Page 380 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

ing caretakers of our deer in Sherwood than to leave them
to run at large as outlawed slayers thereof. But now get a
feast ready; I would see how ye live in the woodlands.’
So Robin bade his men make ready a grand feast.
Straightway great fires were kindled and burned brightly,
at which savory things roasted sweetly. While this was go-
ing forward, the King bade Robin call Allan a Dale, for he
would hear him sing. So word was passed for Allan, and
presently he came, bringing his harp.
‘Marry,’ said King Richard, ‘if thy singing match thy
looks it is fair enough. Prythee, strike up a ditty and let us
have a taste of thy skill.’
Then Allan touched his harp lightly, and all words were
hushed while he sang thus:

‘Oh, where has thou been, my daughter?
Oh, where hast thou been this day
Daughter, my daughter?’
‘Oh, I have been to the river’s side,
Where the waters lie all gray and wide,
And the gray sky broods o’er the leaden tide,
And the shrill wind sighs a straining.’

‘What sawest thou there, my daughter?
What sawest thou there this day,
Daughter, my daughter?’
‘Oh, I saw a boat come drifting nigh,
Where the quivering rushes hiss and sigh,
And the water soughs as it gurgles by,