In the way the fellow was to ride was a great plash of water of a good
depth: through this must he of necessity ride. No sooner was he in the
midst of it, but Robin Good-fellow left him with nothing but a pack-saddle
betwixt his legs, and in the shape of a fish swam to the shore, and ran
away laughing, _ho, ho, hoh!_[4] leaving the poor fellow almost drowned.
HOW ROBIN GOOD-FELLOW HELPED TWO LOVERS AND DECEIVED AN OLD MAN
Robin going by a wood heard two lovers make great lamentation, because they
were hindered from enjoying each other by a cruel old lecher, who would not
suffer this loving couple to marry. Robin, pitying them, went to them and
said: "I have heard your complaints, and do pity you; be ruled by me, and I
will see that you shall have both your hearts' content, and that suddenly
if you please." After some amazement the maiden said, "Alas! sir, how can
that be? My uncle, because I will not grant to his lust, is so straight
over me, and so oppresseth me with work night and day, that I have not so
much time as to drink or speak with this young man, whom I love above all
men living." "If your work be all that hindereth you," said Robin, "I will
see that done: ask me not how, nor make any doubt of the performance; I
will do it. Go you with your love: for twenty-four hours I will free you.
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