[29, 30]. This is the reading in one black-letter copy that has come under the Editor's notice, instead of
"For this is one of the best pinders
That ever I tried with sword."—Gutch.
[33, 34]. From the same.
ROBIN HOOD AND THE RANGER;
OR, TRUE FRIENDSHIP AFTER A FIERCE FIGHT.
"No ancient copy of this ballad having been met with, it is given from an edition of Robin Hood's Garland, printed some years since at York. The tune is Arthur a Bland." Ritson's Robin Hood, ii. 137.
When Phœbus had melted the 'sickles' of ice,
With a hey down, &c.
And likewise the mountains of snow,
Bold Robin Hood he would ramble away,
To frolick abroad with his bow.
He left all his merry men waiting behind,5
Whilst through the green vallies he pass'd,
Where he did behold a forester bold,
Who cry'd out, "Friend, whither so fast?"
"I am going," quoth Robin, "to kill a fat buck,
For me and my merry men all;10
Besides, ere I go, I'll have a fat doe,
Or else it shall cost me a fall."