IV.

HEY JOLLY ROBIN.

These stanzas are supplied by “A musicall dreame, or the fourth booke of ayres, &c. Composed by Robert Iones. London, Imprinted by the assignees of William Barley, and are to be solde in Powles church-yeard, at the signe of the Crowne, 1609,” fo. The music, a composition of little merit or curiosity for the present age, was not transcribed.

In Sherwood livde stout Robin Hood, An archer great, none greater : His bow and shafts were sure and good, Yet Cupids were much beter. Robin could shoot at many a hart and misse, Cupid at first could hit a hart of his. Hey jolly Robin, hoe jolly Robin, hey jolly Robin Hood, Love finds out me, as well as thee, to follow me, to follow me to the green wood.

A noble thiefe was Robin Hoode, Wise was he could deceive him ; Yet Marrian, in his bravest mood, Could of his heart bereave him. No greater thief lies hidden under skies Then beauty closely lodgde in womens eyes. Hey jolly Robin. {359}

An out-law was this Robin Hood, His life free and unruly ; Yet to faire Marrian bound he stood, And loves debt payed her duely. Whom curbe of stricktest law could not hold in Love with obeyednes and a winke could winne. Hey jolly Robin.

Now wend we home, stout Robin Hood, Leave we the woods behind us ; Love-passions must not be withstood, Love every where will find us. I livde in fielde and towne, and so did he, I got me to the woods, Love followed me. Hey jolly Robin.