Francis James Child

“ Or it may breed thee wo.'
'Tut, the devil a drop, thou proud fellow,
Of my bottle thou shalt see,
Untill thy valour here be tried,
Whether thou wilt fight or flee.'
'What shall we fight for?' cries bold Robin Hood ”

“ For if thou shouldest blow till to-morrow morn,
I scorn one foot to fly.'
Then Robin set his horn to his mouth,
And he blew with mickle main,
Until he espied Little John
Come tripping over the plain.
'O who is yonder, thou proud fellow,
That comes down yonder hill?'
'Yonder is Little John, bold Robin Hoods man,
Shall fight with thee thy fill.'
'What is the matter?' saies Little John,
'Master, come tell to me:'
'My case is great,' saies Robin Hood,
'For the Shepherd hath conquered me.'
'I am glad of that,' cries Little John,
'Shepherd, turn thou to me ”

“ Either come fight or flee.'
'With all my heart, thou proud fellow,
For it never shall be said
That a shepherds hook of thy sturdy look
Will one jot be dismaid.'
So they fell to it, full hardy and sore,
Striving for victory ”