ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN.
Being an account of their first meeting, their fierce encounter, and conquest. To which is added, their friendly agreement; and how he came to be called Little John. To the tune of Arthur a Bland.
From A Collection of Old Ballads, i. 75. The same in Ritson's Robin Hood, ii. 142.
"This ballad is named in a schedule of such things under an agreement between W. Thackeray and others, in 1689 (Coll. Pepys, vol. v.)." Ritson.
When Robin Hood was about twenty years old,
With a hey down, down, and a down,
He happen'd to meet Little John,
A jolly brisk blade, right fit for the trade,
For he was a lusty young man.
Tho' he was call'd Little, his limbs they were large,5
And his stature was seven foot high;
Where-ever he came, they quak'd at his name,
For soon he would make them to fly.
How they came acquainted, I'll tell you in brief,
If you will but listen awhile;10
For this very jest, amongst all the rest,
I think it may cause you to smile.
Bold Robin Hood said to his jolly bowmèn,
"Pray tarry you here in this grove;
And see that you all observe well my call,15
While thorough the forest I rove.
"We have had no sport for these fourteen long days,
Therefore now abroad will I go;
Now should I be beat, and cannot retreat,
My horn I will presently blow."20