Francis James Child

“ Then Robin Hood pardon had straight of the king,
And so had they every one;
The fame of these days most loudly does ring,
Of Robin Hood, Scarlet and John.
Great honours to Robin Hood after were done,
As stories for certain do say;
The king made him Earl of fair Huntington,
Whose fame will never decay.
Thus have you heard the fame of these men,
Good archers they were every one;
We never shal see the like shooters again
As Robin Hood, Scarlet and John. ”

“ We scorn to be outreacht with none.'
'What shall the wager be?' then said the queen,
'Pray tell me before you begin:'
'Three hundred tuns of good wine shall be seen,
And as much of strong bear for to win.
'Three hundred of lusty fat bucks, sweet, beside,
Shall now be our royal lay:'
Quoth Robin Hood, What ere does betide,
I'le bear this brave purchase away.
'Full fifteenscore,' saith the king, 'it shall be;'
Then straight did the bow-men begin,
And Robin Hoods side gave them leave certainly
A while some credit to win. ”

“ Is there any knight of your privy counsel
Of Queen Katherines part will be?
'Come hither to mee, Sir Richard Lee,
Thou art a knight full good;
For I do know by thy pedigree
Thou springst from Goweres blood. ”