\"Ifearedtherainthatthreatened，\"saidLittleJohninasullentone，forhewasvexedatbeingsochaffedbyRobinwithwhathadhappenedtohim。
\"Therain！\"criedRobin，stoppingofasuddeninthemiddleoftheroad，andlookingatLittleJohninwonder。\"Why，thougreatoaf！notadropofrainhasfallenthesethreedays，neitherhasanythreatened，norhaththerebeenasignoffoulweatherinearthorskyorwater。\"
\"Nevertheless，\"growledLittleJohn，\"theholySaintSwithinholdeththewatersoftheheavensinhispewterpot，andhecouldhavepouredthemout，hadhechosen，evenfromaclearsky；
andwouldstthouhavehadmewettotheskin？\"
AtthisRobinHoodburstintoaroaroflaughter。\"OLittleJohn！\"
saidhe，\"whatbutterwitshastthouinthatheadofthine！
Whocouldholdangeragainstsuchaoneasthouart？\"
Sosaying，theyallsteppedoutoncemore，withtherightfootforemost，asthesayingis。
Aftertheyhadtraveledsomedistance，thedaybeingwarmandtheroaddusty，RobinHoodwaxedthirsty；so，therebeingafountainofwaterascoldasice，justbehindthehedgerow，theycrossedthestileandcametowherethewaterbubbledupfrombeneathamossystone。Here，kneelingandmakingcupsofthepalmsoftheirhands，theydranktheirfill，andthen，thespotbeingcoolandshady，theystretchedtheirlimbsandrestedthemforaspace。
Infrontofthem，overbeyondthehedge，thedustyroadstretchedawayacrosstheplain；behindthemthemeadowlandsandbrightgreenfieldsoftenderyoungcornlaybroadlyinthesun，andoverheadspreadtheshadeofthecool，rustlingleavesofthebeechentree。
Pleasantlytotheirnostrilscamethetenderfragranceofthepurplevioletsandwildthymethatgrewwithinthedewymoistureoftheedgeofthelittlefountain，andpleasantlycamethesoftgurgleofthewater。
AllwassopleasantandsofullofthegentlejoyofthebrightMaytime，thatforalongtimenooneofthethreecaredtospeak，buteachlayonhisback，gazingupthroughthetremblingleavesofthetreestothebrightskyoverhead。Atlast，Robin，whosethoughtswerenotquitesobusywool-gatheringasthoseoftheothers，andwhohadbeengazingaroundhimnowandthen，brokethesilence。
\"Heyday！\"quothhe，\"yonisagailyfeatheredbird，Itakemyvow。\"
Theotherslookedandsawayoungmanwalkingslowlydownthehighway。
Gaywashe，indeed，asRobinhadsaid，andafinefigurehecut，forhisdoubletwasofscarletsilkandhisstockingsalso；
ahandsomeswordhungbyhisside，theembossedleathernscabbardbeingpickedoutwithfinethreadsofgold；hiscapwasofscarletvelvet，andabroadfeatherhungdownbehindandbackofoneear。
Hishairwaslongandyellowandcurleduponhisshoulders，andinhishandheboreanearlyrose，whichhesmelledatdaintilynowandthen。
\"Bymylife！\"quothRobinHood，laughing，\"sawyee\'ersuchapretty，mincingfellow？\"
\"Truly，hisclotheshaveovermuchprettinessformytaste，\"quothArthuraBland，\"but，ne\'ertheless，hisshouldersarebroadandhisloinsarenarrow，andseestthou，goodmaster，howthathisarmshangfromhisbody？
Theydanglenotdownlikespindles，buthangstiffandbendattheelbow。
Itakemyvow，therebenobreadandmilklimbsinthosefineclothes，butstiffjointsandtoughthews。\"
\"Methinksthouartright，friendArthur，\"saidLittleJohn。\"Idoverilythinkthatyonisnosuchroseleafandwhipped-creamgallantashewouldhaveonetakehimtobe。\"
\"Pah！\"quothRobinHood，\"thesightofsuchafellowdothputanastytasteintomymouth！Lookhowhedothholdthatfairflowerbetwixthisthumbandfinger，ashewouldsay，`Goodrose，IliketheenotsoillbutIcanbearthyodorforalittlewhile。\'
Itakeityearebothwrong，andverilybelievethatwereafuriousmousetorunacrosshispath，hewouldcry，`La！\'or`Alack-a-day！\'andfallstraightwayintoaswoon。
Iwonderwhohemaybe。\"
\"Somegreatbaron\'sson，Idoubtnot，\"answeredLittleJohn，\"withgoodandtruemen\'smoneylininghispurse。\"
\"Ay，marry，thatistrue，Imakenodoubt，\"quothRobin。\"Whatapitythatsuchmenashe，thathavenothoughtbuttogoabroadingayclothes，shouldhavegoodfellows，whoseshoestheyarenotfittotie，dancingattheirbidding。BySaintDunstan，SaintAlfred，SaintWithold，andallthegoodmenintheSaxoncalendar，itdothmakememadtoseesuchgaylordlingsfromovertheseagosteppingonthenecksofgoodSaxonswhoownedthislandbeforeevertheirgreat-grandsireschewedrindofbrawn！
BythebrightbowofHeaven，Iwillhavetheirill-gottengainsfromthem，eventhoughIhangforitashighase\'eraforesttreeinSherwood！\"
\"Why，hownow，master，\"quothLittleJohn，\"whatheatisthis？
Thoudostsetthypota-boiling，andmayhapnobacontocook！
Methinksyonfellow\'shairisoverlightforNormanlocks。
Hemaybeagoodmanandtrueforaughtthouknowest。\"
\"Nay，\"saidRobin，\"myheadagainstaleadenfarthing，heiswhatIsay。
So，lieyebothhere，Isay，tillIshowyouhowIdrubthisfellow。\"
Sosaying，RobinHoodsteppedforthfromtheshadeofthebeechtree，crossedthestile，andstoodinthemiddleoftheroad，withhishandsonhiships，inthestranger\'spath。
Meantimethestranger，whohadbeenwalkingsoslowlythatallthistalkwasheldbeforehecameoppositetheplacewheretheywere，neitherquickenedhispacenorseemedtoseethatsuchamanasRobinHoodwasintheworld。
SoRobinstoodinthemiddleoftheroad，waitingwhiletheotherwalkedslowlyforward，smellinghisrose，andlookingthiswayandthat，andeverywhereexceptatRobin。
\"Hold！\"criedRobin，whenatlasttheotherhadcomeclosetohim。\"Hold！Standwherethouart！\"
\"WhereforeshouldIhold，goodfellow？\"saidthestrangerinsoftandgentlevoice。\"AndwhereforeshouldIstandwhereIam？
Ne\'ertheless，asthoudostdesirethatIshouldstay，Iwillabideforashorttime，thatImayhearwhatthoumaysthavetosaytome。\"
\"Then，\"quothRobin，\"asthoudostsofairlydoasItellthee，anddostgivemesuchsoftspeech，Iwillalsotreattheewithallduecourtesy。
Iwouldhavetheeknow，fairfriend，thatIam，asitwere，avotaryattheshrineofSaintWilfredwho，thoumaystknow，took，willy-nilly，alltheirgoldfromtheheathen，andmelteditupintocandlesticks。
Wherefore，uponsuchascomehereabouts，Ilevyacertaintoll，whichI
useforabetterpurpose，Ihope，thantomakecandlestickswithal。
Therefore，sweetchuck，Iwouldhavetheedelivertomethypurse，thatImaylookintoit，andjudge，tothebestofmypoorpowers，whetherthouhastmorewealthabouttheethanourlawallows。
For，asourgoodGafferSwantholdsayeth，`Hewhoisfatfromoverlivingmustneedsloseblood。\'\"
Allthistimetheyouthhadbeensniffingattherosethatheheldbetwixthisthumbandfinger。\"Nay，\"saidhewithagentlesmile，whenRobinHoodhaddone，\"Idolovetoheartheetalk，thouprettyfellow，andif，haply，thouartnotyetdone，finish，Ibeseechthee。
Ihaveyetsomelittletimetostay。\"
\"Ihavesaidall，\"quothRobin，\"andnow，ifthouwiltgivemethypurse，IwilllettheegothywaywithoutletorhindrancesosoonasIshallseewhatitmayhold。Iwilltakenonefromtheeifthouhastbutlittle。\"
\"Alas！Itdothgrievememuch，\"saidtheother，\"thatIcannotdoasthoudostwish。Ihavenothingtogivethee。Letmegomyway，Iprythee。
Ihavedonetheenoharm。\"
\"Nay，thougoestnot，\"quothRobin，\"tillthouhastshownmethypurse。\"
\"Goodfriend，\"saidtheothergently，\"Ihavebusinesselsewhere。
Ihavegiventheemuchtimeandhaveheardtheepatiently。
Prythee，letmedepartinpeace。\"
\"Ihavespokentothee，friend，\"saidRobinsternly，\"andInowtelltheeagain，thatthougoestnotonestepforwardtillthouhastdoneasIbidthee。\"Sosaying，heraisedhisquarterstaffabovehisheadinathreateningway。
\"Alas！\"saidthestrangersadly，\"itdothgrievemethatthisthingmustbe。IfearmuchthatImustslaythee，thoupoorfellow！\"
Sosaying，hedrewhissword。
\"Putbythyweapon，\"quothRobin。\"Iwouldtakenovantageofthee。
Thyswordcannotstandagainstanoakenstaffsuchasmine。
Icouldsnapitlikeabarleystraw。Yonderisagoodoakenthicketbytheroadside；taketheeacudgelthenceanddefendthyselffairly，ifthouhastatasteforasounddrubbing。\"
FirstthestrangermeasuredRobinwithhiseye，andthenhemeasuredtheoakenstaff。\"Thouartright，goodfellow，\"
saidhepresently，\"truly，myswordisnomatchforthatcudgelofthine。BidetheeawhiletillIgetmeastaff。\"
Sosaying，hethrewasidetherosethathehadbeenholdingallthistime，thrusthisswordbackintothescabbard，and，withamorehastystepthanhehadyetused，steppedtotheroadsidewheregrewthelittleclumpofgroundoaksRobinhadspokenof。
Choosingamongthem，hepresentlyfoundasaplingtohisliking。
Hedidnotcutit，but，rollinguphissleevesalittleway，helaidholdofit，placedhisheelagainsttheground，and，withonemightypull，pluckedtheyoungtreeupbytherootsfromouttheveryearth。
Thenhecameback，trimmingawaytherootsandtenderstemswithhisswordasquietlyasifhehaddonenoughttospeakof。
LittleJohnandtheTannerhadbeenwatchingallthatpassed，butwhentheysawthestrangerdragthesaplingupfromtheearth，andheardtherendingandsnappingofitsroots，theTannerpursedhislipstogether，drawinghisbreathbetweentheminalonginwardwhistle。
\"Bythebreathofmybody！\"saidLittleJohn，assoonashecouldgatherhiswitsfromtheirwonder，\"sawestthouthat，Arthur？Marry，I
thinkourpoormasterwillstandbutanillchancewithyonfellow。
ByOurLady，hepluckedupyongreentreeasitwereabarleystraw。\"
WhateverRobinHoodthought，hestoodhisground，andnowheandthestrangerinscarletstoodfacetoface。
WelldidRobinHoodholdhisownthatdayasamid-countryyeoman。
Thiswayandthattheyfought，andbackandforth，Robin\'sskillagainstthestranger\'sstrength。
Thedustofthehighwayroseuparoundthemlikeacloud，sothatattimesLittleJohnandtheTannercouldseenothing，butonlyheartherattleofthestavesagainstoneanother。
ThriceRobinHoodstruckthestranger；onceuponthearmandtwiceupontheribs，andyethadhewardedalltheother\'sblows，onlyoneofwhich，haditmetitsmark，wouldhavelaidstoutRobinlowerinthedustthanhehadevergonebefore。
AtlastthestrangerstruckRobin\'scudgelsofairlyinthemiddlethathecouldhardlyholdhisstaffinhishand；againhestruck，andRobinbentbeneaththeblow；athirdtimehestruck，andnownotonlyfairlybeatdownRobin\'sguard，butgavehimsucharap，also，thatdownhetumbledintothedustyroad。
\"Hold！\"criedRobinHood，whenhesawthestrangerraisinghisstaffoncemore。\"Iyieldme！\"
\"Hold！\"criedLittleJohn，burstingfromhiscover，withtheTannerathisheels。\"Hold！giveover，Isay！\"
\"Nay，\"answeredthestrangerquietly，\"iftherebetwomoreofyou，andeachasstoutasthisgoodfellow，Iamliketohavemyhandsfull。
Nevertheless，comeon，andIwillstrivemybesttoserveyouall。\"
\"Stop！\"criedRobinHood，\"wewillfightnomore。Itakemyvow，thisisanilldayfortheeandme，LittleJohn。Idoverilybelievethatmywrist，andekemyarm，arepalsiedbythejaroftheblowthatthisstrangerstruckme。\"
ThenLittleJohnturnedtoRobinHood。\"Why，hownow，goodmaster，\"saidhe。\"Alas！Thouartinanillplight。
Marry，thyjerkinisallbefouledwiththedustoftheroad。
Letmehelptheetoarise。\"
\"Aplagueonthyaid！\"criedRobinangrily。\"Icangettomyfeetwithoutthyhelp，goodfellow。\"
\"Nay，butletmeatleastdustthycoatforthee。Ifearthypoorbonesaremightilysore，\"quothLittleJohnsoberly，butwithaslytwinkleinhiseyes。
\"Giveover，Isay！\"quothRobininafume。\"Mycoathathbeendustedenoughalready，withoutaidofthine。\"Then，turningtothestranger，hesaid，\"Whatmaybethyname，goodfellow？\"
\"MynameisGamwell，\"answeredtheother。
\"Ha！\"criedRobin，\"isitevenso？Ihavenearkinofthatname。
Whencecamestthou，fairfriend？\"
\"FromMaxfieldTownIcome，\"answeredthestranger。
\"TherewasIbornandbred，andthenceIcometoseekmymother\'syoungbrother，whommencallRobinHood。So，ifperchancethoumaystdirectme——\"
\"Ha！WillGamwell！\"criedRobin，placingbothhandsupontheother\'sshouldersandholdinghimoffatarm\'slength。
\"Surely，itcanbenoneother！Imighthaveknowntheebythatprettymaidenairofthine——thatdainty，finickingmannerofgait。
Dostthounotknowme，lad？Lookuponmewell。\"
\"Now，bythebreathofmybody！\"criedtheother，\"IdobelievefrommyheartthatthouartmineownUncleRobin。Nay，certainitisso！\"
Andeachflunghisarmsaroundtheother，kissinghimuponthecheek。
ThenoncemoreRobinheldhiskinsmanoffatarm\'slengthandscannedhimkeenlyfromtoptotoe。\"Why，hownow，\"quothhe，\"whatchangeishere？Verily，someeightortenyearsagoIlefttheeastriplinglad，withgreatjointsandill-hunglimbs，andlo！
herethouart，astightafellowase\'erIsetmineeyesupon。
Dostthounotremember，lad，howIshowedtheetheproperwaytonipthegoosefeatherbetwixtthyfingersandthrowoutthybowarmsteadily？Thougayestgreatpromiseofbeingakeenarcher。
AnddostthounotmindhowItaughttheetofendandparrywiththecudgel？\"
\"Yea，\"saidyoungGamwell，\"andIdidsolookuptothee，andthoughttheesoaboveallothermenthat，Imakemyvow，hadIknownwhothouwert，Iwouldneverhavedaredtolifthandagainsttheethisday。
ItrustIdidtheenogreatharm。\"
\"No，no，\"quothRobinhastily，andlookingsidewaysatLittleJohn，\"thoudidstnotharmme。Butsaynomoreofthat，Iprythee。
YetIwillsay，lad，thatIhopeImayneverfeelagainsuchablowasthoudidstgiveme。By\'rLady，myarmdothtingleyetfromfingernailtoelbow。Truly，IthoughtthatIwaspalsiedforlife。
Itellthee，coz，thatthouartthestrongestmanthateverI
laidmineeyesupon。Itakemyvow，IfeltmystomachquakewhenIbeheldtheepluckupyongreentreeasthoudidst。
Buttellme，howcamestthoutoleaveSirEdwardandthymother？\"
\"Alas！\"answeredyoungGamwell，\"itisanillstory，uncle，thatI
havetotellthee。Myfather\'ssteward，whocametousafteroldGilesCrooklegdied，waseverasaucyvarlet，andIknownotwhymyfatherkepthim，savingthathedidoverseewithgreatjudgment。
Itusedtogallmetohearhimspeakupsoboldlytomyfather，who，thouknowest，waseverapatientmantothoseabouthim，andslowtoangerandharshwords。Well，oneday——andanilldayitwasforthatsaucyfellow——hesoughttoberatemyfather，Istandingby。
Icouldstanditnolonger，gooduncle，so，steppingforth，Igavehimaboxo\'theear，and——wouldstthoubelieveit？——thefellowstraightwaydiedo\'t。IthinktheysaidIbrokehisneck，orsomethingo\'
thelike。Soofftheypackedmetoseektheeandescapethelaw。
Iwasonmywaywhenthousawestme，andhereIam。\"
\"Well，bythefaithofmyheart，\"quothRobinHood，\"foranyoneescapingthelaw，thouwasttakingitthemosteasilythateverIbeheldinallmylife。Wheneverdidanyoneinalltheworldseeonewhohadslainaman，andwasescapingbecauseofit，trippingalongthehighwaylikeadaintycourtdamsel，sniffingatarosethewhile？\"
\"Nay，uncle，\"answeredWillGamwell，\"overhasteneverchurnedgoodbutter，astheoldsayinghathit。Moreover，Idoverilybelievethatthisoverstrengthofmybodyhathtakenthenimblenessoutofmyheels。
Why，thoudidstbutjustnowrapmethrice，andItheeneveraonce，savebyoverbearingtheebymystrength。\"
\"Nay，\"quothRobin，\"letussaynomoreonthatscore。
Iamrightgladtoseethee，Will，andthouwiltaddgreathonorandcredittomybandofmerryfellows。Butthoumustchangethyname，forwarrantswillbeoutpresentlyagainstthee；
so，becauseofthygayclothes，thoushalthenceforthandforayebecalledWillScarlet。\"
\"WillScarlet，\"quothLittleJohn，steppingforwardandreachingouthisgreatpalm，whichtheothertook，\"WillScarlet，thenamefitteththeewell。
RightgladamItowelcometheeamongus。IamcalledLittleJohn；
andthisisanewmemberwhohasjustjoinedus，astouttannernamedArthuraBland。Thouartliketoachievefame，Will，letmetellthee，fortherewillbemanyamerryballadsungaboutthecountry，andmanyamerrystorytoldinSherwoodofhowRobinHoodtaughtLittleJohnandArthuraBlandtheproperwaytousethequarterstaff；likewise，asitwere，howourgoodmasterbitoffsolargeapieceofcakethathechokedonit。\"
\"Nay，goodLittleJohn，\"quothRobingently，forhelikedilltohavesuchajesttoldofhim。\"Whyshouldwespeakofthislittlematter？
Prythee，letuskeepthisday\'sdoingsamongourselves。\"
\"Withallmyheart，\"quothLittleJohn。\"But，goodmaster，Ithoughtthatthoudidstloveamerrystory，becausethouhastsooftenmadeajestaboutacertainincreaseoffatnessonmyjoints，offleshgatheredbymyabidingwiththeSheriffof——\"
\"Nay，goodLittleJohn，\"saidRobinhastily，\"IdobethinkmeIhavesaidfullenoughonthatscore。\"
\"Itiswell，\"quothLittleJohn，\"forintruthImyselfhavetiredofitsomewhat。ButnowIbethinkme，thoudidstalsoseemmindedtomakeajestoftherainthatthreatenedlastnight；so——\"
\"Nay，then，\"saidRobinHoodtestily，\"Iwasmistaken。
Iremembermenowitdidseemtothreatenrain。\"
\"Truly，Ididthinksomyself，\"quothLittleJohn，\"therefore，nodoubt，thoudostthinkitwaswiseofmetoabideallnightattheBlueBoarInn，insteadofventuringforthinsuchstormyweather；dostthounot？\"
\"Aplagueoftheeandthydoings！\"criedRobinHood。\"Ifthouwilthaveitso，thouwertrighttoabidewhereverthoudidstchoose。\"
\"Oncemore，itiswell，\"quothLittleJohn。\"Asformyself，Ihavebeenblindthisday。Ididnotseetheedrubbed；
Ididnotseetheetumbledheelsoverheadinthedust；
andifanymansaysthatthouwert，Icanwithaclearconsciencerattlehislyingtonguebetwixthisteeth。\"
\"Come，\"criedRobin，bitinghisnetherlip，whiletheotherscouldnotforbearlaughing。\"Wewillgonofarthertoday，butwillreturntoSherwood，andthoushaltgotoAncasteranothertime，LittleJohn。\"
SosaidRobin，fornowthathisbonesweresore，hefeltasthoughalongjourneywouldbeanillthingforhim。So，turningtheirbacks，theyretracedtheirstepswhencetheycame。
TheAdventurewithMidgetheMiller\'sSonWHENTHEfouryeomenhadtraveledforalongtimetowardSherwoodagain，highnoontidebeingpast，theybegantowaxhungry。
QuothRobinHood，\"IwouldthatIhadsomewhattoeat。
Methinksagoodloafofwhitebread，withapieceofsnow-whitecheese，washeddownwithadraughtofhummingale，wereafeastforaking。\"
\"Sincethouspeakestofit，\"saidWillScarlet，\"methinksitwouldnotbeamissmyself。Thereisthatwithinmecriethout，`Victuals，goodfriend，victuals！\'\"
\"Iknowahousenearby，\"saidArthuraBland，\"and，hadIbutthemoney，Iwouldbringyethatyespeakof；towit，asweetloafofbread，afaircheese，andaskinofbrownale。\"
\"Forthematterofthat，thouknowestIhavemoneybyme，goodmaster，\"
quothLittleJohn。
\"Why，sothouhast，LittleJohn，\"saidRobin。\"Howmuchmoneywillittake，goodArthur，tobuyusmeatanddrink？\"
\"Ithinkthatsixbroadpennieswillbuyfoodenowforadozenmen，\"
saidtheTanner。
\"Thengivehimsixpennies，LittleJohn，\"quothRobin，\"formethinksfoodforthreemenwillaboutfitmyneed。
Nowgettheegone，Arthur，withthemoney，andbringthefoodhere，forthereisasweetshadeinthatthicketyonder，besidetheroad，andtherewillweeatourmeal。\"
SoLittleJohngaveArthurthemoney，andtheotherssteppedtothethicket，theretoawaitthereturnoftheTanner。
Afteratimehecameback，bearingwithhimagreatbrownloafofbread，andafair，roundcheese，andagoatskinfullofstoutMarchbeer，slungoverhisshoulders。ThenWillScarlettookhisswordanddividedtheloafandthecheeseintofourfairportions，andeachmanhelpedhimself。ThenRobinHoodtookadeeppullatthebeer。
\"Aha！\"saidhe，drawinginhisbreath，\"neverhaveItastedsweeterdrinkthanthis。\"
Afterthisnomanspakemore，buteachmunchedawayathisbreadandcheeselustily，witheverandanonapullatthebeer。
AtlastWillScarletlookedatasmallpieceofbreadhestillheldinhishand，andquothhe，\"MethinksIwillgivethistothesparrows。\"
So，throwingitfromhim，hebrushedthecrumbsfromhisjerkin。
\"I，too，\"quothRobin，\"havehadenough，Ithink。\"
AsforLittleJohnandtheTanner，theyhadbythistimeeateneverycrumboftheirbreadandcheese。
\"Now，\"quothRobin，\"Idofeelmyselfanotherman，andwouldfainenjoysomethingpleasantbeforegoingfartheruponourjourney。
Idobethinkme，Will，thatthoudidstusetohaveaprettyvoice，andonethattunedsweetlyuponasong。Prythee，giveusoneerewejourneyfarther。\"
\"Truly，Idonotmindturningatune，\"answeredWillScarlet，\"butIwouldnotsingalone。\"
\"Nay，otherswillfollow。Strikeup，lad，\"quothRobin。
\"Inthatcase，\'tiswell，\"saidWillScarlet。\"Idocalltomindasongthatacertainminstrelusedtosinginmyfather\'shall，uponoccasion。
Iknownonameforitandsocangiveyounone；butthusitis。\"
Then，clearinghisthroat，hesang：
\"_Inthemerryblossomtime，Whenlovelongingsfoodthebreast，Whentheflowerisonthelime，Whenthesmallfowlbuildshernest，SweetlysingsthenightingaleAndthethrostlecocksobold；
CuckoointhedewydaleAndtheturtleintheword。
ButtherobinIlovedear，Forhesingeththroughtheyear。
Robin！Robin！
MerryRobin！
SoI\'dhavemytruelovebe：
NottoflyAtthenighSignofcoldadversity_。
\"_Whenthespringbringssweetdelights，Whenaloftthelarkdothrise，Loverswooo\'mellownights，Andyouthspeepinmaidens\'eyes，Thattimebloomstheeglantine，Daisiespieduponthehill，Cowslipsfairandcolumbine，Duskyvioletsbytherill。
ButtheivygreenclothgrowWhenthenorthwindbringethsnow。
Ivy！Ivy！
Stanchandtrue！
ThusI\'dhaveherlovetobe：
NottodieAtthenighBreathofcoldadversity_。\"
\"\'Tiswellsung，\"quothRobin，\"but，cousin，Itelltheeplain，Iwouldratherhearastoutfellowliketheesingsomelustyballadthanafinickingsongofflowersandbirds，andwhatnot。
Yet，thoudidstsingitfair，and\'tisnonesobadasnatchofasong，forthematterofthat。Now，Tanner，itisthyturn。\"
\"Iknownot，\"quothArthur，smiling，withhisheadononeside，likeabuddinglassthatisaskedtodance，\"IknownotthatI
canmatchoursweetfriend\'ssong；moreover，IdoverilythinkthatIhavecaughtacoldandhaveacertainticklingandhuskinessinthewindpipe。\"
\"Nay，singup，friend，\"quothLittleJohn，whosatnexttohim，pattinghimupontheshoulder。\"Thouhastafair，round，mellowvoice；
letushaveatouchofit。\"
\"Nay，anyewillha\'apoorthing，\"saidArthur，\"Iwilldomybest。
HaveyeeverheardofthewooingofSirKeith，thestoutyoungCornishknight，ingoodKingArthur\'stime？\"
\"MethinksIhaveheardsomewhatofit，\"saidRobin；\"butne\'erthelessstrikeupthydittyandletushearit，for，asIdorememberme，itisagallantsong；sooutwithit，goodfellow。\"
Thereupon，clearinghisthroat，theTanner，withoutmoreado，begantosing：
THEWOOINGOFSIRKEITH
\"_KingArthursatinhisroyalhall，AndaboutoneitherhandWasmanyanoblelordlingtall，Thegreatestintheland。
\"SatLancelotwithravenlocks，Gawainewithgoldenhair，SirTristram，Kaywhokeptthelocks，Andmanyanotherthere。
\"Andthroughthestainedwindowsbright，Fromo\'erthered-tiledeaves，ThesunlightblazedwithcoloredlightOngoldenhelmsandgreaves。
\"ButsuddenlyasilencecameAbouttheTableRound，ForupthehalltherewalkedadameBentnighuntotheground。
\"Hernosewashooked，hereyeswerebleared，Herlockswerelankandwhite；
Uponherchintheregrewabeard；
Shewasagruesomesight。
\"AndsowithcrawlingstepshecameAndkneeledatArthur\'sfeet；
QuothKay，`SheisthefoulestdameThate\'ermysightdidgreet。\'
\"`OmightyKing！oftheeIcraveAboononbendedknee\'；
\'Twasthusshespoke。`Whatwouldstthouhave。\'
QuothArthur，King，`ofme_？\'
\"_Quothshe，`IhaveafouldiseaseDothgnawmyveryheart，AndbutonethingcanbringmeeaseOrcuremybittersmart。
\"`Thereisnorest，noeaseformeNorth，east，orwest，orsouth，TillChristianknightwillwillinglyThricekissmeonthemouth。
\"`NorweddedmaythischildehavebeenThatgivetheasetome；
Normayhebeconstrained，Iween，Butkissmewillingly。
\"`SoistherehereoneChristianknightOfsuchanoblestrainThathewillgiveatorturedwightSweeteaseofmortalpain？\'
\"`Aweddedman，\'quothArthur，King，`AweddedmanIbeElsewouldIdeemitnoblethingTokisstheewillingly。
\"`Now，Lancelot，inallmen\'ssightThouarttheheadandchiefOfchivalry。Come，nobleknight，Andgiveherquickrelief。\'
\"ButLancelotheturnedasideAndlookedupontheground，ForitdidstinghishaughtyprideTohearthemlaugharound。
\"`Comethou，SirTristram，\'quoththeKing。
Quothhe，`Itcannotbe，Forne\'ercanImystomachbringTodoitwillingly。\'
\"`Wiltthou，SirKay，thouscornfulwight？\'
QuothKay，`Nay，bymytroth！
WhatnobledamewouldkissaknightThatkissedsofoulamouth_？\'
\"`_Wiltthou，Gawaine？\'`Icannot，King。\'
`SirGeraint？\'`Nay，notI；
Mykissesnoreliefcouldbring，ForsoonerwouldIdie。\'
\"ThenupandspaketheyoungestmanOfallabouttheboard，\'NowsuchreliefasChristiancanI\'llgivetoher，mylord。\'
\"ItwasSirKeith，ayouthfulknight，Yetstrongoflimbandbold，WithbearduponhischinaslightAsfinestthreadsofgold。
\"QuothKay，`HehathnomistressyetThathemaycallhisown，Buthereisonethat\'squicktoget，Assheherselfhasshown。\'
\"Hekissedheronce，hekissedhertwice，Hekissedherthreetimeso\'er，Awondrouschangecameinatrice，Andshewasfoulnomore。
\"Hercheeksgrewredasanyrose，Herbrowaswhiteaslawn，Herbosomlikethewintersnows，Hereyeslikethoseoffawn。
\"HerbreathgrewsweetassummerbreezeThatblowsthemeadowso\'er；
Hervoicegrewsoftasrustlingtrees，Andcrackedandharshnomore。
\"Herhairgrewglittering，likethegold，Herhandsaswhiteasmilk；
Herfilthyrags，sofoulandold，Werechangedtorobesofsilk。
\"Ingreatamazetheknightsdidstare。
QuothKay，`ImakemyvowIfitwillpleasethee，ladyfair，I\'llgladlykisstheenow_。\'
\"_ButyoungSirKeithkneeledononekneeAndkissedherrobessofair。
`Oletmebethyslave，\'saidhe，`Fornonetotheecompare。\'
\"Shebentherdown，shekissedhisbrow，Shekissedhislipsandeyes。
Quothshe，`Thouartmymasternow，Mylord，mylove，arise！
\"`Andallthewealththatismineown，Mylands，Igivetothee，ForneverknighthathladyshownSuchnoblecourtesy。
\"`BewitchedwasI，inbitterpain，Butthouhastsetmefree，SonowIammyselfagain，Igivemyselftothee_。\'\"
\"Yea，truly，\"quothRobinHood，whentheTannerhadmadeanendofsinging，\"itisasIrememberit，afairditty，andaballadwithapleasingtuneofasong。\"
\"Ithathoftentimesseemedtome，\"saidWillScarlet，\"thatithathacertainmotiveinit，e\'ensuchasthis：
Thatadutywhichseemethtoussometimesuglyandharsh，whenwedokissitfairlyuponthemouth，sotospeak，isnosuchfoulthingafterall。\"
\"Methinksthouartright，\"quothRobin，\"and，contrariwise，thatwhenwekissapleasurethatappearethgayitturnethfoultous；
isitnotso，LittleJohn？Trulysuchathinghathbroughttheesorethumpsthisday。Nay，man，neverlookdowninthemouth。
Clearthypipesandsingusaditty。\"
\"Nay，\"saidLittleJohn，\"IhavenoneasfairasthatmerryArthurhastrolled。TheyareallpoorthingsthatIknow。
Moreover，myvoiceisnotintunetoday，andIwouldnotspoilevenatolerablesongbyillsinging。\"
UponthisallpressedLittleJohntosing，sothatwhenhehaddeniedthemaproperlengthoftime，suchasisseemlyinonethatisaskedtosing，hepresentlyyielded。
Quothhe，`Well，anyewillha\'itso，IwillgiveyouwhatIcan。
LiketofairWill，Ihavenotitletomyditty，butthusitruns：
\"_OLadymine，thespringishere，Withaheynonnynonny；
Thesweetloveseasonoftheyear，Withaninnyninnynonny；
NowladandlassLieinthegrassThatgrowethgreenWithflowersbetween。
ThebuckdothrestTheleavesdostart，Thecockdothcrow，Thebreezedothblow，Andallthingslaughin_——\"
\"Whomayyonfellowbecomingalongtheroad？\"saidRobin，breakingintothesong。
\"Iknownot，\"quothLittleJohninasurlyvoice。\"ButthisIdoknow，thatitisanillthingtodotochecktheflowofagoodsong。\"
\"Nay，LittleJohn，\"saidRobin，\"benotvexed，Iprythee；
butIhavebeenwatchinghimcomingalong，bentbeneaththatgreatbagoverhisshoulder，eversincethoudidstbeginthysong。
Look，LittleJohn，Ipray，andseeifthouknowesthim。\"
LittleJohnlookedwhitherRobinHoodpointed。\"Truly，\"quothhe，afteratime，\"IthinkyonfellowisacertainyoungmillerIhaveseennowandthenaroundtheedgeofSherwood；
apoorwight，methinks，tospoilagoodsongabout。\"
\"Nowthouspeakestofhim，\"quothRobinHood，\"methinksImyselfhaveseenhimnowandthen。HathhenotamilloverbeyondNottinghamTown，nightotheSalisburyroad？\"
\"Thouartright；thatistheman，\"saidLittleJohn。
\"Agoodstoutfellow，\"quothRobin。\"IsawhimcrackNedo\'
Bradford\'scrownaboutafortnightsince，andneversawIhairliftedmoreneatlyinallmylifebefore。\"
Bythistimetheyoungmillerhadcomesonearthattheycouldseehimclearly。Hisclothesweredustedwithflour，andoverhisbackhecarriedagreatsackofmeal，bendingsoastobringthewholeweightuponhisshoulders，andacrossthesackwasathickquarterstaff。
Hislimbswerestoutandstrong，andhestrodealongthedustyroadrightsturdilywiththeheavysackacrosshisshoulders。
Hischeekswereruddyasawinterhip，hishairwasflaxenincolor，andonhischinwasadownygrowthofflaxenbeard。
\"Agoodhonestfellow，\"quothRobinHood，\"andsuchanoneasisacredittoEnglishyeomanrie。Nowletushaveamerryjestwithhim。
Wewillforthasthoughwewerecommonthievesandpretendtorobhimofhishonestgains。Thenwillwetakehimintotheforestandgivehimafeastsuchashisstomachneverheldinallhislifebefore。
Wewillfloodhisthroatwithgoodcanaryandsendhimhomewithcrownsinhispurseforeverypennyhehath。Whatsayye，lads？\"
\"Truly，itisamerrythought，\"saidWillScarlet。
\"Itiswellplanned，\"quothLittleJohn，\"butallthesaintspreserveusfromanymoredrubbingsthisday！Marry，mypoorbonesachesothatI——\"
\"Prytheepeace，LittleJohn，\"quothRobin。\"Thyfoolishtonguewillgetusbothwelllaughedatyet。\"
\"Myfoolishtongue，forsooth，\"growledLittleJohntoArthuraBland。\"Iwoulditcouldkeepourmasterfromgettingusintoanothercoilthisday。\"
ButnowtheMiller，ploddingalongtheroad，hadcomeoppositetowheretheyeomenlayhidden，whereuponallfourofthemranathimandsurroundedhim。
\"Hold，friend！\"criedRobintotheMiller；whereuponheturnedslowly，withtheweightofthebaguponhisshoulder，andlookedateachinturnallbewildered，forthoughagoodstoutmanhiswitsdidnotskiplikeroastingchestnuts。
\"Whobidsmestay？\"saidtheMillerinavoicedeepandgruff，likethegrowlofagreatdog。
\"Marry，thatdoI，\"quothRobin；\"andletmetellthee，friend，thouhadstbestmindmybidding。\"
\"Andwhoartthou，goodfriend？\"saidtheMiller，throwingthegreatsackofmealfromhisshouldertotheground，\"andwhoarethosewiththee？\"
\"WebefourgoodChristianmen，\"quothRobin，\"andwouldfainhelptheebycarryingpartofthyheavyload。\"
\"Igiveyouallthanks，\"saidtheMiller，\"butmybagisnonethatheavythatIcannotcarryite\'enbymyself。\"
\"Nay，thoudostmistake，\"quothRobin，\"Imeantthatthoumightestperhapshavesomeheavyfarthingsorpenceaboutthee，nottospeakofsilverandgold。OurgoodGafferSwantholdsayeththatgoldisanoverheavyburdenforatwo-leggedasstocarry；
sowewoulde\'enliftsomeofthisloadfromthee。\"
\"Alas！\"criedtheMiller，\"whatwouldyedotome？
Ihavenotaboutmesomuchasaclippedgroat。
Domenoharm，Iprayyou，butletmedepartinpeace。
Moreover，letmetellyouthatyeareuponRobinHood\'sground，andshouldhefindyouseekingtorobanhonestcraftsman，hewillclipyourearstoyourheadsandscourgeyoueventothewallsofNottingham。
\"IntruthIfearRobinHoodnomorethanIdomyself，\"
quothjollyRobin。\"Thoumustthisdaygiveuptomeeverypennythouhastaboutthee。Nay，ifthoudostbudgeaninchIwillrattlethisstaffaboutthineears。\"
\"Nay，smitemenot！\"criedtheMiller，throwinguphiselbowasthoughhefearedtheblow。\"Thoumaystsearchmeifthouwilt，butthouwiltfindnothinguponme，pouch，pocket，orskin。\"
\"Isitso？\"quothRobinHood，lookingkeenlyuponhim。
\"NowIbelievethatwhatthoutellestisnotruetale。
IfIamnotmuchmistookthouhastsomewhatinthebottomofthatfatsackofmeal。GoodArthur，emptythebagupontheground；
Iwarrantthouwiltfindashillingortwointheflour。\"
\"Alas！\"criedtheMiller，fallinguponhisknees，\"spoilnotallmygoodmeal！Itcanbetteryounot，andwillruinme。
Spareit，andIwillgiveupthemoneyinthebag。\"
\"Ha！\"quothRobin，nudgingWillScarlet。\"Isitso？
AndhaveIfoundwherethymoneylies？Marry，IhaveawondrousnosefortheblessedimageofgoodKingHarry。IthoughtthatIsmelledgoldandsilverbeneaththebarleymeal。
Bringitstraightforth，Miller。\"
ThenslowlytheMillerarosetohisfeet，andslowlyandunwillinglyheuntiedthemouthofthebag，andslowlythrusthishandsintothemealandbeganfumblingaboutwithhisarmsburiedtotheelbowsinthebarleyflour。
Theothersgatheredroundhim，theirheadstogether，lookingandwonderingwhathewouldbringforth。
Sotheystood，allwiththeirheadsclosetogethergazingdownintothesack。Butwhilehepretendedtobesearchingforthemoney，theMillergatheredtwogreathandfulsofmeal。
\"Ha，\"quothhe，\"heretheyare，thebeauties。\"Then，astheothersleanedstillmoreforwardtoseewhathehad，hesuddenlycastthemealintotheirfaces，fillingtheireyesandnosesandmouthswiththeflour，blindingandhalfchokingthem。
ArthuraBlandwasworseoffthanany，forhismouthwasopen，agapewithwonderofwhatwastocome，sothatagreatcloudofflourflewdownhisthroat，settinghima-coughingtillhecouldscarcelystand。
Then，whileallfourstumbledabout，roaringwiththesmartofthemealintheireyeballs，andwhiletheyrubbedtheireyestillthetearsmadegreatchannelsontheirfacesthroughthemeal，theMillerseizedanotherhandfulofflourandanotherandanother，throwingitintheirfaces，sothatevenhadtheyhadaglimmeringoflightbeforetheywerenowasblindaseverabeggarinNottinghamshire，whiletheirhairandbeardsandclotheswereaswhiteassnow。
Thencatchinguphisgreatcrabstaff，theMillerbeganlayingabouthimasthoughhewerecleangonemad。
Thiswayandthatskippedthefour，likepeasonadrumhead，buttheycouldseeneithertodefendthemselvesnortorunaway。
Thwack！thwack！wenttheMiller\'scudgelacrosstheirbacks，andateveryblowgreatwhitecloudsofflourroseintheairfromtheirjacketsandwentdriftingdownthebreeze。
\"Stop！\"roaredRobinatlast。\"Giveover，goodfriend，IamRobinHood！\"
\"Thouliest，thouknave，\"criedtheMiller，givinghimarapontheribsthatsentupagreatcloudofflourlikeapuffofsmoke。
\"StoutRobinneverrobbedanhonesttradesman。Ha！thouwouldsthavemymoney，wouldstthou？\"Andhegavehimanotherblow。
\"Nay，thouartnotgettingthyshare，thoulong-leggedknave。
Shareandsharealike。\"AndhesmoteLittleJohnacrosstheshoulderssothathesenthimskippinghalfacrosstheroad。
\"Nay，fearnot，itisthyturnnow，blackbeard。\"AndhegavetheTanneracrackthatmadehimroarforallhiscoughing。
\"Hownow，redcoat，letmebrushthedustfromthee！\"
criedhe，smitingWillScarlet。Andsohegavethemmerrywordsandblowsuntiltheycouldscarcelystand，andwheneverhesawoneliketoclearhiseyeshethrewmoreflourinhisface。
AtlastRobinHoodfoundhishornandclappingittohislips，blewthreeloudblastsuponit。
NowitchancedthatWillStutelyandapartyofRobin\'smenwereinthegladenotfarfromwherethismerrysportwasgoingforward。Hearingthehubbubofvoices，andblowsthatsoundedlikethenoiseofaflailinthebarninwintertime，theystopped，listeningandwonderingwhatwastoward。
QuothWillStutely，\"NowifImistakenotthereissomestoutbattlewithcudgelsgoingforwardnotfarhence。Iwouldfainseethisprettysight。\"
Sosaying，heandthewholepartyturnedtheirstepswhencethenoisecame。
WhentheyhadcomenearwhereallthetumultsoundedtheyheardthethreeblastsofRobin\'sbuglehorn。
\"Quick！\"criedyoungDavidofDoncaster。\"Ourmasterisinsoreneed！\"
So，withoutstoppingamoment，theydashedforwardwithmightandmainandburstforthfromthecovertintothehighroad。
Butwhatasightwasthatwhichtheysaw！Theroadwasallwhitewithmeal，andfivemenstoodtherealsowhitewithmealfromtoptotoe，formuchofthebarleyflourhadfallenbackupontheMiller。
\"Whatisthyneed，master？\"criedWillStutely。\"Andwhatdothallthismean？\"
\"Why，\"quothRobininamightypassion，\"yontraitorfeltlowhathcomeasnighslayingmease\'eramaninalltheworld。
Hadstthounotcomequickly，goodStutely，thymasterhadbeendead。\"
Hereupon，whileheandthethreeothersrubbedthemealfromtheireyes，andWillStutelyandhismenbrushedtheirclothesclean，hetoldthemall；
howthathehadmeanttopassajestupontheMiller，whichsamehadturnedsogrievouslyuponthem。
\"Quick，men，seizethevileMiller！\"criedStutely，whowasnighchokingwithlaughterasweretherest；whereuponseveralranuponthestoutfellowandseizinghim，boundhisarmsbehindhisbackwithbowstrings。
\"Ha！\"criedRobin，whentheybroughtthetremblingMillertohim。
\"Thouwouldstmurderme，wouldstthou？Bymyfaith\"——
Herehestoppedandstoodglaringuponthe，Millergrimly。
ButRobin\'sangercouldnothold，sofirsthiseyestwinkled，andtheninspiteofallhebrokeintoalaugh。
Nowwhentheysawtheirmasterlaugh，theyeomenwhostoodaroundcouldcontainthemselvesnolonger，andamightyshoutoflaughterwentupfromall。Manycouldnotstand，butrolleduponthegroundfrompuremerriment。
\"Whatisthyname，goodfellow？\"saidRobinatlasttotheMiller，whostoodgapingandasthoughhewereinamaze。
\"Alas，sir，IamMidge，theMiller\'sson，\"saidheinafrightenedvoice。
\"Imakemyvow，\"quothmerryRobin，smitinghimupontheshoulder，\"thouartthemightiestMidgethate\'ermineeyesbeheld。
Nowwiltthouleavethydustymillandcomeandjoinmyband？
Bymyfaith，thouarttoostoutamantospendthydaysbetwixtthehopperandthetill。\"
\"Thentruly，ifthoudostforgivemefortheblowsIstruck，notknowingwhothouwast，Iwilljoinwiththeerightmerrily，\"
saidtheMiller。
\"ThenhaveIgainedthisday，\"quothRobin，\"thethreestoutestyeomeninallNottinghamshire。Wewillgetusawaytothegreenwoodtree，andthereholdamerryfeastinhonorofournewfriends，andmayhapacuportwoofgoodsackandcanarymaymellowthesorenessofmypoorjointsandbones，thoughIwarrantitwillbemanyadaybeforeIamagainthemanIwas。\"
Sosaying，heturnedandledtheway，therestfollowing，andsotheyenteredtheforestoncemoreandwerelosttosight。
Sothatnightallwasablazewithcracklingfiresinthewoodlands，forthoughRobinandthoseothersspokenof，onlyexceptingMidge，theMiller\'sson，hadmanyasorebumpandbruisehereandthereontheirbodies，theywerestillnotsosoreinthejointsthattheycouldnotenjoyajollyfeastgivenallinwelcometothenewmembersoftheband。
Thuswithsongsandjestingandlaughterthatechoedthroughthedeeperandmoresilentnooksoftheforest，thenightpassedquicklyalong，assuchmerrytimesarewonttodo，untilatlasteachmansoughthiscouchandsilencefellonallthingsandallthingsseemedtosleep。
ButLittleJohn\'stonguewaseveronethatwasnoteasyofguidance，sothat，inchbyinch，thewholestoryofhisfightwiththeTannerandRobin\'sfightwithWillScarletleakedout。
AndsoIhavetolditthatyoumaylaughatthemerrytalealongwithme。
RobinHoodandAllanaDaleITHASjustbeentoldhowthreeunluckyadventuresfelluponRobinHoodandLittleJohnallinonedaybringingthemsoreribsandachingbones。
SonextwewilltellhowtheymadeupforthoseillhappeningsbyagoodactionthatcameaboutnotwithoutsomesmallpaintoRobin。
Twodayshadpassedby，andsomewhatofthesorenesshadpassedawayfromRobinHood\'sjoints，yetstill，whenhemovedofasuddenandwithoutthinking，painhereandtherewould，asitwere，joghim，crying，\"Thouhasthadadrubbing，goodfellow。\"
Thedaywasbrightandjocund，andthemorningdewstilllayuponthegrass。
UnderthegreenwoodtreesatRobinHood；ononesidewasWillScarlet，lyingatfulllengthuponhisback，gazingupintotheclearsky，withhandsclaspedbehindhishead；upontheothersidesatLittleJohn，fashioningacudgeloutofastoutcrab-treelimb；elsewhereuponthegrasssatorlaymanyothersoftheband。
\"Bythefaithofmyheart，\"quothmerryRobin，\"Idobethinkmethatwehavehadnoonetodinewithusforthislongtime。
Ourmoneygrowethlowinthepurse，fornoonehathcometopayareckoningformanyaday。Nowbuskthee，goodStutely，andchoosetheesixmen，andgettheegonetoFosseWayorthereabouts，andseethatthoubringestsomeonetoeatwithusthisevening。
Meantimewewillprepareagrandfeasttodowhosoevermaycomethegreaterhonor。Andstay，goodStutely。IwouldhavetheetakeWillScarletwiththee，foritismeetthatheshouldbecomeacquaintwiththewaysoftheforest。\"
\"NowdoIthankthee，goodmaster，\"quothStutely，springingtohisfeet，\"thatthouhastchosenmeforthisadventure。Truly，mylimbsdogrowslackthroughabidingidlyhere。Asfortwoofmysix，IwillchooseMidgetheMillerandArthuraBland，for，aswellthouknowest，goodmaster，theyarestoutfistsatthequarterstaff。
Isitnotso，LittleJohn？\"
AtthisalllaughedbutLittleJohnandRobin，whotwisteduphisface。
\"IcanspeakforMidge，\"saidhe，\"andlikewiseformycousinScarlet。
ThisveryblessedmornIlookedatmyribsandfoundthemasmanycolorsasabeggar\'scloak。\"
So，havingchosenfourmorestoutfellows，WillStutelyandhisbandsetforthtoFosseWay，tofindwhethertheymightnotcomeacrosssomerichguesttofeastthatdayinSherwoodwithRobinandhisband。
Forallthelivelongdaytheyabidednearthishighway。
EachmanhadbroughtwithhimagoodstoreofcoldmeatandabottleofstoutMarchbeertostayhisstomachtillthehomecoming。
Sowhenhighnoontidehadcometheysatthemdownuponthesoftgrass，beneathagreenandwide-spreadinghawthornbush，andheldaheartyandjovialfeast。Afterthis，onekeptwatchwhiletheothersnapped，foritwasastillandsultryday。
Thustheypassedthetimepleasantlyenow，butnoguestsuchastheydesiredshowedhisfaceinallthetimethattheylayhiddenthere。
Manypassedalongthedustyroadintheglareofthesun：
nowitwasabevyofchatteringdamselsmerrilytrippingalong；
nowitwasaploddingtinker；nowamerryshepherdlad；
nowasturdyfarmer；allgazingaheadalongtheroad，unconsciousofthesevenstoutfellowsthatlayhiddensonearthem。
Suchwerethetravelersalongtheway；butfatabbot，richesquire，ormoney-ladenusurercametherenone。
Atlastthesunbegantosinklowintheheavens；thelightgrewredandtheshadowslong。Theairgrewfullofsilence，thebirdstwitteredsleepily，andfromafarcame，faintandclear，themusicalsongofthemilkmaidcallingthekinehometothemilking。
ThenStutelyarosefromwherehewaslying。\"Aplagueofsuchillluck！\"
quothhe。\"Herehaveweabidedallday，andnobirdworththeshooting，sotospeak，hathcomewithinreachofourbolt。
HadIgoneforthonaninnocenterrand，Ihadmetadozenstoutpriestsorascoreofpursymoney-lenders。Butitiseverthus：
thedundeerareneversoscarceaswhenonehasagraygoosefeathernippedbetwixtthefingers。Come，lads，letuspackupandhomeagain，sayI。\"
Accordingly，theothersarose，and，comingforthfromoutthethicket，theyallturnedtheirtoesbackagaintoSherwood。Aftertheyhadgonesomedistance，WillStutely，whoheadedtheparty，suddenlystopped。
\"Hist！\"quothhe，forhisearswereassharpasthoseofafive-year-oldfox。
\"Hark，lads！MethinksIhearasound。\"Atthisallstoppedandlistenedwithbatedbreath，albeitforatimetheycouldhearnothing，theirearsbeingdullerthanStutely\'s。Atlengththeyheardafaintandmelancholysound，likesomeoneinlamentation。
\"Ha！\"quothWillScarlet，\"thismustbelookedinto。
Thereissomeoneindistressnightoushere。\"
\"Iknownot，\"quothWillStutely，shakinghisheaddoubtfully，\"ourmasteriseverrashaboutthrustinghisfingerintoaboilingpot；
but，formypart，Iseenouseingettingourselvesintomischievouscoils。
Yonisaman\'svoice，ifImistakenot，andamanshouldbealwaysreadytogethimselfoutfromhisownpothers。\"
ThenoutspakeWillScarletboldly。\"Nowoutuponthee，totalkinthatmanner，Stutely！Stay，ifthoudostlist。
Igotoseewhatmaybethetroubleofthispoorcreature。\"
\"Nay，\"quothStutely，\"thoudostleapsoquickly，thou\'lttumbleintotheditch。WhosaidIwouldnotgo？Comealong，sayI。\"Thussaying，heledtheway，theothersfollowing，till，aftertheyhadgoneashortdistance，theycametoalittleopeninginthewoodland，whenceabrook，aftergurglingoutfromunderthetangleofoverhangingbushes，spreadoutintoabroadandglassy-pebbledpool。
Bythesideofthispool，andbeneaththebranchesofawillow，layayouthuponhisface，weepingaloud，thesoundofwhichhadfirstcaughtthequickearsofStutely。Hisgoldenlocksweretangled，hisclotheswereallawry，andeverythingabouthimbetokenedsorrowandwoe。
Overhishead，fromthebranchesoftheosier，hungabeautifulharpofpolishedwoodinlaidwithgoldandsilverinfantasticdevices。
Besidehimlayastoutashenbowandhalfascoreoffair，smootharrows。
\"Halloa！\"shoutedWillStutely，whentheyhadcomeoutfromtheforestintothelittleopenspot。\"Whoartthou，fellow，thatliesttherekillingallthegreengrasswithsaltwater？\"
Hearingthevoice，thestrangersprangtohisfeetand；
snatchinguphisbowandfittingashaft，heldhimselfinreadinessforwhateverillmightbefallhim。
\"Truly，\"saidoneoftheyeomen，whentheyhadseentheyoungstranger\'sface，\"Idoknowthatladrightwell。HeisacertainminstrelthatIhaveseenhereaboutsmorethanonce。ItwasonlyaweekagoIsawhimskippingacrossthehilllikeayearlingdoe。
Afinesighthewasthen，withaflowerathisearandacock\'splumestuckinhiscap；butnow，methinks，ourcockerelisshornofhisgayfeathers。\"
\"Pah！\"criedWillStutely，cominguptothestranger，\"wipethineeyes，man！Idohatetoseeatall，stoutfellowsosnivelinglikeagirloffourteenoveradeadtomtit。
Putdownthybow，man！Wemeantheenoharm。\"
ButWillScarlet，seeinghowthestranger，whohadayoungandboyishlook，wasstungbythewordsthatStutelyhadspoken，cametohimandputhishandupontheyouth\'sshoulder。
\"Nay，thouartintrouble，poorboy！\"saidhekindly。
\"Mindnotwhatthesefellowshavesaid。Theyarerough，buttheymeantheewell。Mayhaptheydonotunderstandaladlikethee。
Thoushaltcomewithus，andperchancewemayfindacertainonethatcanaidtheeinthyperplexities，whatsoevertheymaybe。\"
\"Yea，truly，comealong，\"saidWillStutelygruffly。
\"Imeanttheenoharm，andmaymeantheesomegood。
Takedownthysingingtoolfromoffthisfairtree，andawaywithus。\"
Theyouthdidashewasbiddenand，withbowedheadandsorrowfulstep，accompaniedtheothers，walkingbesideWillScarlet。Sotheywendedtheirwaythroughtheforest。Thebrightlightfadedfromtheskyandaglimmeringgrayfelloverallthings。
Fromthedeeperrecessesoftheforestthestrangewhisperingsoundsofnight-timecametotheear；allelsewassilent，savingonlyfortherattlingoftheirfootstepsamidthecrisp，dryleavesofthelastwinter。Atlastaruddyglowshonebeforethemhereandtherethroughthetrees；alittlefartherandtheycametotheopenglade，nowbathedinthepalemoonlight。
Inthecenteroftheopencrackledagreatfire，throwingaredglowonallaround。Atthefirewereroastingjuicysteaksofvenison，pheasants，capons，andfreshfishfromtheriver。
Alltheairwasfilledwiththesweetsmellofgoodthingscooking。
Thelittlebandmadeitswayacrosstheglade，manyyeomenturningwithcuriouslooksandgazingafterthem，butnonespeakingorquestioningthem。
So，withWillScarletupononesideandWillStutelyupontheother，thestrangercametowhereRobinHoodsatonaseatofmossunderthegreenwoodtree，withLittleJohnstandingbesidehim。
\"Goodeven，fairfriend，\"saidRobinHood，risingastheotherdrewnear。
\"Andhastthoucometofeastwithmethisday？\"
\"Alas！Iknownot，\"saidthelad，lookingaroundhimwithdazedeyes，forhewasbewilderedwithallthathesaw。
\"Truly，IknownotwhetherIbeinadream，\"saidhetohimselfinalowvoice。
\"Nay，marry，\"quothRobin，laughing，\"thouartawake，asthouwiltpresentlyfind，forafinefeastisa-cookingforthee。
Thouartourhonoredguestthisday。\"
Stilltheyoungstrangerlookedabouthim，asthoughinadream。
PresentlyheturnedtoRobin。\"Methinks，\"saidhe，\"IknownowwhereI
amandwhathathbefallenme。ArtnotthouthegreatRobinHood？\"
\"Thouhasthitthebull\'seye，\"quothRobin，clappinghimupontheshoulder。
\"Menhereaboutsdocallmebythatname。Sin\'thouknowestme，thouknowestalsothathewhofeastethwithmemustpayhisreckoning。
Itrustthouhastafullpursewiththee，fairstranger。\"
\"Alas！\"saidthestranger，\"Ihavenopursenornomoneyeither，savingonlythehalfofasixpence，theotherhalfofwhichmineowndearlovedothcarryinherbosom，hungaboutherneckbyastrandofsilkenthread。\"
Atthisspeechagreatshoutoflaughterwentupfromthosearound，whereatthepoorboylookedashewoulddieofshame；butRobinHoodturnedsharplytoWillStutely。\"Why，hownow，\"quothhe，\"isthistheguestthatthouhastbroughtustofillourpurse？
Methinksthouhastbroughtbutaleancocktothemarket。\"
\"Nay，goodmaster，\"answeredWillStutely，grinning，\"heisnoguestofmine；
itwasWillScarletthatbroughthimthither。\"
ThenupspokeWillScarlet，andtoldhowtheyhadfoundtheladinsorrow，andhowhehadbroughthimtoRobin，thinkingthathemightperchanceaidhiminhistrouble。
ThenRobinHoodturnedtotheyouth，and，placinghishandupontheother\'sshoulder，heldhimoffatarm\'slength，scanninghisfaceclosely。
\"Ayoungface，\"quothheinalowvoice，halftohimself，\"akindface，agoodface。\'Tislikeamaiden\'sforpurity，and，withal，thefairestthate\'ermineeyesdidsee；but，ifImayjudgefairlybythylooks，griefcomethtoyoungaswellastoold。\"Atthesewords，spokensokindly，thepoorlad\'seyesbrimmedupwithtears。\"Nay，nay，\"saidRobinhastily，\"cheerup，lad；Iwarrantthycaseisnotsobadthatitcannotbemended。
Whatmaybethyname？\"
\"AllenaDaleismyname，goodmaster。\"
\"AllenaDale，\"repeatedRobin，musing。\"AllenaDale。Itdothseemtomethatthenameisnotaltogetherstrangetomineears。
Yea，surelythouarttheminstrelofwhomwehavebeenhearinglately，whosevoicesocharmethallmen。DostthounotcomefromtheDaleofRotherstream，overbeyondStavely？\"
\"Yea，truly，\"answeredAllan，\"Idocomethence。\"
\"Howoldartthou，Allan？\"saidRobin。
\"Iambuttwentyyearsofage。\"
\"Methinksthouartoveryoungtobeperplexedwithtrouble，\"
quothRobinkindly；then，turningtotheothers，hecried，\"Come，lads，buskyeandgetourfeastready；onlythou，WillScarlet，andthou，LittleJohn，stayherewithme。\"
Then，whentheothershadgone，eachmanabouthisbusiness，Robinturnedoncemoretotheyouth。\"Now，lad，\"saidhe，\"tellusthytroubles，andspeakfreely。Aflowofwordsdothevereasetheheartofsorrows；
itislikeopeningthewasteweirwhenthemilldamisoverfull。
Come，sitthouherebesideme，andspeakatthineease。\"
Thenstraightwaytheyouthtoldthethreeyeomenallthatwasinhisheart；
atfirstinbrokenwordsandphrases，thenfreelyandwithgreatereasewhenhesawthatalllistenedcloselytowhathesaid。
SohetoldthemhowhehadcomefromYorktothesweetvaleofRother，travelingthecountrythroughasaminstrel，stoppingnowatcastle，nowathall，andnowatfarmhouse；howhehadspentonesweeteveninginacertainbroad，lowfarmhouse，wherehesangbeforeastoutfranklinandamaidenaspureandlovelyasthefirstsnowdropofspring；howhehadplayedandsungtoher，andhowsweetElleno\'
theDalehadlistenedtohimandhadlovedhim。Then，inalow，sweetvoice，scarcelylouderthanawhisper，hetoldhowhehadwatchedforherandmethernowandthenwhenshewentabroad，butwasalltooafraidinhersweetpresencetospeaktoher，untilatlast，besidethebanksofRother，hehadspokenofhislove，andshehadwhisperedthatwhichhadmadehisheartstringsquiverforjoy。
Thentheybrokeasixpencebetweenthem，andvowedtobetruetooneanotherforever。
Nexthetoldhowherfatherhaddiscoveredwhatwasa-doing，andhadtakenherawayfromhimsothatheneversawheragain，andhisheartwassometimesliketobreak；howthismorn，onlyoneshortmonthandahalffromthetimethathehadseenherlast，hehadheardandknewittobeso，thatshewastomarryoldSirStephenofTrent，twodayshence，forEllen\'sfatherthoughtitwouldbeagrandthingtohavehisdaughtermarrysohigh，albeitshewisheditnot；
norwasitwonderthataknightshouldwishtomarryhisownsweetlove，whowasthemostbeautifulmaideninalltheworld。
Toallthistheyeomenlistenedinsilence，theclatterofmanyvoices，jestingandlaughing，soundingaroundthem，andtheredlightofthefireshiningontheirfacesandintheireyes。