FROMTHEAUTHORTOTHEREADER
　　YouwhosoplodamidseriousthingsthatyoufeelitshametogiveyourselfupevenforafewshortmomentstomirthandjoyousnessinthelandofFancy；youwhothinkthatlifehathnoughttodowithinnocentlaughterthatcanharmnoone；thesepagesarenotforyou。
　　Claptotheleavesandgonofartherthanthis，forItellyouplainlythatifyougofartheryouwillbescandalizedbyseeinggood，soberfolksofrealhistorysofriskandcaperingaycolorsandmotleythatyouwouldnotknowthembutforthenamestaggedtothem。
　　Hereisastout，lustyfellowwithaquicktemper，yetnonesoillforallthat，whogoesbythenameofHenryII。Hereisafair，gentleladybeforewhomalltheothersbowandcallherQueenEleanor。Hereisafatrogueofafellow，dressedupinrichrobesofaclericalkind，thatallthegoodfolkcallmyLordBishopofHereford。Hereisacertainfellowwithasourtemperandagrimlook——
　　theworshipful，theSheriffofNottingham。Andhere，aboveall，isagreat，tall，merryfellowthatroamsthegreenwoodandjoinsinhomelysports，andsitsbesidetheSheriffatmerryfeast，whichsamebeareththenameoftheproudestofthePlantagenets——RichardoftheLion'sHeart。Besidetheseareawholehostofknights，priests，nobles，burghers，yeomen，pages，ladies，lasses，landlords，beggars，peddlers，andwhatnot，alllivingthemerriestofmerrylives，andallboundbynothingbutafewoddstrandsofcertainoldballadssnippedandclippedandtiedtogetheragaininascoreofknots
　　whichdrawthesejocundfellowshereandthere，singingastheygo。
　　Hereyouwillfindahundreddull，sober，joggingplaces，alltrickedoutwithflowersandwhatnot，tillnoonewouldknowthemintheirfancifuldress。
　　Andhereisacountrybearingawell-knownname，whereinnochillmistspressuponourspirits，andnorainfallsbutwhatrollsoffourbackslikeAprilshowersoffthebacksofsleekdrakes；whereflowersbloomforeverandbirdsarealwayssinging；whereeveryfellowhathamerrycatchashetravelstheroads，andaleandbeerandwinesuchasmuddlenowits
　　flowlikewaterinabrook。
　　ThiscountryisnotFairyland。Whatisit？'TisthelandofFancy，andisofthatpleasantkindthat，whenyoutireofit——whisk！——youclaptheleavesofthisbooktogetherand'tisgone，andyouarereadyforeverydaylife，withnoharmdone。
　　AndnowIliftthecurtainthathangsbetweenhereandNo-man's-land。Willyoucomewithme，sweetReader？Ithankyou。
　　Givemeyourhand。
　　HowRobinHoodCanetoBeanOutlawINMERRYENGLANDinthetimeofold，whengoodKingHenrytheSecondruledtheland，therelivedwithinthegreengladesofSherwoodForest，nearNottinghamTown，afamousoutlawwhosenamewasRobinHood。Noarchereverlivedthatcouldspeedagraygooseshaftwithsuchskillandcunningashis，norwerethereeversuchyeomenasthesevenscoremerrymenthatroamedwithhimthroughthegreenwoodshades。
　　RightmerrilytheydwelledwithinthedepthsofSherwoodForest，sufferingneithercarenorwant，butpassingthetimeinmerrygamesofarcheryorboutsofcudgelplay，livingupontheKing'svenison，washeddownwithdraughtsofaleofOctoberbrewing。
　　NotonlyRobinhimselfbutallthebandwereoutlawsanddwelledapartfromothermen，yettheywerebelovedbythecountrypeopleroundabout，fornooneevercametojollyRobinforhelpintimeofneedandwentawayagainwithanemptyfist。
　　AndnowIwilltellhowitcameaboutthatRobinHoodfellafoulofthelaw。
　　WhenRobinwasayouthofeighteen，stoutofsinewandboldofheart，theSheriffofNottinghamproclaimedashootingmatchandofferedaprizeofabuttofaletowhosoevershouldshootthebestshaftinNottinghamshire。"Now，"quothRobin，"willIgotoo，forfainwouldIdrawastringforthebrighteyesofmylassandabuttofgoodOctoberbrewing。"
　　Souphegotandtookhisgoodstoutyewbowandascoreormoreofbroadclothyardarrows，andstartedofffromLocksleyTownthroughSherwoodForesttoNottingham。
　　ItwasatthedawnofdayinthemerryMaytime，whenhedgerowsaregreenandflowersbedeckthemeadows；daisiespiedandyellowcuckoobudsandfairprimrosesallalongthebrieryhedges；whenapplebudsblossomandsweetbirdssing，thelarkatdawnofday，thethrostlecockandcuckoo；
　　whenladsandlasseslookuponeachotherwithsweetthoughts；whenbusyhousewivesspreadtheirlinentobleachuponthebrightgreengrass。
　　Sweetwasthegreenwoodashewalkedalongitspaths，andbrightthegreenandrustlingleaves，amidwhichthelittlebirdssangwithmightandmain：
　　andblithelyRobinwhistledashetrudgedalong，thinkingofMaidMarianandherbrighteyes，foratsuchtimesayouth'sthoughtsarewonttoturnpleasantlyuponthelassthathelovesthebest。
　　Asthushewalkedalongwithabriskstepandamerrywhistle，hecamesuddenlyuponsomeforestersseatedbeneathagreatoaktree。Fifteentherewereinall，makingthemselvesmerrywithfeastinganddrinkingastheysataroundahugepasty，towhicheachmanhelpedhimself，thrustinghishandsintothepie，andwashingdownthatwhichtheyatewithgreathornsofalewhichtheydrewallfoamingfromabarrelthatstoodnigh。
　　EachmanwascladinLincolngreen，andafineshowtheymade，seatedupontheswardbeneaththatfair，spreadingtree。
　　Thenoneofthem，withhismouthfull，calledouttoRobin，"Hulloa，wheregoestthou，littlelad，withthyone-pennybowandthyfarthingshafts？"
　　ThenRobingrewangry，fornostriplinglikestobetauntedwithhisgreenyears。
　　"Now，"quothhe，"mybowandekeminearrowsareasgoodasshine；
　　andmoreover，IgototheshootingmatchatNottinghamTown，whichsamehasbeenproclaimedbyourgoodSheriffofNottinghamshire；
　　thereIwillshootwithotherstoutyeomen，foraprizehasbeenofferedofafinebuttofale。"
　　Thenonewhoheldahornofaleinhishandsaid，"Ho！listentothelad！
　　Why，boy，thymother'smilkisyetscarcedryuponthylips，andyetthoupratestofstandingupwithgoodstoutmenatNottinghambutts，thouwhoartscarceabletodrawonestringofatwo-stonebow。"
　　"I'llholdthebestofyoutwentymarks，"quothboldRobin，"thatIhitthecloutatthreescorerods，bythegoodhelpofOurLadyfair。"
　　Atthisalllaughedaloud，andonesaid，"Wellboasted，thoufairinfant，wellboasted！Andwellthouknowestthatnotargetisnightomakegoodthywager。"
　　Andanothercried，"Hewillbetakingalewithhismilknext。"
　　AtthisRobingrewrightmad。"Harkye，"saidhe，"yonder，attheglade'send，Iseeaherdofdeer，evenmorethanthreescorerodsdistant。
　　I'llholdyoutwentymarksthat，byleaveofOurLady，Icausethebesthartamongthemtodie。"
　　"Nowdone！"criedhewhohadspokenfirst。"Andherearetwentymarks。
　　Iwagerthatthoucausestnobeasttodie，withorwithouttheaidofOurLady。"
　　ThenRobintookhisgoodyewbowinhishand，andplacingthetipathisinstep，hestrungitrightdeftly；thenhenockedabroadclothyardarrowand，raisingthebow，drewthegraygoosefeathertohisear；thenextmomentthebowstringrangandthearrowspeddownthegladeasasparrowhawkskimsinanorthernwind。
　　Highleapedthenoblesthartofalltheherd，onlytofalldead，reddeningthegreenpathwithhisheart'sblood。
　　"Ha！"criedRobin，"howlikestthouthatshot，goodfellow？
　　Iwotthewagerweremine，anitwerethreehundredpounds。"
　　Thenalltheforesterswerefilledwithrage，andhewhohadspokenthefirstandhadlostthewagerwasmoreangrythanall。
　　"Nay，"criedhe，"thewagerisnoneofthine，andgettheegone，straightway，or，byallthesaintsofheaven，I'llbastethysidesuntilthouwiltne'erbeabletowalkagain。"
　　"Knowestthounot，"saidanother，"thatthouhastkilledtheKing'sdeer，and，bythelawsofourgraciouslordandsovereignKingHarry，thineearsshouldbeshavenclosetothyhead？"
　　"Catchhim！"criedathird。
　　"Nay，"saidafourth，"lethime'engobecauseofhistenderyears。"
　　NeverawordsaidRobinHood，buthelookedattheforesterswithagrimface；
　　then，turningonhisheel，strodeawayfromthemdowntheforestglade。
　　Buthisheartwasbitterlyangry，forhisbloodwashotandyouthfulandpronetoboil。
　　Now，wellwouldithavebeenforhimwhohadfirstspokenhadheleftRobinHoodalone；buthisangerwashot，bothbecausetheyouthhadgottenthebetterofhimandbecauseofthedeepdraughtsofalethathehadbeenquaffing。So，ofasudden，withoutanywarning，hesprangtohisfeet，andseizeduponhisbowandfittedittoashaft。
　　"Ay，"criedhe，"andI'llhurrytheeanon。"AndhesentthearrowwhistlingafterRobin。
　　ItwaswellforRobinHoodthatthatsameforester'sheadwasspinningwithale，orelsehewouldneverhavetakenanotherstep。
　　Asitwas，thearrowwhistledwithinthreeinchesofhishead。
　　Thenheturnedaroundandquicklydrewhisownbow，andsentanarrowbackinreturn。
　　"YesaidIwasnoarcher，"criedhealoud，"butsaysonowagain！"
　　Theshaftflewstraight；thearcherfellforwardwithacry，andlayonhisfaceupontheground，hisarrowsrattlingabouthimfromoutofhisquiver，thegraygooseshaftwetwithhis；
　　heart'sblood。Then，beforetheotherscouldgathertheirwitsaboutthem，RobinHoodwasgoneintothedepthsofthegreenwood。
　　Somestartedafterhim，butnotwithmuchheart，foreachfearedtosufferthedeathofhisfellow；sopresentlytheyallcameandliftedthedeadmanupandborehimawaytoNottinghamTown。
　　MeanwhileRobinHoodranthroughthegreenwood。Gonewasallthejoyandbrightnessfromeverything，forhisheartwassickwithinhim，anditwasborneinuponhissoulthathehadslainaman。
　　"Alas！"criedhe，"thouhastfoundmeanarcherthatwillmakethywifetowring！Iwouldthatthouhadstne'ersaidonewordtome，orthatIhadneverpassedthyway，ore'enthatmyrightforefingerhadbeenstrickenofferethatthishadhappened！
　　InhasteIsmote，butgrieveIsoreatleisure！"Andthen，eveninhistrouble，herememberedtheoldsawthat"Whatisdoneisdone；andtheeggcrackedcannotbecured。"
　　Andsohecametodwellinthegreenwoodthatwastobehishomeformanyayeartocome，neveragaintoseethehappydayswiththeladsandlassesofsweetLocksleyTown；forhewasoutlawed，notonlybecausehehadkilledaman，butalsobecausehehadpoachedupontheKing'sdeer，andtwohundredpoundsweresetuponhishead，asarewardforwhoeverwouldbringhimtothecourtoftheKing。
　　NowtheSheriffofNottinghamsworethathehimselfwouldbringthisknaveRobinHoodtojustice，andfortworeasons：
　　first，becausehewantedthetwohundredpounds，andnext，becausetheforesterthatRobinHoodhadkilledwasofkintohim。
　　ButRobinHoodlayhiddeninSherwoodForestforoneyear，andinthattimetheregatheredaroundhimmanyotherslikehimself，castoutfromotherfolkforthiscauseandforthat。
　　Somehadshotdeerinhungrywintertime，whentheycouldgetnootherfood，andhadbeenseenintheactbytheforesters，buthadescaped，thussavingtheirears；somehadbeenturnedoutoftheirinheritance，thattheirfarmsmightbeaddedtotheKing'slandsinSherwoodForest；somehadbeendespoiledbyagreatbaronorarichabbotorapowerfulesquire——
　　all，foronecauseoranother，hadcometoSherwoodtoescapewrongandoppression。
　　So，inallthatyear，fivescoreormoregoodstoutyeomengatheredaboutRobinHood，andchosehimtobetheirleaderandchief。
　　Thentheyvowedthatevenastheythemselveshadbeendespoiledtheywoulddespoiltheiroppressors，whetherbaron，abbot，knight，orsquire，andthatfromeachtheywouldtakethatwhichhadbeenwrungfromthepoorbyunjusttaxes，orlandrents，orinwrongfulfines。
　　Buttothepoorfolktheywouldgiveahelpinghandinneedandtrouble，andwouldreturntothemthatwhichhadbeenunjustlytakenfromthem。
　　Besidesthis，theysworenevertoharmachildnortowrongawoman，beshemaid，wife，orwidow；sothat，afterawhile，whenthepeoplebegantofindthatnoharmwasmeanttothem，butthatmoneyorfoodcameintimeofwanttomanyapoorfamily，theycametopraiseRobinandhismerrymen，andtotellmanytalesofhimandofhisdoingsinSherwoodForest，fortheyfelthimtobeoneofthemselves。
　　UproseRobinHoodonemerrymornwhenallthebirdsweresingingblithelyamongtheleaves，anduproseallhismerrymen，eachfellowwashinghisheadandhandsinthecoldbrownbrookthatleapedlaughingfromstonetostone。
　　ThensaidRobin，"Forfourteendayshaveweseennosport，sonowI
　　willgoabroadtoseekadventuresforthwith。Buttarryye，mymerrymenall，hereinthegreenwood；onlyseethatyemindwellmycall。
　　ThreeblastsuponthebuglehornIwillblowinmyhourofneed；
　　thencomequickly，forIshallwantyouraid。"
　　Sosaying，hestrodeawaythroughtheleafyforestgladesuntilhehadcometothevergeofSherwood。Therehewanderedforalongtime，throughhighwayandbyway，throughdinglydellandforestskirts。
　　Nowhemetafairbuxomlassinashadylane，andeachgavetheotheramerrywordandpassedtheirway；nowhesawafairladyuponanamblingpad，towhomhedoffedhiscap，andwhobowedsedatelyinreturntothefairyouth；nowhesawafatmonkonapannier-ladenass；
　　nowagallantknight，withspearandshieldandarmorthatflashedbrightlyinthesunlight；nowapagecladincrimson；andnowastoutburgherfromgoodNottinghamTown，pacingalongwithseriousfootsteps；
　　allthesesightshesaw，butadventurefoundhenone。Atlasthetookaroadbytheforestskirts，abypaththatdippedtowardabroad，pebblystreamspannedbyanarrowbridgemadeofalogofwood。Ashedrewnighthisbridgehesawatallstrangercomingfromtheotherside。
　　ThereuponRobinquickenedhispace，asdidthestrangerlikewise，eachthinkingtocrossfirst。
　　"Nowstandthouback，"quothRobin，"andletthebettermancrossfirst。"
　　"Nay，"answeredthestranger，"thenstandbackshineownself，forthebetterman，Iwet，amI。"
　　"Thatwillwepresentlysee，"quothRobin，"andmeanwhilestandthouwherethouart，orelse，bythebrightbrowofSaintAElfrida，IwillshowtheerightgoodNottinghamplaywithaclothyardshaftbetwixtthyribs。"
　　"Now，"quoththestranger，"Iwilltanthyhidetillitbeasmanycolorsasabeggar'scloak，ifthoudarestsomuchastouchastringofthatsamebowthatthouholdestinthyhands。"
　　"Thoupratestlikeanass，"saidRobin，"forIcouldsendthisshaftcleanthroughthyproudheartbeforeacurtalfriarcouldsaygraceoveraroastgooseatMichaelmastide。"
　　"Andthoupratestlikeacoward，"answeredthestranger，"forthoustandesttherewithagoodyewbowtoshootatmyheart，whileIhavenoughtinmyhandbutaplainblackthornstaffwherewithtomeetthee。"
　　"Now，"quothRobin，"bythefaithofmyheart，neverhaveIhadacoward'snameinallmylifebefore。Iwilllaybymytrustybowandekemyarrows，andifthoudarestabidemycoming，Iwillgoandcutacudgeltotestthymanhoodwithal。"
　　"Ay，marry，thatwillIabidethycoming，andjoyously，too，"
　　quoththestranger；whereuponheleanedsturdilyuponhisstafftoawaitRobin。
　　ThenRobinHoodsteppedquicklytothecoversideandcutagoodstaffofgroundoak，straight，withoutnew，andsixfeetinlength，andcamebacktrimmingawaythetenderstemsfromit，whilethestrangerwaitedforhim，leaninguponhisstaff，andwhistlingashegazedroundabout。Robinobservedhimfurtivelyashetrimmedhisstaff，measuringhimfromtoptotoefromoutthecornerofhiseye，andthoughtthathehadneverseenalustierorastouterman。
　　TallwasRobin，buttallerwasthestrangerbyaheadandaneck，forhewassevenfeetinheight。BroadwasRobinacrosstheshoulders，butbroaderwasthestrangerbytwicethebreadthofapalm，whilehemeasuredatleastanellaroundthewaist。
　　"Nevertheless，"saidRobintohimself，"Iwillbastethyhiderightmerrily，mygoodfellow"；then，aloud，"Lo，hereismygoodstaff，lustyandtough。
　　Nowwaitmycoming，anthoudarest，andmeetmeanthoufearestnot。
　　Thenwewillfightuntiloneortheotherofustumbleintothestreambydintofblows。"
　　"Marry，thatmeetethmywholeheart！"criedthestranger，twirlinghisstaffabovehishead，betwixthisfingersandthumb，untilitwhistledagain。
　　NeverdidtheKnightsofArthur'sRoundTablemeetinastouterfightthandidthesetwo。InamomentRobinsteppedquicklyuponthebridgewherethestrangerstood；firsthemadeafeint，andthendeliveredablowatthestranger'sheadthat，haditmetitsmark，wouldhavetumbledhimspeedilyintothewater。
　　Butthestrangerturnedtheblowrightdeftlyandinreturngaveoneasstout，whichRobinalsoturnedasthestrangerhaddone。
　　Sotheystood，eachinhisplace，neithermovingafinger's-breadthback，foronegoodhour，andmanyblowsweregivenandreceivedbyeachinthattime，tillhereandthereweresorebonesandbumps，yetneitherthoughtofcrying"Enough，"norseemedlikelytofallfromoffthebridge。
　　Nowandthentheystoppedtorest，andeachthoughtthatheneverhadseeninallhislifebeforesuchahandatquarterstaff。
　　AtlastRobingavethestrangerablowupontheribsthatmadehisjacketsmokelikeadampstrawthatchinthesun。Soshrewdwasthestrokethatthestrangercamewithinahair's-breadthoffallingoffthebridge，butheregainedhimselfrightquicklyand，byadexterousblow，gaveRobinacrackonthecrownthatcausedthebloodtoflow。
　　ThenRobingrewmadwithangerandsmotewithallhismightattheother。
　　ButthestrangerwardedtheblowandonceagainthwackedRobin，andthistimesofairlythathefellheelsoverheadintothewater，asthequeenpinfallsinagameofbowls。
　　"Andwhereartthounow，mygoodlad？"shoutedthestranger，roaringwithlaughter。
　　"Oh，inthefloodandfloatingadownwiththetide，"criedRobin，norcouldheforbearlaughinghimselfathissorryplight。
　　Then，gaininghisfeet，hewadedtothebank，thelittlefishspeedinghitherandthither，allfrightenedathissplashing。
　　"Givemethyhand，"criedhe，whenhehadreachedthebank。
　　"Imustneedsownthouartabraveandasturdysouland，withal，agoodstoutstrokewiththecudgels。Bythisandbythat，myheadhummethliketoahiveofbeesonahotJuneday。"
　　Thenheclappedhishorntohislipsandwindedablastthatwentechoingsweetlydowntheforestpaths。"Ay，marry，"
　　quothheagain，"thouartatalllad，andekeabraveone，forne'er，Ibow，isthereamanbetwixthereandCanterburyTowncoulddotheliketomethatthouhastdone。"
　　"Andthou，"quoththestranger，laughing，"takestthycudgelinglikeabraveheartandastoutyeoman。"
　　Butnowthedistanttwigsandbranchesrustledwiththecomingofmen，andsuddenlyascoreortwoofgoodstoutyeomen，allcladinLincolngreen，burstfromoutthecovert，withmerryWillStutelyattheirhead。
　　"Goodmaster，"criedWill，"howisthis？Trulythouartallwetfromheadtofoot，andthattotheveryskin。"
　　"Why，marry，"answeredjollyRobin，"yonstoutfellowhathtumbledmeneckandcropintothewaterandhathgivenmeadrubbingbeside。"
　　"Thenshallhenotgowithoutaduckingandekeadrubbinghimself！"
　　criedWillStutely。"Haveathim，lads！"
　　ThenWillandascoreofyeomenleapeduponthestranger，butthoughtheysprangquicklytheyfoundhimreadyandfelthimstrikerightandleftwithhisstoutstaff，sothat，thoughhewentdownwithpressofnumbers，someofthemrubbedcrackedcrownsbeforehewasovercome。
　　"Nay，forbear！"criedRobin，laughinguntilhissoresidesachedagain。
　　"Heisarightgoodmanandtrue，andnoharmshallbefallhim。
　　Nowharkye，goodyouth，wiltthoustaywithmeandbeoneofmyband？
　　ThreesuitsofLincolngreenshaltthouhaveeachyear，besidefortymarksinfee，andsharewithuswhatsoevergoodshallbefallus。
　　Thoushalteatsweetvenisonandquaffthestoutestale，andmineowngoodright-handmanshaltthoube，forneverdidIseesuchacudgelplayerinallmylifebefore。Speak！Wiltthoubeoneofmygoodmerrymen？"
　　"ThatknowInot，"quoththestrangersurlily，forhewasangryatbeingsotumbledabout。"Ifyehandleyewbowandappleshaftnobetterthanyedooakencudgel，Iwotyearenotfittobecalledyeomeninmycountry；
　　butiftherebeanymanherethatcanshootabettershaftthanI，thenwillIbethinkmeofjoiningwithyou。"
　　"Nowbymyfaith，"saidRobin，"thouartarightsaucyvarlet，sirrah；
　　yetIwillstooptotheeasIneverstoopedtomanbefore。
　　GoodStutely，cutthouafairwhitepieceofbarkfourfingersinbreadth，andsetitfourscoreyardsdistantonyonderoak。
　　Now，stranger，hitthatfairlywithagraygooseshaftandcallthyselfanarcher。"
　　"Ay，marry，thatwillI，"answeredhe。"Givemeagoodstoutbowandafairbroadarrow，andifIhititnot，stripmeandbeatmebluewithbowstrings。"
　　Thenhechosethestoutestbowamongthemall，nexttoRobin'sown，andastraightgraygooseshaft，well-featheredandsmooth，andsteppingtothemark——whilealltheband，sittingorlyinguponthegreensward，watchedtoseehimshoot——hedrewthearrowtohischeekandloosedtheshaftrightdeftly，sendingitsostraightdownthepaththatitclovethemarkintheverycenter。
　　"Aha！"criedhe，"mendthouthatifthoucanst"；whileeventheyeomenclappedtheirhandsatsofairashot。
　　"Thatisakeenshotindeed，"quothRobin。"MenditIcannot，butmaritImay，perhaps。"
　　Thentakinguphisowngoodstoutbowandnockinganarrowwithcare，heshotwithhisverygreatestskill。Straightflewthearrow，andsotruethatitlitfairlyuponthestranger'sshaftandsplititintosplinters。
　　Thenalltheyeomenleapedtotheirfeetandshoutedforjoythattheirmasterhadshotsowell。
　　"NowbythelustyyewbowofgoodSaintWithold，"criedthestranger，"thatisashotindeed，andneversawIthelikeinallmylifebefore！
　　NowtrulywillIbethymanhenceforthandforaye。GoodAdamBell[1]
　　wasafairshot，butnevershotheso！"
　　[1]AdamBell，Clymo'theClough，andWilliamofCloudeslywerethreenotednorth-countrybowmenwhosenameshavebeencelebratedinmanyballadsoftheoldentime。
　　"ThenhaveIgainedarightgoodmanthisday，"quothjollyRobin。"Whatnamegoestthouby，goodfellow？"
　　"MencallmeJohnLittlewhenceIcame，"answeredthestranger。
　　ThenWillStutely，wholovedagoodjest，spokeup。
　　"Nay，fairlittlestranger，"saidhe，"IlikenotthynameandfainwouldIhaveitotherwise。Littleartthouindeed，andsmallofboneandsinew，thereforeshaltthoubechristenedLittleJohn，andIwillbethygodfather。"
　　ThenRobinHoodandallhisbandlaughedalouduntilthestrangerbegantogrowangry。
　　"Anthoumakeajestofme，"quothhetoWillStutely，"thouwilthavesorebonesandlittlepay，andthatinshortseason。"
　　"Nay，goodfriend，"saidRobinHood，"bottlethineanger，forthenamefitteththeewell。LittleJohnshallthoubecalledhenceforth，andLittleJohnshallitbe。
　　Socome，mymerrymen，wewillprepareachristeningfeastforthisfairinfant。"
　　Soturningtheirbacksuponthestream，theyplungedintotheforestoncemore，throughwhichtheytracedtheirstepstilltheyreachedthespotwheretheydwelledinthedepthsofthewoodland。
　　Therehadtheybuilthutsofbarkandbranchesoftrees，andmadecouchesofsweetrushesspreadoverwithskinsoffallowdeer。
　　Herestoodagreatoaktreewithbranchesspreadingbroadlyaround，beneathwhichwasaseatofgreenmosswhereRobinHoodwaswonttositatfeastandatmerrymakingwithhisstoutmenabouthim。
　　Heretheyfoundtherestoftheband，someofwhomhadcomeinwithabraceoffatdoes。Thentheyallbuiltgreatfiresandafteratimeroastedthedoesandbroachedabarrelofhummingale。
　　Thenwhenthefeastwasreadytheyallsatdown，butRobinplacedLittleJohnathisrighthand，forhewashenceforthtobethesecondintheband。
　　ThenwhenthefeastwasdoneWillStutelyspokeup。"Itisnowtime，Iween，tochristenourbonnybabe，isitnotso，merryboys？"
　　And"Aye！Aye！"criedall，laughingtillthewoodsechoedwiththeirmirth。
　　"Thensevensponsorsshallwehave，"quothWillStutely，andhuntingamongalltheband，hechosethesevenstoutestmenofthemall。
　　"NowbySaintDunstan，"criedLittleJohn，springingtohisfeet，"morethanoneofyoushallrueitanyoulayfingeruponme。"
　　Butwithoutawordtheyallranuponhimatonce，seizinghimbyhislegsandarmsandholdinghimtightlyinspiteofhisstruggles，andtheyborehimforthwhileallstoodaroundtoseethesport。
　　Thenonecameforwardwhohadbeenchosentoplaythepriestbecausehehadabaldcrown，andinhishandhecarriedabrimmingpotofale。
　　"Now，whobringeththisbabe？"askedherightsoberly。
　　"ThatdoI，"answeredWillStutely。
　　"Andwhatnamecallestthouhim？"
　　"LittleJohncallIhim。"
　　"NowLittleJohn，"quoththemockpriest，"thouhastnotlivedheretofore，butonlygottheealongthroughtheworld，buthenceforththouwiltliveindeed。
　　WhenthoulivedstnotthouwastcalledJohnLittle，butnowthatthoudostliveindeed，LittleJohnshaltthoubecalled，sochristenIthee。"
　　AndattheselastwordsheemptiedthepotofaleuponLittleJohn'shead。
　　ThenallshoutedwithlaughterastheysawthegoodbrownalestreamoverLittleJohn'sbeardandtricklefromhisnoseandchin，whilehiseyesblinkedwiththesmartofit。
　　Atfirsthewasofamindtobeangrybutfoundhecouldnot，becausetheothersweresomerry；sohe，too，laughedwiththerest。
　　ThenRobintookthissweet，prettybabe，clothedhimallanewfromtoptotoeinLincolngreen，andgavehimagoodstoutbow，andsomadehimamemberofthemerryband。
　　AndthusitwasthatRobinHoodbecameoutlawed；thusabandofmerrycompanionsgatheredabouthim，andthushegainedhisright-handman，LittleJohn；andsotheprologueends。
　　AndnowIwilltellhowtheSheriffofNottinghamthreetimessoughttotakeRobinHood，andhowhefailedeachtime。
　　RobinHoodandtheTinkerNowitwastoldbeforehowtwohundredpoundsweresetuponRobinHood'shead，andhowtheSheriffofNottinghamsworethathehimselfwouldseizeRobin，bothbecausehewouldfainhavethetwohundredpoundsandbecausetheslainmanwasakinsmanofhisown。
　　NowtheSheriffdidnotyetknowwhataforceRobinhadabouthiminSherwood，butthoughtthathemightserveawarrantforhisarrestashecoulduponanyothermanthathadbrokenthelaws；
　　thereforeheofferedfourscoregoldenangelstoanyonewhowouldservethiswarrant。ButmenofNottinghamTownknewmoreofRobinHoodandhisdoingsthantheSheriffdid，andmanylaughedtothinkofservingawarrantupontheboldoutlaw，knowingwellthatalltheywouldgetforsuchservicewouldbecrackedcrowns；
　　sothatnoonecameforwardtotakethematterinhand。
　　Thusafortnightpassed，inwhichtimenonecameforwardtodotheSheriff'sbusiness。Thensaidhe，"ArightgoodrewardhaveIofferedtowhosoeverwouldservemywarrantuponRobinHood，andImarvelthatnoonehascometoundertakethetask。"
　　Thenoneofhismenwhowasnearhimsaid，"Goodmaster，thouwottestnottheforcethatRobinHoodhasabouthimandhowlittlehecaresforwarrantofkingorsheriff。
　　Truly，noonelikestogoonthisservice，forfearofcrackedcrownsandbrokenbones。"
　　"ThenIholdallNottinghammentobecowards，"saidtheSheriff。"AndletmeseethemaninallNottinghamshirethatdaredisobeythewarrantofoursovereignlordKingHarry，for，bytheshrineofSaintEdmund，Iwillhanghimfortycubitshigh！ButifnomaninNottinghamdarewinfourscoreangels，Iwillsendelsewhere，forthereshouldbemenofmettlesomewhereinthisland。"
　　Thenhecalledupamessengerinwhomheplacedgreattrust，andbadehimsaddlehishorseandmakereadytogotoLincolnTowntoseewhetherhecouldfindanyonetherethatwoulddohisbiddingandwinthereward。
　　Sothatsamemorningthemessengerstartedforthuponhiserrand。
　　BrightshonethesunuponthedustyhighwaythatledfromNottinghamtoLincoln，stretchingawayallwhiteoverhillanddale。
　　Dustywasthehighwayanddustythethroatofthemessenger，sothathisheartwasgladwhenhesawbeforehimtheSignoftheBlueBoarInn，whensomewhatmorethanhalfhisjourneywasdone。
　　Theinnlookedfairtohiseyes，andtheshadeoftheoaktreesthatstoodarounditseemedcoolandpleasant，sohealightedfromhishorsetoresthimselfforatime，callingforapotofaletorefreshhisthirstythroat。
　　Therehesawapartyofrightjovialfellowsseatedbeneaththespreadingoakthatshadedthegreenswardinfrontofthedoor。
　　Therewasatinker，twobarefootfriars，andapartyofsixoftheKing'sforestersallcladinLincolngreen，andallofthemwerequaffinghummingaleandsingingmerryballadsofthegoodoldtimes。
　　Loudlaughedtheforesters，asjestswerebandiedaboutbetweenthesinging，andlouderlaughedthefriars，fortheywerelustymenwithbeardsthatcurledlikethewoolofblackrams；butloudestofalllaughedtheTinker，andhesangmoresweetlythananyoftherest。
　　Hisbagandhishammerhunguponatwigoftheoaktree，andnearbyleanedhisgoodstoutcudgel，asthickashiswristandknottedattheend。
　　"Come，"criedoneoftheforesterstothetiredmessenger，"comejoinusforthisshot。Ho，landlord！Bringafreshpotofaleforeachman。
　　Themessengerwasgladenoughtositdownalongwiththeotherswhowerethere，forhislimbswerewearyandthealewasgood。
　　"Nowwhatnewsbearestthousofast？"quothone，"andwhitherridestthoutoday？"
　　Themessengerwasachattysoulandlovedabitofgossipdearly；besides，thepotofalewarmedhisheart；
　　sothat，settlinghimselfinaneasycorneroftheinnbench，whilethehostleaneduponthedoorwayandthehostessstoodwithherhandsbeneathherapron，heunfoldedhisbudgetofnewswithgreatcomfort。Hetoldallfromtheveryfirst：
　　howRobinHoodhadslaintheforester，andhowhehadhiddeninthegreenwoodtoescapethelaw；howthathelivedtherein，allagainstthelaw，Godwot，slayingHisMajesty'sdeerandlevyingtollonfatabbot，knight，andesquire，sothatnonedaretravelevenonbroadWatlingStreetortheFosseWayforfearofhim；howthattheSheriffhadamindtoservetheKing'swarrantuponthissamerogue，thoughlittlewouldhemindwarrantofeitherkingorsheriff，forhewasfarfrombeingalaw-abidingman。
　　ThenhetoldhownonecouldbefoundinallNottinghamTowntoservethiswarrant，forfearofcrackedpatesandbrokenbones，andhowthathe，themessenger，wasnowuponhiswaytoLincolnTowntofindofwhatmettletheLincolnmenmightbe。
　　"NowcomeI，forsooth，fromgoodBanburyTown，"saidthejollyTinker，"andnoonenighNottingham——norSherwoodeither，anthatbethemark——
　　canholdcudgelwithmygrip。Why，lads，didInotmeetthatmadwagSimonofEly，evenatthefamousfairatHertfordTown，andbeathimintheringatthatplacebeforeSirRobertofLeslieandhislady？
　　ThissameRobinHood，ofwhom，Iwot，Ineverheardbefore，isarightmerryblade，butginhebestrong，amnotIstronger？
　　Andginhebesly，amnotIslyer？NowbythebrighteyesofNano'
　　theMill，andbymineownnameandthat'sWato'theCrabstaff，andbymineownmother'sson，andthat'smyself，willI，evenI，Wato'
　　theCrabstaff，meetthissamesturdyrogue，andginhemindnotthesealofourglorioussovereignKingHarry，andthewarrantofthegoodSheriffofNottinghamshire，Iwillsobruise，beat，andbemaulhispatethatheshallnevermovefingerortoeagain！
　　Hearyethat，bullyboys？"
　　"Nowartthouthemanformyfarthing，"criedthemessenger。
　　"AndbackthougoestwithmetoNottinghamTown。"
　　"Nay，"quoththeTinker，shakinghisheadslowlyfromsidetoside。
　　"GoIwithnomanginitbenotwithmineownfreewill。"
　　"Nay，nay，"saidthemessenger，"nomanisthereinNottinghamshirecouldmaketheegoagainstthywill，thoubravefellow。"
　　"Ay，thatbeIbrave，"saidtheTinker。
　　"Ay，marry，"saidthemessenger，"thouartabravelad；
　　butourgoodSheriffhathofferedfourscoreangelsofbrightgoldtowhosoevershallservethewarrantuponRobinHood；
　　thoughlittlegoodwillitdo。"
　　"ThenIwillgowiththee，lad。DobutwaittillIgetmybagandhammer，andmycudgel。Ay，let'mebutmeetthissameRobinHood，andletmeseewhetherhewillnotmindtheKing'swarrant。"So，afterhavingpaidtheirscore，themessenger，withtheTinkerstridingbesidehisnag，startedbacktoNottinghamagain。
　　Onebrightmorningsoonafterthistime，RobinHoodstartedofftoNottinghamTowntofindwhatwasa-doingthere，walkingmerrilyalongtheroadsidewherethegrasswassweetwithdaisies，hiseyeswanderingandhisthoughtsalso。
　　Hisbuglehornhungathishipandhisbowandarrowsathisback，whileinhishandheboreagoodstoutoakenstaff，whichhetwirledwithhisfingersashestrolledalong。
　　Asthushewalkeddownashadylanehesawatinkercoming，trollingamerrysongashedrewnigh。Onhisbackhunghisbagandhishammer，andinhishandhecarriedarightstoutcrabstafffullsixfeetlong，andthussanghe：
　　"_Inpeascodtime，whenhoundtohornGiveseartillbuckbekilled，AndlittleladswithpipesofcornSitkeepingbeastsafield_——"
　　"Halloa，goodfriend！"criedRobin。
　　"IWENTTOGATHERSTRAWBERRIES——"
　　"Halloa！"criedRobinagain。
　　"BYWOODSANDGROVESFULLFAIR——"
　　"Halloa！Artthoudeaf，man？Goodfriend，sayI！"
　　"Andwhoartthoudostsoboldlycheckafairsong？"quoththeTinker，stoppinginhissinging。"Halloa，shineownself，whetherthoubegoodfriendorno。Butletmetellthee，thoustoutfellow，ginthoubeagoodfrienditwerewellforusboth；butginthoubenogoodfrienditwereillforthee。"
　　"Andwhencecomestthou，mylustyblade？"quothRobin。
　　"IcomefromBanbury，"answeredtheTinker。
　　"Alas！"quothRobin，"Ihearthereissadnewsthismerrymorn。"
　　"Ha！Isitindeedso？"criedtheTinkereagerly。
　　"Prytheetellitspeedily，forIamatinkerbytrade，asthouseest，andasIaminmytradeIamgreedyfornews，evenasapriestisgreedyforfarthings。"
　　"Wellthen，"quothRobin，"listthouandIwilltell，butbearthyselfupbravely，forthenewsissad，Iwot。Thusitis：
　　Ihearthattwotinkersareinthestocksfordrinkingaleandbeer！"
　　"Nowamurrainseizetheeandthynews，thouscurvydog，"
　　quoththeTinker，"forthouspeakestbutillofgoodmen。
　　Butsadnewsitisindeed，gintherebetwostoutfellowsinthestocks。"
　　"Nay，"saidRobin，"thouhastmissedthemarkanddostbutweepforthewrongsow。Thesadnessofthenewsliethinthattherebebuttwointhestocks，fortheothersdoroamthecountryatlarge。"
　　"NowbythepewterplatterofSaintDunstan，"criedtheTinker，"Ihaveagoodpartofamindtobastethyhideforthineilljest。
　　Butginmenbeputinthestocksfordrinkingaleandbeer，Itrowthouwouldstnotlosethypart。"
　　LoudlaughedRobinandcried，"Nowwelltaken，Tinker，welltaken！
　　Why，thywitsarelikebeer，anddofrothupmostwhentheygrowsour！
　　Butrightartthou，man，forIlovealeandbeerrightwell。
　　ThereforecomestraightwaywithmehardbytotheSignoftheBlueBoar，andifthoudrinkestasthouappearest——andIwotthouwiltnotbeliethylooks——IwilldrenchthythroatwithasgoodhomebrewedaseverwastappedinallbroadNottinghamshire。"
　　"Nowbymyfaith，"saidtheTinker，"thouartarightgoodfellowinspiteofthyscurvyjests。Ilovethee，mysweetchuck，andginIgonotwiththeetothatsameBlueBoarthoumaystcallmeaheathen。"
　　"Tellmethynews，goodfriend，Iprythee，"quothRobinastheytrudgedalongtogether，"fortinkers，Iween，areallasfullofnewsasaneggofmeat。"
　　"NowIlovetheeasmybrother，mybullyblade，"saidtheTinker，"elseIwouldnottelltheemynews；forslyamI，man，andI
　　haveinhandagraveundertakingthatdothcallforallmywits，forIcometoseekaboldoutlawthatmen，hereabouts，callRobinHood。WithinmypouchIhaveawarrant，allfairlywrittenoutonparchment，forsooth，withagreatredsealfortomakeitlawful。
　　CouldIbutmeetthissameRobinHoodIwouldserveituponhisdaintybody，andifhemindeditnotIwouldbeathimtilleveryoneofhisribswouldcryAmen。Butthoulivesthereabouts，mayhapthouknowestRobinHoodthyself，goodfellow。"
　　"Ay，marry，thatIdosomewhat，"quothRobin，"andIhaveseenhimthisverymorn。But，Tinker，mensaythatheisbutasad，slythief。
　　Thouhadstbetterwatchthywarrant，man，orelsehemaystealitoutofthyverypouch。"
　　"Lethimbuttry！"criedtheTinker。"Slymayhebe，butslyamI，too。IwouldIhadhimherenow，mantoman！"
　　Andhemadehisheavycudgeltospinagain。"Butwhatmannerofmanishe，lad？
　　"Muchlikemyself，"saidRobin，laughing，"andinheightandbuildandagenighthesame；andhehathblueeyes，too。"
　　"Nay，"quoththeTinker，"thouartbutagreenyouth。
　　Ithoughthimtobeagreatbeardedman。Nottinghammenfearedhimso。"
　　"Truly，heisnotsooldnorsostoutasthouart，"saidRobin。"Butmendocallhimarightdefthandatquarterstaff。"
　　"Thatmaybe，"saidtheTinkerrightsturdily，"butIammoredeftthanhe，fordidInotovercomeSimonofElyinafairboutintheringatHertfordTown？Butifthouknowesthim，myjollyblade，wiltthougowithmeandbringmetohim？
　　FourscorebrightangelshaththeSheriffpromisedmeifIservethewarrantupontheknave'sbody，andtenofthemwillIgivetotheeifthoushowestmehim。"
　　"Ay，thatwillI，"quothRobin，"butshowmethywarrant，man，untilI
　　seewhetheritbegoodorno。"
　　"ThatwillInotdo，eventomineownbrother，"answeredtheTinker。"NomanshallseemywarranttillIserveituponyonfellow'sownbody。"
　　"Sobeit，"quothRobin。"AndthoushowitnottomeIknownottowhomthouwiltshowit。ButhereweareattheSignoftheBlueBoar，soletusinandtastehisbrownOctober。"
　　NosweeterinncouldbefoundinallNottinghamshirethanthatoftheBlueBoar。Nonehadsuchlovelytreesstandingaround，orwassocoveredwithtrailingclematisandsweetwoodbine；
　　nonehadsuchgoodbeerandsuchhummingale；nor，inwintertime，whenthenorthwindhowledandsnowdriftedaroundthehedges，wastheretobefound，elsewhere，sucharoaringfireasblazeduponthehearthoftheBlueBoar。Atsuchtimesmightbefoundagoodlycompanyofyeomenorcountryfolkseatedaroundtheblazinghearth，bandyingmerryjests，whileroastedcrabs[2]bobbedinbowlsofaleuponthehearthstone。WellknownwastheinntoRobinHoodandhisband，fortherehadheandsuchmerrycompanionsasLittleJohnorWillStutelyoryoungDavidofDoncasteroftengatheredwhenalltheforestwasfilledwithsnow。
　　Asforminehost，heknewhowtokeepastilltongueinhishead，andtoswallowhiswordsbeforetheypassedhisteeth，forheknewverywellwhichsideofhisbreadwasspreadwithbutter，forRobinandhisbandwerethebestofcustomersandpaidtheirscoreswithouthavingthemchalkedupbehindthedoor。
　　Sonow，whenRobinHoodandtheTinkercametheretoandcalledaloudfortwogreatpotsofale，nonewouldhaveknownfromlookorspeechthatthehosthadeverseteyesupontheoutlawbefore。
　　[2]Smallsourapples。
　　"Bidethouhere，"quothRobintotheTinker，"whileIgoandseethatminehostdrawethalefromtherightbutt，forhehathgoodOctober，Iknow，andthatbrewedbyWitholdofTamworth。"Sosaying，hewentwithinandwhisperedtothehosttoaddameasureofFlemishstrongwaterstothegoodEnglishale；
　　whichthelatterdidandbroughtittothem。
　　"ByOurLady，"saidtheTinker，afteralongdraughtoftheale，"yonsameWitholdofTamworth——arightgoodSaxonname，too，Iwouldhavetheeknow——breweththemosthummingalethate'erpassedthelipsofWato'theCrabstaff。"
　　"Drink，man，drink，"criedRobin，onlywettinghisownlipsmeanwhile。
　　"Ho，landlord！Bringmyfriendanotherpotofthesame。
　　Andnowforasong，myjollyblade。"
　　"Ay，thatwillIgivetheeasong，mylovelyfellow，"
　　quoththeTinker，"forInevertastedsuchaleinallmydaysbefore。
　　ByOurLady，itdothmakemyheadhumevennow！Hey，DameHostess，comelisten，anthouwouldsthearasong，andthoutoo，thoubonnylass，forneversingIsowellaswhenbrighteyesdolookuponmethewhile。"
　　ThenhesanganancientballadofthetimeofgoodKingArthur，called"TheMarriageofSirGawaine，"whichyoumaysometimereadyourself，instoutEnglishofearlytimes；andashesang，alllistenedtothatnobletaleofnobleknightandhissacrificetohisking。
　　ButlongbeforetheTinkercametothelastversehistonguebegantotripandhisheadtospin，becauseofthestrongwatersmixedwiththeale。
　　Firsthistonguetripped，thenitgrewthickofsound；thenhisheadwaggedfromsidetoside，untilatlasthefellasleepasthoughheneverwouldwakenagain。
　　ThenRobinHoodlaughedaloudandquicklytookthewarrantfromouttheTinker'spouchwithhisdeftfingers。
　　"Slyartthou，Tinker，"quothhe，"butnotyet，Ibow，artthouasslyasthatsameslythiefRobinHood。"
　　Thenhecalledthehosttohimandsaid，"Here，goodman，aretenbroadshillingsfortheentertainmentthouhastgivenusthisday。
　　Seethatthoutakestgoodcareofthyfairguestthere，andwhenhewakesthoumaystagainchargehimtenshillingsalso，andifhehathitnot，thoumaysttakehisbagandhammer，andevenhiscoat，inpayment。
　　ThusdoIpunishthosethatcomeintothegreenwoodtodealdoletome。
　　Asforthineownself，neverknewIlandlordyetthatwouldnotchargetwiceanhecould。"
　　Atthisthehostsmiledslyly，asthoughsayingtohimselftherusticsaw，"Teachamagpietosuckeggs。"
　　TheTinkersleptuntiltheafternoondrewtoacloseandtheshadowsgrewlongbesidethewoodlandedge，thenheawoke。
　　Firsthelookedup，thenhelookeddown，thenhelookedeast，thenhelookedwest，forhewasgatheringhiswitstogether，likebarleystrawsblownapartbythewind。
　　Firsthethoughtofhismerrycompanion，buthewasgone。
　　Thenhethoughtofhisstoutcrabstaff，andthathehadwithinhishand。Thenofhiswarrant，andofthefourscoreangelshewastogainforservingituponRobinHood。Hethrusthishandintohispouch，butnotascrapnorafarthingwasthere。
　　Thenhesprangtohisfeetinarage。
　　"Ho，landlord！"criedhe，"whitherhaththatknavegonethatwaswithmebutnow？"
　　"WhatknavemeanethYourWorship？"quoththelandlord，callingtheTinkerWorshiptosoothehim，asamanwouldpouroiluponangrywater。
　　"IsawnoknavewithYourWorship，forIswearnomanwoulddarecallthatmanknavesonightoSherwoodForest。ArightstoutyeomanI
　　sawwithYourWorship，butIthoughtthatYourWorshipknewhim，forfewtherebeaboutherethatpasshimbyandknowhimnot。"
　　"Now，howshouldI，thatne'erhavesquealedinyoursty，knowalltheswinetherein？Whowashe，then，anthouknowesthimsowell？"
　　"Why，yonsameisarightstoutfellowwhommenhereaboutsdocallRobinHood，whichsame——"
　　"Now，by'rLady！"criedtheTinkerhastily，andinadeepvoicelikeanangrybull，"thoudidstseemecomeintothineinn，I，astaunch，honestcraftsman，andnevertoldmewhomycompanywas，wellknowingthineownselfwhohewas。Now，Ihavearightroundpieceofamindtocrackthyknave'spateforthee！"
　　Thenhetookuphiscudgelandlookedatthelandlordasthoughhewouldsmitehimwherehestood。
　　"Nay，"criedthehost，throwinguphiselbow，forhefearedtheblow，"howknewIthatthouknewesthimnot？"
　　"Wellandtrulythankfulmaystthoube，"quoththeTinker，"thatI
　　beapatientmanandsodosparethybaldcrown，elsewouldstthoune'ercheatcustomeragain。ButasforthissameknaveRobinHood，Igostraightwaytoseekhim，andifIdonotscorehisknave'spate，cutmystaffintofagotsandcallmewoman。"
　　Sosaying，hegatheredhimselftogethertodepart。
　　"Nay，"quoththelandlord，standinginfrontofhimandholdingouthisarmslikeagooseherddrivinghisflock，formoneymadehimbold，"thougoestnottillthouhastpaidmemyscore。"
　　"Butdidnothepaythee？"
　　"Notsomuchasonefarthing；andtengoodshillings'worthofalehaveyedrunkthisday。Nay，Isay，thougoestnotawaywithoutpayingme，elseshallourgoodSheriffknowofit。"
　　"ButnoughthaveItopaytheewith，goodfellow，"quoththeTinker。
　　"`Goodfellow'notme，"saidthelandlord。
　　"GoodfellowamInotwhenitcomethtolosetenshillings！
　　Paymethatthouowestmeinbroadmoney，orelseleavethycoatandbagandhammer；yet，Iwottheyarenotworthtenshillings，andIshalllosethereby。Nay，anthoustirrest，IhaveagreatdogwithinandIwillloosehimuponthee。
　　Maken，openthouthedoorandletforthBrianifthisfellowstirsonestep。"
　　"Nay，"quoththeTinker——for，byroamingthecountry，hehadlearnedwhatdogswere——"takethouwhatthouwilthave，andletmedepartinpeace，andmayamurraingowiththee。
　　Butoh，landlord！AnIcatchyonscurvyvarlet，Iswearheshallpayfullwithusuryforthathehathhad！"
　　Sosaying，hestrodeawaytowardtheforest，talkingtohimself，whilethelandlordandhisworthydameandMakenstoodlookingafterhim，andlaughedwhenhehadfairlygone。
　　"RobinandIstrippedyonassofhispackmainneatly，"
　　quoththelandlord。
　　NowithappenedaboutthistimethatRobinHoodwasgoingthroughtheforesttoFosseWay，toseewhatwastobeseenthere，forthemoonwasfullandthenightgavepromiseofbeingbright。Inhishandhecarriedhisstoutoakenstaff，andathissidehunghisbuglehorn。Asthushewalkedupaforestpath，whistling，downanotherpathcametheTinker，mutteringtohimselfandshakinghisheadlikeanangrybull；
　　andso，atasuddenbend，theymetsharplyfacetoface。
　　Eachstoodstillforatime，andthenRobinspoke：
　　"Halloa，mysweetbird，"saidhe，laughingmerrily，"howlikestthouthineale？Wiltnotsingtomeanothersong？"
　　TheTinkersaidnothingatfirstbutstoodlookingatRobinwithagrimface。
　　"Now，"quothheatlast，"IamrightgladIhavemetthee，andifIdonotrattlethyboneswithinthyhidethisday，Igivetheeleavetoputthyfootuponmyneck。"
　　"Withallmyheart，"criedmerryRobin。"Rattlemybones，anthoucanst。"
　　Sosaying，hegrippedhisstaffandthrewhimselfuponhisguard。
　　ThentheTinkerspatuponhishandsand，graspinghisstaff，camestraightattheother。Hestrucktwoorthreeblows，butsoonfoundthathehadmethismatch，forRobinwardedandparriedallofthem，and，beforetheTinkerthought，hegavehimarapupontheribsinreturn。AtthisRobinlaughedaloud，andtheTinkergrewmoreangrythanever，andsmoteagainwithallhismightandmain。
　　AgainRobinwardedtwoofthestrokes，butatthethird，hisstaffbrokebeneaththemightyblowsoftheTinker。"Now，illbetidethee，traitorstaff，"criedRobin，asitfellfromhishands；"afoulstickartthoutoservemethusinminehourofneed。"
　　"Nowyieldthee，"quoththeTinker，"forthouartmycaptive；
　　andifthoudonot，Iwillbeatthypatetoapudding。"
　　TothisRobinHoodmadenoanswer，but，clappinghishorntohislips，heblewthreeblasts，loudandclear。
　　"Ay，"quoththeTinker，"blowthoumayest，butgothoumustwithmetoNottinghamTown，fortheSheriffwouldfainseetheethere。
　　Nowwiltthouyieldthee，orshallIhavetobreakthyprettyhead？"
　　"AnImustdrinksourale，Imust，"quothRobin，"butneverhaveIyieldedmetomanbefore，andthatwithoutwoundormarkuponmybody。Nor，whenIbethinkme，willIyieldnow。
　　Ho，mymerrymen！Comequickly！"
　　ThenfromouttheforestleapedLittleJohnandsixstoutyeomencladinLincolngreen。
　　"Hownow，goodmaster，"criedLittleJohn，"whatneedhastthouthatthoudostwindthyhornsoloudly？"
　　"Therestandsatinker，"quothRobin，"thatwouldfaintakemetoNottingham，theretohanguponthegallowstree。"
　　"Thenshallhehimselfhangforthwith，"criedLittleJohn，andheandtheothersmadeattheTinker，toseizehim。
　　"Nay，touchhimnot，"saidRobin，"forarightstoutmanishe。
　　Ametalmanheisbytrade，andamettledmanbynature；moreover，hedothsingalovelyballad。Say，goodfellow，wiltthoujoinmymerrymenall？
　　ThreesuitsofLincolngreenshaltthouhaveayear，besidesfortymarksinfee；thoushaltshareallwithusandleadarightmerrylifeinthegreenwood；forcareshavewenot，andmisfortunecomethnotuponuswithinthesweetshadesofSherwood，whereweshootthedundeerandfeeduponvenisonandsweetoatencakes，andcurdsandhoney。
　　Wiltthoucomewithme？"
　　"Ay，marry，willIjoinwithyouall，"quoththeTinker，"forIloveamerrylife，andIlovethee，goodmaster，thoughthoudidstthwackmyribsandcheatmeintothebargain。
　　FainamItoownthouartbothastouterandaslyermanthanI；
　　soIwillobeytheeandbethineowntrueservant。"
　　Soallturnedtheirstepstotheforestdepths，wheretheTinkerwastolivehenceforth。Formanyadayhesangballadstotheband，untilthefamousAllanaDalejoinedthem，beforewhosesweetvoiceallothersseemedasharshasaraven's；
　　butofhimwewilllearnhereafter。
　　TheShootingMatchatNottinghamTownTHENTHESHERIFFwasverywrothbecauseofthisfailuretotakejollyRobin，foritcametohisears，asillnewsalwaysdoes，thatthepeoplelaughedathimandmadeajestofhisthinkingtoserveawarrantuponsuchaoneastheboldoutlaw。
　　Andamanhatesnothingsomuchasbeingmadeajestof；sohesaid：
　　"OurgraciouslordandsovereignKinghimselfshallknowofthis，andhowhislawsarepervertedanddespisedbythisbandofrebeloutlaws。
　　AsforyontraitorTinker，himwillIhang，ifIcatchhim，upontheveryhighestgallowstreeinallNottinghamshire。"
　　ThenhebadeallhisservantsandretainerstomakereadytogotoLondonTown，toseeandspeakwiththeKing。
　　AtthistherewasbustlingattheSheriff'scastle，andmenranhitherandthitheruponthisbusinessanduponthat，whiletheforgefiresofNottinghamglowedredfarintothenightliketwinklingstars，forallthesmithsofthetownwerebusymakingormendingarmorfortheSheriff'stroopofescort。
　　Fortwodaysthislaborlasted，then，onthethird，allwasreadyforthejourney。Soforththeystartedinthebrightsunlight，fromNottinghamTowntoFosseWayandthencetoWatlingStreet；
　　andsotheyjourneyedfortwodays，untiltheysawatlastthespiresandtowersofgreatLondonTown；andmanyfolksstopped，astheyjourneyedalong，andgazedattheshowtheymaderidingalongthehighwayswiththeirflashingarmorandgayplumesandtrappings。
　　InLondonKingHenryandhisfairQueenEleanorheldtheircourt，gaywithladiesinsilksandsatinsandvelvetsandclothofgold，andalsobraveknightsandgallantcourtiers。
　　ThithercametheSheriffandwasshownintotheKing'spresence。
　　"Aboon，aboon，"quothhe，ashekneltupontheground。
　　"Nowwhatwouldstthouhave？"saidtheKing。"Letushearwhatmaybethydesires。"
　　"OgoodmyLordandSovereign，"spaketheSheriff，"inSherwoodForestinourowngoodshireofNottingham，livethaboldoutlawwhosenameisRobinHood。"
　　"Ingoodsooth，"saidtheKing，"hisdoingshavereachedevenourownroyalears。Heisasaucy，rebelliousvarlet，yet，Iamfaintoown，arightmerrysoulwithal。"
　　"Buthearken，OmymostgraciousSovereign，"saidtheSheriff。"Isentawarranttohimwiththineownroyalsealattached，byarightlustyknave，buthebeatthemessengerandstolethewarrant。
　　Andhekilleththydeerandrobbeththineownliegesubjectsevenuponthegreathighways。"
　　"Why，hownow，"quoththeKingwrathfully。"Whatwouldstthouhavemedo？
　　Comestthounottomewithagreatarrayofmen-at-armsandretainers，andyetartnotabletotakeasinglebandoflustyknaveswithoutarmoronbreast，inthineowncounty！Whatwouldstthouhavemedo？ArtthounotmySheriff？ArenotmylawsinforceinNottinghamshire？Canstthounottakethineowncourseagainstthosethatbreakthelawsordoanyinjurytotheeorthine？Go，gettheegone，andthinkwell；devisesomeplanofthineown，buttroublemenofurther。Butlookwelltoit，MasterSheriff，forIwillhavemylawsobeyedbyallmenwithinmykingdom，andifthouartnotabletoenforcethemthouartnosheriffforme。
　　Solookwelltothyself，Isay，orillmaybefalltheeaswellasallthethievingknavesinNottinghamshire。Whenthefloodcomethitsweepethawaygrainaswellaschaff。"
　　ThentheSheriffturnedawaywithasoreandtroubledheart，andsadlyheruedhisfineshowofretainers，forhesawthattheKingwasangrybecausehehadsomanymenabouthimandyetcouldnotenforcethelaws。So，astheyallrodeslowlybacktoNottingham，theSheriffwasthoughtfulandfullofcare。
　　Notaworddidhespeaktoanyone，andnooneofhismenspoketohim，butallthetimehewasbusydevisingsomeplantotakeRobinHood。
　　"Aha！"criedhesuddenly，smitinghishanduponhisthigh"Ihaveitnow！
　　Rideon，mymerrymenall，andletusgetbacktoNottinghamTownasspeedilyaswemay。Andmarkwellmywords：beforeafortnightispassed，thatevilknaveRobinHoodwillbesafelyclappedintoNottinghamgaol。"
　　ButwhatwastheSheriff'splan？
　　Asausurertakeseachoneofabagofsilverangels，feelingeachcointofindwhetheritbeclippedornot，sotheSheriff，asallrodeslowlyandsadlybacktowardNottingham，tookupthoughtafterthoughtinturn，feelingaroundtheedgesofeachbutfindingineveryonesomeflaw。
　　AtlasthethoughtofthedaringsoulofjollyRobinandhow，ashetheSheriffknew，heoftencameevenwithinthewallsofNottingham。
　　"Now，"thoughttheSheriff，"couldIbutpersuadeRobinnightoNottinghamTownsothatIcouldfindhim，IwarrantIwouldlayhandsuponhimsostoutlythathewouldnevergetawayagain。"
　　Thenofasuddenitcametohimlikeaflashthatwerehetoproclaimagreatshootingmatchandoffersomegrandprize，RobinHoodmightbeoverpersuadedbyhisspirittocometothebutts；
　　anditwasthisthoughtwhichcausedhimtocry"Aha！"andsmitehispalmuponhisthigh。
　　So，assoonashehadreturnedsafelytoNottingham，hesentmessengersnorthandsouth，andeastandwest，toproclaimthroughtown，hamlet，andcountryside，thisgrandshootingmatch，andeveryonewasbiddenthatcoulddrawalongbow，andtheprizewastobeanarrowofpurebeatengold。
　　WhenRobinHoodfirstheardthenewsofthishewasinLincolnTown，andhasteningbacktoSherwoodForesthesooncalledallhismerrymenabouthimandspoketothemthus：
　　"Nowhearken，mymerrymenall，tothenewsthatIhavebroughtfromLincolnTowntoday。OurfriendtheSheriffofNottinghamhathproclaimedashootingmatch，andhathsentmessengerstotellofitthroughallthecountryside，andtheprizeistobeabrightgoldenarrow。
　　NowIfainwouldhaveoneofuswinit，bothbecauseofthefairnessoftheprizeandbecauseoursweetfriendtheSheriffhathofferedit。
　　Sowewilltakeourbowsandshaftsandgotheretoshoot，forIknowrightwellthatmerrimentwillbea-going。Whatsayye，lads？"
　　ThenyoungDavidofDoncasterspokeupandsaid，"Nowlisten，Ipraythee，goodmaster，untowhatIsay。IhavecomestraightfromourfriendEadomo'
　　theBlueBoar，andthereIheardthefullnewsofthissamematch。