I have been a foster

I have been a foster

I have been a foster long and many a day
Foster will I be no more, no longer shoot I may
Yet have I been a foster
Hang I will my noble bow upon the greenwood bough
For I cannot shoot in plain, nor yet shoot in rough
Yet have I been a foster
Every bow for me is too big, mine arrow nigh worn is
The glue is slipped from the nick, when I should shoot I miss
Yet have I been a foster
My beard is so hard, God wot, when I should maidens kiss
They stand aback and make it strange, lo, age is cause of this
Yet have I been a foster
Now will I take to me my beads, for and my psalter book
And pray I will for them that miss - for I may nought but look
Yet have I been a foster