For that was Robin Hood himself,85
For he was cloath'd in red;
At every shot the prize he got,
For he was both sure and dead.
So the arrow with the golden head
And shaft of silver-white,90
Brave Robin Hood won, and bore with him
For his own proper right.
These outlaws there, that very day,
To shun all kinds of doubt,
By three or four, no less nor more,95
As they went in came out;
Until they all assembled were
Under the green-wood shade,
Where they report, in pleasant sport,
What brave pastime they made.100
Says Robin Hood, "All my care is,
How that yon sheriff may
Know certainly that it was I
That bore his arrow away."
Says Little John, "My counsel good105
Did take effect before,
So therefore now, if you'll allow,
I will advise once more."
"Speak on, speak on," said Robin Hood,
"Thy wit's both quick and sound,110
[I know no man among us can]
[For wit like thee be found."]
"This I advise," said Little John;
"That a letter shall be penn'd,
And when it is done, to Nottingham115
You to the sheriff shall send."
"That is well advised," said Robin Hood,
"But how must it be sent?"
"Pugh! when you please, 'tis done with ease;
Master, be you content.120
"I'll stick it on my arrows head,
And shoot it into the town;
The mark will show where it must go,
Whenever it lights down."