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