ROBIN HOOD AND THE SCOTCHMAN—B
[_]
Gutch's Robin Hood, II, 392, from an Irish garland,
printed at Monaghan, 1796.
1
Now bold Robin Hood to the north would go,
With valour and mickle might,
With sword by his side, which oft had been try'd,
To fight and recover his right.
2
The first that he met was a jolly stout Scot,
His servant he said he would be;
‘No,’ quoth Robin Hood, ‘it cannot be good,
For thou wilt prove false unto me.
3
‘Thou hast not been true to sire or cuz;’
‘Nay, marry,’ the Scot he said,
‘As true as your heart, I never will part;
Good master, be not afraid.’
4
‘But eer I employ you,’ said bold Robin Hood,
‘With you I must have a bout;’
The Scotchman reply'd, Let the battle be try'd,
For I know I will beat you out.
5
Thus saying, the contest did quickly begin,
Which lasted two hours and more;
The blows Sawney gave bold Robin so brave
The battle soon made him give oer.
6
‘Have mercy, thou Scotchman,’ bold Robin Hood cry'd,
‘Full dearly this boon have I bought;
We will both agree, and my man you shall be,
For a stouter I never have fought.’
7
Then Sawny consented with Robin to go,
To be of his bowmen so gay;
Thus ended the fight, and with mickle delight
To Sherwood they hasted away.
