In summer time when leaves were green,
With a hey derry down, you shall see;
James Oakes he called his merry men all,
Unto the green-wood tree.
James Oakes he was a worthy squire,
Full six feet high he stood;
No braver chief the forest rang'd,
Since the days of Robin Hood.
Then some came East, and some came West,
And Southrons there came three;
Such a jovial band of fine fellows,
You never more shall see.
Nor fairer Maidens ever tripp'd,
Than bore them companie;
The wood-nymphs peep'd, in wonder all,
As they were passing by.
There was Sally of Riddings with her wit so sly,
That young men's hearts beguil'd;
And wilding Meg, with the hazel eye,
And sweet maid-Marian mild.
Then came blithe Helen of Osgarthorpe,
With her sister, as you shall know;
Two fairer maids in Sheffield town
Did ne'er set foot I trow.
Maid-Marian's sister too was there,
And a merry little minx was she;
And they were merry merry maidens all,
When under the greenwood tree.
Then followed straight a matron dame,
That summers more had seen;
Her kindly eye did sparkle bright,
And she seemed the woodland queen.
James Oakes the elder he went first,
As captain of the band;
Bill Graham of Skiers was by his side,
And they shouted, "For merry England!"
Sylvester next, that rover bold,
(Some called him little John,)
With Bob the tall, from London town,
As you shall hear anon.