and noble person. Like the tales of chivalry, the narratives of Robin
Hood's adventures were sung and recited in metrical form long before
they found their way into prose. The following extract forms a part of
the first chapter of the story called the "Merry Exploits of Robin
Hood," which had a considerable circulation in the sixteenth century.

"Robin Hood's Delights; or, a gallant combate fought between Robin
Hood, Little John, and William Scarlock, and three of the keepers
of the King's deer, in the forest of Sherwood, in Nottinghamshire."

"On a midsummer's day, in the morning, Robin Hood, being
accompanied with Little John and William Scarlock, did walk forth
betimes, and wished that in the way they might meet with some
adventures that might be worthy of their valour; they had not
walked long by the forrest side, but behold three of the keepers of
the king's game appeared, with their forrest-bills in their hands,
and well appointed with faucheons and bucklers to defend
themselves. Loe here (saith Robin Hood) according to our wish we
have met with our mates, and before we part from them we will try
what mettle they are made off. What, Robin Hood, said one of the
keepers; I the same, reply'd Robin. Then have at you, said the
keepers; here are three of us and three of you, we will single out
ourselves one to one; and bold Robin, I for my part am resolved to
have a bout with thee. Content, with all my heart, said Robin Hood,
and Fortune shall determine who shall have the best, the outlaws
or the keepers; with that they did lay down their coats, which
were all of Lincoln Green, and fell to it for the space of two
hours with their brown bills, in which hot exercise Robin Hood,
Little John and Scarlock had the better, and giving the rangers
leave to breathe, demanded of them how they liked them; Why! good