Francis James Child

“ Now listen awhile, it will make you smile,
As before it hath many done.
They were archers three, of hie degree,
As good as ever drewe bowe;
Their arrowes were long and their armes were strong,
As most had cause to knowe. ”

“ Now stay and rest, for that is the best,
'Tis well ye should doe soe.'
'Noe rest we neede, on our roade we speede,
Till to Nottingham we get:'
'Thou tellst a lewde lye,' said Robin, 'For I
Can see that ye swinke and swet.'
The peddlers three crosst over the lee,
They did not list to fight:
'I charge you tarrie,' quod Robin, 'For marry,
This is my owne land by right.
'This is my manner and this is my parke,
I would have ye for to knowe;
Ye are bolde outlawes, I see by cause
Ye are so prest to goe.'
The peddlers three turned round to see
Who it might be they herd ”

“ Of the peddlers the first, his name Kit o Thirske,
Said, We are all content;
Soe eche tooke a stake for his weapon, to make
The peddlers to repent.
Soe to it they fell, and their blowes did ring well
Uppon the others backes;
And gave the peddlers cause to wish
They had not cast their packes.
Yet the peddlers three of their blowes were so free
That Robin began for to rue ”