Archive of Our Own

2

To see the dear draw to the dale,

And the high hills flee,

To shade themselves in the leaves green,

Under the greenwood tree.

3

It began on Whitsun

Early on a May morning,

The sunrise fair did shine,

And the birds did merrily sing.

4

“This is a merry morning,” said Little John,

“By He who died on tree;

A merrier man than I am now

Lives not in Christianity.”

5

“Pluck up your heart, my dear master,”

Little John did say,

“And see it is a most fine time

On a morning in the May.”

6

“But one thing grieves me,” said Robin,

“And gives my heart much woe:

That I may not any sacred day

To Mass or Matins go.”

7

“It is a fortnight and more,” said he,

“Since my Saviour I did see;

Today will I go to Nottingham,” said Robin,

“With the might of mild Mary.”

8

Then spoke Much, the miller’s son,

Good fortune with him ride!

“Take twelve of your stout yeomen,

Well armed, by your side.

So any who would seek your death,

Those twelve will not abide.”

9

“Of all my merry men,” said Robin,

“By my faith I will have no man,

But Little John shall bear my bow,

Until I shoot for a span.”

10

“You shall bear your own,” said Little John,

“Master, and I will bear mine,

And we will shoot for a penny,” said Little John,

“Under the greenwood vine.”

11

“I will not shoot for a penny,” said Robin Hood,

“In faith, Little John, with you,

But for every one penny you bet,” said Robin,

“In faith I’ll lay three due.”

12

So they shot forth, these yeomen two,

At bush and briar to loose,

Until Little John won from his master

Five shillings for stockings and shoes.

13

A rare quarrel fell between these men,

As by the way they did go;

Little John said he had won five shillings,

And Robin Hood said curtly no.

14

With that Robin Hood called Little John a liar,

And on him a clout laid;

Little John grew angry at this,

And pulled out his bright blade.

15

“Were you not my master,” said Little John,

“You would pay for that most sore;

Get you a man wherever you want,

For you will have me no more.”

16

Then Robin went to Nottingham,

Mourning himself alone,

And Little John to merry Sherwood,

Whose paths he knew every one.

17

When Robin came to Nottingham,

All pretence he did disdain,

He prayed to God and mild Mary

To bring him out safe again.

18

He went into Saint Mary’s church,

And by the cross knelt tamely;

All that were within the church

Saw Robin Hood there plainly.

19

Beside him stood a large-headed monk,

May God send him woe!

Right away he knew good Robin,

As soon as he did show.

20

Out of the church door he ran,

As fast as he could run;

All the gates of Nottingham

He had them barred every one.

21

“Rise up,” he said, “you proud Sheriff,

“Hurry and make ready now;

I have spied the king’s felon,

He is undeniably in this town.”

22

“I have spied the false felon,

As he stands at his mass;

It is your fault,” said the monk,

“If by us he should pass.”

23

“This traitor’s name is Robin Hood,

Under the green wood vine;

He robbed me once of a hundred pounds,

It shall never be out of my mind.”

24

Up then rose this proud sheriff,

And rapidly did prepare;

Many was the mother’s son

To the church with him did repair.

25

In at the doors they strongly pressed,

With a wealth of staves and brawn;

“Alas, alas!” said Robin Hood,

“Now I miss Little John.”

26

But Robin took out a two-handed sword,

That hung down by his knee;

Where the sheriff and his men stood thickest

Toward that place went he.

27

Thrice through and at them he ran then,

For truth to you I say,

And wounded many a mother’s son,

And twelve he slew that day.

28

His sword upon the sheriff’s head

He actually broke in two;

“The smith that made this,” said Robin,

“I pray God sends him woe!”

29

“For now I am weaponless,” said Robin,

“Alas! Against my will;

Unless I flee from these traitors,

I know they will me kill.”

30

Robin into the church ran,

Throughout them everyone,

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