The mythical Robin Hood was an outlaw, the most gentlemanly and pious and liberal of outlaws, and he dwelt with his trained yeomen in Sherwood forest, Nottinghamshire, or in Barnsdale in Yorkshire. Here they lived a free and active life, subsisting on the King's deer which they shot in the woods, and on provisions which they took from travelers. Robin Hood never himself molested or allowed any of his followers to molest any poor travelers; indeed, if he was thoroughly convinced that any of those whom he met were really needy, he helped them gladly and generously. But from the rich knights and clergy he took without scruple. Chief of his followers were Little John, Scathlockor Scalock, Will Stutely, Friar Tuck, and Much, the Miller's son. The ballads which are given here relate to the first meeting of Robin Hood with Little John and with Scathlock, and give also two of his other characteristic adventures. Both the date and the authorship of the old ballads are unknown. According to the legends, Robin Hood lived to be over eighty years old and then met his death in a very treacherous manner. Feeling ill, he went to a prioress, who was a relative of his, to be bled, and the prioress, induced by Robin Hood's enemies, allowed him to bleed to death. ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN When Robin Hood was about twenty years old, With a hey down, down, and a down;* He happen'd to meet with Little John, A jolly brisk blade, right fit for the trade, For he was a lusty young man. *[Footnote: This line means nothing, it is simply a refrain. The old ballads were usually sung or chanted, and many of those which are now printed without refrain lines undoubtedly had them originally.] Tho' he was called Little, his limbs they were large And his stature was seven foot high; Wherever he came, they quak'd at his name, For soon he would make them to fly. How they came acquainted, I'll tell you in brief, If you would but listen awhile; For this very jest, among all the rest, I think it may cause you to smile. For Robin Hood said to his jolly bowmen,* "Pray tarry you here in this grove; And see that you all observe well my call, While through the forest I rove. *[Footnote: You will see that to make the meter right it is necessary to accent the word bowmen on the last syllable. These changes of accent often occur in ballads, and help to add to the quaintness and peculiarity of the old poems.] "We have had no sport for these fourteen long days, Therefore now abroad will I go. Now should I be beat, and cannot retreat, My horn I will presently blow." Then did he shake hands with his merry men all, And bid them at present good bye; Then, as near the brook his journey he took, A stranger he chanc'd to espy. They happen'd to meet on a long narrow bridge, And neither of them would give way; Quoth bold Robin Hood, and sturdily stood, "I'll show you right Nottingham play."