"Little John lyes buried in Hatherseech Church yard within 3 miles fro Castleton in High Peake with one Stone set up at his head and another at his Feete, but a large distance betweene them. They say a part of his bow hangs up in the said Church Neere Grindleford Bridge are Robin Hoods 2 Pricks."
The following ballad, founded on a part of this tradition, was written by Mr. William Haines, and appeared in "The Reliquary," vol. II., page 11. Several other ballads relating to Little John might well be given in this volume, but the two I have selected—his first acquaintance with Robin Hood, and his death and burial—will be sufficient to show their character. The others must be deferred for a future work.
When Robin Hood, by guile betrayed,
In Kirklees' cloister died,
Silent his merry men dispersed,
And never more allied.
Some passed unknown, or pardon got,
And peaceful callings sought,
Beyond the seas while others fled,
And 'gainst the Paynim fought.
And Little John, as lonely through
Their vacant haunts he strode,
Repented sadness in his soul
Had e'er of old abode.
As there beneath an oak his limbs
Repose long failing found,
A shape thrice warned him in a dream,
To shun St. Michael's ground.
Affrighted, from the sward he starts—
Deep shone the guardian night!
The moon the woods bowed motionless
With plenitude of light.
St. Michael's road, presaging nought,
Leal John yestreen had ta'en;
But now another way he chose,
Lest there he should be slain.
Northward, compelling soon his steps,
Across the Tweed he hied;
Thence sea and land to traverse far,
A long and cheerless tide.