Robin Hood / A collection of all the ancient poems, songs, and ballads, now extant, relative to that celebrated English outlaw. To which are prefixed historical anecdotes of his life.

by Unknown

GY OF GYSBURNE, na Allane Bell,

Na Simones sones of Quhynsell,

Off thocht war nevir so slie.”

Gisborne is a market-town in the West Riding of the county of York, on the borders of Lancashire.

In the fourth edition of the publication above referred to, which appeared in July 1795, it is acknowleged that “some liberties were, by the editor, taken with this ballad, which in this edition hath been brought nearer to the folio MS.” The new readings have therefore been introduced into the present text.

Whan shaws beene sheene, and shraddes[271] full fayre,

And leaves both large and longe,

Itt’s merrye walkyng in the fayre forrèst

To heare the small birdes songe.

The woodweele sang, and wold not cease,