Robin Hood stole from the rich and gave to the poor

Henrik Thiil Nielsen 2013-07-24. Revised by Henrik Thiil Nielsen, 2021-03-12.

The notion that "Robin Hood stole from the rich and gave to the poor" is often expressed thus succinctly. It almost has the status of a proverb.

Collections and lists

• Dobson, R. B., ed.; Taylor, J., ed. Rymes of Robyn Hood: an Introduction to the English Outlaw (London, 1976), pp. 290-91.

Citations

1622 - Taylor, John - Errant Thiefe

England still hath bin a fruitfull Land
Of valiant Thieves, that durst bid true men stand.
One Bellin Dun, a famous Thiefe surviv'd,
From whom the towne of Dunstable's deriv'd;
And Robin Hood with little John agreed
To rob rich men, and the poore to feede.

[...]
Once the fift Henry could rob ex'lent well,
When he was Prince of Wales, as stories tell.
Then Fryer Tucke, a tall stout Thiefe indeed,
Could better rob and steale, then preach or read.

Brief mention

• Gilchrist, R. Murray. The Dukeries (London, Glasgow and Bombay, 1913), p. 24.

Notes

 Proverbs