Note 43 — ROBIN HOOD'S DEATH AND BURIAL.
Reading edition
In a work entitled, "Sepulchrorum inscriptiones: or a curious collection of 900 of the most remarkable epitaphs," Westminster, 1727; this epitaph is not inelegantly paraphrased:—
"Here, underneath this little stone, Through death's assaults, now lieth one, Known by the name of Robin Hood, Who was a thief, and archer good; Full thirteen (thirty?) years, and something more, He robb'd the rich to feed the poor; Therefore, his grave bedew with tears. And offer for his soul your prayers."
In the "Travels of Tom Thumb over England and Wales," is another version, though inferior:—
"Here, under this memorial stone, Lies Robert earl of Huntingdon; As he, no archer e'er was good, And people call'd him Robin Hood; Such outlaws as his men and he Again may England never see."
See the anecdote respecting the removal of Robin Hood's tombstone in Gent's "Ancient and Modern History of the Famous City of York," 1730, 12mo. p. 234.