Original Story：
Come listen to me, you gallants so free, All you that loves mirth for to hear, And I will tell you of a bold outlaw, That lived in Nottinghamshire.
As Robin Hood in the forest stood, All under the greenwood tree, There was he ware of a brave young man, As fine as fine might be.
The youngster was clothed in scarlet red, In scarlet fine and gay; And he did frisk it over the plain, And chanted a roundelay.
As Robin Hood next morning stood, Amongst the leaves so gay, There did he espy the same young man Come drooping along the way.
The scarlet he wore the day before, It was clean cast away; And at every step he fetcht a sigh, “Alack and a well a day!”
Then stepped forth brave Little John, And Nick the miller’s son, Which made the young man bend his bow, When as he see them come.
“Stand off, stand off,” the young man said, “What is your will with me?” “You must come before our master straight, Under yon greenwood tree.”
And when he came bold Robin before, Robin askt him courteously, “O hast thou any money to spare For my merry men and me?”
“I have no money,” the young man said, “But five shillings and a ring; And that I have kept this seven long years, To have it at my wedding.
“Yesterday I should have married a maid, But she is now from me tane, And chosen to be an old knight’s delight, Whereby my poor heart is slain.”
“What is thy name?” then said Robin Hood, “Come tell me, without any fail”: “By the faith of my body,” then said the young man, “My name it is Allin a Dale.”
“What wilt thou give me,” said Robin Hood, “In ready gold or fee, To help thee to thy true-love again, And deliver her unto thee?”
“I have no money,” then quoth the young man, “No ready gold nor fee, But I will swear upon a book Thy true servant for to be.”
“How many miles is it to thy true-love? Come tell me without any guile”: “By the faith of my body,” then said the young man, “It is but five little mile.”
Then Robin he hasted over the plain, He did neither stint nor lin, Until he came unto the church, Where Allin should keep his wedding.
“What dost thou do here?” the bishop he said, “I prithee now tell to me”: “I am a bold harper,” quoth Robin Hood, “And the best in the north countrey.”
“O welcome, O welcome,” the bishop he said, “That musick best pleaseth me”: “You shall have no musick,” quoth Robin Hood, “Till the bride and the bridegroom I see.”
With that came in a wealthy knight, Which was both grave and old, And after him a finikin lass Did shine like glistering gold.
“This is no fit match,” quoth bold Robin Hood, “That you do seem to make here; For since we are come unto the church, The bride she shall chuse her own dear.”
Then Robin Hood put his horn to his mouth, And blew blasts two or three; When four and twenty bowmen bold Came leaping over the lee.
And when they came into the church-yard, Marching all on a row, The first man was Allin a Dale, To give bold Robin his bow.
“This is thy true-love,” Robin he said, “Young Allin, as I hear say: And you shall be married at this same time, Before we depart away.”
“That shall not be,” the bishop he said, “For thy word shall not stand; They shall be three times askt in the church, As the law is of our land.”
Robin Hood pulld off the bishop’s coat, And put it upon Little John; “By the faith of my body,” then Robin said, “This cloath doth make thee a man.”
When Little John went into the quire, The people began for to laugh; He askt them seven times in the church, Lest three times should not be enough.
“Who gives me this maid?” then said Little John; Quoth Robin, “That do I, And he that doth take her from Allin a Dale Full dearly he shall her buy.”
And thus having ended this merry wedding, The bride lookt as fresh as a queen, And so they returned to the merry greenwood, Amongst the leaves so green.
Story Summary and Analysis
This classic tale tells the story of Allin a Dale, a young man whose wedding day is almost ruined when his bride is taken away to marry an old knight. The story is set in the legendary world of Robin Hood, the famous outlaw who lived in Nottinghamshire and fought for justice. Robin Hood and his band of merry men, including Little John and Nick the miller’s son, come to Allin’s aid.
The young man initially appears joyful, dressed in bright scarlet, but soon is seen distressed and sorrowful after losing his bride. Robin Hood, known for his kindness and bravery, offers to help Allin get his true love back. They rush to the church where the wedding is to take place, only to find the bride being forced to marry another man. Robin Hood cleverly intervenes by blowing his horn to summon his men and challenges the bishop’s authority by having Little John pose as the officiant. Ultimately, Allin and his true love are married in a joyful ceremony, restoring happiness and justice.
This story highlights themes of loyalty, bravery, justice, and true love. It also showcases Robin Hood’s role as a protector of the oppressed and a champion of fairness.
Background and Author
The story of Robin Hood has been passed down through centuries as part of English folklore. It is believed to have originated in the medieval period, with various ballads and tales evolving over time. The character of Robin Hood symbolizes the fight against tyranny and the defense of the common people.
The specific ballad of Allin a Dale is one of many stories collected in the Child Ballads, a famous anthology of traditional English and Scottish ballads compiled by Francis James Child in the late 19th century. The author of this particular version is unknown, as it comes from oral tradition, but it reflects the values and culture of medieval England.
Reflections and Insights
Reading this story encourages us to think about standing up for what is right, even when faced with powerful opposition. Robin Hood’s cleverness and courage inspire us to help others in need. The tale also reminds us of the importance of true love and loyalty, showing that love can overcome obstacles.
For children and students, this story is a wonderful introduction to classic literature and folklore. It teaches moral lessons while entertaining with adventure and heroism.
Learning Points for Children and Students
- Vocabulary: Words like outlaw, merry, bowmen, quoth, and harper introduce historical and literary language.
- Themes: Understanding concepts of justice, loyalty, bravery, and love.
- Cultural History: Insight into medieval English folklore and traditions.
- Character Analysis: Exploring traits of Robin Hood and his companions.
- Narrative Structure: Recognizing the problem, climax, and resolution in storytelling.
Practical Applications and Life Lessons
- Standing up for others: Encourages children to support friends and family in difficult situations.
- Problem-solving: Robin Hood’s clever plan shows creative thinking.
- Respecting true feelings: The story promotes honoring genuine love and choices.
- Teamwork: The merry men work together to achieve justice, highlighting cooperation.
Reading Comprehension Questions
- Who is the young man in the story and what problem does he face?
- How does Robin Hood help Allin a Dale?
- Why does the bishop refuse to marry Allin and his true love?
- How does Robin Hood solve the problem with the bishop?
- What are some important themes in this story?
Answers
- The young man is Allin a Dale, and his bride has been taken away to marry an old knight instead of him.
- Robin Hood and his men come to the church to stop the wedding and help Allin marry his true love.
- The bishop says the couple must be asked three times in the church, according to the law, so he refuses to marry them immediately.
- Robin Hood removes the bishop’s coat and puts it on Little John, who then pretends to be the bishop and marries the couple.
- Important themes include justice, loyalty, bravery, true love, and friendship.
This timeless story of Robin Hood and Allin a Dale not only entertains but also teaches valuable lessons about courage, fairness, and the power of love. It remains a cherished tale for children and adults alike.
