|
|
||
|
EOBIN HOOD AND THE RANGER. 209
The very first blow that the forester gave, He made his broad weapon cry twang ; 'Twas over the head, he fell down for dead, ss
0 that was a damnable bang !
But Robin he soon recovered himself,
And bravely fell to it again ; The very next stroke their weapons they broke,
Yet never a man there was slain. *>
At quarter staff then they resolved to play, Because they would have the other bout;
And brave Robin Hood right valiantly stood, Unwilling he was to give out.
Bold Robin he gave him very hard blows, «
The other return'd them as fast; At every stroke their jackets did smoke,
Three hours the combat did last.
At length in a rage the forester grew,
And cudgell'd bold Robin so sore, so
That he could not stand, so shaking his hand, He cry'd, " Let us freely give o'er.
" Thou art a brave fellow ; I needs must confess,
1 never knew any so good ;
Thou art fitting to be a yeoman for me, «
And range in the merry green-wood. vol. v. 14 |
||
|
|
||