"LadyMatilda，"saidJohn，"yieldyourselfmyprisoner。"
　　"Ifyouwouldwearme，prince，"saidMatilda，"youmustwinme："
　　andwithoutgivinghimtimetodeliberateonthecourtesyoffightingwiththeladyofhislove，sheraisedherswordintheair，andlowereditonhisheadwithanimpetusthatwouldhavegonenightofathomeventhatextraordinarydepthofbrainwhichalwaysbydivinegracefurnishestheinteriorofahead-royal，ifhehadnotverydexterouslyparriedtheblow。PrinceJohnwishedtodisarmandtakecaptive，notinanywaytowoundorinjure，leastofalltokill，hisfairopponent。
　　Matildawasonlyintenttogetridofherantagonistatanyrate：
　　theedgeofherweaponpaintedhiscomplexionwithstreaksofveryunloverlikecrimson，andshewouldprobablyhavemarredJohn’shandforeversigningMagnaCharta，butthathewasbackedbytheadvantageofnumbers，andthatherswordbrokeshortonthebossofhisbuckler。
　　Johnwasfollowinguphisadvantagetomakeacaptiveofthelady，whenhewassuddenlyfelledtotheearthbyanunseenantagonist。
　　Someofhismenpickedhimcarefullyup，andconveyedhimtohistent，stunnedandstupified。
　　Whenherecovered，hefoundHarpitondiligentlyassistinginhisrecovery，moreinthefearoflosinghisplacethaninthatoflosinghismaster：
　　theprince’sfirstinquirywasfortheprisonerhehadbeenonthepointoftakingatthemomentwhenhishabeascorpuswassounseasonablysuspended。
　　Hewastoldthathispeoplehadbeenonthepointofsecuringthesaidprisoner，whenthedevilsuddenlyappearedamongtheminthelikenessofatallfriar，havinghisgreyfrockcincturedwithasword-belt，andhiscrown，whichwhetheritwereshavenornotheycouldnotsee，surmountedwithahelmet，andflourishinganeight-footstaff，withwhichhelaidabouthimtotherightandtotheleft，knockingdowntheprinceandhismenasiftheyhadbeensomanynine-pins：infine，hehadrescuedtheprisoner，andmadeaclearpassagethroughfriendandfoe，andinconjunctionwithachosenpartyofarchers，hadcoveredtheretreatofthebaron’smenandtheforesters，whohadallgoneoffinabodytowardsSherwoodforest。
　　Harpitonsuggestedthatitwouldbedesirabletosackthecastle，andvolunteeredtoleadthevanontheoccasion，asthedefenderswerewithdrawn，andtheexploitseemedtopromisemuchprofitandlittledanger：
　　Johnconsideredthatthecastlewouldinitselfbeagreatacquisitiontohim，asastrongholdinfurtheranceofhisdesignonhisbrother’sthrone;
　　andwasdeterminingtotakepossessionwiththefirstlightofmorning，whenhehadthemortificationtoseethecastleburstintoflamesinseveralplacesatonce。Apiteouscrywasheardfromwithin，andwhiletheprincewasproclaimingarewardtoanyonewhowouldenterintotheburningpile，andelucidatethemysteryofthedolefulvoice，forthwaddledthelittlefatfriarinanagonyoffear，outofthefireintothefrying-pan;
　　forhewasinstantlytakenintocustodyandcarriedbeforePrinceJohn，wringinghishandsandtearinghishair。
　　"Areyouthefriar，"saidPrinceJohn，inaterriblevoice，"thatlaidmeprostrateinbattle，moweddownmymenlikegrass，rescuedmycaptive，andcoveredtheretreatofmyenemies？
　　And，notcontentwiththis，haveyounowsetfiretothecastleinwhichIintendedtotakeupmyroyalquarters？"
　　Thelittlefriarquakedlikeajelly：hefellonhisknees，andattemptedtospeak;butinhiseagernesstovindicatehimselffromthisaccumulationofalarmingcharges，heknewnotwheretobegin;
　　hisideasrolledrounduponeachotherliketheradiiofawheel;
　　thewordshedesiredtoutter，insteadofissuing，asitwere，inarightlinefromhislips，seemedtoconglobatethemselvesintoasphereturningonitsownaxisinhisthroat：
　　afterseveralineffectualefforts，hisutterancetotallyfailedhim，andheremainedgasping，withhismouthopen，hislipsquivering，hishandsclaspedtogether，andthewhitesofhiseyesturneduptowardstheprincewithanexpressionmostruefullyimploring。
　　"Areyouthatfriar？"repeatedtheprince。
　　Severaloftheby-standersdeclaredthathewasnotthatfriar。Thelittlefriar，encouragedbythispatronage，foundhisvoice，andpleadedformercy。
　　Theprincequestionedhimcloselyconcerningtheburningofthecastle。
　　Thelittlefriardeclared，thathehadbeenintoogreatfearduringthesiegetoknowmuchofwhatwasgoingforward，exceptthathehadbeenconsciousduringthelastfewdaysofalamentabledeficiencyofprovisions，andhadbeenpresentthatverymorningatthebroachingofthelastbuttofsack。
　　Harpitongroanedinsympathy。Thelittlefriaradded，thatheknewnothingofwhathadpassedsincetillheheardtheflamesroaringathiselbow。
　　"Takehimaway，Harpiton，"saidtheprince，"fillhimwithsack，andturnhimout。"
　　"Nevermindthesack，"saidthelittlefriar，"turnmeoutatonce。"
　　"Asadchance，"saidHarpiton，"tobeturnedoutwithoutsack。"
　　ButwhatHarpitonthoughtasadchancethelittlefriarthoughtamerryone，andwentboundinglikeafatbucktowardstheabbeyofRubygill。
　　Anarrow，withaletterattachedtoit，wasshotintothecamp，andcarriedtotheprince。Thecontentswerethese：——
　　"PrinceJohn，——Idonotconsidermyselftohaveresistedlawfulauthorityindefendingmycastleagainstyou，seeingthatyouareatpresentinastateofactiverebellionagainstyourliegesovereignRichard：
　　andifmyprovisionshadnotfailedme，Iwouldhavemaintainedittilldoomsday。Asitis，Ihavesowelldisposedmycombustiblesthatitshallnotserveyouasastrongholdinyourrebellion。
　　IfyouhuntinthechasesofNottinghamshire，youmaycatchothergamethanmydaughter。BothsheandIarecontenttobehouselessforatime，inthereflectionthatwehavedeservedyourenmity，andthefriendshipofCoeur-de-Lion。"FITZWATER。"
　　CHAPTERXI
　　——Tuck，themerryfriar，whomanyasermonmadeInpraiseofRobinHood，hisoutlaws，andtheirtrade。
　　DRAYTON。
　　Thebaron，withsomeofhisretainersandalltheforesters，haltedatdaybreakinSherwoodforest。Theforestersquicklyerectedtents，andpreparedanabundantbreakfastofvenisonandale。
　　"Now，LordFitzwater，"saidthechiefforester，"recogniseyourson-in-lawthatwastohavebeen，intheoutlawRobinHood。"
　　"Ay，ay，"saidthebaron，"Ihaverecognisedyoulongago。"
　　"AndrecogniseyouryoungfriendGamwell，"saidthesecond，"intheoutlawScarlet。"
　　"AndLittleJohn，thepage，"saidthethird，"inLittleJohntheoutlaw。"
　　"AndFatherMichael，ofRubygillAbbey，"saidthefriar，"inFriarTuck，ofSherwoodforest。Truly，Ihaveachapelherehardby，intheshapeofahollowtree，whereIputupmyprayersfortravellers，andLittleJohnholdstheplateatthedoor，forgoodprayingdeservesgoodpaying。"
　　"Iaminfinecompany，"saidthebaron。
　　"Intheverybestofcompany，"saidthefriar，"inthehighcourtofNature，andinthemidstofherownnobility。
　　Isitnotso？Thisgoodlygroveisourpalace：
　　theoakandthebeechareitscolonnadeanditscanopy：
　　thesunandthemoonandthestarsareitseverlastinglamps：
　　thegrass，andthedaisy，andtheprimrose，andtheviolet，areitsmany-colouredfloorofgreen，white，yellow，andblue;
　　themay-flower，andthewoodbine，andtheeglantine，andtheivy，areitsdecorations，itscurtains，anditstapestry：thelark，andthethrush，andthelinnet，andthenightingale，areitsunhiredminstrelsandmusicians。RobinHoodiskingoftheforestbothbydignityofbirthandbyvirtueofhisstandingarmy：
　　tosaynothingofthefreechoiceofhispeople，whichhehasindeed，butIpassitbyasanillegitimatebasisofpower。
　　Heholdshisdominionovertheforest，anditshornedmultitudeofcitizen-deer，anditsswinishmultitudeorpeasantryofwildboars，byrightofconquestandforceofarms。
　　Heleviescontributionsamongthembythefreeconsentofhisarchers，theirvirtualrepresentatives。Iftheyshouldfindavoicetocomplainthatweare’tyrantsandusurperstokillandcookthemupintheirassignedandnativedwelling-place，’
　　weshouldmostconvincinglyadmonishthem，withpointofarrow，thattheyhavenothingtodowithourlawsbuttoobeythem。
　　Isitnotwrittenthatthefatribsoftheherdshallbefeduponbythemightyintheland？Andhavenottheywithalmyblessing？myorthodox，canonical，andarchiepiscopalblessing？
　　DoInotgivethanksforthemwhentheyarewellroastedandsmokingundermynose？WhattitlehadWilliamofNormandytoEngland，thatRobinofLocksleyhasnottomerrySherwood？Williamfoughtforhisclaim。SodoesRobin。Withwhom，both？Withanythatwouldorwilldisputeit。Williamraisedcontributions。
　　SodoesRobin。Fromwhom，both？Fromallthattheycouldorcanmakepaythem。WhydidanypaythemtoWilliam？WhydoanypaythemtoRobin？Forthesamereasontoboth：
　　becausetheycouldnotorcannothelpit。Theydifferindeed，inthis，thatWilliamtookfromthepoorandgavetotherich，andRobintakesfromtherichandgivestothepoor：andthereinisRobinillegitimate;thoughinallelseheistrueprince。
　　ScarletandJohn，aretheynotpeersoftheforest？lordstemporalofSherwood？AndamnotIlordspiritual？AmInotarchbishop？
　　AmInotpope？DoInotconsecratetheirbannerandabsolvetheirsins？Arenottheystate，andamnotIchurch？
　　Arenottheystatemonarchical，andamnotIchurchmilitant？
　　DoInotexcommunicateourenemiesfromvenisonandbrawn，andby’rLady，whenneedcalls，beatthemdownundermyfeet？
　　Thestateleviestax，andthechurchleviestithe。
　　Evensodowe。Mass，wetakeallatonce。Whatthen？
　　Itistaxbyredemptionandtithebycommutation。
　　YourWilliamandRichardcancutandcomeagain，butourRobindealswithslipperysubjectsthatcomenottwicetohisexchequer。
　　Whatneedwethentoconstituteacourt，exceptafoolandalaureate？
　　Forthefool，hisonlyuseistomakefalseknavesmerrybyart，andwearetruemenandaremerrybynature。Forthelaureate，hisonlyofficeistofindvirtuesinthosewhohavenone，andtodrinksackforhispains。Wehavequitevirtueenoughtoneedhimnot，andcandrinkoursackforourselves。"
　　"Wellpreached，friar，"saidRobinHood："yetthereisonethingwantingtoconstituteacourt，andthatisaqueen。
　　Andnow，lovelyMatilda，lookrounduponthesesylvanshadeswherewehavesooftenrousedthestagfromhisfernycovert。
　　Therisingsunsmilesuponusthroughthestemsofthatbeechenknoll。
　　ShallItakeyourhand，Matilda，inthepresenceofthismycourt？
　　ShallIcrownyouwithourwild-woodcoronal，andhailyouqueenoftheforest？WillyoubethequeenMatildaofyourowntruekingRobin？"
　　Matildasmiledassent。
　　"NotMatilda，"saidthefriar："therulesofourholyalliancerequirenewbirth。WehaveexceptedinfavourofLittleJohn，becauseheisgreatJohn，andhisnameisamisnomer。
　　Isprinkle，notthyforeheadwithwater，butthylipswithwine，andbaptizetheeMARIAN。"
　　"Hereisaprettyconspiracy，"exclaimedthebaron。
　　"Why，youvillanousfriar，thinkyoutonicknameandmarrymydaughterbeforemyfacewithimpunity？"
　　"Evenso，boldbaron，"saidthefriar;"wearestrongesthere。
　　Sayyou，mightovercomesright？Isayno。Thereisnorightbutmight：
　　andtosaythatmightovercomesrightistosaythatrightovercomesitself：
　　anabsurditymostpalpable。YourrightwasthestrongerinArlingford，andoursisthestrongerinSherwood。Yourrightwasrightaslongasyoucouldmaintainit;soisours。SoisKingRichard’s，withalldeferencebeitspoken;andsoisKingSaladin’s;andtheirtwomightsarenowcommittedinbloodyfray，andthatwhichovercomeswillberight，justaslongasitlasts，andasfarasitreaches。
　　Andnowifanyofyouknowanyjustimpediment————"
　　"Fireandfury，"saidthebaron。
　　"Fireandfury，"saidthefriar，"aremodesofthatmightwhichconstitutesright，andarejustimpedimentstoanythingagainstwhichtheycanbebroughttobear。Theyareourgoodalliesuponoccasion，andwoulddeclareforusnowifyoushouldputthemtothetest。"
　　"Father，"saidMatilda，"youknowthetermsofourcompact：
　　fromthemomentyourestrainedmyliberty，yourenouncedyourclaimtoallbutcompulsoryobedience。Thefriarargueswell。
　　Rightendswithmight。Thickwalls，drearygalleries，andtapestriedchambers，wereindifferenttomewhileIcouldleavethematpleasure，buthaveeverbeenhatefultomesincetheyheldmebyforce。MayIneveragainhaveroofbutthebluesky，norcanopybutthegreenleaves，norbarrierbuttheforest-bounds;
　　withtheforesterstomytrain，LittleJohntomypage，FriarTucktomyghostlyadviser，andRobinHoodtomyliegelord。
　　IamnolongerladyMatildaFitzwater，ofArlingfordCastle，butplainMaidMarian，ofSherwoodForest。"
　　"LongliveMaidMarian！"re-echoedtheforesters。
　　"Ohfalsegirl！"saidthebaron，"doyourenounceyournameandparentage？"
　　"Notmyparentage，"saidMarian，"butmynameindeed：
　　donotallmaidsrenounceitatthealtar？"
　　"Thealtar！"saidthebaron："grantmepatience！whatdoyoumeanbythealtar？"
　　"Pilegreenturf，"saidthefriar，"wreatheitwithflowers，andcrownitwithfruit，andwewillshowthenoblebaronwhatwemeanbythealtar。"
　　Theforestersdidasthefriardirected。
　　"Now，LittleJohn，"saidthefriar，"onwiththecloakoftheabbotofDoubleflask。Iappointtheemyclerk：
　　thouartheredulyelectedinfullmote。"
　　"Iwishyouwereallinfullmoattogether，"saidthebaron，"andsmoothwallonbothsides。"
　　"Punnestthou？"saidthefriar。"Aheinousanti-christianoffence。
　　Whyanti-christian？Becauseanti-catholic？Whyanti-catholic？Becauseanti-roman。Whyanti-roman？BecauseCarthaginian。IsnotpunfromPunic？punicafides：theveryquint-essentialquiddityofbadfaith：
　　double-visaged：double-tongued。Hethatwillmakeapunwill————Isaynomore。Fieonit。Standforth，clerk。Whoisthebride’sfather？"
　　"Thereisnobride’sfather，"saidthebaron。"IamthefatherofMatildaFitzwater。"
　　"Thereisnonesuch，"saidthefriar。"ThisisthefairMaidMarian。Willyoumakeavirtueofnecessity，orwillyougivelawstotheflowingtide？Willyougiveher，orshallRobintakeher？
　　Willyoubehertruenaturalfather，orshallIcommutepaternity？
　　Standforth，Scarlet。"
　　"Standback，sirrahScarlet，"saidthebaron。"Mydaughtershallhavenofatherbutme。Needsmustwhenthedevildrives。"
　　"Nomatterwhodrives，"saidthefriar，"sothat，likeawell-disposedsubject，youyieldcheerfulobediencetothosewhocanenforceit。"
　　"Mawd，sweetMawd，"saidthebaron，"willyouthenforsakeyourpooroldfatherinhisdistress，withhiscastleinashes，andhisenemyinpower？"
　　"Notso，father，"saidMarian;"Iwillalwaysbeyourtruedaughter：
　　Iwillalwayslove，andserve，andwatch，anddefendyou：butneitherwillIforsakemyplightedlove，andmyownliegelord，whowasyourchoicebeforehewasmine，foryoumadehimmyassociateininfancy;
　　andthathecontinuedtobeminewhenheceasedtobeyours，doesnotinanywayshowremissnessinmydutiesorfallingoffinmyaffections。
　　AndthoughIhereplightmytrothatthealtartoRobin，inthepresenceofthisholypriestandpiousclerk，yet……Father，whenRichardreturnsfromPalestine，hewillrestoreyoutoyourbarony，andperhaps，foryoursake，yourdaughter’shusbandtotheearldomofHuntingdon：
　　shouldthatneverbe，shoulditbethewilloffatethatwemustliveanddieinthegreenwood，IwillliveanddieMAIDMARIAN。"[4]
　　[4]AndthereforeisshecalledMaidMarianBecausesheleadsaspotlessmaidenlifeAndshalltillRobin’soutlawlifehaveend。
　　OldPlay。
　　"Aprettyresolution，"saidthebaron，"ifRobinwillletyoukeepit。"
　　"Ihaveswornit，"saidRobin。"ShouldIexposehertendernesstotheperilsofmaternity，whenlifeanddeathmayhangonshiftingatamoment’snoticefromSherwoodtoBarnsdale，andfromBarnsdaletothesea-shore？AndwhyshouldIbanquetwhenmymerrymenstarve？
　　Chastityisourforestlaw，andeventhefriarhaskeptitsincehehasbeenhere。"
　　"Trulyso，"saidthefriar："fortemptationdwellswitheaseandluxury：
　　butthehunterisHippolytus，andthehuntressisDian。Andnow，dearlybeloved————"
　　Thefriarwentthroughtheceremonywithgreatunction，andLittleJohnwasmostclericalintheintonationofhisresponses。
　　Afterwhich，thefriarsang，andLittleJohnfiddled，andtheforestersdanced，RobinwithMarian，andScarletwiththebaron;
　　andthevenisonsmoked，andthealefrothed，andthewinesparkled，andthesunwentdownontheirunweariedfestivity：
　　whichtheywoundupwiththefollowingsong，thefriarleadingandtheforestersjoiningchorus：
　　Oh！boldRobinHoodisaforestergood，Aseverdrewbowinthemerrygreenwood：
　　Athisbugle’sshrillsingingtheechoesareringing，Thewilddeerarespringingformanyarood：
　　Itssummonswefollow，throughbrake，overhollow，Thethrice-blownshrillsummonsofboldRobinHood。
　　Andwhateyehathe’erseensuchasweetMaidenQueen，AsMarian，theprideoftheforester’sgreen？
　　Asweetgarden-flower，shebloomsinthebower，Wherealonetothishourthewildrosehasbeen：
　　Wehailherindutythequeenofallbeauty：
　　Wewilllive，wewilldie，byoursweetMaidenqueen。
　　Andhere’sagreyfriar，goodasheartcandesire，Toabsolvealloursinsasthecasemayrequire：
　　Whowithcouragesostout，layshisoak-plantabout，Andputstotheroutallthefoesofhischoir：
　　Forwearehischoristers，wemerryforesters，ChorussingthuswithourmilitantfriarAndScarletclothbringhisgoodyew-boughandstring，PrimeministerisheofRobinourking：
　　NomarkistoonarrowforlittleJohn’sarrow，Thathitsacocksparrowamileonthewing;
　　RobinandMarion，Scarlet，andLittleJohn，LongwiththeirgloryoldSherwoodshallring。
　　Eachagoodliver，forwell-featheredquiverDothfurnishbrawn，venison，andfowloftheriver：
　　Butthebestgamewedishup，itisafatbishop：
　　Whenhisangelswefishup，heprovesafreegiver：
　　Foraprelatesolowlyhasangelsmoreholy，Andshouldthisworld’sfalseangelstosinnersdeliver。
　　RobinandMarion，ScarletandLittleJohn，Drinktothemonebyone，drinkasyesing：
　　RobinandMarion，ScarletandLittleJohn，EchotoechothroughSherwoodshallfling：
　　RobinandMarion，ScarletandLittleJohn，LongwiththeirgloryoldSherwoodshallring。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　Asinglevolumeparamount：acode：
　　Amasterspirit：adeterminedroad。
　　WORDSWORTH。
　　ThenextmorningRobinHoodconvenedhisforesters，anddesiredLittleJohn，forthebaron’sedification，toreadoverthelawsoftheirforestsociety。
　　LittleJohnreadaloudwithastentorophonicvoice。
　　"Atahighcourtofforesters，heldunderthegreenwoodtree，anhouraftersun-rise，RobinHoodPresident，WilliamScarletVice-President，LittleJohnSecretary：thefollowingarticles，movedbyFriarTuckinhiscapacityofPeerSpiritual，andsecondedbyMuchtheMiller，wereunanimouslyagreedto。
　　"Theprinciplesofoursocietyaresix：
　　Legitimacy，Equity，Hospitality，Chivalry，Chastity，andCourtesy。
　　"ThearticlesofLegitimacyarefour：
　　"I。Ourgovernmentislegitimate，andoursocietyisfoundedontheonegoldenruleofright，consecratedbytheuniversalconsentofmankind，andbythepracticeofallages，individuals，andnations：namely，Tokeepwhatwehave，andtocatchwhatwecan。
　　"II。Ourgovernmentbeinglegitimate，allourproceedingsshallbelegitimate：whereforewedeclarewaragainstthewholeworld，andeveryforesterisbythislegitimatedeclarationlegitimatelyinvestedwitharovingcommission，tomakelawfulprizeofeverythingthatcomesinhisway。
　　"III。Allforestlawsbutourownwedeclaretobenullandvoid。
　　"IV。AllsuchoftheoldlawsofEnglandasdonotinanywayinterferewith，ormilitateagainst，theviewsofthishonourableassembly，wewillloyallyadheretoandmaintain。
　　Therestwedeclarenullandvoidasfarasrelatestoourselves，inallcaseswhereinavigourbeyondthelawmaybeconducivetoourowninterestandpreservation。"
　　"ThearticlesofEquityarethree：
　　"I。Thebalanceofpoweramongthepeoplebeingverymuchderanged，byonehavingtoomuchandanothernothing，weherebyresolveourselvesintoacongressorcourtofequity，torestoreasfarasinusliesthesaidnaturalbalanceofpower，bytakingfromallwhohavetoomuchasmuchofthesaidtoomuchaswecanlayourhandson;
　　andgivingtothosewhohavenothingsuchaportionthereofasitmayseemtousexpedienttopartwith。
　　"II。Inallcasesaquorumofforestersshallconstituteacourtofequity，andasmanyasmaybestrongenoughtomanagethematterinhandshallconstituteaquorum。
　　"III。Allusurers，monks，courtiers，andotherdronesofthegreathiveofsociety，whoshallbefoundladenwithanyportionofthehoneywhereoftheyhavewrongfullydespoiledtheindustriousbee，shallberightfullydespoiledthereofinturn;andallbishopsandabbotsshallbeboundandbeaten，[5]especiallytheabbotofDoncaster;
　　asshallalsoallsheriffs，especiallythesheriffofNottingham。
　　[5]"ThesebyshoppesandthesearchbyshoppesYeshallthembeteandbynde，"
　　saysRobinHood，inanoldballad。Perhaps，however，thusistobetakennotinaliteral，butinafigurativesensefromthebindingandbeatingofwheat：forasallrichmenwereRobin’sharvest，thebishopsandarchbishopsmusthavebeenthefinestandfattestearsamongthem，fromwhichRobinmerelyproposestothreshthegrainwhenhedirectsthemtobeboundandbeaten：
　　andasPharaoh’sfatkineweretypicaloffatearsofwheat，somayfatearsofwheat，mutatismutandis，betypicaloffatkine。
　　"ThearticlesofHospitalityaretwo：
　　"I。Postmen，carriersandmarket-folk，peasantsandmechanics，farmersandmillers，shallpassthroughourforestdominionswithoutletormolestation。
　　"II。AllothertravellersthroughtheforestshallbegraciouslyinvitedtopartakeofRobin’shospitality;andiftheycomenotwillinglytheyshallbecompelled;andtherichmanshallpaywellforhisfare;
　　andthepoormanshallfeastscotfree，andperadventurereceivebountyinproportiontohisdesertandnecessity。
　　"ThearticleofChivalryisone：
　　"I。Everyforestershall，totheextentofhispower，aidandprotectmaids，widows，andorphans，andallweakanddistressedpersonswhomsoever：
　　andnowomanshallbeimpededormolestedinanyway;norshallanycompanyreceiveharmwhichanywomanisin。
　　"ThearticleofChastityisone：
　　"I。Everyforester，beingDiana’sforesterandminionofthemoon，shallcommendhimselftothegraceoftheVirgin，andshallhavethegiftofcontinencyonpainofexpulsion：
　　thatthearticleofchivalrymaybesecurefrominfringement，andmaids，wives，andwidowspasswithoutfearthroughtheforest。
　　"ThearticleofCourtesyisone：
　　"I。Nooneshallmiscallaforester。HewhocallsRobinRobertofHuntingdon，orsaluteshimbyanyothertitleordesignationwhatsoeverexceptplainRobinHood;orwhocallsMarianMatildaFitzwater，orsalutesherbyanyothertitleordesignationwhatsoeverexceptplainMaidMarian;
　　andsoofallothers;shallforeverysuchoffenceforfeitamark，tobepaidtothefriar。
　　"Andthesearticleswesweartokeepaswearegoodmenandtrue。
　　Carriedbyacclamation。GodsaveKingRichard。"LITTLEJOHN，Secretary。"
　　"Excellentlaws，"saidthebaron："excellent，bytheholyrood。
　　WilliamofNormandy，withmygreatgreatgrandfatherFierabrasathiselbow，couldnothavemadebetter。Andnow，sweetMawd————"
　　"Afine，afine，"criedthefriar，"afine，bythearticleofcourtesy。"
　　"Od’slife，"saidthebaron，"shallInotcallmyowndaughterMawd？Methinksthereshouldbeaspecialexceptioninmyfavour。"
　　"Itmustnotbe，"saidRobinHood："ourconstitutionadmitsnoprivilege。"
　　"ButIwillcommute，"saidthefriar;"fortwentymarksayeardulypaidintomyghostlypocketyoushallcallyourdaughterMawdtwohundredtimesaday。"
　　"Gramercy，"saidthebaron，"andIagree，honestfriar，whenIcangettwentymarkstopay：fortillPrinceJohnbebeatenfromNottingham，myrentsareliketoprovebutscanty。"
　　"Iwilltrust，"saidthefriar，"andthusletusratifythestipulation;
　　soshallourlawsandyourinfringementruntogetherinanamicableparallel。"
　　"But，"saidLittleJohn，"thisisabadprecedent，masterfriar。
　　Itisturningdisciplineintoprofit，penaltyintoperquisite，publicjusticeintoprivaterevenue。Itisrankcorruption，masterfriar。"
　　"Whyarelawsmade？"saidthefriar。"Fortheprofitofsomebody。
　　Ofwhom？Ofhimwhomakesthemfirst，andofothersasitmayhappen。
　　WasnotIlegislatorinthelastarticle，andshallInotthrivebymyownlaw？"
　　"Wellthen，sweetMawd，"saidthebaron，"Imustleaveyou，Mawd：
　　yourlifeisverywellfortheyoungandthehearty，butitsquaresnotwithmyageormyhumour。Imusthouse，Mawd。Imustfindrefuge：
　　butwhere？Thatisthequestion。"
　　"WhereSirGuyofGamwellhasfoundit，"saidRobinHood，"nearthebordersofBarnsdale。ThereyoumaydwellinsafetywithhimandfairAlice，tillKingRichardreturn，andLittleJohnshallgiveyousafeconduct。
　　Youwillhaveneedtotravelwithcaution，indisguiseandwithoutattendants，forPrinceJohncommandsallthisvicinity，andwilldoubtlesslaythecountryforyouandMarian。Nowitisfirstexpedienttodismissyourretainers。
　　Iftherebeanyamongthemwholikeourlife，theymaystaywithusinthegreenwood;therestmayreturntotheirhomes。"
　　Someofthebaron’smenresolvedtoremainwithRobinandMarian，andwerefurnishedaccordinglywithsuitsofgreen，ofwhichRobinalwayskeptgoodstore。
　　MariannowdeclaredthatastherewasdangerinthewaytoBarnsdale，shewouldaccompanyLittleJohnandthebaron，assheshouldnotbehappyunlesssheherselfsawherfatherplacedinsecurity。
　　Robinwasveryunwillingtoconsenttothis，andassuredherthattherewasmoredangerforherthanthebaron：
　　butMarianwasabsolute。
　　"Ifso，then，"saidRobin，"IshallbeyourguideinsteadofLittleJohn，andIshallleavehimandScarletjoint-regentsofSherwoodduringmyabsence，andthevoiceofFriarTuckshallbedecisivebetweenthemiftheydifferinnicequestionsofstatepolicy。"Marianobjectedtothis，thattherewasmoredangerforRobinthaneitherherselforthebaron：
　　butRobinwasabsoluteinhisturn。
　　"Talknotofmyvoice，"saidthefriar;"forifMarianbeadamselerrant，Iwillbeherghostlyesquire。"
　　Robininsistedthatthisshouldnotbe，fornumberwouldonlyexposethemtogreaterriskofdetection。Thefriar，aftersomedebate，reluctantlyacquiesced。
　　Whiletheywerediscussingthesematters，theyheardthedistantsoundofhorses’feet。
　　"Go，"saidRobintoLittleJohn，"andinviteyonderhorsemantodinner。"
　　LittleJohnboundedaway，andsooncamebeforeayoungman，whowasridinginamelancholymanner，withthebridlehanginglooseonthehorse’sneck，andhiseyesdroopingtowardstheground。
　　"Whithergoyou？"saidLittleJohn。
　　"Whithersoevermyhorsepleases，"saidtheyoungman。
　　"Andthatshallbe，"saidLittleJohn，"whitherIpleasetoleadhim。
　　Iamcommissionedtoinviteyoutodinewithmymaster。"
　　"Whoisyourmaster？"saidtheyoungman。
　　"RobinHood，"saidLittleJohn。
　　"Theboldoutlaw？"saidthestranger。"Neitherhenoryoushouldhavemademeturnaninchasideyesterday;butto-dayIcarenot。"
　　"Thenitisbetterforyou，"saidLittleJohn，"thatyoucameto-daythanyesterday，ifyoulovedininginawholeskin：
　　formymasteristhepinkofcourtesy：butifhisguestsprovestubborn，hebastesthemandhisvenisontogether，whilethefriarsaysmassbeforemeat。"
　　Theyoungmanmadenoanswer，andscarcelyseemedtohearwhatLittleJohnwassaying，whothereforetookthehorse’sbridleandledhimtowhereRobinandhisforestersweresettingforththeirdinner。
　　RobinseatedtheyoungmannexttoMarian。Recoveringalittlefromhisstupor，helookedwithmuchamazementather，andthebaron，andRobin，andthefriar;listenedtotheirconversation，andseemedmuchastonishedtofindhimselfinsuchholyandcourtlycompany。
　　Robinhelpedhimlargelytorumble-pieandcygnetandpheasant，andtheotherdaintiesofhistable;andthefriarpledgedhiminaleandwine，andexhortedhimtomakegoodcheer。
　　Buttheyoungmandranklittle，ateless，spakenothing，andeverynowandthensighedheavily。
　　Whentherepastwasended，"Now，"saidRobin，"youareatlibertytopursueyourjourney：butfirstbepleasedtopayforyourdinner。"
　　"ThatwouldIgladlydo，Robin，"saidtheyoungman，"butallIhaveaboutmearefiveshillingsandaring。
　　Tothefiveshillingsyoushallbewelcome，butfortheringIwillfightwhilethereisadropofbloodinmyveins。"
　　"Gallantlyspoken，"saidRobinHood。"Alove-token，withoutdoubt：
　　butyoumustsubmittoourforestlaws。LittleJohnmustsearch;
　　andifhefindnomorethanyousay，notapennywillItouch;
　　butifyouhavespokenfalse，thewholeisforfeittoourfraternity。"
　　"Andwithreason，"saidthefriar;"fortherebyisthetruthmaintainedTheabbotofDoubleflasksworetherewasnomoneyinhisvalise，andLittleJohnforthwithemptieditoffourhundredpounds。
　　Thuswastheabbot’sperjurybutofoneminute’sduration;
　　forthoughhisspeechwasfalseintheutterance，yetwasitnosoonerutteredthanitbecametrue，andweshouldhavebeenparticipescriministohavesufferedtheholyabbottodepartinfalsehood：
　　whereashecametousafalsepriest，andwesenthimawayatrueman。Marry，weturnedhiscloaktofurtheraccount，andtherebyhangsatalethatmaybeeithersaidorsung;
　　forintruthIamminstrelhereaswellaschaplain;
　　Iprayforgoodsuccesstoourjustandnecessarywarfare，andsingthanks-givingodeswhenourforestersbringinbooty：
　　BoldRobinhasrobedhiminghostlyattire，Andforthheisgonelikeaholyfriar，Singing，heydown，hodown，down，derrydown：
　　Andoftwogreyfriarshesoonwasaware，Regalingthemselveswithdaintyfare，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。
　　"Goodmorrow，goodbrothers，"saidboldRobinHood，"Andwhatmakeyouinthegoodgreenwood，Singingheydown，hodown，down，derrydown！
　　Nowgiveme，Iprayyou，wineandfood;
　　FornonecanIfindinthegoodgreenwood，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。"
　　"Goodbrother，"theysaid，"wewouldgiveyoufullfain，Butwehavenomorethanenoughfortwain，Singing，heydown，hodown，down，derrydown。"
　　"Thengivemesomemoney，"saidboldRobinHood，"FornonecanIfindinthegoodgreenwood，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。"
　　"Nomoneyhavewe，goodbrother，"saidthey：
　　"Then，"saidhe，"wethreeformoneywillpray：
　　Singing，heydown，hodown，down，derrydown：
　　Andwhatevershallcomeattheendofourprayer，Wethreeholyfriarswillpiouslyshare，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。"
　　"Wewillnotpraywiththee，goodbrother，Godwot：
　　Fortruly，goodbrother，thoupleasestusnot，Singingheydown，hodown，down，derrydown："
　　ThenuptheybothstartedfromRobintorun，ButdownontheirkneesRobinpulledthemeachone，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。
　　Thegreyfriarsprayedwithadolefulface，ButboldRobinprayedwitharightmerrygrace，Singing，heydown，hodown，down，derrydown：
　　Andwhentheyhadprayed，theirportmanteauhetook，Andfromitahundredgoodangelsheshook，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。
　　"Thesaints，"saidboldRobin，"havehearkenedourprayer，Andhere’sagoodangelapieceforyourshare：
　　Ifmoreyouwouldhave，youmustwinereyouwear：
　　Singingheydown，hodown，down，derrydown："
　　Thenheblewhisgoodhornwithamusicalcheer，Andfiftygreenbowmencametroopingfullnear，Andawaythegreyfriarstheyboundedlikedeer，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　Whatcanayounglassie，whatshallayounglassie，Whatcanayounglassiedowi’anauldman？——BURNS。
　　"Hereisbutfiveshillingsandaring，"saidLittleJohn，"andtheyoungmanhasspokentrue。"
　　"Then，"saidRobintothestranger，"ifwantofmoneybethecauseofyourmelancholy，speak。LittleJohnismytreasurer，andheshalldisbursetoyou。"
　　"Itis，anditisnot，"saidthestranger;"itis，because，hadInotwantedmoneyIhadneverlostmylove;itisnot，because，nowthatIhavelosther，moneywouldcometoolatetoregainher。"
　　"Inwhatwayhaveyoulosther？"saidRobin："letusclearlyknowthatsheispastregaining，beforewegiveupourwishestorestorehertoyou。"
　　"Sheistobemarriedthisday，"saidthestranger，"andperhapsismarriedbythis，toaricholdknight;andyesterdayIknewitnot。"
　　"Whatisyourname？"saidRobin。
　　"Allen，"saidthestranger。
　　"Andwhereisthemarriagetotakeplace，Allen？"saidRobin。
　　"AtEdwinstowchurch，"saidAllen，"bythebishopofNottingham。"
　　"Iknowthatbishop，"saidRobin;"hedinedwithmeamonthsince，andpaidthreehundredpoundsforhisdinner。Hehasagoodearandlovesmusic。
　　Thefriarsangtohimtosometune。Givememyharper’scloak，andI
　　willplayapartatthiswedding。
　　"Thesearedangeroustimes，Robin，"saidMarian，"forplayingpranksoutoftheforest。"
　　"Fearnot，"saidRobin;"EdwinstowliesnotNottingham-ward，andIwilltakemyprecautions。"
　　Robinputonhisharper’scloak，whileLittleJohnpaintedhiseyebrowsandcheeks，tippedhisnosewithred，andtiedhimonacomelybeard。
　　Marianconfessed，thathadshenotbeenpresentatthemetamorphosis，sheshouldnothaveknownherowntrueRobin。Robintookhisharpandwenttothewedding。
　　Robinfoundthebishopandhistraininthechurchporch，impatientlyexpectingthearrivalofthebrideandbridegroom。
　　Theclerkwasobservingtothebishopthattheknightwassomewhatgouty，andthatthenecessityofwalkingthelastquarterofamilefromtheroadtothechurchyardprobablydetainedthelivelybridegroomratherlongerthanhadbeencalculatedupon。
　　"Oh！bymyfey，"saidthemusic-lovingbishop，"herecomesaharperinthenickoftime，andnowIcarenothowlongtheytarry。
　　Ho！honestfriend，areyoucometoplayatthewedding？"
　　"Iamcometoplayanywhere，"answeredRobin，"whereIcangetacupofsack;
　　forwhichIwillsingthepraiseofthedonorinloftyverse，andemblazonhimwithanyvirtuewhichhemaywishtohavethecreditofpossessing，withoutthetroubleofpractising。
　　"Amostcourtlyharper，"saidthebishop;"Iwillfilltheewithsack;
　　Iwillmaketheeawalkingbuttofsack，ifthouwiltdelightmyearswiththymelodies。"
　　"ThatwillI，"saidRobin;"inwhatbranchofmyartshallIexertmyfaculty？Iampassingwellinall，fromtheanthemtotheglee，andfromthedirgetothecoranto。"
　　"Itwouldbeidle，"saidthebishop，"togivetheesackforplayingmeanthems，seeingthatImyselfdoreceivesackforhearingthemsung。
　　Therefore，astheoccasionisfestive，thoushaltplaymeacoranto。"
　　Robinstruckupandplayedawaymerrily，thebishopallthewhileingreatdelight，noddlinghishead，andbeatingtimewithhisfoot，tillthebrideandbridegroomappeared。
　　Thebridegroomwasrichlyapparelled，andcameslowlyandpainfullyforward，hobblingandleering，andpursinguphismouthintoasmileofresolutedefiancetothegout，andoftendercomplacencytowardshisladylove，who，shininglikegoldattheoldknight’sexpense，followedslowlybetweenherfatherandmother，hercheekspale，herheaddrooping，herstepsfaltering，andhereyesreddenedwithtears。
　　Robinstoppedhisminstrelsy，andsaidtothebishop，"Thisseemstomeanunfitmatch。"
　　"Whatdoyousay，rascal？"saidtheoldknight，hobblinguptohim。
　　"Isay，"saidRobin，"thisseemstomeanunfitmatch。
　　What，inthedevil’sname，canyouwantwithayoungwife，whohaveonefootinflannelsandtheotherinthegrave？"
　　"Whatisthattothee，sirrahvarlet？"saidtheoldknight;
　　"standawayfromtheporch，orIwillfracturethysconcewithmycane。"
　　"Iwillnotstandawayfromtheporch，"saidRobin，"unlessthebridebidme，andtellmethatyouareherowntruelove。"
　　"Speak，"saidthebride’sfather，inaseveretone，andwithalookofsignificantmenace。ThegirllookedalternatelyatherfatherandRobin。Sheattemptedtospeak，buthervoicefailedintheeffort，andsheburstintotears。
　　"Hereislawfulcauseandjustimpediment，"saidRobin，"andIforbidthebanns。"
　　"Whoareyou，villain？"saidtheoldknight，stampinghissoundfootwithrage。
　　"IamtheRomanlaw，"saidRobin，"whichsaysthatthereshallnotbemorethantenyearsbetweenamanandhiswife;andherearefivetimesten：
　　andsosaysthelawofnature。"
　　"Honestharper，"saidthebishop，"youaresomewhatover-officioushere，andlesscourtlythanIdeemedyou。
　　Ifyoulovesack，forbear;forthiscoursewillneverbringyouadrop。
　　AstoyourRomanlaw，andyourlawofnature，whatrighthavetheytosayanythingwhichthelawofHolyWritsaysnot？"
　　"ThelawofHolyWritdoessayit，"saidRobin;"Iexpounditsotosay;
　　andIwillproducesixtycommentatorstoestablishmyexposition。"
　　Andsosaying，heproducedahornfrombeneathhiscloak，andblewthreeblasts，andthreescorebowmeningreencameleapingfromthebushesandtrees;andyoungAllenwasthefirstamongthemtogiveRobinhissword，whileFriarTuckandLittleJohnmarcheduptothealtar。
　　Robinstrippedthebishopandclerkoftheirrobes，andputthemonthefriarandLittleJohn;andAllenadvancedtotakethehandofthebride。
　　Hercheeksgrewredandhereyesgrewbright，asshelockedherhandinherlover’s，andtrippedlightlywithhimintothechurch。
　　"Thismarriagewillnotstand，"saidthebishop，"fortheyhavenotbeenthriceaskedinchurch。"
　　"Wewillaskthemseventimes，"saidLittleJohn，"lestthreeshouldnotsuffice。"
　　"Andinthemeantime，"saidRobin，"theknightandthebishopshalldancetomyharping。"
　　SoRobinsatinthechurchporchandplayedawaymerrily，whilehisforestersformedaring，inthecentreofwhichtheknightandbishopdancedwithexemplaryalacrity;andiftheyrelaxedtheirexertions，Scarletgentlytouchedthemupwiththepointofanarrow。
　　Theknightgrimacedruefully，andbeggedRobintothinkofhisgout。
　　"SoIdo，"saidRobin;"thisisthetrueantipodagron：
　　youshalldancethegoutaway，andbethankfultomewhileyoulive。
　　Itoldyou，"headdedtothebishop，"Iwouldplayatthiswedding;
　　butyoudidnottellmethatyouwoulddanceatit。
　　Thenextcoupleyoumarry，thinkoftheRomanlaw。"
　　Thebishopwastoomuchoutofbreathtoreply;andnowtheyoungcoupleissuedfromchurch，andthebridehavingmadeafarewellobeisancetoherparents，theydepartedtogetherwiththeforesters，theparentsstorming，theattendantslaughing，thebishoppuffingandblowing，andtheknightrubbinghisgoutyfoot，andutteringdolefullamentationsforthegoldandjewelswithwhichhehadsounwittinglyadornedandcoweredthebride。
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　AsyecamefromtheholylandOfblessedWalsinghame，Ohmetyenotwithmytruelove，Asbythewayyecame？——OldBallad。
　　Inpursuanceofthearrangementrecordedinthetwelfthchapter，thebaron，Robin，andMariandisguisedthemselvesaspilgrimsreturnedfromPalestine，andtravellingfromthesea-coastofHampshiretotheirhomeinNorthumberland。Bydintofstaffandcockle-shell，sandalandscrip，theyproceededinsafetythegreaterpartoftheway（forRobinhadmanyslyinnsandresting-placesbetweenBarnsdaleandSherwood），andwerealreadyonthebordersofYorkshire，when，oneevening，theypassedwithinviewofacastle，wheretheysawaladystandingonaturret，andsurveyingthewholeextentofthevalleythroughwhichtheywerepassing。
　　Aservantcamerunningfromthecastle，anddeliveredtothemamessagefromhislady，whowassickwithexpectationofnewsfromherlordintheHolyLand，andentreatedthemtocometoher，thatshemightquestionthemconcerninghim。Thiswasanawkwardoccurrence：
　　buttherewasnopresenceforrefusal，andtheyfollowedtheservantintothecastle。Thebaron，whohadbeeninPalestineinhisyouth，undertooktobespokesmanontheoccasion，andtorelatehisownadventurestotheladyashavinghappenedtothelordinquestion。
　　Thispreparationenabledhimtobesominuteandcircumstantialinhisdetail，andsocoherentinhisrepliestoherquestions，thattheladyfellimplicitlyintothedelusion，andwasdelightedtofindthatherlordwasaliveandinhealth，andinhighfavourwiththeking，andperformingprodigiesofvalourinthenameofhislady，whoseminiaturehealwaysworeinhisbosom。
　　Thebaronguessedatthiscircumstancefromthecustomsofthatage，andhappenedtobeintheright。
　　"Thisminiature，"addedthebaron，"Ihavehadthefelicitytosee，andshouldhaveknownyoubyitamongamillion。"
　　Thebaronwasalittleembarrassedbysomequestionsoftheladyconcerningherlord’spersonalappearance;butRobincametohisaid，observingapicturesuspendedoppositetohimonthewall，whichhemadeaboldconjecturetobethatofthelordinquestion;
　　andmakingacalculationoftheinfluencesoftimeandwar，whichheweighedwithacomparisonofthelady’sage，hegaveadescriptionofherlordsufficientlylikethepictureinitsgroundworktobeatrueresemblance，andsufficientlydifferingfromitincircumstancestobemoreanoriginalthanacopy。
　　Theladywascompletelydeceived，andentreatedthemtopartakeherhospitalityforthenight;butthistheydeemeditprudenttodecline，andwithmanyhumblethanksforherkindness，andrepresentationsofthenecessityofnotdelayingtheirhomewardcourse，theyproceededontheirway。
　　Astheypassedoverthedrawbridge，theymetSirRalphMontfauconandhissquire，whowerewanderinginquestofMarian，andwereenteringtoclaimthathospitalitywhichthepilgrimshaddeclined。
　　TheircountenancesstruckSirRalphwithakindofimperfectrecognition，whichwouldneverhavebeenmatured，butthattheeyesofMarian，asshepassedhim，encounteredhis，andtheimagesofthosestarsofbeautycontinuedinvoluntarilytwinklinginhissensoriumtotheexclusionofallotherideas，tillmemory，love，andhopeconcurredwithimaginationtofurnishaprobablereasonfortheirhauntinghimsopertinaciously。
　　Thoseeyes，hethought，werecertainlytheeyesofMatildaFitzwater;
　　andiftheeyeswerehers，itwasextremelyprobable，ifnotlogicallyconsecutive，thattherestofthebodytheybelongedtowashersalso。
　　Now，ifitwerereallyMatildaFitzwater，whowerehertwocompanions？
　　Thebaron？Aye，andtheelderpilgrimwassomethinglikehim。
　　AndtheearlofHuntingdon？Veryprobably。Theearlandthebaronmightbegoodfriendsagain，nowthattheywerebothindisgracetogether。
　　Whilehewasrevolvingthesecogitations，hewasintroducedtothelady，andafterclaimingandreceivingthepromiseofhospitality，heinquiredwhatsheknewofthepilgrimswhohadjustdeparted？
　　TheladytoldhimtheywerenewlyreturnedfromPalestine，havingbeenlongintheHolyLand。Theknightexpressedsomescepticismonthispoint。
　　Theladyreplied，thattheyhadgivenhersominuteadetailofherlord’sproceedings，andsoaccurateadescriptionofhisperson，thatshecouldnotbedeceivedinthem。Thisstaggeredtheknight’sconfidenceinhisownpenetration;andifithadnotbeenaheresyinknighthoodtosupposeforamomentthattherecouldbeinrerumnaturasuchanotherpairofeyesasthoseofhismistress，hewouldhaveacquiescedimplicitlyinthelady’sjudgment。
　　Butwhiletheladyandtheknightwereconversing，thewarderblewhisbugle-horn，andpresentlyenteredaconfidentialmessengerfromPalestine，whogavehertounderstandthatherlordwaswell;
　　butenteredintoadetailofhisadventuresmostcompletelyatvariancewiththebaron’snarrative，towhichnotthecorrespondenceofasingleincidentgavetheremotestcolouringofsimilarity。
　　Itnowbecamemanifestthatthepilgrimswerenottruemen;
　　andSirRalphMontfauconsatedowntosupperwithhisheadfullofcogitations，whichweshallleavehimtochewanddigestwithhispheasantandcanary。
　　Meanwhileourthreepilgrimsproceededontheirway。
　　Theeveningsetinblackandlowering，whenRobinturnedasidefromthemaintrack，toseekanasylumforthenight，alonganarrowwaythatledbetweenrockyandwoodyhills。
　　Apeasantobservedthepilgrimsastheyenteredthatnarrowpass，andcalledafterthem："Whithergoyou，mymasters？thereareroguesinthatdirection。"
　　"Canyoushowusadirection，"saidRobin，"inwhichtherearenone？
　　Ifsowewilltakeitinpreference。"Thepeasantgrinned，andwalkedawaywhistling。
　　Thepasswidenedastheyadvanced，andthewoodsgrewthickeranddarkeraroundthem。Theirpathwoundalongtheslopeofawoodydeclivity，whichrosehighabovetheminathickrampartoffoliage，anddescendedalmostprecipitouslytothebedofasmallriver，whichtheyhearddashinginitsrockychannel，andsawitswhitefoamgleamingatintervalsinthelastfaintglimmeringsoftwilight。
　　Inashorttimeallwasdark，andtherisingvoiceofthewindforetoldacomingstorm。Theyturnedapointofthevalley，andsawalightbelowtheminthedepthofthehollow，shiningthroughacottage-casementanddancinginitsreflectionontherestlessstream。
　　Robinblewhishorn，whichwasansweredfrombelow。Thecottagedooropened：aboycameforthwithatorch，ascendedthesteep，showedtokensofgreatdelightatmeetingwithRobin，andlightedthemdownaflightofstepsrudelycutintherock，andoveraseriesofruggedstepping-stones，thatcrossedthechanneloftheriver。
　　Theyenteredthecottage，whichexhibitedneatness，comfort，andplenty，beingamplyenrichedwithpots，pans，andpipkins，andadornedwithflitchesofbaconandsundrysimilarornaments，thatgavegoodlypromiseinthefirelightthatgleamedupontherafters。
　　Awoman，whoseemedjustoldenoughtobetheboy’smother，hadthrowndownherspinningwheelinherjoyatthesoundofRobin’shorn，andwasbustlingwithsingularalacritytosetforthherfestalwareandprepareanabundantsupper。
　　Herfeatures，thoughnotbeautiful，wereagreeableandexpressive，andwerenowlightedupwithsuchmanifestjoyatthesightofRobin，thatMariancouldnothelpfeelingamomentarytouchofjealousy，andahalf-formedsuspicionthatRobinhadbrokenhisforestlaw，andhadoccasionallygoneoutofbounds，asothergreatmenhavedoneuponoccasion，inordertoreconcilethebreachofthespirit，withthepreservationoftheletter，oftheirownlegislation。
　　However，thissuspicion，ifitcouldbesaidtoexistinamindsogenerousasMarian’s，wasverysoondissipatedbytheentranceofthewoman’shusband，whotestifiedasmuchjoyashiswifehaddoneatthesightofRobin;andinashorttimethewholeofthepartywereamicablyseatedroundasmokingsupperofriver-fishandwildwoodfowl，onwhichthebaronfellwithasmuchalacrityasifhehadbeenatruepilgrimfromPalestine。
　　Thehusbandproducedsomereconditeflasksofwine，whichwerelaidbyinabinnconsecratedtoRobin，whoseoccasionalvisitstotheminhiswanderingswerethefestaldaysofthesewarm-heartedcottagers，whosemannersshowedthattheyhadnotbeenborntothislowestate。
　　Theirstoryhadnomystery，andMarianeasilycollecteditfromthetenouroftheirconversation。Theyoungmanhadbeen，likeRobin，thevictimofanusuriousabbot，andhadbeenoutlawedfordebt，andhisnut-brownmaidhadaccompaniedhimtothedepthsofSherwood，wheretheylivedanunholyandillegitimatelife，killingtheking’sdeer，andneverhearingmass。Inthisstate，Robin，thenearlofHuntingdon，discoveredtheminoneofhishuntings，andgavethemaidandprotection。
　　WhenRobinhimselfbecameanoutlaw，thenecessaryqualificationorgiftofcontinencywastoohardalawforourloverstosubscribeto;
　　andastheywerethusdisqualifiedforforesters，Robinhadfoundthemaretreatinthisromanticandsecludedspot。Hehaddonesimilarservicetootherloverssimilarlycircumstanced，andhaddisposedtheminvariouswildsceneswhichheandhismenhaddiscoveredintheirflittingsfromplacetoplace，supplyingthemwithallnecessariesandcomfortsfromthereluctantdisgorgingsoffatabbotsandusurers。
　　Thebenefitwasinsomemeasuremutual;forthesecottagesservedhimasresting-placesinhisremovals，andenabledhimtotraveluntracedandunmolested;andinthedelightwithwhichhewasalwaysreceivedhefoundhimselfevenmorewelcomethanhewouldhavebeenataninn;
　　andthisissayingverymuchforgratitudeandaffectiontogether。
　　Thesmileswhichsurroundedhimwereofhisowncreation，andheparticipatedinthehappinesshehadbestowed。
　　Thecasementsbegantorattleinthewind，andtheraintobeatuponthewindows。Thewindswelledtoahurricane，andtheraindashedlikeafloodagainsttheglass。Theboyretiredtohislittlebed，thewifetrimmedthelamp，thehusbandheapedlogsuponthefire：
　　Robinbroachedanotherflask;andMarianfilledthebaron’scup，andsweetenedRobin’sbytouchingitsedgewithherlips。
　　"Well，"saidthebaron，"givemearoofovermyhead，beitneversohumble。