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