Francis James Child

“ For all our fish we have got to-day
Is every bit lost and forlorne.
'For your French robbers on the sea,
They will not spare of us one man,
But carry us to the coast of France,
And ligge us in the prison strong.'
But Simon said, Doe not feare them,
Neither, master, take you no care ”

“ As they sate under the green-wood tree:
'If any of you have gold to spend,
I pray you heartily spend it with me.
'Now,' quoth Robin, I'le to Scarborough goe,
It seemes to be a very faire day;'
Who tooke up his inne at a widdow-womans house,
Hard by upon the water gray. ”

“ The dead corps into the sea doth throw.
'O master, loose me from the mast,' he said,
'And for them all take you no care,
And give me my bent bow in my hand,
And never a Frenchman will I spare.'
Then streight [they] did board the Frenchmans ship,
They lying all dead in their sight;
They found within the ship of warre
Twelve thousand pound of money bright.
'The one halfe of the ship,' said Simon then,
'I'le give to my dame and children small;
The other halfe of the ship I'le bestow
On you that are my fellowes all.'
But now bespake the master then,
For so, Simon, it shall not be ”