56 The Teteott Hunt CZieek. 



TO ROBIN. 



Though cold winter still wears her grey mantle and snood, 

 Bright as summer the eye of the glad Robin Hood 

 As he comes forth so blithely. Of Jack-in-Green's " bluid " 

 And the pride of the stable is gay Robin Hood. 

 And lo ! here comes his master, in merriest mood, 

 For to-day he's to ride thee, his best, Robin Hood. 

 They are off to Tregeare. At the lodge they're taboo'd, 

 For the hounds have passed on. Here they are, Robin 



Hood. 

 At a signal from Spiller they fly to the wood. 

 Spreading out o'er the covert. Stand still, Robin Hood. 

 Surely there was a whimper ! Yes : there again. Good ! 

 It's a find ! it's a find ! Trembles bold Robin Hood ? 

 Yes : but not with cold fear, or the lack of good food ; 

 'Tis the pack's joyous music stirs keen Robin Hood. 

 Fast and fierce to the front thrust the hard ones, who 



stood 

 On the Attery's marshes, past flecked Robin Hood, 

 For his master reins in. Rob would lead if he could. 

 "■ Shall they throw back the dirt at me ? " quoth Robin 



Hood. 

 Now wild Robin be patient, get clear of the wood, 

 And 'tis then I'll indulge thee, my hot Robin Hood. 

 Far behind lies the vale whence the " field " just now 



moved ; 

 Fast, oh fast flies the ground 'neath the fleet Robin Hood. 

 They're away to the downs where Rome's campment 



erst stood. 



