Francis James Child

“ I'll fetch her back to thee.'
'Now nay, now nay,' quoth Robin Hood,
'She doth not cause my smart;
But it is the poor distressed princess
That wounds me to the heart.
'I will go fight the giants all
To set the lady free:'
'The devil take my soul,' quoth Little John,
'If I part with thy company.'
'Must I stay behind?' quoth Will Scadlock;
'No, no, that must not be;
I'le make the third man in the fight,
So we shall be three to three.'
These words cheerd Robin at the heart,
Joy shone within his face ”

“ He clove the giant to the belt,
And cut in twain his heart.
Will Scadlock well had playd his part,
The giant he had brought to his knee;
Quoth he, The devil cannot break his fast,
Unless he have you all three. ”

“ Here kneels your son, your Young Gamwell
You said you lovd so dear.
But, lord! what imbracing and kissing was there,
When all these friends were met!
They are gone to the wedding, and so to bedding,
And so I bid you good night. ”