Her eye-brows were black, ay, and so was her hair, And her skin was as smooth as glass; Her visage spoke wisdom, and modesty too; 215 Sets with Robin Hood such a lass! Said Robin Hood, "Lady fair, whither away? O whither, fair lady, away?" And she made him an answer, "To kill a fat buck; For to-morrow is Titbury day." 120 Said Robin Hood, "Lady fair, wander with me A little to yonder green bower; There set down to rest you, and you shall be sure Of a brace or a leash in an hour."[L124] And as we were going towàrds the green bower, 125 Two hundred good bucks we espy'd; She chose out the fattest that was in the herd,[L127] And she shot him through side and side. "By the faith of my body," said bold Robin Hood, "I never saw woman like thee; 130 And com'st thou from east, or com'st thou from west, Thou needst not beg venison of me. "However, along to my bower you shall go, And taste of a forrester's meat:" And when we came thither we found as good cheer 135 As any man needs for to eat. For there was hot venison, and warden pies cold, Cream clouted, with honey-combs plenty; And the servitors they were, besides Little John, Good yeomen at least four and twenty. 140 Clorinda said, "Tell me your name, gentle sir;" And he said, "'Tis bold Robin Hood: 'Squire Gamwel's my uncle, but all my delight Is to dwell in the merry Sherwood; "For 'tis a fine life, and 'tis void of all strife." 145 "So 'tis, sir," Clorinda reply'd. "But oh," said bold Robin, "how sweet would it be, If Clorinda would be my bride!" She blusht at the motion; yet, after a pause Said, "Yes, sir, and with all my heart:" 150 "Then let us send for a priest," said Robin Hood, "And be married before we do part." But she said, "It may not be so, gentle sir,' For I must be at Titbury feast; And if Robin Hood will go thither with me, 155 I'll make him the most welcome guest." Said Robin Hood, "Reach me that buck, Little John, For I'll go along with my dear; And bid my yeomen kill six brace of bucks, And meet me to-morrow just here." 160 Before he had ridden five Staffordshire miles, Eight yeomen, that were too bold, Bid Robin Hood stand, and deliver his buck; A truer tale never was told. "I will not, faith," said bold Robin; "come, John, 165 Stand by me, and we'll beat 'em all:" Then both drew their swords, and so cut 'em, and slasht 'em, That five of them did fall.