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         -presents-
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ROBIN HOOD RESCUING WILL STUTLY 
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(a traditional ballad)


As Robin Hood in the green wood stood 
Under a green wood tree 
Sad tidings came to him with speed 
Tidings for certainty 

That Stutly he surprised was, 
In Aiken prison lay. 
Three varlets whom the king had hired 
Did basely him betray. 

When Robin Hood these news did hear, 
He grieved was full sore 
And likewise his brave bowmen bold, 
Who all together swore 

That Stutly he should rescued be, 
Unto the woods again 
Return with them to hunt the deer, 
Or in his cause be slain. 

"Will send one forth the news to hear 
From yonder palmer there, 
Whose cell is near the castle wall; 
Some news he may declare." 

Then stepped forth a brisk young man, 
Of courage stout and bold, 
And straight unto the palmer went, 
Saying, "Ye palmer old, 

"Tell me, if you can rightly tell, 
When must Will Stutly die, 
Who is of Robin Hood's brave men 
That here in prison lie?" 

"Alas, alas," the palmer said, 
"That ever woe is me, 
This day Will Stutly must be hung 
Upon yon gallows tree. 

"But did his noble master know, 
He soon would succor send; 
A few of his brave bowmen bold 
Would save him from this end." 

"That is true," the young man said, 
"He soon would set him free; 
So fare thee well, thou good old man, 
With many thanks to thee." 

Then Robin dressed himself in red, 
His merry men all in green, 
With swords and buckles and long bows 
Most glorious to be seen. 

Not long from jail the young man went 
The gates were open wide 
When from the castle Stutly came, 
Guarded on every side. 

Not far from castle they had gone, 
When appeared Little John, 
And straight unto the sheriff went 
And said to him, " Anon, 

"Mr. Sheriff, with your leave, 
I'll speak with him a while." 
"No," said the sheriff, "you'll me seize; 
Thou art an outlaw vile. 

"I'll not consent," the sheriff said, 
"But hanged he shall be, 
And so shall his vile master be 
When in my custody." 

Then in haste did Little John 
Away cut Stutly's bands, 
And from a man he twisted soon 
The sword out of his hands. 

Saying, " Will, take you this sword a while, 
You can it better sway, 
And now defend thy life from harm 
For aid will come straight way." 

And then they turned them back to back 
And fought with valor good, 
Until at length approached near 
The valiant Robin Hood. 

Then quick an arrow Robin sent 
Which near the sheriff flew 
And quickly made him for to run 
And all his coward crew. 

"O stay a while," said Will Stutly 
"And do not from us start; 
O stay and hang up Robin Hood 
Before you do depart. 

"Thanks, o thanks, my master dear, 
We'll in the green woods meet 
Where we will make our bowstrings twang 
Music for us most sweet."