Francis James Child

“ I will give thee both gold and fee.'
'If thou be Robin Hood,' bold Arthur reply'd,
'As I think well thou art,
Then here's my hand, my name's Arthur a Bland,
We two will never depart.
'But tell me, O tell me, where is Little John?
Of him fain would I hear;
For we are alide by the mothers side,
And he is my kinsman near.'
Than Robin Hood blew on the beaugle horn,
He blew full lowd and shrill,
But quickly anon appeard Little John,
Come tripping down a green hill.
'O what is the matter?' then said Little John,
'Master, I pray you tell;
Why do you stand with your staff in your hand? ”

“ I fear all is not well.'
'O man, I do stand, and he makes me to stand,
The tanner that stands thee beside;
He is a bonny blade, and master of his trade,
For soundly he hath tand my hide.'
'He is to be commended,' then said Little John,
'If such a feat he can do ”