The same in A Collection of Old Ballads, ii. 44.
Come listen to me, you gallants so free,
All you that love mirth for to hear,
And I will tell you of a bold outlàw
That lived in Nottinghamshire.
As Robin Hood in the forest stood,5
All under the green-wood tree,
There he was aware of a brave young man,
As fine as fine might be.
The youngster was cloathed in scarlet red,
In scarlet fine and gay;10
And he did frisk it over the plain,
And chanted a round-de-lay.
As Robin Hood next morning stood
Amongst the leaves so gay,
There did [he] espy the same young man,15
Come drooping along the way.
The scarlet he wore the day before,
It was clean cast away;
And at every step he fetcht a sigh,
"Alack and a well a day!"20
Then stepped forth brave Little John,
And [Midge] the millers son,
Which made the young man bend his bow,
When as he see them come.
"Stand off, stand off," the young man said,25
"What is your will with me?"
"You must come before our master straight,
Under yon green-wood tree."
And when he came bold Robin before,
Robin askt him courteously,30
"O hast thou any money to spare
For my merry men and me?"
"I have no money," the young man said,
"But five shillings and a ring;
And that I have kept this seven long years,35
To have it at my wedding.