ThenstraightwayLittleJohnandWillStutelycameleapingandstooduponeithersideofRobinHood，andquicklydrewtheirbroadswords，thewhileamightyvoicerolledovertheheadsofall，\"HerebeI，goodmaster，whenthouwantestme\"；foritwasFriarTuckthatsocalledfromtheorganloft。
Andnowallwashubbubandnoise。StoutEdwardstrodeforwardraging，andwouldhaveseizedhisdaughtertodragheraway，butLittleJohnsteppedbetweenandthrusthimback。\"Standback，oldman，\"saidhe，\"thouartahobbledhorsethisday。\"
\"Downwiththevillains！\"criedSirStephen，andfeltforhissword，butithungnotbesidehimonhisweddingday。
Thenthemen-at-armsdrewtheirswords，anditseemedlikethatbloodwouldwetthestones；butsuddenlycameabustleatthedoorandloudvoices，steelflashedinthelight，andthecrashofblowssounded。
Themen-at-armsfellback，anduptheaislecameleapingeighteenstoutyeomenallcladinLincolngreen，withAllanaDaleattheirhead。
InhishandheboreRobinHood\'sgoodstouttrustybowofyew，andthishegavetohim，kneelingthewhileupononeknee。
ThenupspakeEdwardofDeirwoldinadeepvoiceofanger，\"Isitthou，AllanaDale，thathathbredallthiscoilinachurch？\"
\"Nay，\"quothmerryRobin，\"thathaveIdone，andIcarenotwhoknowethit，formynameisRobinHood。\"
Atthisnameasuddensilencefell。ThePriorofEmmetandthosethatbelongedtohimgatheredtogetherlikeaflockoffrightenedsheepwhenthescentofthewolfisnigh，whiletheBishopofHereford，layingasidehisbook，crossedhimselfdevoutly。
\"NowHeavenkeepusthisday，\"saidhe，\"fromthatevilman！\"
\"Nay，\"quothRobin，\"Imeanyounoharm；buthereisfairEllen\'sbetrothedhusband，andsheshallmarryhimorpainwillbebredtosomeofyou。\"
ThenupspakestoutEdwardinaloudandangryvoice，\"NowIsaynay！
Iamherfather，andsheshallmarrySirStephenandnoneother。\"
Nowallthistime，whileeverythingwasinturmoilabouthim，SirStephenhadbeenstandinginproudandscornfulsilence。
\"Nay，fellow，\"saidhecoldly，\"thoumaysttakethydaughterbackagain；
Iwouldnotmarryherafterthisday\'sdoingscouldIgainallmerryEnglandthereby。Itelltheeplainly，Ilovedthydaughter，oldasIam，andwouldhavetakenheruplikeajewelfromthesty，yet，truly，Iknewnotthatshedidlovethisfellow，andwasbelovedbyhim。Maiden，ifthoudostratherchooseabeggarlyminstrelthanahigh-bornknight，takethychoice。
IdofeelitshamethatIshouldthusstandtalkingamidthisherd，andsoIwillleaveyou。\"Thussaying，heturnedand，gatheringhismenabouthim，walkedproudlydowntheaisle。
Thenalltheyeomenweresilencedbythescornofhiswords。
OnlyFriarTuckleanedovertheedgeofthechoirloftandcalledouttohimerehehadgone，\"Goodden，SirKnight。Thouwottestoldbonesmustalwaymakeroomforyoungblood。\"SirStephenneitheranswerednorlookedup，butpassedoutfromthechurchasthoughhehadheardnought，hismenfollowinghim。
ThentheBishopofHerefordspokehastily，\"I，too，havenobusinesshere，andsowilldepart。\"Andhemadeasthoughhewouldgo。
ButRobinHoodlaidholdofhisclothesandheldhim。
\"Stay，myLordBishop，\"saidhe，\"Ihaveyetsomewhattosaytothee。\"
TheBishop\'sfacefell，buthestayedasRobinbadehim，forhesawhecouldnotgo。
ThenRobinHoodturnedtostoutEdwardofDeirwold，andsaidhe，\"Givethyblessingonthydaughter\'smarriagetothisyeoman，andallwillbewell。LittleJohn，givemethebagsofgold。Look，farmer。
Herearetwohundredbrightgoldenangels；givethyblessing，asIsay，andIwillcountthemouttotheeasthydaughter\'sdower。
Givenotthyblessing，andsheshallbemarriedallthesame，butnotsomuchasacrackedfarthingshallcrossthypalm。Choose。\"
ThenEdwardlookeduponthegroundwithbentbrows，turningthematteroverandoverinhismind；buthewasashrewdmanandone，withal，thatmadethebestuseofacrackedpipkin；soatlasthelookedupandsaid，butinnojoyoustone，\"Ifthewenchwillgoherowngait，lethergo。
Ihadthoughttomakealadyofher；yetifshechoosestobewhatsheisliketobe，Ihavenoughttodowithherhenceforth。
Ne\'erthelessIwillgivehermyblessingwhensheisdulywedded。\"
\"Itmaynotbe，\"spakeuponeofthoseofEmmet。\"Thebannshavenotbeendulypublished，neitheristhereanypriestheretomarrythem。\"
\"Howsaystthou？\"roaredTuckfromthechoirloft。\"Nopriest？
Marry，herestandsasholyamanasthouart，anydayoftheweek，aclerkinorders，Iwouldhavetheeknow。Asforthequestionofbanns，stumblenotoverthatstraw，brother，forIwillpublishthem。\"
Sosaying，hecalledthebanns；and，saystheoldballad，lestthreetimesshouldnotbeenough，hepublishedthemninetimeso\'er。Thenstraightwayhecamedownfromtheloftandforthwithperformedthemarriageservice；
andsoAllanandEllenweredulywedded。
AndnowRobincountedouttwohundredgoldenangelstoEdwardofDeirwold，andhe，uponhispart，gavehisblessing，yetnot，Iwot，asthoughhemeantitwithovermuchgoodwill。
ThenthestoutyeomencrowdedaroundandgraspedAllan\'spalm，andhe，holdingEllen\'shandwithinhisown，lookedabouthimalldizzywithhishappiness。
ThenatlastjollyRobinturnedtotheBishopofHereford，whohadbeenlookingonatallthatpassedwithagrimlook。
\"MyLordBishop，\"quothhe，\"thoumaystbringtothymindthatthoudidstpromisemethatdidIplayinsuchwiseastocausethisfairlasstoloveherhusband，thouwouldstgivemewhatsoeverIaskedinreason。Ihaveplayedmyplay，andshelovethherhusband，whichshewouldnothavedonebutforme；sonowfulfillthypromise。
Thouhastupontheethatwhich，methinks，thouwouldstbethebetterwithout；therefore，Iprythee，givemethatgoldenchainthathangethaboutthyneckasaweddingpresentforthisfairbride。\"
ThentheBishop\'scheeksgrewredwithrageandhiseyesflashed。
HelookedatRobinwithafelllook，butsawthatintheyeoman\'sfacewhichbadehimpause。ThenslowlyhetookthechainfromabouthisneckandhandedittoRobin，whoflungitoverEllen\'sheadsothatithungglitteringabouthershoulders。
ThensaidmerryRobin，\"Ithankthee，onthebride\'spart，forthyhandsomegift，andtrulythouthyselfartmoreseemlywithoutit。Now，shouldstthouevercomenightoSherwoodI
muchhopethatIshallgivetheetheresuchafeastasthouhastne\'erhadinallthylifebefore。\"
\"MayHeavenforfend！\"criedtheBishopearnestly；forheknewrightwellwhatmanneroffeastitwasthatRobinHoodgavehisguestsinSherwoodForest。
ButnowRobinHoodgatheredhismentogether，and，withAllanandhisyoungbrideintheirmidst，theyallturnedtheirfootstepstowardthewoodlands。OnthewaythitherFriarTuckcameclosetoRobinandpluckedhimbythesleeve。
\"Thoudostleadamerrylife，goodmaster，\"quothhe，\"butdostthounotthinkthatitwouldbeforthewelfareofallyoursoulstohaveagoodstoutchaplain，suchasI，tooverseeholymatters？Truly，Idolovethislifemightily。\"
AtthismerryRobinHoodlaughedamain，andbadehimstayandbecomeoneoftheirbandifhewished。
ThatnighttherewassuchafeastheldinthegreenwoodasNottinghamshireneversawbefore。TothatfeastyouandIwerenotbidden，andpityitisthatwewerenot；so，lestweshouldbothfeelthematterthemorekeenly，Iwillsaynomoreaboutit。
RobinHoodAidsaSorrowfulKnightSOPASSEDthegentlespringtimeawayinbuddingbeauty；itssilvershowersandsunshine，itsgreenmeadowsanditsflowers。So，likewise，passedthesummerwithitsyellowsunlight，itsquiveringheatanddeep，boskyfoliage，itslongtwilightsanditsmellownights，throughwhichthefrogscroakedandfairyfolkweresaidtobeoutonthehillsides。
Allthishadpassedandthetimeoffallhadcome，bringingwithititsownpleasuresandjoyousness；fornow，whentheharvestwasgatheredhome，merrybandsofgleanersroamedthecountryabout，singingalongtheroadsinthedaytime，andsleepingbeneaththehedgerowsandthehay-ricksatnight。
Nowthehipsburnedredinthetangledthicketsandthehewswaxedblackinthehedgerows，thestubblelayallcrispandnakedtothesky，andthegreenleaveswerefastturningrussetandbrown。Also，atthismerryseason，goodthingsoftheyeararegatherediningreatstore。
Brownaleliesripeninginthecellar，hamsandbaconhanginthesmoke-shed，andcrabsarestowedawayinthestrawforroastinginthewintertime，whenthenorthwindpilesthesnowindriftsaroundthegablesandthefirecrackleswarmuponthehearth。
Sopassedtheseasonsthen，sotheypassnow，andsotheywillpassintimetocome，whilewecomeandgolikeleavesofthetreethatfallandaresoonforgotten。
QuothRobinHood，snuffingtheair，\"Hereisafairday，LittleJohn，andonethatwecanillwasteinidleness。
Choosesuchmenasthoudostneed，andgothoueastwhileI
willwendtothewest，andseethateachofusbringethbacksomegoodlyguesttodinethisdaybeneaththegreenwoodtree。\"
\"Marry，\"criedLittleJohn，clappinghispalmstogetherforjoy，\"thybiddingfittethmylikinglikehefttoblade。
I\'llbringtheebackaguestthisday，orcomenotbackmineownself。\"
Thentheyeachchosesuchofthebandastheywished，andsowentforthbydifferentpathsfromtheforest。
Now，youandIcannotgotwowaysatthesametimewhilewejoininthesemerrydoings；sowewille\'enletLittleJohnfollowhisownpathwhilewetuckupourskirtsandtrudgeafterRobinHood。
Andhereisgoodcompany，too；RobinHood，WillScarlet，AllanaDale，WillScathelock，Midge，theMiller\'sson，andothers。
Ascoreormoreofstoutfellowshadabidedintheforest，withFriarTuck，tomakereadyforthehomecoming，butalltherestweregoneeitherwithRobinHoodorLittleJohn。
Theytraveledonward，RobinfollowinghisfancyandtheothersfollowingRobin。Nowtheywendedtheirwaythroughanopendalewithcottageandfarmlyingtherein，andnowagaintheyenteredwoodlandsoncemore。PassingbyfairMansfieldTown，withitstowersandbattlementsandspiresallsmilinginthesun，theycameatlastoutoftheforestlands。Onwardtheyjourneyed，throughhighwayandbyway，throughvillageswheregoodwivesandmerrylassespeepedthroughthecasementsatthefineshowofyoungmen，untilatlasttheycameoverbeyondAlvertoninDerbyshire。Bythistimehighnoontidehadcome，yettheyhadmetnoguestsuchaswasworththeirwhiletotakebacktoSherwood；so，comingatlasttoacertainspotwhereashrinestoodatthecrossingoftworoads，Robincalleduponthemtostop，forhereoneithersidewasshelterofhighhedgerows，behindwhichwasgoodhiding，whencetheycouldwatchtheroadsattheirease，whiletheyatetheirmiddaymeal。
QuothmerryRobin，\"Here，methinks，isgoodlodging，wherepeacefulfolk，suchaswebe，caneatinquietness；thereforewewillresthere，andseewhatmay，perchance，fallintoourluck-pot。\"Sotheycrossedastileandcamebehindahedgerowwherethemellowsunlightwasbrightandwarm，andwherethegrasswassoft，andtheresatthemdown。
Theneachmandrewfromthepouchthathungbesidehimthatwhichhehadbroughttoeat，foramerrywalksuchasthishadbeensharpenstheappetitetillitisaskeenasaMarchwind。
Sonomorewordswerespoken，buteachmansavedhisteethforbetteruse——
munchingatbrowncrustandcoldmeatrightlustily。
Infrontofthem，oneofthehighroadscrawledupthesteephillandthendippedsuddenlyoveritscrest，sharp-cutwithhedgerowandshaggygrassagainstthesky。Overthetopofthewindyhillpeepedtheeavesofafewhousesofthevillagethatfellbackintothevalleybehind；there，also，showedthetopofawindmill，thesailsslowlyrisinganddippingfrombehindthehillagainsttheclearbluesky，asthelightwindmovedthemwithcreakingandlaboredswing。
Sotheyeomenlaybehindthehedgeandfinishedtheirmiddaymeal；
butstillthetimeslippedalongandnoonecame。Atlast，amancameslowlyridingoverthehillanddownthestonyroadtowardthespotwhereRobinandhisbandlayhidden。
Hewasagoodstoutknight，butsorrowfuloffaceanddowncastofmien。Hisclotheswereplainandrich，butnochainofgold，suchasfolkofhisstandinlifeworeatmosttimes，hungaroundhisneck，andnojewelwasabouthim；yetnoonecouldmistakehimforaughtbutoneofproudandnobleblood。
Hisheadwasboweduponhisbreastandhishandsdroopedlimponeitherside；andsohecameslowlyriding，asthoughsunkinsadthoughts，whileevenhisgoodhorse，thereinslooseuponhisneck，walkedwithhanginghead，asthoughhesharedhismaster\'sgrief。
QuothRobinHood，\"Yonisverilyasorry-lookinggallant，anddothseemtohavedonnedill-contentwithhisjerkinthismorning；nevertheless，Iwilloutandtalkwithhim，fortheremaybesomepickingshereforahungrydaw。
Methinkshisdressisrich，thoughhehimselfissodowncast。
BideyeheretillIlookintothismatter。\"Sosaying，hearoseandleftthem，crossedtheroadtotheshrine，andtherestood，waitingforthesorrowfulknighttocomenearhim。
So，presently，whentheknightcameridingslowlyalong，jollyRobinsteppedforwardandlaidhishanduponthebridlerein。
\"Hold，SirKnight，\"quothhe。\"Iprytheetarryforashorttime，forIhaveafewwordstosaytothee。\"
\"Whatartthou，friend，whodoststopatravelerinthismanneruponhismostgraciousMajesty\'shighway？\"saidtheKnight。
\"Marry，\"quothRobin，\"thatisaquestionhardtoanswer。
Onemancallethmekind，anothercallethmecruel；thisonecallethmegoodhonestfellow，andthatone，vilethief。
Truly，theworldhathasmanyeyestolookuponamanwithalastherearespotsonatoad；so，withwhatpairofeyesthouregardestmeliethentirelywiththineownself。
MynameisRobinHood。\"
\"Truly，goodRobin，\"saidtheKnight，asmiletwitchingatthecornersofhismouth，\"thouhastaquaintconceit。
AsforthepairofeyeswithwhichIregardthee，Iwouldsaythattheyareasfavorableasmaybe，forIhearmuchgoodoftheeandlittleill。Whatisthywillofme？\"
\"Now，Imakemyvow，SirKnight，\"quothRobin，\"thouhastsurelylearnedthywisdomofgoodGafferSwanthold，forhesayeth，`Fairwordsareaseasyspokeasfoul，andbringgoodwillinthesteadofblows。\'
NowIwillshowtheethetruthofthissaying；for，ifthouwiltgowithmethisdaytoSherwoodForest，Iwillgivetheeasmerryafeastaseverthouhadstinallthylife。\"
\"Thouartindeedkind，\"saidtheKnight，\"butmethinksthouwiltfindmebutanill-seemingandsorrowfulguest。
Thouhadstbestletmepassonmywayinpeace。\"
\"Nay，\"quothRobin，\"thoumightstgothineownwaybutforonething，andthatIwilltellthee。Wekeepaninn，asitwere，intheverydepthsofSherwood，butsofarfromhighroadsandbeatenpathsthatguestsdonotoftencomenighus；soIandmyfriendssetoffmerrilyandseekthemwhenwegrowdullofourselves。
Thusthematterstands，SirKnight；yetIwillfurthermoretelltheethatwecountuponourguestspayingareckoning。\"
\"Itakethymeaning，friend，\"saidtheKnightgravely，\"butIamnotthyman，forIhavenomoneybyme。\"
\"Isitsooth？\"saidRobin，lookingattheKnightkeenly。\"Icanscarcechoosebutbelievethee；yet，SirKnight，therebethoseofthyorderwhosewordisnottobetrustedasmuchastheywouldhaveothersbelieve。
ThouwiltthinknoillifIlookformyselfinthismatter。\"
Then，stillholdingthehorsebythebridlerein，heputhisfingerstohislipsandblewashrillwhistle，whereuponfourscoreyeomencameleapingoverthestileandrantowheretheKnightandRobinstood。
\"These，\"saidRobin，lookinguponthemproudly，\"aresomeofmymerrymen。
Theyshareandsharealikewithmealljoysandtroubles，gainsandlosses。
SirKnight，Iprytheetellmewhatmoneythouhastaboutthee。\"
ForatimetheKnightsaidnotaword，butaslowredaroseintohischeeks；
atlasthelookedRobininthefaceandsaid，\"IknownotwhyIshouldbeashamed，foritshouldbenoshametome；but，friend，Itelltheethetruth，whenIsaythatinmypursearetenshillings，andthatthatiseverygroatthatSirRichardoftheLeahathinallthewideworld。\"
WhenSirRichardendedasilencefell，untilatlastRobinsaid，\"Anddostthoupledgemethyknightlywordthatthisisallthouhastwiththee？\"
\"Yea，\"answeredSirRichard，\"Idopledgetheemymostsolemnword，asatrueknight，thatitisallthemoneyIhaveintheworld。
Nay，hereismypurse，yemayfindforyourselvesthetruthofwhatIsay。\"
AndheheldhispurseouttoRobin。
\"Putupthypurse，SirRichard，\"quothRobin。\"Farbeitfrommetodoubtthewordofsogentleaknight。TheproudIstrivetobringlow，butthosethatwalkinsorrowIwouldaidifIcould。
Come，SirRichard，cheerupthyheartandgowithusintothegreenwood。
EvenImayperchanceaidthee，forthousurelyknowesthowthegoodAthelstanewassavedbythelittleblindmolethatdiggedatrenchoverwhichhethatsoughttheking\'slifestumbled。\"
\"Truly，friend，\"saidSirRichard，\"methinksthoumeanestkindnessinthineownway；neverthelessmytroublesaresuchthatitisnotlikelythatthoucanstcurethem。ButIwillgowiththeethisdayintoSherwood。\"Hereuponheturnedhishorse\'shead，andtheyallwendedtheirwaytothewoodlands，RobinwalkingononesideoftheKnightandWillScarletontheother，whiletherestofthebandtrudgedbehind。
AftertheyhadtraveledthusforatimeRobinHoodspake。
\"SirKnight，\"saidhe，\"Iwouldnottroubletheewithidlequestions；
butdostthoufinditinthyhearttotellmethysorrows？\"
\"Truly，Robin，\"quoththeKnight，\"IseenoreasonwhyIshouldnotdoso。
Thusitis：MycastleandmylandsareinpawnforadebtthatIowe。
Threedayshencethemoneymustbepaidorelseallmineestateislostforever，forthenitfallsintothehandsofthePrioryofEmmet，andwhattheyswallowtheynevergiveforthagain。\"
QuothRobin，\"Iunderstandnotwhythoseofthykindliveinsuchamannerthatalltheirwealthpassethfromthemlikesnowbeneaththespringtidesun。\"
\"Thouwrongestme，Robin，\"saidtheKnight，\"forlisten：
Ihaveasonbuttwentywintersold，neverthelesshehaswonhisspursasknight。Lastyear，onacertainevilday，thejoustswereheldatChester，andthithermysonwent，asdidIandmyladywife。Iwotitwasaproudtimeforus，forheunhorsedeachknightthathetiltedagainst。
Atlastheranacoursewithacertaingreatknight，SirWalterofLancaster，yet，thoughmysonwassoyouthful，hekepthisseat，albeitbothspearswereshiveredtotheheft；
butithappenedthatasplinterofmyboy\'slanceranthroughthevisorofSirWalter\'shelmetandpiercedthroughhiseyeintohisbrain，sothathediederehisesquirecouldunlacehishelm。Now，Robin，SirWalterhadgreatfriendsatcourt，thereforehiskinsmenstirredupthingsagainstmysonsothat，tosavehimfromprison，Ihadtopayaransomofsixhundredpoundsingold。Allmighthavegonewellevenyet，onlythat，byinsandoutsandcrookednessoflaws，Iwasshornlikeasheepthatisclippedtothequick。SoitcamethatI
hadtopawnmylandstothePrioryofEmmetformoremoney，andahardbargaintheydrovewithmeinmyhourofneed。
YetIwouldhavetheeunderstandIgrievesoformylandsonlybecauseofmydearladywife。\"
\"Butwhereisthysonnow？\"askedRobin，whohadlistenedcloselytoalltheKnighthadsaid。
\"InPalestine，\"saidSirRichard，\"battlinglikeabraveChristiansoldierforthecrossandtheholysepulcher。
Truly，EnglandwasanillplaceforhimbecauseofSirWalter\'sdeathandthehateoftheLancastrian\'skinsmen。\"
\"Truly，\"saidRobin，muchmoved，\"thineisahardlot。
Buttellme，whatisowingtoEmmetforthineestates？\"
\"Onlyfourhundredpounds，\"saidSirRichard。
Atthis，Robinsmotehisthighinanger。\"Othebloodsuckers！\"
criedhe。\"Anobleestatetobeforfeitforfourhundredpounds！
Butwhatwillbefalltheeifthoudostlosethylands，SirRichard？\"
\"Itisnotmineownlotthatdothtroublemeinthatcase，\"
saidtheKnight，\"butmydearlady\'s；forshouldIlosemylandshewillhavetobetakeherselftosomekinsmanandthereabideincharity，which，methinks，wouldbreakherproudheart。
Asforme，Iwilloverthesaltsea，andsotoPalestinetojoinmysoninfightfortheholysepulcher。\"
ThenupspakeWillScarlet。\"Buthastthounofriendthatwillhelptheeinthydireneed？\"
\"Neveraman，\"saidSirRichard。\"WhileIwasrichenowathome，andhadfriends，theyblewgreatboastsofhowtheylovedme。
Butwhentheoakfallsintheforesttheswinerunfrombeneathitlesttheyshouldbesmittendownalso。Somyfriendshaveleftme；
fornotonlyamIpoorbutIhavegreatenemies。\"
ThenRobinsaid，\"Thousaystthouhastnofriends，SirRichard。Imakenoboast，butmanyhavefoundRobinHoodafriendintheirtroubles。
Cheerup，SirKnight，Imayhelptheeyet。\"
TheKnightshookhisheadwithafaintsmile，butforallthat，Robin\'swordsmadehimmoreblitheofheart，forintruthhope，beitneversofaint，bringethagleamintodarkness，likealittlerushlightthatcostethbutagroat。
Thedaywaswell-nighgonewhentheycameneartothegreenwoodtree。
EvenatadistancetheysawbythenumberofmenthatLittleJohnhadcomebackwithsomeguest，butwhentheycamenearenough，whomshouldtheyfindbuttheLordBishopofHereford！ThegoodBishopwasinafinestew，Iwot。
Upanddownhewalkedbeneaththetreelikeafoxcaughtinahencoop。
BehindhimwerethreeBlackFriarsstandingclosetogetherinafrightenedgroup，likethreeblacksheepinatempest。
Hitchedtothebranchesofthetreescloseathandweresixhorses，oneofthemabarbwithgaytrappingsuponwhichtheBishopwaswonttoride，andtheothersladenwithpacksofdiversshapesandkinds，oneofwhichmadeRobin\'seyesglisten，foritwasaboxnotoverlarge，butheavilyboundwithbandsandribsofiron。
WhentheBishopsawRobinandthosewithhimcomeintotheopenhemadeasthoughhewouldhaveruntowardtheyeoman，butthefellowthatguardedtheBishopandthethreefriarsthrusthisquarterstaffinfront，sothathislordshipwasfaintostandback，thoughwithfrowningbrowandangryspeech。
\"Stay，myLordBishop，\"criedjollyRobininaloudvoice，whenhesawwhathadpassed，\"Iwillcometotheewithallspeed，forIwouldratherseetheethananymaninmerryEngland。\"Sosaying，hequickenedhisstepsandsooncametowheretheBishopstoodfuming。
\"Hownow，\"quoththeBishopinaloudandangryvoice，whenRobinhadsocometohim，\"isthisthewaythatthouandthybandtreatonesohighinthechurchasIam？Iandthesebrethrenwerepassingpeacefullyalongthehighroadwithourpackhorses，andahalfscoreofmentoguardthem，whenupcomesagreatstrappingfellowfullsevenfeethigh，withfourscoreormoremenbackofhim，andcallsuponmetostop——me，theLordBishopofHereford，markthou！
Whereuponmyarmedguards——beshrewthemforcowards！——straightranaway。
Butlookye；notonlydidthisfellowstopme，buthethreatenedme，sayingthatRobinHoodwouldstripmeasbareasawinterhedge。
Then，besidesallthis，hecalledmesuchvilenamesas`fatpriest，\'
`man-eatingbishop，\'`money-gorgingusurer，\'andwhatnot，asthoughIwerenomorethanastrollingbeggarortinker。\"
Atthis，theBishopglaredlikeanangrycat，whileevenSirRichardlaughed；onlyRobinkeptagraveface。\"Alas！mylord，\"
saidhe，\"thatthouhastbeensoill-treatedbymyband！
Itelltheetrulythatwegreatlyreverencethycloth。
LittleJohn，standforthstraightway。\"
AtthesewordsLittleJohncameforward，twistinghisfaceintoawhimsicallook，asthoughhewouldsay，\"Ha\'mercyuponme，goodmaster。\"
ThenRobinturnedtotheBishopofHerefordandsaid，\"WasthisthemanwhospakesoboldlytoYourLordship？\"
\"Ay，trulyitwasthesame，\"saidtheBishop，\"anaughtyfellow，Iwot。
\"Anddidstthou，LittleJohn，\"saidRobininasadvoice，\"callhislordshipafatpriest？\"
\"Ay，\"saidLittleJohnsorrowfully。
\"Andaman-eatingbishop？\"
\"Ay，\"saidLittleJohn，moresorrowfullythanbefore。
\"Andamoney-gorgingusurer？\"
\"Ay，\"saidLittleJohninsosorrowfulavoicethatitmighthavedrawntearsfromtheDragonofWentley。
\"Alas，thatthesethingsshouldbe！\"saidjollyRobin，turningtotheBishop，\"forIhaveeverfoundLittleJohnatruthfulman。\"
Atthis，aroaroflaughterwentup，whereatthebloodrushedintotheBishop\'sfacetillitwascherryredfromcrowntochin；
buthesaidnothingandonlyswallowedhiswords，thoughtheywell-nighchokedhim。
\"Nay，myLordBishop，\"saidRobin，\"weareroughfellows，butItrustnotsuchillmenasthouthinkest，afterall。
Thereisnotamanherethatwouldharmahairofthyreverence\'shead。
Iknowthouartgalledbyourjesting，butweareallequalhereinthegreenwood，fortherearenobishopsnorbaronsnorearlsamongus，butonlymen，sothoumustshareourlifewithuswhilethoudostabidehere。Come，buskye，mymerrymen，andgetthefeastready。
Meantime，wewillshowourguestsourwoodlandsports。\"
So，whilesomewenttokindlethefiresforroastingmeats，othersranleapingtogettheircudgelsandlongbows。
ThenRobinbroughtforwardSirRichardoftheLea。\"MyLordBishop，\"
saidhe，\"hereisanotherguestthatwehavewithusthisday。
Iwishthatthoumightestknowhimbetter，forIandallmymenwillstrivetohonoryoubothatthismerrymaking。\"
\"SirRichard，\"saidtheBishopinareproachfultone，\"methinksthouandIarecompanionsandfellowsufferersinthisdenof——\"
Hewasabouttosay\"thieves，\"buthestoppedsuddenlyandlookedaskanceatRobinHood。
\"Speakout，Bishop，\"quothRobin，laughing。\"WeofSherwoodchecknotaneasyflowofwords。`Denofthieves\'thouwestabouttosay。\"
QuoththeBishop，\"MayhapthatwaswhatImeanttosay，SirRichard；
butthisIwillsay，thatIsawtheejustnowlaughatthescurrilousjestsofthesefellows。Itwouldhavebeenmorebecomingofthee，methinks，tohavecheckedthemwithfrownsinsteadofspurringthemonbylaughter。\"
\"Imeantnoharmtothee，\"saidSirRichard，\"butamerryjestisamerryjest，andImaytrulysayIwouldhavelaughedatithaditbeenagainstmineownself。\"
ButnowRobinHoodcalleduponcertainonesofhisbandwhospreadsoftmossuponthegroundandlaiddeerskinsthereon。
ThenRobinbadehisguestsbeseated，andsotheyallthreesatdown，someofthechiefmen，suchasLittleJohn，WillScarlet，AllanaDale，andothers，stretchingthemselvesuponthegroundnearby。
Thenagarlandwassetupatthefarendoftheglade，andthereatthebowmenshot，andsuchshootingwasdonethatdayasitwouldhavemadeone\'sheartleaptosee。
AndallthewhileRobintalkedsoquaintlytotheBishopandtheKnightthat，theoneforgettinghisvexationandtheotherhistroubles，theybothlaughedaloudagainandagain。
ThenAllanaDalecameforthandtunedhisharp，andallwashushedaround，andhesanginhiswondrousvoicesongsoflove，ofwar，ofglory，andofsadness，andalllistenedwithoutamovementorasound。
SoAllansangtillthegreatroundsilvermoongleamedwithitsclearwhitelightamidtheuppertangleofthemazybranchesofthetrees。
Atlasttwofellowscametosaythatthefeastwasreadyspread，soRobin，leadinghisguestswitheitherhand，broughtthemtowheregreatsmokingdishesthatsentsavorysmellsfarandnearstoodalongthewhitelinenclothspreadonthegrass。Allaroundwasaglareoftorchesthatliteverythingupwitharedlight。
Then，straightwaysittingdown，allfelltowithnoiseandhubbub，therattlingofplattersblendingwiththesoundofloudtalkingandlaughter。Alongtimethefeastlasted，butatlastallwasover，andthebrightwineandhummingalepassedbriskly。
ThenRobinHoodcalledaloudforsilence，andallwashushedtillhespoke。
\"Ihaveastorytotellyouall，solistentowhatIhavetosay，\"
quothhe；whereupon，withoutmoreado，hetoldthemallaboutSirRichard，andhowhislandswereinpawn。But，ashewenton，theBishop\'sface，thathaderstbeensmilingandruddywithmerriment，waxedserious，andheputasidethehornofwineheheldinhishand，forheknewthestoryofSirRichard，andhisheartsankwithinhimwithgrimforebodings。
Then，whenRobinHoodhaddone，heturnedtotheBishopofHereford。\"Now，myLordBishop，\"saidhe，\"dostthounotthinkthisisilldoneofanyone，muchmoreofachurchman，whoshouldliveinhumblenessandcharity？\"
TothistheBishopanswerednotawordbutlookeduponthegroundwithmoodyeyes。
QuothRobin，\"Now，thouarttherichestbishopinallEngland；
canstthounothelpthisneedybrother？\"ButstilltheBishopanswerednotaword。
ThenRobinturnedtoLittleJohn，andquothhe，\"GothouandWillStutelyandbringforththosefivepackhorsesyonder。\"
Whereuponthetwoyeomendidastheywerebidden，thoseabouttheclothmakingroomonthegreen，wherethelightwasbrightest，forthefivehorseswhichLittleJohnandWillStutelypresentlyledforward。
\"Whohaththescoreofthegoods？\"askedRobinHood，lookingattheBlackFriars。
Thenupspakethesmallestofall，inatremblingvoice——
anoldmanhewas，withagentle，wrinkledface。
\"ThathaveI；but，Ipraythee，harmmenot。\"
\"Nay，\"quothRobin，\"Ihaveneverharmedharmlessmanyet；
butgiveittome，goodfather。\"Sotheoldmandidashewasbidden，andhandedRobinthetabletonwhichwasmarkeddowntheaccountofthevariouspackagesuponthehorses。
ThisRobinhandedtoWillScarlet，biddinghimtoreadthesame。
SoWillScarlet，liftinghisvoicethatallmighthear，began：
\"ThreebalesofsilktoQuentin，themerceratAncaster。\"
\"Thatwetouchnot，\"quothRobin，\"forthisQuentinisanhonestfellow，whohathrisenbyhisownthrift。\"
Sothebalesofsilkwerelaidasideunopened。
\"OnebaleofsilkvelvetfortheAbbeyofBeaumont。\"
\"Whatdothesepriestswantofsilkvelvet？\"
quothRobin。\"Nevertheless，thoughtheyneeditnot，Iwillnottakeallfromthem。Measureitoffintothreelots，onetobesoldforcharity，oneforus，andonefortheabbey。\"
Sothis，too，wasdoneasRobinHoodbade。
\"TwoscoreofgreatwaxcandlesfortheChapelofSaintThomas。\"
\"Thatbelongethfairlytothechapel，\"quothRobin，\"solayittooneside。
FarbeitfromustotakefromtheblessedSaintThomasthatwhichbelongethtohim。\"Sothis，also，wasdoneaccordingtoRobin\'sbidding，andthecandleswerelaidtooneside，alongwithhonestQuentin\'sunopenedbalesofsilk。Sothelistwasgonethroughwith，andthegoodsadjudgedaccordingtowhatRobinthoughtmostfit。
Somethingswerelaidasideuntouched，andmanywereopenedanddividedintothreeequalparts，forcharity，forthemselves，andfortheowners。
Andnowallthegroundinthetorchlightwascoveredoverwithsilksandvelvetsandclothsofgoldandcasesofrichwines，andsotheycametothelastlineuponthetablet——\"AboxbelongingtotheLordBishopofHereford。\"
AtthesewordstheBishopshookaswithachill，andtheboxwassetupontheground。
\"MyLordBishop，hastthouthekeyofthisbox？\"askedRobin。
TheBishopshookhishead。
\"Go，WillScarlet，\"saidRobin，\"thouartthestrongestmanhere——
bringaswordstraightway，andcutthisboxopen，ifthoucanst。\"
ThenuproseWillScarletandleftthem，comingbackinashorttime，bearingagreattwo-handedsword。Thricehesmotethatstrong，ironboundbox，andatthethirdblowitburstopenandagreatheapofgoldcamerollingforth，gleamingredinthelightofthetorches。
Atthissightamurmurwentallaroundamongtheband，likethesoundofthewindindistanttrees；butnomancameforwardnortouchedthemoney。
QuothRobin，\"Thou，WillScarlet，thou，AllanaDale，andthou，LittleJohn，countitover。\"
Alongtimeittooktocountallthemoney，andwhenithadbeendulyscoredup，WillScarletcalledoutthattherewerefifteenhundredgoldenpoundsinall。Butinamongthegoldtheyfoundapaper，andthisWillScarletreadinaloudvoice，andallheardthatthismoneywastherentalandfinesandforfeitsfromcertainestatesbelongingtotheBishopricofHereford。
\"MyLordBishop，\"saidRobinHood，\"Iwillnotstripthee，asLittleJohnsaid，likeawinterhedge，forthoushalttakebackonethirdofthymoney。Onethirdofitthoucanstwellsparetousforthyentertainmentandthatofthytrain，forthouartveryrich；onethirdofitthoucanstbetterspareforcharity，for，Bishop，Ihearthatthouartahardmastertothosebeneaththeeandaclosehoarderofgainsthatthoucouldstbetterandwithmorecredittothyselfgivetocharitythanspenduponthyownlikings。\"
AtthistheBishoplookedup，buthecouldsayneveraword；
yethewasthankfultokeepsomeofhiswealth。
ThenRobinturnedtoSirRichardoftheLea，andquothhe，\"Now，SirRichard，thechurchseemedliketodespoilthee，thereforesomeoftheoverplusofchurchgainsmaywellbeusedinaidingthee。ThoushalttakethatfivehundredpoundslaidasideforpeoplemoreinneedthantheBishopis，andshaltpaythydebtstoEmmettherewith。\"
SirRichardlookedatRobinuntilsomethingaroseinhiseyesthatmadeallthelightsandthefacesblurtogether。
Atlasthesaid，\"Ithankthee，friend，frommyheart，forwhatthoudoestforme；yet，thinknotillifIcannottakethygiftfreely。
ButthisIwilldo：Iwilltakethemoneyandpaymydebts，andinayearandadayhencewillreturnitsafeeithertotheeortotheLordBishopofHereford。ForthisIpledgemymostsolemnknightlyword。Ifeelfreetoborrow，forIknownomanthatshouldbemoreboundtoaidmethanonesohighinthatchurchthathathdrivensuchahardbargain。\"\"Truly，SirKnight，\"
quothRobin，\"Idonotunderstandthosefinescruplesthatweighwiththoseofthykind；but，nevertheless，itshallallbeasthoudostwish。Butthouhadstbestbringthemoneytomeattheendoftheyear，formayhapImaymakebetteruseofitthantheBishop。\"Thereupon，turningtothosenearhim，hegavehisorders，andfivehundredpoundswerecountedoutandtiedupinaleathernbagforSirRichard。Therestofthetreasurewasdivided，andparttakentothetreasurehouseoftheband，andpartputbywiththeotherthingsfortheBishop。
ThenSirRichardarose。\"Icannotstaylater，goodfriends，\"
saidhe，\"formyladywillwaxanxiousifIcomenothome；
soIcraveleavetodepart。\"
ThenRobinHoodandallhismerrymenarose，andRobinsaid，\"Wecannotlettheegohenceunattended，SirRichard。\"
ThenupspakeLittleJohn，\"Goodmaster，letmechooseascoreofstoutfellowsfromtheband，andletusarmourselvesinaseemlymannerandsoserveasretainerstoSirRichardtillhecangetothersinourstead。\"
\"Thouhastspokenwell，LittleJohn，anditshallbedone，\"saidRobin。
ThenupspakeWillScarlet，\"Letusgivehimagoldenchaintohangabouthisneck，suchasbefitsoneofhisblood，andalsogoldenspurstowearathisheels。\"
ThenRobinHoodsaid，\"Thouhastspokenwell，WillScarlet，anditshallbedone。\"
ThenupspakeWillStutely，\"LetusgivehimyonbaleofrichvelvetandyonrollofclothofgoldtotakehometohisnobleladywifeasapresentfromRobinHoodandhismerrymenall。\"
Atthisallclappedtheirhandsforjoy，andRobinsaid：
\"Thouhastwellspoken，WillStutely，anditshallbedone。\"
ThenSirRichardoftheLealookedallaroundandstrovetospeak，butcouldscarcelydosoforthefeelingsthatchokedhim；atlasthesaidinahusky，tremblingvoice，\"Yeshallallsee，goodfriends，thatSirRichardo\'theLeawilleverrememberyourkindnessthisday。
Andifyebeatanytimeindireneedortrouble，cometomeandmylady，andthewallsofCastleLeashallbebattereddownereharmshallbefallyou。I——\"Hecouldsaynothingfurther，butturnedhastilyaway。
ButnowLittleJohnandnineteenstoutfellowswhomhehadchosenforhisband，cameforthallreadyforthejourney。
Eachmanworeuponhisbreastacoatoflinkedmail，andonhisheadacapofsteel，andathissideagoodstoutsword。
Agallantshowtheymadeastheystoodallinarow。
ThenRobincameandthrewachainofgoldaboutSirRichard\'sneck，andWillScarletkneltandbuckledthegoldenspursuponhisheel；andnowLittleJohnledforwardSirRichard\'shorse，andtheKnightmounted。HelookeddownatRobinforalittletime，thenofasuddenstoopedandkissedhischeek。
AlltheforestgladesrangwiththeshoutthatwentupastheKnightandtheyeomenmarchedoffthroughthewoodlandwithglareoftorchesandgleamofsteel，andsoweregone。
ThenupspaketheBishopofHerefordinamournfulvoice，\"I，too，mustbejogging，goodfellow，forthenightwaxeslate。\"
ButRobinlaidhishandupontheBishop\'sarmandstayedhim。
\"Benotsohasty，LordBishop，\"saidhe。\"ThreedayshenceSirRichardmustpayhisdebtstoEmmet；untilthattimethoumustbecontenttoabidewithmelestthoubreedtroublefortheKnight。Ipromisetheethatthoushalthavegreatsport，forIknowthatthouartfondofhuntingthedundeer。Laybythymantleofmelancholy，andstrivetoleadajoyousyeomanlifeforthreestoutdays。
Ipromisetheethoushaltbesorrytogowhenthetimehascome。\"
SotheBishopandhistrainabidedwithRobinforthreedays，andmuchsporthislordshiphadinthattime，sothat，asRobinhadsaid，whenthetimehadcomeforhimtogohewassorrytoleavethegreenwood。
AttheendofthreedaysRobinsethimfree，andsenthimforthfromtheforestwithaguardofyeomentokeepfreebootersfromtakingwhatwasleftofthepacksandbundles。
But，astheBishoprodeaway，hevowedwithinhimselfthathewouldsometimemakeRobinruethedaythathestoppedhiminSherwood。
ButnowweshallfollowSirRichard；solisten，andyoushallhearwhatbefellhim，andhowhepaidhisdebtsatEmmetPriory，andlikewiseindueseasontoRobinHood。
HowSirRichardoftheLeaPaidHisDebtsTHELONGHIGHWAYstretchedstraighton，grayanddustyinthesun。
Oneithersideweredikesfullofwaterborderedbyosiers，andfarawayinthedistancestoodthetowersofEmmetPriorywithtallpoplartreesaround。
Alongthecausewayrodeaknightwithascoreofstoutmen-at-armsbehindhim。TheKnightwascladinaplain，longrobeofgrayserge，gatheredinatthewaistwithabroadleathernbelt，fromwhichhungalongdaggerandastoutsword。
Butthoughhewassoplainlydressedhimself，thehorseherodewasanoblebarb，anditstrappingswererichwithsilkandsilverbells。
Sothusthebandjourneyedalongthecausewaybetweenthedikes，tillatlasttheyreachedthegreatgateofEmmetPriory。TheretheKnightcalledtooneofhismenandbadehimknockattheporter\'slodgewiththeheftofhissword。
Theporterwasdrowsingonhisbenchwithinthelodge，butattheknockherousedhimselfand，openingthewicket，camehobblingforthandgreetedtheKnight，whileatamestarlingthathunginawickercagewithinpipedout，\"_Incoeloquies！
Incoeloquies！_\"suchbeingthewordsthatthepooroldlameporterhadtaughthimtospeak。
\"Whereisthyprior？\"askedtheKnightoftheoldporter。
\"Heisatmeat，goodknight，andhelookethforthycoming，\"
quoththeporter，\"for，ifImistakenot，thouartSirRichardoftheLea。\"
\"IamSirRichardoftheLea；thenIwillgoseekhimforthwith，\"
saidtheKnight。
\"ButshallInotsendthyhorsetostable？\"saidtheporter。
\"ByOurLady，itisthenoblestnag，andthebestharnessed，thate\'erIsawinallmylifebefore。\"Andhestrokedthehorse\'sflankwithhispalm。
\"Nay，\"quothSirRichard，\"thestablesofthisplacearenotforme，somakeway，Iprythee。\"Sosaying，hepushedforward，and，thegatesbeingopened，heenteredthestonycourtyardofthePriory，hismenbehindhim。
Intheycamewithrattleofsteelandclashingofswords，andringofhorses\'
feetoncobblestones，whereataflockofpigeonsthatstruttedinthesunflewwithflappingwingstothehigheavesoftheroundtowers。
WhiletheKnightwasridingalongthecausewaytoEmmet，amerryfeastwastowardintherefectorythere。Theafternoonsunstreamedinthroughthegreatarchedwindowsandlayinbroadsquaresoflightuponthestonefloorandacrosstheboardcoveredwithasnowylinencloth，whereonwasspreadaprincelyfeast。
AttheheadofthetablesatPriorVincentofEmmetallcladinsoftrobesoffineclothandsilk；onhisheadwasablackvelvetcappickedoutwithgold，andaroundhisneckhungaheavychainofgold，withagreatlocketpendanttherefrom。
Besidehim，onthearmofhisgreatchair，roostedhisfavoritefalcon，forthePriorwasfondofthegentlecraftofhawking。
OnhisrighthandsattheSheriffofNottinghaminrichrobesofpurplealltrimmedaboutwithfur，andonhisleftafamousdoctoroflawindarkandsobergarb。BelowthesesatthehighcellarerofEmmet，andotherschiefamongthebrethren。
Jestandlaughterpassedaround，andallwasasmerryasmerrycouldbe。
Thewizenedfaceofthemanoflawwastwistedintoawrinkledsmile，forinhispouchwerefourscoregoldenangelsthatthePriorhadpaidhiminfeeforthecasebetwixthimandSirRichardoftheLea。Thelearneddoctorhadbeenpaidbeforehand，forhehadnotovermuchtrustintheholyVincentofEmmet。
QuoththeSheriffofNottingham，\"Butartthousure，SirPrior，thatthouhastthelandssosafe？\"
\"Ay，marry，\"saidPriorVincent，smackinghislipsafteradeepdraughtofwine，\"Ihavekeptaclosewatchuponhim，albeithewasunawaresofthesame，andIknowrightwellthathehathnomoneytopaymewithal。\"
\"Ay，true，\"saidthemanoflawinadry，huskyvoice，\"hislandissurelyforfeitifhecomethnottopay；but，SirPrior，thoumustgetareleasebeneathhissignmanual，orelsethoucanstnothopetoholdthelandwithouttroublefromhim。\"
\"Yea，\"saidthePrior，\"sothouhasttoldmeerenow，butIknowthatthisknightissopoorthathewillgladlysignawayhislandsfortwohundredpoundsofhardmoney。
Thenupspakethehighcellarer，\"Methinksitisashametosodriveamisfortunateknighttotheditch。IthinkitsorrowthatthenoblestestateinDerbyshireshouldsopassawayfromhimforapaltryfivehundredpounds。Truly，I——\"
\"Hownow，\"brokeinthePriorinaquiveringvoice，hiseyesglisteningandhischeeksredwithanger，\"dostthoupratetomyverybeard，sirrah？
BySaintHubert，thouhadstbestsavethybreathtocoolthypottage，elseitmayscaldthymouth。\"
\"Nay，\"saidthemanoflawsmoothly，\"Idareswearthissameknightwillnevercometosettlementthisday，butwillproverecreant。
Nevertheless，wewillseeksomemeanstogainhislandsfromhim，soneverfear。\"
Butevenasthedoctorspoke，therecameasuddenclatterofhorses\'
hoofsandajingleofironmailinthecourtyardbelow。
ThenupspakethePriorandcalledupononeofthebrethrenthatsatbelowthesalt，andbadehimlookoutofthewindowandseewhowasbelow，albeitheknewrightwellitcouldbenonebutSirRichard。
Sothebrotheraroseandwentandlooked，andhesaid，\"Iseebelowascoreofstoutmen-at-armsandaknightjustdismountingfromhishorse。
Heisdressedinlongrobesofgraywhich，methinks，areofpoorseeming；
butthehorseheridethuponhaththerichestcoursingthateverIsaw。
TheKnightdismountsandtheycomethisway，andareevennowbelowinthegreathall。\"
\"Lo，seeyetherenow，\"quothPriorVincent。\"Hereyehaveaknightwithsoleanapurseasscarcetobuyhimacrustofbreadtomunch，yethekeepsabandofretainersandputsrichtrappingsuponhishorse\'shide，whilehisownbackgoethbare。
Isitnotwellthatsuchmenshouldbebroughtlow？\"
\"Butartthousure，\"saidthelittledoctortremulously，\"thatthisknightwilldousnoharm？Suchashearefiercewhencrossed，andhehathabandofnaughtymenathisheels。
Mayhapthouhadstbettergiveanextensionofhisdebt。\"
Thushespake，forhewasafraidSirRichardmightdohimaharm。
\"Thouneedstnotfear，\"saidthePrior，lookingdownatthelittlemanbesidehim。\"Thisknightisgentleandwouldassoonthinkofharminganoldwomanasthee。\"
AsthePriorfinished，adooratthelowerendoftherefectoryswungopen，andincameSirRichard，withfoldedhandsandheadboweduponhisbreast。
Thushumblyhewalkedslowlyupthehall，whilehismen-at-armsstoodaboutthedoor。WhenhehadcometowherethePriorsat，hekneltupononeknee。
\"Saveandkeepthee，SirPrior，\"saidhe，\"Iamcometokeepmyday。\"
ThenthefirstwordthatthePriorsaidtohimwas\"Hastthoubroughtmymoney？\"
\"Alas！Ihavenotsomuchasonepennyuponmybody，\"saidtheKnight；
whereatthePrior\'seyessparkled。
\"Now，thouartashrewddebtor，Iwot，\"saidhe。
Then，\"SirSheriff，Idrinktothee。\"
ButstilltheKnightkneeleduponthehardstones，sothePriorturnedtohimagain。\"Whatwouldstthouhave？\"quothhesharply。
Atthesewords，aslowredmountedintotheKnight\'scheeks；
butstillheknelt。\"Iwouldcravethymercy，\"saidhe。
\"AsthouhopestforHeaven\'smercy，showmercytome。
Stripmenotofmylandsandsoreduceatrueknighttopoverty。\"
\"Thydayisbrokenandthylandsforfeit，\"saidthemanoflaw，pluckinguphisspiritsattheKnight\'shumblespeech。
QuothSirRichard，\"Thoumanoflaw，wiltthounotbefriendmeinminehourofneed？\"
\"Nay，\"saidtheother，\"IholdwiththisholyPrior，whohathpaidmemyfeesinhardgold，sothatIamboundertohim。\"
\"Wiltthounotbemyfriend，SirSheriff？\"saidSirRichard。
\"Nay，\'foreHeaven，\"quoththeSheriffofNottingham，\"thisisnobusinessofmine，yetIwilldowhatImay，\"
andhenudgedthePriorbeneaththeclothwithhisknee。
\"Wiltthounoteasehimofsomeofhisdebts，SirPrior？\"
AtthisthePriorsmiledgrimly。\"Paymethreehundredpounds，SirRichard，\"
saidhe，\"andIwillgivetheequittanceofthydebt。\"
\"Thouknowest，SirPrior，thatitisaseasyformetopayfourhundredpoundsasthreehundred，\"saidSirRichard。\"Butwiltthounotgivemeanothertwelvemonthtopaymydebt？\"
\"Notanotherday，\"saidthePriorsternly。
\"Andisthisallthouwiltdoforme？\"askedtheKnight。
\"Now，outuponthee，falseknight！\"criedthePrior，burstingforthinanger。
\"EitherpaythydebtasIhavesaid，orreleasethylandandgettheegonefromoutmyhall。\"
ThenSirRichardarosetohisfeet。\"Thoufalse，lyingpriest！\"
saidheinsosternavoicethatthemanoflawshrunkaffrighted，\"Iamnofalseknight，asthouknowestfullwell，buthaveevenheldmyplaceinthepressandthetourney。Hastthousolittlecourtesythatthouwouldstseeatrueknightkneelforallthistime，orseehimcomeintothyhallandneverofferhimmeatordrink？\"
Thenquoththemanoflawinatremblingvoice，\"Thisissurelyanillwaytotalkofmattersappertainingtobusiness；letusbemildinspeech。
Whatwiltthoupaythisknight，SirPrior，togivetheereleaseofhisland？\"
\"Iwouldhavegivenhimtwohundredpounds，\"quoththePrior，\"butsincehehathspokensovilelytomyteeth，notonegroatoveronehundredpoundswillheget。\"
\"Hadstthouofferedmeathousandpounds，falseprior，\"
saidtheKnight，\"thouwouldstnothavegotaninchofmyland。\"
Thenturningtowherehismen-at-armsstoodnearthedoor，hecalled，\"Comehither，\"andbeckonedwithhisfinger；whereuponthetallestofthemallcameforwardandhandedhimalongleathernbag。
SirRichardtookthebagandshotfromituponthetableaglitteringstreamofgoldenmoney。\"Bearinmind，SirPrior，\"saidhe，\"thatthouhastpromisedmequittanceforthreehundredpounds。
Notonefarthingabovethatshaltthouget。\"Sosaying，hecountedoutthreehundredpoundsandpushedittowardthePrior。
ButnowthePrior\'shandsdroppedathissidesandthePrior\'sheadhunguponhisshoulder，fornotonlyhadhelostallhopesoftheland，buthehadforgiventheKnightonehundredpoundsofhisdebtandhadneedlesslypaidthemanoflawfourscoreangels。
Tohimheturned，andquothhe，\"Givemebackmymoneythatthouhast。\"
\"Nay，\"criedtheothershrilly，\"itisbutmyfeethatthoudidstpayme，andthougettestitnotbackagain。\"
Andhehuggedhisgownabouthim。
\"Now，SirPrior，\"quothSirRichard，\"Ihaveheldmydayandpaidalltheduesdemandedofme；so，asthereisnomorebetwixtus，Ileavethisvileplacestraightway。\"
Sosaying，heturneduponhisheelandstrodeaway。
AllthistimetheSheriffhadbeenstaringwithwide-openeyesandmouthagapeatthetallman-at-arms，whostoodasthoughcarvedoutofstone。
Atlasthegaspedout，\"ReynoldGreenleaf！\"
Atthis，thetallman-at-arms，whowasnootherthanLittleJohn，turned，grinning，totheSheriff。\"Igivetheegoodden，fairgossip，\"quothhe。
\"Iwouldsay，sweetSheriff，thatIhaveheardallthyprettytalkthisday，anditshallbedulytolduntoRobinHood。So，farewellforthenonce，tillwemeetagaininSherwoodForest。\"Thenhe，also，turnedandfollowedSirRicharddownthehall，leavingtheSheriff，allpaleandamazed，shrunktogetheruponhischair。
AmerryfeastitwastowhichSirRichardcame，butasorrylotheleftbehindhim，andlittlehungerhadtheyfortheprincelyfoodspreadbeforethem。
Onlythelearneddoctorwashappy，forhehadhisfee。
NowatwelvemonthandadaypassedsincePriorVincentofEmmetsatatfeast，andoncemorethemellowfallofanotheryearhadcome。
Buttheyearhadbroughtgreatchange，Iwot，tothelandsofSirRichardoftheLea；for，wherebeforeshaggywildgrassesgrewuponthemeadowlands，nowallstretchawayingoldenstubble，betokeningthatarichandplentifulcrophadbeengatheredtherefrom。
Ayearhadmadeagreatchangeinthecastle，also，for，wherewereemptymoatsandthecrumblingofneglect，allwasnoworderlyandwellkept。
Brightshonethesunonbattlementandtower，andintheblueairoverheadaHockofclatteringjackdawsflewaroundthegildedweathervaneandspire。Then，inthebrightnessofthemorning，thedrawbridgefellacrossthemoatwitharattleandclankofchains，thegateofthecastleswungslowlyopen，andagoodlyarrayofsteel-cladmen-at-arms，withaknightallclothedinchainmail，aswhiteasfrostonbrierandthornofawintermorning，cameflashingoutfromthecastlecourtyard。
InhishandtheKnightheldagreatspear，fromthepointofwhichflutteredablood-redpennantasbroadasthepalmofone\'shand。
Sothistroopcameforthfromthecastle，andinthemidstofthemwalkedthreepackhorsesladenwithparcelsofdiversshapesandkinds。
ThusrodeforthgoodSirRichardoftheLeatopayhisdebttoRobinHoodthisbrightandmerrymorn。
Alongthehighwaytheywendedtheirway，withmeasuredtrampoffeetandrattleandjingleofswordandharness。
OnwardtheymarchedtilltheycamenightoDenby，where，fromthetopofahill，theysaw，overbeyondthetown，manygayflagsandstreamersfloatinginthebrightair。
ThenSirRichardturnedtotheman-at-armsnearesttohim。
\"WhatistowardyonderatDenbytoday？\"quothhe。
\"PleaseYourWorship，\"answeredtheman-at-arms，\"amerryfairisheldtheretoday，andagreatwrestlingmatch，towhichmanyfolkhavecome，foraprizehathbeenofferedofapipeofredwine，afairgoldenring，andapairofgloves，allofwhichgotothebestwrestler。\"
\"Now，bymyfaith，\"quothSirRichard，wholovedgoodmanlysportsrightwell，\"thiswillbeagoodlythingtosee。Methinkswehavetostayalittlewhileonourjourney，andseethismerrysport。\"
Soheturnedhishorse\'sheadasidetowardDenbyandthefair，andthitherheandhismenmadetheirway。
Theretheyfoundagreathubbubofmerriment。Flagsandstreamerswerefloating，tumblersweretumblingonthegreen，bagpipeswereplaying，andladsandlassesweredancingtothemusic。Butthecrowdweregatheredmostofallaroundaringwherethewrestlingwasgoingforward，andthitherSirRichardandhismenturnedtheirsteps。
NowwhenthejudgesofthewrestlingsawSirRichardcomingandknewwhohewas，thechiefofthemcamedownfromthebenchwhereheandtheotherssat，andwenttotheKnightandtookhimbythehand，beseechinghimtocomeandsitwiththemandjudgethesport。
SoSirRichardgotdownfromhishorseandwentwiththeotherstothebenchraisedbesidethering。
Nowtherehadbeengreatdoingsthatmorning，foracertainyeomannamedEgbert，whocamefromStokeoverinStaffordshire，hadthrownwitheaseallthosethatcameagainsthim；butamanofDenby，wellknownthroughallthecountrysideasWilliamoftheScar，hadbeenbidinghistimewiththeStokeman；so，whenEgberthadthrowneveryoneelse，stoutWilliamleapedintothering。
Thenatoughboutfollowed，andatlasthethrewEgbertheavily，whereattherewasagreatshoutingandshakingofhands，foralltheDenbymenwereproudoftheirwrestler。
WhenSirRichardcame，hefoundstoutWilliam，puffedupbytheshoutsofhisfriends，walkingupanddownthering，daringanyonetocomeandtryathrowwithhim。\"Comeone，comeall！\"
quothhe。\"HerestandI，WilliamoftheScar，againstanyman。
IfthereisnoneinDerbyshiretocomeagainstme，comeallwhowill，fromNottingham，Stafford，orYork，andifIdonotmakethemoneandallrootthegroundwiththeirnoseslikeswineintheforests，callmenomorebraveWilliamthewrestler。\"
Atthisalllaughed；butaboveallthelaughteraloudvoicewasheardtocryout，\"Sin\'thoutalkestsobig，herecomethonefromNottinghamshiretotryafallwiththee，fellow\"；andstraightwayatallyouthwithatoughquarterstaffinhishandcamepushinghiswaythroughthecrowdandatlastleapedlightlyovertheropeintothering。
HewasnotasheavyasstoutWilliam，buthewastallerandbroaderintheshoulders，andallhisjointswerewellknit。
SirRichardlookeduponhimkeenly，then，turningtooneofthejudges，hesaid，\"Knowestthouwhothisyouthis？
MethinksIhaveseenhimbefore。\"
\"Nay，\"saidthejudge，\"heisastrangertome。\"
Meantime，withoutaword，theyoungman，layingasidehisquarterstaff，begantotakeoffhisjerkinandbodyclothinguntilhepresentlystoodwithnakedarmsandbody；andacomelysighthewaswhensobaredtotheview，forhismuscleswerecutroundandsmoothandsharplikeswift-runningwater。
Andnoweachmanspatuponhishandsand，clappingthemuponhisknees，squatteddown，watchingtheotherkeenly，soastotakethevantageofhiminthegrip。