Robin Hoods Golden Prize.
He met two Priests upon the way,
And forced them with him to Pray.
For Gold they prayd, and Gold they had,
Enough to make bold Robin glad:
His share came to four hundred pound
That then was told upon the ground:
Now mark and you shall here the jest,
You never heard the like exprest.
Tune is, Robin Hood was a tall young man.
|
I Have heard talk of bold Robin Hood,
|
derry, derry down,
|
And of brave Little John,
|
Of Fryer Tuck, and William Scarlet,
|
Loxley, and Maid Marion,
|
hey down, derry, derry down.
|
But such a tale as this, before
|
derry, etc.
|
I think there was never none,
|
For Robin Hood disguised himself,
|
and to the green wood is gone.
|
hey down, etc.
|
Like to a Fryer bold Robin Hood
|
derry, etc.
|
Was accoutred in his array,
|
With hood, gown, beads, and crucifix,
|
he past upon the way.
|
hey down, etc.
|
He had not gone miles two or three
|
derry, etc.
|
But it was his chance to spy
|
Two lusty Priests clad all in black
|
come riding gallantly.
|
hey down, etc.
|
Benedicite then said Robin Hood,
|
derry, etc.
|
Some pitty on me take,
|
Cross you my hand with a silver groat,
|
for our dear Ladies sake.
|
hey down, etc.
|
For I been wandring all this day,
|
derry, etc.
|
And nothing could I get,
|
Not so much as one poor cup of drink,
|
nor bit of bread to eat:
|
hey down, etc.
|
Now by our holy dame the Priests replyd,
|
derry, etc.
|
We never a penny have,
|
For we this morning have been robd,
|
and could no money save:
|
hey down, etc.
|
I am afraid, said Robin Hood,
|
derry, etc.
|
That you both do tell a lye,
|
And now before you do go hence
|
I am resolvd to try.
|
hey down, etc.
|
When as the Priests heard him say so,
|
derry, derry, etc.
|
They rode away amain,
|
But Robin Hood betook him to his heels
|
and soon overtook them again.
|
hey down, etc.
|
Then Robin Hood laid hold on them both
|
derry, etc.
|
And puld them down from their horse,
|
O spare us fryer, the Priests cryd out,
|
on us have some remorse.
|
hey down, derry, derry down.
|
YOu said you had no money, quoth he
|
derry, derry down,
|
Wherefore without delay,
|
We three will fall down on our knees,
|
and for money we will pray.
|
hey down, derry, derry down.
|
The Priests they could not him gainsay,
|
derry, etc.
|
But down they kneeled with speed,
|
Send us, O send us, then, quoth they,
|
some money to serve our need.
|
hey down, etc.
|
The Priests did pray with a mournful chear,
|
derry, etc.
|
Sometimes their hands did wring,
|
Sometimes they wept and cryd aloud,
|
whilst Robin did merrily sing.
|
hey down, etc.
|
When they had been praying an hours space
|
derry, etc.
|
The Priests did still lament,
|
Then, quoth bold Robin, now let us see,
|
what money heaven hath us sent,
|
hey down, etc.
|
We will be sharers now all alike,
|
derry, etc.
|
Of the money that we have,
|
And there is never a one of us,
|
that his fellow shall deceive,
|
hey down, etc.
|
The priests their hand into their pockets put
|
derry, etc.
|
But money could find none,
|
Wel search our selves, said Robin Hood
|
each other one by one.
|
hey down, etc.
|
Then Robin Hood took pains to search them both,
|
derry, etc.
|
And he found good store of gold,
|
Five hundred pieces presently,
|
upon the ground was told,
|
hey down, etc.
|
Here is a brave show, said Robin Hood,
|
derry, etc.
|
Such store of Gold to see,
|
And you shall each one have a part,
|
Cause you prayd so heartily.
|
hey down, etc.
|
He gave them fifty pounds a piece,
|
derry, etc.
|
And the rest for himself did keep,
|
The Priests durst not speak one word,
|
but they sighed wondrous deep.
|
hey down, etc.
|
With that the Priests rose up from their Knees,
|
derry, etc.
|
Thinking to have parted so,
|
Nay stay said Robin Hood, one thing more,
|
I have to say, ere you do go.
|
hey down, etc.
|
You shal be sworn, said bold Robin Hood
|
derry, etc.
|
Upon this holy grass,
|
That you will never tell lyes again,
|
which way soever you pass.
|
hey down, etc.
|
the second Oath that here you must take
|
derry, etc.
|
All the days of your lives,
|
You never shall tempt Maids to sin,
|
nor lie with other mens wives.
|
hey down, etc.
|
The last Oath you shall take, it is this,
|
derry, etc.
|
Be charitable to the poor,
|
Say you have met with a Holy Fryer,
|
and I desire no more.
|
hey down, etc.
|
He set them on their horses again,
|
derry, etc.
|
And away then they did ride,
|
And he returnd to the merry green wood
|
with great joy, mirth, and pride.
|
hey down, derry, derry down.
|
|
|
|
|
|