Robin Hood and the Scotchman (Child Ballad No. 130B)

by: Anonymous (Author) , Francis James Child (Editor)

from: The English and Scottish Popular Ballads  1882-1889

Now bold Robin Hood to the north would go,
   With valour and mickle might,
With sword by his side, which oft had been try'd,
   To fight and recover his right.

The first that he met was a jolly stout Scot,
   His servant he said he would be;
"No," quoth Robin Hood, "it cannot be good,
   For thou wilt prove false unto me.

"Thou hast not been true to sire or cuz;"
   "Nay, marry," the Scot he said,
"As true as your heart, I never will part;
   Good master, be not afraid."

But eer I employ you," said bold Robin Hood,
   "With you I must have a bout;"
The Scotchman reply'd, "Let the battle be try'd,
   For I know I will beat you out."

Thus saying, the contest did quickly begin,
   Which lasted two hours and more;
The blows Sawney gave bold Robin so brave
   The battle soon made him give oer.

"Have mercy, thou Scotchman," bold Robin Hood cry'd,
   "Full dearly this boon have I bought;
We will both agree, and my man you shall be,
   For a stouter I never have fought."

Then Sawny consented with Robin to go,
   To be of his bowmen so gay;
Thus ended the fight, and with mickle delight
   To Sherwood they hasted away.