Robin Hood and The Monk - Robert Jamieson

 

Robin Hood and The Monk  - Robert Jamieson

Robin Hood and The Monk was first  printed  in 1806 by Robert Jamieson  in his work Popular Ballads And Songs From Tradition.

 The ballad tells about one of Robin's adventures.  Robin wanted to attend a mass in Nottingham because of his devotion to the Virgin Mary. One of his men, Much, the Millers son and one of Robin hoods men, advised him to bring at least twelve men but Robin hood decided to bring only one, Little John. Little John was Robin Hood's lieutenant. He was an excellent swordsman and archer. On their way the two had a bet in which Robin was defeated but refused to agree on the pay out. This made Little John angry and left Robin. Later Robin reached Saint Mary's in Nottingham and started to pray. A monk who was robbed by Robin Hood in the past noticed him in the church. On seeing him, the monk quickly reported Robin Hood's presence to the Sheriff.  Sheriff came to the church and arrested Robin. Little John decided to rescue Robin with Much and the other men. The Monk and his page headed to the King to inform Robin’s arrest. On the way they were caught by Little John and Much. Little John killed the Monk and Much killed the page and erased the witnesses.

The two went to meet the king in disguise as the Monk’s companion and reported the Monk’s sudden death on their journey. They gave the Monk’s letter to the King. In return the King gave them gifts and direction to bring Robin to him.

Little John gave the King’s letter to the Sheriff and told him that the Monk did not come because the King made him an abbot. They got into the prison, killed the jailer and managed to bust Robin out.

In the end, Robin felt indebted to Little John for his timely help. He offered John a position to be the leader of the group, but John refused and wanted Robin to remain as his master. On the other side, the King was enraged by the incompetence of his men but admired Little John’s loyalty.