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,*

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.

* Stop.