The songs of Sherwood Forest 
Are lilac-sweet and clear; 
The virile rhymes of merrier times 
Sound fair upon mine ear.

Sweet is their sylvan cadence 
And sweet their simple art. 
The balladry of the greenwood tree 
Stirs memories in my heart.

O braver days and elder 
With mickle valor dight, 
How ye bring back the time, alack! 
When Harry Smith could write!