Robin Hood learns that Will Stutly has been captured and is to be hanged the next day. Robin and his men go to the rescue, and ask information of a palmer who is standing under the wall of the castle in which Stutly is confined; the palmer confirms the news. Stutly is brought out by the sheriff, of whom he asks to have a sword and die in fight, not on the tree. This refused, he asks only to have his hands loosed. The sheriff again refuses; he shall die on the gallows. Little John comes out from behind a bush, cuts Stutly’s bonds, and gives him a sword twitched by John from one of the sheriff’s men. An arrow shot by Robin Hood puts the sheriff to flight, and his men follow. Stutly rejoices that he may go back to the woods. This is a ballad made for print, with little of the traditional in the matter and nothing in the style. It may be considered as an imitation of The Rescue of the Three Squires, whence the ambush in st. 9 and the palmer ‘fair’ in 10. 1 When Robin Hood in the green-wood livd, Derry derry down Vnder the green-wood tree, Tidings there came to him with speed, Tidings for certainty, Hey down derry derry down 2 That Will Stutly surprized was, And eke in prison lay; Three varlets that the sheriff had hired Did likely him betray. 3 I, and to-morrow hanged must be, To-morrow as soon as it is day; But before they could this victory get, Two of them did Stutly slay. 4 When Robin Hood he heard this news, Lord! he was grieved sore, I, and unto his merry men [said], Who altogether swore, 5 That Will Stutly should rescued be, And be brought safe again; Or else should many a gallant wight For his sake there be slain. 6 He cloathed himself in scarlet then, His men were all in green; A finer show, throughout the world, In no place could be seen. 7 Good lord! it was a gallant sight To see them all on a row; With every man a good broad sword, And eke a good yew bow. 8 Forth of the green wood are they gone, Yea, all couragiously, Resolving to bring Stutly home, Or every man to die. 9 And when they came the castle neer Whereas Will Stutly lay, ‘I hold it good,’ saith Robin Hood, ‘Wee here in ambush stay, 10 ‘And send one forth some news to hear, To yonder palmer fair, That stands under the castle-wall; Some news he may declare.’ 11 With that steps forth a brave young man, Which was of courage bold; Thus hee did say to the old man: I pray thee, palmer old, 12 Tell me, if that thou rightly ken, When must Will Stutly die, Who is one of bold Robins men, And here doth prisoner lie? 13 ‘Alack, alass,’ the palmer said, ‘And for ever wo is me! Will Stutly hanged must be this day, On yonder gallows-tree. 14 ‘O had his noble master known, Hee would some succour send; A few of his bold yeomandree Full soon would fetch him hence.’