Hey! jolly Robin Hood
M. Carmichael
In Sherwood lived stout Robin Hood,
An archer great, none greater,
His bow and shafts were sure and good,
Yet Cupid's were much better,
[Robin could shoot at many a Hart and misse,
Cupid at first could hit a hart of his.]
Hey! jolly Robin Hood!
Love finds out me
As well as thee,
To follow me to the greenwood.
A noble thief was Robin Hood,
Wise was he could deceive him;
Yet Marian in his bravest mood
Could of his heart bereave him;
[No greater thiefe lies hidden under skies
Than beauty closely logde in womens eyes.]
Hey! jolly Robin Hood!
Love finds out me
As well as thee,
To follow me to the greenwood.
An outlaw was this Robin Hood,
His life free and unruly,
Yet to fair Marian bound he stood
And love's debt paid her duly:
[Whom curbe of strictest law could not hold in,
Love with obeydness and a wink could winne.]
Hey! jolly Robin Hood!
Love finds out me
As well as thee,
To follow me to the greenwood.
Now wend we home, stout Robin Hood,
Leave we the woods behind us,
Love-passions must not be withstood,
Love ev'rywhere will find us.
[I lived in field and town, and so did he,
I got me to the woods, love followed me.]
Hey! jolly Robin Hood!
Love finds out me
As well as thee,
To follow me to the greenwood.