"Hold thy hand, hold thy hand," said Robin Hood,
"And let thy quarrel fall;
For here we may thrash our bones all to mesh,
And get no coyn at all.
"And in the forrest of merry Sherwood85
Hereafter thou shalt be free:"
"God-a-mercy for nought, my freedom I bought;
I may thank my staff, and not thee."
"What tradesman art thou?" said jolly Robìn,
"Good fellow, I prethee me show:90
And also me tell in what place thou dost dwell,
For both of these fain would I know."
"I am a tanner," bold Arthur reply'd,
"In Nottingham long have I wrought;
And if thou'lt come there, I vow and swear,95
I will tan thy hide for nought."
"God-a-mercy, good fellow," said jolly Robin,
"Since thou art so kind and free;
And if thou wilt tan my hide for nought,
I will do as much for thee.100
"And if thou'lt forsake thy tanners trade,
And live in the green wood with me,
My name's Robin Hood, I swear by the rood,
I will give thee both gold and fee."
"If thou be Robin Hood," bold Arthur reply'd,105
"As I think well thou art,
Then here's my hand, my name's Arthur-a-Bland,
We two will never depart.
"But tell me, O tell me, where is Little John?
Of him fain would I hear;110
For we are alide by the mothers side,
And he is my kinsman dear."
Then Robin Hood blew on the beaugle horn,
He blew full lowd and shrill,
And quickly anon appear'd Little John,115
Come tripping down a green hill.
"O what is the matter?" then said Little John,
"Master, I pray you tell;
"Why do you stand with your staff in your hand?
I fear all is not well."120