WRITTEN AT BATH IN 1840, FOR A LITTLE BOY WHO KEPT AN ALBUM, AND WAS A GREAT ADMIRER OF ROBIN HOOD AND HIS MERRY MEN.
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Keightley, Thomas
Had the kind Muse, young friend, on me Her pleasing gifts bestowed, And taught to tread of poesy The smooth and flowery road;
Then should the deeds of Robin Hood, And Little John, so bold, And of the Friar, stout and good, In numbers high be told.
The merry greenwood should resound With feats of archery, And antlered deer along should bound So light and gracefully!
But vain the hopes: 'gainst Fate's decrees To struggle I must cease; I only can write histories Of England, Rome, and Greece.