on the ear though I be but a poor Friar to seek Robin hood I am come here and to him my heart to break. thou lousy Friar what wouldst thou with him he never loved Friar nor none of friars kin. Friar Avaunt ragged knave or ye shall have on the skin. Robin hood Of all the men in a morning thou art the worst to meet with thee I have no lust, For he that meeteth a friar or a fox in the morning to speed ill that day he standeth in jeopardy therefore I had rather meet with the devil Friar I tell thee as I think, then meet with a friar or a fox in a morning or I drink. Friar Avaunt thou ragged knave this is but a mock if thou make many words thou shalt have a knock, Robin hood Hark friar what I say here, over this water thou shalt me bear the bridge is borne away. Friar To say thee nay I will not to let thee of thine oath it were great pity & sin but upon a friars back and have even in. Robin hood Nay have over. Friar now am I friar within & thou Robin without, to lay thee here I have no great doubt: Now art thou Robin without & I friar within Lie there knave. choose either sink or swim. Robin hood Why thou lousy friar what hast thou done Friar Marry set a knave over the shoes, Robin hood therefore thou shalt abye Friar Why wilt thou fight a pluck Robin hood And God send me good luck, Friar Then have a stroke for Friar tuck. Robin hood Hold thy hand Friar and hear me speak Friar Say on ragged knave me seemeth ye begin to sweat. Robin hood In this Forest I have a hound I will not give him for an hundredth pound: Give me leave my horn to blow, that my hound may know. Friar Blow on ragged knave without any doubt, until both thine eyes start out: Hear is a sort of ragged knaves come in Clothed all in kendal green and to thee they take their way now. Robin hood Peradventure they do so Friar I gave thee leave to blow at thy will, now give me leave to whistle my fill. Robin hood Whistle Friar evil might thou far, until both thine eyes stare. Friar Now cut and Bause, Bring forth the clubs and staves And down with those ragged knaves. Robin hood How sayst thou Friar wilt thou be my man to do me the best service thou can, Thou shalt have both gold and fee, And also here is a lady free I will give her unto thee And her chaplain I thee make to serve her for my sake. Friar Hear is a huckle duckle an inch above the buckle She is a trul of trust to serve a friar at his lust A pricker, a prancer, a tearer of sheets, a wagger of buttocks when other men sleeps, Go home ye knaves and lay crabs in the fire for my lady & I will dance in the mire for very pure joy. Robin hood. Listen my merry men all and hearken what I shall say, Of an adventure 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 marvelous fresh this seven year & more he hath used this way Yet was he never so courteous a potter as one penny passage to pay. Is there any of my merry men all that dare be so bold, to make the Potter pay passage either silver or gold. Little john Not I master for twenty pound ready told For there is not amongst us all one that dare meddle with that potter man for man I felt his hands not long agone but I had liefer be here by thee, therefore I know what he is Meet him when ye will or meet him when you shall, He is as proper a man as ever you meddled withal Robin hood I will lay with thee little john xx. pound so red if I with the potter meet I will make him pay passage maugre his head. Little john I consent thereto so I eat bread, If he pay passage maugre his head twenty pound shall ye have for your meed. The potter's boy Iack. Out alas that ever I saw this day. For I am clean out of my way: From Nottingham town, If I me hie not the faster Or I come there the market will be done. Robin Let me see are thy pots whole and sound. jack Yea master but they will not break the ground sake Robin I will them break-for the cuckold thy masters And if they will break the ground thou shalt have three pence for a pound. jack Out alas what have you done if my master come he will break your crown the Potter Why thou whoreson art thou here yet thou shouldest have been at market. jack I met with Robin hood a good yeoman He hath broken my pots and called you Cuckold by your name. Potter Thou mayst be a gentleman so God me save, but thou seemest a naughty knave: Thou callest me a cuckold by my name. And I swear by God and saint john. Wife had I never none this cannot I deny But if thou be a good fellow I will sell my horse harness, pots & paniers too thou shalt have the one half and I the other if thou be not so content thou shalt have stripes if thou were my brother. Robin Hark potter what I shall say. this 7. year and more thou hast used this way Yet were thou never so courteous to me as one penny passage to pay. Potter Why should I pay passage to thee, Robin For I am Robin hood chief governor under the green-wood tree. Potter This seven year I used this way up and down yet paid I passage to no man, Nor now I will not begin do the worst thou can. Robin Passage shalt thou pay here under the greenwoodtree or else thou shalt leave a wed with me: Potter If thou be a good fellow as men do thee call, lay away thy bow And take thy sword and buckler in thy hand and see what shall befall. Robin hood Little john where art thou, Little john Here master I make avow I told you master so God me save, that you should find the potter a knave: Hold your buckler fast in your hand, and I will stiffly by you stand, Ready for to fight, Be the knave never so stout I shall rap him on the snout, and put him to flight. ¶ Thus endeth the play of Robin hood.