AstheSherifflookedaroundereheorderedhismentostringthethreeyouthsuptotheoaktree，hiseyesfelluponthisstrangeoldman。Thenhisworshipbeckonedtohim，saying，"Comehither，father，Ihaveafewwordstosaytothee。"
　　SoLittleJohn，foritwasnoneotherthanhe，cameforward，andtheSherifflookeduponhim，thinkingthattherewassomethingstrangelyfamiliarinthefacebeforehim。
　　"How，now，"saidhe，"methinksIhaveseentheebefore。
　　Whatmaythynamebe，father？"
　　"PleaseYourWorship，"saidLittleJohn，inacrackedvoicelikethatofanoldman，"mynameisGilesHobble，atYourWorship'sservice。"
　　"GilesHobble，GilesHobble，"mutteredtheSherifftohimself，turningoverthenamesthathehadinhismindtotrytofindonetofittothis。
　　"Iremembernotthyname，"saidheatlast，"butitmattersnot。
　　Hastthouamindtoearnsixpencethisbrightmorn？"
　　"Ay，marry，"quothLittleJohn，"formoneyisnotsoplentywithmethatIshouldcastsixpenceawayanIcouldearnitbyanhonestturn。
　　WhatisitYourWorshipwouldhavemedo？"
　　"Why，this，"saidtheSheriff。"Herearethreementhatneedhangingasbadlyasanye'erIsaw。IfthouwiltstringthemupIwillpaytheetwopenceapieceforthem。Ilikenotthatmymen-at-armsshouldturnhangmen。
　　Wiltthoutrythyhand？"
　　"Insooth，"saidLittleJohn，stillintheoldman'svoice，"Iha'
　　neverdonesuchathingbefore；butanasixpenceistobeearnedsoeasilyImightaswellha'itasanybody。But，YourWorship，arethesenaughtyfellowsshrived？"
　　"Nay，"saidtheSheriff，laughing，"neverawhit；butthoumaystturnthyhandtothatalsoifthouartsominded。
　　Buthasten，Iprythee，forIwouldgetbacktomineinnbetimes。"
　　SoLittleJohncametowherethethreeyouthsstoodtrembling，and，puttinghisfacetothefirstfellow'scheekasthoughhewerelisteningtohim，hewhisperedsoftlyintohisear，"Standstill，brother，whenthoufeelestthybondscut，butwhenthouseestmethrowmywoolenwigandbeardfrommyheadandface，castthenoosefromthyneckandrunforthewoodlands。"
　　Thenheslylycutthecordthatboundtheyouth'shands；
　　who，uponhispart，stoodstillasthoughhewereyetbound。
　　Thenhewenttothesecondfellow，andspoketohiminthesameway，andalsocuthisbonds。Thishedidtothethirdlikewise，butallsoslylythattheSheriff，whosatuponhishorselaughing，wottednotwhatwasbeingdone，norhismeneither。
　　ThenLittleJohnturnedtotheSheriff。"PleaseYourWorship，"
　　saidhe，"willyougivemeleavetostringmybow？
　　ForIwouldfainhelpthesefellowsalongtheway，whentheyareswinging，withanarrowbeneaththeribs。"
　　"Withallmyheart，"saidtheSheriff，"only，asIsaidbefore，makethouhasteinthydoings。"
　　LittleJohnputthetipofhisbowtohisinstep，andstrungtheweaponsodeftlythatallwonderedtoseeanoldmansostrong。
　　Nexthedrewagoodsmootharrowfromhisquiverandfittedittothestring；then，lookingallaroundtoseethatthewaywasclearbehindhim，hesuddenlycastawaythewoolfromhisheadandface，shoutinginamightyvoice，"Run！"Quickasaflashthethreeyouthsflungthenoosesfromtheirnecksandspedacrosstheopentothewoodlandsasthearrowspeedsfromthebow。LittleJohnalsoflewtowardthecovertlikeagreyhound，whiletheSheriffandhismengazedafterhimallbewilderedwiththesuddendoing。
　　ButeretheyeomanhadgonefartheSheriffrousedhimself。
　　"Afterhim！"heroaredinamightyvoice；forheknewnowwhoitwaswithwhomhehadbeentalking，andwonderedthathehadnotknownhimbefore。
　　LittleJohnheardtheSheriff'swords，andseeingthathecouldnothopetoreachthewoodlandsbeforetheywouldbeuponhim，hestoppedandturnedsuddenly，holdinghisbowasthoughhewereabouttoshoot。"Standback！"criedhefiercely。
　　"Thefirstmanthatcomethafootforward，ortouchethfingertobowstring，dieth！"
　　AtthesewordstheSheriff'smenstoodasstillasstocks，fortheyknewrightwellthatLittleJohnwouldbeasgoodashisword，andthattodisobeyhimmeantdeath。InvaintheSheriffroaredatthem，callingthemcowards，andurgingthemforwardinabody；theywouldnotbudgeaninch，butstoodandwatchedLittleJohnashemovedslowlyawaytowardtheforest，keepinghisgazefixeduponthem。
　　ButwhentheSheriffsawhisenemythusslippingbetwixthisfingershegrewmadwithhisrage，sothathisheadswamandheknewnotwhathedid。
　　Thenofasuddenheturnedhishorse'shead，andplunginghisspursintoitssideshegaveagreatshout，and，risinginhisstirrups，camedownuponLittleJohnlikethewind。ThenLittleJohnraisedhisdeadlybowanddrewthegraygoosefeathertohischeek。
　　Butalasforhim！For，erehecouldloosetheshaft，thegoodbowthathadservedhimsolong，splitinhishands，andthearrowfellharmlessathisfeet。Seeingwhathadhappened，theSheriff'smenraisedashout，and，followingtheirmaster，camerushingdownuponLittleJohn。ButtheSheriffwasaheadoftheothers，andsocaughtupwiththeyeomanbeforehereachedtheshelterofthewoodlands，thenleaningforwardhestruckamightyblow。
　　LittleJohnduckedandtheSheriff'sswordturnedinhishand，buttheflatofthebladestrucktheotherupontheheadandsmotehimdown，stunnedandsenseless。
　　"Now，Iamrightglad，"saidtheSheriff，whenthemencameupandfoundthatLittleJohnwasnotdead，"thatIhavenotslainthismaninmyhaste！
　　Iwouldratherlosefivehundredpoundsthanhavehimdiethusinsteadofhanging，assuchavilethiefshoulddo。Go，getsomewaterfromyonderfountain，William，andpouritoverhishead。"
　　Themandidashewasbidden，andpresentlyLittleJohnopenedhiseyesandlookedaroundhim，alldazedandbewilderedwiththestunoftheblow。
　　Thentheytiedhishandsbehindhim，andliftinghimupsethimuponthebackofoneofthehorses，withhisfacetoitstailandhisfeetstrappedbeneathitsbelly。SotheytookhimbacktotheKing'sHeadInn，laughingandrejoicingastheywentalong。
　　Butinthemeantimethewidow'sthreesonshadgottensafelyaway，andwerehiddeninthewoodlands。
　　OncemoretheSheriffofNottinghamsatwithintheKing'sHeadInn。
　　Hisheartrejoicedwithinhim，forhehadatlastdonethatwhichhehadsoughttodoforyears，takenLittleJohnprisoner。
　　Quothhetohimself，"ThistimetomorrowtherogueshallhanguponthegallowstreeinfrontofthegreatgateofNottinghamTown，andthusshallImakemylongscorewithhimeven。"Sosaying，hetookadeepdraughtofCanary。ButitseemedasiftheSheriffhadswallowedathoughtwithhiswine，forheshookhisheadandputthecupdownhastily。"Now，"hemutteredtohimself，"Iwouldnotforathousandpoundshavethisfellowslipthroughmyfingers；yet，shouldhismasterescapethatfoulGuyofGisbourne，thereisnoknowingwhathemaydo，forheisthecunningestknaveinalltheworld——thissameRobinHood。BelikeIhadbetternotwaituntiltomorrowtohangthefellow。"Sosaying，hepushedhischairbackhastily，andgoingforthfromtheinncalledhismentogether。
　　Quothhe，"Iwillwaitnolongerforthehangingofthisrogue，butitshallbedoneforthwith，andthatfromtheverytreewhencehesavedthosethreeyoungvillainsbysteppingbetwixtthemandthelaw。
　　Sogetyereadystraightway。"
　　ThenoncemoretheysatLittleJohnuponthehorse，withhisfacetothetail，andso，oneleadingthehorsewhereonhesatandtheothersridingaroundhim，theywentforwardtothattreefromthebranchesofwhichtheyhadthoughttohangthepoachers。
　　Ontheywent，rattlingandjinglingalongtheroadtilltheycametothetree。HereoneofthemenspaketotheSheriffofasudden。
　　"YourWorship，"criedhe，"isnotyonfellowcomingalongtowardusthatsameGuyofGisbournewhomthoudidstsendintotheforesttoseekRobinHood？"AtthesewordstheSheriffshadedhiseyesandlookedeagerly。"Why，certes，"quothhe，"yonfellowisthesame。Now，Heavensendthathehathslainthemasterthief，aswewillpresentlyslaytheman！"
　　WhenLittleJohnheardthisspeechhelookedup，andstraightwayhisheartcrumbledawaywithinhim，fornotonlyweretheman'sgarmentsallcoveredwithblood，butheworeRobinHood'sbuglehornandcarriedhisbowandbroadsword。
　　"Hownow！"criedtheSheriff，whenRobinHood，inGuyofGisbourne'sclothes，hadcomenightothem。"Whatluckhathbefallentheeintheforest？
　　Why，man，thyclothesarealloverblood！"
　　"Anthoulikestnotmyclothes，"saidRobininaharshvoicelikethatofGuyofGisbourne，"thoumaystshutthineeyes。
　　Marry，theblooduponmeisthatofthevilestoutlawthatevertrodthewoodlands，andonewhomIhaveslainthisday，albeitnotwithoutwoundtomyself。"
　　ThenoutspakeLittleJohn，forthefirsttimesincehehadfallenintotheSheriff'shands。"Othouvile，bloodywretch！
　　Iknowthee，GuyofGisbourne，forwhoistherethathathnotheardoftheeandcursedtheeforthyviledeedsofbloodandrapine？
　　Isitbysuchahandasthinethatthegentlestheartthateverbeatisstilledindeath？Truly，thouartafittoolforthiscowardSheriffofNottingham。NowIdiejoyfully，nordoIcarehowIdie，forlifeisnoughttome！"SospakeLittleJohn，thesalttearsrollingdownhisbrowncheeks。
　　ButtheSheriffofNottinghamclappedhishandsforjoy。
　　"Now，GuyofGisbourne，"criedhe，"ifwhatthoutellestmeistrue，itwillbethebestday'sdoingsfortheethateverthouhastdoneinallthylife。"
　　"WhatIhavetoldtheeissooth，andIlienot，"saidRobin，stillinGuyofGisbourne'svoice。"Look，isnotthisRobinHood'ssword，andisnotthishisgoodbowofyew，andisnotthishisbuglehorn？
　　ThinkestthouhewouldhavegiventhemtoGuyofGisbourneofhisownfreewill？"
　　ThentheSherifflaughedaloudforjoy。"Thisisagoodday！"criedhe。
　　"Thegreatoutlawdeadandhisright-handmaninmyhands！
　　Askwhatthouwiltofme，GuyofGisbourne，anditisthine！"
　　"ThenthisIaskofthee，"saidRobin。"AsIhaveslainthemasterIwouldnowkilltheman。Givethisfellow'slifeintomyhands，SirSheriff。"
　　"Nowthouartafool！"criedtheSheriff。"Thoumightsthavehadmoneyenoughforaknight'sransomifthouhadstaskedforit。
　　Ilikeilltoletthisfellowpassfrommyhands，butasIhavepromised，thoushalthavehim。"
　　"Ithanktheerightheartilyforthygift，"criedRobin。"Taketheroguedownfromthehorse，men，andleanhimagainstyondertree，whileIshowyouhowwestickaporkerwhenceIcome！"
　　AtthesewordssomeoftheSheriff'smenshooktheirheads；
　　for，thoughtheycarednotawhitwhetherLittleJohnwerehangedornot，theyhatedtoseehimbutcheredincoldblood。
　　ButtheSheriffcalledtotheminaloudvoice，orderingthemtotaketheyeomandownfromthehorseandleanhimagainstthetree，astheotherbade。
　　WhiletheyweredoingthisRobinHoodstrungbothhisbowandthatofGuyofGisbourne，albeitnoneofthemtooknoticeofhisdoingso。Then，whenLittleJohnstoodagainstthetree，hedrewGuyofGisbourne'ssharp，double-edgeddagger。
　　"Fallback！fallback！"criedhe。"Wouldyecrowdsoonmypleasure，yeunmannerlyknaves？Back，Isay！Fartheryet！"
　　Sotheycrowdedback，asheordered，manyofthemturningtheirfacesaway，thattheymightnotseewhatwasabouttohappen。
　　"Come！"criedLittleJohn。"Hereismybreast。Itismeetthatthesamehandthatslewmydearmastershouldbutchermealso！
　　Iknowthee，GuyofGisbourne！"
　　"Peace，LittleJohn！"saidRobininalowvoice。"Twicethouhastsaidthouknowestme，andyetthouknowestmenotatall。
　　Couldstthounottellmebeneaththiswildbeast'shide？Yonder，justinfrontofthee，liemybowandarrows，likewisemybroadsword。
　　TakethemwhenIcutthybonds。Now！Getthemquickly！"
　　Sosaying，hecutthebonds，andLittleJohn，quickasawink，leapedforwardandcaughtupthebowandarrowsandthebroadsword。
　　AtthesametimeRobinHoodthrewbackthecowlofhorse'shidefromhisfaceandbentGuyofGisbourne'sbow，withakeen，barbedarrowfittedtothestring。"Standback！"criedhesternly。
　　"Thefirstmanthattouchethfingertobowstringdieth！
　　Ihaveslainthyman，Sheriff；takeheedthatitisnotthyturnnext。"Then，seeingthatLittleJohnhadarmedhimself，heclappedhisbuglehorntohislipsandblewthreeblastsbothloudandshrill。
　　NowwhentheSheriffofNottinghamsawwhosefaceitwasbeneathGuyofGisbourne'shood，andwhenheheardthosebuglenotesringinhisear，hefeltasifhishourhadcome。
　　"RobinHood！"roaredhe，andwithoutanotherwordhewheeledhishorseintheroadandwentoffinacloudofdust。
　　TheSheriff'smen，seeingtheirmasterthusfleeingforhislife，thoughtthatitwasnottheirbusinesstotarrylonger，so，clappingspurstotheirhorses，theyalsodashedawayafterhim。
　　ButthoughtheSheriffofNottinghamwentfast，hecouldnotoutstripaclothyardarrow。LittleJohntwangedhisbowstringwithashout，andwhentheSheriffdashedinthroughthegatesofNottinghamTownatfullspeed，agraygooseshaftstuckoutbehindhimlikeamoultingsparrowwithonefeatherinitstail。
　　ForamonthafterwardthepoorSheriffcouldsituponnoughtbutthesoftestcushionsthatcouldbegottenforhim。
　　ThustheSheriffandascoreofmenranawayfromRobinHoodandLittleJohn；
　　sothatwhenWillStutelyandadozenormoreofstoutyeomenburstfromoutthecovert，theysawnoughtoftheirmaster'senemies，fortheSheriffandhismenwerescurryingawayinthedistance，hiddenwithinacloudofdustlikealittlethunderstorm。
　　Thentheyallwentbackintotheforestoncemore，wheretheyfoundthewidow'sthreesons，whorantoLittleJohnandkissedhishands。
　　Butitwouldnotdoforthemtoroamtheforestatlargeanymore；
　　sotheypromisedthat，aftertheyhadgoneandtoldtheirmotheroftheirescape，theywouldcomethatnighttothegreenwoodtree，andthenceforthbecomemenoftheband。
　　KingRichardComestoSherwoodForestNOTMOREthantwomonthshadpassedandgonesincethesestirringadventuresbefellRobinHoodandLittleJohn，whenallNottinghamshirewasamightystirandtumult，forKingRichardoftheLion'sHeartwasmakingaroyalprogressthroughmerryEngland，andeveryoneexpectedhimtocometoNottinghamTowninhisjourneying。
　　MessengerswentridingbackandforthbetweentheSheriffandtheKing，untilatlastthetimewasfixeduponwhenHisMajestywastostopinNottingham，astheguestofhisworship。
　　Andnowcamemorebustlethanever；agreatrunninghitherandthither，arappingofhammersandababbleofvoicessoundedeverywherethroughtheplace，forthefolkwerebuildinggreatarchesacrossthestreets，beneathwhichtheKingwastopass，andweredrapingthesearcheswithsilkenbannersandstreamersofmanycolors。
　　GreathubbubwasgoingonintheGuildHallofthetown，also，forhereagrandbanquetwastobegiventotheKingandthenoblesofhistrain，andthebestmastercarpenterswerebusybuildingathronewheretheKingandtheSheriffweretositattheheadofthetable，sidebyside。
　　ItseemedtomanyofthegoodfolkoftheplaceasifthedaythatshouldbringtheKingintothetownwouldnevercome；
　　butallthesameitdidcomeinitsownseason，andbrightshonethesundownintothestonystreets，whichwereallalivewitharestlessseaofpeople。Oneithersideofthewaygreatcrowdsoftownandcountryfolkstoodpackedasclosetogetherasdriedherringinabox，sothattheSheriffsmen，halberdsinhands，couldhardlypressthembacktoleavespacefortheKing'sriding。
　　"Takecarewhomthoupushestagainst！"criedagreat，burlyfriartooneofthesemen。"Wouldstthoudigthineelbowsintome，sirrah？
　　By'rLadyoftheFountain，anthoudostnottreatmewithmoredeferenceIwillcrackthyknave'spateforthee，eventhoughthoubeoneofthemightySheriff'smen。"
　　AtthisagreatshoutoflaughterarosefromanumberoftallyeomeninLincolngreenthatwerescatteredthroughthecrowdthereabouts；butonethatseemedofmoreauthoritythantheothersnudgedtheholymanwithhiselbow。
　　"Peace，Tuck，"saidhe，"didstthounotpromiseme，erethoucamesthere，thatthouwouldstputacheckuponthytongue？"
　　"Ay，marry，"grumbledtheother，"but'adidnotthinktohaveahard-footedknavetrampleallovermypoortoesasthoughtheywerenomorethansomanyacornsintheforest。"
　　Butofasuddenallthisbickeringceased，foraclearsoundofmanybuglehornscamewindingdownthestreet。Thenallthepeoplecranedtheirnecksandgazedinthedirectionwhencethesoundcame，andthecrowdingandthepushingandtheswayinggrewgreaterthanever。
　　Andnowagallantarrayofmencamegleamingintosight，andthecheeringofthepeoplerandownthecrowdasthefirerunsindrygrass。
　　Eightandtwentyheraldsinvelvetandclothofgoldcameridingforward。
　　Overtheirheadsflutteredacloudofsnow-whitefeathers，andeachheraldboreinhishandalongsilvertrumpet，whichheblewmusically。
　　Fromeachtrumpethungaheavybannerofvelvetandclothofgold，withtheroyalarmsofEnglandemblazonedthereon。Afterthesecameridingfivescorenobleknights，twobytwo，allfullyarmed，savingthattheirheadswereuncovered。Intheirhandstheyboretalllances，fromthetopsofwhichflutteredpennonsofmanycolorsanddevices。
　　Bythesideofeachknightwalkedapagecladinrichclothesofsilkandvelvet，andeachpageboreinhishandshismaster'shelmet，fromwhichwavedlong，floatingplumesoffeathers。NeverhadNottinghamseenafairersightthanthosefivescorenobleknights，fromwhosearmorthesunblazedindazzlinglightastheycameridingontheirgreatwarhorses，withclashingofarmsandjinglingofchains。Behindtheknightscamethebaronsandthenoblesofthemid-country，inrobesofsilkandclothofgold，withgoldenchainsabouttheirnecksandjewelsattheirgirdles。
　　Behindtheseagaincameagreatarrayofmen-at-arms，withspearsandhalberdsintheirhands，and，inthemidstofthese，tworiderssidebyside。
　　OneofthehorsemenwastheSheriffofNottinghaminhisrobesofoffice。
　　Theother，whowasaheadtallerthantheSheriff，wascladinarichbutsimplegarb，withabroad，heavychainabouthisneck。Hishairandbeardwerelikethreadsofgold，andhiseyeswereasblueasthesummersky。
　　Asherodealonghebowedtotherighthandandtheleft，andamightyroarofvoicesfollowedhimashepassed；forthiswasKingRichard。
　　Then，aboveallthetumultandtheshoutingagreatvoicewasheardroaring，"Heaven，itssaintsblessthee，ourgraciousKingRichard！andlikewiseOurLadyoftheFountain，blessthee！"
　　ThenKingRichard，lookingtowardthespotwhencethesoundcame，sawatall，burly，strappingprieststandinginfrontofallthecrowdwithhislegswideapartashebackedagainstthosebehind。
　　"Bymysoul，Sheriff，"saidtheKing，laughing，"yehavethetallestpriestsinNottinghamshirethate'erIsawinallmylife。
　　IfHeavenneveransweredprayersbecauseofdeafness，methinksIwouldneverthelesshaveblessingsbestoweduponme，forthatmanyonderwouldmakethegreatstoneimageofSaintPeterrubitsearsandhearkenuntohim。
　　IwouldthatIhadanarmyofsuchashe。"
　　TothistheSheriffansweredneveraword，butallthebloodlefthischeeks，andhecaughtatthepommelofhissaddletokeephimselffromfalling；forhealsosawthefellowthatsoshouted，andknewhimtobeFriarTuck；and，moreover，behindFriarTuckhesawthefacesofRobinHoodandLittleJohnandWillScarletandWillStutelyandAllanaDaleandothersoftheband。
　　"Hownow，"saidtheKinghastily，"artthouill，Sheriff，thatthougrowestsowhite？"
　　"Nay，YourMajesty，"saidtheSheriff，"itwasnoughtbutasuddenpainthatwillsoonpassby。"Thushespake，forhewasashamedthattheKingshouldknowthatRobinHoodfearedhimsolittlethathethusdaredtocomewithintheverygatesofNottinghamTown。
　　ThusrodetheKingintoNottinghamTownonthatbrightafternoonintheearlyfallseason；andnonerejoicedmorethanRobinHoodandhismerrymentoseehimcomesoroyallyuntohisown。
　　Eventidehadcome；thegreatfeastintheGuildHallatNottinghamTownwasdone，andthewinepassedfreely。
　　Athousandwaxenlightsgleamedalongtheboard，atwhichsatlordandnobleandknightandsquireingoodlyarray。
　　Attheheadofthetable，uponathroneallhungwithclothofgold，satKingRichardwiththeSheriffofNottinghambesidehim。
　　QuoththeKingtotheSheriff，laughingashespoke，"Ihaveheardmuchspokenconcerningthedoingsofcertainfellowshereabouts，oneRobinHoodandhisband，whoareoutlawsandabideinSherwoodForest。Canstthounottellmesomewhatofthem，SirSheriff？ForIhearthatthouhasthaddealingswiththemmorethanonce。"
　　AtthesewordstheSheriffofNottinghamlookeddowngloomily，andtheBishopofHereford，whowaspresent，gnawedhisnetherlip。
　　QuoththeSheriff，"IcantellYourMajestybutlittleconcerningthedoingsofthosenaughtyfellows，savingthattheyaretheboldestlawbreakersinalltheland。"
　　ThenupspakeyoungSirHenryoftheLea，agreatfavoritewiththeKing，underwhomhehadfoughtinPalestine。"MayitpleaseYourMajesty，"
　　saidhe，"whenIwasawayinPalestineIheardofttimesfrommyfather，andinmostcasesIheardofthisveryfellow，RobinHood。IfYourMajestywouldlikeIwilltellyouacertainadventureofthisoutlaw。"
　　ThentheKinglaughinglybadehimtellhistale，whereuponhetoldhowRobinHoodhadaidedSirRichardoftheLeawithmoneythathehadborrowedfromtheBishopofHereford。AgainandagaintheKingandthosepresentroaredwithlaughter，whilethepoorBishopwaxedcherryredinthefacewithvexation，forthematterwasasorethingwithhim。
　　WhenSirHenryoftheLeawasdone，othersofthosepresent，seeinghowtheKingenjoyedthismerrytale，toldothertalesconcerningRobinandhismerrymen。
　　"Bythehiltofmysword，"saidstoutKingRichard，"thisisasboldandmerryaknaveaseverIheardtellof。Marry，Imusttakethismatterinhandanddowhatthoucouldstnotdo，Sheriff，towit，cleartheforestofhimandhisband。"
　　ThatnighttheKingsatintheplacethatwassetapartforhislodgingwhileinNottinghamTown。WithhimwereyoungSirHenryoftheLeaandtwootherknightsandthreebaronsofNottinghamshire；
　　buttheKing'smindstilldwelleduponRobinHood。"Now，"quothhe，"Iwouldfreelygiveahundredpoundstomeetthisroguishfellow，RobinHood，andtoseesomewhatofhisdoingsinSherwoodForest。"
　　ThenupspakeSirHubertofgingham，laughing："IfYourMajestyhathsuchadesireuponyouitisnotsohardtosatisfy。
　　IfYourMajestyiswillingtoloseonehundredpounds，Iwillengagetocauseyounotonlytomeetthisfellow，buttofeastwithhiminSherwood。"
　　"Marry，SirHubert，"quoththeKing，"thispleasethmewell。
　　ButhowwiltthoucausemetomeetRobinHood？"
　　"Why，thus，"saidSirHubert，"letYourMajestyandusherepresentputontherobesofsevenoftheOrderofBlackFriars，andletYourMajestyhangapurseofonehundredpoundsbeneathyourgown；
　　thenletusundertaketoridefromheretoMansfieldTowntomorrow，and，withoutIammuchmistaken，wewillbothmeetwithRobinHoodanddinewithhimbeforethedaybepassed。"
　　"Ilikethyplan，SirHubert，"quoththeKingmerrily，"andtomorrowwewilltryitandseewhethertherebevirtueinit。"
　　SoithappenedthatwhenearlythenextmorningtheSheriffcametowherehisliegelordwasabiding，topayhisdutytohim，theKingtoldhimwhattheyhadtalkedofthenightbefore，andwhatmerryadventuretheyweresetuponundertakingthatmorning。
　　ButwhentheSheriffheardthishesmotehisforeheadwithhisfist。
　　"Alas！"saidhe，"whatevilcounselisthisthathathbeengiventhee！
　　OmygraciouslordandKing，youknownotwhatyoudo！
　　Thisvillainthatyouthusgotoseekhathnoreverenceeitherforkingorking'slaws。"
　　"ButdidInotheararightwhenIwastoldthatthisRobinHoodhathshednobloodsincehewasoutlawed，savingonlythatofthatvileGuyofGisbourne，forwhosedeathallhonestmenshouldthankhim？"
　　"Yea，YourMajesty，"saidtheSheriff，"youhaveheardaright。Nevertheless——"
　　"Then，"quoththeKing，breakinginontheSheriffsspeech，"whathaveItofearinmeetinghim，havingdonehimnoharm？
　　Truly，thereisnodangerinthis。Butmayhapthouwiltgowithus，SirSheriff。"
　　"Nay，"quoththeSheriffhastily，"Heavenforbid！"
　　ButnowsevenhabitssuchasBlackFriarswearwerebrought，andtheKingandthoseabouthimhavingcladthemselvestherein，andHisMajestyhavinghungapursewithahundredgoldenpoundsinitbeneathhisrobes，theyallwentforthandmountedthemulesthathadbeenbroughttothedoorforthem。
　　ThentheKingbadetheSheriffbesilentastotheirdoings，andsotheysetforthupontheirway。Onwardtheytraveled，laughingandjesting，untiltheypassedthroughtheopencountry；
　　betweenbareharvestfieldswhencetheharvesthadbeengatheredhome；
　　throughscatteredgladesthatbegantothickenastheywentfartheralong，tilltheycamewithintheheavyshadeoftheforestitself。
　　Theytraveledintheforestforseveralmileswithoutmeetinganyonesuchastheysought，untiltheyhadcometothatpartoftheroadthatlaynearesttoNewsteadAbbey。
　　"BytheholySaintMartin，"quoththeKing，"IwouldthatI
　　hadabetterheadforrememberingthingsofgreatneed。
　　Herehavewecomeawayandbroughtneversomuchasadropofanythingtodrinkwithus。NowIwouldgivehalfahundredpoundsforsomewhattoquenchmythirstwithal。"
　　NosoonerhadtheKingsospoken，thanoutfromthecovertattheroadsidesteppedatallfellowwithyellowbeardandhairandapairofmerryblueeyes。"Truly，holybrother，"
　　saidhe，layinghishandupontheKing'sbridlerein，"itwereanunchristianthingtonotgivefittinganswertosofairabargain。
　　Wekeepaninnhereabouts，andforfiftypoundswewillnotonlygivetheeagooddraughtofwine，butwillgivetheeasnobleafeastaseverthoudidstticklethygulletwithal。"
　　Sosaying，heputhisfingerstohislipsandblewashrillwhistle。
　　Thenstraightwaythebushesandbranchesoneithersideoftheroadswayedandcrackled，andthreescorebroad-shoulderedyeomeninLincolngreenburstoutofthecovert。
　　"Hownow，fellow，"quoththeKing，"whoartthou，thounaughtyrogue？
　　Hastthounoregardforsuchholymenasweare？"
　　"Notawhit，"quothmerryRobinHood，forthefellowwashe，"forinsoothalltheholinessbelongingtorichfriars，suchasyeare，onecoulddropintoathimbleandthegoodwifewouldneverfeelitwiththetipofherfinger。
　　Asformyname，itisRobinHood，andthoumaysthavehearditbefore。"
　　"Nowoutuponthee！"quothKingRichard。"Thouartaboldandnaughtyfellowandalawlessonewithal，asIhaveoftenheardtell。Now，prythee，letme，andthesebrethrenofmine，travelforwardinpeaceandquietness。"
　　"Itmaynotbe，"saidRobin，"foritwouldlookbutillofustoletsuchholymentravelonwardwithemptystomachs。
　　ButIdoubtnotthatthouhastafatpursetopaythyscoreatourinnsincethouofferestfreelysomuchforapoordraughtofwine。
　　Showmethypurse，reverendbrother，orImayperchancehavetostripthyrobesfromtheetosearchforitmyself。"
　　"Nay，usenoforce，"saidtheKingsternly。"Hereismypurse，butlaynotthylawlesshandsuponourperson。"
　　"Hut，tut，"quothmerryRobin，"whatproudwordsarethese？
　　ArtthoutheKingofEngland，totalksotome？Here，Will，takethispurseandseewhatthereiswithin。"
　　WillScarlettookthepurseandcountedoutthemoney。ThenRobinbadehimkeepfiftypoundsforthemselves，andputfiftybackintothepurse。
　　ThishehandedtotheKing。"Here，brother，"quothhe，"takethishalfofthymoney，andthankSaintMartin，onwhomthoudidstcallbefore，thatthouhastfallenintothehandsofsuchgentleroguesthattheywillnotstriptheebare，astheymightdo。Butwiltthounotputbackthycowl？
　　ForIwouldfainseethyface。"
　　"Nay，"saidtheKing，drawingback，"Imaynotputbackmycowl，forwesevenhavevowedthatwewillnotshowourfacesforfourandtwentyhours。"，"Thenkeepthemcoveredinpeace，"saidRobin，"andfarbeitfrommetomakeyoubreakyourvows。"
　　Sohecalledsevenofhisyeomenandbadethemeachonetakeamulebythebridle；then，turningtheirfacestowardthedepthsofthewoodlands，theyjourneyedonwarduntiltheycametotheopengladeandthegreenwoodtree。
　　LittleJohn，withthreescoreyeomenathisheels，hadalsogoneforththatmorningtowaitalongtheroadsandbringarichguesttoSherwoodglade，ifsuchmightbehisluck，formanywithfatpursesmusttraveltheroadsatthistime，whensuchgreatdoingsweregoingoninNottinghamshire，butthoughLittleJohnandsomanyothersweregone，FriarTuckandtwoscoreormorestoutyeomenwereseatedorlyingaroundbeneaththegreattree，andwhenRobinandtheotherscametheyleapedtotheirfeettomeethim。
　　"Bymysoul，"quothmerryKingRichard，whenhehadgottendownfromhismuleandstoodlookingabouthim，"thouhastinverytruthafinelotofyoungmenaboutthee，Robin。MethinksKingRichardhimselfwouldbegladofsuchabodyguard。"
　　"Thesearenotallofmyfellows，"saidRobinproudly，"forthreescoremoreofthemareawayonbusinesswithmygoodright-handman，LittleJohn。But，asforKingRichard，Itellthee，brother，thereisnotamanofusallbutwouldpouroutourbloodlikewaterforhim。
　　YechurchmencannotrightlyunderstandourKing；butweyeomenlovehimrightloyallyforthesakeofhisbravedoingswhicharesolikeourown。"
　　ButnowFriarTuckcamebustlingup。"Gi'yegoodden，brothers，"saidhe。
　　"Iamrightgladtowelcomesomeofmyclothinthisnaughtyplace。
　　Truly，methinkstheseroguesofoutlawswouldstandbutanillchancewereitnotfortheprayersofHolyTuck，wholaborethsohardfortheirwell-being。"
　　Herehewinkedoneeyeslylyandstuckhistongueintohischeek。
　　"Whoartthou，madpriest？"saidtheKinginaseriousvoice，albeithesmiledbeneathhiscowl。
　　AtthisFriarTucklookedallaroundwithaslowgaze。"Lookyounow，"
　　quothhe，"neverletmehearyousayagainthatIamnopatientman。
　　Hereisaknaveofafriarcallethmeamadpriest，andyetIsmitehimnot。
　　MynameisFriarTuck，fellow——theholyFriarTuck。"
　　"There，Tuck，"saidRobin，"thouhastsaidenow。Prythee，ceasethytalkandbringsomewine。Thesereverendmenareathirst，andsin'
　　theyhavepaidsorichlyfortheirscoretheymuste'enhavethebest。"
　　FriarTuckbridledatbeingsocheckedinhisspeech，neverthelesshewentstraightwaytodoRobin'sbidding；
　　sopresentlyagreatcrockwasbrought，andwinewaspouredoutforalltheguestsandforRobinHood。ThenRobinheldhiscupaloft。
　　"Stay！"criedhe。"TarryinyourdrinkingtillIgiveyouapledge。
　　HereistogoodKingRichardofgreatrenown，andmayallenemiestohimbeconfounded。"
　　ThenalldranktheKing'shealth，eventheKinghimself。
　　"Methinks，goodfellow，"saidhe，"thouhastdrunktothineownconfusion。"
　　"Neverawhit，"quothmerryRobin，"forItelltheethatweofSherwoodaremoreloyaltoourlordtheKingthanthoseofthineorder。
　　Wewouldgiveupourlivesforhisbenefiting，whileyearecontenttoliesnuginyourabbeysandprioriesletreignwhowill。"
　　AtthistheKinglaughed。Quothhe，"PerhapsKingRichard'swelfareismoretomethanthouwottestof，fellow。Butenoughofthatmatter。
　　Wehavepaidwellforourfare，socanstthounotshowussomemerryentertainment？Ihaveoftheardthatyearewondrousarchers；
　　wiltthounotshowussomewhatofyourskill？"
　　"Withallmyheart，"saidRobin，"wearealwayspleasedtoshowourguestsallthesportthatistobeseen。AsGafferSwantholdsayeth，`'Tisahardheartthatwillnotgiveacagedstarlingofthebest'；
　　andcagedstarlingsyearewithus。Ho，lads！Setupagarlandattheendoftheglade。"
　　Then，astheyeomenrantodotheirmaster'sbidding，Tuckturnedtooneofthemockfriars。"Hearestthouourmaster？"quothhe，withaslywink。
　　"WheneverhecomethacrosssomepoorpieceofwithestraightwaylayethitontheshouldersofthisGafferSwanthold——whoeverhemaybe——
　　sothatthepoorgoodmangoethtravelingaboutwithalltheoddsandendsandtagsandragsofourmaster'sbrainpackedonhisback。"
　　ThusspakeFriarTuck，butinalowvoicesothatRobincouldnothearhim，forhefeltsomewhatnettledatRobin'scuttinghistalksoshort。
　　Inthemeantimethemarkatwhichtheyweretoshootwassetupatsixscorepacesdistance。Itwasagarlandofleavesandflowerstwospansinwidth，whichsamewashunguponastakeinfrontofabroadtreetrunk。
　　"There，"quothRobin，"yonisafairmark，lads。Eachofyoushootthreearrowsthereat；andifanyfellowmissethbysomuchasonearrow，heshallhaveabuffetofWillScarlet'sfist。"
　　"Hearkentohim！"quothFriarTuck。"Why，master，thoudostbestowbuffetsfromthystrappingnephewasthoughtheywerelovetapsfromsomebouncinglass。Iwarrantthouartsafetohitthegarlandthyself，orthouwouldstnotbesofreeofhiscuffing。"
　　FirstDavidofDoncastershot，andlodgedallthreeofhisarrowswithinthegarland。"Welldone，David！"criedRobin，"thouhastsavedthineearsfromawarmingthisday。"
　　NextMidge，theMiller，shot，andhe，also，lodgedhisarrowsinthegarland。ThenfollowedWat，theTinker，butalasforhim！
　　Foroneofhisshaftsmissedthemarkbythebreadthoftwofingers。
　　"Comehither，fellow，"saidWillScarlet，inhissoft，gentlevoice，"IowetheesomewhatthatIwouldpayforthwith。"
　　ThenWat，theTinker，cameforwardandstoodinfrontofWillScarlet，screwinguphisfaceandshuttinghiseyestightly，asthoughhealreadyfelthisearsringingwiththebuffet。
　　WillScarletrolleduphissleeve，and，standingontiptoetogivethegreaterswingtohisarm，hestruckwithmightandmain。
　　"WHOOF！"camehispalmagainsttheTinker'shead，anddownwentstoutWattothegrass，heelsoverhead，asthewoodenimageatthefairgoesdownwhentheskillfulplayerthrowsacudgelatit。
　　Then，astheTinkersatupuponthegrass，rubbinghisearandwinkingandblinkingatthebrightstarsthatdancedbeforehiseyes，theyeomenroaredwithmirthtilltheforestrang。
　　AsforKingRichard，helaughedtillthetearsrandownhischeeks。
　　Thusthebandshot，eachinturn，somegettingoffscotfree，andsomewinningabuffetthatalwayssentthemtothegrass。Andnow，lastofall，Robintookhisplace，andallwashushedasheshot。
　　Thefirstshaftheshotsplitapiecefromthestakeonwhichthegarlandwashung；thesecondlodgedwithinaninchoftheother。
　　"Bymyhalidom，"saidKingRichardtohimself，"Iwouldgiveathousandpoundsforthisfellowtobeoneofmyguard！"
　　Andnow，forthethirdtimeRobinshot；but，alasforhim！
　　Thearrowwasill-feathered，and，waveringtooneside，itsmoteaninchoutsidethegarland。
　　Atthisagreatroarwentup，thoseoftheyeomenwhosatuponthegrassrollingoverandoverandshoutingwithlaughter，forneverbeforehadtheyseentheirmastersomisshismark；
　　butRobinflunghisbowuponthegroundwithvexation。
　　"Now，outuponit！"criedhe。"Thatshafthadanillfeathertoit，forIfeltitasitleftmyfingers。Givemeacleanarrow，andIwillengagetosplitthewandwithit。"
　　Atthesewordstheyeomenlaughedlouderthanever。
　　"Nay，gooduncle，"saidWillScarletinhissoft，sweetvoice，"thouhasthadthyfairchanceandhastmissedthineaimoutandout。
　　Iswearthearrowwasasgoodasanythathathbeenloosedthisday。
　　Comehither；Iowetheesomewhat，andwouldfainpayit。"
　　"Go，goodmaster，"roaredFriarTuck，"andmaymyblessinggowiththee。
　　ThouhastbestowedtheselovetapsofWillScarlet'swithgreatfreedom。
　　Itwerepityanthougottestnotthineownshare。"
　　"Itmaynotbe，"saidmerryRobin。"Iamkinghere，andnosubjectmayraisehandagainsttheking。ButevenourgreatKingRichardmayyieldtotheholyPopewithoutshame，andeventakeatapfromhimbywayofpenance；thereforeIwillyieldmyselftothisholyfriar，whoseemethtobeoneinauthority，andwilltakemypunishmentfromhim。"
　　Thussaying，heturnedtotheKing，"Iprythee，brother，wiltthoutakemypunishingintothyholyhands？"
　　"Withallmyheart，"quothmerryKingRichard，risingfromwherehewassitting。"Iowetheesomewhatforhavingliftedaheavyweightoffiftypoundsfrommypurse。
　　Somakeroomforhimonthegreen，lads。"
　　"Anthoumakestmetumble，"quothRobin，"Iwillfreelygivetheebackthyfiftypounds；butItellthee，brother，ifthoumakestmenotfeelgrassallalongmyback，Iwilltakeeveryfarthingthouhastforthyboastfulspeech。"
　　"Sobeit，"saidtheKing，"Iamwillingtoventureit。"Thereuponherolleduphissleeveandshowedanarmthatmadetheyeomenstare。ButRobin，withhisfeetwideapart，stoodfirmlyplanted，waitingtheother，smiling。
　　ThentheKingswungbackhisarm，and，balancinghimselfamoment，hedeliveredabuffetatRobinthatfelllikeathunderbolt。DownwentRobinheadlonguponthegrass，forthestrokewouldhavefelledastonewall。
　　Thenhowtheyeomenshoutedwithlaughtertilltheirsidesached，forneverhadtheyseensuchabuffetgiveninalltheirlives。
　　AsforRobin，hepresentlysatupandlookedallaroundhim，asthoughhehaddroppedfromacloudandhadlitinaplacehehadneverseenbefore。
　　Afterawhile，stillgazingabouthimathislaughingyeomen，heputhisfingertipssoftlytohisearandfeltallaroundittenderly。
　　"WillScarlet，"saidhe，"countthisfellowouthisfiftypounds；
　　Iwantnothingmoreeitherofhismoneyorofhim。Amurrainseizehimandhisbuffeting！IwouldthatIhadtakenmyduesfromthee，forIverilybelievehehathdeafenedmineearfromeverhearingagain。"
　　Then，whilegustsoflaughterstillbrokefromtheband，WillScarletcountedoutthefiftypounds，andtheKingdroppeditbackintohispurseagain。
　　"Igivetheethanks，fellow，"saidhe，"andifeverthoushouldstwishforanotherboxoftheeartomatchtheonethouhast，cometomeandI
　　willfittheewithitfornought。"
　　SospakethemerryKing；but，evenasheended，therecamesuddenlythesoundofmanyvoices，andoutfromthecovertburstLittleJohnandthreescoremen，withSirRichardoftheLeainthemidst。
　　Acrossthegladetheycamerunning，and，astheycame，SirRichardshoutedtoRobin："Makehaste，dearfriend，gatherthybandtogetherandcomewithme！KingRichardleftNottinghamTownthisverymorning，andcomethtoseektheeinthewoodlands。
　　Iknownothowhecometh，foritwasbutarumorofthisthatreachedme；nevertheless，Iknowthatitisthetruth。
　　Thereforehastenwithallthymen，andcometoCastleLea，fortherethoumaystliehiddentillthypresentdangerpasseth。
　　Whoarethesestrangersthatthouhastwiththee？"
　　"Why，"quothmerryRobin，risingfromthegrass，"thesearecertaingentlegueststhatcamewithusfromthehighroadoverbyNewsteadAbbey。Iknownottheirnames，butIhavebecomerightwellacquaintwiththislustyrogue'spalmthismorning。
　　Marry，thepleasureofthisacquaintancehathdostmeadeafearandfiftypoundstoboot！"
　　SirRichardlookedkeenlyatthetallfriar，who，drawinghimselfuptohisfullheight，lookedfixedlybackattheknight。
　　ThenofasuddenSirRichard'scheeksgrewpale，forheknewwhoitwasthathelookedupon。Quicklyheleapedfromoffhishorse'sbackandflunghimselfuponhiskneesbeforetheother。
　　Atthis，theKing，seeingthatSirRichardknewhim，threwbackhiscowl，andalltheyeomensawhisfaceandknewhimalso，fortherewasnotoneofthembuthadbeeninthecrowdinthegoodtownofNottingham，andhadseenhimridingsidebysidewiththeSheriff。Downtheyfellupontheirknees，norcouldtheysayaword。ThentheKinglookedallaroundrightgrimly，and，lastofall，hisglancecamebackandrestedagainuponSirRichardoftheLea。
　　"Howisthis，SirRichard？"saidhesternly。"Howdarestthoustepbetweenmeandthesefellows？AndhowdarestthouofferthyknightlyCastleoftheLeaforarefugetothem？
　　WiltthoumakeitahidingplaceforthemostrenownedoutlawsinEngland？"
　　ThenSirRichardoftheLearaisedhiseyestotheKing'sface。
　　"Farbeitfromme，"saidhe，"todoaughtthatcouldbringYourMajesty'sangeruponme。Yet，soonerwouldIfaceYourMajesty'swraththansufferaughtofharmthatIcouldstaytofalluponRobinHoodandhisband；
　　fortothemIowelife，honor，everything。ShouldI，then，deserthiminhishourofneed？"
　　Eretheknighthaddonespeaking，oneofthemockfriarsthatstoodneartheKingcameforwardandkneltbesideSirRichard，andthrowingbackhiscowlshowedthefaceofyoungSirHenryoftheLea。ThenSirHenrygraspedhisfather'shandandsaid，"Herekneelsonewhohathservedtheewell，KingRichard，and，asthouknowest，hathsteppedbetweentheeanddeathinPalestine；
　　yetdoIabidebymydearfather，andhereIsayalso，thatI
　　wouldfreelygivesheltertothisnobleoutlaw，RobinHood，eventhoughitbroughtthywrathuponme，formyfather'shonorandmyfather'swelfareareasdeartomeasmineown。"
　　KingRichardlookedfromonetotheotherofthekneelingknights，andatlastthefrownfadedfromhisbrowandasmiletwitchedatthecornersofhislips。"Marry，SirRichard，"
　　quoththeKing，"thouartabold-spokenknight，andthyfreedomofspeechweighethnotheavilyagainsttheewithme。
　　Thisyoungsonofthinetakethafterhissirebothinboldnessofspeechandofdeed，for，ashesayeth，hesteppedonetimebetwixtmeanddeath；whereforeIwouldpardontheeforhissakeevenifthouhadstdonemorethanthouhast。
　　Riseallofyou，foryeshallsuffernoharmthroughmethisday，foritwerepitythatamerrytimeshouldendinamannerastomaritsjoyousness。"
　　ThenallaroseandtheKingbeckonedRobinHoodtocometohim。
　　"Hownow，"quothhe，"isthineearstilltoodeaftohearmespeak？"
　　"MineearswouldbedeafenedindeatheretheywouldceasetohearYourMajesty'svoice，"saidRobin。"AsfortheblowthatYourMajestystruckme，Iwouldsaythatthoughmysinsarehaplymany，methinkstheyhavebeenpaidupinfullthereby。"
　　"Thinkestthouso？"saidtheKingwithsomewhatofsternnessinhisvoice。"NowItelltheethatbutforthreethings，towit，mymercifulness，myloveforastoutwoodsman，andtheloyaltythouhastavowedforme，thineears，mayhap，mighthavebeenmoretightlyclosedthaneverabuffetfrommecouldhaveshutthem。
　　Talknotlightlyofthysins，goodRobin。Butcome，lookup。
　　Thydangerispast，forherebyIgivetheeandallthybandfreepardon。But，insooth，Icannotletyouroamtheforestasyehavedoneinthepast；thereforeIwilltaketheeatthyword，whenthoudidstsaythouwouldstgivethyservicetome，andthoushaltgobacktoLondonwithme。WewilltakethatboldknaveLittleJohnalso，andlikewisethycousin，WillScarlet，andthyminstrel，AllanaDale。Asfortherestofthyband，wewilltaketheirnamesandhavethemdulyrecordedasroyalrangers；
　　formethinksitwerewisertohavethemchangedtolaw-abidingcaretakersofourdeerinSherwoodthantoleavethemtorunatlargeasoutlawedslayersthereof。Butnowgetafeastready；
　　Iwouldseehowyeliveinthewoodlands。"
　　SoRobinbadehismenmakereadyagrandfeast。Straightwaygreatfireswerekindledandburnedbrightly，atwhichsavorythingsroastedsweetly。
　　Whilethiswasgoingforward，theKingbadeRobincallAllanaDale，forhewouldhearhimsing。SowordwaspassedforAllan，andpresentlyhecame，bringinghisharp。
　　"Marry，"saidKingRichard，"ifthysingingmatchthylooksitisfairenough。Prythee，strikeupadittyandletushaveatasteofthyskill。"
　　ThenAllantouchedhisharplightly，andallwordswerehushedwhilehesangthus：
　　"`_Oh，wherehasthoubeen，mydaughter？
　　Oh，wherehastthoubeenthisdayDaughter，mydaughter？'
　　`Oh，Ihavebeentotheriver'sside，Wherethewaterslieallgrayandwide，Andthegrayskybroodso'ertheleadentide，Andtheshrillwindsighsastraining。'
　　"`Whatsawestthouthere，mydaughter？
　　Whatsawestthoutherethisday，Daughter，mydaughter？'
　　`Oh，Isawaboatcomedriftingnigh，Wherethequiveringrusheshissandsigh，Andthewatersoughsasitgurglesby，Andtheshrillwindsighsastraining。'
　　"`Whatsailedintheboat，mydaughter？
　　Whatsailedintheboatthisday，Daughter，mydaughter？'
　　`Oh，therewasoneallcladinwhite，Andabouthisfacehungapallidlight，Andhiseyesgleamedsharplikethestarsatnight，Andtheshrillwindsighedastraining。'
　　"`Andwhatsaidhe，mydaughter？
　　Whatsaidhetotheethisday，Daughter，mydaughter？'
　　`Oh，saidhenought，butdidhethis：
　　Thriceonmylipsdidhepressakiss，Andmyheartstringsshrunkwithanawfulbliss，Andtheshrillwindsighedastraining，。'
　　"`Whygrowestthousocold，mydaughter？
　　Whygrowestthousocoldandwhite，Daughter，mydaughter？'
　　Oh，neverawordthedaughtersaid，Butshesatallstraightwithadroopinghead，Forherheartwasstilledandherfacewasdead：
　　Andtheshrillwindsighedastraining_。"
　　Alllistenedinsilence；andwhenAllanaDalehaddoneKingRichardheavedasigh。"Bythebreathofmybody，Allan，"quothhe，"thouhastsuchawondroussweetvoicethatitstrangelymovesmyheart。
　　Butwhatdolefuldittyisthisforthelipsofastoutyeoman？
　　Iwouldratherheartheesingasongofloveandbattlethanasadthinglikethat。Moreover，Iunderstanditnot；whatmeanestthoubythewords？"
　　"Iknownot，YourMajesty，"saidAllan，shakinghishead，"forofttimesIsingthatwhichIdonotclearlyunderstandmineownself。"
　　"Well，well，"quoththeKing，"letitpass；onlyItelltheethis，Allan，thoushouldstturnthysongstosuchmattersasIspokeof，towit，loveorwar；forinsooththouhastasweetervoicethanBlondell，andmethoughthewasthebestminstrelthateverIheard。"
　　Butnowonecameforwardandsaidthatthefeastwasready；soRobinHoodbroughtKingRichardandthosewithhimtowhereitlayallspreadoutonfairwhitelinenclothswhichlayuponthesoftgreengrass。
　　ThenKingRichardsathimdownandfeastedanddrank，andwhenhewasdonehesworeroundlythathehadneversatatsuchalustyrepastinallhislifebefore。
　　ThatnighthelayinSherwoodForestuponabedofsweetgreenleaves，andearlythenextmorninghesetforthfromthewoodlandsforNottinghamTown，RobinHoodandallofhisbandgoingwithhim。
　　Youmayguesswhatastirtherewasinthegoodtownwhenallthesefamousoutlawscamemarchingintothestreets。
　　AsfortheSheriff，heknewnotwhattosaynorwheretolookwhenhesawRobinHoodinsuchhighfavorwiththeKing，whileallhisheartwasfilledwithgallbecauseofthevexationthatlayuponhim。
　　ThenextdaytheKingtookleaveofNottinghamTown；soRobinHoodandLittleJohnandWillScarletandAllanaDaleshookhandswithalltherestoftheband，kissingthecheeksofeachman，andswearingthattheywouldoftencometoSherwoodandseethem。
　　TheneachmountedhishorseandrodeawayinthetrainoftheKing。
　　EpilogueTHUSENDtheMerryAdventuresofRobinHood；for，inspiteofhispromise，itwasmanyayearerehesawSherwoodagain。
　　AfterayearortwoatcourtLittleJohncamebacktoNottinghamshire，wherehelivedinanorderlyway，thoughwithinsightofSherwood，andwhereheachievedgreatfameasthechampionofallEnglandwiththequarterstaff。WillScarletafteratimecamebacktohisownhome，whencehehadbeendrivenbyhisunluckykillingofhisfather'ssteward。
　　Therestofthebanddidtheirdutyasroyalrangersrightwell。
　　ButRobinHoodandAllanaDaledidnotcomeagaintoSherwoodsoquickly，forthusitwas：
　　Robin，throughhisgreatfameasanarcher，becameafavoritewiththeKing，sothathespeedilyroseinranktobethechiefofalltheyeomen。
　　AtlasttheKing，seeinghowfaithfulandhowloyalhewas，createdhimEarlofHuntingdon；soRobinfollowedtheKingtothewars，andfoundhistimesofullthathehadnochancetocomebacktoSherwoodforevensomuchasaday。AsforAllanaDaleandhiswife，thefairEllen，theyfollowedRobinHoodandsharedinallhisupsanddownsoflife。
　　Andnow，dearfriend，youwhohavejourneyedwithmeinallthesemerrydoings，Iwillnotbidyoufollowmefurther，butwilldropyourhandherewitha"goodden，"ifyouwishit；
　　forthatwhichcomethhereafterspeaksofthebreakingupofthings，andshowshowjoysandpleasuresthataredeadandgonecanneverbesetupontheirfeettowalkagain。
　　Iwillnotdwelluponthematteroverlong，butwilltellasspeedilyasmaybeofhowthatstoutfellow，RobinHood，diedashehadlived，notatcourtasEarlofHuntingdon，butwithbowinhand，hisheartinthegreenwood，andhehimselfarightyeoman。
　　KingRicharddieduponthebattlefield，insuchawayasproperlybecamealion-heartedking，asyouyourself，nodoubt，know；so，afteratime，theEarlofHuntingdon——orRobinHood，aswestillcallhimasofold——
　　findingnothingforhisdoingabroad，camebacktomerryEnglandagain。
　　WithhimcameAllanaDaleandhiswife，thefairEllen，forthesetwohadbeenchiefofRobin'shouseholdeversincehehadleftSherwoodForest。
　　ItwasinthespringtimewhentheylandedoncemoreontheshoresofEngland。Theleavesweregreenandthesmallbirdssangblithely，justastheyusedtodoinfairSherwoodwhenRobinHoodroamedthewoodlandshadeswithafreeheartandalightheel。
　　AllthesweetnessofthetimeandthejoyousnessofeverythingbroughtbacktoRobin'smindhisforestlife，sothatagreatlongingcameuponhimtobeholdthewoodlandsoncemore。
　　SohewentstraightwaytoKingJohnandbesoughtleaveofhimtovisitNottinghamforashortseason。TheKinggavehimleavetocomeandtogo，butbadehimnotstaylongerthanthreedaysatSherwood。SoRobinHoodandAllanaDalesetforthwithoutdelaytoNottinghamshireandSherwoodForest。
　　ThefirstnighttheytookuptheirinnatNottinghamTown，yettheydidnotgotopaytheirdutytotheSheriff，forhisworshipboremanyabittergrudgeagainstRobinHood，whichgrudgeshadnotbeenlessenedbyRobin'sriseintheworld。
　　Thenextdayatanearlyhourtheymountedtheirhorsesandsetforthforthewoodlands。AstheypassedalongtheroaditseemedtoRobinthathekneweverystickandstonethathiseyeslookedupon。
　　Yonderwasapaththathehadofttimestrodofamellowevening，withLittleJohnbesidehim；herewasone，nownighchokedwithbrambles，alongwhichheandalittlebandhadwalkedwhentheywentforthtoseekacertaincurtalfriar。
　　Thustheyrodeslowlyonward，talkingabouttheseold，familiarthings；
　　oldandyetnew，fortheyfoundmoreinthemthantheyhadeverthoughtofbefore。Thusatlasttheycametotheopenglade，andthebroad，wide-spreadinggreenwoodtreewhichwastheirhomeforsomanyyears。
　　Neitherofthetwospokewhentheystoodbeneaththattree。
　　Robinlookedallabouthimatthewell-knownthings，solikewhattheyusedtobeandyetsodifferent；for，whereoncewasthebustleofmanybusyfellowswasnowthequietnessofsolitude；and，ashelooked，thewoodlands，thegreensward，andtheskyallblurredtogetherinhissightthroughsalttears，forsuchagreatyearningcameuponhimashelookedonthesethingsaswellknowntohimasthefingersofhisrighthand
　　thathecouldnotkeepbackthewaterfromhiseyes。
　　Thatmorninghehadslunghisgoodoldbuglehornoverhisshoulder，andnow，withtheyearning，cameagreatlongingtosoundhisbugleoncemore。
　　Heraisedittohislips；heblewablast。"Tirila，lirila，"
　　thesweet，clearnoteswentwindingdowntheforestpaths，comingbackagainfromthemoredistantboskyshadesinfaintechoesofsound，"Tirila，lirila，tirila，lirila，"untilitfadedawayandwaslost。
　　NowitchancedthatonthatverymornLittleJohnwaswalkingthroughaspuroftheforestuponcertainmattersofbusiness，andashepacedalong，sunkinmeditation，thefaint，clearnotesofadistantbuglehorncametohisear。
　　Asleapsthestagwhenitfeelsthearrowatitsheart，soleapedLittleJohnwhenthatdistantsoundmethisear。
　　Allthebloodinhisbodyseemedtorushlikeaflameintohischeeksashebenthisheadandlistened。Againcamethebuglenote，thinandclear，andyetagainitsounded。
　　ThenLittleJohngaveagreat，wildcryofyearning，ofjoy，andyetofgrief，and，puttingdownhishead，hedashedintothethicket。
　　Onwardheplunged，cracklingandrending，asthewildboarrushesthroughtheunderbrush。Littlereckedheofthornsandbriersthatscratchedhisfleshandtorehisclothing，forallhethoughtofwastoget，bytheshortestway，tothegreenwoodgladewhenceheknewthesoundofthebuglehorncame。Outheburstfromthecovert，atlast，ashoweroflittlebrokentwigsfallingabouthim，and，withoutpausingamoment，rushedforwardandflunghimselfatRobin'sfeet。
　　Thenheclaspedhisarmsaroundthemaster'sknees，andallhisbodywasshakenwithgreatsobs；neithercouldRobinnorAllanaDalespeak，butstoodlookingdownatLittleJohn，thetearsrollingdowntheircheeks。
　　Whiletheythusstood，sevenroyalrangersrushedintotheopengladeandraisedagreatshoutofjoyatthesightofRobin；
　　andattheirheadwasWillStutely。Then，afterawhile，camefourmore，pantingwiththeirrunning，andtwoofthesefourwereWillScathelockandMidge，theMiller；
　　forallofthesehadheardthesoundofRobinHood'shorn。
　　AlltheserantoRobinandkissedhishandsandhisclothing，withgreatsoundofweeping。
　　AfterawhileRobinlookedaroundhimwithtear-dimmedeyesandsaid，inahuskyvoice，"Now，IswearthatneveragainwillIleavethesedearwoodlands。Ihavebeenawayfromthemandfromyoutoolong。
　　NowdoIlaybythenameofRobert，EarlofHuntingdon，andtakeuponmeonceagainthatnoblertitle，RobinHood，theYeoman。"Atthisagreatshoutwentup，andalltheyeomenshookoneanother'shandsforjoy。
　　ThenewsthatRobinHoodhadcomebackagaintodwellinSherwoodasofoldspreadlikewildfirealloverthecountryside，sothaterease'ennighthadpassednearlyallofhisoldyeomenhadgatheredabouthimagain。
　　ButwhenthenewsofallthisreachedtheearsofKingJohn，hesworebothloudanddeep，andtookasolemnvowthathewouldnotrestuntilhehadRobinHoodinhispower，deadoralive。
　　Nowtherewaspresentatcourtacertainknight，SirWilliamDale，asgallantasoldieraseverdonnedharness。SirWilliamDalewaswellacquaintedwithSherwoodForest，forhewasheadkeeperoverthatpartofitthatlaynightogoodMansfieldTown；sotohimtheKingturned，andbadehimtakeanarmyofmenandgostraightwaytoseekRobinHood。LikewisetheKinggaveSirWilliamhissignetringtoshowtotheSheriff，thathemightraiseallhisarmedmentoaidtheothersintheirchaseofRobin。SoSirWilliamandtheSheriffsetforthtodotheKing'sbiddingandtosearchforRobinHood；
　　andforsevendaystheyhuntedupanddown，yetfoundhimnot。
　　Now，hadRobinHoodbeenaspeacefulasofold，everythingmighthaveendedinsmoke，asothersuchventureshadalwaysdonebefore；buthehadfoughtforyearsunderKingRichard，andwaschangedfromwhatheusedtobe。
　　Itgalledhispridetothusfleeawaybeforethosesentagainsthim，asachasedfoxfleesfromthehounds；sothusitcameabout，atlast，thatRobinHoodandhisyeomenmetSirWilliamandtheSheriffandtheirmenintheforest，andabloodyfightfollowed。ThefirstmanslaininthatfightwastheSheriffofNottingham，forhefellfromhishorsewithanarrowinhisbrainerehalfascoreofshaftshadbeensped。
　　ManyabettermanthantheSheriffkissedthesodthatday，butatlast，SirWilliamDalebeingwoundedandmostofhismenslain，hewithdrew，beaten，andlefttheforest。Butscoresofgoodfellowswereleftbehindhim，stretchedoutallstiffbeneaththesweetgreenboughs。
　　ButthoughRobinHoodhadbeatenoffhisenemiesinfairfight，allthislayheavilyuponhismind，sothathebroodedoverituntilafeverseizeduponhim。Forthreedaysitheldhim，andthoughhestrovetofightitoff，hewasforcedtoyieldatlast。
　　Thusitcamethat，onthemorningofthefourthday，hecalledLittleJohntohim，andtoldhimthathecouldnotshakethefeverfromhim，andthathewouldgotohiscousin，theprioressofthenunnerynearKirklees，inYorkshire，whowasaskillfulleech，andhewouldhaveheropenaveininhisarmandtakealittlebloodfromhim，forthebetteringofhishealth。ThenhebadeLittleJohnmakereadytogoalso，forhemightperchanceneedaidinhisjourneying。
　　SoLittleJohnandhetooktheirleaveoftheothers，andRobinHoodbadeWillStutelybethecaptainofthebanduntiltheyshouldcomeback。
　　ThustheycamebyeasystagesandslowjourneyinguntiltheyreachedtheNunneryofKirklees。
　　NowRobinhaddonemuchtoaidthiscousinofhis；foritwasthroughKingRichard'sloveofhimthatshehadbeenmadeprioressoftheplace。
　　Butthereisnoughtintheworldsoeasilyforgotasgratitude；
　　so，whenthePrioressofKirkleeshadheardhowhercousin，theEarlofHuntingdon，hadthrownawayhisearldomandgonebackagaintoSherwood，shewasvexedtothesoul，andfearedlesthercousinshipwithhimshouldbringtheKing'swrathuponheralso。
　　ThusithappenedthatwhenRobincametoherandtoldherhowhewishedherservicesasleech，shebeganplottingillagainsthiminhermind，thinkingthatbydoingeviltohimshemightfindfavorwithhisenemies。
　　Nevertheless，shekeptthiswelltoherselfandreceivedRobinwithseemingkindness。Sheledhimupthewindingstonestairtoaroomwhichwasjustbeneaththeeavesofahigh，roundtower；
　　butshewouldnotletLittleJohncomewithhim。
　　Sothepooryeomanturnedhisfeetawayfromthedoorofthenunnery，andlefthismasterinthehandsofthewomen。
　　But，thoughhedidnotcomein，neitherdidhegofaraway；
　　forhelaidhimdowninalittlegladenearby，wherehecouldwatchtheplacethatRobinabided，likesomegreat，faithfuldogturnedawayfromthedoorwherehismasterhasentered。
　　AfterthewomenhadgottenRobinHoodtotheroombeneaththeeaves，thePrioresssentalloftheothersaway；then，takingalittlecord，shetiedittightlyaboutRobin'sarm，asthoughshewereabouttobleedhim。Andsoshedidbleedhim，buttheveinsheopenedwasnotoneofthosethatliecloseandbluebeneaththeskin；
　　deepershecutthanthat，forsheopenedoneofthoseveinsthroughwhichthebrightredbloodrunsleapingfromtheheart。
　　OfthisRobinknewnot；for，thoughhesawthebloodflow，itdidnotcomefastenoughtomakehimthinkthattherewasanythingillinit。
　　Havingdonethisviledeed，thePrioressturnedandlefthercousin，lockingthedoorbehindher。AllthatlivelongdaythebloodranfromRobinHood'sarm，norcouldhecheckit，thoughhestroveineverywaytodoso。Againandagainhecalledforhelp，butnohelpcame，forhiscousinhadbetrayedhim，andLittleJohnwastoofarawaytohearhisvoice。
　　Sohebledandbleduntilhefelthisstrengthslippingawayfromhim。
　　Thenhearose，tottering，andbearinghimselfupbythepalmsofhishandsagainstthewall，hereachedhisbuglehornatlast。
　　Thricehesoundedit，butweaklyandfaintly，forhisbreathwasflutteringthroughsicknessandlossofstrength；nevertheless，LittleJohnhearditwherehelayintheglade，and，withaheartallsickwithdread，hecamerunningandleapingtowardthenunnery。Loudlyheknockedatthedoor，andinaloudvoiceshoutedforthemtolethimin，butthedoorwasofmassiveoak，stronglybarred，andstuddedwithspikes，sotheyfeltsafe，andbadeLittleJohnbegone。
　　ThenLittleJohn'sheartwasmadwithgriefandfearforhismaster'slife。
　　Wildlyhelookedabouthim，andhissightfelluponaheavystonemortar，suchasthreemencouldnotliftnowadays。LittleJohntookthreestepsforward，and，bendinghisback，heavedthestonemortarupfromwhereitstooddeeplyrooted。Staggeringunderitsweight，hecameforwardandhurleditcrashingagainstthedoor。Inburstthedoor，andawayfledthefrightenednuns，shrieking，athiscoming。
　　ThenLittleJohnstrodein，andneverawordsaidhe，butupthewindingstonestepsherantillhereachedtheroomwhereinhismasterwas。
　　Herehefoundthedoorlockedalso，but，puttinghisshoulderagainstit，heburstthelocksasthoughtheyweremadeofbrittleice。
　　Therehesawhisowndearmasterleaningagainstthegraystonewall，hisfaceallwhiteanddrawn，andhisheadswayingtoandfrowithweakness。Then，withagreat，wildcryofloveandgriefandpity，LittleJohnleapedforwardandcaughtRobinHoodinhisarms。
　　Upheliftedhimasamotherliftsherchild，andcarryinghimtothebed，laidhimtenderlythereon。
　　AndnowthePrioresscameinhastily，forshewasfrightenedatwhatshehaddone，anddreadedthevengeanceofLittleJohnandtheothersoftheband；
　　thenshestanchedthebloodbycunningbandages，sothatitflowednomore。
　　AllthewhileLittleJohnstoodgrimlyby，andaftershehaddonehesternlybadehertobegone，andsheobeyed，paleandtrembling。
　　Then，aftershehaddeparted，LittleJohnspakecheeringwords，laughingloudly，andsayingthatallthiswasachild'sfright，andthatnostoutyeomanwoulddieatthelossofafewdropsofblood。
　　"Why，"quothhe，"givetheease'ennightandthouwiltberoamingthewoodlandsasboldlyasever。"
　　ButRobinshookhisheadandsmiledfaintlywherehelay。
　　"MineowndearLittleJohn，"whisperedhe，"Heavenblessthykind，roughheart。But，dearfriend，wewillneverroamthewoodlandstogetheragain。"
　　"Ay，butwewill！"quothLittleJohnloudly。"Isayagain，ay——outuponit——
　　whodaressaythatanymoreharmshallcomeuponthee？AmInotby？Letmeseewhodarestouch"——Herehestoppedofasudden，forhiswordschokedhim。
　　Atlasthesaid，inadeep，huskyvoice，"Now，ifaughtofharmbefallstheebecauseofthisday'sdoings，IswearbySaintGeorgethattheredcockshallcrowovertherooftreeofthishouse，forthehotflamesshalllickeverycrackandcrannythereof。Asforthesewomen"——herehegroundhisteeth——
　　"itwillbeanilldayforthem！"
　　ButRobinHoodtookLittleJohn'srough，brownfistinhiswhitehands，andchidhimsoftlyinhislow，weakvoice，askinghimsincewhattimeLittleJohnhadthoughtofdoingharmtowomen，eveninvengeance。
　　Thushetalkedtill，atlast，theotherpromised，inachokingvoice，thatnoillshouldfallupontheplace，nomatterwhathappened。
　　Thenasilencefell，andLittleJohnsatwithRobinHood'shandinhis，gazingoutoftheopenwindow，everandanonswallowingagreatlumpthatcameinhisthroat。Meantimethesundroppedslowlytothewest，tillalltheskywasablazewitharedglory。
　　ThenRobinHood，inaweak，falteringvoice，badeLittleJohnraisehimthathemightlookoutoncemoreuponthewoodlands；
　　sotheyeomanliftedhiminhisarms，ashebade，andRobinHood'sheadlayonhisfriend'sshoulder。Longhegazed，withawide，lingeringlook，whiletheothersatwithbowedhead，thehottearsrollingoneafteranotherfromhiseyes，anddrippinguponhisbosom，forhefeltthatthetimeofpartingwasnearathand。
　　Then，presently，RobinHoodbadehimstringhisstoutbowforhim，andchooseasmoothfairarrowfromhisquiver。ThisLittleJohndid，thoughwithoutdisturbinghismasterorrisingfromwherehesat。
　　RobinHood'sfingerswrappedlovinglyaroundhisgoodbow，andhesmiledfaintlywhenhefeltitinhisgrasp，thenhenockedthearrowonthatpartofthestringthatthetipsofhisfingersknewsowell。
　　"LittleJohn，"saidhe，"LittleJohn，mineowndearfriend，andhimIlovebetterthanallothersintheworld，mark，Iprythee，wherethisarrowlodges，andthereletmygravebedigged。
　　LaymewithmyfacetowardtheEast，LittleJohn，andseethatmyrestingplacebekeptgreen，andthatmywearybonesbenotdisturbed。"
　　Ashefinishedspeaking，heraisedhimselfofasuddenandsatupright。
　　Hisoldstrengthseemedtocomebacktohim，and，drawingthebowstringtohisear，hespedthearrowoutoftheopencasement。Astheshaftflew，hishandsankslowlywiththebowtillitlayacrosshisknees，andhisbodylikewisesankbackagainintoLittleJohn'slovingarms；
　　butsomethinghadspedfromthatbody，evenasthewingedarrowspedfromthebow。
　　ForsomeminutesLittleJohnsatmotionless，butpresentlyhelaidthatwhichheheldgentlydown，then，foldingthehandsuponthebreastandcoveringuptheface，heturneduponhisheelandlefttheroomwithoutawordorasound。
　　UponthesteepstairwayhemetthePrioressandsomeofthechiefamongthesisters。Tothemhespokeinadeep，quiveringvoice，andsaidhe，"Anyegowithinascoreoffeetofyonderroom，Iwillteardownyourrookeryoveryourheadssothatnotonestoneshallbeleftuponanother。Bearmywordswellinmind，forImeanthem。"
　　Sosaying，heturnedandleftthem，andtheypresentlysawhimrunningrapidlyacrosstheopen，throughthefallingofthedusk，untilhewasswallowedupbytheforest。
　　TheearlygrayofthecomingmornwasjustbeginningtolightentheblackskytowardtheeastwardwhenLittleJohnandsixmoreofthebandcamerapidlyacrosstheopentowardthenunnery。
　　Theysawnoone，forthesisterswereallhiddenawayfromsight，havingbeenfrightenedbyLittleJohn'swords。
　　Upthestonestairtheyran，andagreatsoundofweepingwaspresentlyheard。Afterawhilethisceased，andthencamethescufflingandshufflingofmen'sfeetastheycarriedaheavyweightdownthesteepandwindingstairs。
　　Sotheywentforthfromthenunnery，and，astheypassedthroughthedoorsthereof，agreat，loudsoundofwailingarosefromthegladethatlayalldarkinthedawning，asthoughmanymen，hiddenintheshadows，hadlifteduptheirvoicesinsorrow。
　　ThusdiedRobinHood，atKirkleesNunnery，infairYorkshire，withmercyinhishearttowardthosethathadbeenhisundoing；
　　forthusheshowedmercyfortheerringandpityfortheweakthroughallthetimeofhislivingHisyeomenwerescatteredhenceforth，butnogreatillbefellthemthereafter，foramoremercifulsheriffandonewhoknewthemnotsowellsucceedingtheonethathadgone，andtheybeingseparatedhereandtherethroughoutthecountryside，theyabidedinpeaceandquietness，sothatmanylivedtohanddownthesetalestotheirchildrenandtheirchildren'schildren。
　　AcertainonesayeththatuponastoneatKirkleesisanoldinscription。
　　ThisIgiveintheancientEnglishinwhichitwaswritten，andthusitruns：
　　HEARUNDERNEADDISLAITLSTEANLAISROBERTEARLOFHUNTINGTUNNEAARCIR
　　VERASHIESAEGEUDANPIPLKAULDIMROBINHEUDSICKUTLAWSASHIANIS
　　MENVILENGLANDNIDIRSIAGENOBIIT24KAL。DEKEMBRIS1247。
　　Andnow，dearfriend，wealsomustpart，forourmerryjourneyingshaveended，andhere，atthegraveofRobinHood，weturn，eachgoinghisownway。
　　End