pe 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.
In that time marry or do what you will. If you refuse my proffered kindness
never look to enjoy your wished-for happiness. I love true lovers, honest
men, good fellows, good housewives, good meat, good drink, and all things
that good is, but nothing that is ill; for my name is Robin Good-fellow,
and that you shall see that I have power to perform what I have undertaken,
see what I can do." Presently he turned himself into a horse, and away he
ran: at the sight of which they were both amazed, but better considering
with themselves, they both determined to make good use of their time, and
presently they went to an old friar, who presently married them. They paid
him, and went their way. Where they supped and lay, I know not, but surely
they liked their lodging well the next day.

Robin, when that he came near the old man's house, turned himself into the
shape of the young maid, and entered the house, where, after much chiding,
he fell to the work that the maid had to do, which he did in half the time
that another could do it in. The old man, seeing the speed he made, thought
that she had some meeting that night (for he took Robin Good-fellow for his
niece); therefore he gave him order for other work, that was too much for
any one to do in one night; Robin did that in a trice, and played many mad
pranks beside ere the day appeared.

In the morning he went to the two lovers