Good gentles all, come hear a tale,
That did befall in Sherwood Vale
Of Robin Hood and Little John,
And slender, fair Maid Marriane.
'Tis true that love is wondrous strong,
But friendship lasteth e'en hore long.
Now Robin Hood one morning rose,
And donned his forest outlaw's clothes,
He rode as quick as e'er he could,
And left John sleeping in the wood.
This chance fair Marriane did choose,
To sneak to Little John's strong thews.
Now they made lively, sport and play,
For many hours throughout the day,
As youth is wont in such affairs,
Lost track of time, caught unawares,
By Robin, who strode into bower,
To view true friend with his love's flower.
Now Robin stoob with visage grim,
And Little John made ready him,
To fight for life, his strength to test,
While Marriane hid her fair breast.
Yet wondrous fair and pleasant turned,
This countenance as yet so firm.
Fear not true friend or my love's flower,
Fear not revenge or anger's power,
For we've shared meat and battle's din,
To share each other is no sin.
'Tis true that love is wondrous strong,
But friendship lasteth e'en more long!