ROBIN HOOD AND THE STRANGER.
Ritson's Robin Hood. ii. 69.
"From an old black-letter copy in the collection of Anthony à Wood. The title now given to this ballad is that which it seems to have originally borne; having been foolishly altered to Robin Hood newly revived. The circumstances attending the second part will be explained in a note." Ritson.
For the different versions of the first part of the story see Robin Hood and the Beggar, p. 188.
Come listen awhile, you gentlemen all,
With a hey down, down, a down, down,
That are this bower within,
For a story of gallant bold Robin Hood
I purpose now to begin.
"What time of day?" quod Robin Hood then;5
Quoth Little John, "'Tis in the prime;"
"Why then we will to the greenwood gang,
For we have no vittles to dine."
As Robin Hood walkt the forrest along,
(It was in the mid of the day,)10
There he was met of a deft young man
As ever walkt on the way.
His doublet was of silk, 'tis said,
His stockings like scarlet shone;
And he walked on along the way,15
To Robin Hood then unknown.
A herd of deer was in the bend,
All feeding before his face:
"Now the best of you Ile have to my dinner,
And that in a little space."20