Quoth Robin Hood, "Yon is verily a sorry-looking gallant, and doth seem to have donned ill-content with his jerkin this morning; nevertheless, I will out and talk with him, for there may be some pickings here for a hungry daw.

His milk-white pinions to the god he plied; The busy daw flew with him, side by side, And by a thousand teasing questions drew The important secret from him as they flew.

The nightingale was set aside, A forward daw his room supplied.

Then these greedy daws will chase the smaller birds as they fly away with any dainty morsel, and compel them to give it up.

The raven, urged by such impertinence, Grew passionate, it seems, and took offence, And cursed the harmless daw; the daw withdrew: The raven to her injured patron flew, 90 And found him out, and told the fatal truth Of false Coronis and the favoured youth.