Good Adam Bell( 1) was a fair shot, but never shot he so!" (1) Adam Bell, Clym o' the Clough, and William of Cloudesly were three noted north-country bowmen whose names have been celebrated in many ballads of the olden time.
"Then have I gained a right good man this day," quoth jolly Robin.

"What name goest thou by, good fellow ?" "Men call me John Little whence I came," answered the stranger.
Then Will Stutely, who loved a good jest, spoke up.

"Nay, fair little stranger," said he, "I like not thy name and fain would I have it otherwise.

Little art thou indeed, and small of bone and sinew, therefore shalt thou be christened Little John, and I will be thy godfather." Then Robin Hood and all his band laughed aloud until the stranger began to grow angry.
"An thou make a jest of me," quoth he to Will Stutely, "thou wilt have sore bones and little pay, and that in short season." "Nay, good friend," said Robin Hood, "bottle thine anger, for the name fitteth thee well.

Little John shall thou be called henceforth, and Little John shall it be.