The first that he met was a jolly stout Scot,5
His servant he said he would be;
"No," quoth Robin Hood, "it cannot be good,
For thou wilt prove false unto me.
"Thou has not been true to sire or cuz;"
"Nay, marry," the Scot he said,10
"As true as your heart, I never will part;
Good master, be not afraid."
"But e'er I employ you," said bold Robin Hood,
"With you I must have a bout;"
The Scotchman reply'd, "Let the battle be try'd,15
For I know I will beat you out."
Thus saying, the contest did quickly begin,
Which lasted two hours and more;
The blows Sawney gave bold Robin so brave,
The battle soon made him give o'er.20
"Have mercy, thou Scotchman," bold Robin Hood cry'd,
"Full dearly this boon have I bought;
We will both agree, and my man you shall be,
For a stouter I never have fought."
Then Sawny consented with Robin to go,25
To be of his bowmen so gay;
Thus ended the fight, and with mickle delight
To Sherwood they hasted away.
THE PLAYE OF ROBYN HODE.
From Ritson's Robin Hood, ii. 192.