21. And when they came into the churchyard, Marching all on a row, The first man was Allin a Dale, To give bold Robin his bow. 22. "This is thy true-love," Robin he said, "Young Allin, as I hear say; And you shall be married at this same time, Before we depart away." 23. "That shall not be," the bishop he said, "For thy word shall not stand; They shall be three times askt in the church, As the law is of our land.” 24. Robin Hood pulld off the bishops coat, And put it upon Little John; "By the faith of my body," then Robin said, "This cloath doth make thee a man." 25. When Little John went into the quire, The people began for to laugh; church, Least three times should not be enough. 26. "Who gives me this maid?" then said Little John; Quoth Robin, "That do I, And he that doth take her from Allin a Dale Full dearly he shall her buy." 27. And thus having ended this merry wedding, The bride lookt as fresh as a queen, And so they returned to the merry green wood, Amongst the leaves so green. |