As Robin Hood in the forest stood,
All under the greenwood tree,
There was he aware of a brave young man,
As fine as fine might be.
The youngster was clothed in scarlet red,
In scarlet fine and gay;
And he did frisk it o'er the plain,
And chaunted a roundelay.
As Robin Hood next morning stood
Amongst the leaves so gay,
There did he 'spy the same young man
Come drooping along the way.
The scarlet he wore the day before,
It was cast clean away;
And ev'ry step he fetch'd a sigh,
Alack and well a day!
Then stepped forth brave Little John,
And Midge the miller's son,
Which made the young man bend his bow,
When he did see them come.
Stand off, stand off, the young man said,
What is your will with me?
You must come before our master straight,
Under yonder greenwood tree.
And when he came bold Robin before,
Robin asked him courteously,
O hast thou any money to spare
For my merry men and me?
I have no money, the young man said,
But five shillings and a ring,
And that I have kept these seven long years,
To have it at my wedding.
Yesterday I should have married a maid,
But from me she was ta'en,
And chosen to be an old knight's delight,
Whereby my poor heart is slain.