"And wilt thou forsake thy pinder's craft, And live in the green-wood with me?" "At Michaelmas next my cov'nant comes out, When every man gathers his fee; "Then I'le take my blew blade all in my hand And plod to the green-wood with thee." "Hast thou either meat or drink," said Robin Hood, "For my merry men and me?" "I have both bread and beef," said the pinder, "And good ale of the best." "And that is meat good enough," said Robin Hood, For such unbidden guests. "O wilt thou forsake the pinder his craft, And go to the green-wood with me? Thou shalt have a livery twice a year, The one green, the other brown." "If Michaelmas-day was come and gone, And my master had paid me my fee, Then would I set as little by him, As my master doth by me."[34] FOOTNOTE: [Footnote 34: The above ballad is from an old black-letter copy in Anthony à Wood's collection, compared with two others in the British Museum. In 1557 certain "ballets" are entered on the books of the Stationers' Company, "to John Wallye and Mrs. Toye," one of which is entitled, "of wakefylde and a grene," meaning probably this ballad.] THE NOBLE FISHERMAN; OR, ROBIN HOOD'S PREFERMENT. From three old black-letter copies; one in the collection of Anthony à Wood, another in the British Museum, and the third in a private collection. In summer time, when leaves grow green, When they doe grow both green and long, Of a bold outlaw, call'd Robin Hood, It is of him I sing this song:-- When the lily leafe, and cowslip sweet Both bud and spring with a merry cheere, This outlaw was weary of the wood side, And chasing of the fallow deere. "The fishermen brave more mony have Than any merchants two or three; Therefore I will to Scarborough go, That I a fisherman brave may be." This outlaw called his merry men all, As they sate under the green-wood tree: "If any of you have gold to spend, I pray you heartily spend it with me." "Now," quoth Robin Hood, "Ile to Scarborough go, It seems to be a very faire day." He tooke up his inne at a widdow woman's house, Hard by upon the water gray. Who asked of him, "Where wert thou borne? Or tell to me where dost thou fare?" "I am a poor fisherman," said he then, "This day intrapp'd all in care." "What is thy name, thou fine fellow, I pray thee heartily tell it to mee?" "In my own country where I was borne, Men call me Simon over the Lee." "Simon, Simon," said the good wife, "I wish thou mayest well brook thy name." The outlaw was aware of her courtesie, And rejoyced he had got such a dame. "Simon, wilt thou be my man? And good round wages I'le give thee; I have as good a ship of my own, As any sails upon the sea. "Anchors and planks thou shalt not want, Masts and ropes that are so long." "And if you thus do furnish me," Said Simon, "nothing shall goe wrong."