Francis James Child

“ Amongst eight hundred men,
But could not see the sight that he
Had long expected then.
Some said, If Robin Hood was here,
And all his men to boot,
Sure none of them could pass these men,
So bravely they do shoot. ”

“ Us archers to beguile.'
'O thou smells of a coward,' said Robin Hood,
'Thy words does not please me;
Come on't what will, I'll try my skill
At yon brave archery.'
O then bespoke brave Little John:
Come, let us thither gang;
Come listen to me, how it shall be
That we need not be kend.
Our mantles, all of Lincoln green,
Behind us we will leave;
We'll dress us all so several
They shall not us perceive. ”