I had not thought to come this way, but I am glad that I did so.

Now, ere we part, we must drink sweet friendship." So saying, he unslung the leathern pottle from the end of his staff, and, drawing the stopper therefrom, he handed it to the lass who had carried his staff, first wiping the mouth of the pottle upon his sleeve.
Then each lass took a fair drink of what was within, and when it had passed all around, Little John finished what was left, so that not another drop could be squeezed from it.

Then, kissing each lass sweetly, he wished them all good den, and left them.

But the maids stood looking after him as he walked away whistling.

"What a pity," quoth one, "that such a stout, lusty lad should be in holy orders." "Marry," quoth Little John to himself, as he strode along, "yon was no such ill happening; Saint Dunstan send me more of the like." After he had trudged along for a time he began to wax thirsty again in the warmth of the day.