And made a rich supper that night. {289}
What singing and dancing was in the green wood,
For joy of another new mate !
With might and delight they spent all the night,
And liv’d at a plentiful rate.
The forester ne’er was so merry before,
As then he was with these brave souls,
Who never would fail, in wine, beer, or ale,
To take off their cherishing bowls.
Then Robin Hood gave him a mantle of green,