Robin Hood and the Scotchman 1 Now bold Robin Hood to the north would go, With valeur and mickle might, With sword by his side, which oft had been try'd, To fight and recover his right. 2 The first that he met was a jolly stout Scot, His servant he said he would be; 'No,' riuoth Robin Hood, 'It cannot be good, For thou wilt prove false unto me. 3 'Thou hast not been true to sire or cut; 'Nay, marry, the Scot he said, 'As true as your heart, I never will part; Good master, be not afraid. 4 'But eer I employ you,' said bold Robin Hood, 'With you I must have a bout;' The Scotchman reply'd, Let the battle be try'd, For I know I will beat you out. 5 Thus saying, the contest did quickly begin, Which lasted two hours and more; The blows Sawney gave bold Robin so brave The battle soon made him give eer. 6 'Have mercy, thou Scotchman,' bold Robin Hood cry'd, 'Full dearly this boon have I bought; We will both agree, and my man you shall be, For a stouter I never have fought.' 7 Then Sawny consented with Robin to go, To be of his bowmen so gay; Thus ended the fight, and with mickle delight To Sherwood they hasted away. Child #130 Goteh's Robin Hood, II, 392, from an Irish Ga arland, printed at Monaghan, 1796. From Child, version B. SOF OCT98
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