THE ELIZABETHAN FAIRIES

ROBIN GOODFELLOW 249
There were two conditions upon which, in addition to
his fee, Robin Goodfellow's domestic services were given.
He required of the mistress or maid whom he served
that she did not, as he put it, " sluttish lie "; nor would
he lend his aid to men or women unless they conformed
to his standard of morality in regard to love. If they
were true lovers, he took a tremendous interest in their
affairs, in which he meddled, until he brought about a
happy consummation. So well known were his match-
making instincts and his devotion to the cause of true
love that his endeavors in this regard were recognized
as one of his functions.
In the masque of Love Restored, he was chosen to
throw out " that impostor Plutus, the god of money, who
has stolen Love's ensigns, and in his belied figure rules
the world," and to restore true love " in despight of this
insolent and barbarous Mammon." 130
In Grim, the Collier of Croydon, he took a great hand
in furthering the cause of love :
I like this country-girl's condition well;
She's faithful, and a lover but to one;
Robin stands here to right both Grim and her; l3I
and in punishing attempts against virtue:
What, priest, still at your lechery?
Robin beats the priest.
I'll thresh you for your knavery;
If any ask who beat thee so,
Tell them 'twas Robin Goodfe110w.~~~
In Nimphidia, he endeavored to restore the erring Mab
to her husband; while in A Midsummer Night's Dream
I3O Jonson, Morley ed., pp. 170 and 171,
lS1 IV, I.
I32 Grim, the Collier, IV, I.