"The fisher-men brave more mony have
Than any merchants two or three;10
Therefore I will to Scarborough go,
That I a fisherman brave may be."
This outlaw called his merry men all,
As they sate under the green-wood tree:
"If any of you have gold to spend,15
I pray you heartily spend it with me."
"Now," quoth Robin Hood, "Ile to Scarborough go,
It seems to be a very faire day;"
He tooke up his inne at a widdow-womans house,
Hard by upon the water gray:20
Who asked of him, "Where wert thou borne?
Or tell to me where dost thou fare?"
"I am a poor fisherman," said he then,
"This day intrapped all in care."
"What is thy name, thou fine fellow,25
I pray thee heartily tell it to mee?"
"In my own country, where I was borne,
Men call me Simon over the Lee."
"Simon, Simon," said the good wife,
"I wish thou mayest well brook thy name;"30
The out-law was ware of her courtesie,
And rejoyced he had got such a dame.
"Simon, wilt thou be my man?
And good round wages Ile give thee;
I have as good a ship of my own35
As any sails upon the sea.
"Anchors and planks thou shalt not want,
Masts and ropes that are so long:"
"And if you thus do furnish me,"
Said Simon, "nothing shall goe wrong."40
They pluckt up anchor, and away did sayle,
More of a day then two or three;
When others cast in their baited hooks,
The bare lines into the sea cast he.
"It will be long," said the master then,45
"Ere this great lubber do thrive on the sea;
I'le assure you he shall have no part of our fish,
For in truth he is no part worthy."