Thus in great merriment was the time wholly spent;
And then the ladies preparèd to dance.
Old Sir John Cockle, and Richard, incontinent
Unto their places the king did advance.
Here with the ladies such sport they did make,
The nobles with laughing did make their sides ache.
Many thanks for their pains did the king give them,
Asking young Richard then, if he would wed;
Among these ladies free, tell me which liketh thee?
Quoth he, Jugg Grumball, Sir, with the red head:
She's my love, she's my life, her will I wed;
She hath sworn I shall have her wedding bed.
Then sir John Cockle the king called unto him,
And of merry Sherwood made him o'erseer;
And gave him out of hand three hundred pound yearly:
Take heed now you steal no more of my deer:
And once a quarter let's here have your view;
And now, sir John Cockle, I bid you adieu.
FOOTNOTES:
[133] The king says this.
[134] Ale and roasted apples.
[135] For good luck.
[136] Strutted.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY J. OGDEN AND CO.,
172, ST. JOHN STREET, E.C.