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diff --git a/25480.txt b/25480.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b9183d0 --- /dev/null +++ b/25480.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5294 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Book of Brave Old Ballads, by Unknown + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Book of Brave Old Ballads + +Author: Unknown + +Illustrator: John Gilbert + +Release Date: May 15, 2008 [EBook #25480] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOOK OF BRAVE OLD BALLADS *** + + + + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Chris Logan and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was made using scans of public domain works in +the International Children's Digital Library.) + + + + + + + +THE BOOK + +OF + +BRAVE OLD BALLADS. + +Illustrated with Sixteen Coloured Engravings, + +FROM DRAWINGS BY JOHN GILBERT. + + +"_I never heard the old song of Percie and Douglas, that I found not +my heart moved more than with a trumpet._"--SIR PHILIP SIDNEY. + + +LONDON: WARD, LOCK, AND TYLER, WARWICK HOUSE, PATERNOSTER ROW. + + + + +LONDON: PRINTED BY J. OGDEN AND CO., 172, ST. JOHN STREET, E.C. + + + + +[Illustration: THE FROLICSOME DUKE, OR THE TINKER'S GOOD FORTUNE.] + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE + + ROBIN HOOD AND GUY OF GISBORNE 1 + + THE CHILDE OF ELLE 17 + + ADAM BELL, CLYM OF THE CLOUGH, AND WILLIAM OF CLOUDESLY-- + + Part the First 30 + Part the Second 43 + Part the Third 55 + + SIR LANCELOT DU LAKE 74 + + THE FROLICKSOME DUKE; OR, THE TINKER'S GOOD FORTUNE 82 + + THE MORE MODERN BALLAD OF CHEVY CHASE 89 + + KING EDWARD IV. AND THE TANNER OF TAMWORTH 106 + + THE HEIR OF LINNE-- + + Part the First 118 + Part the Second 124 + + SIR ANDREW BARTON-- + + Part the First 133 + Part the Second 142 + + BRAVE LORD WILLOUGHBEY 155 + + KING JOHN AND THE ABBOT OF CANTERBURY 162 + + ROBIN HOOD AND THE CURTAL FRIAR 170 + + ROBIN HOOD AND ALLEN-A-DALE 181 + + VALENTINE AND URSINE-- + + Part the First 188 + Part the Second 198 + + THE KING AND THE MILLER OF MANSFIELD-- + + Part the First 214 + Part the Second 222 + + + + +ILLUSTRATIONS. + + + PAGE + + 1. SIR GUY OF GISBORNE. + + _He took Sir Guy's head by the hair, + And stuck it upon his bow's end_ 11 + + 2. THE CHILDE OF ELLE. + + _Pardon, my lord and father dear, + This fair young knight and me_ 28 + + 3. ADAM BELL, CLYM OF THE CLOUGH, &C. + + _Cloudesly bent a right good bow, + That was of a trusty tree_ 36 + + 4. _They kneeled down without hindrance, + And each held up his hand_ 60 + + 5. SIR LANCELOT DU LAKE. + + _She brought him to a river side + And also to a tree_ 76 + + 6. THE FROLICKSOME DUKE. (_Frontispiece._) + + _Now he lay something late, in his rich bed of state, + Till at last knights and squires, they on him did wait_ 84 + + 7. CHEVY CHASE. + + _Then leaving life, Earl Percy took + The dead man by the hand_ 99 + + 8. KING EDWARD AND THE TANNER. + + _The tanner he pull'd, the tanner he sweat, + And held by the pummel fast_ 114 + + 9. THE HEIR OF LINNE. + + _And he pull'd forth three bags of gold, + And laid them down upon the board_ 130 + + 10. SIR ANDREW BARTON. + + _They boarded then his noble ship, + They boarded it with might and main_ 150 + + 11. THE BRAVE LORD WILLOUGHBEY. + + _They kneeled on the ground, + And praised God devoutly_ 157 + + 12. THE ABBOT OF CANTERBURY. + + _Then home rode the abbot of comfort so cold, + And he met his shepherd a going to fold_ 165 + + 13. ROBIN HOOD AND THE CURTAL FRIAR. + + _The friar took Robin Hood on his back, + Deep water he did bestride_ 174 + + 14. THE MARRIAGE OF ALLEN-A-DALE. + + _He ask'd them seven times in the church, + Lest three times should not be enough_ 187 + + 15. VALENTINE AND URSINE. + + _And kneeling down upon his knee, + Presents him to the king_ 197 + + 16. THE MILLER OF MANSFIELD. + + _Well, quo' the miller's wife, young man, ye're + welcome here; + And, though I say it, well lodged shall be_ 218 + + + + +THE BOY'S BOOK OF BALLADS. + +ROBIN HOOD AND GUY OF GISBORNE. + + + When shaws[1] be sheen,[2] and swards full fair, + And leaves both large and long, + It is merry walking in the fair forest + To hear the small birds' song. + + The woodweel[3] sang, and would not cease, + Sitting upon the spray, + So loud, he wakened Robin Hood, + In the greenwood where he lay. + + Now by my faith, said jolly Robin, + A sweaven[4] I had this night; + I dreamt me of two wight[5] yeomen + That fast with me can fight. + + Methought they did me beat and bind, + And took my bow me fro'; + If I be Robin alive in this land, + I'll be wroken[6] on them two. + + Sweavens are swift, master, quoth John, + As the wind that blows o'er a hill; + For if it be never so loud this night, + To-morrow it may be still. + + Busk ye, bowne[7] ye, my merry men all, + And John shall go with me, + For I'll go seek yon wight yeomen, + In the greenwood where they be. + + Then they cast on their gowns of green, + And took their bows each one, + And they away to the green forest, + A shooting forth are gone; + + Until they came to the merry greenwood, + Where they had gladdest be, + There were they aware of a wight yeoman, + His body leaned to a tree. + + A sword and a dagger he wore by his side, + Of many a man the bane; + And he was clad in his capull[8] hide + Top and tail and mane. + + Stand you still, master, quoth Little John, + Under this tree so green, + And I will go to yon wight yeoman + To know what he doth mean. + + Ah! John, by me thou settest no store, + And that I fairly find; + How oft send I my men before, + And tarry myself behind? + + It is no cunning a knave to ken, + An[9] a man but hear him speak; + An it were not for bursting of my bow, + John, I thy head would break. + + As often words they breeden bale,[10] + So they parted, Robin and John; + And John is gone to Barnesdale: + The gates[11] he knoweth each one. + + But when he came to Barnesdale, + Great heaviness there he had, + For he found two of his own fellows + Were slain both in a glade. + + And Scarlett he was flying a-foot + Fast over stock and stone, + For the proud sheriff with seven score men + Fast after him is gone. + + One shot now I will shoot, quoth John, + (With Christe his might and main;) + I'll make yon fellow that flies so fast, + To stop he shall be fain. + + Then John bent up his long bende-bow, + And fettled[12] him to shoot: + The bow was made of tender bough, + And fell down to his foot. + + Woe worth, woe worth thee, wicked wood, + That ere thou grew on a tree; + For now this day thou art my bale, + My boote[13] when thou shouldst be. + + His shoot it was but loosely shot, + Yet flew not the arrow in vain, + For it met one of the sheriff's men,-- + Good William-a-Trent was slain. + + It had been better for William-a-Trent + To have been a-bed with sorrow, + Than to be that day in the greenwood glade + To meet with Little John's arrow. + + But as it is said, when men be met, + Five can do more than three, + The sheriff hath taken Little John, + And bound him fast to a tree. + + Thou shalt be drawn by dale and down, + And hang'd high on a hill. + But thou mayst fail of thy purpose, quoth John, + If it be Christe his will. + + Let us leave talking of Little John, + And think of Robin Hood, + How he is gone to the wight yeoman, + Where under the leaves he stood. + + Good morrow, good fellow, said Robin so fair, + Good morrow, good fellow, quoth he: + Methinks by this bow thou bear'st in thy hand, + A good archer thou shouldst be. + + I am wilful[14] of my way, quo' the yeoman, + And of my morning tide. + I'll lead thee through the wood, said Robin; + Good fellow, I'll be thy guide. + + I seek an outlaw, the stranger said, + Men call him Robin Hood; + Rather I'd meet with that proud outlaw + Than forty pounds so good. + + Now come with me, thou wighty yeoman, + And Robin thou soon shalt see: + But first let us some pastime find + Under the greenwood tree. + + First let us some mastery make + Among the woods so even, + We may chance to meet with Robin Hood + Here at some unset[15] steven. + + They cut them down two summer shoggs,[16] + That grew both under a briar, + And set them threescore rod, in twain, + To shoot the pricks[17] y-fere.[18] + + Lead on, good fellow, quoth Robin Hood, + Lead on, I do bid thee. + Nay by my faith, good fellow, he said, + My leader thou shalt be. + + The first time Robin shot at the prick, + He miss'd but an inch it fro'; + The yeoman he was an archer good, + But he could never shoot so. + + The second shoot had the wighty yeoman, + He shot within the garland;[19] + But Robin he shot far better than he, + For he clave the good prick-wand. + + A blessing upon thy heart, he said; + Good fellow, thy shooting is good; + For an thy heart be as good as thy hand, + Thou wert better than Robin Hood. + + Now tell me thy name, good fellow, said he, + Under the leaves of lyne.[20] + Nay, by my faith, quoth bold Robin, + Till thou have told me thine. + + I dwell by dale and down, quoth he, + And Robin to take I'm sworn; + And when I am called by my right name, + I am Guy of good Gisborne. + + My dwelling is in this wood, says Robin, + By thee I set right nought: + I am Robin Hood of Barnesdale, + Whom thou so long hast sought. + + He that had neither been kith nor kin, + Might have seen a full fair sight, + To see how together these yeomen went + With blades both brown and bright. + + To see how these yeomen together they fought + Two hours of a summer's day: + Yet neither Robin Hood nor sir Guy + Them fettled to fly away. + +[Illustration: ROBIN HOOD AND GUY OF GISBORNE.] + + Robin was reachles[21] of a root, + And stumbled at that tide; + And Guy was quick and nimble withal, + And hit him o'er the left side. + + Ah dear Lady, said Robin Hood, thou, + Thou art both mother and may',[22] + I think it was never man's destiny + To die before his day. + + Robin thought on our Lady dear, + And soon leapt up again, + And straight he came with a backward stroke, + And he sir Guy hath slain. + + He took sir Guy's head by the hair, + And stuck it upon his bow's-end: + Thou hast been a traitor all thy life, + Which thing must have an end. + + Robin pull'd forth an Irish knife, + And nick'd sir Guy in the face, + That he was never o' woman born, + Could tell whose head it was. + + Says, Lie there, lie there now, sir Guy, + And with me be not wroth; + If thou have had the worst strokes at my hand, + Thou shalt have the better cloth. + + Robin did off his gown of green, + And on sir Guy did throw, + And he put on that capull hide, + That clad him top to toe. + + The bow, the arrows, and little horn, + Now with me I will bear; + For I will away to Barnesdale, + To see how my men do fare. + + Robin Hood set Guy's horn to his mouth, + And a loud blast in it did blow, + That beheard the sheriff of Nottingham, + As he leaned under a lowe.[23] + + Hearken, hearken, said the sheriff, + I hear now tidings good, + For yonder I hear sir Guy's horn blow, + And he hath slain Robin Hood. + + Yonder I hear sir Guy's horn blow, + It blows so well in tide, + And yonder comes that wighty yeoman, + Clad in his capull hide. + + Come hither, come hither, thou good sir Guy, + Ask what thou wilt of me. + O I will none of thy gold, said Robin, + Nor I will none of thy fee. + + But now I have slain the master, he says, + Let me go strike the knave; + For this is all the reward I ask; + Nor no other will I have. + + Thou art a madman, said the sheriff, + Thou shouldst have had a knight's fee: + But seeing thy asking hath been so bad, + Well granted it shall be. + + When Little John heard his master speak, + Well knew he it was his steven:[24] + Now shall I be loosed, quoth Little John, + With Christe his might in heaven. + + Fast Robin he hied him to Little John, + He thought to loose him belive;[25] + The sheriff and all his company + Fast after him did drive. + + Stand back, stand back, said Robin; + Why draw you me so near? + It was never the use in our country, + One's shrift another should hear. + + But Robin pull'd forth an Irish knife, + And loosed John hand and foot, + And gave him sir Guy's bow into his hand, + And bade it be his boote. + + Then John he took Guy's bow in his hand, + His bolts and arrows each one: + When the sheriff saw Little John bend his bow, + He fettled him to be gone. + + Towards his house in Nottingham town, + He fled full fast away; + And so did all the company: + Not one behind would stay. + + But he could neither run so fast, + Nor away so fast could ride, + But Little John with an arrow so broad, + He shot him into the back-side. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[1] Woods. + +[2] Shining. + +[3] A kind of thrush. + +[4] Dream. + +[5] Strong. + +[6] Revenged. + +[7] Make ready. + +[8] Horse-hide. + +[9] If. + +[10] Mischief. + +[11] Ways. + +[12] Made ready. + +[13] Help. + +[14] Missing. + +[15] Unexpectedly. + +[16] Twigs. + +[17] Marks. + +[18] Together. + +[19] A ring round the prick. + +[20] Lime. + +[21] Careless. + +[22] Maid. + +[23] Little hill. + +[24] Voice. + +[25] Immediately. + + + + +THE CHILDE[26] OF ELLE. + + + On yonder hill a castle stands, + With walls and towers bedight,[27] + And yonder lives the Childe of Elle, + A young and comely knight. + + The Childe of Elle to his garden went, + And stood at his garden-pale, + When, lo! he beheld fair Emmeline's page + Come tripping down the dale. + + The Childe of Elle he hied him thence, + I wist he stood not still, + And soon he met fair Emmeline's page + Come climbing up the hill. + + Now Christe thee save, thou little foot-page, + Now Christe thee save and see! + Oh tell me how does thy lady gay, + And what may thy tidings be? + + My lady she is all woe-begone, + And the tears they fall from her eyne;[28] + And aye she laments the deadly feud + Between her house and thine. + + And here she sends thee a silken scarf + Bedewed with many a tear, + And bids thee sometimes think on her, + Who loved thee so dear. + + And here she sends thee a ring of gold, + The last boon thou may'st have, + And bids thee wear it for her sake, + When she is laid in grave. + + For, ah! her gentle heart is broke, + And in grave soon must she be, + For her father hath chose her a new love, + And forbid her to think of thee. + + Her father hath brought her a carlish[29] knight, + Sir John of the north countrey, + And within three days she must him wed, + Or he vows he will her slay. + + Now hie thee back, thou little foot-page, + And greet thy lady from me, + And tell her that I, her own true love, + Will die, or set her free. + + Now hie thee back, thou little foot-page, + And let thy fair lady know, + This night will I be at her bower-window, + Betide me weal or woe. + + The boy he tripped, the boy he ran, + He neither stint[30] nor stay'd + Until he came to fair Emmeline's bower, + When, kneeling down, he said, + + O lady, I've been with thine own true love, + And he greets thee well by me; + This night will he be at thy bower-window, + And die or set thee free. + + Now day was gone, and night was come, + And all were fast asleep, + All save the lady Emmeline, + Who sate in her bower to weep: + + And soon she heard her true love's voice + Low whispering at the wall; + Awake, awake, my dear lady, + 'Tis I, thy true love, call. + + Awake, awake, my lady dear, + Come, mount this fair palfrey: + This ladder of ropes will let thee down, + I'll carry thee hence away. + + Now nay, now nay, thou gentle knight, + Now nay, this may not be; + For aye should I tint[31] my maiden fame, + If alone I should wend[32] with thee. + + O lady, thou with a knight so true + May'st safely wend alone; + To my lady mother I will thee bring, + Where marriage shall make us one. + + My father he is a baron bold, + Of lineage proud and high; + And what would he say if his daughter + Away with a knight should fly? + + Ah! well I wot, he never would rest, + Nor his meat should do him no good, + Till he had slain thee, Childe of Elle, + And seen thy dear heart's blood. + + O lady, wert thou in thy saddle set, + And a little space him fro', + I would not care for thy cruel father, + Nor the worst that he could do. + + O lady, wert thou in thy saddle set, + And once without this wall, + I would not care for thy cruel father, + Nor the worst that might befall. + + Fair Emmeline sighed, fair Emmeline wept, + And aye her heart was woe: + At length he seized her lily-white hand, + And down the ladder he drew: + + And thrice he clasped her to his breast, + And kissed her tenderly: + The tears that fell from her fair eyes, + Ran like the fountain free. + + He mounted himself on his steed so tall, + And her on a fair palfrey, + And slung his bugle about his neck, + And roundly they rode away. + + All this beheard her own damsel, + In her bed wherein she lay; + Quoth she, My lord shall know of this, + So I shall have gold and fee. + + Awake, awake, thou baron bold! + Awake, my noble dame! + Your daughter is fled with the Childe of Elle, + To do the deed of shame. + + The baron he woke, the baron he rose, + And called his merry men all: + And come thou forth, Sir John the knight, + Thy lady is carried to thrall. + + Fair Emmeline scarce had ridden a mile, + A mile forth of the town, + When she was aware of her father's men + Come galloping over the down: + + And foremost came the carlish knight, + Sir John of the north countrey: + Now stop, now stop, thou false traitor, + Nor carry that lady away. + + For she is come of high lineage, + And was of a lady born, + And ill it beseems thee, a false churl's son, + To carry her hence to scorn. + + Now loud thou liest, Sir John the knight, + Now thou dost lie of me; + A knight me got, and a lady me bore, + So never did none by thee. + + But light now down, my lady fair, + Light down, and hold my steed, + While I and this discourteous knight + Do try this arduous deed. + + But light now down, my dear lady, + Light down, and hold my horse; + While I and this discourteous knight + Do try our valour's force. + + Fair Emmeline sighed, fair Emmeline + And aye her heart was woe, + While 'twixt her love and the carlish knight + Past many a baleful blow. + + The Childe of Elle he fought so well, + As his weapon he waved amain, + That soon he had slain the carlish knight, + And laid him upon the plain. + + And now the baron and all his men + Full fast approached nigh: + Ah! what may lady Emmeline do! + 'Twere now no boote[33] to fly. + + Her lover he put his horn to his mouth, + And blew both loud and shrill, + And soon he saw his own merry men + Come riding over the hill. + + Now hold thy hand, thou bold baron, + I pray thee, hold thy hand, + Nor ruthless rend two gentle hearts, + Fast knit in true love's band. + + Thy daughter I have dearly loved + Full long and many a day; + But with such love as holy kirk + Hath freely said we may. + + O give consent she may be mine, + And bless a faithful pair: + My lands and livings are not small, + My house and lineage fair: + + My mother she was an earl's daughter, + And a noble knight my sire-- + The baron he frowned, and turned away + With mickle[34] dole and ire. + + Fair Emmeline sighed, fair Emmeline wept, + And did all trembling stand: + At length she sprang upon her knee, + And held his lifted hand. + + Pardon, my lord and father dear, + This fair young knight and me: + Trust me, but for the carlish knight, + I never had fled from thee. + + Oft have you called your Emmeline + Your darling and your joy; + O let not then your harsh resolves + Your Emmeline destroy. + + The baron he stroked his dark-brown cheek, + And turned his head aside + To wipe away the starting tear + He proudly strove to hide. + + In deep revolving thought he stood, + And mused a little space: + Then raised fair Emmeline from the ground, + With many a fond embrace. + +[Illustration: THE CHILD OF ELLE.] + + Here, take her, Childe of Elle, he said, + And gave her lily hand; + Here, take my dear and only child, + And with her half my land: + + Thy father once mine honour wronged + In days of youthful pride; + Do thou the injury repair + In fondness for thy bride. + + And as thou love her, and hold her dear, + Heaven prosper thee and thine: + And now my blessing wend wi' thee, + My lovely Emmeline. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[26] Knight. + +[27] Bedeck'd. + +[28] Eyes. + +[29] Churlish. + +[30] Stopped. + +[31] Lose. + +[32] Go. + +[33] Good. + +[34] Much grief. + + + + +ADAM BELL, CLYM OF THE CLOUGH,[35] AND WILLIAM OF CLOUDESLY. + + +PART THE FIRST. + + Merry it was in the green forest + Among the leaves green, + Wherein men hunt east and west + With bows and arrows keen; + + To raise the deer out of their den; + Such sights hath oft been seen; + As by three yeomen of the north countrey, + By them it is I mean. + + The one of them hight[36] Adam Bell, + The other Clym of the Clough, + The third was William of Cloudesly, + An archer good enough. + + They were outlawed for venison, + These yeomen everyone; + They swore together upon a day, + To English wood to be gone. + + Now lithe and listen, gentlemen, + That of mirth loveth to hear: + Two of them were single men, + The third had a wedded fere.[37] + + William was the wedded man, + Much more then was his care: + He said to his brethren upon a day, + To Carlisle he would fare,[38] + + For to speak with fair Alice his wife, + And with his children three. + By my troth, said Adam Bell, + Not by the counsel of me: + + For if ye go to Carlisle, brother, + And from this wild wood wend, + If that the justice should you take, + Your life were at an end. + + If that I come not to-morrow, brother, + By pryme[39] to you again, + Trust you then that I am taken + Or else that I am slain. + + He took his leave of his brethren two, + And to Carlisle he is gone: + There he knock'd at his own window + Shortly and anon. + + Where be you, fair Alice, he said, + My wife and children three? + Lightly let in thine own husband, + William of Cloudesly. + + Alas! then said fair Alice, + And sighed wondrous sore, + This place hath been beset for you + This half a year and more. + + Now am I here, said Cloudesly, + I would that in I were: + Now fetch us meat and drink enough, + And let us make good cheer. + + She fetched him meat and drink plenty, + Like a true wedded wife; + And pleased him with that she had, + Whom she loved as her life. + + There lay an old wife in that place, + A little beside the fire, + Which William had found of charity + More than seven year. + + Up she rose, and forth she goes, + Evil may she speed therefore; + For she had set no foot on ground + In seven year before. + + She went unto the justice hall, + As fast as she could hie: + This night, she said, is come to town + William of Cloudesly. + + Thereat the justice was full fayne,[40] + And so was the sheriff also: + Thou shalt not travel hither, dame, for nought; + Thy meed thou shalt have ere thou go. + + They gave to her a right good gown + Of scarlet, and of grain:[41] + She took the gift, and home she went, + And couched her down again. + + They raised the town of merry Carlisle + In all the haste they can; + And came thronging to William's house, + As fast as they might ran. + + There they beset that good yeoman + Round about on every side: + William heard great noise of folks + That thither-ward fast hied. + + Alice opened a back window + And looked all about, + She was 'ware of the justice and sheriff both, + And with them a great rout. + + Alas! treason, cried Alice, + Ever woe may thou be! + Go into my chamber, husband, she said, + Sweet William of Cloudesly. + + He took his sword and his buckler, + His bow and his children three, + And went into his strongest chamber, + Where he thought surest to be. + + Fair Alice, like a lover true, + Took a pollaxe in her hand: + Said, He shall die that cometh in + This door, while I may stand. + + Cloudesly bent a right good bow, + That was of a trusty tree, + He smote the justice on the breast, + That his arrow burst in three. + +[Illustration: ADAM BELL AND CLYM OF THE CLOUGH.] + + A curse on his heart, said William, + This day thy coat put on! + If it had been no better than mine, + That had gone near thy bone. + + Yield thee, Cloudesly, said the justice, + And thy bow and thy arrows thee fro'. + A curse on his heart, said fair Alice, + That my husband counselleth so. + + Set fire on the house, said the sheriff, + Since it will no better be, + And burn we therein William, he said, + His wife and children three. + + They fired the house in many a place, + The fire flew up on high: + Alas! then cried fair Alice, + I see we here shall die. + + William opened a back window, + That was in his chamber hi', + And there with sheets he did let down + His wife and children three. + + Have you here my treasure, said William, + My wife and my children three: + For Christ's love do them no harm, + But wreak you all on me. + + William shot so wondrous well, + Till his arrows were all ago', + And the fire so fast upon him fell + That his bowstring burnt in two. + + The sparkles burnt and fell upon + Good William of Cloudesly: + Then was he a woeful man, and said, + This is a coward's death to me. + + Liever had I, said William, + With my sword in the route to run, + Than here among mine enemies wode[42] + Thus cruelly to burn. + + He took his sword and his buckler, + And among them all he ran: + Where the people were most in prece,[43] + He smote down many a man. + + There might no man abide his strokes, + So fiercely on them he ran: + Then they threw windows, and doors on him, + And so took that good yeoman. + + There they him bound both hand and foot, + And in deep dungeon him cast: + Now Cloudesly, said the justice, + Thou shalt be hanged in haste. + + A pair of new gallows, said the sheriff, + Now shall I for thee make; + And the gates of Carlisle shall be shut: + No man shall come in thereat. + + Then shall not help Clym of the Clough, + Nor yet shall Adam Bell, + Though they came with a thousand more, + Nor all the devils in hell. + + Early in the morning the justice uprose, + To the gates first gan he to gon', + And commanded to be shut full close + Lightly every one. + + Then went he to the market place, + As fast as he could hie; + There a pair of new gallows he set up + Beside the pillory. + + A little boy among them asked, + What meaneth that gallows-tree? + They said to hang a good yeoman, + Called William of Cloudesly. + + That little boy was the town swine-herd, + And kept fair Alice's swine; + Oft he had seen William in the wood, + And given him there to dine. + + He went out at a crevice in the wall, + And lightly to the wood did gon'; + There met he with these wight yeomen + Shortly and anon. + + Alas! then said that little boy, + Ye tarry here all too long; + Cloudesly is taken, and dampned[44] to death, + All ready for to hong.[45] + + Alas! then said good Adam Bell, + That ever we see this day! + He had better with us have tarried, + So oft as we did him pray. + + He might have dwelt in green forest, + Under the shadows green, + And have kept both him and us at rest, + Out of all trouble and teen.[46] + + Adam bent a right good bow, + A great hart soon he had slain; + Take that, child, he said, to thy dinner, + And bring me mine arrow again. + + Now go we hence, said these wight yeomen, + Tarry we no longer here; + We shall him borrow[47] by God his grace, + Though we buy it full dear. + + To Carlisle went these bold yeomen, + All in the morning of May. + Here is a FYT[48] of Cloudesly, + And another is for to say. + + +PART THE SECOND. + + And when they came to merry Carlisle, + All in the morning tide, + They found the gates shut them against + About on every side. + + Alas! then said good Adam Bell, + That ever we were made men! + These gates he shut so wondrous fast, + We may not come therein. + + Then bespake him Clym of the Clough, + With a wile we will us in bring; + Let us say we be messengers, + Straight come now from our king. + + Adam said, I have a letter written, + Now let us wisely work, + We will say we have the king's seal; + I hold the porter no clerk. + + Then Adam Bell beat on the gates + With strokes great and strong, + The porter marvelled who was there, + And to the gates he throng.[49] + + Who is there now, said the porter, + That maketh all this knocking? + We be two messengers, quoth Clym of the Clough, + Be come right from our king. + + We have a letter, said Adam Bell, + To the justice we must it bring; + Let us in our message to do, + That we may again to the king. + + Here cometh none in, said the porter, + By him that died on a tree, + Till a false thief be hanged up, + Called William of Cloudesly. + + Then spake the good yeoman, Clym of the Clough, + And swore by Mary free, + And if that we stand long without, + Like a thief hanged thou shalt be. + + Lo! here we have the king's seal: + What, Lurden,[50] art thou wood?[51] + The porter thought it had been so, + And lightly did off his hood. + + Welcome is my lord's seal, he said; + For that ye shall come in. + He opened the gate full shortly; + An evil opening for him. + + Now are we in, said Adam Bell, + Whereof we are full fain; + But Christ he knowes, that harrowed hell, + How we shall come out again. + + Had we the keys, said Clym of the Clough, + Right well then should we speed, + Then might we come out well enough + When we see time and need. + + They called the porter to counsel, + And wrung his neck in two, + And cast him in a deep dungeon, + And took his keys him fro'. + + Now am I porter, said Adam Bell, + See, brother, the keys are here, + The worst porter to merry Carlisle + That they had this hundred year. + + And now will we our bows bend, + Into the town will we go, + For to deliver our dear brother, + That lyeth in care and woe. + + Then they bent their good yew bows, + And looked their strings were round, + The market place in merry Carlisle + They beset that stound.[52] + + And, as they looked them beside, + A pair of new gallows they see, + And the justice with a quest of squires, + Had judged William hanged to be. + + And Cloudesly lay ready there in a cart, + Fast bound both foot and hand; + And a strong rope about his neck, + All ready for to hang. + + The justice called to him a lad, + Cloudesly's clothes he should have, + To take the measure of that yeoman, + Thereafter to make his grave. + + I have seen as great marvel, said Cloudesly, + As between this and pryme,[53] + He that maketh a grave for me + Himself may lie therein. + + Thou speakest proudly, said the justice, + I will thee hang with my hand. + Full well heard this his brethren two, + There still as they did stand. + + Then Cloudesly cast his eyes aside, + And saw his brethren twain + At a corner of the market place, + Ready the justice for to slain. + + I see comfort, said Cloudesly, + Yet hope I well to fare, + If I might have my hands at will + Right little would I care. + + Then spake good Adam Bell + To Clym of the Clough so free, + Brother, see you mark the justice well; + Lo! yonder you may him see: + + And at the sheriff shoot I will + Strongly with arrow keen; + A better shot in merry Carlisle + This seven year was not seen. + + They loosed their arrows both at once, + Of no man had they dread; + The one hit the justice, the other the sheriff, + That both their sides 'gan bleed. + + All men 'voided, that them stood nigh, + When the justice fell to the ground, + And the sheriff nigh him by; + Either had his death's wound. + + All the citizens fast began to fly, + They durst no longer abide: + There lightly they loosed Cloudesly, + Where he with ropes lay tied. + + William start to an officer of the town, + His axe from his hand he wrung, + On each side he smote them down, + He thought he tarried too long. + + William said to his brethren two, + This day let us live and die, + If ever you have need, as I have now, + The same shall you find by me. + + They shot so well in that tide, + Their strings were of silk full sure, + That they kept the streets on every side; + That battle did long endure. + + They fought together as brethren true, + Like hardy men and bold, + Many a man to the ground they threw, + And many a heart made cold. + + But when their arrows were all gone, + Men pressed to them full fast, + They drew their swords then anon, + And their bows from them cast. + + They went lightly on their way, + With swords and bucklers round; + By that it was mid of the day, + They made many a wound. + + There was many an out-horn[54] in Carlisle blown, + And the bells backward did ring, + Many a woman said, Alas! + And many their hands did wring. + + The mayor of Carlisle forth was come, + With him a full great rout: + These yeomen dreaded him full sore, + Of their lives they stood in doubt. + + The mayor came armed at full great pace, + With a pollaxe in his hand; + Many a strong man with him was, + There in that stowre[55] to stand. + + The mayor smote at Cloudesly with his bill, + His buckler he burst in two, + Full many a yeoman with great evil, + Alas! Treason they cried for woe. + Keep well the gates fast, they bade, + That these traitors thereout not go. + + But all for nought was that they wrought, + For so fast they down were laid, + Till they all three, that so manfully fought, + Were gotten without, abroad. + + Have here your keys, said Adam Bell, + Mine office I here forsake, + And if you do by my counsel + A new porter do ye make. + + He threw their keys at their heads, + And bade them well to thrive, + And all that letteth[56] any good yeoman + To come and comfort his wife. + + Thus be these good yeomen gone to the wood, + And lightly, as leaf on lynde;[57] + To laugh and be merry in their mood, + Their enemies were far behind. + + And when they came to English wood, + Under the trusty tree, + There they found bows full good, + And arrows full great plenty. + + So God me help, said Adam Bell, + And Clym of the Clough so free, + I would we were in merry Carlisle, + Before that fair meynye.[58] + + They sate them down, and made good cheer, + And ate and drank full well. + A second FYT of the wighty yeomen, + Another I will you tell. + + +PART THE THIRD. + + As they sat in the merry green wood, + Under the green-wood tree, + They thought they heard a woman weep, + But her they mought[59] not see. + + Sore then sighed the fair Alice: + That ever I saw this day! + For now is my dear husband slain: + Alas! and well-a-way! + + Might I have spoken to his dear brethren, + Or with either of them twain, + To show to them what him befell, + My heart were out of pain. + + Cloudesly walked a little beside, + He looked under the green-wood lynde; + He was aware of his wife, and children three, + Full woe in heart and mind. + + Welcome, wife, then said William, + Under this trusty tree: + I had ween'd yesterday, by sweet saint John, + Thou shouldst me never have see. + + Now well is me that ye be here, + My heart is out of woe; + Dame, he said, be merry and glad, + And thank my brethren two. + + Hereof to speak, said Adam Bell, + I think it is no boot: + The meat, that we must sup withal, + It runneth yet fast on foot. + + Then went they down into a lawn, + These noble archers all three; + Each of them slew a hart of grease,[60] + The best that they could see. + + Have here the best, Alice my wife, + Said William of Cloudesly; + Because ye so boldly stood by me + When I was slain full nigh. + + Then went they all into supper + With such meat as they had; + And thanked God of their fortune: + They were both merry and glad. + + And when they all had supped well, + Certainly without lease,[61] + Cloudesly said, We will to our king, + To get us a charter of peace. + + Alice shall be at our sojourning + In a nunnery here beside; + My two sons shall with her go, + And there they shall abide. + + Mine eldest son shall go with me; + For him have you no care: + And he shall bring you word again, + How that we do fare. + + Thus be these yeomen to London gone, + As fast as they might hie, + Till they came to the king's palace, + Where they would needs be. + + And when they came to the king's court, + Unto the palace gate, + Of no man would they ask no leave, + But boldly went in thereat. + + They pressed prestly[62] into the hall, + Of no man had they dread: + The porter came after, and did them call, + And with them began to chide. + + The usher said, Yeoman, what would ye have? + I pray you tell to me: + You might thus make officers shent:[63] + Good sirs, of whence be ye? + + Sir, we be outlaws of the forest + Certainly without lease; + And hither we be come to our king, + To get us a charter of peace. + + And when they came before the king, + As it was the law of the land, + They kneeled down without hindrance, + And each held up his hand. + + They said, Lord, we beseech thee here, + That you will grant us grace; + For we have slain your fat fallow deer + In many a sundry place. + + What be your names, then said our king, + Anon that you tell me? + They said, Adam Bell, Clym of the Clough, + And William of Cloudesly. + + Be ye those thieves, then said our king, + That men have told of to me? + Here to God I make a vow, + Ye shall be hanged all three. + +[Illustration: WILLIAM OF CLOUDESLY.] + + Ye shall be dead without mercy, + As I am king of this land. + He commanded his officers everyone, + Fast on them to lay hand. + + There they took these good yeomen, + And arrested them all three: + So may I thrive, said Adam Bell, + This game liketh not me. + + But, good lord, we beseech you now, + That ye grant us grace, + Insomuch as freely to you we come, + As freely we may from you pass, + + With such weapons as we have here, + Till we be out of your place; + And if we live this hundred year, + We will ask you no grace. + + Ye speak proudly, said the king; + Ye shall be hanged all three. + That were great pity, then said the queen, + If any grace might be. + + My lord, when I came first into this land + To be your wedded wife, + The first boon that I would ask, + Ye would grant it me belyfe:[64] + + And I never asked none till now; + Therefore, good lord, grant it me. + Now ask it, madam, said the king, + And granted it shall be. + + Then, good my lord, I you beseech, + These yeomen grant ye me. + Madame, ye might have asked a boon, + That should have been worth them all three. + + Ye might have asked towers and towns, + Parks and forests plenty. + None so pleasant to my liking, she said; + Nor none so lefe[65] to me. + + Madame, since it is your desire, + Your asking granted shall be; + But I had lever[66] have given you + Good market towns three. + + The queen she was a glad woman, + And said, Lord, gramercy: + I dare undertake for them, + That true men shall they be. + + But, good my lord, speak some merry word, + That comfort they may see. + I grant you grace, then said our king; + Wash, fellows, and to meat go ye. + + They had not setten but a while + Certain, without lesynge,[67] + There came messengers out of the north + With letters to our king. + + And when they came before the king, + They knelt down on their knee: + And said, Lord, your officers greet you well, + Of Carlisle, in the north country. + + How fareth my justice, said the king, + And my sheriff also? + Sir, they be slain, without lesynge, + And many an officer mo'. + + Who hath them slain, said the king; + Anon thou tell to me? + Adam Bell, and Clym of the Clough, + And William of Cloudesly. + + Alas for ruth! then said our king: + My heart is wondrous sore; + I had rather than a thousand pound, + I had known of this before; + + For I have granted them grace, + And that forthinketh me: + But had I known all this before, + They had been hanged all three. + + The king he opened the letter anon, + Himself he read it thro', + And found how these outlaws had slain + Three hundred men and mo': + + First the justice, and the sheriff, + And the mayor of Carlisle town; + Of all the constables and catchpolls + Alive were scarce left one: + + The baillies, and the beadles both, + And the sergeants of the law, + And forty foresters of the fee,[68] + These outlaws had yslaw.[69] + + And broke his parks, and slain his deer; + Of all they chose the best; + Such perilous outlaws, as they were, + Walked not by east nor west. + + When the king this letter had read, + In his heart he sighed sore: + Take up the tables anon he said, + For I may eat no more. + + The king called his best archers + To the butts with him to go: + I will see these fellows shoot, he said, + In the north have wrought this woe. + + The king's bowmen buske[70] them blyve,[71] + And the queen's archers also; + So did these three wighty yeomen; + With them they thought to go. + + There twice or thrice they shot about + For to assay their hand; + There was no shot these yeomen shot, + That any prick might stand. + + Then spake William of Cloudesly; + By Him that for me died, + I hold him never no good archer, + That shooteth at butts so wide. + + At what a butt now would you shoot, + I pray thee tell to me? + At such a butt, sir, he said, + As men use in my country. + + William went into a field, + And with him his two brethren: + There they set up two hazel rods + Twenty score paces between. + + I hold him an archer, said Cloudesly, + That yonder wand cleaveth in two. + Here is none such, said the king, + Nor none that can so do. + + I shall assay, sir, said Cloudesly, + Or that I farther go. + Cloudesly with a bearyng[72] arrow + Clave the wand in two. + + Thou art the best archer, then said the king, + For sooth that ever I see. + And yet for your love, said William, + I will do more mastery. + + I have a son is seven year old, + He is to me full dear; + I will him tie to a stake; + All shall see, that be here; + + And lay an apple upon his head, + And go six score pace him fro', + And I myself with a broad arrow + Shall cleave the apple in two. + + Now haste thee, then said the king, + By Him that died on a tree, + But if thou do not as thou hast said, + Hanged shalt thou be. + + An thou touch his head or gown, + In sight that men may see, + By all the saints that be in heaven, + I shall hang you all three. + + That I have promised, said William, + That I will never forsake. + And there even before the king + In the earth he drove a stake: + + And bound thereto his eldest son, + And bade him stand still thereat; + And turned the child's face him from, + Because he should not start. + + An apple upon his head he set, + And then his bow he bent: + Six score paces they were meaten,[73] + And thither Cloudesly went. + + There he drew out a fair broad arrow, + His bow was great and long, + He set that arrow in his bow, + That was both stiff and strong. + + He prayed the people that were there, + That they all still would stand, + For he that shooteth for such a wager, + Behoveth a stedfast hand. + + Much people prayed for Cloudesly, + That his life saved might be, + And when he made him ready to shoot, + There was many a weeping ee. + + But Cloudesly cleft the apple in two, + His son he did not nee.[74] + Over Gods forebode,[75] said the king, + That thou should shoot at me. + + I give thee eighteen pence a day, + And my bow shalt thou bear, + And over all the north country + I make thee chief ranger. + + And I thirteen pence a day, said the queen, + By God, and by my fa'; + Come fetch thy payment when thou wilt, + No man shall say thee nay. + + William, I make thee a gentleman + Of clothing, and of fee: + And thy two brethren, yeomen of my chamber, + For they are so seemly to see. + + Your son, for he is tender of age, + Of my wine-cellar he shall be; + And when he cometh to man's estate, + Better advanced shall he be. + + And, William, bring to me your wife, said the queen, + Me longeth her sore to see: + She shall be my chief gentlewoman, + To govern my nursery. + + The yeomen thanked them courteously. + To some bishop will we wend, + Of all the sins that we have done, + To be assoyld[76] at his hand. + + So forth be gone these good yeomen, + As fast as they might he;[77] + And after came and dwelled with the king, + And died good men all three. + + Thus ended the lives of these good yeomen; + God send them eternal bliss. + And all, that with a hand-bow shooteth, + That of heaven they never miss. Amen. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[35] Clem (Clement) of the cliff. + +[36] Called. + +[37] Mate. + +[38] Pass. + +[39] Noon. + +[40] Glad. + +[41] Red. + +[42] Wild. + +[43] Pressed. + +[44] Condemned. + +[45] Hang. + +[46] Sorrow. + +[47] Redeem. + +[48] Part of a song. + +[49] Hastened. + +[50] Sluggard. + +[51] Mad. + +[52] Time. + +[53] Noon. + +[54] Summons to arms. + +[55] Fight. + +[56] Hindereth. + +[57] Lime-tree. + +[58] Company. + +[59] Might for could. + +[60] Fat hart. + +[61] Lies. + +[62] Quickly. + +[63] Disgraced. + +[64] Immediately. + +[65] Dear. + +[66] Rather. + +[67] Lies. + +[68] The King's foresters. + +[69] Slain. + +[70] Dress. + +[71] Instantly. + +[72] An arrow that flies well. + +[73] Measured. + +[74] Nigh. + +[75] God forbid. + +[76] Absolved. + +[77] Hie. + + + + +SIR LANCELOT DU LAKE. + + + When Arthur first in court began, + And was approved king, + By force of arms great victories won, + And conquest home did bring. + + Then into England straight he came + With fifty good and able + Knights, that resorted unto him, + And were of his round table: + + And he had jousts and tournaments, + Whereto were many prest, + Wherein some knights did far excell + And far surmount the rest. + + But one, Sir Lancelot du Lake, + Who was approved well, + He for his deeds and feats of arms, + All others did excell. + + When he had rested him a while, + In play, and game, and sport, + He said he would go prove himself + In some adventurous sort. + + He armed rode in forest wide, + And met a damsel fair, + Who told him of adventures great, + Whereto he gave good ear. + + Such would I find, quoth Lancelot: + For that cause came I hither. + Thou seem'st, quoth she, a knight full good, + And I will bring thee thither, + + Whereas a mighty knight doth dwell, + That now is of great fame: + Therefore tell me what wight thou art, + And what may be thy name. + + My name is Lancelot du Lake. + Quoth she, it likes me then: + Here dwells a knight who never was + Yet matcht with any man: + + Who has in prison threescore knights + And four, that he did wound; + Knights of king Arthur's court they be, + And of his table round. + + She brought him to a river side, + And also to a tree, + Whereon a copper bason hung, + And many shields to see. + +[Illustration: SIR LANCELOT DU LAKE.] + + He struck so hard, the bason broke; + And Tarquin soon he spied: + Who drove a horse before him fast, + Whereon a knight lay tied. + + Sir knight, then said Sir Lancelot, + Bring me that horse-load hither, + And lay him down, and let him rest; + We'll try our force together: + + For, as I understand, thou hast, + So far as thou art able, + Done great despite and shame unto + The knights of the Round Table. + + If thou be of the Table Round, + Quoth Tarquin speedily, + Both thee and all thy fellowship + I utterly defy. + + That's over much, quoth Lancelot, though, + Defend thee by and by. + They set their spears unto their steeds, + And each at other fly. + + They couched their spears, (their horses ran, + As though there had been thunder) + And struck them each immidst their shields, + Wherewith they broke in sunder. + + Their horses' backs brake under them, + The knights were both astound: + To avoid their horses they make haste + And light upon the ground. + + They took them to their shields full fast, + Their swords they drew out then, + With mighty strokes most eagerly + Each at the other ran. + + They wounded were, and bled full sore, + For both for breath did stand, + And leaning on their swords awhile, + Quoth Tarquin, Hold thy hand, + + And tell to me what I shall ask. + Say on, quoth Lancelot tho.[78] + Thou art, quoth Tarquin, the best knight + That ever I did know; + + And like a knight, that I did hate: + So that thou be not he, + I will deliver all the rest, + And eke accord with thee. + + That is well said, quoth Lancelot; + But since it must be so, + What knight is that thou hatest thus? + I pray thee to me show. + + His name is Lancelot du Lake, + He slew my brother dear; + Him I suspect of all the rest: + I would I had him here. + + Thy wish thou hast, but yet unknown, + I am Lancelot du Lake, + Now knight of Arthur's Table Round; + King Haud's son, of Schuwake; + + And I desire thee do thy worst. + Ho, ho, quoth Tarquin tho, + One of us two shall end our lives + Before that we do go. + + If thou be Lancelot du Lake, + Then welcome shalt thou be; + Wherefore see thou thyself defend, + For now defy I thee. + + They buckled then together so, + Like unto wild boars rashing, + And with their swords and shields they ran + At one another slashing: + + The ground besprinkled was with blood: + Tarquin began to yield; + For he gave back for weariness, + And low did bear his shield. + + This soon Sir Lancelot espied, + He leapt upon him then, + He pull'd him down upon his knee, + And rushing[79] off his helm, + + Forthwith he struck his neck in two, + And, when he had so done, + From prison threescore knights and four + Delivered every one. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[78] Then. + +[79] Tearing. + + + + +THE FROLICKSOME DUKE; OR, THE TINKER'S GOOD FORTUNE. + + + Now as fame does report, a young duke keeps a court, + One that pleases his fancy with frolicksome sport: + But amongst all the rest, here is one I protest, + Which will make you to smile when you hear the true jest: + A poor tinker he found, lying drunk on the ground, + As secure in a sleep as if laid in a swound. + + The duke said to his men, William, Richard, and Ben, + Take him home to my palace, we'll sport with him then. + O'er a horse he was laid, and with care soon convey'd + To the palace, altho' he was poorly array'd: + Then they stript off his clothes, both his shirt, shoes, and hose, + And they put him to bed for to take his repose. + + Having pull'd off his shirt, which was all over dirt, + They did give him clean holland, this was no great hurt: + On a bed of soft down, like a lord of renown, + They did lay him to sleep the drink out of his crown. + In the morning when day, then admiring he lay, + For to see the rich chamber both gaudy and gay. + + Now he lay something late, in his rich bed of state, + Till at last knights and squires, they on him did wait; + And the chamberlain bare,[80] then did likewise declare, + He desir'd to know what apparel he'd wear: + The poor tinker amaz'd, on the gentleman gaz'd, + And admired[81] how he to this honour was rais'd. + + Tho' he seem'd something mute, yet he chose a rich suit, + Which he straitways put on without longer dispute; + With a star on his side, which the tinker oft ey'd, + And it seem'd for to swell him no little with pride; + For he said to himself, Where is Joan my sweet wife? + Sure she never did see me so fine in her life. + + From a convenient place, the right duke his good grace + Did observe his behaviour in every case. + To a garden of state, on the tinker they wait, + Trumpet sounding before him: thought he, this is great: + Where an hour or two, pleasant walks he did view, + With commanders and squires in scarlet and blue. + + A fine dinner was drest, both for him and his guests, + He was plac'd at the table above all the rest, + In a rich chair or bed, lin'd with fine crimson red, + With a rich golden canopy over his head: + As he sat at his meat, the music play'd sweet, + With the choicest of singing his joys to complete. + + While the tinker did dine, he had plenty of wine, + Rich canary with sherry and tent superfine. + Like a right honest soul, faith, he took off his bowl, + Till at last he began for to tumble and roll + From his chair to the floor, where he sleeping did snore, + Being seven times drunker than ever before. + + Then the duke did ordain, they should strip him amain, + And restore him his old leather garments again: + Twas a point next the worst, yet perform it they must, + And they carried him strait, where they found him at first; + Then he slept all the night, as indeed well he might; + But when he did waken, his joys took their flight. + + For his glory to him so pleasant did seem, + That he thought it to be but a mere golden dream; + Till at length he was brought to the duke, where he sought + For a pardon, as fearing he had set him at nought; + But his highness he said, Thou'rt a jolly bold blade, + Such a frolic before I think never was play'd. + + Then his highness bespoke him a new suit and cloak, + Which he gave for the sake of this frolicksome joke; + Nay, and five hundred pound, with ten acres of ground, + Thou shalt never, said he, range the countries around, + Crying "old brass to mend," for I'll be thy good friend, + Nay, and Joan thy sweet wife shall my duchess attend. + + Then the tinker reply'd, What! must Joan my sweet bride + Be a lady in chariots of pleasure to ride? + Must we have gold and land ev'ry day at command? + Then I shall be a squire I well understand: + Well I thank your good grace, and your love I embrace, + I was never before in so happy a case. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[80] Bare-headed. + +[81] Wondered. + + + + +THE MORE MODERN BALLAD OF CHEVY CHASE. + + + God prosper long our noble king, + Our lives and safeties all; + A woful hunting once there did + In Chevy Chase befall; + + To drive the deer with hound and horn, + Earl Percy took his way; + The child may rue that is unborn + The hunting of that day. + + The stout Earl of Northumberland + A vow to God did make, + His pleasure in the Scottish woods + Three summer days to take; + + The chiefest harts in Chevy Chase + To kill and bear away. + These tidings to Earl Douglas came, + In Scotland where he lay: + + Who sent Earl Percy present word, + He would prevent his sport. + The English earl, not fearing that, + Did to the woods resort + + With fifteen hundred bow-men bold; + All chosen men of might, + Who knew full well in time of need + To aim their shafts aright. + + The gallant greyhounds swiftly ran, + To chase the fallow deer: + On Monday they began to hunt, + Ere day-light did appear; + + And long before high noon they had + An hundred fat bucks slain; + Then having din'd, the drovers went + To rouse the deer again. + + The bow-men mustered on the hills, + Well able to endure; + Their backsides all, with special care, + That day were guarded sure. + + The hounds ran swiftly through the woods, + The nimble deer to take, + That with their cries the hills and dales + An echo shrill did make. + + Lord Percy to the quarry went, + To view the slaughter'd deer; + Quoth he, Earl Douglas promised + This day to meet me here: + + But if I thought he would not come, + No longer would I stay. + With that, a brave young gentleman + Thus to the earl did say: + + Lo, yonder doth Earl Douglas come, + His men in armour bright; + Full twenty hundred Scottish spears + All marching in our sight; + + All men of pleasant Teviotdale, + Fast by the river Tweed: + O cease your sport, Earl Percy said, + And take your bows with speed: + + And now with me, my countrymen, + Your courage forth advance; + For never was there champion yet + In Scotland or in France, + + That ever did on horseback come, + But if my hap it were, + I durst encounter man for man, + With him to break a spear. + + Earl Douglas on his milk-white steed, + Most like a baron bold, + Rode foremost of his company, + Whose armour shone like gold. + + Show me, said he, whose men you be, + That hunt so boldly here, + That, without my consent, do chase + And kill my fallow-deer? + + The man that first did answer make, + Was noble Percy he; + Who said, We list not to declare, + Nor show whose men we be: + + Yet will we spend our dearest blood, + Thy chiefest harts to slay. + Then Douglas swore a solemn oath, + And thus in rage did say, + + Ere thus will I out-braved be, + One of us two shall die: + I know thee well, an earl thou art, + Lord Percy; so am I. + + But trust me, Percy, pity 'twere, + And great offence to kill + Any of these our guiltless men, + For they have done no ill. + + Let thou and I the battle try, + And set our men aside. + Accurst be he, Earl Percy said, + By whom this is denied. + + Then stept a gallant squire forth, + Witherington was his name, + Who said, I would not have it told + To Henry our king for shame, + + That e'er my captain fought on foot, + And I stood looking on. + You be two earls, said Witherington, + And I a squire alone: + + I'll do the best that do I may, + While I have power to stand: + While I have power to wield my sword, + I'll fight with heart and hand. + + Our English archers bent their bows, + Their hearts were good and true; + At the first flight of arrows sent, + Full four-score Scots they slew. + + Yet bides Earl Douglas on the bent[82] + As Chieftain stout and good, + As valiant Captain, all unmov'd + The shock he firmly stood. + + His host he parted had in three, + As leader ware and try'd, + And soon his spearmen on their foes + Bore down on every side. + + Throughout the English archery + They dealt full many a wound: + But still our valiant Englishmen + All firmly kept their ground: + + And throwing straight their bows away, + They grasp'd their swords so bright: + And now sharp blows, a heavy shower, + On shields and helmets light. + + They clos'd full fast on every side, + No slackness there was found; + And many a gallant gentleman + Lay gasping on the ground. + + O Christ! it was a grief to see, + And likewise for to hear, + The cries of men lying in their gore, + And scattered here and there. + + At last these two stout earls did meet, + Like captains of great might: + Like lions wood,[83] they laid on loud, + And made a cruel fight: + + They fought until they both did sweat, + With swords of tempered steel; + Until the blood, like drops of rain, + They trickling down did feel. + + Yield thee, Lord Percy, Douglas said; + In faith I will thee bring, + Where thou shalt high advanced be + By James our Scottish king: + + Thy ransom I will freely give, + And thus report of thee, + Thou art the most courageous knight, + That ever I did see. + + No, Douglas, quoth Earl Percy then, + Thy proffer I do scorn; + I will not yield to any Scot, + That ever yet was born. + + With that, there came an arrow keen + Out of an English bow, + Which struck Earl Douglas to the heart, + A deep and deadly blow: + +[Illustration: CHEVY CHASE. EARL PERCY, AND EARL DOUGLAS.] + + Who never spake more words than these, + Fight on, my merry men all; + For why, my life is at an end; + Lord Percy sees my fall. + + Then leaving life, Earl Percy took + The dead man by the hand; + And said, Earl Douglas, for thy life + Would I had lost my land. + + O Christ! my very heart doth bleed + With sorrow for thy sake; + For sure, a more renowned knight + Mischance could never take. + + A knight amongst the Scots there was, + Which saw Earl Douglas die, + Who straight in wrath did vow revenge + Upon the Lord Percy: + + Sir Hugh Montgomery was he call'd + Who, with a spear most bright, + Well-mounted on a gallant steed, + Ran fiercely through the fight; + + And past the English archers all, + Without all dread or fear; + And through Earl Percy's body then + He thrust his hateful spear; + + With such a vehement force and might + He did his body gore, + The staff went through the other side + A large cloth-yard, and more. + + So thus did both these nobles die, + Whose courage none could stain; + An English archer then perceiv'd + The noble earl was slain; + + He had a bow bent in his hand, + Made of a trusty tree; + An arrow of a cloth-yard long + Up to the head drew he: + + Against Sir Hugh Montgomery, + So right the shaft he set, + The grey goose-wing that was thereon + In his heart's blood was wet. + + This fight did last from break of day + Till setting of the sun; + For when they rung the evening bell,[84] + The battle scarce was done. + + With brave Earl Percy, there was slain + Sir John of Egerton, + Sir Robert Ratcliff, and Sir John, + Sir James that bold Baron: + + And with Sir George and stout Sir James, + Both knights of good account, + Good Sir Ralph Raby there was slain, + Whose prowess did surmount. + + For Witherington needs must I wail, + As one in doleful dumps; + For when his legs were smitten off, + He fought upon his stumps. + + And with Earl Douglas, there was slain + Sir Hugh Montgomery, + Sir Charles Murray, that from the field + One foot would never flee. + + Sir Charles Murray, of Ratcliff, too, + His sister's son was he; + Sir David Lamb, so well esteem'd, + Yet saved could not be. + + And the Lord Maxwell in like case + Did with Earl Douglas die: + Of twenty hundred Scottish spears, + Scarce fifty-five did fly. + + Of fifteen hundred Englishmen, + Went home but fifty-three; + The rest were slain in Chevy Chase, + Under the greenwood tree. + + Next day did many widows come, + Their husbands to bewail; + They washed their wounds in brinish tears, + But all would not prevail. + + Their bodies, bathed in purple gore, + They bare with them away: + They kiss'd them dead a thousand times, + Ere they were clad in clay. + + This news was brought to Edinburgh, + Where Scotland's king did reign, + That brave Earl Douglas suddenly + Was with an arrow slain: + + O heavy news, King James did say, + Scotland can witness be, + I have not any captain more + Of such account as he. + + Like tidings to King Henry came, + Within as short a space, + That Percy of Northumberland + Was slain in Chevy Chase: + + Now God be with him, said our king, + Since it will no better be; + I trust I have, within my realm, + Five hundred as good as he: + + Yet shall not Scots nor Scotland say, + But I will vengeance take: + I'll be revenged on them all, + For brave Earl Percy's sake. + + This vow full well the king perform'd + After, at Humbledown; + In one day, fifty knights were slain, + With lords of great renown: + + And of the rest, of small account, + Did many thousands die: + Thus endeth the hunting of Chevy Chase, + Made by the Earl Percy. + + God save our king, and bless this land + In plenty, joy, and peace; + And grant henceforth, that foul debate + 'Twixt noblemen may cease. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[82] Field. + +[83] Wild. + +[84] The curfew. + + + + +KING EDWARD THE FOURTH AND THE TANNER OF TAMWORTH. + + + In summer time, when leaves grow green, + And blossoms bedeck the tree, + King Edward would a hunting ride, + Some pastime for to see. + + With hawk and hound he made him bowne,[85] + With horn, and eke with bow; + To Drayton Basset he took his way, + With all his lords in a row. + + And he had ridden o'er dale and down + By eight of clock in the day, + When he was 'ware of a bold tanner, + Come riding along the way. + + A fair russet coat the tanner had on + Fast buttoned under his chin, + And under him a good cow-hide, + And a mare of four shilling.[86] + + Now stand you still, my good lords all, + Under the greenwood spray; + And I will wend to yonder fellow, + To weet[87] what he will say. + + God speed, God speed thee, said our king. + Thou art welcome, sir, said he. + The readiest way to Drayton Basset + I pray thee to show to me. + + To Drayton Basset wouldst thou go, + Fro' the place where thou dost stand? + The next pair of gallows thou comest unto, + Turn in upon thy right hand. + + That is an unready way, said our king, + Thou dost but jest I see; + Now show me out the nearest way, + And I pray thee wend with me. + + Away with a vengeance! quoth the tanner: + I hold thee out of thy wit: + All day have I ridden on Brock my mare, + And I am fasting yet. + + Go with me down to Drayton Basset, + No dainties we will spare; + All day shalt thou eat and drink of the best, + And I will pay thy fare. + + Gramercy for nothing, the tanner replied, + Thou payest no fare of mine: + I trow I've more nobles in my purse, + Than thou hast pence in thine. + + God give thee joy of them, said the king, + And send them well to priefe.[88] + The tanner would fain have been away, + For he weened he had been a thief. + + Who art thou, he said, thou fine fellow, + Of thee I am in great fear, + For the clothes thou wearest upon thy back, + Might beseem a lord to wear. + + I never stole them, quoth our king, + I tell you, sir, by the rood, + Then thou playest, as many an unthrift doth + And standest in midst of thy good.[89] + + What tidings hear you, said the king, + As you ride far and near? + I hear no tidings, sir, by the mass, + But that cow-hides are dear. + + Cow-hides! cow-hides! what things are those? + I marvel what they be! + What art thou a fool? the tanner replied; + I carry one under me. + + What craftsman art thou? said the king, + I pray thee tell me true. + I am a barker,[90] sir, by my trade; + Now tell me what art thou? + + I am a poor courtier, sir, quoth he, + That am forth of service worn; + And fain I would thy prentice be, + Thy cunning for to learn. + + Marry heaven forfend, the tanner replied, + That thou my prentice were: + Thou wouldst spend more good than I should win + By forty shilling a year. + + Yet one thing would I, said our king, + If thou wilt not seem strange: + Though my horse be better than thy mare, + Yet with thee I fain would change. + + Why if with me thou fain wilt change, + As change full well may we, + By the faith of my body, thou proud fellow, + I will have some boot of thee. + + That were against reason, said the king, + I swear, so mote I thee:[91] + My horse is better than thy mare, + And that thou well mayst see. + + Yea, sir, but Brock is gentle and mild, + And softly she will fare: + Thy horse is unruly and wild, I wiss; + Aye skipping here and there. + + What boot wilt thou have? our king replied, + Now tell me in this stound. + No pence, nor half-pence, by my faith, + But a noble in gold so round. + + Here's twenty groats of white money, + Sith thou will have it of me. + I would have sworn now, quoth the tanner, + Thou hadst not had one penny. + + But since we two have made a change, + A change we must abide, + Although thou hast gotten Brock my mare, + Thou gettest not my cow-hide. + + I will not have it, said the king, + I swear, so mote I thee; + Thy foul cow-hide I would not bear, + If thou wouldst give it to me. + + The tanner he took his good cow-hide, + That of the cow was hilt;[92] + And threw it upon the king's saddle, + That was so fairly gilt. + + Now help me up, thou fine fellow, + 'Tis time that I were gone; + When I come home to Gyllian my wife, + She'll say I am a gentleman. + + When the tanner he was in the king's saddle, + And his foot in the stirrup was; + He marvelled greatly in his mind, + Whether it were gold or brass. + + But when his steed saw the cow's tail wag, + And eke the black cow-horn; + He stamped, and stared, and away he ran, + As the devil had him borne. + + The tanner he pulled, the tanner he sweat, + And held by the pummel fast, + At length the tanner came tumbling down; + His neck he had well-nigh brast.[93] + + Take thy horse again with a vengeance, he said, + With me he shall not bide. + My horse would have borne thee well enough, + But he knew not of thy cow-hide. + + Yet if again thou fain wouldst change, + As change full well may we, + By the faith of my body, thou jolly tanner, + I will have some boot of thee. + + What boot wilt thou have, the tanner replied, + Now tell me in this stound?[94] + No pence, nor half-pence, sir, by my faith, + But I will have twenty pound. + +[Illustration: KING EDWARD IV. AND THE TANNER OF TAMWORTH.] + + Here's twenty groats out of my purse; + And twenty I have of thine: + And I have one more, which we will spend + Together at the wine. + + The king set a bugle horn to his mouth, + And blew both loud and shrill: + And soon came lords, and soon came knights, + Fast riding over the hill. + + Now, out alas! the tanner he cried, + That ever I saw this day! + Thou art a strong thief, yon come thy fellows + Will bear my cow-hide away. + + They are no thieves, the king replied, + I swear, so mote I thee: + But they are the lords of the north country, + Here come to hunt with me. + + And soon before our king they came, + And knelt down on the ground: + Then might the tanner have been away, + He had lever[95] than twenty pound. + + A collar, a collar, here: said the king, + A collar he loud 'gan cry: + Then would he lever than twenty pound, + He had not been so nigh. + + A collar, a collar, the tanner he said, + I trow it will breed sorrow: + After a collar cometh a halter, + I trow I shall be hang'd to-morrow. + + Be not afraid, tanner, said our king; + I tell thee, so mote I thee, + Lo here I make thee the best esquire + That is in the north country. + + For Plumpton-park I will give thee, + With tenements fair beside: + 'Tis worth three hundred marks by the year, + To maintain thy good cow-hide. + + Gramercy, my liege, the tanner replied, + For the favour thou hast me shown: + If ever thou comest to merry Tamworth, + Neat's[96] leather shall clout thy shoen.[97] + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[85] Ready. + +[86] A shilling was a large sum in those days. + +[87] Know. + +[88] Prove. + +[89] _i.e._ Hast no other wealth but what thou carriest about thee. + +[90] A dealer in bark. + +[91] May I thrive. + +[92] Flayed. + +[93] Broken. + +[94] Time. + +[95] Rather. + +[96] Cow's. + +[97] Mend thy shoes. + + + + +THE HEIR OF LINNE. + + +PART THE FIRST. + + Lithe[98] and listen, gentlemen, + To sing a song I will begin: + It is of a lord of fair Scotland, + Which was the unthrifty heir of Linne. + + His father was a right good lord, + His mother a lady of high degree; + But they, alas! were dead, him fro', + And he lov'd keeping company. + + To spend the day with merry cheer, + To drink and revel every night, + To card and dice from eve to morn, + It was, I ween, his heart's delight. + + To ride, to run, to rant, to roar, + To alway spend and never spare, + I know, an' it were the king himself, + Of gold and fee he might be bare. + + So fares the unthrifty lord of Linne + Till all his gold is gone and spent; + And he maun sell his lands so broad, + His house, and lands, and all his rent. + + His father had a keen steward, + And John o' the Scales was called he: + But John is become a gentleman, + And John has got both gold and fee. + + Says, Welcome, welcome, lord of Linne, + Let nought disturb thy merry cheer; + If thou wilt sell thy lands so broad, + Good store of gold I'll give thee here. + + My gold is gone, my money is spent; + My land now take it unto thee: + Give me the gold, good John o' the Scales, + And thine for aye my land shall be. + + Then John he did him to record draw, + And John he cast him a gods-pennie;[99] + But for every pound that John agreed, + The land, I wis, was well worth three. + + He told him the gold upon the board, + He was right glad his land to win; + The gold is thine, the land is mine, + And now I'll be the lord of Linne. + + Thus he hath sold his land so broad, + Both hill and holt,[100] and moor and fen, + All but a poor and lonesome lodge, + That stood far off in a lonely glen. + + For so he to his father hight,[101] + My son, when I am gone, said he, + Then thou wilt spend thy land so broad, + And thou wilt spend thy gold so free: + + But swear me now upon the cross, + That lonesome lodge thou'lt never spend; + For when all the world doth frown on thee, + Thou there shalt find a faithful friend. + + The heir of Linne is full of gold: + And come with me, my friends, said he, + Let's drink, and rant, and merry make, + And he that spares, ne'er mote he thee.[102] + + They ranted, drank, and merry made, + Till all his gold it waxed thin; + And then his friends they slunk away; + They left the unthrifty heir of Linne. + + He had never a penny left in his purse, + Never a penny left but three, + And one was brass, another was lead, + And another it was white money. + + Now well-a-day, said the heir of Linne, + Now well-a-day, and woe is me, + For when I was the lord of Linne, + I never wanted gold nor fee. + + But many a trusty friend have I, + And why should I feel grief or care? + I'll borrow of them all by turns, + So need I not be never bare. + + But one, I wis, was not at home; + Another had paid his gold away; + Another called him thriftless loon, + And bade him sharply wend his way. + + Now well-a-day, said the heir of Linne, + Now well-a-day, and woe is me; + For when I had my lands so broad, + On me they liv'd right merrily. + + To beg my bread from door to door + I wis, it were a burning shame: + To rob and steal it were a sin: + To work my limbs I cannot frame. + + Now I'll away to lonesome lodge, + For there my father bade me wend; + When all the world should frown on me, + I there should find a trusty friend. + + +PART THE SECOND. + + Away then hied the heir of Linne + O'er hill and holt, and moor and fen, + Until he came to lonesome lodge, + That stood so low in a lonely glen. + + He looked up, he looked down, + In hope some comfort for to win: + But bare and loathly were the walls. + Here's sorry cheer, quo' the heir of Linne. + + The little window dim and dark + Was hung with ivy, brier, and yew; + No shimmering sun here ever shone; + No wholesome breeze here ever blew. + + No chair nor table he mote spy, + No cheerful hearth, no welcome bed, + Nought save a rope with running noose + That dangling hung up o'er his head. + + And over it in broad letters, + These words were written plain to see: + "Ah! graceless wretch, hast spent thine all, + And brought thyself to penury? + + "All this my boding mind misgave, + I therefore left this trusty friend: + Let it now shield thy foul disgrace, + And all thy shame and sorrows end." + + Sorely shent[103] wi' this rebuke, + Sorely shent was the heir of Linne; + His heart, I wis, was near to burst + With guilt and sorrow, shame and sin. + + Never a word spake the heir of Linne, + Never a word he spake but three: + This is a trusty friend indeed, + And is right welcome unto me. + + Then round his neck the cord he drew, + And sprang aloft with his body: + When lo! the ceiling burst in twain, + And to the ground came tumbling he. + + Astonished lay the heir of Linne, + Nor knew if he were live or dead: + At length he looked, and saw a bill,[104] + And in it a key of gold so red. + + He took the bill, and looked it on, + Straight good comfort found he there: + It told him of a hole in the wall, + In which there stood three chests in-fere.[105] + + Two were full of the beaten gold, + The third was full of white money; + And over them in broad letters + These words were written so plain to see: + + "Once more, my son, I set thee clear; + Amend thy life and follies past; + For but thou amend thee of thy life, + That rope must be thy end at last." + + And let it be, said the heir of Linne; + And let it be, but[106] if I amend: + For here I will make my vow, + This reade[107] shall guide me to the end. + + Away then went with a merry cheer, + Away then went the heir of Linne; + I wis, he neither ceas'd nor blanne,[108] + Till John o' the Scales' house he did win. + + And when he came to John o' the Scales, + Up at the speere[109] then looked he; + There sat three lords upon a row, + Were drinking of the wine so free. + + And John himself sat at the board-head, + Because now lord of Linne was he. + I pray thee, he said, good John o' the Scales, + One forty pence, for to lend me. + + Away, away, thou thriftless loon; + Away, away, this may not be; + For Christ's curse on my head, he said, + If ever I trust thee one pennie. + + Then bespake the heir of Linne, + To John o' the Scales' wife then spake he: + Madame, some alms on me bestow, + I pray for sweet saint Charity. + + Away, away, thou thriftless loon, + I swear thou gettest no alms of me; + For if we should hang any losel[110] here, + The first we would begin with thee. + + Then bespake a good fellow, + Which sat at John o' the Scales his board; + Said, Turn again, thou heir of Linne; + Some time thou wast a well good lord: + + Some time a good fellow thou hast been, + And sparedst not thy gold and fee; + Therefore I'll lend thee forty pence, + And other forty if need be. + + And ever, I pray thee, John o' the Scales, + To let him sit in thy company: + For well I wot thou hadst his land, + And a good bargain it was to thee. + + Up then spake him John o' the Scales, + All wood[111] he answer'd him again: + Now Christ's curse on my head, he said, + But I did lose by that bargain. + + And here I proffer thee, heir of Linne, + Before these lords so fair and free, + Thou shalt have it back again better cheap, + By a hundred marks, than I had it of thee. + + I draw you to record, lords, he said. + With that he cast him a gods-pennie: + Now by my fay, said the heir of Linne, + And here, good John, is thy money. + + And he pull'd forth three bags of gold, + And laid them down upon the board: + All woe begone was John o' the Scales, + So shent[112] he could say never a word. + +[Illustration: THE HEIR OF LINNIE.] + + He told him forth the good red gold, + He told it forth with mickle din. + The gold is thine, the land is mine, + And now again I'm the lord of Linne. + + Says, Have thou here, thou good fellow, + Forty pence thou didst lend me: + Now I am again the lord of Linne, + And forty pounds I will give thee. + + I'll make thee keeper of my forest, + Both of the wild deer and the tame; + For but I reward thy bounteous heart, + I wis, good fellow, I were to blame. + + Now well-a-day! saith Joan o' the Scales: + Now well-a-day! and woe is my life! + Yesterday I was lady of Linne, + Now I'm but John o' the Scales his wife. + + Now fare thee well, said the heir of Linne; + Farewell now, John o' the Scales, said he: + Christ's curse light on me, if ever again + I bring my lands in jeopardy. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[98] Attend. + +[99] Earnest-money. + +[100] Wood. + +[101] Promised. + +[102] May he thrive. + +[103] Disgraced. + +[104] Writing. + +[105] Together. + +[106] Unless. + +[107] Counsel. + +[108] Lingered. + +[109] Hole in the window. + +[110] Worthless fellow. + +[111] Wild. + +[112] Disgraced. + + + + +SIR ANDREW BARTON. + + +PART THE FIRST. + + When Flora with her fragrant flowers + Bedecked the earth so trim and gay, + And Neptune with his dainty showers + Came to present the month of May, + King Henry rode to take the air, + Over the river Thames past he; + When eighty merchants of London came, + And down they knelt upon their knee. + + O ye are welcome, rich merchants; + Good sailors, welcome unto me. + They swore by the rood, they were sailors good, + But rich merchants they could not be: + To France nor Flanders dare we pass, + Nor Bordeaux voyage dare we fare;[113] + And all for a rover that lies on the seas, + Who robs us of our merchant ware. + + King Henry frowned, and turned him round, + And swore by the Lord, that was mickle of might, + I thought he had not been in the world, + Durst have wrought England such unright. + The merchants sighed, and said, alas! + And thus they did their answer frame, + He is a proud Scot, that robs on the seas, + And Sir Andrew Barton is his name. + + The king looked over his left shoulder, + And an angry look then looked he: + Have I never a lord in all my realm, + Will fetch yon traitor unto me? + Yea, that dare I, lord Howard says; + Yea, that dare I with heart and hand; + If it please your grace to give me leave, + Myself will be the only man. + + Thou art but young, the king replied; + Yon Scot hath numbered many a year. + Trust me, my liege, I'll make him quail, + Or before my prince I will never appear. + Then bowmen and gunners thou shalt have, + And choose them over my realm so free; + Besides good mariners, and ship-boys, + To guide the great ship on the sea. + + The first man that lord Howard chose + Was the ablest gunner in all the realm, + Though he was threescore years and ten; + Good Peter Simon was his name. + Peter, says he, I must to the sea, + To bring home a traitor live or dead; + Before all others I have chosen thee, + Of a hundred gunners to be the head. + + If you, my lord, have chosen me + Of a hundred gunners to be the head, + Then hang me up on your main-mast tree, + If I miss my mark one shilling bread.[114] + My lord then chose a bowman rare, + Whose active hands had gained fame; + In Yorkshire was this gentleman born, + And William Horseley was his name. + + Horseley, said he, I must with speed + Go seek a traitor on the sea, + And now of a hundred bowmen brave + To be the head I have chosen thee. + If you, quoth he, have chosen me + Of a hundred bowmen to be the head, + On your main-mast I'll hanged be, + If I miss, twelvescore,[115] one penny bread. + + With pikes and guns, and bowmen bold, + This noble Howard is gone to the sea; + With a valiant heart and a pleasant cheer, + Out at Thames mouth sailed he. + And days he scant had sailed three + Upon the voyage he took in hand, + But there he met with a noble ship, + And stoutly made it stay and stand. + + Thou must tell me, lord Howard said, + Now who thou art and what's thy name, + And show me where thy dwelling is, + And whither bound, and whence thou came. + My name is Henry Hunt, quoth he + With a heavy heart, and a careful mind; + I and my ship do both belong + To the Newcastle that stands upon Tyne. + + Hast thou not heard, now, Henry Hunt, + As thou hast sailed by day and by night, + Of a Scottish rover on the seas; + Men call him sir Andrew Barton, knight? + Then ever he sighed, and said alas! + With a grieved mind, and well away! + But over-well I know that wight, + I was his prisoner yesterday. + + As I was sailing upon the sea, + A Bordeaux voyage for to fare; + To his hatchboard[116] he clasped me, + And robbed me of all my merchant ware: + And mickle debts, God wot, I owe, + And every man will have his own, + And I am now to London bound, + Of our gracious king to beg a boon. + + Thou shalt not need, lord Howard says; + Let me but once that robber see, + For every penny ta'en thee fro' + It shall be doubled shillings three. + Now God forefend, the merchant said, + That you should seek so far amiss! + God keep you out of that traitor's hands! + Full little ye wot what a man he is. + + He is brass within, and steel without, + With beams on his topcastle strong; + And eighteen pieces of ordinance + He carries on each side along: + And he hath a pinnace dearly dight,[117] + St. Andrew's cross that is his guide; + His pinnace beareth ninescore men, + And fifteen cannons on each side. + + Were ye twenty ships, and he but one, + I swear by kirk, and bower, and hall, + He would overcome them every one, + If once his beams they do down fall. + This is cold comfort, says my lord, + To welcome a stranger thus to the sea: + Yet I'll bring him and his ship to shore, + Or to Scotland he shall carry me. + + Then a noble gunner you must have, + And he must aim well with his ee, + And sink his pinnace into the sea, + Or else he ne'er o'ercome will be: + And if you chance his ship to board, + This counsel I must give withal, + Let no man to his topcastle go + To strive to let his beams down fall. + + And seven pieces of ordinance, + I pray your honour lend to me, + On each side of my ship along, + And I will lead you on the sea. + A glass I'll set, that may be seen, + Whether you sail by day or night; + And to-morrow, I swear, by nine of the clock + You shall meet with Sir Andrew Barton, knight. + + +PART THE SECOND. + + The merchant set my lord a glass + So well apparent in his sight, + And on the morrow, by nine of the clock, + He showed him Sir Andrew Barton, knight. + His hatchboard it was gilt with gold, + So dearly dight it dazzled the ee: + Now by my faith, lord Howard says, + This is a gallant sight to see. + + Take in your ancients,[118] standards eke, + So close that no man may them see; + And put me forth a white willow wand, + As merchants use to sail the sea. + But they stirred neither top, nor mast;[119] + Stoutly they passed Sir Andrew by. + What English churls are yonder, he said, + That can so little courtesy? + + Now by the rood, three years and more, + I have been admiral over the sea; + And never an English nor Portingall[120] + Without my leave can pass this way. + Then called he forth his stout pinnace; + Fetch back yon pedlars now to me: + I swear by the mass, yon English churls + Shall all hang at my main-mast tree. + + With that the pinnace it shot off, + Full well lord Howard might it ken; + For it stroke down my lord's fore mast, + And killed fourteen of his men. + Come hither, Simon, says my lord, + Look that thy word be true, thou said; + For at my main-mast thou shalt hang, + If thou miss thy mark one shilling bread. + + Simon was old, but his heart it was bold, + His ordinance he laid right low; + He put in chain full nine yards long, + With other great shot less, and moe; + And he let go his great gun's shot: + So well he settled it with his ee, + The first sight that Sir Andrew saw, + He saw his pinnace sunk in the sea. + + And when he saw his pinnace sunk, + Lord, how his heart with rage did swell! + Now cut my ropes, it is time to be gone; + I'll fetch yon pedlars back mysel'. + When my lord saw Sir Andrew loose, + Within his heart he was full fain: + Now spread your ancients, strike up drums, + Sound all your trumpets out amain. + + Fight on, my men, Sir Andrew says, + Well howsoever this gear will sway;[121] + It is my lord admiral of England, + Is come to seek me on the sea. + Simon had a son, who shot right well, + That did Sir Andrew mickle scare; + In at his deck he gave a shot, + Killed threescore of his men of war. + + Then Henry Hunt with rigour hot + Came bravely on the other side, + Soon he drove down his fore-mast tree, + And killed fourscore men beside. + Now, out alas! Sir Andrew cried, + What may a man now think, or say? + Yonder merchant thief, that pierceth me, + He was my prisoner yesterday. + + Come hither to me, thou Gordon good, + That aye wast ready at my call; + I will give thee three hundred marks, + If thou wilt let my beams down fall. + Lord Howard he then call'd in haste, + Horseley see thou be true instead; + For thou shalt at the main-mast hang, + If thou miss, twelvescore, one penny bread. + + Then Gordon swarved[122] the main-mast tree, + He swarved it with might and main; + But Horseley with a bearing arrow, + Stroke the Gordon through the brain; + And he fell into the hatches again, + And sore his deadly wound did bleed: + Then word went through Sir Andrew's men, + How that the Gordon he was dead. + + Come hither to me, James Hambilton, + Thou art my only sister's son, + If thou wilt let my beams down fall, + Six hundred nobles thou hast won. + With that he swarved the main-mast tree, + He swarved it with nimble art; + But Horseley with a broad arrow + Pierced the Hambilton through the heart: + + And down he fell upon the deck, + That with his blood did stream amain: + Then every Scot cried, Well-away! + Alas, a comely youth is slain! + All woe begone was Sir Andrew then, + With grief and rage his heart did swell: + Go fetch me forth my armour of proof, + For I will to the topcastle mysel'. + + Go fetch me forth my armour of proof; + That gilded is with gold so clear: + God be with my brother John of Barton! + Against the Portingalls he it ware: + And when he had on this armour of proof, + He was a gallant sight to see: + Ah! ne'er didst thou meet with living wight, + My dear brother, could cope with thee. + + Come hither Horseley, says my lord, + And look your shaft that it go right, + Shoot a good shot in time of need, + And for it thou shalt be made a knight. + I'll shoot my best, quoth Horseley then, + Your honour shall see, with might and main; + But if I was hanged at your main-mast, + I have now left but arrows twain. + + Sir Andrew he did swarve the tree, + With right good will he swarved then: + Upon his breast did Horseley hit, + But the arrow bounded back again. + Then Horseley spied a privy place + With a perfect eye in a secret part; + Under the spole[123] of his right arm + He smote Sir Andrew to the heart. + + Fight on, my men, Sir Andrew says, + A little I'm hurt, but yet not slain; + I'll but lie down and bleed awhile, + And then I'll rise and fight again. + Fight on, my men, Sir Andrew says, + And never flinch before the foe; + And stand fast by St. Andrew's cross + Until you hear my whistle blow. + + They never heard his whistle blow,---- + Which made their hearts wax sore adread: + Then Horseley said, Aboard, my lord, + For well I wot, Sir Andrew's dead. + They boarded then his noble ship, + They boarded it with might and main; + Eighteen score Scots alive they found, + The rest were either maimed or slain. + + Lord Howard took a sword in hand, + And off he smote Sir Andrew's head, + I must have left England many a day, + If thou wert alive as thou art dead. + He caused his body to be cast + Over the hatchboard into the sea, + And about his middle three hundred crowns: + Wherever thou land this will bury thee. + +[Illustration: SIR ANDREW BARTON.] + + Thus from the wars lord Howard came, + And back he sailed o'er the main, + With mickle joy and triumphing + Into Thames mouth he came again. + Lord Howard then a letter wrote, + And sealed it with seal and ring; + Such a noble prize have I brought to your grace, + As never did subject to a king: + + Sir Andrew's ship I bring with me; + A braver ship was never none: + Now hath your grace two ships of war, + Before in England was but one. + King Henry's grace with royal cheer + Welcomed the noble Howard home, + And where, said he, is this rover stout, + That I myself may give the doom? + + The rover, he is safe, my liege, + Full many a fathom in the sea; + If he were alive as he is dead, + I must have left England many a day: + And your grace may thank four men i' the ship + For the victory which we have won, + These are William Horseley, Henry Hunt, + And Peter Simon, and his son. + + To Henry Hunt, the king then said, + In lieu of what was from thee ta'en, + A noble a-day now thou shalt have, + Sir Andrew's jewels and his chain. + And Horseley thou shalt be a knight, + And lands and livings shalt have store; + Howard shall be earl of Surrey hight, + As Howards erst have been before. + + Now, Peter Simon, thou art old, + I will maintain thee and thy son: + And the men shall have five hundred marks + For the good service they have done. + Then in came the queen with ladies fair + To see Sir Andrew Barton knight: + They ween'd that he were brought on shore, + And thought to have seen a gallant sight. + + But when they saw his deadly face, + And eyes so hollow in his head, + I would give, quoth the king, a thousand marks, + This man were alive as he is dead: + Yet for the manful part he played, + Which fought so well with heart and hand, + His men shall have twelvepence a day, + Till they come to my brother king's high land. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[113] Travel. + +[114] Breadth. + +[115] Twelvescore paces off. + +[116] Part of the side of the ship. + +[117] Fitted out. + +[118] Flags. + +[119] _i.e._ Did not salute. + +[120] Portuguese. + +[121] However this affair will end. + +[122] Climbed. + +[123] The arm-pit. + + + + +BRAVE LORD WILLOUGHBEY.[124] + + + The fifteenth day of July, + With glistering spear and shield, + A famous fight in Flanders + Was foughten on the field: + The most courageous officers + Were English captains three; + But the bravest man in battle + Was brave lord Willoughbey. + + The next was captain Norris, + A valiant man was he: + The other captain Turner, + From field would never flee. + With fifteen hundred fighting men, + Alas! there were no more, + They fought with fourteen thousand then, + Upon the bloody shore. + + Stand to it noble pikemen, + And look you round about: + And shoot you right you bowmen, + And we will keep them out: + You musket and calliver[125] men, + Do you prove true to me, + I'll be the foremost man in fight, + Says brave lord Willoughbey. + + And then the bloody enemy + They fiercely did assail, + And fought it out most furiously, + Not doubting to prevail: + The wounded men on both sides fell + Most piteous for to see, + Yet nothing could the courage quell + Of brave lord Willoughbey. + +[Illustration: THE BRAVE LORD WILLOUGHBY.] + + For seven hours to all men's view + This fight endured sore, + Until our men so feeble grew, + That they could fight no more; + And then upon dead horses + Full savourly they ate, + And drank the puddle water, + They could no better get. + + When they had fed so freely, + They kneeled on the ground, + And praised God devoutly + For the favour they had found; + And beating up their colours, + The fight they did renew, + And turning tow'rds the Spaniard, + A thousand more they slew. + + The sharp steel-pointed arrows, + And bullets thick did fly; + Then did our valiant soldiers + Charge on most furiously; + Which made the Spaniards waver, + They thought it best to flee, + They fear'd the stout behaviour + Of brave lord Willoughbey. + + Then quoth the Spanish general, + Come let us march away, + I fear we shall be spoiled all, + If here we longer stay; + For yonder comes lord Willoughbey + With courage fierce and fell, + He will not give one inch of way + For all the devils in hell. + + And then the fearful enemy + Was quickly put to flight, + Our men pursued courageously, + And caught their forces quite; + But at last they gave a shout, + Which echoed through the sky, + God, and St. George for England! + The conquerors did cry. + + This news was brought to England + With all the speed might be, + And soon our gracious queen was told + Of this same victory. + O this is brave lord Willoughbey, + My love that ever won, + Of all the lords of honour, + 'Tis he great deeds hath done. + + To the soldiers that were maimed, + And wounded in the fray, + The queen allowed a pension + Of fifteen pence a day; + And from all costs and charges + She quit and set them free: + And this she did all for the sake + Of brave lord Willoughbey. + + Then courage, noble Englishmen, + And never be dismayed: + If that we be but one to ten, + We will not be afraid + To fight with foreign enemies, + And set our nation free. + And thus I end the bloody bout + Of brave lord Willoughbey. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[124] Peregrine Bertie, Lord Willoughbey of Eresby, died 1601. + +[125] A kind of gun. + + + + +KING JOHN AND THE ABBOT OF CANTERBURY. + + + An ancient story I'll tell you anon + Of a notable prince, that was called king John; + And he ruled England with main and with might, + For he did great wrong, and maintain'd little right. + + And I'll tell you a story, a story so merry, + Concerning the Abbot of Canterbury; + How for his house-keeping, and high renown, + They rode post for him to fair London town. + + An hundred men, the king did hear say, + The abbot kept in his house every day; + And fifty gold chains, without any doubt, + In velvet coats waited the abbot about. + + How now, father abbot, I hear it of thee, + Thou keepest a far better house than me, + And for thy house-keeping and high renown, + I fear thou work'st treason against my crown. + + My liege, quoth the abbot, I would it were known, + I never spend nothing, but what is my own; + And I trust, your grace will do me no deer,[126] + For spending of my own true-gotten gear. + + Yes, yes, father abbot, thy fault it is high, + And now for the same thou needest must die; + For except thou canst answer me questions three, + Thy head shall be smitten from thy body. + + And first, quoth the king, when I'm in this stead,[127] + With my crown of gold so fair on my head, + Among all my liege-men so noble of birth, + Thou must tell me to one penny what I am worth. + + Secondly, tell me, without any doubt, + How soon I may ride the whole world about. + And at the third question thou must not shrink, + But tell me here truly what I do think. + + O, these are hard questions for my shallow wit, + Nor I cannot answer your grace as yet: + But if you will give me but three weeks' space, + I'll do my endeavour to answer your grace. + + Now three weeks' space to thee will I give, + And that is the longest time thou hast to live; + For if thou dost not answer my questions three, + Thy lands and thy livings are forfeit to me. + +[Illustration: KING JOHN AND THE ABBOT OF CANTERBURY.] + + Away rode the abbot all sad at that word, + And he rode to Cambridge, and Oxenford; + But never a doctor there was so wise, + That could with his learning an answer devise. + + Then home rode the abbot of comfort so cold, + And he met his shepherd a going to fold: + How now, my lord abbot, you are welcome home; + What news do you bring us from good king John? + + Sad news, sad news, shepherd, I must give; + That I have but three days more to live: + For if I do not answer him questions three, + My head will be smitten from my body. + + The first is to tell him there in that stead, + With his crown of gold so fair on his head, + Among all his liege-men so noble of birth, + To within one penny of what he is worth. + + The second, to tell him, without any doubt, + How soon he may ride this whole world about: + And at the third question I must not shrink, + But tell him there truly what he does think. + + Now cheer up, sire abbot, did you never hear yet, + That a fool he may learn a wise man wit? + Lend me horse, and serving-men, and your apparel, + And I'll ride to London to answer your quarrel. + + Nay frown not, if it hath been told unto me, + I am like your lordship, as ever may be: + And if you will but lend me your gown, + There is none shall know us at fair London town. + + Now horses, and serving-men thou shalt have, + With sumptuous array most gallant and brave; + With crozier, and mitre, and rochet, and cope, + Fit to appear 'fore our father the pope. + + Now welcome, sire abbot, the king he did say, + 'Tis well thou'rt come back to keep thy day; + For and if thou canst answer my questions three, + Thy life and thy living both saved shall be. + + And first, when thou seest me here in this stead, + With my crown of gold so fair on my head, + Among all my liege-men so noble of birth, + Tell me to one penny what I am worth. + + For thirty pence our Saviour was sold + Among the false Jews, as I have been told; + And twenty-nine is the worth of thee, + For I think, thou art one penny worser than he. + + The king he laughed, and swore by St. Bittel,[128] + I did not think I had been worth so little! + --Now secondly tell me, without any doubt, + How soon I may ride this whole world about. + + You must rise with the sun, and ride with the same, + Until the next morning he riseth again; + And then your grace need not make any doubt, + But in twenty-four hours you'll ride it about. + + The king he laughed, and swore by St. Jone, + I did not think it could be gone so soon! + --Now from the third question thou must not shrink, + But tell me here truly what I do think. + + Yea, that shall I do, and make your grace merry: + You think I'm the abbot of Canterbury; + But I'm his poor shepherd, as plain you may see, + That am come to beg pardon for him and for me. + + The king he laughed, and swore by the mass, + I'll make thee lord abbot this day in his place! + Now nay, my liege, be not in such speed, + For, alack, I can neither write nor read. + + Four nobles a week then I will give thee, + For this merry jest thou hast shown unto me; + And tell the old abbot when thou com'st home, + Thou hast brought him a pardon from good king John. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[126] Hurt. + +[127] Place. + +[128] St. Botolph. + + + + +ROBIN HOOD AND THE CURTAL FRIAR. + + + In the summer time, when leaves grow green, + And flowers are fresh and gay, + Robin Hood and his merry men + Were all disposed to play. + + Then some would leap, and some would run, + And some would use artillery; + Which of you can a good bow draw, + A good archer for to be? + + Which of you can kill a buck? + Or who can kill a doe? + Or who can kill a hart of grease,[129] + Five hundred foot him fro'? + + Will Scarlet he kill'd a buck, + And Midge he kill'd a doe; + And Little John kill'd a hart of grease, + Five hundred foot him fro'. + + God's blessing on thy heart, said Robin Hood, + That shot such a shot for me; + I would ride my horse an hundred miles + To find one to match thee. + + That caused Will Scarlet to laugh, + He laugh'd full heartily; + There lives a friar in Fountain's Abbey + Will beat both him and thee. + + The curtal friar in Fountain's Abbey + Well can draw a good strong bow; + He will beat both you and your yeomen, + Set them all on a row. + + Robin Hood took a solemn oath, + It was by Mary free, + That he would neither eat nor drink, + Till the friar he did see. + + Robin Hood put on his harness good, + On his head a cap of steel; + Broad sword and buckler by his side, + And they became him well. + + He took his bow into his hand, + (It was of a trusty tree) + With a sheaf of arrows by his side + And to Fountain Dale went he. + + And coming unto fair Fountain Dale, + No farther would he ride: + There was he 'ware of a curtal friar, + Walking by the water-side. + + The friar had on a harness good, + On his head a cap of steel; + Broad sword and buckler by his side, + And they became him well. + + Robin Hood lighted off his horse, + And tied him to a thorn: + Carry me over the water, thou curtal friar, + Or else thy life's forlorn. + + The friar took Robin Hood on his back, + Deep water he did bestride, + And spake neither good word nor bad + Till he came to the other side. + + Lightly leap'd Robin off the friar's back, + The friar said to him again, + Carry me over the water, fine fellow, + Or it shall breed thee pain. + + Robin Hood took the friar on his back, + Deep water he did bestride, + And spake neither good nor bad + Till he came to the other side. + + Lightly leap'd the friar off Robin Hood's back, + Robin said to him again, + Carry me over the water thou curtal friar, + Or it shall breed thee pain. + + The friar he took Robin Hood on his back again + And stepp'd up to his knee; + Till he came to the middle of the stream + Neither good nor bad spake he; + + And coming to the middle of the stream + There he threw Robin in; + And choose thee, choose thee, fine fellow, + Whether thou wilt sink or swim. + +[Illustration: ROBIN HOOD AND THE CURTALL FRYER.] + + Robin Hood swam to a bush of broom, + The friar to the willow wand; + Bold Robin Hood he got to the shore, + And took his bow in his hand. + + One of the best arrows under his belt + To the friar he let fly: + The curtal friar with his steel buckler + Did put that arrow by. + + Shoot on, shoot on, thou fine fellow, + Shoot as thou hast begun; + If thou shoot here a summer's day, + Thy mark I will not shun. + + Robin Hood shot so passing well, + Till his arrows all were gone; + They took their swords and steel bucklers, + They fought with might and main. + + From ten o'clock that very day, + Till four i' the afternoon; + Then Robin Hood came on his knees, + Of the friar to beg a boon. + + A boon, a boon, thou curtal friar, + I beg it on my knee; + Give me leave to set my horn to my mouth, + And to blow blasts three. + + That I will do, said the curtal friar, + Of thy blasts I have no doubt; + I hope thou wilt blow so passing well, + Till both thy eyes drop out. + + Robin Hood set his horn to his mouth, + And he blew out blasts three, + Half a hundred yeomen, with their bows bent, + Came ranging over the lea. + + Whose men are these, said the friar, + That come so hastily? + These men are mine, said Robin Hood, + Friar, what's that to thee? + + A boon, a boon, said the curtal friar, + The like I gave to thee; + Give me leave to put my fist to my mouth, + And whute[130] whutes three. + + That I will do, said Robin Hood, + Or else I were to blame; + Three whutes in a friar's fist + Would make me glad and fain. + + The friar he set his fist to his mouth, + And he whuted him whutes three; + Half an hundred good ban dogs + Came running over the lea. + + Here is for every man a dog, + And I myself for thee: + Nay, by my faith, said Robin Hood, + Friar, that may not be. + + Two dogs at once to Robin did go, + The one behind and the other before; + Robin Hood's mantle of Lincoln green + Off from his back they tore. + + And whether his men shot east or west, + Or they shot north or south, + The curtal dogs, so taught they were, + They caught the arrows in their mouth. + + Take up thy dogs, said Little John, + Friar, at my bidding thee; + Whose man art thou, said the curtal friar, + That comes here to prate to me? + + I am Little John, Robin Hood's man, + Friar, I will not lie; + If thou take not up thy dogs anon, + I'll take them up and thee. + + Little John had a bow in his hand, + He shot with might and main; + Soon half a score of the friar's dogs + Lay dead upon the plain. + + Hold thy hand, good fellow, said the curtal friar, + Thy master and I will agree; + And we will have new orders taken, + With all haste that may be. + + If thou wilt forsake fair Fountain Dale, + And Fountain Abbey free, + Every Sunday throughout the year + A noble shall be thy fee. + + Every Sunday throughout the year, + Chang'd shall thy garments be, + If thou wilt to fair Nottingham go, + And there remain with me. + + The curtal friar had kept Fountain Dale, + Seven long years and more; + There was neither knight, lord, nor earl, + Could make him yield before. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[129] Fat hart. + +[130] Whistle. + + + + +ROBIN HOOD AND ALLEN-A-DALE. + + + Come listen to me, you gallants so free, + All you that love mirth for to hear, + And I will tell you of a bold outlaw, + That liv'd in Nottinghamshire. + + As Robin Hood in the forest stood, + All under the greenwood tree, + There was he aware of a brave young man, + As fine as fine might be. + + The youngster was clothed in scarlet red, + In scarlet fine and gay; + And he did frisk it o'er the plain, + And chaunted a roundelay. + + As Robin Hood next morning stood + Amongst the leaves so gay, + There did he 'spy the same young man + Come drooping along the way. + + The scarlet he wore the day before, + It was cast clean away; + And ev'ry step he fetch'd a sigh, + Alack and well a day! + + Then stepped forth brave Little John, + And Midge the miller's son, + Which made the young man bend his bow, + When he did see them come. + + Stand off, stand off, the young man said, + What is your will with me? + You must come before our master straight, + Under yonder greenwood tree. + + And when he came bold Robin before, + Robin asked him courteously, + O hast thou any money to spare + For my merry men and me? + + I have no money, the young man said, + But five shillings and a ring, + And that I have kept these seven long years, + To have it at my wedding. + + Yesterday I should have married a maid, + But from me she was ta'en, + And chosen to be an old knight's delight, + Whereby my poor heart is slain. + + What is thy name then, said Robin Hood, + Come, tell me without fail? + By the faith of my body, then said the young man, + My name is Allen-a-Dale. + + What wilt thou give me, said Robin Hood, + In ready gold or fee, + To help thee to thy true love again, + And deliver her unto thee? + + I have no money, then quoth the young man, + No ready gold or fee, + But I will swear upon a book, + Thy true servant for to be. + + How many miles is it to thy true love? + Come, tell me without any guile. + By the faith of my body, then said the young man, + It is but five little mile. + + Then Robin he hasted over the plain, + And he did neither stint nor lin,[131] + Until he came unto the church, + Where Allen should have kept his wedding! + + What dost thou here, the Bishop then said, + I prithee tell unto me? + I am a bold harper, quoth Robin Hood, + And the best in the north country. + + O welcome, O welcome, the bishop then said, + That music best pleaseth me; + You shall have no music, quoth Robin Hood, + Till the bride and bridegroom I see. + + With that came in a wealthy knight, + Who was both grave and old; + And after him a finikin lass, + That did shine like glittering gold. + + This is not a fit match, quoth bold Robin Hood, + That you do seem to make here; + For since we are come into the church, + The bride shall choose her own dear. + + Then Robin Hood put his horn to his mouth, + And blew blasts two or three; + Then four and twenty bowmen bold + Came leaping over the lea. + + And when they came into the churchyard, + Marching all on a row, + The first man was Allen-a-Dale, + To give bold Robin his bow. + + This is thy true love, Robin he said, + Young Allen, as I have heard say, + And thou shalt be married at this same time, + Before we depart away. + + That shalt not be, the bishop he said, + For thy word shall not stand; + They shall be three times asked in the church, + As the law is of our land. + +[Illustration: THE MARRIAGE OF ALLEN A DALE.] + + Robin Hood pull'd off the bishop's coat, + And put it upon Little John; + By the faith of my body, then Robin he said, + This cloth doth make thee a man. + + When Little John went to the quire, + The people began to laugh: + He ask'd them seven times in the church, + Lest three times should not be enough. + + Who gives this maid? said Little John; + Quoth Robin, that do I; + And he that takes her from Allen-a-Dale, + Full dearly shall her buy. + + And thus having ended this merry wedding, + The bride she looked like a queen! + And so they returned to the merry green wood, + Amongst the leaves so green. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[131] Stop. + + + + +VALENTINE AND URSINE. + + +PART THE FIRST. + + When Flora 'gins to deck the fields + With colours fresh and fine, + Then holy clerks their matins sing + To good Saint Valentine! + + The king of France that morning fair + He would a hunting ride: + To Artois forest prancing forth + In all his princely pride. + + To grace his sports a courtly train + Of gallant peers attend; + And with their loud and cheerful cries + The hills and valleys rend. + + Through the deep forest swift they pass, + Through woods and thickets wild; + When down within a lonely dell + They found a new-born child; + + All in a scarlet kercher laid + Of silk so fine and thin: + A golden mantle wrapt him round + Pinn'd with a silver pin. + + The sudden sight surpris'd them all; + The courtiers gather'd round; + They look, they call, the mother seek; + No mother could be found. + + At length the king himself drew near, + And as he gazing stands, + The pretty babe look'd up and smil'd, + And stretch'd his little hands. + + Now, by the rood, king Pepin says, + This child is passing fair: + I wot he is of gentle blood; + Perhaps some prince's heir. + + Go bear him home unto my court + With all the care ye may: + Let him be christen'd Valentine, + In honour of this day: + + And look me out some cunning nurse; + Well nurtur'd let him be: + Nor aught be wanting that becomes + A bairn of high degree. + + They look'd him out a cunning nurse, + And nurtur'd well was he; + Nor aught was wanting that became + A bairn of high degree. + + Thus grew the little Valentine, + Belov'd of king and peers; + And show'd in all he spake or did + A wit beyond his years. + + But chief in gallant feats of arms + He did himself advance, + And ere he grew to man's estate + He had no peer in France. + + And now the early down began + To shade his youthful chin; + When Valentine was dubb'd a knight, + That he might glory win. + + A boon, a boon, my gracious liege, + I beg a boon of thee! + The first adventure that befalls + May be reserv'd for me. + + The first adventure shall be thine, + The king did smiling say. + Nor many days, when lo! there came + Three palmers clad in gray. + + Help, gracious lord, they weeping said; + And knelt, as it was meet: + From Artois forest we be come, + With weak and weary feet. + + Within those deep and dreary woods + There wends a savage boy; + Whose fierce and mortal rage doth yield + Thy subjects dire annoy. + + 'Mong ruthless bears he sure was bred; + He lurks within their den: + With bears he lives, with bears he feeds, + And drinks the blood of men. + + To more than savage strength he joins + A more than human skill: + For arms, no cunning may suffice + His cruel rage to still: + + Up then rose sir Valentine, + And claim'd that arduous deed. + Go forth and conquer, said the king, + And great shall be thy meed. + + Well mounted on a milk-white steed, + His armour white as snow; + As well beseem'd a virgin knight, + Who ne'er had fought a foe: + + To Artois forest he repairs + With all the haste he may; + And soon he spies the savage youth + A rending of his prey. + + His unkempt hair all matted hung + His shaggy shoulders round: + His eager eye all fiery glow'd: + His face with fury frown'd. + + Like eagle's talons grew his nails: + His limbs were thick and strong; + And dreadful was the knotted oak + He bare with him along. + + Soon as sir Valentine approach'd, + He starts with sudden spring; + And yelling forth a hideous howl, + He made the forests ring. + + As when a tiger fierce and fell + Hath spied a passing roe, + And leaps at once upon his throat; + So sprung the savage foe. + + So lightly leap'd with furious force + The gentle knight to seize: + But met his tall uplifted spear, + Which sunk him on his knees. + + A second stroke so stiff and stern + Had laid the savage low; + But springing up, he rais'd his club, + And aim'd a dreadful blow. + + The watchful warrior bent his head, + And shunn'd the coming stroke; + Upon his taper spear it fell, + And all to shivers broke. + + Then lighting nimbly from his steed, + He drew his burnished brand: + The savage quick as lightning flew + To wrest it from his hand. + + Three times he grasp'd the silver hilt; + Three times he felt the blade; + Three times it fell with furious force; + Three ghastly wounds it made. + + Now with redoubled rage he roar'd; + His eye-ball flash'd with fire; + Each hairy limb with fury shook; + And all his heart was ire. + + Then closing fast with furious gripe + He clasp'd the champion round, + And with a strong and sudden twist + He laid him on the ground. + + But soon the knight, with active spring, + O'erturn'd his hairy foe: + And now between their sturdy fists + Passed many a bruising blow. + +[Illustration: VALENTINE AND URSINE.] + + They roll'd and grappled on the ground, + And there they struggled long: + Skilful and active was the knight; + The savage he was strong. + + But brutal force and savage strength + To art and skill must yield: + Sir Valentine at length prevail'd, + And won the well-fought field. + + Then binding straight his conquer'd foe + Fast with an iron chain, + He ties him to his horse's tail, + And leads him o'er the plain. + + To court his hairy captive soon + Sir Valentine doth bring; + And kneeling down upon his knee, + Presents him to the king. + + With loss of blood and loss of strength, + The savage tamer grew; + And to sir Valentine became + A servant tried and true. + + And 'cause with bears he erst was bred, + Ursine they call his name; + A name which unto future times + The Muses shall proclaim. + + +PART THE SECOND. + + In high renown with prince and peer + Now liv'd sir Valentine: + His high renown with prince and peer + Made envious hearts repine. + + It chanc'd the king upon a day + Prepar'd a sumptuous feast: + And there came lords and dainty dames, + And many a noble guest. + + Amid their cups, that freely flow'd, + Their revelry, and mirth, + A youthful knight tax'd Valentine + Of base and doubtful birth. + + The foul reproach, so grossly urg'd, + His generous heart did wound: + And straight he vow'd he ne'er would rest + Till he his parents found. + + Then bidding king and peers adieu, + Early one summer's day, + With faithful Ursine by his side, + From court he took his way. + + O'er hill and valley, moss and moor, + For many a day they pass; + At length, upon a moated lake,[132] + They found a bridge of brass. + + Beyond it rose a castle fair, + Y-built of marble stone: + The battlements were gilt with gold, + And glittered in the sun. + + Beneath the bridge, with strange device, + A hundred bells were hung; + That man, nor beast, might pass thereon, + But straight their larum rung. + + This quickly found the youthful pair, + Who boldly crossing o'er, + The jangling sound bedeaft their ears, + And rung from shore to shore. + + Quick at the sound the castle gates + Unlock'd and opened wide, + And straight a giant huge and grim + Stalk'd forth with stately pride. + + Now yield you, caitiffs, to my will, + He cried with hideous roar; + Or else the wolves shall eat your flesh, + And ravens drink your gore. + + Vain boaster, said the youthful knight, + I scorn thy threats and thee: + I trust to force thy brazen gates, + And set thy captives free. + + Then putting spurs unto his steed, + He aim'd a dreadful thrust; + The spear against the giant glanc'd, + And caus'd the blood to burst. + + Mad and outrageous with the pain, + He whirl'd his mace of steel: + The very wind of such a blow + Had made the champion reel. + + It haply missed; and now the knight + His glittering sword display'd, + And riding round with whirlwind speed + Oft made him feel the blade. + + As when a large and monstrous oak + Unceasing axes hew: + So fast around the giant's limbs + The blows quick-darting flew. + + As when the boughs with hideous fall + Some hapless woodman crush: + With such a force the enormous foe + Did on the champion rush. + + A fearful blow, alas! there came, + Both horse and knight it took, + And laid them senseless in the dust; + So fatal was the stroke. + + Then smiling forth a hideous grin, + The giant strides in haste, + And, stooping, aims a second stroke: + Now, caitiff, breathe thy last! + + But ere it fell, two thundering blows + Upon his scull descend: + From Ursine's knotty club they came, + Who ran to save his friend. + + Down sank the giant gaping wide, + And rolling his grim eyes: + The hairy youth repeats his blows: + He gasps, he groans, he dies. + + Quickly sir Valentine reviv'd, + With Ursine's timely care: + And now to search the castle walls + The venturous youths repair. + + The blood and bones of murder'd knight + They found where'er they came: + At length within a lonely cell + They saw a mournful dame. + + Her gentle eyes were dimm'd with tears; + Her cheeks were pale with woe; + And long sir Valentine besought + Her doleful tale to know. + + Alas! young knight, she weeping said, + Condole my wretched fate; + A childless mother here you see; + A wife without a mate. + + These twenty winters here forlorn + I've drawn my hated breath; + Sole witness of a monster's crimes, + And wishing aye for death. + + Know, I am sister of a king, + And in my early years + Was married to a mighty prince, + The fairest of his peers. + + With him I sweetly liv'd in love + A twelvemonth and a day: + When, lo! a foul and treacherous priest + Y-wrought our loves' decay. + + His seeming goodness won him pow'r; + He had his master's ear: + And long to me and all the world + He did a saint appear. + + One day, when we were all alone, + He proffer'd odious love: + The wretch with horror I repuls'd, + And from my presence drove. + + He feign'd remorse, and piteous begg'd + His crime I'd not reveal: + Which, for his seeming penitence, + I promis'd to conceal. + + With treason, villainy, and wrong, + My goodness he repay'd: + With jealous doubts he fill'd my lord, + And me to woe betray'd. + + He hid a slave within my bed, + Then rais'd a bitter cry. + My lord, possess'd with rage, condemn'd + Me, all unheard, to die. + + But 'cause I then was great with child, + At length my life he spar'd: + But bade me instant quit the realm, + One trusty knight my guard. + + Forth on my journey I depart, + Oppressed with grief and woe: + And tow'rds my brother's distant court, + With breaking heart, I go. + + Long time thro' sundry foreign lands + We slowly pace along: + At length, within a forest wild, + I fell in labour strong: + + And while the knight for succour sought, + And left me there forlorn, + My childbed pains so fast increas'd + Two lovely boys were born. + + The eldest fair and smooth as snow + That tips the mountain hoar; + The younger's little body rough + With hairs was cover'd o'er. + + But here afresh begin my woes: + While tender care I took + To shield my eldest from the cold, + And wrap him in my cloak, + + A prowling bear burst from the wood, + And seiz'd my younger son: + Affection lent my weakness wings, + And after them I run. + + But all forwearied, weak, and spent, + I quickly swoon'd away; + And there beneath the greenwood shade + Long time I lifeless lay. + + At length the knight brought me relief, + And rais'd me from the ground: + But neither of my pretty babes + Could ever more be found. + + And, while in search we wander'd far, + We met that giant grim; + Who ruthless slew my trusty knight, + And bare me off with him. + + But charm'd by heav'n, or else my griefs, + He offer'd me no wrong; + Save that within these lonely walls + I've been immur'd so long. + + Now surely, said the youthful knight, + You are Lady Ballisance, + Wife to the Grecian Emperor: + Your brother's king of France. + + For in your royal brother's court + Myself my breeding had; + Where oft the story of your woes + Hath made my bosom sad. + + If so, know your accuser's dead, + And dying own'd his crime; + And long your lord hath sought you out + Thro' every foreign clime. + + And when no tidings he could learn + Of his much wronged wife, + He vow'd thenceforth within his court + To lead a hermit's life. + + Now heaven is kind! the lady said; + And dropped a joyful tear: + Shall I once more behold my lord? + That lord I love so dear? + + But, madam, said sir Valentine, + And knelt upon his knee; + Know you the cloak that wrapt your babe, + If you the same should see? + + And pulling forth the cloth of gold, + In which himself was found; + The lady gave a sudden shriek, + And fainted on the ground. + + But by his pious care reviv'd, + His tale she heard anon; + And soon by other tokens found, + He was indeed her son. + + But who's this hairy youth? she said; + He much resembles thee: + The bear devour'd my younger son, + Or sure that son were he. + + Madam, this youth with bears was bred, + And rear'd within their den. + But recollect ye any mark + To know your son again? + + Upon his little side, quoth she, + Was stamped a bloody rose. + Here, lady, see the crimson mark + Upon his body grows! + + Then clasping both her new-found sons + She bath'd their cheeks with tears: + And soon towards her brother's court + Her joyful course she steers. + + What pen can paint king Pepin's joy, + His sister thus restor'd! + And soon a messenger was sent + To cheer her drooping lord: + + Who came in haste with all his peers, + To fetch her home to Greece; + Where many happy years they reign'd + In perfect love and peace. + + To them sir Ursine did succeed, + And long the sceptre bear. + Sir Valentine he stay'd in France, + And was his uncle's heir. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[132] _i.e._ A lake that served for a moat to a castle. + + + + +THE KING AND MILLER OF MANSFIELD. + + +PART THE FIRST. + + Henry, our royal king, would ride a hunting + To the green forest, so pleasant and fair; + To see the harts skipping, and dainty does tripping: + Unto merry Sherwood his nobles repair: + Hawk and hound were unbound, all things prepar'd + For the game, in the same, with good regard. + + All a long summer's day rode the king pleasantly, + With all his princes and nobles each one; + Chasing the hart and hind, and the buck gallantly, + Till the dark evening forc'd all to turn home. + Then at last, riding fast, he had lost quite + All his lords in the wood, late in the night. + + Wandering thus wearily, all alone, up and down, + With a rude miller he met at the last: + Asking the ready way unto fair Nottingham; + Sir, quoth the miller, I mean not to jest, + Yet I think, what I think, sooth for to say, + You do not lightly ride out of your way. + + Why, what dost thou think of me, quoth our king merrily, + Passing thy judgment upon me so brief? + Good faith, said the miller, I mean not to flatter thee; + I guess thee to be but some gentleman thief; + Stand thee back, in the dark; light not adown, + Lest that I presently crack thy knave's crown. + + Thou dost abuse me much, quoth the king, saying thus; + I am a gentleman; lodging I lack. + Thou hast not, quoth th' miller, one groat in thy purse; + All thy inheritance hangs on thy back. + I have gold to discharge all that I call;[133] + If it be forty pence, I will pay all. + + If thou beest a true man, then quoth the miller, + I swear by my toll-dish, I'll lodge thee all night. + Here's my hand, quoth the king; that was I ever. + Nay, soft, quoth the miller, thou may'st be a sprite. + Better I'll know thee, ere hands we will shake; + With none but honest men hands will I take. + + Thus they went all along unto the miller's house: + Where they were seething of puddings and souse: + The miller first enter'd in; after him went the king; + Never came he in so smoky a house. + Now, quoth he, let me see here what you are. + Quoth our king, look your fill, and do not spare. + + I like well thy countenance; thou hast an honest face; + With my son Richard this night thou shalt lie. + Quoth his wife, by my troth, it is a handsome youth; + Yet it's best, husband, to deal warily. + Art thou no runaway, prythee, youth, tell? + Show me thy passport, and all shall be well. + + Then our king presently, making low courtesy, + With his hat in his hand, thus he did say; + I have no passport, nor never was servitor, + But a poor courtier, rode out of my way: + And for your kindness here offered to me, + I will requite you in every degree. + + Then to the miller his wife whispered secretly, + Saying, It seemeth this youth's of good kin, + Both by his apparel, and eke by his manners; + To turn him out, certainly, were a great sin. + Yea, quoth he, you may see he hath some grace + When he doth speak to his betters in place. + + Well, quo' the miller's wife, young man, ye're welcome here; + And, though I say it, well lodged shall be: + Fresh straw will I have laid on thy bed so brave, + And good brown hempen sheets likewise, quoth she. + Aye, quoth the good man; and when that is done, + Thou shalt lie with no worse than our own son. + +[Illustration: THE KING AND THE MILLER OF MANSFIELD.] + + This caus'd the king, suddenly, to laugh most heartily, + Till the tears trickled fast down from his eyes. + Then to their supper were they set orderly, + With hot bag-puddings and good apple-pies; + Nappy ale, good and stale, in a brown bowl, + Which did about the board merrily trowl. + + Here, quoth the miller, good fellow, I drink to thee, + And to all courtiers, wherever they be. + I pledge thee, quoth our king, and thank thee heartily + For my welcome in every good degree: + And here, in like manner, I drink to thy son. + Do then, quoth Richard, and quick let it come. + + Wife, quoth the miller, fetch me forth lightfoot, + And of his sweetness a little we'll taste. + A fair ven'son pasty brought she out presently. + Eat, quoth the miller, but, sir, make no waste. + Here's dainty lightfoot! In faith, said the king, + I never before eat so dainty a thing. + + I wis, quoth Richard, no dainty at all it is, + For we do eat of it every day. + In what place, said our king, may be bought like to this? + We never pay penny for it, by my fay: + From merry Sherwood we fetch it home here; + Now and then we make bold with our king's deer. + + Then I think, said our king, that it is venison. + Each fool, quoth Richard, full well may know that: + Never are we without two or three in the roof, + Very well fleshed, and excellent fat: + But, prythee, say nothing wherever thou go; + We would not, for two pence, the king should it know. + + Doubt not, then said the king, my promised secrecy; + The king shall never know more on't for me. + A cup of lambs-wool[134] they drank unto him then, + And to their beds they passed presently. + The nobles, next morning, went all up and down, + For to seek out the king in every town. + + At last, at the miller's cot, soon they espy'd him out, + As he was mounting upon his fair steed; + To whom they came presently, falling down on their knee; + Which made the miller's heart wofully bleed; + Shaking and quaking, before him he stood, + Thinking he should have been hang'd, by the Rood. + + The king perceiving him fearfully trembling + Drew forth his sword, but nothing he said: + The miller down did fall, crying before them all, + Doubting the king would cut off his head. + But he, his kind courtesy for to requite, + Gave him great living, and dubb'd him a knight. + + +PART THE SECOND. + + When as our royal king came home from Nottingham, + And with his nobles at Westminster lay; + Recounting the sports and pastimes they had taken, + In this late progress along on the way; + Of them all, great and small, he did protest, + The miller of Mansfield's sport liked him best. + + And now, my lords, quoth the king, I am determined + Against St. George's next sumptuous feast, + That this old miller, our new confirmed knight, + With his son Richard, shall here be my guest: + For, in this merriment, 'tis my desire + To talk with the jolly knight, and the young squire. + + When as the noble lords saw the king's pleasantness, + They were right joyful and glad in their hearts: + A pursuivant there was sent straight on the business, + The which had oftentimes been in those parts. + When he came to the place, where they did dwell, + His message orderly then 'gan he tell. + + God save your worship, then said the messenger, + And grant your lady her own heart's desire; + And to your son Richard good fortune and happiness; + That sweet, gentle, and gallant young squire. + Our king greets you well, and thus he doth say, + You must come to the court on St. George's day. + + Therefore, in any case, fail not to be in place. + I wis, quoth the miller, this is an odd jest: + What should we do there? faith, I am half afraid. + I doubt, quoth Richard, to be hang'd at the least. + Nay, quoth the messenger, you do mistake; + Our king he provides a great feast for your sake. + + Then said the miller, By my troth, messenger, + Thou hast contented my worship full well. + Hold, here are three farthings, to quite thy gentleness, + For these happy tidings which thou dost tell. + Let me see, hear thou me; tell to our king, + We'll wait on his mastership in everything. + + The pursuivant smiled at their simplicity, + And, making many legs, took the reward; + And his leave taking with great humility + To the king's court again he repaired; + Showing unto his grace, merry and free, + The knight's most liberal gift and bounty. + + When he was gone away, thus 'gan the miller say, + Here come expenses and charges indeed; + Now must we needs be brave, tho' we spend all we have; + For of new garments we have great need: + Of horses and serving-men we must have store, + With bridles and saddles, and twenty things more. + + Tush, sir John, quo' his wife, why should you fret, or frown? + You shall ne'er be at no charges for me; + For I will turn and trim up my old russet gown, + With everything else as fine as may be; + And on our mill-horses swift we will ride, + With pillows and pannels, as we shall provide. + + In this most stately sort, rode they unto the court, + Their jolly son Richard rode foremost of all; + Who set up, for good hap,[135] a cock's feather in his cap, + And so they jetted[136] down to the king's hall; + The merry old miller with hands on his side; + His wife, like maid Marian, did mince at that tide. + + The king and his nobles that heard of their coming, + Meeting this gallant knight with his brave train; + Welcome, sir knight, quoth he, with your gay lady: + Good sir John Cockle, once welcome again: + And so is the squire of courage so free. + Quoth Dick, A bots on you! do you know me? + + The king and his courtiers laugh at this heartily, + While the king taketh them both by the hand; + With the court-dames and maids, like to the queen of spades, + The miller's wife did so orderly stand. + A milk-maid's courtesy at every word; + And down all the folks were set to the board. + + There the king royally, in princely majesty, + Sate at his dinner with joy and delight; + When they had eaten well, then he to jesting fell, + And in a bowl of wine drank to the knight: + Here's to you both, in wine, ale, and beer; + Thanking you heartily for my good cheer. + + Quoth sir John Cockle, I'll pledge you a pottle, + Were it the best ale in Nottinghamshire: + But then, said our king, now I think of a thing; + Some of your lightfoot I would we had here. + Ho! ho! quoth Richard, full well I may say it, + 'Tis knavery to eat it, and then to betray it. + + Why art thou angry? quoth our king merrily; + In faith I take it now very unkind: + I thought thou wouldst pledge me in ale and wine heartily. + Quoth Dick, You are like to stay till I have din'd: + You feed us with twatling dishes so small; + Zounds, a black-pudding is better than all. + + Thus in great merriment was the time wholly spent; + And then the ladies prepared to dance. + Old Sir John Cockle, and Richard, incontinent + Unto their places the king did advance. + Here with the ladies such sport they did make, + The nobles with laughing did make their sides ache. + + Many thanks for their pains did the king give them, + Asking young Richard then, if he would wed; + Among these ladies free, tell me which liketh thee? + Quoth he, Jugg Grumball, Sir, with the red head: + She's my love, she's my life, her will I wed; + She hath sworn I shall have her wedding bed. + + Then sir John Cockle the king called unto him, + And of merry Sherwood made him o'erseer; + And gave him out of hand three hundred pound yearly: + Take heed now you steal no more of my deer: + And once a quarter let's here have your view; + And now, sir John Cockle, I bid you adieu. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[133] The king says this. + +[134] Ale and roasted apples. + +[135] For good luck. + +[136] Strutted. + + + + +LONDON: + +PRINTED BY J. OGDEN AND CO., + +172, ST. JOHN STREET, E.C. + + + + +Price 3_s._ 6_d._, Handsomely Bound in cloth gilt, and gilt edges, + +FIFTY CELEBRATED MEN: + +_Their Lives and Trials, and the Deeds that made them Famous._ + +Numerous Illustrations. + +MEN OF ENTERPRISE AND DARING. +GREAT POETS. +GREAT DISCOVERERS. +WARRIOR PRINCES. +HEROES OF SEA AND LAND. +PATRIOTS. +MEN OF GENIUS IN ART AND LITERATURE. +MODERN DISCOVERERS. +CELEBRATED PHILANTHROPISTS. +GREAT STATESMEN. +SELF-MADE MEN. + +[Illustration: John Pounds, the Philanthropist.] + +London: WARD, LOCK, & TYLER, Warwick House, Paternoster Row. + + + + +Price 3_s._ 6_d._, Handsomely Bound in cloth gilt, and gilt edges, + +THE BOY'S BOOK OF INDUSTRIAL INFORMATION. + +With 370 Illustrations, + +ENGRAVED IN THE BEST MANNER BY THE BROTHERS DALZIEL. + +An interesting Explanation of our various Manufactures and Workshops, +with descriptive Illustrations to each, drawn expressly for "The Boy's +Book of Industrial Information." + +[Illustration: Glass-Cutting.] + +[Illustration: Gilding Rings.] + +[Illustration: Cotton Lap Frame.] + +[Illustration: Carding Machine.] + +London: WARD, LOCK, & TYLER, Warwick House, Paternoster Row. + + + + ++--------------------------------------------------------------------+ +| TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE. | +| | +| | +| - Inconsistent hyphenation has been standardised within each poem. | +| - All spelling variantions and accents have been left as | +| originally printed. | +| - To match the table of contents, section headings within | +| "Sir Andrew Barton" have been changed as follows: | +| THE FIRST PART ==> PART THE FIRST | +| THE SECOND PART ==> PART THE SECOND | ++--------------------------------------------------------------------+ + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Book of Brave Old Ballads, by Unknown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOOK OF BRAVE OLD BALLADS *** + +***** This file should be named 25480.txt or 25480.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/4/8/25480/ + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Chris Logan and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was made using scans of public domain works in +the International Children's Digital Library.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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