ThedeafmanwasthefirsttohearRobin，forhesaid，\"Hark，brothers，Ihearsomeonecoming。\"Andtheblindmanwasthefirsttoseehim，forhesaid，\"Heisanhonestman，brothers，andoneoflikecrafttoourselves。\"
Thenthedumbmancalledtohiminagreatvoiceandsaid，\"Welcome，brother；
comeandsitwhilethereisstillsomeofthefeastleftandalittleMalmseyinthepottle。\"Atthis，thelameman，whohadtakenoffhiswoodenlegandunstrappedhisownleg，andwassittingwithitstretchedoutuponthegrasssoastorestit，maderoomforRobinamongthem。
\"Wearegladtoseethee，brother，\"saidhe，holdingouttheflaskofMalmsey。
\"Marry，\"quothRobin，laughing，andweighingtheflaskinhishandserehedrank，\"methinksitisnomorethanseemlyofyoualltobegladtoseeme，seeingthatIbringsighttotheblind，speechtothedumb，hearingtothedeaf，andsuchalustylegtoalameman。
Idrinktoyourhappiness，brothers，asImaynotdrinktoyourhealth，seeingyearealreadyhale，windandlimb。\"
Atthisallgrinned，andtheBlindbeggar，whowasthechiefmanamongthem，andwasthebroadestshoulderedandmostlustyrascalofall，smoteRobinupontheshoulder，swearinghewasarightmerrywag。
\"Whencecomestthou，lad？\"askedtheDumbman。
\"Why，\"quothRobin，\"IcamethismorningfromsleepingovernightinSherwood。\"
\"Isitevenso？\"saidtheDeafman。\"IwouldnotforallthemoneywefourarecarryingtoLincolnTownsleeponenightinSherwood。IfRobinHoodcaughtoneofourtradeinhiswoodlandshewould，methinks，cliphisears。\"
\"Methinkshewould，too，\"quothRobin，laughing。\"Butwhatmoneyisthisthatyespeakof？\"
ThenupspaketheLameman。\"Ourking，PeterofYork，\"saidhe，\"hathsentustoLincolnwiththosemoneysthat——\"
\"Stay，brotherHodge，\"quoththeBlindman，breakingintothetalk，\"Iwouldnotdoubtourbrotherhere，butbearinmindweknowhimnot。
Whatartthou，brother？Upright-man，Jurkman，Clapper-dudgeon，Dommerer，orAbraham-man？\"
AtthesewordsRobinlookedfromonemantotheotherwithmouthagape。
\"Truly，\"quothhe，\"ItrustIamanuprightman，atleast，Istrivetobe；
butIknownotwhatthoumeanestbysuchjargon，brother。Itweremuchmoreseemly，methinks，ifyonDumbman，whohathasweetvoice，wouldgiveusasong。\"
Atthesewordsasilencefellonall，andafterawhiletheBlindmanspokeagain。Quothhe，\"Thoudostsurelyjestwhenthousayestthatthoudostnotunderstandsuchwords。Answermethis：
HastthoueverfibbedachousequarronsintheRomepadfortheloureinhisbung？\"[4]
[4]I。E。，inoldbeggar\'scant，\"beatenamanorgallantuponthehighwayforthemoneyinhispurse。\"Dakkar\'sENGLISHVILLAINIES。
\"Nowoutuponit，\"quothRobinHoodtestily，\"anyemakesportofmebypatteringsuchgibberish，itwillbeillforyouall，Itellyou。
Ihavethebestpartofamindtocracktheheadsofallfourofyou，andwoulddoso，too，butforthesweetMalmseyyehavegivenme。
Brother，passthepottlelestitgrowcold。\"
ButallthefourbeggarsleapedtotheirfeetwhenRobinhaddonespeaking，andtheBlindmansnatchedupaheavyknottedcudgelthatlaybesidehimonthegrass，asdidtheotherslikewise。
ThenRobin，seeingthatthingswereliketogoillwithhim，albeitheknewnotwhatallthecoilwasabout，leapedtohisfeetalsoand，catchinguphistrustystaff，clappedhisbackagainstthetreeandstooduponhisguardagainstthem。
\"How，now！\"criedhe，twirlinghisstaffbetwixthisfingers，\"wouldyoufourstoutfellowssetupononeman？
Standback，yerascals，orIwillscoreyourpatestilltheyhaveasmanymarksuponthemasapothousedoor！Areyemad？
Ihavedoneyounoharm。\"
\"Thouliest！\"quoththeonewhopretendedtobeblindandwho，beingthelustiestvillain，wastheleaderoftheothers，\"thouliest！Forthouhastcomeamongusasavilespy。
Butthineearshaveheardtoomuchforthybody\'sgood，andthougoestnotforthfromthisplaceunlessthougoestfeetforemost，forthisdaythoushaltdie！Come，brothers，alltogether！
Downwithhim！\"Then，whirlinguphiscudgel，herusheduponRobinasanangrybullrushesuponaredrag。
ButRobinwasreadyforanyhappening。\"Crick！Crack！\"hestrucktwoblowsasquickasawink，anddownwenttheBlindman，rollingoverandoveruponthegrass。
AtthistheothersborebackandstoodatalittledistancescowlinguponRobin。\"Comeon，yescum！\"criedhemerrily。
\"Herebecakesandaleforall。Now，whowillbenextserved？\"
Tothisspeechthebeggarsansweredneveraword，buttheylookedatRobinasgreatBlunderborelookeduponstoutJacktheslayerofgiants，asthoughtheywouldfaineathim，bodyandbones；nevertheless，theydidnotcaretocomenighertohimandhisterriblestaff。Then，seeingthemsohesitate，Robinofasuddenleapeduponthem，strikingevenasheleaped。
DownwenttheDumbman，andawayflewhiscudgelfromhishandashefell。
Atthistheothersduckedtoavoidanotherblow，then，takingtotheirheels，scampered，theoneonewayandtheothertheother，asthoughtheyhadthewestwind\'sbootsupontheirfeet。Robinlookedafterthem，laughing，andthoughtthatneverhadheseensofleetarunnerastheLameman；butneitherofthebeggarsstoppednorturnedaround，foreachfeltinhismindthewindofRobin\'scudgelabouthisears。
ThenRobinturnedtothetwostoutknaveslyingupontheground。
Quothhe，\"ThesefellowsspakesomewhataboutcertainmoneystheyweretakingtoLincoln；methinksImayfindituponthisstoutblindfellow，whohathaskeensightase\'eratrainedwoodsmaninNottinghamorYorkshire。Itwereapitytoletsoundmoneystayinthepocketsofsuchthievingknaves。\"
Sosaying，hestoopedovertheburlyrascalandsearchedamonghisragsandtatters，tillpresentlyhisfingersfeltaleathernpouchslungaroundhisbodybeneathhispatchedandtatteredcoat。Thishestrippedawayand，weighingitinhishands，bethoughthimselfthatitwasmightyheavy。
\"Itwereasweetthing，\"saidhetohimself，\"ifthiswerefilledwithgoldinsteadofcopperpence。\"Then，sittingdownuponthegrass，heopenedthepocketandlookedintoit。
Therehefoundfourroundrollswrappedupindressedsheepskin；
oneoftheserollsheopened；thenhismouthgapedandhiseyesstared，Iwot，asthoughtheywouldnevercloseagain，forwhatdidheseebutfiftypoundsofbrightgoldenmoney？
Heopenedtheotherpocketsandfoundineachonethesame，fiftybrightnew-stampedgoldenpounds。QuothRobin，\"IhaveoftheardthattheBeggars\'Guildwasover-rich，butneverdidIthinkthattheysentsuchsumsasthistotheirtreasury。Ishalltakeitwithme，foritwillbebetterusedforcharityandthegoodofmymerrybandthanintheenrichingofsuchknavesasthese。\"
Sosaying，herolledupthemoneyinthesheepskinagain，andputtingitbackinthepurse，hethrustthepouchintohisownbosom。
ThentakinguptheflaskofMalmsey，heheldittowardthetwofellowslyingonthegrass，andquothhe，\"Sweetfriends，Idrinkyourhealthandthankyoudearlyforwhatyehavesokindlygivenmethisday，andsoIwishyougoodden。\"
Then，takinguphisstaff，heleftthespotandwentmerrilyonhisway。
Butwhenthetwostoutbeggarsthathadbeenrappedupontheheadrousedthemselvesandsatup，andwhentheothershadgottenovertheirfrightandcomeback，theywereassadandwoebegoneasfourfrogsindryweather，fortwoofthemhadcrackedcrowns，theirMalmseywasallgone，andtheyhadnotsomuchasafarthingtocrosstheirpalmswithal。
ButafterRobinleftthelittledellhestrodealongmerrily，singingashewent；andsoblithewasheandsuchastoutbeggar，and，withal，sofreshandclean，thateverymerrylasshemethadasweetwordforhimandfeltnofear，whiletheverydogs，thatmosttimeshatethesightofabeggar，snuffedathislegsinfriendlywiseandwaggedtheirtailspleasantly；
fordogsknowanhonestmanbyhissmell，andanhonestmanRobinwas——
inhisownway。
ThushewentalongtillatlasthehadcometothewaysidecrossnighOllerton，and，beingsomewhattired，hesathimdowntorestuponthegrassybankinfrontofit。\"Itgrowethnightime，\"
quothhetohimself，\"thatIweregettingbackagaintoSherwood；
yetitwouldpleasemewelltohaveonemoremerryadventureereIgobackagaintomyjollyband。\"
Sohelookeduptheroadanddowntheroadtoseewhomightcome，untilatlasthesawsomeonedrawingnear，ridinguponahorse。
Whenthetravelercamenighenoughforhimtoseehimwell，Robinlaughed，forastrangeenoughfigurehecut。Hewasathin，wizenedman，and，tolookuponhim，youcouldnottellwhetherhewasthirtyyearsoldorsixty，sodriedupwasheeventoskinandbone。
Asforthenag，itwasasthinastherider，andbothlookedasthoughtheyhadbeenbakedinMotherHuddle\'sOven，wherefolkaredriedupsothattheyliveforever。
ButalthoughRobinlaughedatthedrollsight，heknewthewayfarertobeacertainrichcornengrosserofWorksop，whomorethanoncehadboughtallthegraininthecountrysideandheldittillitreachedevenfamineprices，thusmakingmuchmoneyfromtheneedsofpoorpeople，andforthishewashatedfarandnearbyeveryonethatknewaughtofhim。
So，afterawhile，theCornEngrossercameridinguptowhereRobinsat；
whereuponmerryRobinsteppedstraightwayforth，inallhisragsandtatters，hisbagsandpouchesdanglingabouthim，andlaidhishanduponthehorse\'sbridlerein，callingupontheothertostop。
\"Whoartthou，fellow，thatdothdaretostopmethusupontheKing\'shighway？\"saidtheleanman，inadry，sourvoice。
\"Pityapoorbeggar，\"quothRobin。\"Givemebutafarthingtobuymeapieceofbread。\"
\"Now，outuponthee！\"snarledtheother。\"Suchsturdyroguesasthouartarebettersafeintheprisonsordancinguponnothing，withahempencollarabouttheneck，thanstrollingthehighwayssofreely。\"
\"Tut，\"quothRobin，\"howthoutalkest！ThouandIarebrothers，man。
Dowenotbothtakefromthepoorpeoplethatwhichtheycanillspare？
Dowenotmakeourlivingsbydoingnoughtofanygood？
Dowenotbothlivewithouttouchingpalmtohonestwork？
Haveweeitherofuseverrubbedthumbsoverhonestlygainedfarthings？
Goto！Wearebrothers，Isay；onlythouartrichandIampoor；
wherefore，Iprytheeoncemore，givemeapenny。\"
\"Dossthoupratesotome，sirrah？\"criedtheCornEngrosserinarage。
\"NowIwillhavetheesoundlywhippedifeverIcatchtheeinanytownwherethelawcanlayholdofthee！Asforgivingtheeapenny，IsweartotheethatIhavenotsomuchasasinglegroatinmypurse。
WereRobinHoodhimselftotakeme，hemightsearchmefromcrowntoheelwithoutfindingthesmallestpieceofmoneyuponme。
ItrustIamtooslytotravelsonightoSherwoodwithmoneyinmypouch，andthatthiefatlargeinthewoods。\"
ThenmerryRobinlookedupanddown，asiftoseethattherewasnoonenigh，andthen，comingclosetotheCornEngrosser，hestoodontiptoeandspakeinhisear，\"ThinkestthouinsooththatIamabeggar，asIseemtobe？Lookuponme。Thereisnotagrainofdirtuponmyhandsormyfaceormybody。Didstthoueverseeabeggarso？
ItelltheeIamashonestamanasthouart。Look，friend。\"
HerehetookthepurseofmoneyfromhisbreastandshowedtothedazzledeyesoftheCornEngrosserthebrightgoldenpieces。
\"Friend，theseragsservebuttohideanhonestrichmanfromtheeyesofRobinHood。\"
\"Putupthymoney，lad，\"criedtheotherquickly。\"Artthouafool，totrusttobeggar\'sragstoshieldtheefromRobinHood？Ifhecaughtthee，hewouldstriptheetotheskin，forhehatesalustybeggarashedothafatpriestorthoseofmykind。\"
\"Isitindeedso？\"quothRobin。\"HadIknownthis，mayhapIhadnotcomehereaboutsinthisgarb。
ButImustgoforwardnow，asmuchdependsuponmyjourneying。
Wheregoestthou，friend？\"
\"IgotoGrantham，\"saidtheCornEngrosser，\"butIshalllodgetonightatNewark，ifIcangetsofaruponmyway。\"
\"Why，ImyselfamonthewaytoNewark，\"quothmerryRobin，\"sothat，astwohonestmenarebetterthanoneinroadsbesetbysuchafellowasthisRobinHood，Iwilljogalongwiththee，ifthouhastnodisliketomycompany。\"
\"Why，asthouartanhonestfellowandarichfellow，\"
saidtheCornEngrosser，\"Imindnotthycompany；but，insooth，Ihavenogreatfondnessforbeggars。\"
\"Thenforward，\"quothRobin，\"forthedaywanesanditwillbedarkerewereachNewark。\"Soofftheywent，theleanhorsehobblingalongasbefore，andRobinrunningbeside，albeithewassoquakingwithlaughterwithinhimthathecouldhardlystand；yethedarednotlaughaloud，lesttheCornEngrossershouldsuspectsomething。
SotheytraveledalongtilltheyreachedahilljustontheoutskirtsofSherwood。Heretheleanmancheckedhisleanhorseintoawalk，fortheroadwassteep，andhewishedtosavehisnag\'sstrength，havingfartogoerehereachedNewark。ThenheturnedinhissaddleandspaketoRobinagain，forthefirsttimesincetheyhadleftthecross。
\"Hereisthygreatestdanger，friend，\"saidhe，\"forherewearenighesttothatvilethiefRobinHood，andtheplacewherehedwells。
Beyondthiswecomeagaintotheopenhonestcountry，andsoaremoresafeinourjourneying。\"
\"Alas！\"quothRobin，\"IwouldthatIhadaslittlemoneybymeasthouhast，forthisdayIfearthatRobinHoodwillgeteverygroatofmywealth。\"
ThentheotherlookedatRobinandwinkedcunningly。Quothhe，\"Itellthee，friend，thatIhavenighasmuchbymeasthouhast，butitishiddensothatneveraknaveinSherwoodcouldfindit。\"
\"Thoudostsurelyjest，\"quothRobin。\"Howcouldonehidesomuchastwohundredpoundsuponhisperson？\"
\"Now，asthouartsohonestafellow，and，withal，somuchyoungerthanIam，IwilltelltheethatwhichIhavetoldtonomaninalltheworldbefore，andthusthoumaystlearnneveragaintodosuchafoolishthingastotrusttobeggar\'sgarbtoguardtheeagainstRobinHood。Seestthoutheseclogsuponmyfeet？\"
\"Yea，\"quothRobin，laughing，\"truly，theyarelargeenoughforanymantosee，evenwerehissightasfoggyasthatofPeterPatter，whonevercouldseewhenitwastimetogotowork。\"
\"Peace，friend，\"saidtheCornEngrosser，\"forthisisnomatterforjesting。
Thesolesoftheseclogsarenotwhattheyseemtobe，foreachoneisasweetlittlebox；andbytwistingthesecondnailfromthetoe，theupperoftheshoeandpartofthesoleliftsuplikealid，andinthespaceswithinarefourscoreandtenbrightgoldenpoundsineachshoe，allwrappedinhair，tokeepthemfromclinkingandsotellingtalesofthemselves。\"
WhentheCornEngrosserhadtoldthis，Robinbrokeintoaroaroflaughterand，layinghishandsuponthebridlerein，stoppedthesad-lookingnag。\"Stay，goodfriend，\"quothhe，betweenburstsofmerriment，\"thouarttheslyestoldfoxthate\'erIsawinallmylife！——Inthesolesofhisshoon，quotha！——IfeverItrustapoor-seemingmanagain，shavemyheadandpaintitblue！
Acornfactor，ahorsejockey，anestateagent，andajackdawforcunningness，sayI！\"Andhelaughedagaintillheshookinhisshoeswithmirth。
AllthistimetheCornEngrosserhadbeenstaringatRobin，hismouthagapewithwonder。\"Artthoumad，\"quothhe，\"totalkinthisway，soloudandinsuchaplace？Letusforward，andsavethymirthtillwearesafeandsoundatNewark。\"
\"Nay，\"quothRobin，thetearsofmerrimentwetonhischeeks，\"onsecondthoughtsIgonofartherthanhere，forIhavegoodfriendshereabouts。
Thoumaystgoforwardifthoudostlist，thousweetprettyfellow，butthoumustgoforwardbarefoot，forIamafraidthatthyshoonmustbeleftbehind。
Offwiththem，friend，forItelltheeIhavetakenagreatfancytothem。\"
Atthesewordsthecornfactorgrewpaleasalinennapkin。
\"Whoartthouthattalkestso？\"saidhe。
ThenmerryRobinlaughedagain，andquothhe，\"MenhereaboutscallmeRobinHood；so，sweetfriend，thouhadstbestdomybiddingandgivemethyshoes，whereforehasten，Iprythee，orelsethouwiltnotgettofairNewarkTowntillafterdark。\"
AtthesoundofthenameofRobinHood，thecornfactorquakedwithfear，sothathehadtoseizehishorsebythemanetosavehimselffromfallingoffitsback。Thenstraightway，andwithoutmorewords，hestrippedoffhisclogsandletthemfallupontheroad。
Robin，stillholdingthebridlerein，stoopedandpickedthemup。
Thenhesaid，\"Sweetfriend，IamusedtoaskthosethatI
havedealingswithtocomeandfeastatSherwoodwithme。
Iwillnotaskthee，becauseofourpleasantjourneytogether；
forItelltheetherebethoseinSherwoodthatwouldnotbesogentlewiththeeasIhavebeen。ThenameofCornEngrosserleavesanastytasteuponthetongueofallhonestmen。
Takeafool\'sadviceofmeandcomenomoresonightoSherwood，ormayhapsomedaythoumaystofasuddenfindaclothyardshaftbetwixtthyribs。So，withthis，Igivetheegoodden。\"Hereuponheclappedhishandtothehorse\'sflankandoffwentnagandrider。
Buttheman\'sfacewasallbedewedwiththesweatoffright，andneveragain，Iwot，washefoundsoclosetoSherwoodForestashehadbeenthisday。
Robinstoodandlookedafterhim，and，whenhewasfairlygone，turned，laughing，andenteredtheforestcarryingtheshoesinhishand。
ThatnightinsweetSherwoodtheredfiresglowedbrightlyinwaveringlightontreeandbush，andallaroundsatorlaythestoutfellowsofthebandtohearRobinHoodandLittleJohntelltheiradventures。
Alllistenedclosely，andagainandagainthewoodsrangwithshoutsoflaughter。
Whenallwastold，FriarTuckspokeup。\"Goodmaster，\"saidhe，\"thouhasthadaprettytime，butstillIholdtomysaying，thatthelifeofthebarefootfriaristhemerrierofthetwo。\"
\"Nay，\"quothWillStutely，\"Iholdwithourmaster，thathehathhadthepleasanterdoingsofthetwo，forhehathhadtwostoutboutsatquarterstaffthisday。\"
SosomeofthebandheldwithRobinHoodandsomewithLittleJohn。Asforme，Ithink——ButIleaveitwithyoutosayforyourselveswhichyouholdwith。
RobinHoodShootsBeforeQueenEleanorTHEHIGHROADstretchedwhiteanddustyinthehotsummerafternoonsun，andthetreesstoodmotionlessalongtheroadside。
Allacrossthemeadowlandsthehotairdancedandquivered，andinthelimpidwatersofthelowlandbrook，spannedbyalittlestonebridge，thefishhungmotionlessabovetheyellowgravel，andthedragonflysatquitestill，percheduponthesharptipofaspikeoftherushes，withitswingsglisteninginthesun。
Alongtheroadayouthcameridinguponafairmilk-whitebarb，andthefolkthathepassedstoppedandturnedandlookedafterhim，forneverhadsolovelyaladoronesogailycladbeenseeninNottinghambefore。Hecouldnothavebeenmorethansixteenyearsofage，andwasasfairasanymaiden。Hislongyellowhairflowedbehindhimasherodealong，allcladinsilkandvelvet，withjewelsflashinganddaggerjinglingagainstthepommelofthesaddle。
ThuscametheQueen\'sPage，youngRichardPartington，fromfamousLondonTowndownintoNottinghamshire，uponHerMajesty\'sbidding，toseekRobinHoodinSherwoodForest。
Theroadwashotanddustyandhisjourneyhadbeenlong，forthatdayhehadcomeallthewayfromLeicesterTown，agoodtwentymilesandmore；whereforeyoungPartingtonwasrightgladwhenhesawbeforehimasweetlittleinn，allshadyandcoolbeneaththetrees，infrontofthedoorofwhichasignhungpendant，bearingthepictureofablueboar。HerehedrewreinandcalledloudlyforapottleofRhenishwinetobebroughthim，forstoutcountryalewastoocoarseadrinkforthisyounggentleman。
Fivelustyfellowssatuponthebenchbeneaththepleasantshadeofthewide-spreadingoakinfrontoftheinndoor，drinkingaleandbeer，andallstaredamainatthisfairandgallantlad。
TwoofthestoutestofthemwereclothedinLincolngreen，andagreatheavyoakenstaffleanedagainstthegnarledoaktreetrunkbesideeachfellow。
Thelandlordcameandbroughtapottleofwineandalongnarrowglassuponasalver，whichhehelduptothePageashesatuponhishorse。
YoungPartingtonpouredforththebrightyellowwineandholdingtheglassaloft，cried，\"Hereistothehealthandlonghappinessofmyroyalmistress，thenobleQueenEleanor；andmaymyjourneyandherdesiringssoonhaveend，andIfindacertainstoutyeomanmencallRobinHood。\"
Atthesewordsallstared，butpresentlythetwostoutyeomeninLincolngreenbeganwhisperingtogether。Thenoneofthetwo，whomPartingtonthoughttobethetallestandstoutestfellowhehadeverbeheld，spokeupandsaid，\"WhatseekestthouofRobinHood，SirPage？AndwhatdoesourgoodQueenEleanorwishofhim？
Iaskthisofthee，notfoolishly，butwithreason，forIknowsomewhatofthisstoutyeoman。\"
\"Anthouknowestaughtofhim，goodfellow，\"saidyoungPartington，\"thouwiltdogreatservicetohimandgreatpleasuretoourroyalQueenbyaidingmetofindhim。\"
Thenupspaketheotheryeoman，whowasahandsomefellowwithsunburnedfaceandnut-brown，curlinghair，\"Thouhastanhonestlook，SirPage，andourQueeniskindandtruetoallstoutyeomen。
MethinksIandmyfriendheremightsafelyguidetheetoRobinHood，forweknowwherehemaybefound。YetItelltheeplainly，wewouldnotforallmerryEnglandhaveaughtofharmbefallhim。\"
\"Setthymindatease；Ibringnoughtofillwithme，\"
quothRichardPartington。\"IbringakindmessagetohimfromourQueen，thereforeanyeknowwhereheistobefound，Iprayyoutoguidemethither。\"
Thenthetwoyeomenlookedatoneanotheragain，andthetallmansaid，\"Surelyitweresafetodothisthing，Will\"；whereattheothernodded。
Thereuponbotharose，andthetallyeomansaid，\"Wethinkthouarttrue，SirPage，andmeanestnoharm，thereforewewillguidetheetoRobinHoodasthoudostwish。\"
ThenPartingtonpaidhisscore，andtheyeomencomingforward，theyallstraightwaydepartedupontheirway。
Underthegreenwoodtree，inthecoolshadethatspreadallarounduponthesward，withflickeringlightshereandthere，RobinHoodandmanyofhisbandlayuponthesoftgreengrass，whileAllanaDalesangandplayeduponhissweetlysoundingharp。
Alllistenedinsilence，foryoungAllan\'ssingingwasoneofthegreatestjoysinalltheworldtothem；butastheysolistenedtherecameofasuddenthesoundofahorse\'sfeet，andpresentlyLittleJohnandWillStutelycameforthfromtheforestpathintotheopenglade，youngRichardPartingtonridingbetweenthemuponhismilk-whitehorse。
ThethreecametowardwhereRobinHoodsat，allthebandstaringwithmightandmain，forneverhadtheyseensogayasightasthisyoungPage，noronesorichlycladinsilksandvelvetsandgoldandjewels。
ThenRobinaroseandsteppedforthtomeethim，andPartingtonleapedfromhishorseanddoffinghiscapofcrimsonvelvet，metRobinashecame。
\"Now，welcome！\"criedRobin。\"Now，welcome，fairyouth，andtellme，Iprythee，whatbringethoneofsofairapresenceandcladinsuchnoblegarbtoourpoorforestofSherwood？\"
ThenyoungPartingtonsaid，\"IfIerrnot，thouartthefamousRobinHood，andthesethystoutbandofoutlawedyeomen。
TotheeIbringgreetingsfromournobleQueenEleanor。Ofthathsheheardtheespokenofandthymerrydoingshereabouts，andfainwouldshebeholdthyface；thereforeshebidsmetelltheethatifthouwiltpresentlycometoLondonTown，shewilldoallinherpowertoguardtheeagainstharm，andwillsendtheebacksafetoSherwoodForestagain。
Fourdayshence，inFinsburyFields，ourgoodKingHenry，ofgreatrenown，holdethagrandshootingmatch，andallthemostfamousarchersofmerryEnglandwillbethereat。
OurQueenwouldfainseetheestrivewiththese，knowingthatifthouwiltcomethouwilt，withlittledoubt，carryofftheprize。
Thereforeshehathsentmewiththisgreeting，andfurthermoresendsthee，asasignofgreatgoodwill，thisgoldenringfromoffherownfairthumb，whichIgiveherewithintothyhands。\"
ThenRobinHoodbowedhisheadandtakingthering，kisseditrightloyally，andthenslippedituponhislittlefinger。
Quothhe，\"SoonerwouldIlosemylifethanthisring；andereitdepartsfromme，myhandshallbecoldindeathorstrickenoffatthewrist。FairSirPage，IwilldoourQueen\'sbidding，andwillpresentlyhiewiththeetoLondon；but，erewego，Iwillfeasttheehereinthewoodlandswiththeverybestwehave。\"
\"Itmaynotbe，\"saidthePage；\"wehavenotimetotarry，thereforegetthyselfreadystraightway；andiftherebeanyofthybandthatthouwouldsttakewiththee，ourQueenbidsmesaythatshewillmakethemrightwelcomelikewise。\"
\"Truly，thouartright，\"quothRobin，\"andwehavebutshorttimetostay；thereforeIwillgetmereadypresently。
Iwillchoosethreeofmymen，only，togowithme，andthesethreeshallbeLittleJohn，mineowntrueright-handman，WillScarlet，mycousin，andAllanaDale，myminstrel。
Go，lads，andgetyereadystraightway，andwewillpresentlyoffwithallspeedthatwemay。Thou，WillStutely，shallbethechiefofthebandwhileIamgone。\"
ThenLittleJohnandWillScarletandAllanaDaleranleaping，fullofjoy，tomakethemselvesready，whileRobinalsopreparedhimselfforthejourney。
Afterawhiletheyallfourcameforth，andarightfairsighttheymade，forRobinwascladinbluefromheadtofoot，andLittleJohnandWillScarletingoodLincolngreen，andasforAllanaDale，hewasdressedinscarletfromthecrownofhisheadtothetoesofhispointedshoes。
Eachmanworebeneathhiscapalittleheadcoveringofburnishedsteelsetwithrivetsofgold，andunderneathhisjerkinacoatoflinkedmail，asfineascardedwool，yetsotoughthatnoarrowcouldpierceit。
Then，seeingallwereready，youngPartingtonmountedhishorseagain，andtheyeomenhavingshakenhandsallaround，thefivedepartedupontheirway。
ThatnighttheytookuptheirinninMeltonMowbray，inLeicestershire，andthenextnighttheylodgedatKettering，inNorthamptonshire；
andthenextatBedfordTown；andthenextatSt。Albans，inHertfordshire。Thisplacetheyleftnotlongafterthemiddleofthenight，andtravelingfastthroughthetenderdawningofthesummerday，whenthedewslayshiningonthemeadowsandfaintmistshunginthedales，whenthebirdssangtheirsweetestandthecobwebsbeneaththehedgesglimmeredlikefairyclothofsilver，theycameatlasttothetowersandwallsoffamousLondonTown，whilethemornwasstillyoungandallgoldentowardtheeast。
QueenEleanorsatinherroyalbower，throughtheopencasementsofwhichpouredthesweetyellowsunshineingreatfloodsofgoldenlight。
Allaboutherstoodherladies-in-waitingchattinginlowvoices，whilesheherselfsatdreamilywherethemildaircamesoftlydriftingintotheroomladenwiththefreshperfumesofthesweetredrosesthatbloomedinthegreatgardenbeneaththewall。
Tohercameonewhosaidthatherpage，RichardPartington，andfourstoutyeomenwaitedherpleasureinthecourtbelow。
ThenQueenEleanorarosejoyouslyandbadethembestraightwayshownintoherpresence。
ThusRobinHoodandLittleJohnandWillScarletandAllanaDalecamebeforetheQueenintoherownroyalbower。ThenRobinkneeledbeforetheQueenwithhishandsfoldeduponhisbreast，sayinginsimplephrase，\"HereamI，RobinHood。Thoudidstbidmecome，andlo，Idothybidding。
Igivemyselftotheeasthytrueservant，andwilldothycommanding，evenifitbetothesheddingofthelastdropofmylife\'sblood。\"
ButgoodQueenEleanorsmiledpleasantlyuponhim，biddinghimtoarise。
Thenshemadethemallbeseatedtorestthemselvesaftertheirlongjourney。
Richfoodwasbroughtthemandnoblewines，andshehadherownpagestowaituponthewantsoftheyeomen。Atlast，aftertheyhadeatenalltheycould，shebeganquestioningthemoftheirmerryadventures。
Thentheytoldherallofthelustydoingshereinspokenof，andamongothersthatconcerningtheBishopofHerefordandSirRichardoftheLea，andhowtheBishophadabidedthreedaysinSherwoodForest。Atthis，theQueenandtheladiesaboutherlaughedagainandagain，fortheypicturedtothemselvesthestoutBishopabidingintheforestandrangingthewoodsinlustysportwithRobinandhisband。Then，whentheyhadtoldallthattheycouldbringtomind，theQueenaskedAllantosingtoher，forhisfameasaminstrelhadreachedeventothecourtatLondonTown。SostraightwayAllantookuphisharpinhishand，and，withoutmoreasking，touchedthestringslightlytilltheyallrangsweetly，thenhesangthus：
\"_Gentleriver，gentleriver，Brightthycrystalwatersflow，Slidingwheretheaspensshiver，Glidingwheretheliliesblow，\"Singingoverpebbledshallows，Kissingblossomsbendinglow，Breaking\'neaththedippingswallows，Purplingwherethebreezesblow。
\"FloatingonthybreastforeverDownthycurrentIcouldglide；
GriefandpainshouldreachmeneverOnthybrightandgentletide。
\"Somyachingheartseeksthine，love，Theretofinditsrestandpeace，For，throughloving，blissismine，love，Andmymanytroublescease_。\"
ThusAllansang，andashesangalleyesdwelleduponhimandnotasoundbrokethestillness，andevenafterhehaddonethesilencehungforashortspace。SothetimepassedtillthehourdrewnighfortheholdingofthegreatarcherymatchinFinsburyFields。
AgaysightwerefamousFinsburyFieldsonthatbrightandsunnymorningoflustysummertime。Alongtheendofthemeadowstoodtheboothsforthedifferentbandsofarchers，fortheKing\'syeomenweredividedintocompaniesoffourscoremen，andeachcompanyhadacaptainoverit；soonthebrightgreenswardstoodtenboothsofstripedcanvas，aboothforeachbandoftheroyalarchers，andatthepeakofeachflutteredaflaginthemellowair，andtheflagwasthecolorthatbelongedtothecaptainofeachband。
FromthecenterboothhungtheyellowflagofTepus，thefamousbowbeareroftheKing；nexttoit，ononehand，wastheblueflagofGilbertoftheWhiteHand，andontheothertheblood-redpennantofstoutyoungCliftonofBuckinghamshire。Thesevenotherarchercaptainswerealsomenofgreatrenown；amongthemwereEgbertofKentandWilliamofSouthampton；butthosefirstnamedweremostfamousofall。Thenoiseofmanyvoicesintalkandlaughtercamefromwithinthebooths，andinandoutrantheattendantslikeantsaboutanant-hill。Someborealeandbeer，andsomebundlesofbowstringsorsheavesofarrows。
Oneachsideofthearcheryrangewererowsuponrowsofseatsreachinghighaloft，andinthecenterofthenorthsidewasaraiseddaisfortheKingandQueen，shadedbycanvasofgaycolors，andhungaboutwithstreamingsilkenpennantsofredandblueandgreenandwhite。AsyettheKingandQueenhadnotcome，butalltheotherbencheswerefullofpeople，risingheadaboveheadhighalofttillitmadetheeyedizzytolookuponthem。
Eightscoreyardsdistantfromthemarkfromwhichthearchersweretoshootstoodtenfairtargets，eachtargetmarkedbyaflagofthecolorbelongingtothebandthatwastoshootthereat。
SoallwasreadyforthecomingoftheKingandQueen。
Atlastagreatblastofbuglessounded，andintothemeadowcameridingsixtrumpeterswithsilvertrumpets，fromwhichhungvelvetbannersheavywithrichworkingsofsilverandgoldthread。
BehindthesecamestoutKingHenryuponadapple-graystallion，withhisQueenbesidehimuponamilk-whitepalfrey。
Oneithersideofthemwalkedtheyeomenoftheguard，thebrightsunlightflashingfromthepolishedbladesofthesteelhalberdstheycarried。BehindthesecametheCourtinagreatcrowd，sothatpresentlyallthelawnwasalivewithbrightcolors，withsilkandvelvet，withwavingplumesandgleaminggold，withflashingjewelsandswordhilts；agallantsightonthatbrightsummerday。
Thenallthepeoplearoseandshouted，sothattheirvoicessoundedlikethestormupontheCornishcoast，whenthedarkwavesrunupontheshoreandleapandbreak，surgingamidtherocks；so，amidtheroaringandthesurgingofthepeople，andthewavingofscarfsandkerchiefs，theKingandQueencametotheirplace，and，gettingdownfromtheirhorses，mountedthebroadstairsthatledtotheraisedplatform，andtheretooktheirseatsontwothronesbedeckedwithpurplesilksandclothsofsilverandofgold。
Whenallwasquietabuglesounded，andstraightwaythearcherscamemarchinginorderfromtheirtents。Fortyscoretheywereinall，asstalwartabandofyeomenascouldbefoundinallthewideworld。
SotheycameinorderlyfashionandstoodinfrontofthedaiswhereKingHenryandhisQueensat。KingHenrylookedupanddowntheirranksrightproudly，forhisheartwarmedwithinhimatthesightofsuchagallantbandofyeomen。ThenhebadehisheraldSirHughdeMowbraystandforthandproclaimtherulesgoverningthegame。
SoSirHughsteppedtotheedgeoftheplatformandspokeinaloudclearvoice，andthushesaid：
Thateachmanshouldshootsevenarrowsatthetargetthatbelongedtohisband，and，ofthefourscoreyeomenofeachband，thethreethatshotthebestshouldbechosen。Thesethreeshouldshootthreearrowsapiece，andtheonethatshotthebestshouldagainbechosen。
Theneachoftheseshouldagainshootthreearrowsapiece，andtheonethatshotthebestshouldhavethefirstprize，theonethatshotthenextbestshouldhavethesecond，andtheonethatshotthenextbestshouldhavethethirdprize。
Eachoftheothersshouldhavefourscoresilverpenniesforhisshooting。
Thefirstprizewastobetwoscoreandtengoldenpounds，asilverbuglehorninlaidwithgold，andaquiverwithtenwhitearrowstippedwithgoldandfeatheredwiththewhiteswan\'s-wingtherein。
ThesecondprizewastobefivescoreofthefattestbucksthatrunonDallenLea，tobeshotwhentheyeomanthatwonthemchose。
ThethirdprizewastobetwotunsofgoodRhenishwine。
SoSirHughspoke，andwhenhehaddoneallthearcherswavedtheirbowsaloftandshouted。Theneachbandturnedandmarchedinorderbacktoitsplace。
Andnowtheshootingbegan，thecaptainsfirsttakingstandandspeedingtheirshaftsandthenmakingroomforthemenwhoshot，eachinturn，afterthem。Twohundredandeightyscoreshaftswereshotinall，andsodeftlyweretheyspedthatwhentheshootingwasdoneeachtargetlookedlikethebackofahedgehogwhenthefarmdogsnuffsatit。
Alongtimewastakeninthisshooting，andwhenitwasoverthejudgescameforward，lookedcarefullyatthetargets，andproclaimedinaloudvoicewhichthreehadshotthebestfromtheseparatebands。
Thenagreathubbubofvoicesarose，eachmanamongthecrowdthatlookedoncallingforhisfavoritearcher。Thentenfreshtargetswerebroughtforward，andeverysoundwashushedasthearcherstooktheirplacesoncemore。
Thistimetheshootingwasmorespeedilydone，foronlynineshaftswereshotbyeachband。Notanarrowmissedthetargets，butinthatofGilbertoftheWhiteHandfivearrowswereinthesmallwhitespotthatmarkedthecenter；ofthesefivethreewerespedbyGilbert。Thenthejudgescameforwardagain，andlookingatthetargets，calledaloudthenamesofthearcherchosenasthebestbowmanofeachband。OftheseGilbertoftheWhiteHandled，forsixofthetenarrowshehadshothadlodgedinthecenter；
butstoutTepusandyoungCliftontrodcloseuponhisheels；
yettheothersstoodafairchanceforthesecondorthirdplace。
Andnow，amidtheroaringofthecrowd，thosetenstoutfellowsthatwereleftwentbacktotheirtentstorestforawhileandchangetheirbowstrings，fornoughtmustfailatthisnextround，andnohandmusttrembleoreyegrowdimbecauseofweariness。
Thenwhilethedeepbuzzandhumoftalkingsoundedallaroundlikethenoiseofthewindintheleafyforest，QueenEleanorturnedtotheKing，andquothshe，\"ThinkestthouthattheseyeomensochosenaretheverybestarchersinallmerryEngland？\"
\"Yea，truly，\"saidtheKing，smiling，forhewaswellpleasedwiththesportthathehadseen；\"andItellthee，thatnotonlyaretheythebestarchersinallmerryEngland，butinallthewideworldbeside。\"
\"Butwhatwouldstthousay，\"quothQueenEleanor，\"ifIweretofindthreearcherstomatchthebestthreeyeomenofallthyguard？\"
\"IwouldsaythouhastdonewhatIcouldnotdo，\"saidtheKing，laughing，\"forItelltheetherelivesnotinalltheworldthreearcherstomatchTepusandGilbertandCliftonofBuckinghamshire。\"
\"Now，\"saidtheQueen，\"Iknowofthreeyeomen，andintruthI
haveseenthemnotlongsince，thatIwouldnotfeartomatchagainstanythreethatthoucanstchoosefromamongallthyfortyscorearchers；and，moreover，Iwillmatchthemherethisveryday。
ButIwillonlymatchthemwiththyarchersprovidingthatthouwiltgrantafreepardontoallthatmaycomeinmybehalf。\"
Atthis，theKinglaughedloudandlong。\"Truly，\"saidhe，\"thouarttakingupwithstrangemattersforaqueen。
Ifthouwiltbringthosethreefellowsthatthouspeakestof，Iwillpromisefaithfullytogivethemfreepardonforfortydays，tocomeortogowheresoevertheyplease，norwillIharmahairoftheirheadsinallthattime。Moreover，ifthesethatthoubringestshootbetterthanmyyeomen，manforman，theyshallhavetheprizesforthemselvesaccordingtotheirshooting。
Butasthouhastsotakenupofasuddenwithsportsofthiskind，hastthouamindforawager？\"
\"Why，insooth，\"saidQueenEleanor，laughing，\"Iknownoughtofsuchmatters，butifthouhastamindtodosomewhatinthatway，Iwillstrivetopleasurethee。Whatwiltthouwageruponthymen？\"
ThenthemerryKinglaughedagain，forhedearlylovedgoodlyjest；
sohesaid，amidsthislaughter，\"IwillwagertheetentunsofRhenishwine，tentunsofthestoutestale，andtenscorebowsoftemperedSpanishyew，withquiversandarrowstomatch。\"
Allthatstoodaroundsmiledatthis，foritseemedamerrywagerforakingtogivetoaqueen；butQueenEleanorbowedherheadquietly。
\"Iwilltakethywager，\"saidshe，\"forIknowrightwellwheretoplacethosethingsthatthouhastspokenof。Now，whowillbeonmysideinthismatter？\"Andshelookedarounduponthemthatstoodabout；
butnoonespakeorcaredtowagerupontheQueen\'ssideagainstsucharchersasTepusandGilbertandClifton。ThentheQueenspokeagain，\"Now，whowillbackmeinthiswager？Wiltthou，myLordBishopofHereford？\"
\"Nay，\"quoththeBishophastily，\"itillbefitsoneofmyclothtodealinsuchmatters。Moreover，therearenosucharchersasHisMajesty\'sinalltheworld；thereforeIwouldbutlosemymoney。
\"Methinksthethoughtofthygoldweighethmoreheavilywiththeethanthewrongtothycloth，\"saidtheQueen，smiling，andatthisarippleoflaughterwentaround，foreveryoneknewhowfondtheBishopwasofhismoney。
ThentheQueenturnedtoaknightwhostoodnear，whosenamewasSirRobertLee。\"Wiltthoubackmeinthismanner？\"saidshe。
\"Thouartsurelyrichenoughtorisksomuchforthesakeofalady。\"
\"TopleasuremyQueenIwilldoit，\"saidSirRobertLee，\"butforthesakeofnootherinalltheworldwouldIwageragroat，fornomancanstandagainstTepusandGilbertandClifton。\"
ThenturningtotheKing，QueenEleanorsaid，\"IwantnosuchaidasSirRobertgivethme；butagainstthywineandbeerandstoutbowsofyewIwagerthisgirdleallsetwithjewelsfromaroundmywaist；
andsurelythatisworthmorethanthine。\"
\"Now，Itakethywager，\"quoththeKing。\"Sendforthyarchersstraightway。
Butherecomeforththeothers；letthemshoot，andthenIwillmatchthosethatwinagainstalltheworld。\"
\"Sobeit，\"saidtheQueen。Thereupon，beckoningtoyoungRichardPartington，shewhisperedsomethinginhisear，andstraightwaythePagebowedandlefttheplace，crossingthemeadowtotheothersideoftherange，wherehewaspresentlylostinthecrowd。
Atthis，allthatstoodaroundwhisperedtooneanother，wonderingwhatitallmeant，andwhatthreementheQueenwasabouttosetagainstthosefamousarchersoftheKing\'sguard。
AndnowthetenarchersoftheKing\'sguardtooktheirstandagain，andallthegreatcrowdwashushedtothestillnessofdeath。
Slowlyandcarefullyeachmanshothisshafts，andsodeepwasthesilencethatyoucouldheareveryarrowrapagainstthetargetasitstruckit。Then，whenthelastshafthadsped，agreatroarwentup；andtheshooting，Iwot，waswellworthyofthesound。
OnceagainGilberthadlodgedthreearrowsinthewhite；Tepuscamesecondwithtwointhewhiteandoneintheblackringnexttoit；
butstoutCliftonhadgonedownandHubertofSuffolkhadtakenthethirdplace，for，whileboththosetwogoodyeomenhadlodgedtwointhewhite，Cliftonhadlostoneshotuponthefourthring，andHubertcameinwithoneinthethird。
AllthearchersaroundGilbert\'sboothshoutedforjoytilltheirthroatswerehoarse，tossingtheircapsaloft，andshakinghandswithoneanother。
InthemidstofallthenoiseandhubbubfivemencamewalkingacrossthelawntowardtheKing\'spavilion。ThefirstwasRichardPartington，andwasknowntomostfolkthere，buttheotherswerestrangetoeverybody。
BesideyoungPartingtonwalkedayeomancladinblue，andbehindcamethreeothers，twoinLincolngreenandoneinscarlet。
Thislastyeomancarriedthreestoutbowsofyewtree，twofancifullyinlaidwithsilverandonewithgold。Whilethesefivemencamewalkingacrossthemeadow，amessengercamerunningfromtheKing\'sboothandsummonedGilbertandTepusandHuberttogowithhim。
Andnowtheshoutingquicklyceased，forallsawthatsomethingunwontedwastoward，sothefolkstoodupintheirplacesandleanedforwardtoseewhatwastheado。
WhenPartingtonandtheotherscamebeforethespotwheretheKingandQueensat，thefouryeomenbenttheirkneesanddoffedtheircapsuntoher。
KingHenryleanedfarforwardandstaredatthemclosely，buttheBishopofHereford，whenhesawtheirfaces，startedasthoughstungbyawasp。
Heopenedhismouthasthoughabouttospeak，but，lookingup，hesawtheQueengazingathimwithasmileuponherlips，sohesaidnothing，butbithisnetherlip，whilehisfacewasasredasacherry。
ThentheQueenleanedforwardandspakeinaclearvoice。
\"Locksley，\"saidshe，\"IhavemadeawagerwiththeKingthatthouandtwoofthymencanoutshootanythreethathecansendagainstyou。
Wiltthoudothybestformysake？\"
\"Yea，\"quothRobinHood，towhomshespake，\"Iwilldomybestforthysake，and，ifIfail，Imakemyvownevertofingerbowstringmore。\"
Now，althoughLittleJohnhadbeensomewhatabashedintheQueen\'sbower，hefelthimselfthesturdyfellowhewaswhenthesolesofhisfeetpressedgreengrassagain；sohesaidboldly，\"Now，blessingsonthysweetface，sayI。Antherelivedamanthatwouldnotdohisbestforthee——Iwillsaynought，onlyIwouldliketohavethecrackingofhisknave\'spate！
\"Peace，LittleJohn！\"saidRobinHoodhastily，inalowvoice；
butgoodQueenEleanorlaughedaloud，andarippleofmerrimentsoundedalloverthebooth。
TheBishopofHereforddidnotlaugh，neitherdidtheKing，butheturnedtotheQueen，andquothhe，\"Whoarethesementhatthouhastbroughtbeforeus？\"
ThenupspoketheBishophastily，forhecouldholdhispeacenolonger：
\"YourMajesty，\"quothhe，\"yonfellowinblueisacertainoutlawedthiefofthemid-country，namedRobinHood；yontall，strappingvillaingoethbythenameofLittleJohn；theotherfellowingreenisacertainbackslidinggentleman，knownasWillScarlet；themaninredisarogueofanorthernminstrel，namedAllanaDale。\"
AtthisspeechtheKing\'sbrowsdrewtogetherblackly，andheturnedtotheQueen。\"Isthistrue？\"saidhesternly。
\"Yea，\"saidtheQueen，smiling，\"theBishophathtoldthetruth；
andtrulyheshouldknowthemwell，forheandtwoofhisfriarsspentthreedaysinmerrysportwithRobinHoodinSherwoodForest。IdidlittlethinkthatthegoodBishopwouldsobetrayhisfriends。
Butbearinmindthatthouhastpledgedthypromiseforthesafetyofthesegoodyeomenforfortydays。\"
\"Iwillkeepmypromise，\"saidtheKing，inadeepvoicethatshowedtheangerinhisheart，\"butwhenthesefortydaysaregoneletthisoutlawlooktohimself，formayhapthingswillnotgososmoothlywithhimashewouldlike。\"
Thenheturnedtohisarchers，whostoodneartheSherwoodyeomen，listeningandwonderingatallthatpassed。Quothhe，\"Gilbert，andthou，Tepus，andthou，Hubert，Ihavepledgedmyselfthatyeshallshootagainstthesethreefellows。
IfyeoutshoottheknavesIwillfillyourcapswithsilverpennies；
ifyefailyeshallloseyourprizesthatyehavewonsofairly，andtheygotothemthatshootagainstyou，mantoman。
Doyourbest，lads，andifyewinthisboutyeshallbegladofittothelastdaysofyourlife。Go，now，andgetyougonetothebutts。\"
ThenthethreearchersoftheKingturnedandwentbacktotheirbooths，andRobinandhismenwenttotheirplacesatthemarkfromwhichtheyweretoshoot。Thentheystrungtheirbowsandmadethemselvesready，lookingovertheirquiversofarrows，andpickingouttheroundestandthebestfeathered。
ButwhentheKing\'sarcherswenttotheirtents，theytoldtheirfriendsallthathadpassed，andhowthatthesefourmenwerethefamousRobinHoodandthreeofhisband，towit，LittleJohn，WillScarlet，andAllanaDale。Thenewsofthisbuzzedaroundamongthearchersinthebooths，fortherewasnotamantherethathadnotheardofthesegreatmid-countryyeomen。
Fromthearchersthenewswastakenupbythecrowdthatlookedonattheshooting，sothatatlasteverybodystoodup，craningtheirneckstocatchsightofthefamousoutlaws。
Sixfreshtargetswerenowsetup，oneforeachmanthatwastoshoot；
whereuponGilbertandTepusandHubertcamestraightwayforthfromthebooths。ThenRobinHoodandGilbertoftheWhiteHandtossedafarthingalofttoseewhoshouldleadintheshooting，andthelotfelltoGilbert\'sside；thereuponhecalleduponHubertofSuffolktolead。
Huberttookhisplace，plantedhisfootfirmly，andfittedafair，smootharrow；then，breathinguponhisfingertips，hedrewthestringslowlyandcarefully。Thearrowspedtrue，andlodgedinthewhite；
againheshot，andagainhehittheclout；athirdshafthesped，butthistimefailedofthecenter，andbutstrucktheblack，yetnotmorethanafinger\'s-breadthfromthewhite。
Atthisashoutwentup，foritwasthebestshootingthatHuberthadyetdonethatday。
MerryRobinlaughed，andquothhe，\"Thouwilthaveanilltimebetteringthatround，Will，foritisthyturnnext。
Bracethythews，lad，andbringnotshameuponSherwood。\"
ThenWillScarlettookhisplace；but，becauseofovercaution，hespoiledhistargetwiththeveryfirstarrowthathesped，forhehitthenextringtotheblack，thesecondfromthecenter。
AtthisRobinbithislips。\"Lad，lad，\"quothhe，\"holdnotthestringsolong！HaveInotoftentoldtheewhatGafferSwantholdsayeth，that`overcautionspilleththemilk\'？\"TothisWillScarlettookheed，sothenextarrowheshotlodgedfairlyinthecenterring；
againheshot，andagainhesmotethecenter；but，forallthat，stoutHuberthadoutshothim，andshowedthebettertarget。
ThenallthosethatlookedonclappedtheirhandsforjoybecausethatHuberthadovercomethestranger。
QuoththeKinggrimly，totheQueen，\"Ifthyarchersshootnobetterthanthat，thouartliketolosethywager，lady。\"
ButQueenEleanorsmiled，forshelookedforbetterthingsfromRobinHoodandLittleJohn。
AndnowTepustookhisplacetoshoot。He，also，tookoverheedtowhathewasabout，andsohefellintoWillScarlet\'serror。
Thefirstarrowhestruckintothecenterring，butthesecondmisseditsmark，andsmotetheblack；thelastarrowwastippedwithluck，foritsmotetheverycenteroftheclout，upontheblackspotthatmarkedit。
QuothRobinHood，\"Thatisthesweetestshotthathathbeenspedthisday；but，nevertheless，friendTepus，thycakeisburned，methinks。
LittleJohn，itisthyturnnext。\"
SoLittleJohntookhisplaceasbidden，andshothisthreearrowsquickly。
Heneverloweredhisbowarminalltheshooting，butfittedeachshaftwithhislongbowraised；yetallthreeofhisarrowssmotethecenterwithineasydistanceoftheblack。Atthisnosoundofshoutingwasheard，for，althoughitwasthebestshootingthathadbeendonethatday，thefolkofLondonTowndidnotliketoseethestoutTepusovercomebyafellowfromthecountryside，evenwereheasfamousasLittleJohn。
AndnowstoutGilbertoftheWhiteHandtookhisplaceandshotwiththegreatestcare；andagain，forthethirdtimeinoneday，hestruckallthreeshaftsintotheclout。
\"Welldone，Gilbert！\"quothRobinHood，smitinghimupontheshoulder。
\"Imakemyvow，thouartoneofthebestarchersthatevermineeyesbeheld。
Thoushouldstbeafreeandmerryrangerlikeus，lad，forthouartbetterfittedforthegreenwoodthanforthecobblestonesandgraywallsofLondonTown。\"Sosaying，hetookhisplace，anddrewafair，roundarrowfromhisquiver，whichheturnedoverandovererehefittedittohisbowstring。
ThentheKingmutteredinhisbeard，\"Now，blessedSaintHubert，ifthouwiltbutjogthatrogue\'selbowsoastomakehimsmiteeventhesecondring，Iwillgiveeightscorewaxencandlesthreefingers\'-breadthinthicknesstothychapelnighMatching。\"ButitmaybeSaintHubert\'searswerestuffedwithtow，forheseemednottoheartheKing\'sprayerthisday。
Havinggottenthreeshaftstohisliking，merryRobinlookedcarefullytohisbowstringereheshot。\"Yea，\"quothhetoGilbert，whostoodnighhimtowatchhisshooting，\"thoushouldstpayusavisitatmerrySherwood。\"Herehedrewthebowstringtohisear。
\"InLondon\"——hereheloosedhisshaft——\"thoucanstfindnoughttoshootatbutrooksanddaws；thereonecantickletheribsofthenobleststagsinEngland。\"Soheshotevenwhilehetalked，yettheshaftlodgednotmorethanhalfaninchfromtheverycenter。
\"Bymysoul！\"criedGilbert。\"Artthouthedevilinblue，toshootinthatwise？\"
\"Nay，\"quothRobin，laughing，\"notquitesoillasthat，Itrust。\"
Andhetookupanothershaftandfittedittothestring。
Againheshot，andagainhesmotehisarrowclosebesidethecenter；athirdtimeheloosedhisbowstringanddroppedhisarrowjustbetwixttheothertwoandintotheverycenter，sothatthefeathersofallthreewereruffledtogether，seemingfromadistancetobeonethickshaft。
Andnowalowmurmurranallamongthatgreatcrowd，forneverbeforehadLondonseensuchshootingasthis；
andneveragainwoulditseeitafterRobinHood\'sdayhadgone。
AllsawthattheKing\'sarcherswerefairlybeaten，andstoutGilbertclappedhispalmtoRobin\'s，owningthathecouldneverhopetodrawsuchabowstringasRobinHoodorLittleJohn。ButtheKing，fullofwrath，wouldnothaveitso，thoughheknewinhismindthathismencouldnotstandagainstthosefellows。
\"Nay！\"criedhe，clenchinghishandsuponthearmsofhisseat，\"Gilbertisnotyetbeaten！Didhenotstrikethecloutthrice？
AlthoughIhavelostmywager，hehathnotyetlostthefirstprize。
Theyshallshootagain，andstillagain，tilleitherheorthatknaveRobinHoodcomethoffthebest。Gothou，SirHugh，andbidthemshootanotherround，andanother，untiloneortheotherisovercome。\"
ThenSirHugh，seeinghowwroththeKingwas，saidneveraword，butwentstraightwaytodohisbidding；sohecametowhereRobinHoodandtheotherstood，andtoldthemwhattheKinghadsaid。
\"Withallmyheart，\"quothmerryRobin，\"IwillshootfromthistimetilltomorrowdayifitcanpleasuremymostgraciouslordandKing。Takethyplace，Gilbertlad，andshoot。\"
SoGilberttookhisplaceoncemore，butthistimehefailed，for，asuddenlittlewindarising，hisshaftmissedthecenterring，butbynotmorethanthebreadthofabarleystraw。
\"Thyeggsarecracked，Gilbert，\"quothRobin，laughing；andstraightwayheloosedashaft，andoncemoresmotethewhitecircleofthecenter。
ThentheKingarosefromhisplace，andnotawordsaidhe，buthelookedaroundwithabalefullook，anditwouldhavebeenanilldayforanyonethathesawwithajoyousoramerrylookuponhisface。
ThenheandhisQueenandallthecourtlefttheplace，buttheKing\'sheartwasbrimmingfullofwrath。
AftertheKinghadgone，alltheyeomenofthearcherguardcamecrowdingaroundRobin，andLittleJohn，andWill，andAllan，tosnatchalookatthesefamousfellowsfromthemid-country；
andwiththemcamemanythathadbeenonlookersatthesport，forthesamepurpose。Thusithappenedpresentlythattheyeomen，towhomGilbertstoodtalking，wereallsurroundedbyacrowdofpeoplethatformedaringaboutthem。
Afterawhilethethreejudgesthathadthegivingawayoftheprizescameforward，andthechiefofthemallspaketoRobinandsaid，\"Accordingtoagreement，thefirstprizebelongethrightlytothee；
sohereIgivetheethesilverbugle，herethequiveroftengoldenarrows，andhereapurseoftwoscoreandtengoldenpounds。\"AndashespakehehandedthosethingstoRobin，andthenturnedtoLittleJohn。\"Tothee，\"
hesaid，\"belongeththesecondprize，towit，fivescoreofthefinesthartsthatrunonDallenLea。Thoumayestshootthemwhensoeverthoudostlist。\"
LastofallheturnedtostoutHubert。\"Thou，\"saidhe，\"hastheldthineownagainsttheyeomenwithwhomthoudidstshoot，andsothouhastkepttheprizedulythine，towit，twotunsofgoodRhenishwine。
Theseshallbedeliveredtotheewhensoeverthoudostlist。\"
ThenhecalledupontheothersevenoftheKing\'sarcherswhohadlastshot，andgaveeachfourscoresilverpennies。
ThenupspakeRobin，andquothhe，\"ThissilverbugleIkeepinhonorofthisshootingmatch；butthou，Gilbert，artthebestarcherofalltheKing\'sguard，andtotheeIfreelygivethispurseofgold。
Takeit，man，andwoulditweretentimesasmuch，forthouartarightyeoman，goodandtrue。Furthermore，toeachofthetenthatlastshotIgiveoneofthesegoldenshaftsapiece。
Keepthemalwaysbyyou，sothatyemaytellyourgrandchildren，anyeareeverblessedwiththem，thatyearetheverystoutestyeomeninallthewideworld。\"
Atthisallshoutedaloud，foritpleasedthemtohearRobinspeaksoofthem。
ThenupspakeLittleJohn。\"GoodfriendTepus，\"saidhe，\"IwantnotthosehartsofDallenLeathatyonstoutjudgespokeofbutnow，forintruthwehaveenowandmorethanenowinourowncountry。
TwoscoreandtenIgivetotheeforthineownshooting，andfiveIgivetoeachbandfortheirpleasure。
Atthisanothergreatshoutwentup，andmanytossedtheircapsaloft，andsworeamongthemselvesthatnobetterfellowseverwalkedthesodthanRobinHoodandhisstoutyeomen。
Whiletheysoshoutedwithloudvoices，atallburlyyeomanoftheKing\'sguardcameforwardandpluckedRobinbythesleeve。
\"Goodmaster，\"quothhe，\"Ihavesomewhattotelltheeinthineear；
asillything，Godwot，foronestoutyeomantotellanother；
butayoungpeacockofapage，oneRichardPartington，wasseekingtheewithoutavailinthecrowd，and，notbeingabletofindthee，toldmethatheboreamessagetotheefromacertainladythatthouwottestof。
Thismessagehebademetelltheeprivily，wordforword，andthusitwas。
Letmesee——ItrustIhaveforgotitnot——yea，thusitwas：
`Theliongrowls。Bewarethyhead。\'\"
\"Isitso？\"quothRobin，starting；forheknewrightwellthatitwastheQueensentthemessage，andthatshespakeoftheKing\'swrath。
\"Now，Ithankthee，goodfellow，forthouhastdonemegreaterservicethanthouknowestofthisday。\"Thenhecalledhisthreeyeomentogetherandtoldthemprivatelythattheyhadbestbejogging，asitwasliketobeillforthemsonighmerryLondonTown。So，withouttarryinglonger，theymadetheirwaythroughthecrowduntiltheyhadcomeoutfromthepress。
Then，withoutstopping，theyleftLondonTownandstartedawaynorthward。
TheChaseofRobinHoodSOROBINHOODandtheothersleftthearcheryrangeatFinsburyFields，and，tarryingnot，setforthstraightwayupontheirhomewardjourney。
Itwaswellforthemthattheydidso，fortheyhadnotgonemorethanthreeorfourmilesupontheirwaywhensixoftheyeomenoftheKing\'sguardcamebustlingamongthecrowdthatstilllingered，seekingforRobinandhismen，toseizeuponthemandmakethemprisoners。
Truly，itwasanill-donethingintheKingtobreakhispromise，butitallcameaboutthroughtheBishopofHereford\'sdoing，forthusithappened：
AftertheKingleftthearcheryground，hewentstraightwaytohiscabinet，andwithhimwenttheBishopofHerefordandSirRobertLee；
buttheKingsaidneverawordtothesetwo，butsatgnawinghisnetherlip，forhisheartwasgalledwithinhimbywhathadhappened。
AtlasttheBishopofHerefordspoke，inalow，sorrowfulvoice：
\"Itisasadthing，YourMajesty，thatthisknavishoutlawshouldbelettoescapeinthiswise；for，lethimbutgetbacktoSherwoodForestsafeandsound，andhemaysnaphisfingersatkingandking\'smen。\"
AtthesewordstheKingraisedhiseyesandlookedgrimlyupontheBishop。\"Saystthouso？\"quothhe。\"Now，Iwillshowthee，ingoodtime，howmuchthoudosterr，for，whenthefortydaysarepastandgone，Iwillseizeuponthisthievingoutlaw，ifIhavetoteardownallofSherwoodtofindhim。