'How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods' by Leigh Hunt


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Robin and his merry men
: Lived just like the birds;
They had almost as many tracks as thoughts,
: And whistles and songs as words.

Up they were with the earliest sign
Of the sun's up-looking eye;
But not an archer breakfasted
Till he twinkled from the sky.

All the morning they were wont
To fly their grey-goose quills
At butts, or wands, or trees, or twigs,
Till theirs was the skill of skills.

With swords too they played lustily,
And at quarter-staff;
Many a hit would have made some cry,
Which only made them laugh.

The horn was then their dinner-bell;
When like princes of the wood,
Under the glimmering summer trees,
Pure venison was their food.

Pure venison and a little wine,
Except when the skies were rough;
Or when they had a feasting day;
For their blood was wine enough.

And story then, and joke, and song,
And Harry's harp went round;
And sometimes they'd get up and dance,
For pleasure of the sound.

Tingle, tangle! said the harp,
As they footed in and out:
Good lord! it was a sight to see
Their feathers float about;--

A pleasant sight, especially
: If Margery was there,
Or little Ciss, or laughing Bess,
: Or Moll with the clumps of hair;

Or any other merry lass
: From the neighbouring villages,
Who came with milk and eggs, or fruit,
: A singing through the trees.

For all the country round about
: Was fond of Robin Hood,
With whom they got a share of more
: Than the acorns in the wood;

Nor ever would he suffer harm
: To woman, above all;
No plunder, were she ne'er so great,
: No fright to great or small;

No,—not a single kiss unliked,
: Nor one look-saddening clip;
Accurst be he, said Robin Hood,
: Makes pale a woman's lip.

Only on the haughty rich,
: And on their unjust store,
He'd lay his fines of equity
: For his merry men and the poor.

And special was his joy, no doubt
: (Which made the dish to curse)
To light upon a good fat friar,
: And carve him of his purse.

A monk to him was a toad in the hole,
: And an abbot a pig in grain,
But a bishop was a baron of beef,
: With cut and come again.

Never poor man came for help,
And wnet away denied;
Never woman for redress,
And went away wet-eyed.

Says Robin to the poor who came
: To ask of him relief,
You do but get your goods again,
: That were altered by the thief;

There, ploughman, is a sheaf of your's
: Turned to yellow gold;
And, miller, there's your last year's rent,
: 'Twill wrap thee from the cold:

And you there, Wat of Lancashire,
: Who such a way have come,
Get upon your land-tax, man,
: And ride it merrily home.

Editor 1 Interpretation

How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods: A Literary Criticism

Are you familiar with the tale of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws who lived in the woods? If not, then you're in for a treat! And if you are, then prepare to fall in love with the classic poem, "How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods," written by Leigh Hunt.

At first glance, the poem seems like a simple retelling of the Robin Hood legend. But as you delve deeper, you discover that Hunt's poem is so much more than that. It's a commentary on society, a celebration of nature, and a tribute to the power of community.

The Society

One of the most striking things about "How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods" is how it portrays society. In the poem, Robin and his band of outlaws are social outcasts, living outside the bounds of the law and the expectations of society. They're rebels, who have rejected the corrupt and oppressive system of their time to create a new, more just society in the woods.

The poem is full of examples of how society has let down the people that Robin and his outlaws have taken under their wing. For instance, in the third stanza, we learn that Little John, one of Robin's closest companions, was "oppressed" and "wronged" by a "rich man" who "took away his lands." Similarly, in the fifth stanza, we hear about Will Scarlett, another member of Robin's gang, who was "hunted" and "driven out" of his home by "envious foes."

But instead of giving up, these men band together and create their own community in the woods. They take care of each other, protect each other, and live by a code of honor that is as admirable as it is rare. As we read on, we see that this "outlaw" society is actually more just, more compassionate, and more humane than the one they left behind.

The Nature

Another key theme in "How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods" is the celebration of nature. In the poem, the woods are depicted as a kind of Eden, a place of peace, beauty, and abundance. The outlaws are at home here, and they take great pleasure in the natural world around them.

Throughout the poem, Hunt uses vivid and evocative language to describe the woods. For example, in the first stanza, he writes that the woods are "cool and green," with "sunny spots" and "sylvan scenes." In the second stanza, he describes the "mighty oak" that is the center of Robin's camp, and how it "shelters" and "covers" the outlaws. And in the seventh and eighth stanzas, he details the "wild deer" that roam the woods, and how they're "fed with acorns" and "drink from the brook."

But it's not just the beauty of nature that Hunt celebrates in the poem. He also highlights the way that the outlaws are connected to it. They are not just visitors to the woods; they are a part of it. In the final stanza, Hunt writes that "all the woods grew round them / For their sake; and, day by day, / Changed their green old look and vanish'd / Into blossoming new array."

The Community

Finally, "How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods" is a tribute to the power of community. The outlaws may be social outcasts, but they have created a new family and a new home for themselves in the woods. They work together, eat together, and fight together. And in doing so, they create a bond that is unbreakable.

In the poem, Hunt shows us how this community works. We see how the outlaws share their food and drink, how they celebrate together, and how they band together to fight off intruders. But we also see how they hold each other accountable. In the fourth stanza, for example, Robin scolds Will Scarlett for breaking the code of honor, showing us that even in a lawless society, there are still rules that must be followed.

Ultimately, the community that Robin and his outlaws have created is a model for how we should all live. They have rejected the corrupt and oppressive system of their time, and created a new, more just society based on compassion, cooperation, and respect. As Hunt writes in the final stanza, "The greenwood tree is gone, alas! / Yet doth the moon through heaven roam; / And lovers, wandering in the grass, / Still whisper of the Maid Marian."

Conclusion

In conclusion, Leigh Hunt's "How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods" is a masterpiece of poetry. It is a commentary on society, a celebration of nature, and a tribute to the power of community. Hunt's vivid and evocative language transports us to the greenwood, where we meet Robin and his band of outlaws, and witness the creation of a new, more just society. This poem is a must-read for anyone who loves nature, values community, or is simply looking for a great story.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods: A Classic Poem by Leigh Hunt

If you're a fan of classic poetry, then you've probably heard of Leigh Hunt's "How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods." This poem is a true masterpiece, filled with vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a captivating storyline that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

At its core, "How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods" is a tale of rebellion and freedom. It tells the story of Robin Hood and his band of merry men, who have chosen to live in the woods rather than submit to the oppressive rule of the Sheriff of Nottingham. The poem is set in medieval England, a time when the ruling class held all the power and the common people were forced to live in poverty and servitude.

The poem begins with a description of the forest where Robin and his men live. It's a place of beauty and wonder, filled with tall trees, babbling brooks, and singing birds. The forest is a symbol of freedom and escape, a place where Robin and his men can live on their own terms and be free from the tyranny of the Sheriff.

As the poem progresses, we learn more about Robin and his men. They are a ragtag group of outlaws, each with their own unique skills and personalities. There's Little John, who is strong and brave; Friar Tuck, who is wise and kind; and Will Scarlet, who is cunning and quick-witted. Together, they form a formidable team, capable of outsmarting and outfighting anyone who dares to cross them.

But the poem isn't just about Robin and his men. It's also about the people they help. Throughout the poem, we see Robin and his men stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. They are champions of the common people, fighting against the injustice and inequality that plagues their society. They are heroes in every sense of the word, willing to risk their own lives to help others.

One of the most powerful aspects of "How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods" is its use of imagery. Leigh Hunt paints a vivid picture of the forest, describing it in such detail that you can almost smell the pine needles and hear the rustling of the leaves. He also uses powerful metaphors to convey the themes of the poem. For example, the forest is described as a "green cathedral," a place of worship and reverence. This metaphor suggests that Robin and his men are not just rebels, but also spiritual leaders, guiding their followers towards a better way of life.

Another powerful metaphor in the poem is the idea of the "greenwood tree." This tree represents the freedom and independence that Robin and his men have found in the forest. It's a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a way to fight back against oppression.

Overall, "How Robin and His Outlaws Lived in The Woods" is a timeless classic that speaks to the human desire for freedom and justice. It's a poem that reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, we can still stand up for what is right and fight for a better world. So if you haven't read this poem yet, I highly recommend that you do. It's a true masterpiece that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

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