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