“Robin Hood and the Bishop”

Description

Robin sees a bishop with a large company and fears to be taken. He appeals to an old wife, trades clothes with her, returns to his men. She is taken for him, but they rescue her, take money from the bishop, make him say mass and ride away backwards.

Notes

For background on the Robin Hood legend, see the notes on "A Gest of Robyn Hode" [Child 117]. - RBW

Cross references

References

  1. Child 143, "Robin Hood and the Bishop" (1 text)
  2. Bronson 143, comments only
  3. Flanders-Ancient3, p. 117, "Robin Hood and the Bishop" (1 fragment of a single line, identified as this seemingly by title; there is no real reason to think it is this ballad)
  4. Leach, pp. 408-411, "Robin Hood and the Bishop" (1 text)
  5. Niles 47, "Robin Hood Rescuing Three Squires" (2 texts, 2 tunes, of which only the second could be this ballad, and even it is mixed with Child 140)
  6. BBI, RZN5, "Come gentlemen all, and listen a while"
  7. Roud #3955
  8. BI, C143

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1656 (Stationer's Register)