The English and Scottish Popular Ballads :: :: University of Virginia Library

The English and Scottish Popular Ballads

Edited by Francis James Child.

Part I.

II.

III.

IV.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

IX.

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ROBIN HOOD AND THE SCOTCHMAN—B

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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.