But Robin Hood, hee himself had disguis'd,
And Marian was strangly attir'd,
That they prov'd foes, and so fell to blowes,
Whose vallour bold Robin admir'd.40
They drew out their swords, and to cutting they went,
At least an hour or more,
That the blood ran apace from bold Robins face,
And Marian was wounded sore.
"O hold thy hand, hold thy hand," said Robin Hood,45
"And thou shalt be one of my string,
To range in the wood with bold Robin Hood,
To hear the sweet nightingall sing."
When Marian did hear the voice of her love,
Her self shee did quickly discover,50
And with kisses sweet she did him greet,
Like to a most loyall lover.
When bold Robin Hood his Marian did see,
Good lord, what clipping was there!
With kind embraces, and jobbing of faces,55
Providing of gallant cheer.
For Little John took his bow in his hand,
And [wandred] in the wood,
To kill the deer, and make good chear
For Marian and Robin Hood.60
A stately banquet they had full soon,
All in a shaded bower,
Where venison sweet they had to eat,
And were merry that present hour.
Great flaggons of wine were set on the board,65
And merrily they drunk round
Their boules of sack, to strengthen the back,
Whilst their knees did touch the ground.
First Robin Hood began a health
To Marian his onely dear;70
And his yeomen all, both comly and tall,
Did quickly bring up the rear.
For in a brave [vein] they tost off the bouls,
Whilst thus they did remain;
And every cup, as they drunk up,75
They filled with speed again.