Marian, Tuck, John, VVood-men, &c.
Mar.Know you, or can you guess, my merry men,
What 'tis that keeps your Master, Robin-hood,
So long, both from his Marian, and the Wood?
Tuc. Forsooth, Madam, he will be here by Noon,
And prays it of your Bounty, as a Boon,
That you by them have k**'d him Venisom some,
To feast his jolly Friends, who hither come
In threaves to frolick with him, and make cheer;
Here's Little John hath harbour'd you a Deer,
I see by his tackling.
Jo. And a Heart of Ten,
I trow he be, Madam, or blame your Men:
For by his Slot, his Entries, and his Port,
His Freyings, Fewmets, he doth promise Sport,
And standing 'fore the Dogs; He bears a Head,
Large and well beam'd; with all Rights somm'd, and spread.
Mar. Let's rowse him quickly, and lay on the Hounds.
Jo. Scathlock is ready with them on the Grounds:
So is his Brother Scarlet: now they 'ave found
His Layre, they have him sure within the Pound.
Mar. Away then, when my Robin bids a Feast,
'Twere sin in Marian to defraud a Guest.