The conclusion of this ballad is to the same effect as that of the preceding, and was probably suggested by the Gest. No copy has been found, in print or writing, earlier than the last century; a fact of no special importance. Whenever written, if written it was, it is far superior to most of the seventeenth century broadsides. Mr Chappell speaks of it as being now (thirty years ago) the most popular of the Robin Hood set.
Translated by Talvj, Charakteristik, p. 493; Anastasius Grün, p. 151; Loève-Veimars, p. 204.
A
a. Robin Hood’s Garland, Aldermary Churchyard, No 23. b. Douce Ballads, III, 123 b, 1791. c. Chappell’s Popular Music of the Olden Time, p. 395, from a broadside printed for Daniel Wright, d. Robin Hood’s Garland, without place, 1749, No 23, p. 98.
1
Some they will talk of bold Robin Hood,
And some of barons bold,
But I’ll tell you how he servd the Bishop of Hereford,
When he robbd him of his gold.
2