Robin Hood and þe Monk

In the summer when the shaws were , and the leaves were big and long, it was merry in the fair woods to hear the fowls' song.

To see the draw to the dale, and leave the high hills, and shadow themselves in the green leaves under the greenwood tree.

It befell on Whitson early on a morning. The fair sun above did shine, and the merry birds did sing.

"This is a merry morning" said Little John, "By him who died on a tree, a more merry man than I lives not in Christianity."

"Pluck up thy heart, my dear ," Little John said, "And see that it is a full fair time this morning of Thrimilch."

"Yeah, one thing me," said Robin, "And does my heart much woe. That I may not know earnest day, to mass nor go."

"It has been a fortnight and more," he said, "Since I have seen my . Today I will go to Nottinghamwith with the might of mild Mary."

Then spoke Moche, the miller's son, may for him good things ! "Take twelve of thy bold yeomen, well weaponed, by thy side. He who would have thee slain, would dare not those twelve abide."

"Of all my merry men," said Robin, "By my, I want none but Little John to bare my bow, Until I choose to draw."

"Thou shall bare thine own," said Little John, "Her, and I will bare mine, and we well shoot for a penny," said Little John, Under the greenwood linden."

"I will not shoot for a penny," said Robin Hood, "Indeed, Little John, I say to thee, for every penny thou shootest for," said Robin, "Indeed I will bet thee three."

Thus they shot forth, these two yeomen, both at bush and shrub, Til Little John won of his Her, five shillings for and.

A  fell between them, As they went by the way; Little John said he had won five shillings, And Robin Hood said shortly "nay".

Robin Hood called Little John a liar, And smote him with his hand; Little John waxed wroth therewith, And pulled out his bright brand.

"Were thou not my Her," said Little John, "Thou shouldst be hit full sore; Get the a man where thou will, For thou gettest me no more."

Then Robin went to Nottingham, Himself mourning alone, And Little John to merry Sherwood, The paths he knew each one.

When Robin came to Nottingham, this is no lie, He beaded to God and mild Mary To bring him out soundly again.

He went into Hallow Mary church, And knelt down before the ; All that were within the church beheld well Robin Hood.