Thenlikeaflashtheyleapedtogether，andagreatshoutwentup，forWilliamhadgottenthebetterholdofthetwo。
Forashorttimetheystrainedandstruggledandwrithed，andthenstoutWilliamgavehismostcunningtripandthrow，butthestrangermetitwithgreaterskillthanhis，andsothetripcametonought。Then，ofasudden，withatwistandawrench，thestrangerloosedhimself，andheofthescarfoundhimselflockedinapairofarmsthatfairlymadehisribscrack。So，withheavy，hotbreathing，theystoodforawhilestraining，theirbodiesallglisteningwithsweat，andgreatdropsofsweattricklingdowntheirfaces。
Butthestranger\'shugwassoclosethatatlaststoutWilliam\'smusclessoftenedunderhisgrip，andhegaveasob。
Thentheyouthputforthallhisstrengthandgaveasuddentripwithhisheelandacastoverhisrighthip，anddownstoutWilliamwent，withasickeningthud，andlayasthoughhewouldnevermovehandnorfootagain。
Butnownoshoutwentupforthestranger，butanangrymurmurwasheardamongthecrowd，soeasilyhadhewonthematch。
Thenoneofthejudges，akinsmantoWilliamoftheScar，rosewithtremblinglipandbalefullook。Quothhe，\"Ifthouhathslainthatmanitwillgoillwiththee，letmetellthee，fellow。\"Butthestrangeransweredboldly，\"HetookhischancewithmeasItookminewithhim。
Nolawcantouchmetoharmme，evenifIslewhim，sothatitwasfairlydoneinthewrestlingring。\"
\"Thatweshallsee，\"saidthejudge，scowlingupontheyouth，whileoncemoreanangrymurmurranaroundthecrowd；for，asI
havesaid，themenofDenbywereproudofstoutWilliamoftheScar。
ThenupspokeSirRichardgently。\"Nay，\"saidhe，\"theyouthisright；
iftheotherdieth，hediethinthewrestlingring，wherehetookhischance，andwascastfairlyenow。\"
ButinthemeantimethreemenhadcomeforwardandliftedstoutWilliamfromthegroundandfoundthathewasnotdead，thoughbadlyshakenbyhisheavyfall。Thenthechiefjudgeroseandsaid，\"Youngman，theprizeisdulythine。
Hereisthered-goldring，andherethegloves，andyonderstandsthepipeofwinetodowithwhatsoeverthoudostlist。\"
Atthis，theyouth，whohaddonnedhisclothesandtakenuphisstaffagain，bowedwithoutaword，then，takingtheglovesandthering，andthrustingtheoneintohisgirdleandslippingtheotheruponhisthumb，heturnedand，leapinglightlyovertheropesagain，madehiswaythroughthecrowd，andwasgone。
\"Now，Iwonderwhoyonyouthmaybe，\"saidthejudge，turningtoSirRichard，\"heseemethlikeastoutSaxonfromhisredcheeksandfairhair。
ThisWilliamofoursisastoutman，too，andneverhaveIseenhimcastintheringbefore，albeithehathnotyetstrivenwithsuchgreatwrestlersasThomasofCornwall，DicconofYork，andyoungDavidofDoncaster。Hathhenotafirmfootinthering，thinkestthou，SirRichard？\"
\"Ay，truly，andyetthisyouththrewhimfairly，andwithwondrousease。
Imuchwonderwhohecanbe。\"ThussaidSirRichardinathoughtfulvoice。
ForatimetheKnightstoodtalkingtothoseabouthim，butatlasthearoseandmadereadytodepart，sohecalledhismenabouthimand，tighteningthegirthsofhissaddle，hemountedhishorseoncemore。
Meanwhiletheyoungstrangerhadmadehiswaythroughthecrowd，but，ashepassed，heheardallaroundhimsuchwordsmutteredas\"Lookatthecockerel！\"\"Beholdhowheplumethhimself！\"
\"IdareswearhecastgoodWilliamunfairly！\"\"Yea，truly，sawyenotbirdlimeuponhishands？\"\"Itwouldbewelltocuthiscock\'scomb！\"Toallthisthestrangerpaidnoheed，butstrodeproudlyaboutasthoughhehearditnot。
Sohewalkedslowlyacrossthegreentowheretheboothstoodwhereinwasdancing，andstandingatthedoorhelookedinonthesport。
Ashestoodthus，astonestruckhisarmofasuddenwithasharpjar，and，turning，hesawthatanangrycrowdofmenhadfollowedhimfromthewrestlingring。Then，whentheysawhimturnso，agreathootingandyellingarosefromall，sothatthefolkcamerunningoutfromthedancingboothtoseewhatwastodo。
Atlastatall，broad-shouldered，burlyblacksmithstrodeforwardfromthecrowdswingingamightyblackthornclubinhishand。
\"WouldstthoucomeheretoourfairtownofDenby，thouJackintheBox，toovercomeagoodhonestladwithvile，jugglingtricks？\"
growledheinadeepvoicelikethebellowofanangrybull。
\"Takethat，then！\"Andofasuddenhestruckablowattheyouththatmighthavefelledanox。Buttheotherturnedtheblowdeftlyaside，andgavebackanothersoterriblethattheDenbymanwentdownwithagroan，asthoughhehadbeensmittenbylightning。
Whentheysawtheirleaderfall，thecrowdgaveanotherangryshout；
butthestrangerplacedhisbackagainstthetentnearwhichhestood，swinginghisterriblestaff，andsofellhadbeentheblowthathestruckthestoutsmiththatnonedaredtocomewithinthemeasureofhiscudgel，sothepresscrowdedback，likeapackofdogsfromabearatbay。
Butnowsomecowardhandfrombehindthrewasharpjaggedstonethatsmotethestrangeronthecrown，sothathestaggeredback，andtheredbloodgushedfromthecutandrandownhisfaceandoverhisjerkin。
Then，seeinghimdazedwiththisvileblow，thecrowdrusheduponhim，sothattheyoverborehimandhefellbeneaththeirfeet。
Nowitmighthavegoneillwiththeyouth，eventothelosingofhisyounglife，hadnotSirRichardcometothisfair；
forofasudden，shoutswereheard，andsteelflashedintheair，andblowsweregivenwiththeflatofswords，whilethroughthemidstofthecrowdSirRichardoftheLeacamespurringonhiswhitehorse。
Thenthecrowd，seeingthesteel-cladknightandthearmedmen，meltedawaylikesnowonthewarmhearth，leavingtheyoungmanallbloodyanddustyupontheground。
Findinghimselffree，theyoutharoseand，wipingthebloodfromhisface，lookedup。Quothhe，\"SirRichardoftheLea，mayhapthouhastsavedmylifethisday。\"
\"WhoartthouthatknowestSirRichardoftheLeasowell？\"
quoththeKnight。\"MethinksIhaveseenthyfacebefore，youngman。\"
\"Yea，thouhast，\"saidtheyouth，\"formencallmeDavidofDoncaster。\"
\"Ha！\"saidSirRichard，\"IwonderthatIknewtheenot，David；
butthybeardhathgrownlonger，andthouthyselfartmoresetinmanhoodsincethisdaytwelvemonth。Comehitherintothetent，David，andwashthebloodfromthyface。
Andthou，Ralph，bringhimstraightwayacleanjerkin。
NowIamsorryforthee，yetIamrightgladthatIhavehadachancetopayapartofmydebtofkindnesstothygoodmasterRobinHood，foritmighthavegoneillwiththeehadInotcome，youngman。\"
Sosaying，theKnightledDavidintothetent，andtheretheyouthwashedthebloodfromhisfaceandputonthecleanjerkin。
InthemeantimeawhisperhadgonearoundfromthosethatstoodnearestthatthiswasnoneotherthanthegreatDavidofDoncaster，thebestwrestlerinallthemid-country，whoonlylastspringhadcaststoutAdamo\'LincolnintheringatSelby，inYorkshire，andnowheldthemid-countrychampionbelt，ThusithappenedthatwhenyoungDavidcameforthfromthetentalongwithSirRichard，thebloodallwashedfromhisface，andhissoiledjerkinchangedforacleanone，nosoundsofangerwereheard，butallpressedforwardtoseetheyoungman，feelingproudthatoneofthegreatwrestlersofEnglandshouldhaveenteredtheringatDenbyfair。
Forthusfickleisamassofmen。
ThenSirRichardcalledaloud，\"Friends，thisisDavidofDoncaster；
sothinkitnoshamethatyourDenbymanwascastbysuchawrestler。
Hebearethyounoillwillforwhathathpassed，butletitbeawarningtoyouhowyetreatstrangershenceforth。Hadyeslainhimitwouldhavebeenanilldayforyou，forRobinHoodwouldhaveharriedyourtownasthekestrelharriesthedovecote。Ihaveboughtthepipeofwinefromhim，andnowIgiveitfreelytoyoutodrinkasyelist。
Butneverhereafterwardfalluponamanforbeingastoutyeoman。\"
Atthisallshoutedamain；butintruththeythoughtmoreofthewinethanoftheKnight\'swords。ThenSirRichard，withDavidbesidehimandhismen-at-armsaround，turnedaboutandleftthefair。
Butinafterdays，whenthementhatsawthatwrestlingboutwerebentwithage，theywouldshaketheirheadswhentheyheardofanystalwartgame，andsay，\"Ay，ay；butthoushouldsthaveseenthegreatDavidofDoncastercaststoutWilliamoftheScaratDenbyfair。\"
RobinHoodstoodinthemerrygreenwoodwithLittleJohnandmostofhisstoutyeomenaroundhim，awaitingSirRichard\'scoming。
Atlastaglintofsteelwasseenthroughthebrownforestleaves，andforthfromthecovertintotheopenrodeSirRichardattheheadofhismen。
HecamestraightforwardtoRobinHoodandleapingfromoffhishorse，claspedtheyeomaninhisarms。
\"Why，hownow，\"saidRobin，afteratime，holdingSirRichardoffandlookingathimfromtoptotoe，\"methinksthouartagayerbirdthanwhenIsawtheelast。\"
\"Yes，thankstothee，Robin，\"saidtheKnight，layinghishandupontheyeoman\'sshoulder。\"ButfortheeIwouldhavebeenwanderinginmiseryinafarcountrybythistime。ButIhavekeptmyword，Robin，andhavebroughtbackthemoneythatthoudidstlendme，andwhichI
havedoubledfourtimesoveragain，andsobecomerichoncemore。
AlongwiththismoneyIhavebroughtalittlegifttotheeandthybravemenfrommydearladyandmyself。\"Then，turningtohismen，hecalledaloud，\"Bringforththepackhorses。\"
ButRobinstoppedhim。\"Nay，SirRichard，\"saidhe，\"thinkitnotboldofmetocrossthybidding，butweofSherwooddonobusinesstillafterwehaveeatenanddrunk。\"Whereupon，takingSirRichardbythehand，heledhimtotheseatbeneaththegreenwoodtree，whileothersofthechiefmenofthebandcameandseatedthemselvesaround。
ThenquothRobin，\"HowcomethitthatIsawyoungDavidofDoncasterwiththeeandthymen，SirKnight？\"
ThenstraightwaytheKnighttoldallabouthisstayatDenbyandofthehappeningatthefair，andhowitwasliketogohardwithyoungDavid；sohetoldhistale，andquothhe，\"Itwasthis，goodRobin，thatkeptmesolateontheway，otherwiseIwouldhavebeenhereanhouragone。\"
Then，whenhehaddonespeaking，RobinstretchedouthishandandgraspedtheKnight\'spalm。Quothheinatremblingvoice，\"IowetheeadebtIcanneverhopetorepay，SirRichard，forletmetellthee，IwouldratherlosemyrighthandthanhavesuchillbefallyoungDavidofDoncasterasseemedliketocomeuponhimatDenby。\"
Sotheytalkeduntilafterawhileonecameforwardtosaythatthefeastwasspread；whereuponallaroseandwentthereto。
Whenatlastitwasdone，theKnightcalleduponhismentobringthepackhorsesforward，whichtheydidaccordingtohisbidding。
ThenoneofthemenbroughttheKnightastrongbox，whichheopenedandtookfromitabagandcountedoutfivehundredpounds，thesumhehadgottenfromRobin。
\"SirRichard，\"quothRobin，\"thouwiltpleasureusallifthouwiltkeepthatmoneyasagiftfromusofSherwood。Isitnotso，mylads？\"
Thenallshouted\"Ay\"withamightyvoice。
\"Ithankyoualldeeply，\"saidtheKnightearnestly，\"butthinkitnotillofmeifIcannottakeit。GladlyhaveIborroweditfromyou，butitmaynotbethatIcantakeitasagift。\"
ThenRobinHoodsaidnomorebutgavethemoneytoLittleJohntoputawayinthetreasury，forhehadshrewdnessenoughtoknowthatnoughtbreedsillwillandheartbitternesslikegiftsforcedupononethatcannotchoosebuttakethem。
ThenSirRichardhadthepackslaiduponthegroundandopened，whereuponagreatshoutwentupthatmadetheforestringagain，forlo，thereweretenscorebowsoffinestSpanishyew，allburnishedtilltheyshoneagain，andeachbowinlaidwithfancifulfiguresinsilver，yetnotinlaidsoastomartheirstrength。Besidetheseweretenscorequiversofleatherembroideredwithgoldenthread，andineachquiverwereascoreofshaftswithburnishedheadsthatshonelikesilver；
eachshaftwasfeatheredwithpeacock\'splumes，innockedwithsilver。
SirRichardgavetoeachyeomanabowandaquiverofarrows，buttoRobinhegaveastoutbowinlaidwiththecunningestworkmanshipingold，whileeacharrowinhisquiverwasinnockedwithgold。
Thenallshoutedagainforjoyofthefairgift，andallsworeamongthemselvesthattheywoulddieifneedbeforSirRichardandhislady。
AtlastthetimecamewhenSirRichardmustgo，whereuponRobinHoodcalledhisbandaroundhim，andeachmanoftheyeomentookatorchinhishandtolightthewaythroughthewoodlands。
SotheycametotheedgeofSherwood，andtheretheKnightkissedRobinuponthecheeksandlefthimandwasgone。
ThusRobinHoodhelpedanobleknightoutofhisdiremisfortunes，thatelsewouldhavesmotheredthehappinessfromhislife。
LittleJohnTurnsBarefootFriarCOLDWINTERhadpassedandspringhadcome。Noleafythicknesshadyetcladthewoodlands，butthebuddingleaveshunglikeatendermistaboutthetrees。Intheopencountrythemeadowlandslayasheenygreen，thecornfieldsadarkvelvetycolor，fortheywerethickandsoftwiththegrowingblades。
Theplowboyshoutedinthesun，andinthepurplenew-turnedfurrowsflocksofbirdshuntedforfatworms。Allthebroadmoistearthsmiledinthewarmlight，andeachlittlegreenhillclappeditshandforjoy。
Onadeer\'shide，stretchedonthegroundintheopeninfrontofthegreenwoodtree，satRobinHoodbaskinginthesunlikeanolddogfox。
Leaningbackwithhishandsclaspedabouthisknees，helazilywatchedLittleJohnrollingastoutbowstringfromlongstrandsofhempenthread，wettingthepalmsofhishandseverandanon，androllingthecorduponhisthigh。NearbysatAllanaDalefittinganewstringtohisharp。
QuothRobinatlast，\"MethinksIwouldratherroamthisforestinthegentlespringtimethanbeKingofallmerryEngland。Whatpalaceinthebroadworldisasfairasthissweetwoodlandjustnow，andwhatkinginalltheworldhathsuchappetiteforplover\'seggsandlampreysasIforjuicyvenisonandsparklingale？
GafferSwantholdspeakstrulywhenhesaith，`Betteracrustwithcontentthanhoneywithasourheart。\'\"
\"Yea，\"quothLittleJohn，asherubbedhisnew-madebowstringwithyellowbeeswax，\"thelifeweleadisthelifeforme。
Thouspeakestofthespringtime，butmethinkseventhewinterhathitsownjoys。ThouandI，goodmaster，havehadmorethanonemerryday，thiswinterpast，attheBlueBoar。DostthounotrememberthatnightthouandWillStutelyandFriarTuckandIpassedatthatsamehostelrywiththetwobeggarsandthestrollingfriar？\"
\"Yea，\"quothmerryRobin，laughing，\"thatwasthenightthatWillStutelymustneedssnatchakissfromthestouthostess，andgotacanakinofaleemptiedoverhisheadforhispains。\"
\"Truly，itwasthesame，\"saidLittleJohn，laughingalso。
\"Methinksthatwasagoodlysongthatthestrollingfriarsang。
FriarTuck，thouhastaquickearforatune，dostthounotrememberit？\"
\"Ididhavethecatchofitonetime，\"saidTuck。\"Letmesee，\"
andhetouchedhisforefingertohisforeheadinthought，hummingtohimself，andstoppingeverandanontofitwhathehadgottowhathesearchedforinhismind。
Atlasthefounditallandclearinghisthroat，sangmerrily：
\"_Intheblossominghedgetherobincocksings，Forthesunitismerryandbright，Andhejoyfullyhopsandhefluttershiswings，Forhisheartisallfullofdelight。
FortheMaybloomethfair，Andthere\'slittleofcare，AndplentytoeatintheMaytimerare。
Whentheflowersalldie，Thenoffhewillfly，TokeephimselfwarmInsomejollyoldbarnWherethesnowandthewindneitherchillhimnorharm。
\"Andsuchisthelifeofthestrollingfriar，Withaplentytoeatandtodrink；
Forthegoodwifewillkeephimaseatbythefire，Andtheprettygirlssmileathiswink。
ThenhelustilytrollsAsheonwardstrolls，Arollickingsongforthesavingofsouls。
Whenthewinddothblow，Withthecomingofsnow，There\'saplacebythefireForthefatherlyfriar，Andacrabinthebowlforhisheart\'sdesire_。\"
ThusFriarTucksanginarichandmellowvoice，rollinghisheadfromsidetosideintimewiththemusic，andwhenhehaddone，allclappedtheirhandsandshoutedwithlaughter，forthesongfittedhimwell。
\"Inverysooth，\"quothLittleJohn，\"itisagoodlysong，and，wereI
notayeomanofSherwoodForest，Ihadratherbeastrollingfriarthanaughtelseintheworld。\"
\"Yea，itisagoodlysong，\"saidRobinHood，\"butmethoughtthosetwoburlybeggarstoldthemerriertalesandledthemerrierlife。
Dostthounotrememberwhatthatgreatblack-beardedfellowtoldofhisbeggingatthefairinYork？\"
\"Yea，\"saidLittleJohn，\"butwhattoldthefriaroftheharvesthomeinKentshire？Iholdthatheledamerrierlifethantheothertwo。\"
\"Truly，forthehonorofthecloth，\"quothFriarTuck，\"Iholdwithmygoodgossip，LittleJohn。\"
\"Now，\"quothRobin，\"Iholdtomineownmind。Butwhatsaystthou，LittleJohn，toamerryadventurethisfairday？Takethouafriar\'sgownfromourchestofstrangegarments，anddonthesame，andIwillstopthefirstbeggarImeetandchangeclotheswithhim。
Thenletuswanderthecountryabout，thissweetday，andseewhatbefallseachofus。\"
\"Thatfittethmymind，\"quothLittleJohn，\"soletusforth，sayI。\"
ThereuponLittleJohnandFriarTuckwenttothestorehouseoftheband，andtherechosefortheyeomantherobeofaGrayFriar。Thentheycameforthagain，andamightyroaroflaughterwentup，fornotonlyhadthebandneverseenLittleJohninsuchguisebefore，buttherobewastooshortforhimbyagoodpalm\'s-breadth。ButLittleJohn\'shandswerefoldedinhisloosesleeves，andLittleJohn\'seyeswerecastupontheground，andathisgirdlehungagreat，longstringofbeads。
AndnowLittleJohntookuphisstoutstaff，attheendofwhichhungachubbylittleleathernpottle，suchaspalmerscarryatthetipsoftheirstaves；
butinitwassomething，Iwot，morelikegoodMalmseythancoldspringwater，suchasgodlypilgrimscarry。ThenuproseRobinandtookhisstoutstaffinhishand，likewise，andslippedtengoldenangelsintohispouch；
fornobeggar\'sgarbwasamongthestoresoftheband，sohewasfaintorunhischanceofmeetingabeggarandbuyinghisclothesofhim。
So，allbeingmadeready，thetwoyeomensetforthontheirway，stridinglustilyalongallinthemistymorning。Thustheywalkeddowntheforestpathuntiltheycametothehighway，andthenalongthehighwaytillitsplitintwain，leadingononehandtoBlythandontheothertoGainsborough。Heretheyeomenstopped。
QuothjollyRobin，\"TakethoutheroadtoGainsborough，andIwilltakethattoBlyth。So，faretheewell，holyfather，andmaystthounotha\'
causetocountthybeadsinearnesterewemeetagain。\"
\"Goodden，goodbeggarthatistobe，\"quothLittleJohn，\"andmaystthouhavenocausetobegformercyereIseetheenext。\"
Soeachsteppedsturdilyuponhiswayuntilagreenhillrosebetweenthem，andtheonewashidfromthesightoftheother。
LittleJohnwalkedalong，whistling，fornoonewasnighuponalltheroad。
Inthebuddinghedgesthelittlebirdstwitteredmerrily，andoneitherhandthegreenhillssweptuptothesky，thegreatwhitecloudsofspringtimesailingslowlyovertheircrownsinlazyflight。
UphillanddowndalewalkedLittleJohn，thefreshwindblowinginhisfaceandhisrobesflutteringbehindhim，andsoatlasthecametoacrossroadthatledtoTuxford。Herehemetthreeprettylasses，eachbearingabasketofeggstomarket。Quothhe，\"Whitheraway，fairmaids？\"
Andhestoodintheirpath，holdinghisstaffinfrontofthem，tostopthem。
Thentheyhuddledtogetherandnudgedoneanother，andonepresentlyspakeupandsaid，\"WearegoingtotheTuxfordmarket，holyfriar，toselloureggs。\"
\"Nowoutuponit！\"quothLittleJohn，lookinguponthemwithhisheadononeside。\"Surely，itisapitythatsuchfairlassesshouldbeforcedtocarryeggstomarket。
Letmetellyou，anIhadtheshapingofthingsinthisworld，yeshouldallthreehavebeenclothedinthefinestsilks，andrideuponmilk-whitehorses，withpagesatyourside，andfeeduponnothingbutwhippedcreamandstrawberries；
forsuchalifewouldsurelybefityourlooks。\"
Atthisspeechallthreeoftheprettymaidslookeddown，blushingandsimpering。Onesaid，\"La！\"another，\"Marry，a\'
makethsportofus！\"andthethird，\"Listen，now，totheholyman！\"
ButatthesametimetheylookedatLittleJohnfromoutthecornersoftheireyes。
\"Now，lookyou，\"saidLittleJohn，\"Icannotseesuchdaintydamselsasyearecarryingbasketsalongahighroad。
Letmetakethemmineownself，andoneofyou，ifyewill，maycarrymystaffforme。\"
\"Nay，\"saidoneofthelasses，\"butthoucanstnotcarrythreebasketsallatonetime。\"
\"Yea，butIcan，\"saidLittleJohn，\"andthatIwillshowyoupresently。
IthankthegoodSaintWilfredthathehathgivenmeaprettywit。
Lookye，now。HereItakethisgreatbasket，so；hereItiemyrosaryaroundthehandle，thus；andhereIsliptherosaryovermyheadandslingthebasketuponmyback，inthiswise。\"
AndLittleJohndidaccordingtohiswords，thebaskethangingdownbehindhimlikeapeddler\'spack；then，givinghisstafftooneofthemaids，andtakingabasketuponeitherarm，heturnedhisfacetowardTuxfordTownandsteppedforthmerrily，alaughingmaidoneitherside，andonewalkingahead，carryingthestaff。
Inthiswisetheyjourneyedalong，andeveryonetheymetstoppedandlookedafterthem，laughing，forneverhadanybodyseensuchamerrysightasthistall，strappingGrayFriar，withrobesalltooshortforhim，ladenwitheggs，andtrampingtheroadwiththreeprettylasses。
ForthisLittleJohncarednotawhit，butwhensuchfolksgavejestingwordstohimheansweredbackasmerrily，speechforspeech。
SotheysteppedalongtowardTuxford，chattingandlaughing，untiltheycamenightothetown。HereLittleJohnstoppedandsetdownthebaskets，forhedidnotcaretogointothetownlestheshould，perchance，meetsomeoftheSheriff\'smen。
\"Alas！sweetchucks，\"quothhe，\"hereImustleaveyou。
Ihadnotthoughttocomethisway，butIamgladthatIdidso。
Now，erewepart，wemustdrinksweetfriendship。\"Sosaying，heunslungtheleathernpottlefromtheendofhisstaff，and，drawingthestoppertherefrom，hehandedittothelasswhohadcarriedhisstaff，firstwipingthemouthofthepottleuponhissleeve。
Theneachlasstookafairdrinkofwhatwaswithin，andwhenithadpassedallaround，LittleJohnfinishedwhatwasleft，sothatnotanotherdropcouldbesqueezedfromit。Then，kissingeachlasssweetly，hewishedthemallgoodden，andleftthem。
Butthemaidsstoodlookingafterhimashewalkedawaywhistling。
\"Whatapity，\"quothone，\"thatsuchastout，lustyladshouldbeinholyorders。\"
\"Marry，\"quothLittleJohntohimself，ashestrodealong，\"yonwasnosuchillhappening；SaintDunstansendmemoreofthelike。\"
Afterhehadtrudgedalongforatimehebegantowaxthirstyagaininthewarmthoftheday。Heshookhisleathernpottlebesidehisear，butnotasoundcametherefrom。Thenheplacedittohislipsandtiltedithighaloft，butnotadropwasthere。
\"LittleJohn！LittleJohn！\"saidhesadlytohimself，shakinghisheadthewhile，\"womanwillbethyruinyet，ifthoudostnottakebettercareofthyself。\"
Butatlasthereachedthecrestofacertainhill，andsawbelowasweetlittlethatchedinnlyingsnuglyinthedalebeneathhim，towardwhichtheroaddippedsharply。Atthesightofthis，avoicewithinhimcriedaloud，\"Igivetheejoy，goodfriend，foryonderisthyheart\'sdelight，towit，asweetrestandacupofbrownbeer。\"
Sohequickenedhispacedownthehillandsocametothelittleinn，fromwhichhungasignwithastag\'sheadpainteduponit。
Infrontofthedooracluckinghenwasscratchinginthedustwithabroodofchickensaboutherheels，thesparrowswerechatteringofhouseholdaffairsundertheeaves，andallwassosweetandpeacefulthatLittleJohn\'sheartlaughedwithinhim。
Besidethedoorstoodtwostoutcobswithbroadsoft-paddedsaddles，wellfittedforeasytraveling，andspeakingofrichguestsintheparlor。
Infrontofthedoorthreemerryfellows，atinker，apeddler，andabeggar，wereseatedonabenchinthesunquaffingstoutale。
\"Igiveyougoodden，sweetfriends，\"quothLittleJohn，stridinguptowheretheysat。
\"Givetheegoodden，holyfather，\"quoththemerryBeggarwithagrin。
\"Butlookthee，thygownistooshort。Thouhadstbestcutapieceoffthetopandtackittothebottom，sothatitmaybelongenough。
Butcome，sitbesideushereandtakeatasteofale，ifthyvowsforbidtheenot。\"
\"Nay，\"quothLittleJohn，alsogrinning，\"theblessedSaintDunstanhathgivenmeafreedispensationforallindulgenceinthatline。\"
Andhethrusthishandintohispouchformoneytopayhisscore。
\"Truly，\"quoththeTinker，\"withoutthylooksbeliethee，holyfriar，thegoodSaintDunstanwaswise，forwithoutsuchdispensationhisvotaryisliketoha\'manyapenancetomake。Nay，takethyhandfromoutthypouch，brother，forthoushaltnotpaythisshot。
Ho，landlord，apotofale！\"
SothealewasbroughtandgiventoLittleJohn。Then，blowingthefrothalittlewaytomakeroomforhislips，hetiltedthebottomofthepothigherandhigher，tillitpointedtothesky，andhehadtoshuthiseyestokeepthedazzleofthesunshineoutofthem。
Thenhetookthepotaway，fortherewasnothinginit，andheavedafulldeepsigh，lookingattheotherswithmoisteyesandshakinghisheadsolemnly。
\"Ho，landlord！\"criedthePeddler，\"bringthisgoodfellowanotherpotofale，fortrulyitisacredittousalltohaveoneamonguswhocanemptyacanakinsolustily。\"
Sotheytalkedamongthemselvesmerrily，untilafterawhilequothLittleJohn，\"Whorideththosetwonagsyonder？\"
\"Twoholymenlikethee，brother，\"quoththeBeggar。\"Theyarenowhavingagoodlyfeastwithin，forIsmelledthesteamofaboiledpulletjustnow。
ThelandladysayeththeycomefromFountainAbbey，inYorkshire，andgotoLincolnonmattersofbusiness。\"
\"Theyareamerrycouple，\"saidtheTinker，\"foroneisasleanasanoldwife\'sspindle，andtheotherasfatasasuetpudding。\"
\"Talkingoffatness，\"saidthePeddler，\"thouthyselflookestnonetooill-fed，holyfriar。\"
\"Nay，truly，\"saidLittleJohn，\"thouseestinmewhattheholySaintDunstancandoforthemthatservehimuponahandfulofparchedpeasandatrickleofcoldwater。\"
Atthisagreatshoutoflaughterwentup。\"Truly，itisawondrousthing，\"quoththeBeggar，\"Iwouldhavemademyvow，toseethemasterlymannerinwhichthoudidsttuckawayyonpotofale，thatthouhadstnottastedclearwaterforabraceofmonths。
HasnotthissameholySaintDunstantaughttheeagoodlysongortwo？\"
\"Why，asforthat，\"quothLittleJohn，grinning，\"mayhaphehathlentmeaidtolearnadittyorso。\"
\"Then，prythee，letushearhowhehathtaughtthee，\"
quoththeTinker。
AtthisLittleJohnclearedhisthroatand，afterawordortwoaboutacertainhoarsenessthattroubledhim，sangthus：
\"_Ah，pretty，prettymaid，whitherdostthougo？
Iprythee，prythee，waitforthyloveralso，Andwe\'llgathertheroseAsitsweetlyblows，Forthemerry，merrywindsareblo-o-o-wing_。\"
NowitseemedasthoughLittleJohn\'ssongswerenevertogetsung，forhehadgotnofartherthanthiswhenthedooroftheinnopenedandoutcamethetwobrothersofFountainAbbey，thelandlordfollowingthem，and，asthesayingis，washinghishandswithhumblesoap。
ButwhenthebrothersofFountainAbbeysawwhoitwasthatsang，andhowhewascladintherobesofaGrayFriar，theystoppedsuddenly，thefatlittleBrotherdrawinghisheavyeyebrowstogetherinamightyfrown，andthethinBrothertwistinguphisfaceasthoughhehadsourbeerinhismouth。Then，asLittleJohngatheredhisbreathforanewverse，\"How，now，\"roaredforththefatBrother，hisvoicecomingfromhimlikeloudthunderfromalittlecloud，\"thounaughtyfellow，isthisafitplaceforoneinthygarbtotippleandsingprofanesongs？\"
\"Nay，\"quothLittleJohn，\"sin\'Icannottippleandsing，likeYourWorship\'sreverence，insuchagoodlyplaceasFountainAbbey，Imuste\'entippleandsingwhereIcan。\"
\"Now，outuponthee，\"criedthetallleanBrotherinaharshvoice，\"now，outuponthee，thatthoushouldstsodisgracethyclothbythistalkandbearing。\"
\"Marry，comeup！\"quothLittleJohn。\"Disgrace，sayestthou？
Methinksitismoredisgraceforoneofourgarbtowringhard-earnedfarthingsoutofthegripeofpoorleanpeasants。
Itisnotso，brother？\"
AtthistheTinkerandthePeddlerandtheBeggarnudgedoneanother，andallgrinned，andthefriarsscowledblacklyatLittleJohn；buttheycouldthinkofnothingfurthertosay，sotheyturnedtotheirhorses。
ThenLittleJohnaroseofasuddenfromthebenchwherehesat，andrantowherethebrothersofFountainAbbeyweremounting。
Quothhe，\"Letmeholdyourhorses\'bridlesforyou。Truly，yourwordshavesmittenmysinfulheart，sothatIwillabidenolongerinthisdenofevil，butwillgoforwardwithyou。Noviletemptation，Iwot，willfalluponmeinsuchholycompany。\"
\"Nay，fellow，\"saidtheleanBrotherharshly，forhesawthatLittleJohnmadesportofthem，\"wewantnoneofthycompany，sogettheegone。\"
\"Alas，\"quothLittleJohn，\"Iamtrulysorrythatyelikemenotnormycompany，butasforleavingyou，itmaynotbe，formyheartissomoved，that，willy-nilly，Imustgowithyouforthesakeofyourholycompany。\"
Now，atthistalkallthegoodfellowsonthebenchgrinnedtilltheirteethglistened，andeventhelandlordcouldnotforbeartosmile。
Asforthefriars，theylookedatoneanotherwithapuzzledlook，andknewnotwhattodointhematter。Theyweresoproudthatitmadethemfeelsickwithshametothinkofridingalongthehighroadwithastrollingfriar，inrobesalltooshortforhim，runningbesidethem，butyettheycouldnotmakeLittleJohnstayagainsthiswill，fortheyknewhecouldcrackthebonesofbothoftheminatwinklingwerehesominded。
ThenupspakethefatBrothermoremildlythanhehaddonebefore。
\"Nay，goodbrother，\"saidhe，\"wewillridefast，andthouwilttiretodeathatthepace。\"
\"Truly，Iamgratefultotheeforthethoughtofme，\"quothLittleJohn，\"buthavenofear，brother；mylimbsarestout，andIcouldrunlikeaharefromheretoGainsborough。\"
Atthesewordsasoundoflaughingcamefromthebench，whereattheleanBrother\'swrathboiledover，likewaterintothefire，withgreatfussandnoise。\"Now，outuponthee，thounaughtyfellow！\"hecried。
\"Artthounotashamedtobringdisgracesouponourcloth？
Bidetheehere，thousot，withtheseporkers。Thouartnofitcompanyforus。\"
\"La，yetherenow！\"quothLittleJohn。\"Thouhearest，landlord；
thouartnotfitcompanyfortheseholymen；gobacktothinealehouse。
Nay，ifthesemostholybrothersofminedobutgivemetheword，I\'llbeatthyheadwiththisstoutstafftillitisassoftaswhippedeggs。\"
Atthesewordsagreatshoutoflaughterwentupfromthoseonthebench，andthelandlord\'sfacegrewredasacherryfromsmotheringhislaughinhisstomach；buthekepthismerrimentdown，forhewishednottobringtheill-willofthebrothersofFountainAbbeyuponhimbyunseemlymirth。
Sothetwobrethren，astheycoulddonoughtelse，havingmountedtheirnags，turnedtheirnosestowardLincolnandrodeaway。
\"Icannotstaylonger，sweetfriends，\"quothLittleJohn，ashepushedinbetwixtthetwocobs，\"thereforeIwishyougoodden。Offwego，wethree。\"
Sosaying，heswunghisstoutstaffoverhisshoulderandtrudgedoff，measuringhispacewiththatofthetwonags。
ThetwobrothersgloweredatLittleJohnwhenhesopushedhimselfbetwixtthem，thentheydrewasfarawayfromhimastheycould，sothattheyeomanwalkedinthemiddleoftheroad，whiletheyrodeonthefootpathoneithersideoftheway。
Astheysowentaway，theTinker，thePeddler，andtheBeggarranskippingoutintothemiddleofthehighway，eachwithapotinhishand，andlookedafterthemlaughing。
Whiletheywereinsightofthoseattheinn，thebrotherswalkedtheirhorsessoberly，notcaringtomakeillmattersworsebyseemingtorunawayfromLittleJohn，fortheycouldnotbutthinkhowitwouldsoundinfolks\'
earswhentheyheardhowthebrethrenofFountainAbbeyscamperedawayfromastrollingfriar，liketheUglyOne，whentheblessedSaintDunstanloosedhisnosefromthered-hottongswherehehadhelditfast；
butwhentheyhadcrossedthecrestofthehillandtheinnwaslosttosight，quoththefatBrothertothethinBrother，\"BrotherAmbrose，hadwenotbettermendourpace？\"
\"Whytruly，gossip，\"spokeupLittleJohn，\"methinksitwouldbewelltoboilourpotalittlefaster，forthedayispassingon。
Soitwillnotjoltthyfattoomuch，onward，sayI。\"
Atthisthetwofriarssaidnothing，buttheyglaredagainonLittleJohnwithbalefullooks；then，withoutanotherword，theycluckedtotheirhorses，andbothbrokeintoacanter。
Sotheygallopedforamileandmore，andLittleJohnranbetwixtthemaslightlyasastagandneverturnedahairwiththerunning。AtlastthefatBrotherdrewhishorse\'sreinwithagroan，forhecouldstandtheshakingnolonger。
\"Alas，\"saidLittleJohn，withnotsomuchasacatchinhisbreath，\"Ididsadlyfearthattheroughnessofthispacewouldshakethypooroldfatpaunch。\"
TothisthefatFriarsaidneveraword，buthestaredstraightbeforehim，andhegnawedhisnetherlip。Andnowtheytraveledforwardmorequietly，LittleJohninthemiddleoftheroadwhistlingmerrilytohimself，andthetwofriarsinthefootpathoneithersidesayingneveraword。
Thenpresentlytheymetthreemerryminstrels，allcladinred，whostaredamaintoseeaGrayFriarwithsuchshortrobeswalkinginthemiddleoftheroad，andtwobrothers。
withheadsbowedwithshame，ridinguponrichlycaparisonedcobsonthefootpaths。Whentheyhadcomeneartotheminstrels，LittleJohnwavedhisstafflikeanusherclearingtheway。
\"Makeway！\"hecriedinaloudvoice。\"Makeway！makeway！
Forherewego，wethree！\"Thenhowtheminstrelsstared，andhowtheylaughed！ButthefatFriarshookaswithanague，andtheleanFriarbowedhisheadoverhishorse\'sneck。
Thennexttheymettwonobleknightsinricharray，withhawkonwrist，andlikewisetwofairladiescladinsilksandvelvets，alla-ridingonnoblesteeds。Theseallmaderoom，staring，asLittleJohnandthetwofriarscamealongtheroad。TothemLittleJohnbowedhumbly。\"Giveyougreetings，lordsandladies，\"saidhe。
\"Butherewego，wethree。\"
Thenalllaughed，andoneofthefairladiescriedout，\"Whatthreemeanestthou，merryfriend？\"
LittleJohnlookedoverhisshoulder，fortheyhadnowpassedeachother，andhecalledback，\"BigJack，leanJackandfatJack-pudding。\"
AtthisthefatFriargaveagroanandseemedasifhewereliketofallfromhissaddleforshame；theotherbrothersaidnothing，buthelookedbeforehimwithagrimandstonylook。
Justaheadofthemtheroadtookasuddenturnaroundahighhedge，andsometwoscorepacesbeyondthebendanotherroadcrossedtheonetheywereridingupon。Whentheyhadcometothecrossroadandwerewellawayfromthosetheyhadleft，theleanFriardrewreinsuddenly。
\"Lookye，fellow，\"quothheinavoicequiveringwithrage，\"wehavehadenoughofthyvilecompany，andcarenolongertobemadesportof。
Gothyway，andletusgooursinpeace。\"
\"Lathere，now！\"quothLittleJohn。\"Methoughtweweresuchamerrycompany，andherethoudostblazeuplikefatinthepan。
Buttruly，Iha\'hadenowofyoutoday，thoughIcanillspareyourcompany。Iknowyewillmissme，butginyewantmeagain，whispertoGoodmanWind，andhewillbringnewsthereoftome。
ButyeseeIamapoormanandyearerich。Iprayyougivemeapennyortwotobuymebreadandcheeseatthenextinn。\"
\"Wehavenomoney，fellow，\"saidtheleanFriarharshly。
\"Come，BrotherThomas，letusforward。\"
ButLittleJohncaughtthehorsesbythebridlereins，oneineitherhand。
\"Ha\'yeintruthnomoneyaboutyouwhatsoever？\"saidhe。
\"Now，Iprayyou，brothers，forcharity\'ssake，givemesomewhattobuyacrustofbread，e\'enthoughitbeonlyapenny。\"
\"Itellthee，fellow，wehavenomoney，\"thunderedthefatlittleFriarwiththegreatvoice。
\"Ha\'ye，inholytruth，nomoney？\"askedLittleJohn。
\"Notafarthing，\"saidtheleanFriarsourly。
\"Notagroat，\"saidthefatFriarloudly。
\"Nay，\"quothLittleJohn，\"thismustnotbe。Farbeitfrommetoseesuchholymenasyearedepartfrommewithnomoney。
Getbothofyoudownstraightwayfromoffyourhorses，andwewillkneelhereinthemiddleofthecrossroadsandpraytheblessedSaintDunstantosendussomemoneytocarryusonourjourney。\"
\"Whatsayestthou，thoulimbofevil！\"criedtheleanFriar，fairlygnashinghisteethwithrage。\"Dossthoubidme，thehighcellarerofFountainAbbey，togetdownfrommyhorseandkneelinthedirtyroadtopraytosomebeggarlySaxonsaint？\"
\"Now，\"quothLittleJohn，\"Iha\'agreatpartofamindtocrackthyheadfortheeforspeakingthusofthegoodSaintDunstan！Butgetdownstraightway，formypatiencewillnotlastmuchlonger，andImayforgetthatyearebothinholyorders。\"Sosaying，hetwirledhisstoutstafftillitwhistledagain。
Atthisspeechbothfriarsgrewaspaleasdough。
DownslippedthefatBrotherfromoffhishorseononeside，anddownslippedtheleanBrotherontheother。
\"Now，brothers，downonyourkneesandpray，\"saidLittleJohn；
thereupon，puttinghisheavyhandsupontheshoulderofeach，heforcedthemtotheirknees，hekneelingalso。ThenLittleJohnbegantobeseechSaintDunstanformoney，whichhedidinagreatloudvoice。
AfterhehadsobesoughttheSaintforatime，hebadethefriarsfeelintheirpouchesandseeiftheSainthadsentthemanything；
soeachputhishandslowlyinthepouchthathungbesidehim，butbroughtnothingthence。
\"Ha！\"quothLittleJohn，\"haveyourprayerssolittlevirtue？
Thenletusatitagain。\"ThenstraightwayhebegancallingonSaintDunstanagain，somewhatinthiswise：\"OgraciousSaintDunstan！Sendsomemoneystraightwaytothesepoorfolk，lestthefatonewasteawayandgrowasleanastheleanone，andtheleanonewasteawaytonothingatall，eretheygettoLincolnTown；butsendthemonlytenshillingsapiece，lesttheygrowpuffedupwithpride，Anymorethanthatthatthousendest，sendtome。
\"Now，\"quothhe，rising，\"letusseewhateachmanhath。\"
Thenhethrusthishandintohispouchanddrewthencefourgoldenangels。
\"Whathaveye，brothers？\"saidhe。
Thenonceagaineachfriarslowlythrusthishandintohispouch，andonceagainbroughtitoutwithnothinginit。
\"Haveyenothing？\"quothLittleJohn。\"Nay，Iwarrantthereissomewhatthathathcreptintotheseamsofyourpouches，andsoyeha\'missedit。
Letmelook。\"
SohewentfirsttotheleanFriar，and，thrustinghishandintothepouch，hedrewforthaleathernbagandcountedtherefromonehundredandtenpoundsofgoldenmoney。\"Ithought，\"quothLittleJohn，\"thatthouhadstmissed，insomeoddcornerofthypouch，themoneythattheblessedSainthadsentthee。Andnowletmeseewhetherthouhastnotsome，also，brother。\"
ThereuponhethrusthishandintothepouchofthefatFriaranddrewthenceabagliketheotherandcountedoutfromitthreescoreandtenpounds。
\"Lookyenow，\"quothhe，\"IknewthegoodSainthadsenttheesomepittancethatthou，also，hadstmissed。\"
Then，givingthemonepoundbetweenthem，heslippedtherestofthemoneyintohisownpouch，saying，\"Yepledgedmeyourholywordthatyehadnomoney。Beingholymen，Itrustthatyewouldnotbelieyourwordsopledged，thereforeIknowthegoodSaintDunstanhathsentthisinanswertomyprayers。
ButasIonlyprayedfortenshillingstobesenttoeachofyou，alloverandabovethatbelongethbyrightstome，andsoItakeit。
Igiveyougoodden，brothers，andmayyehaveapleasantjourneyhenceforth。\"Sosaying，heturnedandleftthem，stridingaway。Thefriarslookedatoneanotherwithawoefullook，andslowlyandsadlytheymountedtheirhorsesagainandrodeawaywithneveraword。
ButLittleJohnturnedhisfootstepsbackagaintoSherwoodForest，andmerrilyhewhistledashestrodealong。
AndnowwewillseewhatbefellRobinHoodinhisventureasbeggar。
RobinHoodTurnsBeggarAFTERJOLLYROBINhadleftLittleJohnattheforkingoftheroads，hewalkedmerrilyonwardinthemellowsunshinethatshoneabouthim。
Everandanonhewouldskipandleaporsingasnatchofsong，forpurejoyousnessoftheday；for，becauseofthesweetnessofthespringtide，hisheartwasaslustywithinhimasthatofacoltnewlyturnedouttograss。Sometimeshewouldwalkalongdistance，gazingaloftatthegreatwhiteswellingcloudsthatmovedslowlyacrossthedeepbluesky；anonhewouldstopanddrinkinthefullnessoflifeofallthings，forthehedgerowswerebuddingtenderlyandthegrassofthemeadowswaswaxinglongandgreen；againhewouldstandstillandlistentotheprettysongofthelittlebirdsinthethicketsorhearkentotheclearcrowofthecockdaringtheskytorain，whereathewouldlaugh，forittookbutlittletotickleRobin\'sheartintomerriment。
Sohetrudgedmanfullyalong，everwillingtostopforthisreasonorforthat，andeverreadytochatwithsuchmerrylassesashemetnowandthen。Sothemorningslippedalong，butyethemetnobeggarwithwhomhecouldchangeclothes。
Quothhe，\"IfIdonotchangemyluckinhaste，Iamliketohaveanemptydayofit，foritiswellnighhalfgonealready，and，althoughIhavehadamerrywalkthroughthecountryside，Iknownoughtofabeggar\'slife。\"
Then，afterawhile，hebegantogrowhungry，whereuponhismindturnedfromthoughtsofspringtimeandflowersandbirdsanddwelleduponboiledcapons，Malmsey，whitebread，andthelike，withgreattenderness。
Quothhetohimself，\"IwouldIhadWillieWynkin\'swishingcoat；
IknowrightwellwhatIshouldwishfor，andthisitshouldbe。\"
Herehemarkeduponthefingersofhislefthandwiththeforefingerofhisrighthandthosethingswhichhewishedfor。
\"Firstly，Iwouldhaveasweetbrownpieoftenderlarks；markye，notdrycooked，butwithagoodsopofgravytomoistenitwithal。
Next，Iwouldhaveaprettypullet，fairlyboiled，withtenderpigeons\'
eggs，cunninglysliced，garnishingtheplatteraround。
WiththeseIwouldhavealong，slimloafofwheatenbreadthathathbeenbakeduponthehearth；itshouldbewarmfromthefire，withglossybrowncrust，thecolorofthehairofmineownMaidMarian，andthissamecrustshouldbeascrispandbrittleasthethinwhiteicethatliesacrossthefurrowsintheearlywinter\'smorning。
Thesewilldoforthemoresolidthings；butwiththeseI
musthavethreepotties，fatandround，onefullofMalmsey，oneofCanary，andonebrimmingfullofmineowndearlustysack。\"
ThusspokeRobintohimself，hismouthgrowingmoistatthecornerswiththethoughtsofthegoodthingshehadraisedinhisownmind。
So，talkingtohimself，hecametowherethedustyroadturnedsharplyaroundthehedge，alltenderwiththegreenofthecomingleaf，andtherehesawbeforehimastoutfellowsittinguponastile，swinginghislegsinidleness。Allaboutthislustyroguedangleddiverspouchesandbagsofdifferentsizesandkinds，adozenormore，withgreat，wide，gapingmouths，likeabroodofhungrydaws。
Hiscoatwasgatheredinathiswaist，andwaspatchedwithasmanycolorsastherearestripesuponaMaypoleinthespringtide。
Onhisheadheworeagreattallleatherncap，andacrosshiskneesrestedastoutquarterstaffofblackthorn，fullaslongandheavyasRobin\'s。AsjollyabeggarwasheasevertrodthelanesandbywaysofNottinghamshire，forhiseyeswereasgrayasslate，andsnappedandtwinkledanddancedwithmerriment，andhisblackhaircurledclosealloverhisheadinlittleringsofkinkiness。
\"Halloa，goodfellow，\"quothRobin，whenhehadcomenightotheother，\"whatartthoudoingherethismerryday，whentheflowersarepeepingandthebudsareswelling？\"
Thentheotherwinkedoneeyeandstraightwaytrolledforthinamerryvoice：
\"_Isituponthestile，AndIsingalittlewhileAsIwaitformyowntruedear，O，Forthesunisshiningbright，Andtheleavesaredancinglight，Andthelittlefowlsingssheisnear，O_。
\"Andsoitiswithme，bullyboy，savingthatmydoxycomethnot。\"
\"Nowthatisarightsweetsong，\"quothRobin，\"and，wereIintherightmindtolistentothee，Icouldbearwelltohearmore；
butIhavetwothingsofseriousnesstoaskofthee；
solisten，Iprythee。\"
AtthisthejollyBeggarcockedhisheadononeside，likearogueofamagpie。Quothhe，\"Iamanilljugtopourheavythingsinto，goodfriend，and，ifImistakenot，thouhastfewseriouswordstospareatanytime。\"
\"Nay，\"quothjollyRobin，\"whatIwouldsayfirstisthemostseriousofallthoughtstome，towit，`WhereshallIgetsomewhattoeatanddrink？\'\"
\"Saystthouso？\"quoththeBeggar。\"Marry，Imakenosuchseriousthoughtsuponthematter。IeatwhenIcangetit，andmunchmycrustwhenIcangetnocrumb；likewise，whenthereisnoaletobehadIwashthedustfromoutmythroatwithatrickleofcoldwater。Iwassittinghere，asthoucamestuponme，bethinkingmyselfwhetherIshouldbreakmyfastorno。
IdolovetoletmyhungergrowmightilykeenereIeat，forthenadrycrustisasgoodtomeasavenisonpastywithsuetandraisinsistostoutKingHarry。Ihaveasharphungeruponmenow，butmethinksinashortwhileitwillripentoarightmellowappetite。\"
\"Now，ingoodsooth，\"quothmerryRobin，laughing，\"thouhastaquainttonguebetwixtthyteeth。Buthastthoutrulynoughtbutadrycrustaboutthee？
Methinksthybagsandpouchesarefatandlustyforsuchthinfare。\"
\"Why，mayhapthereissomeothercoldfaretherein，\"saidtheBeggarslyly。
\"Andhastthounoughttodrinkbutcoldwater？\"saidRobin。
\"Neversomuchasadrop，\"quoththeBeggar。\"Overbeyondyonclumpoftreesisassweetalittleinnaseverthouhastliftedeyelidupon；
butIgonotthither，fortheyhaveanastywaywithme。
Once，whenthegoodPriorofEmmetwasdiningthere，thelandladysetadearlittletartofstewedcrabsandbarleysugaruponthewindowsilltocool，and，seeingitthere，andfearingitmightbelost，ItookitwithmetillthatIcouldfindtheownerthereof。
Eversincethentheyhaveactedveryilltowardme；yettruthbidsmesaythattheyhavethebestaletherethateverrolledovermytongue。\"
AtthisRobinlaughedaloud。\"Marry，\"quothhe，\"theydidilltowardtheeforthykindness。Buttellmetruly，whathastthouinthypouches？\"
\"Why，\"quoththeBeggar，peepingintothemouthsofhisbags，\"Ifindhereagoodlypieceofpigeonpie，wrappedinacabbageleaftoholdthegravy。
HereIbeholdadaintystreakedpieceofbrawn，andhereafairlumpofwhitebread。HereIfindfouroatencakesandacoldknuckleofham。Ha！Insooth，\'tisstrange；buthereIbeholdsixeggsthatmusthavecomebyaccidentfromsomepoultryyardhereabouts。
Theyareraw，butroasteduponthecoalsandspreadwithapieceofbutterthatIsee——\"
\"Peace，goodfriend！\"criedRobin，holdinguphishand。\"Thoumakestmypoorstomachquakewithjoyforwhatthoutellestmesosweetly。
Ifthouwiltgivemetoeat，Iwillstraightwayhiemetothatlittleinnthoudidsttellofbutnow，andwillbringaskinofaleforthydrinkingandmine。\"
\"Friend，thouhastsaidenough，\"saidtheBeggar，gettingdownfromthestile。\"IwillfeasttheewiththebestthatIhaveandblessSaintCedricforthycompany。But，sweetchuck，Iprytheebringthreequartsofaleatleast，oneforthydrinkingandtwoformine，formythirstissuchthatmethinksIcandrinkaleasthesandsoftheRiverDeedrinksaltwater。\"
SoRobinstraightwaylefttheBeggar，who，uponhispart，wenttoabuddinglimebushbackofthehedge，andtherespreadhisfeastuponthegrassandroastedhiseggsuponalittlefagotfire，withadeftnessgainedbylonglaborinthatline。
AfterawhilebackcameRobinbearingagoodlyskinofaleuponhisshoulder，whichhelaiduponthegrass。Then，lookinguponthefeastspreadupontheground——andafairsightitwastolookupon——
heslowlyrubbedhishandoverhisstomach，fortohishungryeyesitseemedthefairestsightthathehadbeheldinallhislife。
\"Friend，\"saidtheBeggar，\"letmefeeltheweightofthatskin。
\"Yea，truly，\"quothRobin，\"helpthyself，sweetchuck，andmeantimeletmeseewhetherthypigeonpieisfreshorno。\"
Sotheoneseizeduponthealeandtheotheruponthepigeonpie，andnothingwasheardforawhilebutthemunchingoffoodandthegurgleofaleasitlefttheskin。
Atlast，afteralongtimehadpassedthus，Robinpushedthefoodfromhimandheavedagreatsighofdeepcontent，forhefeltasthoughhehadbeenmadealloveranew。
\"Andnow，goodfriend，\"quothhe，leaningupononeelbow，\"IwouldhaveattheeaboutthatothermatterofseriousnessofwhichIspokenotlongsince。\"
\"How！\"saidtheBeggarreproachfully，\"thouwouldstsurelynottalkofthingsappertainingtoseriousaffairsuponsuchaleasthis！\"
\"Nay，\"quothRobin，laughing。\"Iwouldnotcheckthythirst，sweetfriend；drinkwhileItalktothee。Thusitis：
IwouldhavetheeknowthatIhavetakenalikingtothycraftandwouldfainhaveatasteofabeggar\'slifemineownself。\"
SaidtheBeggar，\"Imarvelnotthatthouhasttakenalikingtomymanneroflife，goodfellow，but`tolike\'and`todo\'
aretwomattersofdifferentsorts。Itellthee，friend，onemustservealongapprenticeshipereonecanlearntobeevensomuchasaclapper-dudgeon，muchlessacrankoranAbraham-man。[3]I
tellthee，lad，thouarttoooldtoenteruponthatwhichitmaytaketheeyearstocatchthehangof。\"
[3]ClassesoftravelingmendicantsthatinfestedEnglandaslateasthemiddleoftheseventeenthcentury。
VIDEDakkar\'sENGLISHVILLAINIES，etc。
\"Mayhapthatmaybeso，\"quothRobin，\"forIbringtomindthatGafferSwantholdsayethJackShoemakermakethillbread；
TomBakermakethillshoon。Nevertheless，Ihaveamindtotasteabeggar\'slife，andneedbuttheclothingtobeasgoodasany。\"
\"Itellthee，fellow，\"saidtheBeggar，\"ifthouwertcladassweetlyasgoodSaintWynten，thepatronofourcraft，thouwouldstnevermakeabeggar。
Marry，thefirstjollytravelerthatthouwouldstmeetwouldbeattheetoapuddingforthrustingthynoseintoacraftthatbelongethnottothee。\"
\"Nevertheless，\"quothRobin，\"Iwouldhaveatryatit；andmethinksIshallchangeclotheswiththee，forthygarbseemethtobepretty，nottosaygay。
SonotonlywillIchangeclothes，butIwillgivetheetwogoldenangelstoboot。Ihavebroughtmystoutstaffwithme，thinkingthatImighthavetorapsomeoneofthebrethrenofthyclothovertheheadbywayofargumentinthismatter，butIlovetheesomuchforthefeastthouhastgivenmethatIwouldnotliftevenmylittlefingeragainstthee，sothouneedstnothaveacrumboffear。\"
TothistheBeggarlistenedwithhisknucklesrestingagainsthiships，andwhenRobinhadendedhecockedhisheadononesideandthrusthistongueintohischeek。
\"Marry，comeup，\"quothheatlast。\"Liftthyfingeragainstme，forsooth！Artthououtofthywits，man？
MynameisRicconHazel，andIcomefromHolywell，inFlintshire，overbytheRiverDee。Itellthee，knave，Ihavecrackedtheheadofmanyabettermanthanthouart，andevennowIwouldscaldthycrownfortheebutforthealethouhastgivenme。
Nowthoushaltnothavesomuchasonetag-ragofmycoat，evencoulditsavetheefromhanging。\"
\"Now，fellow，\"saidRobin，\"itwouldillsuitmetospoilthyprettyheadforthee，butItelltheeplainly，thatbutforthisfeastIwoulddothattotheewouldstopthytravelingthecountryformanyadaytocome。
Keepthylipsshut，lad，orthyluckwilltumbleoutofthymouthwiththyspeech！\"
\"Nowout，andalasforthee，man，forthouhastbredthyselfillthisday！\"criedtheBeggar，risingandtakinguphisstaff。
\"Takeupthyclubanddefendthyself，fellow，forIwillnotonlybeattheebutIwilltakefromtheethymoneyandleavetheenotsomuchasaclippedgroattobuythyselfalumpofgoosegreasetorubthycrackedcrownwithal。
Sodefendthyself，Isay。\"
ThenupleapedmerryRobinandsnatcheduphisstaffalso。
\"Takemymoney，ifthoucanst，\"quothhe。\"Ipromisefreelytogivetheeeveryfarthingifthoudosttouchme。\"
Andhetwirledhisstaffinhisfingerstillitwhistledagain。
ThentheBeggarswunghisstaffalso，andstruckamightyblowatRobin，whichtheyeomanturned。ThreeblowstheBeggarstruck，yetneveronetouchedsomuchasahairofRobin\'shead。
ThenstoutRobinsawhischance，and，ereyoucouldcountthree，Riccon\'sstaffwasoverthehedge，andRicconhimselflayuponthegreengrasswithnomoremotionthanyoucouldfindinanemptypuddingbag。
\"Hownow！\"quothmerryRobin，laughing。\"Wiltthouhavemyhideormymoney，sweetchuck？\"Buttothistheotheransweredneveraword。ThenRobin，seeinghisplight，andthathewasstunnedwiththeblow，ran，stilllaughing，andbroughttheskinofaleandpouredsomeofitontheBeggar\'sheadandsomedownhisthroat，sothatpresentlyheopenedhiseyesandlookedaroundasthoughwonderingwhyhelayuponhisback。
ThenRobin，seeingthathehadsomewhatgatheredthewitsthathadjustbeenrappedoutofhishead，said，\"Now，goodfellow，wiltthouchangeclotheswithme，orshallIhavetotaptheeagain？Herearetwogoldenangelsifthouwiltgivemefreelyallthyragsandbagsandthycapandthings。
Ifthougivestthemnotfreely，ImuchfearmeIshallhaveto——\"
andhelookedupanddownhisstaff。
ThenRicconsatupandrubbedthebumponhiscrown。\"Now，outuponit！\"
quothhe。\"Ididthinktodrubtheesweetly，fellow。Iknownothowitis，butIseem，asitwere，tohaveboughtmorebeerthanIcandrink。
IfImustgiveupmyclothes，Imust，butfirstpromiseme，bythywordasatrueyeoman，thatthouwilttakenoughtfrommebutmyclothes。\"
\"Ipromiseonthewordofatrueyeoman，\"quothRobin，thinkingthatthefellowhadafewpenniesthathewouldsave。
ThereupontheBeggardrewalittleknifethathungathissideand，rippinguptheliningofhiscoat，drewthencetenbrightgoldenpounds，whichhelaiduponthegroundbesidehimwithacunningwinkatRobin。\"Nowthoumaysthavemyclothesandwelcome，\"saidhe，\"andthoumightesthavehadtheminexchangeforthinewithoutthecostofasinglefarthing，farlesstwogoldenangels。\"
\"Marry，\"quothRobin，laughing，\"thouartaslyfellow，andItelltheetruly，hadIknownthouhadstsomuchmoneybytheemaybethoumightstnothavecarrieditaway，forIwarrantthoudidstnotcomehonestlybyit。\"
Theneachstrippedoffhisclothesandputonthoseoftheother，andaslustyabeggarwasRobinHoodase\'eryoucouldfindofasummer\'sday。
ButstoutRicconofHolywellskippedandleapedanddancedforjoyofthefairsuitofLincolngreenthathehadsogotten。Quothhe，\"Iamagay-featheredbirdnow。Truly，mydearMollPeascodwouldneverknowmeinthisdress。
Thoumaystkeepthecoldpiecesofthefeast，friend，forImeantolivewellandlustilywhilemymoneylastsandmyclothesaregay。\"
SoheturnedandleftRobinand，crossingthestile，wasgone，butRobinheardhimsingingfrombeyondthehedgeashestrodeaway：
\"_ForPollyissmilingandMollyisgladWhenthebeggarcomesinatthedoor，AndJackandDickcallhimafinelustylad，Andthehostessrunsupagreatscore。
Thenhey，WillyWaddykin，Stay，BillyWaddykin，Andletthebrownaleflowfree，flowfree，Thebeggar\'sthemanforme_。\"
Robinlistenedtillthesongendedinthedistance，thenhealsocrossedthestileintotheroad，butturnedhistoesawayfromwheretheBeggarhadgone。
TheroadledupagentlehillandupthehillRobinwalked，ahalfscoreormoreofbagsdanglingabouthislegs。
Onwardhestrolledforalongtime，butotheradventurehefoundnot。
Theroadwasbareofallelsebuthimself，ashewentkickinguplittlecloudsofdustateachfootstep；foritwasnoontide，themostpeacefultimeofalltheday，nexttotwilight。
Alltheearthwassilentintherestfulnessofeatingtime；
theplowhorsesstoodinthefurrowmunching，withgreatbagsovertheirnosesholdingsweetfood，theplowmansatunderthehedgeandtheplowboyalso，andthey，too，weremunching，eachoneholdingagreatpieceofbreadinonefistandagreatpieceofcheeseintheother。
SoRobin，withalltheemptyroadtohimself，strodealongwhistlingmerrily，hisbagsandpouchesbobbinganddanglingathisthighs。Atlasthecametowherealittlegrass-grownpathlefttheroadand，passingthroughastileanddownahill，ledintoalittledellandonacrossarillinthevalleyandupthehillontheotherside，tillitreachedawindmillthatstoodonthecapoftherisewherethewindbentthetreesinswayingmotion。
Robinlookedatthespotandlikedit，and，fornoreasonbutthathisfancyledhim，hetookthelittlepathandwalkeddownthegrassysunnyslopeoftheopenmeadow，andsocametothelittledingleand，ereheknewit，uponfourlustyfellowsthatsatwithlegsoutstretchedaroundagoodlyfeastspreadupontheground。
Fourmerrybeggarswerethey，andeachhadslungabouthisneckalittleboardthatresteduponhisbreast。
Oneboardhadwrittenuponit，\"Iamblind，\"another，\"Iamdeaf，\"
another，\"Iamdumb，\"andthefourth，\"Pitythelameone。\"
Butalthoughallthesetroubleswrittenupontheboardsseemedsogrievous，thefourstoutfellowssataroundfeastingasmerrilyasthoughCain\'swifehadneveropenedthepottlethatheldmisfortunesandletthemforthlikeacloudoffliestopesterus。