Note 30 — APPENDIX.
Reading edition
"This (from an old black-letter copy in Major Pearson's collection) is evidently the genuine second part of the present ballad: although constantly printed as an independent article, under the title of Robin Hood, Will Scadlock, and Little John; Or, a narrative of their victories obtained against the prince of Aragon and the two giants; and how Will Scadlock married the princess. Tune of Robin Hood; or, Hey down, down, a down." Instead of which, in all former editions, are given the following incoherent stanzas, which have all the appearance of being the fragment of a quite different ballad:
Then bold Robin Hood to the north he would go, With valour and mickle might, With sword by his side, which oft had been tri'd, To fight and recover his right. The first that he met was a bonny bold Scot, His servant he said he would be: "No," quoth Robin Hood, "it cannot be good, For thou wilt prove false unto me. "Thou hast not been true to sire nor cuz." "Nay, marry," the Scot, he said, "As true as your heart, Ile never part, Gude master, be not afraid." Then Robin turned his face to the east, "Fight on, my merry men stout; Our cause is good," quod brave Robin Hood, "And we shall not be beaten out." The battel grows hot on every side, The Scotchman made great moan: Quoth Jockey, "Gude faith, they fight on each side, Would I were with my wife Joan!" The enemy compast brave Robin about, 'Tis long ere the battel ends; Ther's neither will yield, nor give up the field, For both are supplied with friends. This song it was made in Robin Hoods dayes: Let's pray unto Jove above, To give us true peace, that mischief may cease, And war may give place unto love.
Ritson.