I
In summer time, when leaves grow green,
When they doe grow both green and long,
Of a bold outlaw call’d Robin Hood
It is of him I sing this song.
II
When the lilly leafe and the elephant[1017]
Doth bud and spring with a merry good cheere,
This outlaw was weary of the wood-side,
And chasing of the fallow deere.
III
‘The fisherman brave more mony have
Then any merchant, two or three;
Therefore I will to Scarboro’ goe,
That I a fisherman brave may be.’
IV
This outlaw call’d his merry men all,
As they sate under the green-wood tree:
If any of you have gold to spend,
I pray you heartily spend it with me.
V
‘Now,’ quoth Robin, ‘I’le to Scarboro’ goe,
It seemes to be a very faire day’—
He tooke up his inne at a widdow-woman’s house,
Hard by upon the water gray: