our tales are long, that we used to pass the time withal, and make
ourselves merry." "Now, good hostess," said I, "let me entreat from you one
of those tales." "You shall," said she, "and that shall not be a common one
neither, for it is a long tale, a merry tale, and a sweet tale; and thus it
begins."

THE HOSTESS'S TALE OF THE BIRTH OF ROBIN GOOD-FELLOW

Once upon a time, a great while ago, when men did eat more and drink
less--then men were more honest, that knew no knavery, than some now are
that confess the knowledge and deny the practice--about that time
(whensoe'er it was) there was wont to walk many harmless spirits called
fairies, dancing in brave order in fairy rings on green hills with sweet
music (sometime invisible) in divers shapes: many mad pranks would they
play, as pinching of sluts black and blue, and misplacing things in
ill-ordered houses; but lovingly would they use wenches that cleanly were,
giving them silver and other pretty toys, which they would leave for them,
sometimes in their shoes, other times in their pockets, sometimes in bright
basins and other clean vessels.

Amongst these fairies was there a he-fairy; whether he was their king or no
I know not, but surely he had great government and command in that country,
as you shall hear. This same he-fairy did love a proper young wench, for
every night would he with other fairies come to the house, and there dance
in her chamber; and oftentimes she was forced to dance with him, and at his
departure would he leave her silver and jewels, to express his love unto
her. At last this maid was with child, and being asked who was the father
of it, she answered a man that nightly came to visit her, but early in the
morning he would go his way, whither she knew not, he went so suddenly.