Sosimplewerethepoorboy'swords，andsodeephissorrow，thatevenLittleJohnfeltacertainknottylumpriseinhisthroat。
　　"Iwondernot，"saidRobin，afteramoment'ssilence，"thatthytruelovelovedthee，forthouhastsurelyasilvercrossbeneaththytongue，evenlikegoodSaintFrancis，thatcouldcharmthebirdsoftheairbyhisspeech。"
　　"Bythebreathofmybody，"burstforthLittleJohn，seekingtocoverhisfeelingswithangrywords，"IhaveagreatpartofamindtogostraightwayandcudgelthenastylifeoutofthebodyofthatsamevileSirStephen。Marry，comeup，sayI——whataplague——doesanoldweazenthinkthattenderlassesaretobeboughtlikepulletso'amarketday？
　　Outuponhim！——I——butnomatter，onlylethimlooktohimself。"
　　ThenupspokeWillScarlet。"Methinksitseemethbutilldoneofthelassthatsheshouldsoquicklychangeatothers'bidding，moreespeciallywhenitcomethtothemarryingofamanasoldasthissameSirStephen。Ilikeitnotinher，Allan。"
　　"Nay，"saidAllanhotly，"thoudostwrongher。Sheisassoftandgentleasastockdove。Iknowherbetterthananyoneinalltheworld。Shemaydoherfather'sbidding，butifshemarriesSirStephen，herheartwillbreakandshewilldie。
　　Myownsweetdear，I——"Hestoppedandshookhishead，forhecouldsaynothingfurther。
　　Whiletheotherswerespeaking，RobinHoodhadbeensunkinthought。
　　"MethinksIhaveaplanmightfitthycase，Allan，"saidhe。
　　"Buttellmefirst，thinkestthou，lad，thatthytruelovehathspiritenoughtomarrytheewereyetogetherinchurch，thebannspublished，andthepriestfound，evenwereherfathertosayhernay？"
　　"Ay，marrywouldshe，"criedAllaneagerly。
　　"Then，ifherfatherbethemanthatItakehimtobe，Iwillundertakethatheshallgiveyoubothhisblessingasweddedmanandwife，intheplaceofoldSirStephen，anduponhisweddingmorn。
　　Butstay，nowIbethinkme，thereisonethingreckonednotupon——
　　thepriest。Truly，thoseoftheclothdonotlovemeovermuch，andwhenitcomestodoingasIdesireinsuchamatter，theyareaslikeasnottoprovestiff-necked。Astothelesserclergy，theyfeartodomeafavorbecauseofabbotorbishop。
　　"Nay，"quothWillScarlet，laughing，"sofarasthatgoeth，Iknowofacertainfriarthat，couldstthoubutgetonthesoftsideofhim，woulddothybusinesseventhoughPopeJoanherselfstoodforthtobanhim。
　　HeisknownastheCurtalFriarofFountainAbbey，anddwellethinFountainDale。"
　　"But，"quothRobin，"FountainAbbeyisagoodhundredmilesfromhere。
　　Anwewouldhelpthislad，wehavenotimetogothitherandbackbeforehistruelovewillbemarried。Noughtistobegainedthere，coz。"
　　"Yea，"quothWillScarlet，laughingagain，"butthisFountainAbbeyisnotsofarawayastheoneofwhichthouspeakest，uncle。
　　TheFountainAbbeyofwhichIspeakisnosuchrichandproudplaceastheother，butasimplelittlecell；yet，withal，ascosyaspotaseverstoutanchoritedwelledwithin。Iknowtheplacewell，andcanguidetheethither，for，thoughitisagoodlydistance，yetmethinksastoutpairoflegscouldcarryamanthereandbackinoneday。"
　　"Thengivemethyhand，Allan，"criedRobin，"andletmetellthee，IswearbythebrighthairofSaintAElfridathatthistimetwodayshenceEllenaDaleshallbethywife。
　　IwillseekthissameFriarofFountainAbbeytomorrowday，andIwarrantIwillgetuponthesoftsideofhim，evenifI
　　havetodrubonesoft。"
　　AtthisWillScarletlaughedagain。"Benottoosureofthat，gooduncle，"quothhe，"nevertheless，fromwhatIknowofhim，IthinkthisCurtalFriarwillgladlyjointwosuchfairlovers，moreespeciallyiftherebegoodeatinganddrinkingafootthereafter。"
　　Butnowoneofthebandcametosaythatthefeastwasspreaduponthegrass；so，Robinleadingtheway，theothersfollowedtowherethegoodlyfeastwasspread。Merrywasthemeal。
　　Jestandstorypassedfreely，andalllaughedtilltheforestrangagain。
　　Allanlaughedwiththerest，forhischeekswereflushedwiththehopethatRobinHoodhadgivenhim。
　　Atlastthefeastwasdone，andRobinHoodturnedtoAllan，whosatbesidehim。"Now，Allan，"quothhe，"somuchhasbeensaidofthysingingthatwewouldfainhaveatasteofthyskillourselves。
　　Canstthounotgiveussomething？"
　　"Surely，"answeredAllanreadily；forhewasnothird-ratesongsterthatmustbeaskedagainandagain，butsaid"yes"
　　or"no"atthefirstbidding；so，takinguphisharp，heranhisfingerslightlyoverthesweetlysoundingstrings，andallwashushedaboutthecloth。Then，backinghisvoicewithsweetmusiconhisharp，hesang：
　　MAYELLEN'SWEDDING
　　Givinganaccountofhowshewasbelovedbyafairyprince，whotookhertohisownhome。
　　"_MayEllensatbeneathathornAndinashoweraroundTheblossomsfellateverybreezeLikesnowupontheground，AndinalimetreenearwasheardThesweetsongofastrange，wildbird。
　　"Osweet，sweet，sweet，Opiercingsweet，Olingeringsweetthestrain！
　　MayEllen'sheartwithinherbreastStoodstillwithblissfulpain：
　　Andso，withlistening，upturnedface，Shesatasdeadinthatfairplace。
　　"`Comedownfromouttheblossoms，bird！
　　Comedownfromoutthetree，AndonmyheartI'lllettheelie，Andlovetheetenderly！'
　　ThuscriedMayEllen，softandlow，Fromwherethehawthornsheditssnow。
　　"Downdroppedthebirdonquiveringwing，Fromouttheblossomingtree，Andnestledinhersnowybreast。
　　`Mylove！mylove！'criedshe；
　　Thenstraightwayhome，'midsunandflower，Shebarehimtoherownsweetbower。
　　"Thedayhathpassedtomellownight，Themoonfloatso'erthelea，Andinitssolemn，pallidlightAyouthstandssilently：
　　Ayouthofbeautystrangeandrare，WithinMayEllen'sbowerthere。
　　"Hestoodwhereo'erthepavementcoldTheglimmeringmoonbeamslay。
　　MayEllengazedwithwide，scaredeyes，Norcouldsheturnaway，For，asinmysticdreamsweseeAspirit，stoodhesilently。
　　"Allinalowandbreathlessvoice，`Whencecomestthou？'saidshe；
　　`Artthouthecreatureofadream，OravisionthatIsee？'
　　Thensoftspakehe，asnightwindsshiverThroughstrainingreedsbesidetheriver。
　　"`Icame，abirdonfeatheredwing，FromdistantFaerylandWheremurmuringwaterssoftlysingUponthegoldenstrand，Wheresweettreesareforevergreen；
　　Andtheremymotheristhequeen。'……
　　"NomoreMayEllenleavesherbowerTogracetheblossomsfair；
　　ButinthehushedandmidnighthourTheyhearhertalkingthere，Or，whenthemoonisshiningwhite，Theyhearhersingingthroughthenight。
　　"`Oh，donthysilksandjewelsfine，'
　　MayEllen'smothersaid，`ForhithercomestheLordofLyneAndthouthislordmustwed。'
　　MayEllensaid，`Itmaynotbe。
　　Hene'ershallfindhiswifeinme。'
　　"Upspokeherbrother，darkandgrim：
　　`Nowbythebrightbluesky，E'eryetadayhathgoneforhimThywickedbirdshalldie！
　　Forhehathwroughttheebitterharm，Bysomestrangeartorcunningcharm。'
　　"Then，withasadandmournfulsong，Awaythebirddidfly，Ando'erthecastleeaves，andthroughThegrayandwindysky。
　　`Comeforth！'thencriedthebrothergrim，`Whydostthougazesoafterhim？'
　　"ItisMayEllen'sweddingday，Theskyisblueandfair，AndmanyalordandladygayInchurcharegatheredthere。
　　ThebridegroomwasSirHughtheBold，Allcladinsilkandclothofgold。
　　"IncamethebrideinsamitewhiteWithawhitewreathonherhead；
　　Hereyeswerefixedwithaglassylook，Herfacewasasthedead，Andwhenshestoodamongthethrong，Shesangawildandwondroussong。
　　"ThencameastrangeandrushingsoundLikethecomingwinddothbring，AndintheopenwindowsshotNineswansonwhistlingwing，Andhighabovetheheadstheyflew，Ingleamingfightthedarknessthrough。
　　"AroundMayEllen'sheadtheyflewInwideandwindyfight，Andthreetimesroundthecircledrew。
　　Theguestsshrankinaffright，Andthepriestbesidethealtarthere，Didcrosshimselfwithmutteredprayer。
　　"Butthethirdtimetheyflewaround，FairEllenstraightwasgone，Andinherplace，upontheground，Therestoodasnow-whiteswan。
　　Then，withawildandlovelysong，Itjoinedtheswiftandwingedthrong。
　　"There'sancientmenatweddingsbeen，Forsixtyyearsandmore，Butsuchawondrousweddingday，Theyneversawbefore。
　　Butnonecouldcheckandnonecouldstay，Theswansthatborethebrideaway_。"
　　NotasoundbrokethestillnesswhenAllanaDalehaddone，butallsatgazingatthehandsomesinger，forsosweetwashisvoiceandthemusicthateachmansatwithbatedbreath，lestonedropmoreshouldcomeandheshouldloseit。
　　"Bymyfaithandmytroth，"quothRobinatlast，drawingadeepbreath，"lad，thouart——Thoumustnotleaveourcompany，Allan！Wiltthounotstaywithushereinthesweetgreenforest？Truly，Idofeelmyheartgoouttowardtheewithgreatlove。"
　　ThenAllantookRobin'shandandkissedit。"Iwillstaywiththeealways，dearmaster，"saidhe，"forneverhaveIknownsuchkindnessasthouhastshownmethisday。"
　　ThenWillScarletstretchedforthhishandandshookAllan'sintokenoffellowship，asdidLittleJohnlikewise。
　　AndthusthefamousAllanaDalebecameoneofRobinHood'sband。
　　RobinHoodSeekstheCurtalFriarTHESTOUTYEOMENofSherwoodForestwereeverearlyrisersofamorn，moreespeciallywhenthesummertimehadcome，fortheninthefreshnessofthedawnthedewwasalwaysthebrightest，andthesongofthesmallbirdsthesweetest。
　　QuothRobin，"NowwillIgotoseekthissameFriarofFountainAbbeyofwhomwespakeyesternight，andIwilltakewithmefourofmygoodmen，andthesefourshallbeLittleJohn，WillScarlet，DavidofDoncaster，andArthuraBland。Bidetherestofyouhere，andWillStutelyshallbeyourchiefwhileIamgone。"
　　ThenstraightwayRobinHooddonnedafinesteelcoatofchainmail，overwhichheputonalightjacketofLincolngreen。
　　Uponhisheadheclappedasteelcap，andthishecoveredbyoneofsoftwhiteleather，inwhichstoodanoddingcock'splume。
　　Byhissidehehungagoodbroadswordoftemperedsteel，thebluishblademarkedalloverwithstrangefiguresofdragons，wingedwomen，andwhatnot。AgallantsightwasRobinsoarrayed，Iwot，theglintofsteelshowinghereandthereasthesunlightcaughtbrightlythelinksofpolishedmailthatshowedbeneathhisgreencoat。
　　So，havingarrayedhimself，heandthefouryeomensetforthupontheirway，WillScarlettakingthelead，forheknewbetterthantheotherswhithertogo。Thus，mileaftermile，theystrodealong，nowacrossabrawlingstream，nowalongasunlitroad，nowadownsomesweetforestpath，overwhichthetreesmetingreenandrustlingcanopy，andattheendofwhichaherdofstartleddeerdashedaway，withrattleofleavesandcrackleofbranches。Onwardtheywalkedwithsongandjestandlaughtertillnoontidewaspassed，whenatlasttheycametothebanksofawide，glassy，andlily-paddedstream。
　　Hereabroad，beatenpathstretchedalongbesidethebanks，onwhichpathlaboredthehorsesthattuggedattheslow-movingbarges，ladenwithbarleymealorwhatnot，fromthecountrysidetothemany-toweredtown。
　　Butnow，inthehotsilenceofthemidday，nohorsewasseennoranymanbesidesthemselves。Behindthemandbeforethemstretchedtheriver，itsplacidbosomruffledhereandtherebythepurpleduskofasmallbreeze。
　　"Now，gooduncle，"quothWillScarletatlast，whentheyhadwalkedforalongtimebesidethissweet，brightriver，"justbeyondyonbendaheadofusisashallowfordwhichinnoplaceisdeeperthanthymid-thigh，andupontheothersideofthestreamisacertainlittlehermitagehiddenamidsttheboskytangleofthethicketswhereindwelleththeFriarofFountainDale。ThitherwillIleadthee，forIknowtheway；
　　albeititisnotoverhardtofind。"
　　"Nay，"quothjollyRobin，stoppingsuddenly，"hadIthoughtthatIshouldhavehadtowadewater，evenwereitsocrystalastreamasthis，IhaddonnedotherclothesthanIhaveuponme。
　　Butnomatternow，forafterallawettingwillnotwashtheskinaway，andwhatmustbe，must。Butbideyehere，lads，forIwouldenjoythismerryadventurealone。Nevertheless，listenwell，andifyehearmesounduponmybuglehorn，comequickly。"
　　Sosaying，heturnedandleftthem，stridingonwardalone。
　　Robinhadwalkednofartherthanwherethebendoftheroadhidhisgoodmenfromhisview，whenhestoppedsuddenly，forhethoughtthatheheardvoices。Hestoodstillandlistened，andpresentlyheardwordspassedbackandforthbetwixtwhatseemedtobetwomen，andyetthetwovoiceswerewondrouslyalike。
　　Thesoundcamefromoverbehindthebank，thatherewassteepandhigh，droppingfromtheedgeoftheroadahalfascoreoffeettothesedgyvergeoftheriver。
　　"'Tisstrange，"mutteredRobintohimselfafteraspace，whenthevoiceshadceasedtheirtalking，"surelytherebetwopeoplethatspoketheonetotheother，andyetmethinkstheirvoicesaremightilyalike。
　　ImakemyvowthatneverhaveIheardthelikeinallmylifebefore。
　　Truly，ifthistwainaretobejudgedbytheirvoices，notwopeaswereevermorealike。Iwilllookintothismatter。"Sosaying，hecamesoftlytotheriverbankandlayinghimdownuponthegrass，peeredovertheedgeanddownbelow。
　　Allwascoolandshadybeneaththebank。Astoutosiergrew，notstraightupward，butleaningacrossthewater，shadowingthespotwithitssoftfoliage。Allaroundgrewamassoffeatheryfernssuchashideandnestleincoolplaces，anduptoRobin'snostrilscamethetenderodorofthewildthyme，thatlovesthemoistvergesofrunningstreams。Here，withhisbroadbackagainsttheruggedtrunkofthewillowtree，andhalfhiddenbythesoftfernsaroundhim，satastout，brawnyfellow，butnoothermanwasthere。
　　Hisheadwasasroundasaball，andcoveredwithamatofclose-clipped，curlyblackhairthatgrewlowdownonhisforehead。
　　Buthiscrownwasshornassmoothasthepalmofone'shand，which，togetherwithhislooserobe，cowl，andstringofbeads，showedthatwhichhislooksneverwouldhavedone，thathewasafriar。
　　Hischeekswereasredandshiningasawintercrab，albeittheywerenearlycoveredoverwithaclosecurlyblackbeard，aswerehischinandupperliplikewise。Hisneckwasthicklikethatofanorthcountrybull，andhisroundheadcloselysetuponshoulderse'enamatchforthoseofLittleJohnhimself。
　　Beneathhisbushyblackbrowsdancedapairoflittlegrayeyesthatcouldnotstandstillforverydrolleryofhumor。
　　Nomancouldlookintohisfaceandnotfeelhisheartstringstickledbythemerrimentoftheirlook。Byhissidelayasteelcap，whichhehadlaidoffforthesakeofthecoolnesstohiscrown。
　　Hislegswerestretchedwideapart，andbetwixthiskneesheheldagreatpastycompoundedofjuicymeatsofdiverskindsmadesavorywithtenderyoungonions，bothmeatandonionsbeingmingledwithagoodrichgravy。Inhisrightfistheheldagreatpieceofbrowncrustatwhichhemunchedsturdily，andeverynowandthenhethrusthislefthandintothepieanddrewitforthfullofmeat；
　　anonhewouldtakeamightypullatagreatbottleofMalmseythatlaybesidehim。
　　"Bymyfaith，"quothRobintohimself，"Idoverilybelievethatthisisthemerriestfeast，themerriestwight，themerriestplace，andthemerriestsightinallmerryEngland。Methoughttherewasanotherhere，butitmusthavebeenthisholymantalkingtohimself。"
　　SoRobinlaywatchingtheFriar，andtheFriar，allunknowingthathewassooverlooked，atehismealplacidly。Atlasthewasdone，and，havingfirstwipedhisgreasyhandsuponthefernsandwildthymeandsweeternapkinne'erhadkinginalltheworld，hetookuphisflaskandbegantalkingtohimselfasthoughhewereanotherman，andansweringhimselfasthoughheweresomebodyelse。
　　"Dearlad，thouartthesweetestfellowinalltheworld，Idolovetheeasaloverlovethhislass。La，thoudostmakemeshamedtospeaksotomeinthissolitaryplace，noonebeingby，andyetifthouwilthavemesayso，Idolovetheeasthoulovestme。Naythen，wiltthounottakeadrinkofgoodMalmsey？Afterthee，lad，afterthee。
　　Nay，Ibeseechthee，sweetenthedraughtwiththylipsherehepassedtheflaskfromhisrighthandtohisleft。
　　Anthouwiltforceitonmeso，Imustneedsdothybidding，yetwiththemorepleasuredoIsoasIdrinkthyverygreathealthherehetookalong，deepdraught。Andnow，sweetlad，'tisthyturnnextherehepassedthebottlefromhislefthandbackagaintohisright。Itakeit，sweetchuck，andhere'swishingtheeasmuchgoodasthouwishestme。"
　　Sayingthis，hetookanotherdraught，andtrulyhedrankenoughfortwo。
　　AllthistimemerryRobinlayuponthebankandlistened，whilehisstomachsoquakedwithlaughterthathewasforcedtopresshispalmacrosshismouthtokeepitfromburstingforth；for，truly，hewouldnothavespoiledsuchagoodlyjestforthehalfofNottinghamshire。
　　Havinggottenhisbreathfromhislastdraught，theFriarbegantalkingagaininthiswise："Now，sweetlad，canstthounotsingmeasong？
　　La，Iknownot，Iambutinanillvoicethisday；prytheeaskmenot；
　　dostthounothearhowIcroaklikeafrog？Nay，nay，thyvoiceisassweetasanybullfinch；come，sing，Iprythee，Iwouldratherheartheesingthaneatafairfeast。Alas，Iwouldfainnotsingbeforeonethatcanpipesowellandhathheardsomanygoodlysongsandballads，ne'ertheless，anthouwilthaveitso，Iwilldomybest。
　　ButnowmethinksthatthouandImightsingsomefairsongtogether；
　　dostthounotknowacertaindaintylittlecatchcalled`TheLovingYouthandtheScornfulMaid'？Why，truly，methinksIhavehearditerenow。
　　Thendostthounotthinkthatthoucouldsttakethelass'spartgifItakethelad's？IknownotbutIwilltry；beginthouwiththeladandIwillfollowwiththelass。"
　　Then，singingfirstwithavoicedeepandgruff，andanoninonehighandsqueaking，heblithelytrolledthemerrycatchofTHELOVINGYOUTHANDTHESCORNFULMAID_HE
　　"Ah，it'swiltthoucomewithme，mylove？
　　Andit'swiltthou，love，hemine？
　　ForIwillgiveuntothee，mylove，Gayknotsandribbonssofine。
　　I'llwoothee，love，onmybendedknee，AndI'llpipesweetsongstononebutthee。
　　Thenit'shark！hark！hark！
　　TothewingedlarkAndit'sharktothecooingdove！
　　AndthebrightdaffodilGrowethdownbytherill，Socomethouandbemylove。
　　SHE
　　"Nowgettheeaway，youngmansofine；
　　Nowgettheeaway，Isay；
　　Formytrueloveshallneverbethine，Andsothouhadstbetternotstay。
　　Thouartnotafineenoughladforme，SoI'llwaittillabetteryoungmanIsee。
　　Forit'shark！hark！hark！
　　Tothewingedlark，Andit'sharktothecooingdove！
　　AndthebrightdaffodilGrowethdownbytherill，YetneverI'llbethylove。
　　HE
　　"ThenstraightwillIseekforanotherfairshe，Formanyamaidcanbefound，Andasthouwiltneverhaveaughtofme，BytheewillIneverbebound。
　　Forneverisablossominthefieldsorare，Butothersarefoundthatarejustasfair。
　　Soit'shark！hark！hark！
　　TothejoyouslarkAndit'sharktothecooingdove！
　　AndthebrightdaffodilGrowethdownbytherill，AndI'llseekmeanotherdearlove。
　　SHE
　　"Youngman，turnnotsoveryquickawayAnotherfairlasstofind。
　　MethinksIhavespokeninhastetoday，NorhaveImadeupmymind_，_
　　Andifthouonlywiltstaywithme，I'lllovenoother，sweetlad，butthee_。"
　　HereRobincouldcontainhimselfnolongerbutburstforthintoamightyroaroflaughter；then，theholyFriarkeepingonwiththesong，hejoinedinthechorus，andtogethertheysang，or，asonemightsay，bellowed：
　　"_Soit'shark！hark！hark！
　　TothejoyouslarkAndit'sharktothecooingdove！
　　ForthebrightdaffodilGrowethdownbytherillAndI'llbethineowntruelove_。"
　　Sotheysangtogether，forthestoutFriardidnotseemtohaveheardRobin'slaughter，neitherdidheseemtoknowthattheyeomanhadjoinedinwiththesong，but，witheyeshalfclosed，lookingstraightbeforehimandwagginghisroundheadfromsidetosideintimetothemusic，hekeptonbravelytotheend，heandRobinfinishingupwithamightyroarthatmighthavebeenheardamile。Butnosoonerhadthelastwordbeensungthantheholymanseizedhissteelcap，clappeditonhishead，andspringingtohisfeet，criedinagreatvoice，"Whatspyhavewehere？
　　Comeforth，thoulimbofevil，andIwillcarvetheeintoasfinepuddingmeatase'erawifeinYorkshirecookedofaSunday。"HereuponhedrewfrombeneathhisrobesagreatbroadswordfullasstoutaswasRobin's。
　　"Nay，putupthypinkingiron，friend，"quothRobin，standingupwiththetearsoflaughterstillonhischeeks。
　　"Folkwhohavesungsosweetlytogethershouldnotfightthereafter。"
　　Hereuponheleapeddownthebanktowheretheotherstood。
　　"Itellthee，friend，"saidhe，"mythroatisasparchedwiththatsongase'erabarleystubbleinOctober。HastthouhaplyanyMalmseyleftinthatstoutpottle？"
　　"Truly，"saidtheFriarinaglumvoice，"thoudostaskthyselffreelywherethouartnotbidden。YetItrustIamtoogoodaChristiantorefuseanymandrinkthatisathirst。
　　Suchasthereiso'tthouartwelcometoadrinkofthesame。"
　　AndheheldthepottleouttoRobin。
　　Robintookitwithoutmoreadoandputtingittohislips，tiltedhisheadback，whilethatwhichwaswithinsaid"glug！"lug！glug！"
　　formorethanthreewinks，Iwot。ThestoutFriarwatchedRobinanxiouslythewhile，andwhenhewasdonetookthepottlequickly。
　　Heshookit，helditbetwixthiseyesandthelight，lookedreproachfullyattheyeoman，andstraightwayplaceditathisownlips。
　　Whenitcameawayagaintherewasnoughtwithinit。
　　"Dossthouknowthecountryhereabouts，thougoodandholyman？"
　　askedRobin，laughing。
　　"Yea，somewhat，"answeredtheotherdryly。
　　"AnddostthouknowofacertainspotcalledFountainAbbey？"
　　"Yea，somewhat。"
　　"ThenperchancethouknowestalsoofacertainonewhogoethbythenameoftheCurtalFriarofFountainAbbey。"
　　"Yea，somewhat。"
　　"Wellthen，goodfellow，holyfather，orwhateverthouart，"
　　quothRobin，"IwouldknowwhetherthissameFriaristobefounduponthissideoftheriverortheother。"
　　"That，"quoththeFriar，"isapracticalquestionuponwhichthecunningrulesappertainingtologictouchnot。
　　Idoadvisetheetofindthatoutbytheaidofthineownfivesenses；sight，feeling，andwhatnot。"
　　"Idowishmuch，"quothRobin，lookingthoughtfullyatthestoutpriest，"tocrossyonfordandstrivetofindthissamegoodFriar。"
　　"Truly，"saidtheotherpiously，"itisagoodlywishonthepartofonesoyoung。Farbeitfrommetochecktheeinsoholyaquest。
　　Friend，theriverisfreetoall。"
　　"Yea，goodfather，"saidRobin，"butthouseestthatmyclothesareofthefinestandIfainwouldnotgetthemwet。
　　Methinksthyshouldersarestoutandbroad；couldstthounotfinditinthyhearttocarrymeacross？"
　　"Now，bythewhitehandoftheholyLadyoftheFountain！"burstforththeFriarinamightyrage，"dostthou，thoupoorpunystripling，thoukiss-my-lady-lapoppenjay；thou——thouWhatshallIcallthee？
　　Dostthouaskme，theholyTuck，tocarrythee？NowIswear——"
　　Herehepausedsuddenly，thenslowlytheangerpassedfromhisface，andhislittleeyestwinkledoncemore。"ButwhyshouldInot？"
　　quothhepiously。
　　"DidnottheholySaintChristopherevercarrythestrangeracrosstheriver？
　　AndshouldI，poorsinnerthatIam，beashamedtodolikewise？
　　Comewithme，stranger，andIwilldothybiddinginanhumbleframeofmind。"Sosaying，heclamberedupthebank，closelyfollowedbyRobin，andledthewaytotheshallowpebblyford，chucklingtohimselfthewhileasthoughhewereenjoyingsomegoodlyjestwithinhimself。
　　Havingcometotheford，hegirdeduphisrobesabouthisloins，tuckedhisgoodbroadswordbeneathhisarm，andstoopedhisbacktotakeRobinuponit。Suddenlyhestraightenedup。
　　"Methinks，"quothhe，"thou'ltgetthyweaponwet。
　　Letmetuckitbeneathminearmalongwithmineown。"
　　"Nay，goodfather，"saidRobin，"Iwouldnotburdentheewithaughtofminebutmyself。"
　　"Dostthouthink，"saidtheFriarmildly，"thatthegoodSaintChristopherwouldha'soughthisowneaseso？Nay，givemethytoolasIbidthee，forIwouldcarryitasapenancetomypride。"
　　Uponthis，withoutmoreado，RobinHoodunbuckledhisswordfromhissideandhandedittotheother，whothrustitwithhisownbeneathhisarm。
　　ThenoncemoretheFriarbenthisback，and，Robinhavingmounteduponit，hesteppedsturdilyintothewaterandsostrodeonward，splashingintheshoal，andbreakingallthesmoothsurfaceintoever-wideningrings。
　　AtlasthereachedtheothersideandRobinleapedlightlyfromhisback。
　　"Manythanks，goodfather，"quothhe。"Thouartindeedagoodandholyman。
　　Prytheegivememyswordandletmeaway，forIaminhaste。"
　　AtthisthestoutFriarlookeduponRobinforalongtime，hisheadononeside，andwithamostwaggishtwisttohisface；
　　thenheslowlywinkedhisrighteye。"Nay，goodyouth，"
　　saidhegently，"Idoubtnotthatthouartinhastewiththineaffairs，yetthoudostthinknothingofmine。Thineareofacarnalnature；
　　mineareofaspiritualnature，aholywork，sotospeak；
　　moreover，mineaffairsdolieupontheothersideofthisstream。
　　Iseebythyquestofthissameholyreclusethatthouartagoodyoungmanandmostreverenttothecloth。
　　Ididgetwetcominghither，andamsadlyafraidthatshouldI
　　wadethewateragainImightgetcertaincricksandpainsi'
　　thejointsthatwouldmarmydevotionsformanyadaytocome。
　　IknowthatsinceIhavesohumblydonethybiddingthouwiltcarrymebackagain。ThouseesthowSaintGodrick，thatholyhermitwhosenataldaythisis，hathplacedinmyhandstwoswordsandinthineneveraone。Thereforebepersuaded，goodyouth，andcarrymebackagain。"
　　RobinHoodlookedupandhelookeddown，bitinghisnetherlip。
　　Quothhe，"ThoucunningFriar，thouhastmefairandfastenow。
　　Letmetelltheethatnotoneofthyclothhathsohoodwinkedmeinallmylifebefore。Imighthaveknownfromthylooksthatthouwertnosuchholymanasthoudidstpretendtobe。"
　　"Nay，"interruptedtheFriar，"Ibidtheespeaknotsoscurrilouslyneither，lestthoumaystperchancefeeltheprickofaninchorsoofbluesteel。"
　　"Tut，tut，"saidRobin，"speaknotso，Friar；theloserhathevertherighttousehistongueashedothlist。
　　Givememysword；Idopromisetocarrytheebackstraightway。
　　Nay，Iwillnotlifttheweaponagainstthee。"
　　"Marry，comeup，"quoththeFriar，"Ifeartheenot，fellow。
　　Hereisthyskewer；andgetthyselfpresentlyready，forI
　　wouldhastenback。"
　　SoRobintookhisswordagainandbuckleditathisside；
　　thenhebenthisstoutbackandtooktheFriaruponit。
　　NowIwotRobinHoodhadaheavierloadtocarryintheFriarthantheFriarhadinhim。Moreoverhedidnotknowtheford，sohewentstumblingamongthestones，nowsteppingintoadeephole，andnownearlytrippingoveraboulder，whilethesweatrandownhisfaceinbeadsfromthehardnessofhisjourneyandtheheavinessofhisload。Meantime，theFriarkeptdigginghisheelsintoRobin'ssidesandbiddinghimhasten，callinghimmanyillnamesthewhile。
　　ToallthisRobinansweredneveraword，but，havingsoftlyfeltaroundtillhefoundthebuckleofthebeltthatheldtheFriar'ssword，heworkedslylyatthefastenings，seekingtoloosenthem。
　　Thusitcameaboutthat，bythetimehehadreachedtheotherbankwithhisload，theFriar'sswordbeltwasloosealbeitheknewitnot；
　　sowhenRobinstoodondrylandandtheFriarleapedfromhisback，theyeomangrippedholdoftheswordsothatblade，sheath，andstrapcameawayfromtheholyman，leavinghimwithoutaweapon。
　　"Nowthen，"quothmerryRobin，pantingashespakeandwipingthesweatfromhisbrow，"Ihavethee，fellow。Thistimethatsamesaintofwhomthoudidstspeakbutnowhathdeliveredtwoswordsintomyhandandhathstrippedthineawayfromthee。
　　Nowifthoudostnotcarrymeback，andthatspeedily，IswearIwillprickthyskintillitisasfullofholesasaslasheddoublet。"
　　ThegoodFriarsaidnotawordforawhile，buthelookedatRobinwithagrimlook。"Now，"saidheatlast，"Ididthinkthatthywitswereoftheheavysortandknewnotthatthouwertsocunning。Truly，thouhastmeuponthehip。
　　Givememysword，andIpromisenottodrawitagainsttheesaveinself-defense；also，Ipromisetodothybiddingandtaketheeuponmybackandcarrythee。"
　　SojollyRobingavehimhisswordagain，whichtheFriarbuckledtohisside，andthistimelookedtoitthatitwasmoresecureinitsfastenings；thentuckinguphisrobesoncemore，hetookRobinHooduponhisbackandwithoutawordsteppedintothewater，andsowadedoninsilencewhileRobinsatlaughinguponhisback。
　　Atlasthereachedthemiddleofthefordwherethewaterwasdeepest。
　　Herehestoppedforamoment，andthen，withasuddenliftofhishandandheaveofhisshoulders，fairlyshotRobinoverhisheadasthoughhewereasackofgrain。
　　DownwentRobinintothewaterwithamightysplash。
　　"There，"quoththeholyman，calmlyturningbackagaintotheshore，"letthatcoolthyhotspirit，ifitmay。"
　　Meantime，aftermuchsplashing，Robinhadgottentohisfeetandstoodgazingabouthimallbewildered，thewaterrunningfromhiminprettylittlerills。
　　Atlastheshotthewateroutofhisearsandspatsomeoutofhismouth，and，gatheringhisscatteredwitstogether，sawthestoutFriarstandingonthebankandlaughing。Then，Iwot，wasRobinHoodamadman。
　　"Stay，thouvillain！"roaredhe，"Iamaftertheestraight，andifIdonotcarvethybrawnfortheethisday，mayIneverliftfingeragain！"
　　Sosaying，hedashed，splashing，tothebank。
　　"Thouneedstnothastenthyselfunduly，"quoththestoutFriar。"Fearnot；
　　Iwillabidehere，andifthoudostnotcry`Alack-a-day'erelongtimeisgone，mayInevermorepeepthroughthebrakeatafallowdeer。"
　　AndnowRobin，havingreachedthebank，began，withoutmoreado，torolluphissleevesabovehiswrists。TheFriar，also，tuckedhisrobesmoreabouthim，showingagreat，stoutarmonwhichthemusclesstoodoutlikehumpsofanagedtree。
　　ThenRobinsaw，whathehadnotwottedofbefore，thattheFriarhadalsoacoatofchainmailbeneathhisgown。
　　"Looktothyself，"criedRobin，drawinghisgoodsword。
　　"Ay，marry，"quoththeFriar，whoheldhisalreadyinhishand。So，withoutmoreado，theycametogether，andthereuponbeganafierceandmightybattle。
　　Rightandleft，andupanddownandbackandforththeyfought。
　　Theswordsflashedinthesunandthenmetwithaclashthatsoundedfarandnear。Iwotthiswasnoplayfulboutatquarterstaff，butagrimandseriousfightofrealearnest。
　　Thustheystroveforanhourormore，pausingeverynowandthentorest，atwhichtimeseachlookedattheotherwithwonder，andthoughtthatneverhadheseensostoutafellow；
　　thenonceagaintheywouldgoatitmorefiercelythanever。
　　Yetinallthistimeneitherhadharmedtheothernorcausedhisbloodtoflow。AtlastmerryRobincried，"Holdthyhand，goodfriend！"whereuponbothloweredtheirswords。
　　"NowIcraveaboonerewebeginagain，"quothRobin，wipingthesweatfromhisbrow；fortheyhadstrivensolongthathebegantothinkthatitwouldbeanill-donethingeithertobesmittenhimselfortosmitesostoutandbraveafellow。
　　"Whatwouldstthouhaveofme？"askedtheFriar。
　　"Onlythis，"quothRobin；"thatthouwiltletmeblowthriceuponmybuglehorn。"
　　TheFriarbenthisbrowsandlookedshrewdlyatRobinHood。"NowI
　　doverilythinkthatthouhastsomecunningtrickinthis，"quothhe。
　　"Ne'ertheless，Ifeartheenot，andwilllettheehavethywish，providingthouwiltalsoletmeblowthriceuponthislittlewhistle。"
　　"Withallmyheart，"quothRobin，"so，heregoesforone。"
　　Sosaying，heraisedhissilverhorntohislipsandblewthriceuponit，clearandhigh。
　　Meantime，theFriarstoodwatchingkeenlyforwhatmightcometopass，holdinginhisfingersthewhileaprettysilverwhistle，suchasknightsuseforcallingtheirhawksbacktotheirwrists，whichwhistlealwayshungathisgirdlealongwithhisrosary。
　　ScarcelyhadtheechoofthelastnoteofRobin'sbuglecomewindingbackfromacrosstheriver，whenfourtallmeninLincolngreencamerunningaroundthebendoftheroad，eachwithabowinhishandandanarrowreadynockeduponthestring。
　　"Ha！Isitthus，thoutraitorknave！"criedtheFriar。"Then，marry，looktothyself！"Sosaying，hestraightwayclappedthehawk'swhistletohislipsandblewablastthatwasbothloudandshrill。Andnowtherecameacracklingofthebushesthatlinedtheothersideoftheroad，andpresentlyforthfromthecovertburstfourgreat，shaggyhounds。
　　"At'em，SweetLips！At'em，BellThroat！At'em，Beauty！At'em，Fangs！"
　　criedtheFriar，pointingatRobin。
　　Andnowitwaswellforthatyeomanthatatreestoodnighhimbesidetheroad，elsehadhehadanillchanceofit。
　　Ereonecouldsay"GafferDownthedale"thehoundswereuponhim，andhehadonlytimetodrophisswordandleaplightlyintothetree，aroundwhichthehoundsgathered，lookingupathimasthoughhewereacatontheeaves。ButtheFriarquicklycalledoffhisdogs。
　　"At'em！"criedhe，pointingdowntheroadtowheretheyeomenwerestandingstockstillwithwonderofwhattheysaw。
　　Asthehawkdartsdownuponitsquarry，sospedthefourdogsattheyeomen；butwhenthefourmensawthehoundssocoming，allwithoneaccord，savingonlyWillScarlet，dreweachmanhisgoosefeathertohisearandletflyhisshaft。
　　Andnowtheoldballadtellethofawondrousthingthathappened，forthusitsays，thateachdogsoshotatleapedlightlyaside，andasthearrowpassedhimwhistling，caughtitinhismouthandbititintwain。
　　NowitwouldhavebeenanilldayforthesefourgoodfellowshadnotWillScarletsteppedbeforetheothersandmetthehoundsastheycamerushing。"Why，hownow，Fangs！"criedhesternly。
　　"Down，Beauty！Down，sirrah！Whatmeansthis？"
　　Atthesoundofhisvoiceeachdogshrankbackquicklyandthenstraightwaycametohimandlickedhishandsandfawneduponhim，asisthewontofdogsthatmeetonetheyknow。Thenthefouryeomencameforward，thehoundsleapingaroundWillScarletjoyously。
　　"Why，hownow！"criedthestoutFriar，"whatmeansthis？
　　Artthouwizardtoturnthosewolvesintolambs？Ha！"criedhe，whentheyhadcomestillnearer，"canItrustmineeyes？
　　WhatmeansitthatIseeyoungMasterWilliamGamwellinsuchcompany？"
　　"Nay，Tuck，"saidtheyoungman，asthefourcameforwardtowhereRobinwasnowclamberingdownfromthetreeinwhichhehadbeenroosting，hehavingseenthatalldangerwasoverforthetime；"nay，Tuck，mynameisnolongerWillGamwell，butWillScarlet；andthisismygooduncle，RobinHood，withwhomIamabidingjustnow。"
　　"Truly，goodmaster，"saidtheFriar，lookingsomewhatabashedandreachingouthisgreatpalmtoRobin，"Iha'oftheardthynamebothsungandspokenof，butIneverthoughttomeettheeinbattle。
　　Icravethyforgiveness，anddowondernotthatIfoundsostoutamanagainstme。"
　　"Truly，mostholyfather，"saidLittleJohn，"Iammorethankfulthane'erIwasinallmylifebeforethatourgoodfriendScarletknewtheeandthydogs。ItelltheeseriouslythatIfeltmyheartcrumbleawayfrommewhenIsawmyshaftsomissitsaim，andthosegreatbeastsofthinecomingstraightatme。"
　　"Thoumaystindeedbethankful，friend，"saidtheFriargravely。
　　"But，MasterWill，howcomethitthatthoudostnowabideinSherwood？"
　　"Why，Tuck，dostthounotknowofmyillhappeningwithmyfather'ssteward？"answeredScarlet。
　　"Yea，truly，yetIknewnotthatthouwertinhidingbecauseofit。
　　Marry，thetimesareallawrywhenagentlemanmustliehiddenforsosmallathing。"
　　"Butwearelosingtime，"quothRobin，"andIhaveyettofindthatsameCurtalFriar。"
　　"Why，uncle，thouhastnotfartogo，"saidWillScarlet，pointingtotheFriar，"fortherehestandsbesidethee。"
　　"How？"quothRobin，"artthouthemanthatIhavebeenatsuchpainstoseekallday，andhavegotsuchaduckingfor？"
　　"Why，truly，"saidtheFriardemurely，"somedocallmetheCurtalFriarofFountainDale；othersagaincallmeinjesttheAbbotofFountainAbbey；
　　othersstillagaincallmesimpleFriarTuck。"
　　"Ilikethelastnamebest，"quothRobin，"foritdothslipmoregliblyoffthetongue。ButwhydidstthounottellmethouwertheIsought，insteadofsendingmesearchingforblackmoonbeams？"
　　"Why，truly，thoudidstnotaskme，goodmaster，"quothstoutTuck；
　　"butwhatdidstthoudesireofme？"
　　"Nay，"quothRobin，"thedaygrowethlate，andwecannotstandlongertalkinghere。ComebackwithustoSherwood，andIwillunfoldalltotheeaswetravelalong。"
　　So，withouttarryinglonger，theyalldeparted，withthestoutdogsattheirheels，andwendedtheirwaybacktoSherwoodagain；
　　butitwaslongpastnightfalleretheyreachedthegreenwoodtree。
　　Nowlisten，fornextIwilltellhowRobinHoodcompassedthehappinessoftwoyounglovers，aidedbythemerryFriarTuckofFountainDale。
　　RobinHoodCompassesaMarriageANDNOWhadcomethemorningwhenfairEllenwastobemarried，andonwhichmerryRobinhadswornthatAllanaDaleshould，asitwere，eatoutoftheplatterthathadbeenfilledforSirStephenofTrent。UproseRobinHood，blitheandgay，uprosehismerrymenoneandall，anduproselastofallstoutFriarTuck，winkingthesmartofsleepfromouthiseyes。
　　Then，whiletheairseemedtobrimoverwiththesongofmanybirds，allblendedtogetherandalljoyinginthemistymorn，eachmanravedfaceandhandsintheleapingbrook，andsothedaybegan。
　　"Now，"quothRobin，whentheyhadbrokentheirfast，andeachmanhadeatenhisfill，"itistimeforustosetforthupontheundertakingthatwehaveinhandfortoday。Iwillchoosemeonescoreofmygoodmentogowithme，forImayneedaid；andthou，WillScarlet，wiltabidehereandbethechiefwhileIamgone。"Thensearchingthroughalltheband，eachmanofwhomcrowdedforwardeagertobechosen，Robincalledsuchashewishedbyname，untilhehadascoreofstoutfellows，theveryflowerofhisyeomanrie。
　　BesidesLittleJohnandWillStutelywerenighallthosefamousladsofwhomI
　　havealreadytoldyou。Then，whilethosesochosenranleaping，fullofjoy，toarmthemselveswithbowandshaftandbroadsword，RobinHoodsteppedasideintothecovert，andtheredonnedagay，beribbonedcoatsuchasmighthavebeenwornbysomestrollingminstrel，andslungaharpacrosshisshoulder，thebettertocarryoutthatpart。
　　Allthebandstaredandmanylaughed，forneverhadtheyseentheirmasterinsuchafantasticguisebefore。
　　"Truly，"quothRobin，holdinguphisarmsandlookingdownathimself，"Idothinkitbesomewhatofagay，gaudy，grasshopperdress；
　　butitisaprettythingforallthat，anddothnotillbefittheturnofmylooks，albeitIwearitbutforthenonce。
　　Butstay，LittleJohn，herearetwobagsthatIwouldhavetheecarryinthypouchforthesakeofsafekeeping。
　　Icanillcareforthemmyselfbeneaththismotley。"
　　"Why，master，"quothLittleJohn，takingthebagsandweighingtheminhishand，"hereisthechinkofgold。"
　　"Well，whatantherebe，"saidRobin，"itismineowncoinandthebandisnonetheworseforwhatisthere。Come，buskye，lads，"
　　andheturnedquicklyaway。"Getyereadystraightway。"
　　Thengatheringthescoretogetherinacloserank，inthemidstofwhichwereAllanaDaleandFriarTuck，heledthemforthupontheirwayfromtheforestshades。
　　SotheywalkedonforalongtimetilltheyhadcomeoutofSherwoodandtothevaleofRotherstream。Hereweredifferentsightsfromwhatonesawintheforest；hedgerows，broadfieldsofbarleycorn，pasturelandsrollingupwardtilltheymettheskyandalldottedoverwithflocksofwhitesheep，hayfieldswhencecametheodorofnew-mownhaythatlayinsmoothswathesoverwhichskimmedtheswiftsinrapidflight；suchtheysaw，anddifferentwasit，Iwot，fromthetangleddepthsofthesweetwoodlands，butfullasfair。
　　ThusRobinledhisband，walkingblithelywithchestthrownoutandheadthrownback，snuffingtheodorsofthegentlebreezethatcamedriftingfromoverthehayfields。
　　"Truly，"quothhe，"thedearworldisasfairhereasinthewoodlandshades。
　　Whocallsitavaleoftears？Methinksitisbutthedarknessinourmindsthatbringethgloomtotheworld。Forwhatsayeththatmerrysongthousingest，LittleJohn？Isitnotthus？
　　"_Forwhenmylove'seyesdothine，dothine，Andwhenherlipssmilesorare，Thedayitisjocundandfine，sofine，ThoughletitbewetorbefairAndwhenthestoutaleisallflowingsofast，Oursorrowsandtroublesarethingsofthepast_。"
　　"Nay，"saidFriarTuckpiously，"yedothinkofprofanethingsandofnoughtelse；yet，truly，therebebettersafeguardsagainstcareandwoethanaledrinkingandbrighteyes，towit，fastingandmeditation。
　　Lookuponme，haveIthelikenessofasorrowfulman？"
　　Atthisagreatshoutoflaughterwentupfromallaround，forthenightbeforethestoutFriarhademptiedtwiceasmanycanakinsofaleasanyoneofallthemerrymen。
　　"Truly，"quothRobin，whenhecouldspeakforlaughter，"Ishouldsaythatthysorrowswereaboutequaltothygoodliness。"
　　Sotheysteppedalong，talking，singing，jesting，andlaughing，untiltheyhadcometoacertainlittlechurchthatbelongedtothegreatestatesownedbytherichPrioryofEmmet。HereitwasthatfairEllenwastobemarriedonthatmorn，andherewasthespottowardwhichtheyeomenhadpointedtheirtoes。
　　Ontheothersideoftheroadfromwherethechurchstoodwithwavingfieldsofbarleyaround，ranastonewallalongtheroadside。
　　Overthewallfromthehighwaywasafringeofyoungtreesandbushes，andhereandtherethewallitselfwascoveredbyamassofblossomingwoodbinethatfilledallthewarmairfarandnearwithitssweetsummerodor。Thenstraightwaytheyeomenleapedoverthewall，alightingonthetallsoftgrassupontheotherside，frighteningaflockofsheepthatlaythereintheshadesothattheyscamperedawayinalldirections。
　　Herewasasweetcoolshadowbothfromthewallandfromthefairyoungtreesandbushes，andheresattheyeomendown，andgladenoughtheyweretorestaftertheirlongtrampofthemorning。
　　"Now，"quothRobin，"Iwouldhaveoneofyouwatchandtellmewhenheseesanyonecomingtothechurch，andtheoneIchooseshallbeyoungDavidofDoncaster。Sogettheeuponthewall，David，andhidebeneaththewoodbinesoastokeepwatch。"
　　AccordinglyyoungDaviddidashewasbidden，theothersstretchingthemselvesatlengthuponthegrass，sometalkingtogetherandotherssleeping。
　　Thenallwasquietsaveonlyforthelowvoicesofthosethattalkedtogether，andforAllan'srestlessfootstepspacingupanddown，forhissoulwassofullofdisturbancethathecouldnotstandstill，andsaving，also，forthemellowsnoringofFriarTuck，whoenjoyedhissleepwithanoiseasofonesawingsoftwoodveryslowly。
　　Robinlayuponhisbackandgazedaloftintotheleavesofthetrees，histhoughtleaguesaway，andsoalongtimepassed。
　　ThenupspokeRobin，"Nowtellus，youngDavidofDoncaster，whatdostthousee？"
　　ThenDavidanswered，"IseethewhitecloudsfloatingandIfeelthewinda-blowingandthreeblackcrowsareflyingoverthewold；
　　butnoughtelsedoIsee，goodmaster。"
　　Sosilencefellagainandanothertimepassed，brokenonlyasIhavesaid，tillRobin，growingimpatient，spakeagain。
　　"Nowtellme，youngDavid，whatdostthouseebythis？"
　　AndDavidanswered，"Iseethewindmillsswingingandthreetallpoplartreesswayingagainstthesky，andaflockoffieldfaresareflyingoverthehill；
　　butnoughtelsedoIsee，goodmaster。"
　　Soanothertimepassed，tillatlastRobinaskedyoungDavidoncemorewhathesaw；andDavidsaid，"Ihearthecuckoosinging，andIseehowthewindmakeswavesinthebarleyfield；
　　andnowoverthehilltothechurchcomethanoldfriar，andinhishandshecarriesagreatbunchofkeys；andlo！
　　Nowhecomethtothechurchdoor。"
　　ThenuproseRobinHoodandshookFriarTuckbytheshoulder。
　　"Come，rousethee，holyman！"criedhe；whereupon，withmuchgrunting，thestoutTuckgottohisfeet。"Marry，bestirthyself，"
　　quothRobin，"foryonder，inthechurchdoor，isoneofthycloth。
　　Gothouandtalktohim，andsogetthyselfintothechurch，thatthoumaystbetherewhenthouartwanted；meantime，LittleJohn，WillStutely，andIwillfollowtheeanon。"
　　SoFriarTuckclamberedoverthewall，crossedtheroad，andcametothechurch，wheretheoldfriarwasstilllaboringwiththegreatkey，thelockbeingsomewhatrustyandhesomewhatoldandfeeble。
　　"Hilloa，brother，"quothTuck，"letmeaidthee。"Sosaying，hetookthekeyfromtheother'shandandquicklyopenedthedoorwithaturnofit。
　　"Whoartthou，goodbrother？"askedtheoldfriar，inahigh，wheezingvoice。"Whencecomestthou，andwhitherartthougoing？"
　　AndhewinkedandblinkedatstoutFriarTucklikeanowlatthesun。
　　"ThusdoIanswerthyquestions，brother，"saidtheother。
　　"MynameisTuck，andIgonofartherthanthisspot，ifthouwilthaplybutletmestaywhilethissameweddingisgoingforward。
　　IcomefromFountainDaleand，intruth，amacertainpoorhermit，asonemaysay，forIliveinacellbesidethefountainblessedbythatholySaintEthelrada。But，ifIunderstandaught，thereistobeagayweddingheretoday；so，ifthoumindestnot，Iwouldfainrestmeinthecoolshadewithin，forIwouldliketoseethisfinesight。"
　　"Truly，thouartwelcome，brother，"saidtheoldman，leadingthewaywithin。Meantime，RobinHood，inhisguiseofharper，togetherwithLittleJohnandWillStutely，hadcometothechurch。
　　Robinsathimdownonabenchbesidethedoor，butLittleJohn，carryingthetwobagsofgold，wentwithin，asdidWillStutely。
　　SoRobinsatbythedoor，lookinguptheroadanddowntheroadtoseewhomightcome，till，afteratime，hesawsixhorsemencomeridingsedatelyandslowly，asbecamethem，fortheywerechurchmeninhighorders。Then，whentheyhadcomenearer，Robinsawwhotheywere，andknewthem。
　　ThefirstwastheBishopofHereford，andafinefigurehecut，Iwot。
　　Hisvestmentswereoftherichestsilk，andaroundhisneckwasafairchainofbeatengold。Thecapthathidhistonsurewasofblackvelvet，andaroundtheedgesofitwererowsofjewelsthatflashedinthesunlight，eachstonebeingsetingold。
　　Hishosewereofflame-coloredsilk，andhisshoesofblackvelvet，thelong，pointedtoesbeingturnedupandfastenedtohisknees，andoneitherinstepwasembroideredacrossingoldthread。
　　BesidetheBishoprodethePriorofEmmetuponamincingpalfrey。
　　Richwerehisclothesalso，butnotsogayasthestoutBishop's。BehindtheseweretwoofthehigherbrethrenofEmmet，andbehindtheseagaintworetainersbelongingtotheBishop；
　　fortheLordBishopofHerefordstrovetobeaslikethegreatbaronsaswasinthepowerofoneinholyorders。
　　WhenRobinsawthistraindrawingnear，withflashofjewelsandsilkandjingleofsilverbellsonthetrappingsofthenags，helookedsourlyuponthem。Quothhetohimself，"YonBishopisovergaudyforaholyman。
　　Idowonderwhetherhispatron，who，methinks，wasSaintThomas，wasgiventowearinggoldenchainsabouthisneck，silkclothinguponhisbody，andpointedshoesuponhisfeet；themoneyforallofwhich，Godwot，hathbeenwrungfromthesweatofpoortenants。Bishop，Bishop，thypridemayhaveafallerethouwottestofit。"
　　Sotheholymencametothechurch；theBishopandthePriorjestingandlaughingbetweenthemselvesaboutcertainfairdames，theirwordsmorebefittingthelipsoflaymen，methinks，thanholyclerks。
　　Thentheydismounted，andtheBishop，lookingaround，presentlycaughtsightofRobinstandinginthedoorway。
　　"Hilloa，goodfellow，"quothheinajovialvoice，"whoartthouthatstruttestinsuchgayfeathers？"
　　"AharperamIfromthenorthcountry，"quothRobin，"andIcantouchthestrings，Iwot，asneveranothermaninallmerryEnglandcando。Truly，goodLordBishop，manyaknightandburgher，clerkandlayman，havedancedtomymusic，willy-nilly，andmosttimesgreatlyagainsttheirwill；suchisthemagicofmyharping。
　　Nowthisday，myLordBishop，ifImayplayatthiswedding，IdopromisethatIwillcausethefairbridetolovethemanshemarrieswithalovethatshalllastaslongasthattwainshalllivetogether。"
　　"Ha！isitso？"criedtheBishop。"Meanestthouthisinsooth？"
　　AndhelookedkeenlyatRobin，whogazedboldlybackagainintohiseyes。
　　"Now，ifthouwiltcausethismaidenwhohathverilybewitchedmypoorcousinStephenthustolovethemansheistomarry，asthousaystthoucanst，Iwillgivetheewhatsoeverthouwiltaskmeinduemeasure。
　　Letmehaveatasteofthyskill，fellow。"
　　"Nay，"quothRobin，"mymusiccomethnotwithoutIchoose，evenatalordbishop'sbidding。Insooth，Iwillnotplayuntilthebrideandbridegroomcome。"
　　"Now，thouartasaucyvarlettospeaksotomycrest，"
　　quoththeBishop，frowningonRobin。"Yet，Imustneedsbearwiththee。Look，Prior，hithercomethourcousinSirStephen，andhisladylove。"
　　Andnow，aroundthebendofthehighroad，cameothers，ridinguponhorses。
　　Thefirstofallwasatall，thinman，ofknightlybearing，dressedallinblacksilk，withablackvelvetcapuponhishead，turnedupwithscarlet。
　　Robinlooked，andhadnodoubtthatthiswasSirStephen，bothbecauseofhisknightlycarriageandofhisgrayhairs。BesidehimrodeastoutSaxonfranklin，Ellen'sfather，EdwardofDeirwold；behindthosetwocamealitterbornebytwohorses，andthereinwasamaidenwhomRobinknewmustbeEllen。Behindthislitterrodesixmen-at-arms，thesunlightflashingontheirsteelcapsastheycamejinglingupthedustyroad。
　　Sothesealsocametothechurch，andthereSirStephenleapedfromhishorseand，comingtothelitter，handedfairEllenouttherefrom。
　　ThenRobinHoodlookedather，andcouldwondernolongerhowitcameaboutthatsoproudaknightasSirStephenofTrentwishedtomarryacommonfranklin'sdaughter；nordidhewonderthatnoadowasmadeaboutthematter，forshewasthefairestmaidenthateverhehadbeheld。
　　Now，however，shewasallpaleanddrooping，likeafairwhitelilysnappedatthestem；andso，withbentheadandsorrowfullook，shewentwithinthechurch，SirStephenleadingherbythehand。
　　"Whydostthounotplay，fellow？"quoththeBishop，lookingsternlyatRobin。
　　"Marry，"saidRobincalmly，"IwillplayingreaterwisethanYourLordshipthinks，butnottilltherighttimehathcome。"
　　SaidtheBishoptohimself，whilehelookedgrimlyatRobin，"WhenthisweddingisgonebyIwillhavethisfellowwellwhippedforhissaucytongueandboldspeech。"
　　AndnowfairEllenandSirStephenstoodbeforethealtar，andtheBishophimselfcameinhisrobesandopenedhisbook，whereatfairEllenlookedupandaboutherinbitterdespair，likethefawnthatfindsthehoundsonherhaunch。
　　Then，inallhisflutteringtagsandribbonsofredandyellow，RobinHoodstrodeforward。Threestepshetookfromthepillarwherebyheleaned，andstoodbetweenthebrideandbridegroom。
　　"Letmelookuponthislass，"hesaidinaloudvoice。"Why，hownow！
　　Whathavewehere？Herebeliliesinthecheeks，andnotrosessuchasbefitabonnybride。Thisisnofitwedding。Thou，SirKnight，soold，andshesoyoung，andthouthinkesttomakeherthywife？
　　Itelltheeitmaynotbe，forthouartnotherowntruelove。"
　　Atthisallstoodamazed，andknewnotwheretolooknorwhattothinkorsay，fortheywereallbewilderedwiththehappening；so，whileeveryonelookedatRobinasthoughtheyhadbeenchangedtostone，heclappedhisbuglehorntohislipsandblewthreeblastssoloudandclear，theyechoedfromfloortorafterasthoughtheyweresoundedbythetrumpofdoom。