"He shall not go scot-free," the others reply'd; So strait they were seizing him there, To duck him likewise; but Robin Hood cries, "He is a stout fellow; forbear. "There's no one shall wrong thee, friend; be not afraid; These bowmen upon me do wait; There's threescore and nine; if thou wilt be mine, Thou shalt have my livery strait, "And other accoutrements fitting also: Speak up, jolly blade, never fear. I'll teach you also the use of the bow, To shoot at the fat fallow deer." "O, here is my hand," the stranger reply'd. "I'll serve you with all my whole heart; My name is John Little, a man of good mettle; Ne'er doubt it, for I'll play my part." "His name shall be alter'd," quoth William Stutely, "And I will his godfather be; Prepare then a feast, and none of the least, For we will be merry," quoth he. They presently fetch'd him a brace of fat does, With humming strong liquor likewise; They lov'd what was good; so, in the green-wood This pretty sweet babe they baptize. He was, I must tell you, but seven foot high, And, may be, an ell in the waist; A sweet pretty lad; much feasting they had; Bold Robin the christ'ning grac'd, With all his bowmen, who stood in a ring, And were of the Nottingham breed; Brave Stutely came then, with seven yeomen, And did in this manner proceed: "This infant was called John Little," quoth he; "His name shall be changed anon: The words we'll transpose; so wherever he goes, His name shall be call'd Little John." They all with a shout made the elements ring; So soon as the office was o'er, To feasting they went, with true merriment And tippled strong liquor gillore. [Footnote: Gillore is an old form of galore.] Then Robin he took the pretty sweet babe, And cloth'd him from top to toe, In garments of green, most gay to be seen, And gave him a curious long bow. "Thou shalt be an archer as well as the best, And range in the green-wood with us; Where we'll not want gold nor silver, behold, While bishops have aught in their purse. "We live here like 'squires, or lords of renown, Without e'er a foot of free land; We feast on good cheer, with wine, ale, and beer, And ev'ry thing at our command." Then music and dancing did finish the day; At length, when the sun waxed low, Then all the whole train the grove did refrain, And unto their caves did go. And so ever after, as long as he liv'd, Altho' he was proper and tall, Yet, nevertheless, the truth to express, Still Little John they do him call. ROBIN HOOD AND THE STRANGER Come listen awhile, you gentlemen all, With a hey down, down, a down, down, That are this bower within, For a story of gallant bold Robin Hood, I purpose now to begin. "What time of day?" quoth Robin Hood then; Quoth Little John, "Tis in the prime." "Why then we will to the green-wood gang, [Footnote: Gang is the Scotch word for go.] For we have no vittles to dine."