Extra Reading: Ballads of Robin Hood

Ballads of Robin Hood

Progress of Nottingham- ROBIN HOOD hee was and a tall young man, Derry derry down! And fifteen winters old, And Robin Hood he was a proper young man, Of courage stout and bold. Hey down derry derry down!
Little John- "So long as I'm able to handle my staff,To die in your debt, friend, I scorn."Then to it each goes, and followd their blows, As if they had been threshing of corn.
The Butcher- Good morrow, good fellow,' said jolly Robin,'What food hast? Tell unto me; And thy trade to me tell, and where thou dost dwell, For I like well thy company.'
The Ranger- 'I’ll give thee this ring as a token of love, For bravely thou’st acted thy part; That man that can fight, in him I delight, And love him with all my whole heart.'
The Bold Pedlar- They sheathed their swords with friendly words,So merrilie they did agree; They went to a tavern, and there they dined, And bottles cracked most merrilie.
The Shepard- ‘My sword, which hangeth by my side, Is my command I know; Come, and let me taste of thy bottle, Or it may breed thee wo.’
Robin Hood's Delight- ‘Therefore fall on, or else be gone, And yield to us the day. It shall never be said that we were afraid Of thee, nor thy yeomen gay.’
The Pedlars- Then downe they flung their packes eche one, And stayde till Robin came. Quod Robin, ‘I said ye had better stayde; Good sooth, ye were to blame.
Allen a Dale- And when he came bold Robin before, Robin askt him courteously, ‘O hast thou any money to spare For my merry men and me?’ ‘I have no money,’ the young man said, ‘But five shillings and a ring; And that I have kept this seven long years, To have it at my wedding.
Rescuing Three Squires- This beggar-man had a coat on his back,’Twas neither green, yellow, nor red; Bold Robin Hood thought ’twas no disgrace To be in a beggar-man’s stead.

Boy dressed as Robin Hood, 2006.