Now, in the Castle-park, drew out
Their checkered bands the joyous rout. 610
Their morricers, with bell at heel,
And blade in hand, their mazes wheel;
And chief, beside the butts, there stand
Bold Robin Hood and all his band--
Friar Tuck with quarterstaff and cowl, 615
Old Scathelocke with his surly scowl,
Maid Marion, fair as ivory bone,
Scarlet, and Mutch, and Little John;
Their bugles challenge all that will,
In archery to prove their skill. 620
The Douglas bent a bow of might--
His first shaft centered in the white,
And when in turn he shot again,
His second split the first in twain.
From the King's hand must Douglas take 625
A silver dart, the archer's stake;
Fondly he watched, with watery eye,
Some answering glance of sympathy--
No kind emotion made reply!
Indifferent as to archer wight, 630
The monarch gave the arrow bright.