So the arrow with the golden head And shaft of silver-white, 90 Brave Robin Hood won, and bore with him For his own proper right. These outlaws there, that very day, To shun all kinds of doubt, By three or four, no less nor more, 95 As they went in came out; Until they all assembled were Under the green-wood shade, Where they report, in pleasant sport, What brave pastime they made. 100 Says Robin Hood, "All my care is, How that yon sheriff may Know certainly that it was I That bore his arrow away." Says Little John, "My counsel good 105 Did take effect before, So therefore now, if you'll allow, I will advise once more." "Speak on, speak on," said Robin Hood, "Thy wit's both quick and sound, 110 I know no man among us can[L111] For wit like thee be found."[L112] "This I advise," said Little John; "That a letter shall be penn'd, And when it is done, to Nottingham 115 You to the sheriff shall send." "That is well advised," said Robin Hood, "But how must it be sent?" "Pugh! when you please, 'tis done with ease; Master, be you content. 120 "I'll stick it on my arrows head, And shoot it into the town; The mark will show where it must go, Whenever it lights down." The project it was well perform'd; 125 The sheriff that letter had, Which when he read, he scratch'd his head, And rav'd like one that's mad. So we'll leave him chafing in his grease, Which will do him no good; 130 Now, my friends, attend, and hear the end[L131] Of honest Robin Hood.[L132] 27, on the day. Ritson. 111, 112. Wanting in Ritson; supplied by Gutch, from a York edition. ROBIN HOOD AND THE VALIANT KNIGHT: Together with an account of his death and burial, &c. Tune of _Robin Hood and the fifteen foresters_. "From the common garland of Aldermary-churchyard; corrected by the York copy." RITSON'S _Robin Hood_, ii. 182. When Robin Hood and his merry men all, _Derry down, down_, Had reigned many years, The king was then told that they had been bold To his bishops and noble peers. _Hey down, derry, derry down_. Therefore they called a council of state, 5 To know what was best to be done For to quell their pride, or else they reply'd The land would be over-run. Having consulted a whole summers day, At length it was agreed 10 That one should be sent to try the event, And fetch him away with speed.