24 ‘O what’s the matter?’ quoth William Stutely; ‘Good master, you are wet to the skin:’ ‘No matter,’ quoth he; ‘the lad which you see, In fighting, hath tumbld me in.’ 25 ‘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. 26 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. 27 And other accoutrements fit for a man; Speak up, jolly blade, never fear; I’ll teach you also the use of the bow, To shoot at the fat fallow-deer. 28 ‘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; Nere doubt me, for I’ll play my part.’ 29 His name shall be alterd,’ 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. 30 They presently fetchd in a brace of fat does, With humming strong liquor likewise; They lovd what was good; so, in the greenwood, This pretty sweet babe they baptize. 31 He was, I must tell you, but seven foot high, And, may be, an ell in the waste; A pretty sweet lad; much feasting they had; Bold Robin the christning grac’d. 32 With all his bowmen, which stood in a ring, And were of the Notti[n]gham breed; Brave Stutely comes then, with seven yeomen, And did in this manner proceed. 33 ‘This infant was called John Little,’ quoth he, ‘Which name shall be changed anon; The words we’ll transpose, so where-ever he goes, His name shall be calld Little John.’ 34 They all with a shout made the elements ring, So soon as the office was ore; To feasting they went, with true merriment, And tippld strong liquor gillore. 35 Then Robin he took the pretty sweet babe, And cloathd him from top to the toe In garments of green, most gay to be seen, And gave him a curious long bow. 36 ‘Thou shalt be an archer as well as the best, And range in the greenwood with us; Where we’ll not want gold nor silver, behold, While bishops have ought in their purse. 37 ‘We live here like squires, or lords of renown, Without ere a foot of free land; We feast on good cheer, with wine, ale, and beer, And evry thing at our command.’ 38 Then musick 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 they did go. 39 And so ever after, as long as he livd, Altho he was proper and tall, Yet nevertheless, the truth to express, Still Little John they did him call. * * * * * #a.#