Now, in the Castle-park, drew out Their checkered bands the joyous rout.
There morricers, with bell at heel And blade in hand, their mazes wheel;But chief, beside the butts, there stand Bold Robin Hood and all his band,--Friar Tuck with quarterstaff and cowl, Old Scathelocke with his surly scowl, Maid Marian, fair as ivory bone, Scarlet, and Mutch, and Little John;Their bugles challenge all that will, In archery to prove their skill.
The Douglas bent a bow of might,--
His first shaft centred in the white, And when in turn he shot again, His second split the first in twain.
From the King's hand must Douglas take A silver dart, the archers' stake;Fondly he watched, with watery eye, Some answering glance of sympathy,--No kind emotion made reply!
Indifferent as to archer wight, The monarch gave the arrow bright.
