From an old black letter copy in the collection of Anthony a Wood: the full title being, “A new merry song of Robin Hood and Little John, shewing how Little John went a begging, and how he fought with the four beggers, and what a prize he got of the four beggers. The tune is, Robin Hood and the Begger.”
All you that delight to spend some time,
With a hey down, down, a down, down,
A merry song for to sing,
Unto me draw neer, and you shall hear
How Little John went a beggìng. {281}
As Robin Hood walked the forest along,
And all his yeomandree.
Sayes Robin, Some of you must a begging go,
And, Little John, it must be thee.