Tuck

PART TWO

Came Little John through the forest that morn,

And chanc'd upon poor Rhiban Hud,

So high on his back he carries him to

A priest on the edge of the woode.

"God save you, Fryer Tuck," quod John.

"A handsome fish I've here.

His length's as longe from snout to tail

As any I've seen this yere."

"Then don't delay, friend John," quod Tuck,

"But lay him here on the hearthe.

Let's get him skinned and then get him cleaned

And warmed up quick and smart."

Young Rhiban quickly mended himself

At Fryer Tuck's strong, healing hands.

And when he had sense, the two hearde account

Of the change that had passed in those lands.

"For twenty long summers," quoth Rhiban, "by God,

My arrows I here have let fly.

Methinks it quite strange, that within the march,

A reeve has more power than I.

"This forest and vale I consider my own,

And these folk a king think of me;

I therefore declare-and so solemnly swear:

I will live to see each of them free."

"By t'rood, this is a most noble sport,"

John Little did him proclaim.

"I'll stand with thee and fight 'til death!"

"And I," quod Tuck, "The same!"

"Then send you bold captains to head up our men

And meet in the greenwoode hereon:

Merian, Llech-ley, and Alan a'Dale,

Thomas, and Much Miller's son."