"God-a-mercy, good fellow," said jolly Robin, "Since thou art so kind and free; And if thou wilt tan my hide for nought, I will do as much for thee. 100 "And if thou'lt forsake thy tanners trade, And live in the green wood with me, My name's Robin Hood, I swear by the rood, I will give thee both gold and fee." "If thou be Robin Hood," bold Arthur reply'd, 105 "As I think well thou art, Then here's my hand, my name's Arthur-a-Bland, We two will never depart. "But tell me, O tell me, where is Little John? Of him fain would I hear; 110 For we are alide by the mothers side, And he is my kinsman dear." Then Robin Hood blew on the beaugle horn, He blew full lowd and shrill, And quickly anon appear'd Little John, 115 Come tripping down a green hill. "O what is the matter?" then said Little John, "Master, I pray you tell; "Why do you stand with your staff in your hand? I fear all is not well." 120 "O man I do stand, and he makes me stand, The tanner that stands thee beside; He is a bonny blade, and master of his trade, For soundly he hath tan'd my hide." "He is to be commended," then said Little John, "If such a feat he can do; 125 If he be so stout, we will have a bout, And he shall tan my hide too." "Hold thy hand, hold thy hand," said Robin Hood, "For as I do understand, 130 He's a yeoman good of thine own blood, For his name is Arthur-a-Bland." Then Little John threw his staff away, As far as he could it fling, And ran out of hand to Arthur-a-Bland, 135 And about his neck did cling. With loving respect, there was no neglect, They were neither nice nor coy, Each other did face with a lovely grace, And both did weep for joy. 140 Then Robin Hood took them both by the hands, And danc'd round about the oke tree; "For three merry men, and three merry men, And three merry men we be. "And ever hereafter as long as we live, 145 We three will be as one; The wood it shall ring, and the old wife sing, Of Robin Hood, Arthur, and John. 13, did him. 35. I get. RITSON. ROBIN HOOD AND THE TINKER. Ritson's _Robin Hood_, ii. 41. From an old black-letter copy in the library of Anthony à Wood. The full title is, A new song to drive away cold winter, Between Robin Hood and the jovial tinker: How Robin by a wile The Tinker he did cheat; But at the length, as you shall hear, The Tinker did him beat, Whereby the same they did then so agree, They after liv'd in love and unity. To the tune of, _In Summer time_.