Robin Hood & the Old Woman- Bean (NC) 1934 Niles B
[From The Ballad Book of john Jacob Niles, 1961 (Niles No. 47 B). A brief except of his notes follow. This is likely a ballad recreation by Niles.
R. Matteson 2015]
This was taken down on the roof of the Civic Building in Asheville, N. C., on August 3, 1934, from the singing of an old man named Vital Bean.
Robin Hood and the Old Woman
"Oh why, oh why do you weep, old woman?
Or is it that you're an old maid?
Or do you want the gold I've got,
Or are you sore afraid,
Or are you sore afraid?"
"I am no maid, but I am a widow.
My man was a soldier brave.
And now I weep for my three fine sons,
Who soon will be in the grave."
(repeat last line of each verse)
"Come give me your dress and give me your jump,[1]
And give me your worn-out shoes
And pray give me a piece of leathern
To make me a pair of thews."[2]
He's off to town, he's off to jail,
He's begging all the way.
He's begging the sheriff for three young men
Who were to die today.
He's blowing his horn by one, two, and three,
He's calling his men to bide,
And there they took the cruel sheriff
And tied him well inside.
They've left the jailhouse far behind,
And this is what they tell:
The widow's weepy eyes were dry,
She thanked bold Robin well.
The people in the city
Did cry with joy and glee.
The sheriff was the only one
To shine on the gallows tree.
1 Jumper or jacket.
2 Laces.