ThenstraightwayLittleJohnandWillStutelycameleapingandstooduponeithersideofRobinHood，andquicklydrewtheirbroadswords，thewhileamightyvoicerolledovertheheadsofall，"HerebeI，goodmaster，whenthouwantestme"；foritwasFriarTuckthatsocalledfromtheorganloft。
Andnowallwashubbubandnoise。StoutEdwardstrodeforwardraging，andwouldhaveseizedhisdaughtertodragheraway，butLittleJohnsteppedbetweenandthrusthimback。"Standback，oldman，"saidhe，"thouartahobbledhorsethisday。"
"Downwiththevillains！"criedSirStephen，andfeltforhissword，butithungnotbesidehimonhisweddingday。
Thenthemen-at-armsdrewtheirswords，anditseemedlikethatbloodwouldwetthestones；butsuddenlycameabustleatthedoorandloudvoices，steelflashedinthelight，andthecrashofblowssounded。
Themen-at-armsfellback，anduptheaislecameleapingeighteenstoutyeomenallcladinLincolngreen，withAllanaDaleattheirhead。
InhishandheboreRobinHood'sgoodstouttrustybowofyew，andthishegavetohim，kneelingthewhileupononeknee。
ThenupspakeEdwardofDeirwoldinadeepvoiceofanger，"Isitthou，AllanaDale，thathathbredallthiscoilinachurch？"
"Nay，"quothmerryRobin，"thathaveIdone，andIcarenotwhoknowethit，formynameisRobinHood。"
Atthisnameasuddensilencefell。ThePriorofEmmetandthosethatbelongedtohimgatheredtogetherlikeaflockoffrightenedsheepwhenthescentofthewolfisnigh，whiletheBishopofHereford，layingasidehisbook，crossedhimselfdevoutly。
"NowHeavenkeepusthisday，"saidhe，"fromthatevilman！"
"Nay，"quothRobin，"Imeanyounoharm；buthereisfairEllen'sbetrothedhusband，andsheshallmarryhimorpainwillbebredtosomeofyou。"
ThenupspakestoutEdwardinaloudandangryvoice，"NowIsaynay！
Iamherfather，andsheshallmarrySirStephenandnoneother。"
Nowallthistime，whileeverythingwasinturmoilabouthim，SirStephenhadbeenstandinginproudandscornfulsilence。
"Nay，fellow，"saidhecoldly，"thoumaysttakethydaughterbackagain；
Iwouldnotmarryherafterthisday'sdoingscouldIgainallmerryEnglandthereby。Itelltheeplainly，Ilovedthydaughter，oldasIam，andwouldhavetakenheruplikeajewelfromthesty，yet，truly，Iknewnotthatshedidlovethisfellow，andwasbelovedbyhim。Maiden，ifthoudostratherchooseabeggarlyminstrelthanahigh-bornknight，takethychoice。
IdofeelitshamethatIshouldthusstandtalkingamidthisherd，andsoIwillleaveyou。"Thussaying，heturnedand，gatheringhismenabouthim，walkedproudlydowntheaisle。
Thenalltheyeomenweresilencedbythescornofhiswords。
OnlyFriarTuckleanedovertheedgeofthechoirloftandcalledouttohimerehehadgone，"Goodden，SirKnight。Thouwottestoldbonesmustalwaymakeroomforyoungblood。"SirStephenneitheranswerednorlookedup，butpassedoutfromthechurchasthoughhehadheardnought，hismenfollowinghim。
ThentheBishopofHerefordspokehastily，"I，too，havenobusinesshere，andsowilldepart。"Andhemadeasthoughhewouldgo。
ButRobinHoodlaidholdofhisclothesandheldhim。
"Stay，myLordBishop，"saidhe，"Ihaveyetsomewhattosaytothee。"
TheBishop'sfacefell，buthestayedasRobinbadehim，forhesawhecouldnotgo。
ThenRobinHoodturnedtostoutEdwardofDeirwold，andsaidhe，"Givethyblessingonthydaughter'smarriagetothisyeoman，andallwillbewell。LittleJohn，givemethebagsofgold。Look，farmer。
Herearetwohundredbrightgoldenangels；givethyblessing，asIsay，andIwillcountthemouttotheeasthydaughter'sdower。
Givenotthyblessing，andsheshallbemarriedallthesame，butnotsomuchasacrackedfarthingshallcrossthypalm。Choose。"
ThenEdwardlookeduponthegroundwithbentbrows，turningthematteroverandoverinhismind；buthewasashrewdmanandone，withal，thatmadethebestuseofacrackedpipkin；soatlasthelookedupandsaid，butinnojoyoustone，"Ifthewenchwillgoherowngait，lethergo。
Ihadthoughttomakealadyofher；yetifshechoosestobewhatsheisliketobe，Ihavenoughttodowithherhenceforth。
Ne'erthelessIwillgivehermyblessingwhensheisdulywedded。"
"Itmaynotbe，"spakeuponeofthoseofEmmet。"Thebannshavenotbeendulypublished，neitheristhereanypriestheretomarrythem。"
"Howsaystthou？"roaredTuckfromthechoirloft。"Nopriest？
Marry，herestandsasholyamanasthouart，anydayoftheweek，aclerkinorders，Iwouldhavetheeknow。Asforthequestionofbanns，stumblenotoverthatstraw，brother，forIwillpublishthem。"
Sosaying，hecalledthebanns；and，saystheoldballad，lestthreetimesshouldnotbeenough，hepublishedthemninetimeso'er。Thenstraightwayhecamedownfromtheloftandforthwithperformedthemarriageservice；
andsoAllanandEllenweredulywedded。
AndnowRobincountedouttwohundredgoldenangelstoEdwardofDeirwold，andhe，uponhispart，gavehisblessing，yetnot，Iwot，asthoughhemeantitwithovermuchgoodwill。
ThenthestoutyeomencrowdedaroundandgraspedAllan'spalm，andhe，holdingEllen'shandwithinhisown，lookedabouthimalldizzywithhishappiness。
ThenatlastjollyRobinturnedtotheBishopofHereford，whohadbeenlookingonatallthatpassedwithagrimlook。
"MyLordBishop，"quothhe，"thoumaystbringtothymindthatthoudidstpromisemethatdidIplayinsuchwiseastocausethisfairlasstoloveherhusband，thouwouldstgivemewhatsoeverIaskedinreason。Ihaveplayedmyplay，andshelovethherhusband，whichshewouldnothavedonebutforme；sonowfulfillthypromise。
Thouhastupontheethatwhich，methinks，thouwouldstbethebetterwithout；therefore，Iprythee，givemethatgoldenchainthathangethaboutthyneckasaweddingpresentforthisfairbride。"
ThentheBishop'scheeksgrewredwithrageandhiseyesflashed。
HelookedatRobinwithafelllook，butsawthatintheyeoman'sfacewhichbadehimpause。ThenslowlyhetookthechainfromabouthisneckandhandedittoRobin，whoflungitoverEllen'sheadsothatithungglitteringabouthershoulders。
ThensaidmerryRobin，"Ithankthee，onthebride'spart，forthyhandsomegift，andtrulythouthyselfartmoreseemlywithoutit。Now，shouldstthouevercomenightoSherwoodI
muchhopethatIshallgivetheetheresuchafeastasthouhastne'erhadinallthylifebefore。"
"MayHeavenforfend！"criedtheBishopearnestly；forheknewrightwellwhatmanneroffeastitwasthatRobinHoodgavehisguestsinSherwoodForest。
ButnowRobinHoodgatheredhismentogether，and，withAllanandhisyoungbrideintheirmidst，theyallturnedtheirfootstepstowardthewoodlands。OnthewaythitherFriarTuckcameclosetoRobinandpluckedhimbythesleeve。
"Thoudostleadamerrylife，goodmaster，"quothhe，"butdostthounotthinkthatitwouldbeforthewelfareofallyoursoulstohaveagoodstoutchaplain，suchasI，tooverseeholymatters？Truly，Idolovethislifemightily。"
AtthismerryRobinHoodlaughedamain，andbadehimstayandbecomeoneoftheirbandifhewished。
ThatnighttherewassuchafeastheldinthegreenwoodasNottinghamshireneversawbefore。TothatfeastyouandIwerenotbidden，andpityitisthatwewerenot；so，lestweshouldbothfeelthematterthemorekeenly，Iwillsaynomoreaboutit。
RobinHoodAidsaSorrowfulKnightSOPASSEDthegentlespringtimeawayinbuddingbeauty；itssilvershowersandsunshine，itsgreenmeadowsanditsflowers。So，likewise，passedthesummerwithitsyellowsunlight，itsquiveringheatanddeep，boskyfoliage，itslongtwilightsanditsmellownights，throughwhichthefrogscroakedandfairyfolkweresaidtobeoutonthehillsides。
Allthishadpassedandthetimeoffallhadcome，bringingwithititsownpleasuresandjoyousness；fornow，whentheharvestwasgatheredhome，merrybandsofgleanersroamedthecountryabout，singingalongtheroadsinthedaytime，andsleepingbeneaththehedgerowsandthehay-ricksatnight。
Nowthehipsburnedredinthetangledthicketsandthehewswaxedblackinthehedgerows，thestubblelayallcrispandnakedtothesky，andthegreenleaveswerefastturningrussetandbrown。Also，atthismerryseason，goodthingsoftheyeararegatherediningreatstore。
Brownaleliesripeninginthecellar，hamsandbaconhanginthesmoke-shed，andcrabsarestowedawayinthestrawforroastinginthewintertime，whenthenorthwindpilesthesnowindriftsaroundthegablesandthefirecrackleswarmuponthehearth。
Sopassedtheseasonsthen，sotheypassnow，andsotheywillpassintimetocome，whilewecomeandgolikeleavesofthetreethatfallandaresoonforgotten。
QuothRobinHood，snuffingtheair，"Hereisafairday，LittleJohn，andonethatwecanillwasteinidleness。
Choosesuchmenasthoudostneed，andgothoueastwhileI
willwendtothewest，andseethateachofusbringethbacksomegoodlyguesttodinethisdaybeneaththegreenwoodtree。"
"Marry，"criedLittleJohn，clappinghispalmstogetherforjoy，"thybiddingfittethmylikinglikehefttoblade。
I'llbringtheebackaguestthisday，orcomenotbackmineownself。"
Thentheyeachchosesuchofthebandastheywished，andsowentforthbydifferentpathsfromtheforest。
Now，youandIcannotgotwowaysatthesametimewhilewejoininthesemerrydoings；sowewille'enletLittleJohnfollowhisownpathwhilewetuckupourskirtsandtrudgeafterRobinHood。
Andhereisgoodcompany，too；RobinHood，WillScarlet，AllanaDale，WillScathelock，Midge，theMiller'sson，andothers。
Ascoreormoreofstoutfellowshadabidedintheforest，withFriarTuck，tomakereadyforthehomecoming，butalltherestweregoneeitherwithRobinHoodorLittleJohn。
Theytraveledonward，RobinfollowinghisfancyandtheothersfollowingRobin。Nowtheywendedtheirwaythroughanopendalewithcottageandfarmlyingtherein，andnowagaintheyenteredwoodlandsoncemore。PassingbyfairMansfieldTown，withitstowersandbattlementsandspiresallsmilinginthesun，theycameatlastoutoftheforestlands。Onwardtheyjourneyed，throughhighwayandbyway，throughvillageswheregoodwivesandmerrylassespeepedthroughthecasementsatthefineshowofyoungmen，untilatlasttheycameoverbeyondAlvertoninDerbyshire。Bythistimehighnoontidehadcome，yettheyhadmetnoguestsuchaswasworththeirwhiletotakebacktoSherwood；so，comingatlasttoacertainspotwhereashrinestoodatthecrossingoftworoads，Robincalleduponthemtostop，forhereoneithersidewasshelterofhighhedgerows，behindwhichwasgoodhiding，whencetheycouldwatchtheroadsattheirease，whiletheyatetheirmiddaymeal。
QuothmerryRobin，"Here，methinks，isgoodlodging，wherepeacefulfolk，suchaswebe，caneatinquietness；thereforewewillresthere，andseewhatmay，perchance，fallintoourluck-pot。"Sotheycrossedastileandcamebehindahedgerowwherethemellowsunlightwasbrightandwarm，andwherethegrasswassoft，andtheresatthemdown。
Theneachmandrewfromthepouchthathungbesidehimthatwhichhehadbroughttoeat，foramerrywalksuchasthishadbeensharpenstheappetitetillitisaskeenasaMarchwind。
Sonomorewordswerespoken，buteachmansavedhisteethforbetteruse——
munchingatbrowncrustandcoldmeatrightlustily。
Infrontofthem，oneofthehighroadscrawledupthesteephillandthendippedsuddenlyoveritscrest，sharp-cutwithhedgerowandshaggygrassagainstthesky。Overthetopofthewindyhillpeepedtheeavesofafewhousesofthevillagethatfellbackintothevalleybehind；there，also，showedthetopofawindmill，thesailsslowlyrisinganddippingfrombehindthehillagainsttheclearbluesky，asthelightwindmovedthemwithcreakingandlaboredswing。
Sotheyeomenlaybehindthehedgeandfinishedtheirmiddaymeal；
butstillthetimeslippedalongandnoonecame。Atlast，amancameslowlyridingoverthehillanddownthestonyroadtowardthespotwhereRobinandhisbandlayhidden。
Hewasagoodstoutknight，butsorrowfuloffaceanddowncastofmien。Hisclotheswereplainandrich，butnochainofgold，suchasfolkofhisstandinlifeworeatmosttimes，hungaroundhisneck，andnojewelwasabouthim；yetnoonecouldmistakehimforaughtbutoneofproudandnobleblood。
Hisheadwasboweduponhisbreastandhishandsdroopedlimponeitherside；andsohecameslowlyriding，asthoughsunkinsadthoughts，whileevenhisgoodhorse，thereinslooseuponhisneck，walkedwithhanginghead，asthoughhesharedhismaster'sgrief。
QuothRobinHood，"Yonisverilyasorry-lookinggallant，anddothseemtohavedonnedill-contentwithhisjerkinthismorning；nevertheless，Iwilloutandtalkwithhim，fortheremaybesomepickingshereforahungrydaw。
Methinkshisdressisrich，thoughhehimselfissodowncast。
BideyeheretillIlookintothismatter。"Sosaying，hearoseandleftthem，crossedtheroadtotheshrine，andtherestood，waitingforthesorrowfulknighttocomenearhim。
So，presently，whentheknightcameridingslowlyalong，jollyRobinsteppedforwardandlaidhishanduponthebridlerein。
"Hold，SirKnight，"quothhe。"Iprytheetarryforashorttime，forIhaveafewwordstosaytothee。"
"Whatartthou，friend，whodoststopatravelerinthismanneruponhismostgraciousMajesty'shighway？"saidtheKnight。
"Marry，"quothRobin，"thatisaquestionhardtoanswer。
Onemancallethmekind，anothercallethmecruel；thisonecallethmegoodhonestfellow，andthatone，vilethief。
Truly，theworldhathasmanyeyestolookuponamanwithalastherearespotsonatoad；so，withwhatpairofeyesthouregardestmeliethentirelywiththineownself。
MynameisRobinHood。"
"Truly，goodRobin，"saidtheKnight，asmiletwitchingatthecornersofhismouth，"thouhastaquaintconceit。
AsforthepairofeyeswithwhichIregardthee，Iwouldsaythattheyareasfavorableasmaybe，forIhearmuchgoodoftheeandlittleill。Whatisthywillofme？"
"Now，Imakemyvow，SirKnight，"quothRobin，"thouhastsurelylearnedthywisdomofgoodGafferSwanthold，forhesayeth，`Fairwordsareaseasyspokeasfoul，andbringgoodwillinthesteadofblows。'
NowIwillshowtheethetruthofthissaying；for，ifthouwiltgowithmethisdaytoSherwoodForest，Iwillgivetheeasmerryafeastaseverthouhadstinallthylife。"
"Thouartindeedkind，"saidtheKnight，"butmethinksthouwiltfindmebutanill-seemingandsorrowfulguest。
Thouhadstbestletmepassonmywayinpeace。"
"Nay，"quothRobin，"thoumightstgothineownwaybutforonething，andthatIwilltellthee。Wekeepaninn，asitwere，intheverydepthsofSherwood，butsofarfromhighroadsandbeatenpathsthatguestsdonotoftencomenighus；soIandmyfriendssetoffmerrilyandseekthemwhenwegrowdullofourselves。
Thusthematterstands，SirKnight；yetIwillfurthermoretelltheethatwecountuponourguestspayingareckoning。"
"Itakethymeaning，friend，"saidtheKnightgravely，"butIamnotthyman，forIhavenomoneybyme。"
"Isitsooth？"saidRobin，lookingattheKnightkeenly。"Icanscarcechoosebutbelievethee；yet，SirKnight，therebethoseofthyorderwhosewordisnottobetrustedasmuchastheywouldhaveothersbelieve。
ThouwiltthinknoillifIlookformyselfinthismatter。"
Then，stillholdingthehorsebythebridlerein，heputhisfingerstohislipsandblewashrillwhistle，whereuponfourscoreyeomencameleapingoverthestileandrantowheretheKnightandRobinstood。
"These，"saidRobin，lookinguponthemproudly，"aresomeofmymerrymen。
Theyshareandsharealikewithmealljoysandtroubles，gainsandlosses。
SirKnight，Iprytheetellmewhatmoneythouhastaboutthee。"
ForatimetheKnightsaidnotaword，butaslowredaroseintohischeeks；
atlasthelookedRobininthefaceandsaid，"IknownotwhyIshouldbeashamed，foritshouldbenoshametome；but，friend，Itelltheethetruth，whenIsaythatinmypursearetenshillings，andthatthatiseverygroatthatSirRichardoftheLeahathinallthewideworld。"
WhenSirRichardendedasilencefell，untilatlastRobinsaid，"Anddostthoupledgemethyknightlywordthatthisisallthouhastwiththee？"
"Yea，"answeredSirRichard，"Idopledgetheemymostsolemnword，asatrueknight，thatitisallthemoneyIhaveintheworld。
Nay，hereismypurse，yemayfindforyourselvesthetruthofwhatIsay。"
AndheheldhispurseouttoRobin。
"Putupthypurse，SirRichard，"quothRobin。"Farbeitfrommetodoubtthewordofsogentleaknight。TheproudIstrivetobringlow，butthosethatwalkinsorrowIwouldaidifIcould。
Come，SirRichard，cheerupthyheartandgowithusintothegreenwood。
EvenImayperchanceaidthee，forthousurelyknowesthowthegoodAthelstanewassavedbythelittleblindmolethatdiggedatrenchoverwhichhethatsoughttheking'slifestumbled。"
"Truly，friend，"saidSirRichard，"methinksthoumeanestkindnessinthineownway；neverthelessmytroublesaresuchthatitisnotlikelythatthoucanstcurethem。ButIwillgowiththeethisdayintoSherwood。"Hereuponheturnedhishorse'shead，andtheyallwendedtheirwaytothewoodlands，RobinwalkingononesideoftheKnightandWillScarletontheother，whiletherestofthebandtrudgedbehind。
AftertheyhadtraveledthusforatimeRobinHoodspake。
"SirKnight，"saidhe，"Iwouldnottroubletheewithidlequestions；
butdostthoufinditinthyhearttotellmethysorrows？"
"Truly，Robin，"quoththeKnight，"IseenoreasonwhyIshouldnotdoso。
Thusitis：MycastleandmylandsareinpawnforadebtthatIowe。
Threedayshencethemoneymustbepaidorelseallmineestateislostforever，forthenitfallsintothehandsofthePrioryofEmmet，andwhattheyswallowtheynevergiveforthagain。"
QuothRobin，"Iunderstandnotwhythoseofthykindliveinsuchamannerthatalltheirwealthpassethfromthemlikesnowbeneaththespringtidesun。"
"Thouwrongestme，Robin，"saidtheKnight，"forlisten：
Ihaveasonbuttwentywintersold，neverthelesshehaswonhisspursasknight。Lastyear，onacertainevilday，thejoustswereheldatChester，andthithermysonwent，asdidIandmyladywife。Iwotitwasaproudtimeforus，forheunhorsedeachknightthathetiltedagainst。
Atlastheranacoursewithacertaingreatknight，SirWalterofLancaster，yet，thoughmysonwassoyouthful，hekepthisseat，albeitbothspearswereshiveredtotheheft；
butithappenedthatasplinterofmyboy'slanceranthroughthevisorofSirWalter'shelmetandpiercedthroughhiseyeintohisbrain，sothathediederehisesquirecouldunlacehishelm。Now，Robin，SirWalterhadgreatfriendsatcourt，thereforehiskinsmenstirredupthingsagainstmysonsothat，tosavehimfromprison，Ihadtopayaransomofsixhundredpoundsingold。Allmighthavegonewellevenyet，onlythat，byinsandoutsandcrookednessoflaws，Iwasshornlikeasheepthatisclippedtothequick。SoitcamethatI
hadtopawnmylandstothePrioryofEmmetformoremoney，andahardbargaintheydrovewithmeinmyhourofneed。
YetIwouldhavetheeunderstandIgrievesoformylandsonlybecauseofmydearladywife。"
"Butwhereisthysonnow？"askedRobin，whohadlistenedcloselytoalltheKnighthadsaid。
"InPalestine，"saidSirRichard，"battlinglikeabraveChristiansoldierforthecrossandtheholysepulcher。
Truly，EnglandwasanillplaceforhimbecauseofSirWalter'sdeathandthehateoftheLancastrian'skinsmen。"
"Truly，"saidRobin，muchmoved，"thineisahardlot。
Buttellme，whatisowingtoEmmetforthineestates？"
"Onlyfourhundredpounds，"saidSirRichard。
Atthis，Robinsmotehisthighinanger。"Othebloodsuckers！"
criedhe。"Anobleestatetobeforfeitforfourhundredpounds！
Butwhatwillbefalltheeifthoudostlosethylands，SirRichard？"
"Itisnotmineownlotthatdothtroublemeinthatcase，"
saidtheKnight，"butmydearlady's；forshouldIlosemylandshewillhavetobetakeherselftosomekinsmanandthereabideincharity，which，methinks，wouldbreakherproudheart。
Asforme，Iwilloverthesaltsea，andsotoPalestinetojoinmysoninfightfortheholysepulcher。"
ThenupspakeWillScarlet。"Buthastthounofriendthatwillhelptheeinthydireneed？"
"Neveraman，"saidSirRichard。"WhileIwasrichenowathome，andhadfriends，theyblewgreatboastsofhowtheylovedme。
Butwhentheoakfallsintheforesttheswinerunfrombeneathitlesttheyshouldbesmittendownalso。Somyfriendshaveleftme；
fornotonlyamIpoorbutIhavegreatenemies。"
ThenRobinsaid，"Thousaystthouhastnofriends，SirRichard。Imakenoboast，butmanyhavefoundRobinHoodafriendintheirtroubles。
Cheerup，SirKnight，Imayhelptheeyet。"
TheKnightshookhisheadwithafaintsmile，butforallthat，Robin'swordsmadehimmoreblitheofheart，forintruthhope，beitneversofaint，bringethagleamintodarkness，likealittlerushlightthatcostethbutagroat。
Thedaywaswell-nighgonewhentheycameneartothegreenwoodtree。
EvenatadistancetheysawbythenumberofmenthatLittleJohnhadcomebackwithsomeguest，butwhentheycamenearenough，whomshouldtheyfindbuttheLordBishopofHereford！ThegoodBishopwasinafinestew，Iwot。
Upanddownhewalkedbeneaththetreelikeafoxcaughtinahencoop。
BehindhimwerethreeBlackFriarsstandingclosetogetherinafrightenedgroup，likethreeblacksheepinatempest。
Hitchedtothebranchesofthetreescloseathandweresixhorses，oneofthemabarbwithgaytrappingsuponwhichtheBishopwaswonttoride，andtheothersladenwithpacksofdiversshapesandkinds，oneofwhichmadeRobin'seyesglisten，foritwasaboxnotoverlarge，butheavilyboundwithbandsandribsofiron。
WhentheBishopsawRobinandthosewithhimcomeintotheopenhemadeasthoughhewouldhaveruntowardtheyeoman，butthefellowthatguardedtheBishopandthethreefriarsthrusthisquarterstaffinfront，sothathislordshipwasfaintostandback，thoughwithfrowningbrowandangryspeech。
"Stay，myLordBishop，"criedjollyRobininaloudvoice，whenhesawwhathadpassed，"Iwillcometotheewithallspeed，forIwouldratherseetheethananymaninmerryEngland。"Sosaying，hequickenedhisstepsandsooncametowheretheBishopstoodfuming。
"Hownow，"quoththeBishopinaloudandangryvoice，whenRobinhadsocometohim，"isthisthewaythatthouandthybandtreatonesohighinthechurchasIam？Iandthesebrethrenwerepassingpeacefullyalongthehighroadwithourpackhorses，andahalfscoreofmentoguardthem，whenupcomesagreatstrappingfellowfullsevenfeethigh，withfourscoreormoremenbackofhim，andcallsuponmetostop——me，theLordBishopofHereford，markthou！
Whereuponmyarmedguards——beshrewthemforcowards！——straightranaway。
Butlookye；notonlydidthisfellowstopme，buthethreatenedme，sayingthatRobinHoodwouldstripmeasbareasawinterhedge。
Then，besidesallthis，hecalledmesuchvilenamesas`fatpriest，'
`man-eatingbishop，'`money-gorgingusurer，'andwhatnot，asthoughIwerenomorethanastrollingbeggarortinker。"
Atthis，theBishopglaredlikeanangrycat，whileevenSirRichardlaughed；onlyRobinkeptagraveface。"Alas！mylord，"
saidhe，"thatthouhastbeensoill-treatedbymyband！
Itelltheetrulythatwegreatlyreverencethycloth。
LittleJohn，standforthstraightway。"
AtthesewordsLittleJohncameforward，twistinghisfaceintoawhimsicallook，asthoughhewouldsay，"Ha'mercyuponme，goodmaster。"
ThenRobinturnedtotheBishopofHerefordandsaid，"WasthisthemanwhospakesoboldlytoYourLordship？"
"Ay，trulyitwasthesame，"saidtheBishop，"anaughtyfellow，Iwot。
"Anddidstthou，LittleJohn，"saidRobininasadvoice，"callhislordshipafatpriest？"
"Ay，"saidLittleJohnsorrowfully。
"Andaman-eatingbishop？"
"Ay，"saidLittleJohn，moresorrowfullythanbefore。
"Andamoney-gorgingusurer？"
"Ay，"saidLittleJohninsosorrowfulavoicethatitmighthavedrawntearsfromtheDragonofWentley。
"Alas，thatthesethingsshouldbe！"saidjollyRobin，turningtotheBishop，"forIhaveeverfoundLittleJohnatruthfulman。"
Atthis，aroaroflaughterwentup，whereatthebloodrushedintotheBishop'sfacetillitwascherryredfromcrowntochin；
buthesaidnothingandonlyswallowedhiswords，thoughtheywell-nighchokedhim。
"Nay，myLordBishop，"saidRobin，"weareroughfellows，butItrustnotsuchillmenasthouthinkest，afterall。
Thereisnotamanherethatwouldharmahairofthyreverence'shead。
Iknowthouartgalledbyourjesting，butweareallequalhereinthegreenwood，fortherearenobishopsnorbaronsnorearlsamongus，butonlymen，sothoumustshareourlifewithuswhilethoudostabidehere。Come，buskye，mymerrymen，andgetthefeastready。
Meantime，wewillshowourguestsourwoodlandsports。"
So，whilesomewenttokindlethefiresforroastingmeats，othersranleapingtogettheircudgelsandlongbows。
ThenRobinbroughtforwardSirRichardoftheLea。"MyLordBishop，"
saidhe，"hereisanotherguestthatwehavewithusthisday。
Iwishthatthoumightestknowhimbetter，forIandallmymenwillstrivetohonoryoubothatthismerrymaking。"
"SirRichard，"saidtheBishopinareproachfultone，"methinksthouandIarecompanionsandfellowsufferersinthisdenof——"
Hewasabouttosay"thieves，"buthestoppedsuddenlyandlookedaskanceatRobinHood。
"Speakout，Bishop，"quothRobin，laughing。"WeofSherwoodchecknotaneasyflowofwords。`Denofthieves'thouwestabouttosay。"
QuoththeBishop，"MayhapthatwaswhatImeanttosay，SirRichard；
butthisIwillsay，thatIsawtheejustnowlaughatthescurrilousjestsofthesefellows。Itwouldhavebeenmorebecomingofthee，methinks，tohavecheckedthemwithfrownsinsteadofspurringthemonbylaughter。"
"Imeantnoharmtothee，"saidSirRichard，"butamerryjestisamerryjest，andImaytrulysayIwouldhavelaughedatithaditbeenagainstmineownself。"
ButnowRobinHoodcalleduponcertainonesofhisbandwhospreadsoftmossuponthegroundandlaiddeerskinsthereon。
ThenRobinbadehisguestsbeseated，andsotheyallthreesatdown，someofthechiefmen，suchasLittleJohn，WillScarlet，AllanaDale，andothers，stretchingthemselvesuponthegroundnearby。
Thenagarlandwassetupatthefarendoftheglade，andthereatthebowmenshot，andsuchshootingwasdonethatdayasitwouldhavemadeone'sheartleaptosee。
AndallthewhileRobintalkedsoquaintlytotheBishopandtheKnightthat，theoneforgettinghisvexationandtheotherhistroubles，theybothlaughedaloudagainandagain。
ThenAllanaDalecameforthandtunedhisharp，andallwashushedaround，andhesanginhiswondrousvoicesongsoflove，ofwar，ofglory，andofsadness，andalllistenedwithoutamovementorasound。
SoAllansangtillthegreatroundsilvermoongleamedwithitsclearwhitelightamidtheuppertangleofthemazybranchesofthetrees。
Atlasttwofellowscametosaythatthefeastwasreadyspread，soRobin，leadinghisguestswitheitherhand，broughtthemtowheregreatsmokingdishesthatsentsavorysmellsfarandnearstoodalongthewhitelinenclothspreadonthegrass。Allaroundwasaglareoftorchesthatliteverythingupwitharedlight。
Then，straightwaysittingdown，allfelltowithnoiseandhubbub，therattlingofplattersblendingwiththesoundofloudtalkingandlaughter。Alongtimethefeastlasted，butatlastallwasover，andthebrightwineandhummingalepassedbriskly。
ThenRobinHoodcalledaloudforsilence，andallwashushedtillhespoke。
"Ihaveastorytotellyouall，solistentowhatIhavetosay，"
quothhe；whereupon，withoutmoreado，hetoldthemallaboutSirRichard，andhowhislandswereinpawn。But，ashewenton，theBishop'sface，thathaderstbeensmilingandruddywithmerriment，waxedserious，andheputasidethehornofwineheheldinhishand，forheknewthestoryofSirRichard，andhisheartsankwithinhimwithgrimforebodings。
Then，whenRobinHoodhaddone，heturnedtotheBishopofHereford。"Now，myLordBishop，"saidhe，"dostthounotthinkthisisilldoneofanyone，muchmoreofachurchman，whoshouldliveinhumblenessandcharity？"
TothistheBishopanswerednotawordbutlookeduponthegroundwithmoodyeyes。
QuothRobin，"Now，thouarttherichestbishopinallEngland；
canstthounothelpthisneedybrother？"ButstilltheBishopanswerednotaword。
ThenRobinturnedtoLittleJohn，andquothhe，"GothouandWillStutelyandbringforththosefivepackhorsesyonder。"
Whereuponthetwoyeomendidastheywerebidden，thoseabouttheclothmakingroomonthegreen，wherethelightwasbrightest，forthefivehorseswhichLittleJohnandWillStutelypresentlyledforward。
"Whohaththescoreofthegoods？"askedRobinHood，lookingattheBlackFriars。
Thenupspakethesmallestofall，inatremblingvoice——
anoldmanhewas，withagentle，wrinkledface。
"ThathaveI；but，Ipraythee，harmmenot。"
"Nay，"quothRobin，"Ihaveneverharmedharmlessmanyet；
butgiveittome，goodfather。"Sotheoldmandidashewasbidden，andhandedRobinthetabletonwhichwasmarkeddowntheaccountofthevariouspackagesuponthehorses。
ThisRobinhandedtoWillScarlet，biddinghimtoreadthesame。
SoWillScarlet，liftinghisvoicethatallmighthear，began：
"ThreebalesofsilktoQuentin，themerceratAncaster。"
"Thatwetouchnot，"quothRobin，"forthisQuentinisanhonestfellow，whohathrisenbyhisownthrift。"
Sothebalesofsilkwerelaidasideunopened。
"OnebaleofsilkvelvetfortheAbbeyofBeaumont。"
"Whatdothesepriestswantofsilkvelvet？"
quothRobin。"Nevertheless，thoughtheyneeditnot，Iwillnottakeallfromthem。Measureitoffintothreelots，onetobesoldforcharity，oneforus，andonefortheabbey。"
Sothis，too，wasdoneasRobinHoodbade。
"TwoscoreofgreatwaxcandlesfortheChapelofSaintThomas。"
"Thatbelongethfairlytothechapel，"quothRobin，"solayittooneside。
FarbeitfromustotakefromtheblessedSaintThomasthatwhichbelongethtohim。"Sothis，also，wasdoneaccordingtoRobin'sbidding，andthecandleswerelaidtooneside，alongwithhonestQuentin'sunopenedbalesofsilk。Sothelistwasgonethroughwith，andthegoodsadjudgedaccordingtowhatRobinthoughtmostfit。
Somethingswerelaidasideuntouched，andmanywereopenedanddividedintothreeequalparts，forcharity，forthemselves，andfortheowners。
Andnowallthegroundinthetorchlightwascoveredoverwithsilksandvelvetsandclothsofgoldandcasesofrichwines，andsotheycametothelastlineuponthetablet——"AboxbelongingtotheLordBishopofHereford。"
AtthesewordstheBishopshookaswithachill，andtheboxwassetupontheground。
"MyLordBishop，hastthouthekeyofthisbox？"askedRobin。
TheBishopshookhishead。
"Go，WillScarlet，"saidRobin，"thouartthestrongestmanhere——
bringaswordstraightway，andcutthisboxopen，ifthoucanst。"
ThenuproseWillScarletandleftthem，comingbackinashorttime，bearingagreattwo-handedsword。Thricehesmotethatstrong，ironboundbox，andatthethirdblowitburstopenandagreatheapofgoldcamerollingforth，gleamingredinthelightofthetorches。
Atthissightamurmurwentallaroundamongtheband，likethesoundofthewindindistanttrees；butnomancameforwardnortouchedthemoney。
QuothRobin，"Thou，WillScarlet，thou，AllanaDale，andthou，LittleJohn，countitover。"
Alongtimeittooktocountallthemoney，andwhenithadbeendulyscoredup，WillScarletcalledoutthattherewerefifteenhundredgoldenpoundsinall。Butinamongthegoldtheyfoundapaper，andthisWillScarletreadinaloudvoice，andallheardthatthismoneywastherentalandfinesandforfeitsfromcertainestatesbelongingtotheBishopricofHereford。
"MyLordBishop，"saidRobinHood，"Iwillnotstripthee，asLittleJohnsaid，likeawinterhedge，forthoushalttakebackonethirdofthymoney。Onethirdofitthoucanstwellsparetousforthyentertainmentandthatofthytrain，forthouartveryrich；onethirdofitthoucanstbetterspareforcharity，for，Bishop，Ihearthatthouartahardmastertothosebeneaththeeandaclosehoarderofgainsthatthoucouldstbetterandwithmorecredittothyselfgivetocharitythanspenduponthyownlikings。"
AtthistheBishoplookedup，buthecouldsayneveraword；
yethewasthankfultokeepsomeofhiswealth。
ThenRobinturnedtoSirRichardoftheLea，andquothhe，"Now，SirRichard，thechurchseemedliketodespoilthee，thereforesomeoftheoverplusofchurchgainsmaywellbeusedinaidingthee。ThoushalttakethatfivehundredpoundslaidasideforpeoplemoreinneedthantheBishopis，andshaltpaythydebtstoEmmettherewith。"
SirRichardlookedatRobinuntilsomethingaroseinhiseyesthatmadeallthelightsandthefacesblurtogether。
Atlasthesaid，"Ithankthee，friend，frommyheart，forwhatthoudoestforme；yet，thinknotillifIcannottakethygiftfreely。
ButthisIwilldo：Iwilltakethemoneyandpaymydebts，andinayearandadayhencewillreturnitsafeeithertotheeortotheLordBishopofHereford。ForthisIpledgemymostsolemnknightlyword。Ifeelfreetoborrow，forIknownomanthatshouldbemoreboundtoaidmethanonesohighinthatchurchthathathdrivensuchahardbargain。""Truly，SirKnight，"
quothRobin，"Idonotunderstandthosefinescruplesthatweighwiththoseofthykind；but，nevertheless，itshallallbeasthoudostwish。Butthouhadstbestbringthemoneytomeattheendoftheyear，formayhapImaymakebetteruseofitthantheBishop。"Thereupon，turningtothosenearhim，hegavehisorders，andfivehundredpoundswerecountedoutandtiedupinaleathernbagforSirRichard。Therestofthetreasurewasdivided，andparttakentothetreasurehouseoftheband，andpartputbywiththeotherthingsfortheBishop。
ThenSirRichardarose。"Icannotstaylater，goodfriends，"
saidhe，"formyladywillwaxanxiousifIcomenothome；
soIcraveleavetodepart。"
ThenRobinHoodandallhismerrymenarose，andRobinsaid，"Wecannotlettheegohenceunattended，SirRichard。"
ThenupspakeLittleJohn，"Goodmaster，letmechooseascoreofstoutfellowsfromtheband，andletusarmourselvesinaseemlymannerandsoserveasretainerstoSirRichardtillhecangetothersinourstead。"
"Thouhastspokenwell，LittleJohn，anditshallbedone，"saidRobin。
ThenupspakeWillScarlet，"Letusgivehimagoldenchaintohangabouthisneck，suchasbefitsoneofhisblood，andalsogoldenspurstowearathisheels。"
ThenRobinHoodsaid，"Thouhastspokenwell，WillScarlet，anditshallbedone。"
ThenupspakeWillStutely，"LetusgivehimyonbaleofrichvelvetandyonrollofclothofgoldtotakehometohisnobleladywifeasapresentfromRobinHoodandhismerrymenall。"
Atthisallclappedtheirhandsforjoy，andRobinsaid：
"Thouhastwellspoken，WillStutely，anditshallbedone。"
ThenSirRichardoftheLealookedallaroundandstrovetospeak，butcouldscarcelydosoforthefeelingsthatchokedhim；atlasthesaidinahusky，tremblingvoice，"Yeshallallsee，goodfriends，thatSirRichardo'theLeawilleverrememberyourkindnessthisday。
Andifyebeatanytimeindireneedortrouble，cometomeandmylady，andthewallsofCastleLeashallbebattereddownereharmshallbefallyou。I——"Hecouldsaynothingfurther，butturnedhastilyaway。
ButnowLittleJohnandnineteenstoutfellowswhomhehadchosenforhisband，cameforthallreadyforthejourney。
Eachmanworeuponhisbreastacoatoflinkedmail，andonhisheadacapofsteel，andathissideagoodstoutsword。
Agallantshowtheymadeastheystoodallinarow。
ThenRobincameandthrewachainofgoldaboutSirRichard'sneck，andWillScarletkneltandbuckledthegoldenspursuponhisheel；andnowLittleJohnledforwardSirRichard'shorse，andtheKnightmounted。HelookeddownatRobinforalittletime，thenofasuddenstoopedandkissedhischeek。
AlltheforestgladesrangwiththeshoutthatwentupastheKnightandtheyeomenmarchedoffthroughthewoodlandwithglareoftorchesandgleamofsteel，andsoweregone。
ThenupspaketheBishopofHerefordinamournfulvoice，"I，too，mustbejogging，goodfellow，forthenightwaxeslate。"
ButRobinlaidhishandupontheBishop'sarmandstayedhim。
"Benotsohasty，LordBishop，"saidhe。"ThreedayshenceSirRichardmustpayhisdebtstoEmmet；untilthattimethoumustbecontenttoabidewithmelestthoubreedtroublefortheKnight。Ipromisetheethatthoushalthavegreatsport，forIknowthatthouartfondofhuntingthedundeer。Laybythymantleofmelancholy，andstrivetoleadajoyousyeomanlifeforthreestoutdays。
Ipromisetheethoushaltbesorrytogowhenthetimehascome。"
SotheBishopandhistrainabidedwithRobinforthreedays，andmuchsporthislordshiphadinthattime，sothat，asRobinhadsaid，whenthetimehadcomeforhimtogohewassorrytoleavethegreenwood。
AttheendofthreedaysRobinsethimfree，andsenthimforthfromtheforestwithaguardofyeomentokeepfreebootersfromtakingwhatwasleftofthepacksandbundles。
But，astheBishoprodeaway，hevowedwithinhimselfthathewouldsometimemakeRobinruethedaythathestoppedhiminSherwood。
ButnowweshallfollowSirRichard；solisten，andyoushallhearwhatbefellhim，andhowhepaidhisdebtsatEmmetPriory，andlikewiseindueseasontoRobinHood。
HowSirRichardoftheLeaPaidHisDebtsTHELONGHIGHWAYstretchedstraighton，grayanddustyinthesun。
Oneithersideweredikesfullofwaterborderedbyosiers，andfarawayinthedistancestoodthetowersofEmmetPriorywithtallpoplartreesaround。
Alongthecausewayrodeaknightwithascoreofstoutmen-at-armsbehindhim。TheKnightwascladinaplain，longrobeofgrayserge，gatheredinatthewaistwithabroadleathernbelt，fromwhichhungalongdaggerandastoutsword。
Butthoughhewassoplainlydressedhimself，thehorseherodewasanoblebarb，anditstrappingswererichwithsilkandsilverbells。
Sothusthebandjourneyedalongthecausewaybetweenthedikes，tillatlasttheyreachedthegreatgateofEmmetPriory。TheretheKnightcalledtooneofhismenandbadehimknockattheporter'slodgewiththeheftofhissword。
Theporterwasdrowsingonhisbenchwithinthelodge，butattheknockherousedhimselfand，openingthewicket，camehobblingforthandgreetedtheKnight，whileatamestarlingthathunginawickercagewithinpipedout，"_Incoeloquies！
Incoeloquies！_"suchbeingthewordsthatthepooroldlameporterhadtaughthimtospeak。
"Whereisthyprior？"askedtheKnightoftheoldporter。
"Heisatmeat，goodknight，andhelookethforthycoming，"
quoththeporter，"for，ifImistakenot，thouartSirRichardoftheLea。"
"IamSirRichardoftheLea；thenIwillgoseekhimforthwith，"
saidtheKnight。
"ButshallInotsendthyhorsetostable？"saidtheporter。
"ByOurLady，itisthenoblestnag，andthebestharnessed，thate'erIsawinallmylifebefore。"Andhestrokedthehorse'sflankwithhispalm。
"Nay，"quothSirRichard，"thestablesofthisplacearenotforme，somakeway，Iprythee。"Sosaying，hepushedforward，and，thegatesbeingopened，heenteredthestonycourtyardofthePriory，hismenbehindhim。
Intheycamewithrattleofsteelandclashingofswords，andringofhorses'
feetoncobblestones，whereataflockofpigeonsthatstruttedinthesunflewwithflappingwingstothehigheavesoftheroundtowers。
WhiletheKnightwasridingalongthecausewaytoEmmet，amerryfeastwastowardintherefectorythere。Theafternoonsunstreamedinthroughthegreatarchedwindowsandlayinbroadsquaresoflightuponthestonefloorandacrosstheboardcoveredwithasnowylinencloth，whereonwasspreadaprincelyfeast。
AttheheadofthetablesatPriorVincentofEmmetallcladinsoftrobesoffineclothandsilk；onhisheadwasablackvelvetcappickedoutwithgold，andaroundhisneckhungaheavychainofgold，withagreatlocketpendanttherefrom。
Besidehim，onthearmofhisgreatchair，roostedhisfavoritefalcon，forthePriorwasfondofthegentlecraftofhawking。
OnhisrighthandsattheSheriffofNottinghaminrichrobesofpurplealltrimmedaboutwithfur，andonhisleftafamousdoctoroflawindarkandsobergarb。BelowthesesatthehighcellarerofEmmet，andotherschiefamongthebrethren。
Jestandlaughterpassedaround，andallwasasmerryasmerrycouldbe。
Thewizenedfaceofthemanoflawwastwistedintoawrinkledsmile，forinhispouchwerefourscoregoldenangelsthatthePriorhadpaidhiminfeeforthecasebetwixthimandSirRichardoftheLea。Thelearneddoctorhadbeenpaidbeforehand，forhehadnotovermuchtrustintheholyVincentofEmmet。
QuoththeSheriffofNottingham，"Butartthousure，SirPrior，thatthouhastthelandssosafe？"
"Ay，marry，"saidPriorVincent，smackinghislipsafteradeepdraughtofwine，"Ihavekeptaclosewatchuponhim，albeithewasunawaresofthesame，andIknowrightwellthathehathnomoneytopaymewithal。"
"Ay，true，"saidthemanoflawinadry，huskyvoice，"hislandissurelyforfeitifhecomethnottopay；but，SirPrior，thoumustgetareleasebeneathhissignmanual，orelsethoucanstnothopetoholdthelandwithouttroublefromhim。"
"Yea，"saidthePrior，"sothouhasttoldmeerenow，butIknowthatthisknightissopoorthathewillgladlysignawayhislandsfortwohundredpoundsofhardmoney。
Thenupspakethehighcellarer，"Methinksitisashametosodriveamisfortunateknighttotheditch。IthinkitsorrowthatthenoblestestateinDerbyshireshouldsopassawayfromhimforapaltryfivehundredpounds。Truly，I——"
"Hownow，"brokeinthePriorinaquiveringvoice，hiseyesglisteningandhischeeksredwithanger，"dostthoupratetomyverybeard，sirrah？
BySaintHubert，thouhadstbestsavethybreathtocoolthypottage，elseitmayscaldthymouth。"
"Nay，"saidthemanoflawsmoothly，"Idareswearthissameknightwillnevercometosettlementthisday，butwillproverecreant。
Nevertheless，wewillseeksomemeanstogainhislandsfromhim，soneverfear。"
Butevenasthedoctorspoke，therecameasuddenclatterofhorses'
hoofsandajingleofironmailinthecourtyardbelow。
ThenupspakethePriorandcalledupononeofthebrethrenthatsatbelowthesalt，andbadehimlookoutofthewindowandseewhowasbelow，albeitheknewrightwellitcouldbenonebutSirRichard。
Sothebrotheraroseandwentandlooked，andhesaid，"Iseebelowascoreofstoutmen-at-armsandaknightjustdismountingfromhishorse。
Heisdressedinlongrobesofgraywhich，methinks，areofpoorseeming；
butthehorseheridethuponhaththerichestcoursingthateverIsaw。
TheKnightdismountsandtheycomethisway，andareevennowbelowinthegreathall。"
"Lo，seeyetherenow，"quothPriorVincent。"Hereyehaveaknightwithsoleanapurseasscarcetobuyhimacrustofbreadtomunch，yethekeepsabandofretainersandputsrichtrappingsuponhishorse'shide，whilehisownbackgoethbare。
Isitnotwellthatsuchmenshouldbebroughtlow？"
"Butartthousure，"saidthelittledoctortremulously，"thatthisknightwilldousnoharm？Suchashearefiercewhencrossed，andhehathabandofnaughtymenathisheels。
Mayhapthouhadstbettergiveanextensionofhisdebt。"
Thushespake，forhewasafraidSirRichardmightdohimaharm。
"Thouneedstnotfear，"saidthePrior，lookingdownatthelittlemanbesidehim。"Thisknightisgentleandwouldassoonthinkofharminganoldwomanasthee。"
AsthePriorfinished，adooratthelowerendoftherefectoryswungopen，andincameSirRichard，withfoldedhandsandheadboweduponhisbreast。
Thushumblyhewalkedslowlyupthehall，whilehismen-at-armsstoodaboutthedoor。WhenhehadcometowherethePriorsat，hekneltupononeknee。
"Saveandkeepthee，SirPrior，"saidhe，"Iamcometokeepmyday。"
ThenthefirstwordthatthePriorsaidtohimwas"Hastthoubroughtmymoney？"
"Alas！Ihavenotsomuchasonepennyuponmybody，"saidtheKnight；
whereatthePrior'seyessparkled。
"Now，thouartashrewddebtor，Iwot，"saidhe。
Then，"SirSheriff，Idrinktothee。"
ButstilltheKnightkneeleduponthehardstones，sothePriorturnedtohimagain。"Whatwouldstthouhave？"quothhesharply。
Atthesewords，aslowredmountedintotheKnight'scheeks；
butstillheknelt。"Iwouldcravethymercy，"saidhe。
"AsthouhopestforHeaven'smercy，showmercytome。
Stripmenotofmylandsandsoreduceatrueknighttopoverty。"
"Thydayisbrokenandthylandsforfeit，"saidthemanoflaw，pluckinguphisspiritsattheKnight'shumblespeech。
QuothSirRichard，"Thoumanoflaw，wiltthounotbefriendmeinminehourofneed？"
"Nay，"saidtheother，"IholdwiththisholyPrior，whohathpaidmemyfeesinhardgold，sothatIamboundertohim。"
"Wiltthounotbemyfriend，SirSheriff？"saidSirRichard。
"Nay，'foreHeaven，"quoththeSheriffofNottingham，"thisisnobusinessofmine，yetIwilldowhatImay，"
andhenudgedthePriorbeneaththeclothwithhisknee。
"Wiltthounoteasehimofsomeofhisdebts，SirPrior？"
AtthisthePriorsmiledgrimly。"Paymethreehundredpounds，SirRichard，"
saidhe，"andIwillgivetheequittanceofthydebt。"
"Thouknowest，SirPrior，thatitisaseasyformetopayfourhundredpoundsasthreehundred，"saidSirRichard。"Butwiltthounotgivemeanothertwelvemonthtopaymydebt？"
"Notanotherday，"saidthePriorsternly。
"Andisthisallthouwiltdoforme？"askedtheKnight。
"Now，outuponthee，falseknight！"criedthePrior，burstingforthinanger。
"EitherpaythydebtasIhavesaid，orreleasethylandandgettheegonefromoutmyhall。"
ThenSirRichardarosetohisfeet。"Thoufalse，lyingpriest！"
saidheinsosternavoicethatthemanoflawshrunkaffrighted，"Iamnofalseknight，asthouknowestfullwell，buthaveevenheldmyplaceinthepressandthetourney。Hastthousolittlecourtesythatthouwouldstseeatrueknightkneelforallthistime，orseehimcomeintothyhallandneverofferhimmeatordrink？"
Thenquoththemanoflawinatremblingvoice，"Thisissurelyanillwaytotalkofmattersappertainingtobusiness；letusbemildinspeech。
Whatwiltthoupaythisknight，SirPrior，togivetheereleaseofhisland？"
"Iwouldhavegivenhimtwohundredpounds，"quoththePrior，"butsincehehathspokensovilelytomyteeth，notonegroatoveronehundredpoundswillheget。"
"Hadstthouofferedmeathousandpounds，falseprior，"
saidtheKnight，"thouwouldstnothavegotaninchofmyland。"
Thenturningtowherehismen-at-armsstoodnearthedoor，hecalled，"Comehither，"andbeckonedwithhisfinger；whereuponthetallestofthemallcameforwardandhandedhimalongleathernbag。
SirRichardtookthebagandshotfromituponthetableaglitteringstreamofgoldenmoney。"Bearinmind，SirPrior，"saidhe，"thatthouhastpromisedmequittanceforthreehundredpounds。
Notonefarthingabovethatshaltthouget。"Sosaying，hecountedoutthreehundredpoundsandpushedittowardthePrior。
ButnowthePrior'shandsdroppedathissidesandthePrior'sheadhunguponhisshoulder，fornotonlyhadhelostallhopesoftheland，buthehadforgiventheKnightonehundredpoundsofhisdebtandhadneedlesslypaidthemanoflawfourscoreangels。
Tohimheturned，andquothhe，"Givemebackmymoneythatthouhast。"
"Nay，"criedtheothershrilly，"itisbutmyfeethatthoudidstpayme，andthougettestitnotbackagain。"
Andhehuggedhisgownabouthim。
"Now，SirPrior，"quothSirRichard，"Ihaveheldmydayandpaidalltheduesdemandedofme；so，asthereisnomorebetwixtus，Ileavethisvileplacestraightway。"
Sosaying，heturneduponhisheelandstrodeaway。
AllthistimetheSheriffhadbeenstaringwithwide-openeyesandmouthagapeatthetallman-at-arms，whostoodasthoughcarvedoutofstone。
Atlasthegaspedout，"ReynoldGreenleaf！"
Atthis，thetallman-at-arms，whowasnootherthanLittleJohn，turned，grinning，totheSheriff。"Igivetheegoodden，fairgossip，"quothhe。
"Iwouldsay，sweetSheriff，thatIhaveheardallthyprettytalkthisday，anditshallbedulytolduntoRobinHood。So，farewellforthenonce，tillwemeetagaininSherwoodForest。"Thenhe，also，turnedandfollowedSirRicharddownthehall，leavingtheSheriff，allpaleandamazed，shrunktogetheruponhischair。
AmerryfeastitwastowhichSirRichardcame，butasorrylotheleftbehindhim，andlittlehungerhadtheyfortheprincelyfoodspreadbeforethem。
Onlythelearneddoctorwashappy，forhehadhisfee。
NowatwelvemonthandadaypassedsincePriorVincentofEmmetsatatfeast，andoncemorethemellowfallofanotheryearhadcome。
Buttheyearhadbroughtgreatchange，Iwot，tothelandsofSirRichardoftheLea；for，wherebeforeshaggywildgrassesgrewuponthemeadowlands，nowallstretchawayingoldenstubble，betokeningthatarichandplentifulcrophadbeengatheredtherefrom。
Ayearhadmadeagreatchangeinthecastle，also，for，wherewereemptymoatsandthecrumblingofneglect，allwasnoworderlyandwellkept。
Brightshonethesunonbattlementandtower，andintheblueairoverheadaHockofclatteringjackdawsflewaroundthegildedweathervaneandspire。Then，inthebrightnessofthemorning，thedrawbridgefellacrossthemoatwitharattleandclankofchains，thegateofthecastleswungslowlyopen，andagoodlyarrayofsteel-cladmen-at-arms，withaknightallclothedinchainmail，aswhiteasfrostonbrierandthornofawintermorning，cameflashingoutfromthecastlecourtyard。
InhishandtheKnightheldagreatspear，fromthepointofwhichflutteredablood-redpennantasbroadasthepalmofone'shand。
Sothistroopcameforthfromthecastle，andinthemidstofthemwalkedthreepackhorsesladenwithparcelsofdiversshapesandkinds。
ThusrodeforthgoodSirRichardoftheLeatopayhisdebttoRobinHoodthisbrightandmerrymorn。
Alongthehighwaytheywendedtheirway，withmeasuredtrampoffeetandrattleandjingleofswordandharness。
OnwardtheymarchedtilltheycamenightoDenby，where，fromthetopofahill，theysaw，overbeyondthetown，manygayflagsandstreamersfloatinginthebrightair。
ThenSirRichardturnedtotheman-at-armsnearesttohim。
"WhatistowardyonderatDenbytoday？"quothhe。
"PleaseYourWorship，"answeredtheman-at-arms，"amerryfairisheldtheretoday，andagreatwrestlingmatch，towhichmanyfolkhavecome，foraprizehathbeenofferedofapipeofredwine，afairgoldenring，andapairofgloves，allofwhichgotothebestwrestler。"
"Now，bymyfaith，"quothSirRichard，wholovedgoodmanlysportsrightwell，"thiswillbeagoodlythingtosee。Methinkswehavetostayalittlewhileonourjourney，andseethismerrysport。"
Soheturnedhishorse'sheadasidetowardDenbyandthefair，andthitherheandhismenmadetheirway。
Theretheyfoundagreathubbubofmerriment。Flagsandstreamerswerefloating，tumblersweretumblingonthegreen，bagpipeswereplaying，andladsandlassesweredancingtothemusic。Butthecrowdweregatheredmostofallaroundaringwherethewrestlingwasgoingforward，andthitherSirRichardandhismenturnedtheirsteps。
NowwhenthejudgesofthewrestlingsawSirRichardcomingandknewwhohewas，thechiefofthemcamedownfromthebenchwhereheandtheotherssat，andwenttotheKnightandtookhimbythehand，beseechinghimtocomeandsitwiththemandjudgethesport。
SoSirRichardgotdownfromhishorseandwentwiththeotherstothebenchraisedbesidethering。
Nowtherehadbeengreatdoingsthatmorning，foracertainyeomannamedEgbert，whocamefromStokeoverinStaffordshire，hadthrownwitheaseallthosethatcameagainsthim；butamanofDenby，wellknownthroughallthecountrysideasWilliamoftheScar，hadbeenbidinghistimewiththeStokeman；so，whenEgberthadthrowneveryoneelse，stoutWilliamleapedintothering。
Thenatoughboutfollowed，andatlasthethrewEgbertheavily，whereattherewasagreatshoutingandshakingofhands，foralltheDenbymenwereproudoftheirwrestler。
WhenSirRichardcame，hefoundstoutWilliam，puffedupbytheshoutsofhisfriends，walkingupanddownthering，daringanyonetocomeandtryathrowwithhim。"Comeone，comeall！"
quothhe。"HerestandI，WilliamoftheScar，againstanyman。
IfthereisnoneinDerbyshiretocomeagainstme，comeallwhowill，fromNottingham，Stafford，orYork，andifIdonotmakethemoneandallrootthegroundwiththeirnoseslikeswineintheforests，callmenomorebraveWilliamthewrestler。"
Atthisalllaughed；butaboveallthelaughteraloudvoicewasheardtocryout，"Sin'thoutalkestsobig，herecomethonefromNottinghamshiretotryafallwiththee，fellow"；andstraightwayatallyouthwithatoughquarterstaffinhishandcamepushinghiswaythroughthecrowdandatlastleapedlightlyovertheropeintothering。
HewasnotasheavyasstoutWilliam，buthewastallerandbroaderintheshoulders，andallhisjointswerewellknit。
SirRichardlookeduponhimkeenly，then，turningtooneofthejudges，hesaid，"Knowestthouwhothisyouthis？
MethinksIhaveseenhimbefore。"
"Nay，"saidthejudge，"heisastrangertome。"
Meantime，withoutaword，theyoungman，layingasidehisquarterstaff，begantotakeoffhisjerkinandbodyclothinguntilhepresentlystoodwithnakedarmsandbody；andacomelysighthewaswhensobaredtotheview，forhismuscleswerecutroundandsmoothandsharplikeswift-runningwater。
Andnoweachmanspatuponhishandsand，clappingthemuponhisknees，squatteddown，watchingtheotherkeenly，soastotakethevantageofhiminthegrip。