Thenlikeaflashtheyleapedtogether，andagreatshoutwentup，forWilliamhadgottenthebetterholdofthetwo。
　　Forashorttimetheystrainedandstruggledandwrithed，andthenstoutWilliamgavehismostcunningtripandthrow，butthestrangermetitwithgreaterskillthanhis，andsothetripcametonought。Then，ofasudden，withatwistandawrench，thestrangerloosedhimself，andheofthescarfoundhimselflockedinapairofarmsthatfairlymadehisribscrack。So，withheavy，hotbreathing，theystoodforawhilestraining，theirbodiesallglisteningwithsweat，andgreatdropsofsweattricklingdowntheirfaces。
　　Butthestranger'shugwassoclosethatatlaststoutWilliam'smusclessoftenedunderhisgrip，andhegaveasob。
　　Thentheyouthputforthallhisstrengthandgaveasuddentripwithhisheelandacastoverhisrighthip，anddownstoutWilliamwent，withasickeningthud，andlayasthoughhewouldnevermovehandnorfootagain。
　　Butnownoshoutwentupforthestranger，butanangrymurmurwasheardamongthecrowd，soeasilyhadhewonthematch。
　　Thenoneofthejudges，akinsmantoWilliamoftheScar，rosewithtremblinglipandbalefullook。Quothhe，"Ifthouhathslainthatmanitwillgoillwiththee，letmetellthee，fellow。"Butthestrangeransweredboldly，"HetookhischancewithmeasItookminewithhim。
　　Nolawcantouchmetoharmme，evenifIslewhim，sothatitwasfairlydoneinthewrestlingring。"
　　"Thatweshallsee，"saidthejudge，scowlingupontheyouth，whileoncemoreanangrymurmurranaroundthecrowd；for，asI
　　havesaid，themenofDenbywereproudofstoutWilliamoftheScar。
　　ThenupspokeSirRichardgently。"Nay，"saidhe，"theyouthisright；
　　iftheotherdieth，hediethinthewrestlingring，wherehetookhischance，andwascastfairlyenow。"
　　ButinthemeantimethreemenhadcomeforwardandliftedstoutWilliamfromthegroundandfoundthathewasnotdead，thoughbadlyshakenbyhisheavyfall。Thenthechiefjudgeroseandsaid，"Youngman，theprizeisdulythine。
　　Hereisthered-goldring，andherethegloves，andyonderstandsthepipeofwinetodowithwhatsoeverthoudostlist。"
　　Atthis，theyouth，whohaddonnedhisclothesandtakenuphisstaffagain，bowedwithoutaword，then，takingtheglovesandthering，andthrustingtheoneintohisgirdleandslippingtheotheruponhisthumb，heturnedand，leapinglightlyovertheropesagain，madehiswaythroughthecrowd，andwasgone。
　　"Now，Iwonderwhoyonyouthmaybe，"saidthejudge，turningtoSirRichard，"heseemethlikeastoutSaxonfromhisredcheeksandfairhair。
　　ThisWilliamofoursisastoutman，too，andneverhaveIseenhimcastintheringbefore，albeithehathnotyetstrivenwithsuchgreatwrestlersasThomasofCornwall，DicconofYork，andyoungDavidofDoncaster。Hathhenotafirmfootinthering，thinkestthou，SirRichard？"
　　"Ay，truly，andyetthisyouththrewhimfairly，andwithwondrousease。
　　Imuchwonderwhohecanbe。"ThussaidSirRichardinathoughtfulvoice。
　　ForatimetheKnightstoodtalkingtothoseabouthim，butatlasthearoseandmadereadytodepart，sohecalledhismenabouthimand，tighteningthegirthsofhissaddle，hemountedhishorseoncemore。
　　Meanwhiletheyoungstrangerhadmadehiswaythroughthecrowd，but，ashepassed，heheardallaroundhimsuchwordsmutteredas"Lookatthecockerel！""Beholdhowheplumethhimself！"
　　"IdareswearhecastgoodWilliamunfairly！""Yea，truly，sawyenotbirdlimeuponhishands？""Itwouldbewelltocuthiscock'scomb！"Toallthisthestrangerpaidnoheed，butstrodeproudlyaboutasthoughhehearditnot。
　　Sohewalkedslowlyacrossthegreentowheretheboothstoodwhereinwasdancing，andstandingatthedoorhelookedinonthesport。
　　Ashestoodthus，astonestruckhisarmofasuddenwithasharpjar，and，turning，hesawthatanangrycrowdofmenhadfollowedhimfromthewrestlingring。Then，whentheysawhimturnso，agreathootingandyellingarosefromall，sothatthefolkcamerunningoutfromthedancingboothtoseewhatwastodo。
　　Atlastatall，broad-shouldered，burlyblacksmithstrodeforwardfromthecrowdswingingamightyblackthornclubinhishand。
　　"WouldstthoucomeheretoourfairtownofDenby，thouJackintheBox，toovercomeagoodhonestladwithvile，jugglingtricks？"
　　growledheinadeepvoicelikethebellowofanangrybull。
　　"Takethat，then！"Andofasuddenhestruckablowattheyouththatmighthavefelledanox。Buttheotherturnedtheblowdeftlyaside，andgavebackanothersoterriblethattheDenbymanwentdownwithagroan，asthoughhehadbeensmittenbylightning。
　　Whentheysawtheirleaderfall，thecrowdgaveanotherangryshout；
　　butthestrangerplacedhisbackagainstthetentnearwhichhestood，swinginghisterriblestaff，andsofellhadbeentheblowthathestruckthestoutsmiththatnonedaredtocomewithinthemeasureofhiscudgel，sothepresscrowdedback，likeapackofdogsfromabearatbay。
　　Butnowsomecowardhandfrombehindthrewasharpjaggedstonethatsmotethestrangeronthecrown，sothathestaggeredback，andtheredbloodgushedfromthecutandrandownhisfaceandoverhisjerkin。
　　Then，seeinghimdazedwiththisvileblow，thecrowdrusheduponhim，sothattheyoverborehimandhefellbeneaththeirfeet。
　　Nowitmighthavegoneillwiththeyouth，eventothelosingofhisyounglife，hadnotSirRichardcometothisfair；
　　forofasudden，shoutswereheard，andsteelflashedintheair，andblowsweregivenwiththeflatofswords，whilethroughthemidstofthecrowdSirRichardoftheLeacamespurringonhiswhitehorse。
　　Thenthecrowd，seeingthesteel-cladknightandthearmedmen，meltedawaylikesnowonthewarmhearth，leavingtheyoungmanallbloodyanddustyupontheground。
　　Findinghimselffree，theyoutharoseand，wipingthebloodfromhisface，lookedup。Quothhe，"SirRichardoftheLea，mayhapthouhastsavedmylifethisday。"
　　"WhoartthouthatknowestSirRichardoftheLeasowell？"
　　quoththeKnight。"MethinksIhaveseenthyfacebefore，youngman。"
　　"Yea，thouhast，"saidtheyouth，"formencallmeDavidofDoncaster。"
　　"Ha！"saidSirRichard，"IwonderthatIknewtheenot，David；
　　butthybeardhathgrownlonger，andthouthyselfartmoresetinmanhoodsincethisdaytwelvemonth。Comehitherintothetent，David，andwashthebloodfromthyface。
　　Andthou，Ralph，bringhimstraightwayacleanjerkin。
　　NowIamsorryforthee，yetIamrightgladthatIhavehadachancetopayapartofmydebtofkindnesstothygoodmasterRobinHood，foritmighthavegoneillwiththeehadInotcome，youngman。"
　　Sosaying，theKnightledDavidintothetent，andtheretheyouthwashedthebloodfromhisfaceandputonthecleanjerkin。
　　InthemeantimeawhisperhadgonearoundfromthosethatstoodnearestthatthiswasnoneotherthanthegreatDavidofDoncaster，thebestwrestlerinallthemid-country，whoonlylastspringhadcaststoutAdamo'LincolnintheringatSelby，inYorkshire，andnowheldthemid-countrychampionbelt，ThusithappenedthatwhenyoungDavidcameforthfromthetentalongwithSirRichard，thebloodallwashedfromhisface，andhissoiledjerkinchangedforacleanone，nosoundsofangerwereheard，butallpressedforwardtoseetheyoungman，feelingproudthatoneofthegreatwrestlersofEnglandshouldhaveenteredtheringatDenbyfair。
　　Forthusfickleisamassofmen。
　　ThenSirRichardcalledaloud，"Friends，thisisDavidofDoncaster；
　　sothinkitnoshamethatyourDenbymanwascastbysuchawrestler。
　　Hebearethyounoillwillforwhathathpassed，butletitbeawarningtoyouhowyetreatstrangershenceforth。Hadyeslainhimitwouldhavebeenanilldayforyou，forRobinHoodwouldhaveharriedyourtownasthekestrelharriesthedovecote。Ihaveboughtthepipeofwinefromhim，andnowIgiveitfreelytoyoutodrinkasyelist。
　　Butneverhereafterwardfalluponamanforbeingastoutyeoman。"
　　Atthisallshoutedamain；butintruththeythoughtmoreofthewinethanoftheKnight'swords。ThenSirRichard，withDavidbesidehimandhismen-at-armsaround，turnedaboutandleftthefair。
　　Butinafterdays，whenthementhatsawthatwrestlingboutwerebentwithage，theywouldshaketheirheadswhentheyheardofanystalwartgame，andsay，"Ay，ay；butthoushouldsthaveseenthegreatDavidofDoncastercaststoutWilliamoftheScaratDenbyfair。"
　　RobinHoodstoodinthemerrygreenwoodwithLittleJohnandmostofhisstoutyeomenaroundhim，awaitingSirRichard'scoming。
　　Atlastaglintofsteelwasseenthroughthebrownforestleaves，andforthfromthecovertintotheopenrodeSirRichardattheheadofhismen。
　　HecamestraightforwardtoRobinHoodandleapingfromoffhishorse，claspedtheyeomaninhisarms。
　　"Why，hownow，"saidRobin，afteratime，holdingSirRichardoffandlookingathimfromtoptotoe，"methinksthouartagayerbirdthanwhenIsawtheelast。"
　　"Yes，thankstothee，Robin，"saidtheKnight，layinghishandupontheyeoman'sshoulder。"ButfortheeIwouldhavebeenwanderinginmiseryinafarcountrybythistime。ButIhavekeptmyword，Robin，andhavebroughtbackthemoneythatthoudidstlendme，andwhichI
　　havedoubledfourtimesoveragain，andsobecomerichoncemore。
　　AlongwiththismoneyIhavebroughtalittlegifttotheeandthybravemenfrommydearladyandmyself。"Then，turningtohismen，hecalledaloud，"Bringforththepackhorses。"
　　ButRobinstoppedhim。"Nay，SirRichard，"saidhe，"thinkitnotboldofmetocrossthybidding，butweofSherwooddonobusinesstillafterwehaveeatenanddrunk。"Whereupon，takingSirRichardbythehand，heledhimtotheseatbeneaththegreenwoodtree，whileothersofthechiefmenofthebandcameandseatedthemselvesaround。
　　ThenquothRobin，"HowcomethitthatIsawyoungDavidofDoncasterwiththeeandthymen，SirKnight？"
　　ThenstraightwaytheKnighttoldallabouthisstayatDenbyandofthehappeningatthefair，andhowitwasliketogohardwithyoungDavid；sohetoldhistale，andquothhe，"Itwasthis，goodRobin，thatkeptmesolateontheway，otherwiseIwouldhavebeenhereanhouragone。"
　　Then，whenhehaddonespeaking，RobinstretchedouthishandandgraspedtheKnight'spalm。Quothheinatremblingvoice，"IowetheeadebtIcanneverhopetorepay，SirRichard，forletmetellthee，IwouldratherlosemyrighthandthanhavesuchillbefallyoungDavidofDoncasterasseemedliketocomeuponhimatDenby。"
　　Sotheytalkeduntilafterawhileonecameforwardtosaythatthefeastwasspread；whereuponallaroseandwentthereto。
　　Whenatlastitwasdone，theKnightcalleduponhismentobringthepackhorsesforward，whichtheydidaccordingtohisbidding。
　　ThenoneofthemenbroughttheKnightastrongbox，whichheopenedandtookfromitabagandcountedoutfivehundredpounds，thesumhehadgottenfromRobin。
　　"SirRichard，"quothRobin，"thouwiltpleasureusallifthouwiltkeepthatmoneyasagiftfromusofSherwood。Isitnotso，mylads？"
　　Thenallshouted"Ay"withamightyvoice。
　　"Ithankyoualldeeply，"saidtheKnightearnestly，"butthinkitnotillofmeifIcannottakeit。GladlyhaveIborroweditfromyou，butitmaynotbethatIcantakeitasagift。"
　　ThenRobinHoodsaidnomorebutgavethemoneytoLittleJohntoputawayinthetreasury，forhehadshrewdnessenoughtoknowthatnoughtbreedsillwillandheartbitternesslikegiftsforcedupononethatcannotchoosebuttakethem。
　　ThenSirRichardhadthepackslaiduponthegroundandopened，whereuponagreatshoutwentupthatmadetheforestringagain，forlo，thereweretenscorebowsoffinestSpanishyew，allburnishedtilltheyshoneagain，andeachbowinlaidwithfancifulfiguresinsilver，yetnotinlaidsoastomartheirstrength。Besidetheseweretenscorequiversofleatherembroideredwithgoldenthread，andineachquiverwereascoreofshaftswithburnishedheadsthatshonelikesilver；
　　eachshaftwasfeatheredwithpeacock'splumes，innockedwithsilver。
　　SirRichardgavetoeachyeomanabowandaquiverofarrows，buttoRobinhegaveastoutbowinlaidwiththecunningestworkmanshipingold，whileeacharrowinhisquiverwasinnockedwithgold。
　　Thenallshoutedagainforjoyofthefairgift，andallsworeamongthemselvesthattheywoulddieifneedbeforSirRichardandhislady。
　　AtlastthetimecamewhenSirRichardmustgo，whereuponRobinHoodcalledhisbandaroundhim，andeachmanoftheyeomentookatorchinhishandtolightthewaythroughthewoodlands。
　　SotheycametotheedgeofSherwood，andtheretheKnightkissedRobinuponthecheeksandlefthimandwasgone。
　　ThusRobinHoodhelpedanobleknightoutofhisdiremisfortunes，thatelsewouldhavesmotheredthehappinessfromhislife。
　　LittleJohnTurnsBarefootFriarCOLDWINTERhadpassedandspringhadcome。Noleafythicknesshadyetcladthewoodlands，butthebuddingleaveshunglikeatendermistaboutthetrees。Intheopencountrythemeadowlandslayasheenygreen，thecornfieldsadarkvelvetycolor，fortheywerethickandsoftwiththegrowingblades。
　　Theplowboyshoutedinthesun，andinthepurplenew-turnedfurrowsflocksofbirdshuntedforfatworms。Allthebroadmoistearthsmiledinthewarmlight，andeachlittlegreenhillclappeditshandforjoy。
　　Onadeer'shide，stretchedonthegroundintheopeninfrontofthegreenwoodtree，satRobinHoodbaskinginthesunlikeanolddogfox。
　　Leaningbackwithhishandsclaspedabouthisknees，helazilywatchedLittleJohnrollingastoutbowstringfromlongstrandsofhempenthread，wettingthepalmsofhishandseverandanon，androllingthecorduponhisthigh。NearbysatAllanaDalefittinganewstringtohisharp。
　　QuothRobinatlast，"MethinksIwouldratherroamthisforestinthegentlespringtimethanbeKingofallmerryEngland。Whatpalaceinthebroadworldisasfairasthissweetwoodlandjustnow，andwhatkinginalltheworldhathsuchappetiteforplover'seggsandlampreysasIforjuicyvenisonandsparklingale？
　　GafferSwantholdspeakstrulywhenhesaith，`Betteracrustwithcontentthanhoneywithasourheart。'"
　　"Yea，"quothLittleJohn，asherubbedhisnew-madebowstringwithyellowbeeswax，"thelifeweleadisthelifeforme。
　　Thouspeakestofthespringtime，butmethinkseventhewinterhathitsownjoys。ThouandI，goodmaster，havehadmorethanonemerryday，thiswinterpast，attheBlueBoar。DostthounotrememberthatnightthouandWillStutelyandFriarTuckandIpassedatthatsamehostelrywiththetwobeggarsandthestrollingfriar？"
　　"Yea，"quothmerryRobin，laughing，"thatwasthenightthatWillStutelymustneedssnatchakissfromthestouthostess，andgotacanakinofaleemptiedoverhisheadforhispains。"
　　"Truly，itwasthesame，"saidLittleJohn，laughingalso。
　　"Methinksthatwasagoodlysongthatthestrollingfriarsang。
　　FriarTuck，thouhastaquickearforatune，dostthounotrememberit？"
　　"Ididhavethecatchofitonetime，"saidTuck。"Letmesee，"
　　andhetouchedhisforefingertohisforeheadinthought，hummingtohimself，andstoppingeverandanontofitwhathehadgottowhathesearchedforinhismind。
　　Atlasthefounditallandclearinghisthroat，sangmerrily：
　　"_Intheblossominghedgetherobincocksings，Forthesunitismerryandbright，Andhejoyfullyhopsandhefluttershiswings，Forhisheartisallfullofdelight。
　　FortheMaybloomethfair，Andthere'slittleofcare，AndplentytoeatintheMaytimerare。
　　Whentheflowersalldie，Thenoffhewillfly，TokeephimselfwarmInsomejollyoldbarnWherethesnowandthewindneitherchillhimnorharm。
　　"Andsuchisthelifeofthestrollingfriar，Withaplentytoeatandtodrink；
　　Forthegoodwifewillkeephimaseatbythefire，Andtheprettygirlssmileathiswink。
　　ThenhelustilytrollsAsheonwardstrolls，Arollickingsongforthesavingofsouls。
　　Whenthewinddothblow，Withthecomingofsnow，There'saplacebythefireForthefatherlyfriar，Andacrabinthebowlforhisheart'sdesire_。"
　　ThusFriarTucksanginarichandmellowvoice，rollinghisheadfromsidetosideintimewiththemusic，andwhenhehaddone，allclappedtheirhandsandshoutedwithlaughter，forthesongfittedhimwell。
　　"Inverysooth，"quothLittleJohn，"itisagoodlysong，and，wereI
　　notayeomanofSherwoodForest，Ihadratherbeastrollingfriarthanaughtelseintheworld。"
　　"Yea，itisagoodlysong，"saidRobinHood，"butmethoughtthosetwoburlybeggarstoldthemerriertalesandledthemerrierlife。
　　Dostthounotrememberwhatthatgreatblack-beardedfellowtoldofhisbeggingatthefairinYork？"
　　"Yea，"saidLittleJohn，"butwhattoldthefriaroftheharvesthomeinKentshire？Iholdthatheledamerrierlifethantheothertwo。"
　　"Truly，forthehonorofthecloth，"quothFriarTuck，"Iholdwithmygoodgossip，LittleJohn。"
　　"Now，"quothRobin，"Iholdtomineownmind。Butwhatsaystthou，LittleJohn，toamerryadventurethisfairday？Takethouafriar'sgownfromourchestofstrangegarments，anddonthesame，andIwillstopthefirstbeggarImeetandchangeclotheswithhim。
　　Thenletuswanderthecountryabout，thissweetday，andseewhatbefallseachofus。"
　　"Thatfittethmymind，"quothLittleJohn，"soletusforth，sayI。"
　　ThereuponLittleJohnandFriarTuckwenttothestorehouseoftheband，andtherechosefortheyeomantherobeofaGrayFriar。Thentheycameforthagain，andamightyroaroflaughterwentup，fornotonlyhadthebandneverseenLittleJohninsuchguisebefore，buttherobewastooshortforhimbyagoodpalm's-breadth。ButLittleJohn'shandswerefoldedinhisloosesleeves，andLittleJohn'seyeswerecastupontheground，andathisgirdlehungagreat，longstringofbeads。
　　AndnowLittleJohntookuphisstoutstaff，attheendofwhichhungachubbylittleleathernpottle，suchaspalmerscarryatthetipsoftheirstaves；
　　butinitwassomething，Iwot，morelikegoodMalmseythancoldspringwater，suchasgodlypilgrimscarry。ThenuproseRobinandtookhisstoutstaffinhishand，likewise，andslippedtengoldenangelsintohispouch；
　　fornobeggar'sgarbwasamongthestoresoftheband，sohewasfaintorunhischanceofmeetingabeggarandbuyinghisclothesofhim。
　　So，allbeingmadeready，thetwoyeomensetforthontheirway，stridinglustilyalongallinthemistymorning。Thustheywalkeddowntheforestpathuntiltheycametothehighway，andthenalongthehighwaytillitsplitintwain，leadingononehandtoBlythandontheothertoGainsborough。Heretheyeomenstopped。
　　QuothjollyRobin，"TakethoutheroadtoGainsborough，andIwilltakethattoBlyth。So，faretheewell，holyfather，andmaystthounotha'
　　causetocountthybeadsinearnesterewemeetagain。"
　　"Goodden，goodbeggarthatistobe，"quothLittleJohn，"andmaystthouhavenocausetobegformercyereIseetheenext。"
　　Soeachsteppedsturdilyuponhiswayuntilagreenhillrosebetweenthem，andtheonewashidfromthesightoftheother。
　　LittleJohnwalkedalong，whistling，fornoonewasnighuponalltheroad。
　　Inthebuddinghedgesthelittlebirdstwitteredmerrily，andoneitherhandthegreenhillssweptuptothesky，thegreatwhitecloudsofspringtimesailingslowlyovertheircrownsinlazyflight。
　　UphillanddowndalewalkedLittleJohn，thefreshwindblowinginhisfaceandhisrobesflutteringbehindhim，andsoatlasthecametoacrossroadthatledtoTuxford。Herehemetthreeprettylasses，eachbearingabasketofeggstomarket。Quothhe，"Whitheraway，fairmaids？"
　　Andhestoodintheirpath，holdinghisstaffinfrontofthem，tostopthem。
　　Thentheyhuddledtogetherandnudgedoneanother，andonepresentlyspakeupandsaid，"WearegoingtotheTuxfordmarket，holyfriar，toselloureggs。"
　　"Nowoutuponit！"quothLittleJohn，lookinguponthemwithhisheadononeside。"Surely，itisapitythatsuchfairlassesshouldbeforcedtocarryeggstomarket。
　　Letmetellyou，anIhadtheshapingofthingsinthisworld，yeshouldallthreehavebeenclothedinthefinestsilks，andrideuponmilk-whitehorses，withpagesatyourside，andfeeduponnothingbutwhippedcreamandstrawberries；
　　forsuchalifewouldsurelybefityourlooks。"
　　Atthisspeechallthreeoftheprettymaidslookeddown，blushingandsimpering。Onesaid，"La！"another，"Marry，a'
　　makethsportofus！"andthethird，"Listen，now，totheholyman！"
　　ButatthesametimetheylookedatLittleJohnfromoutthecornersoftheireyes。
　　"Now，lookyou，"saidLittleJohn，"Icannotseesuchdaintydamselsasyearecarryingbasketsalongahighroad。
　　Letmetakethemmineownself，andoneofyou，ifyewill，maycarrymystaffforme。"
　　"Nay，"saidoneofthelasses，"butthoucanstnotcarrythreebasketsallatonetime。"
　　"Yea，butIcan，"saidLittleJohn，"andthatIwillshowyoupresently。
　　IthankthegoodSaintWilfredthathehathgivenmeaprettywit。
　　Lookye，now。HereItakethisgreatbasket，so；hereItiemyrosaryaroundthehandle，thus；andhereIsliptherosaryovermyheadandslingthebasketuponmyback，inthiswise。"
　　AndLittleJohndidaccordingtohiswords，thebaskethangingdownbehindhimlikeapeddler'spack；then，givinghisstafftooneofthemaids，andtakingabasketuponeitherarm，heturnedhisfacetowardTuxfordTownandsteppedforthmerrily，alaughingmaidoneitherside，andonewalkingahead，carryingthestaff。
　　Inthiswisetheyjourneyedalong，andeveryonetheymetstoppedandlookedafterthem，laughing，forneverhadanybodyseensuchamerrysightasthistall，strappingGrayFriar，withrobesalltooshortforhim，ladenwitheggs，andtrampingtheroadwiththreeprettylasses。
　　ForthisLittleJohncarednotawhit，butwhensuchfolksgavejestingwordstohimheansweredbackasmerrily，speechforspeech。
　　SotheysteppedalongtowardTuxford，chattingandlaughing，untiltheycamenightothetown。HereLittleJohnstoppedandsetdownthebaskets，forhedidnotcaretogointothetownlestheshould，perchance，meetsomeoftheSheriff'smen。
　　"Alas！sweetchucks，"quothhe，"hereImustleaveyou。
　　Ihadnotthoughttocomethisway，butIamgladthatIdidso。
　　Now，erewepart，wemustdrinksweetfriendship。"Sosaying，heunslungtheleathernpottlefromtheendofhisstaff，and，drawingthestoppertherefrom，hehandedittothelasswhohadcarriedhisstaff，firstwipingthemouthofthepottleuponhissleeve。
　　Theneachlasstookafairdrinkofwhatwaswithin，andwhenithadpassedallaround，LittleJohnfinishedwhatwasleft，sothatnotanotherdropcouldbesqueezedfromit。Then，kissingeachlasssweetly，hewishedthemallgoodden，andleftthem。
　　Butthemaidsstoodlookingafterhimashewalkedawaywhistling。
　　"Whatapity，"quothone，"thatsuchastout，lustyladshouldbeinholyorders。"
　　"Marry，"quothLittleJohntohimself，ashestrodealong，"yonwasnosuchillhappening；SaintDunstansendmemoreofthelike。"
　　Afterhehadtrudgedalongforatimehebegantowaxthirstyagaininthewarmthoftheday。Heshookhisleathernpottlebesidehisear，butnotasoundcametherefrom。Thenheplacedittohislipsandtiltedithighaloft，butnotadropwasthere。
　　"LittleJohn！LittleJohn！"saidhesadlytohimself，shakinghisheadthewhile，"womanwillbethyruinyet，ifthoudostnottakebettercareofthyself。"
　　Butatlasthereachedthecrestofacertainhill，andsawbelowasweetlittlethatchedinnlyingsnuglyinthedalebeneathhim，towardwhichtheroaddippedsharply。Atthesightofthis，avoicewithinhimcriedaloud，"Igivetheejoy，goodfriend，foryonderisthyheart'sdelight，towit，asweetrestandacupofbrownbeer。"
　　Sohequickenedhispacedownthehillandsocametothelittleinn，fromwhichhungasignwithastag'sheadpainteduponit。
　　Infrontofthedooracluckinghenwasscratchinginthedustwithabroodofchickensaboutherheels，thesparrowswerechatteringofhouseholdaffairsundertheeaves，andallwassosweetandpeacefulthatLittleJohn'sheartlaughedwithinhim。
　　Besidethedoorstoodtwostoutcobswithbroadsoft-paddedsaddles，wellfittedforeasytraveling，andspeakingofrichguestsintheparlor。
　　Infrontofthedoorthreemerryfellows，atinker，apeddler，andabeggar，wereseatedonabenchinthesunquaffingstoutale。
　　"Igiveyougoodden，sweetfriends，"quothLittleJohn，stridinguptowheretheysat。
　　"Givetheegoodden，holyfather，"quoththemerryBeggarwithagrin。
　　"Butlookthee，thygownistooshort。Thouhadstbestcutapieceoffthetopandtackittothebottom，sothatitmaybelongenough。
　　Butcome，sitbesideushereandtakeatasteofale，ifthyvowsforbidtheenot。"
　　"Nay，"quothLittleJohn，alsogrinning，"theblessedSaintDunstanhathgivenmeafreedispensationforallindulgenceinthatline。"
　　Andhethrusthishandintohispouchformoneytopayhisscore。
　　"Truly，"quoththeTinker，"withoutthylooksbeliethee，holyfriar，thegoodSaintDunstanwaswise，forwithoutsuchdispensationhisvotaryisliketoha'manyapenancetomake。Nay，takethyhandfromoutthypouch，brother，forthoushaltnotpaythisshot。
　　Ho，landlord，apotofale！"
　　SothealewasbroughtandgiventoLittleJohn。Then，blowingthefrothalittlewaytomakeroomforhislips，hetiltedthebottomofthepothigherandhigher，tillitpointedtothesky，andhehadtoshuthiseyestokeepthedazzleofthesunshineoutofthem。
　　Thenhetookthepotaway，fortherewasnothinginit，andheavedafulldeepsigh，lookingattheotherswithmoisteyesandshakinghisheadsolemnly。
　　"Ho，landlord！"criedthePeddler，"bringthisgoodfellowanotherpotofale，fortrulyitisacredittousalltohaveoneamonguswhocanemptyacanakinsolustily。"
　　Sotheytalkedamongthemselvesmerrily，untilafterawhilequothLittleJohn，"Whorideththosetwonagsyonder？"
　　"Twoholymenlikethee，brother，"quoththeBeggar。"Theyarenowhavingagoodlyfeastwithin，forIsmelledthesteamofaboiledpulletjustnow。
　　ThelandladysayeththeycomefromFountainAbbey，inYorkshire，andgotoLincolnonmattersofbusiness。"
　　"Theyareamerrycouple，"saidtheTinker，"foroneisasleanasanoldwife'sspindle，andtheotherasfatasasuetpudding。"
　　"Talkingoffatness，"saidthePeddler，"thouthyselflookestnonetooill-fed，holyfriar。"
　　"Nay，truly，"saidLittleJohn，"thouseestinmewhattheholySaintDunstancandoforthemthatservehimuponahandfulofparchedpeasandatrickleofcoldwater。"
　　Atthisagreatshoutoflaughterwentup。"Truly，itisawondrousthing，"quoththeBeggar，"Iwouldhavemademyvow，toseethemasterlymannerinwhichthoudidsttuckawayyonpotofale，thatthouhadstnottastedclearwaterforabraceofmonths。
　　HasnotthissameholySaintDunstantaughttheeagoodlysongortwo？"
　　"Why，asforthat，"quothLittleJohn，grinning，"mayhaphehathlentmeaidtolearnadittyorso。"
　　"Then，prythee，letushearhowhehathtaughtthee，"
　　quoththeTinker。
　　AtthisLittleJohnclearedhisthroatand，afterawordortwoaboutacertainhoarsenessthattroubledhim，sangthus：
　　"_Ah，pretty，prettymaid，whitherdostthougo？
　　Iprythee，prythee，waitforthyloveralso，Andwe'llgathertheroseAsitsweetlyblows，Forthemerry，merrywindsareblo-o-o-wing_。"
　　NowitseemedasthoughLittleJohn'ssongswerenevertogetsung，forhehadgotnofartherthanthiswhenthedooroftheinnopenedandoutcamethetwobrothersofFountainAbbey，thelandlordfollowingthem，and，asthesayingis，washinghishandswithhumblesoap。
　　ButwhenthebrothersofFountainAbbeysawwhoitwasthatsang，andhowhewascladintherobesofaGrayFriar，theystoppedsuddenly，thefatlittleBrotherdrawinghisheavyeyebrowstogetherinamightyfrown，andthethinBrothertwistinguphisfaceasthoughhehadsourbeerinhismouth。Then，asLittleJohngatheredhisbreathforanewverse，"How，now，"roaredforththefatBrother，hisvoicecomingfromhimlikeloudthunderfromalittlecloud，"thounaughtyfellow，isthisafitplaceforoneinthygarbtotippleandsingprofanesongs？"
　　"Nay，"quothLittleJohn，"sin'Icannottippleandsing，likeYourWorship'sreverence，insuchagoodlyplaceasFountainAbbey，Imuste'entippleandsingwhereIcan。"
　　"Now，outuponthee，"criedthetallleanBrotherinaharshvoice，"now，outuponthee，thatthoushouldstsodisgracethyclothbythistalkandbearing。"
　　"Marry，comeup！"quothLittleJohn。"Disgrace，sayestthou？
　　Methinksitismoredisgraceforoneofourgarbtowringhard-earnedfarthingsoutofthegripeofpoorleanpeasants。
　　Itisnotso，brother？"
　　AtthistheTinkerandthePeddlerandtheBeggarnudgedoneanother，andallgrinned，andthefriarsscowledblacklyatLittleJohn；buttheycouldthinkofnothingfurthertosay，sotheyturnedtotheirhorses。
　　ThenLittleJohnaroseofasuddenfromthebenchwherehesat，andrantowherethebrothersofFountainAbbeyweremounting。
　　Quothhe，"Letmeholdyourhorses'bridlesforyou。Truly，yourwordshavesmittenmysinfulheart，sothatIwillabidenolongerinthisdenofevil，butwillgoforwardwithyou。Noviletemptation，Iwot，willfalluponmeinsuchholycompany。"
　　"Nay，fellow，"saidtheleanBrotherharshly，forhesawthatLittleJohnmadesportofthem，"wewantnoneofthycompany，sogettheegone。"
　　"Alas，"quothLittleJohn，"Iamtrulysorrythatyelikemenotnormycompany，butasforleavingyou，itmaynotbe，formyheartissomoved，that，willy-nilly，Imustgowithyouforthesakeofyourholycompany。"
　　Now，atthistalkallthegoodfellowsonthebenchgrinnedtilltheirteethglistened，andeventhelandlordcouldnotforbeartosmile。
　　Asforthefriars，theylookedatoneanotherwithapuzzledlook，andknewnotwhattodointhematter。Theyweresoproudthatitmadethemfeelsickwithshametothinkofridingalongthehighroadwithastrollingfriar，inrobesalltooshortforhim，runningbesidethem，butyettheycouldnotmakeLittleJohnstayagainsthiswill，fortheyknewhecouldcrackthebonesofbothoftheminatwinklingwerehesominded。
　　ThenupspakethefatBrothermoremildlythanhehaddonebefore。
　　"Nay，goodbrother，"saidhe，"wewillridefast，andthouwilttiretodeathatthepace。"
　　"Truly，Iamgratefultotheeforthethoughtofme，"quothLittleJohn，"buthavenofear，brother；mylimbsarestout，andIcouldrunlikeaharefromheretoGainsborough。"
　　Atthesewordsasoundoflaughingcamefromthebench，whereattheleanBrother'swrathboiledover，likewaterintothefire，withgreatfussandnoise。"Now，outuponthee，thounaughtyfellow！"hecried。
　　"Artthounotashamedtobringdisgracesouponourcloth？
　　Bidetheehere，thousot，withtheseporkers。Thouartnofitcompanyforus。"
　　"La，yetherenow！"quothLittleJohn。"Thouhearest，landlord；
　　thouartnotfitcompanyfortheseholymen；gobacktothinealehouse。
　　Nay，ifthesemostholybrothersofminedobutgivemetheword，I'llbeatthyheadwiththisstoutstafftillitisassoftaswhippedeggs。"
　　Atthesewordsagreatshoutoflaughterwentupfromthoseonthebench，andthelandlord'sfacegrewredasacherryfromsmotheringhislaughinhisstomach；buthekepthismerrimentdown，forhewishednottobringtheill-willofthebrothersofFountainAbbeyuponhimbyunseemlymirth。
　　Sothetwobrethren，astheycoulddonoughtelse，havingmountedtheirnags，turnedtheirnosestowardLincolnandrodeaway。
　　"Icannotstaylonger，sweetfriends，"quothLittleJohn，ashepushedinbetwixtthetwocobs，"thereforeIwishyougoodden。Offwego，wethree。"
　　Sosaying，heswunghisstoutstaffoverhisshoulderandtrudgedoff，measuringhispacewiththatofthetwonags。
　　ThetwobrothersgloweredatLittleJohnwhenhesopushedhimselfbetwixtthem，thentheydrewasfarawayfromhimastheycould，sothattheyeomanwalkedinthemiddleoftheroad，whiletheyrodeonthefootpathoneithersideoftheway。
　　Astheysowentaway，theTinker，thePeddler，andtheBeggarranskippingoutintothemiddleofthehighway，eachwithapotinhishand，andlookedafterthemlaughing。
　　Whiletheywereinsightofthoseattheinn，thebrotherswalkedtheirhorsessoberly，notcaringtomakeillmattersworsebyseemingtorunawayfromLittleJohn，fortheycouldnotbutthinkhowitwouldsoundinfolks'
　　earswhentheyheardhowthebrethrenofFountainAbbeyscamperedawayfromastrollingfriar，liketheUglyOne，whentheblessedSaintDunstanloosedhisnosefromthered-hottongswherehehadhelditfast；
　　butwhentheyhadcrossedthecrestofthehillandtheinnwaslosttosight，quoththefatBrothertothethinBrother，"BrotherAmbrose，hadwenotbettermendourpace？"
　　"Whytruly，gossip，"spokeupLittleJohn，"methinksitwouldbewelltoboilourpotalittlefaster，forthedayispassingon。
　　Soitwillnotjoltthyfattoomuch，onward，sayI。"
　　Atthisthetwofriarssaidnothing，buttheyglaredagainonLittleJohnwithbalefullooks；then，withoutanotherword，theycluckedtotheirhorses，andbothbrokeintoacanter。
　　Sotheygallopedforamileandmore，andLittleJohnranbetwixtthemaslightlyasastagandneverturnedahairwiththerunning。AtlastthefatBrotherdrewhishorse'sreinwithagroan，forhecouldstandtheshakingnolonger。
　　"Alas，"saidLittleJohn，withnotsomuchasacatchinhisbreath，"Ididsadlyfearthattheroughnessofthispacewouldshakethypooroldfatpaunch。"
　　TothisthefatFriarsaidneveraword，buthestaredstraightbeforehim，andhegnawedhisnetherlip。Andnowtheytraveledforwardmorequietly，LittleJohninthemiddleoftheroadwhistlingmerrilytohimself，andthetwofriarsinthefootpathoneithersidesayingneveraword。
　　Thenpresentlytheymetthreemerryminstrels，allcladinred，whostaredamaintoseeaGrayFriarwithsuchshortrobeswalkinginthemiddleoftheroad，andtwobrothers。
　　withheadsbowedwithshame，ridinguponrichlycaparisonedcobsonthefootpaths。Whentheyhadcomeneartotheminstrels，LittleJohnwavedhisstafflikeanusherclearingtheway。
　　"Makeway！"hecriedinaloudvoice。"Makeway！makeway！
　　Forherewego，wethree！"Thenhowtheminstrelsstared，andhowtheylaughed！ButthefatFriarshookaswithanague，andtheleanFriarbowedhisheadoverhishorse'sneck。
　　Thennexttheymettwonobleknightsinricharray，withhawkonwrist，andlikewisetwofairladiescladinsilksandvelvets，alla-ridingonnoblesteeds。Theseallmaderoom，staring，asLittleJohnandthetwofriarscamealongtheroad。TothemLittleJohnbowedhumbly。"Giveyougreetings，lordsandladies，"saidhe。
　　"Butherewego，wethree。"
　　Thenalllaughed，andoneofthefairladiescriedout，"Whatthreemeanestthou，merryfriend？"
　　LittleJohnlookedoverhisshoulder，fortheyhadnowpassedeachother，andhecalledback，"BigJack，leanJackandfatJack-pudding。"
　　AtthisthefatFriargaveagroanandseemedasifhewereliketofallfromhissaddleforshame；theotherbrothersaidnothing，buthelookedbeforehimwithagrimandstonylook。
　　Justaheadofthemtheroadtookasuddenturnaroundahighhedge，andsometwoscorepacesbeyondthebendanotherroadcrossedtheonetheywereridingupon。Whentheyhadcometothecrossroadandwerewellawayfromthosetheyhadleft，theleanFriardrewreinsuddenly。
　　"Lookye，fellow，"quothheinavoicequiveringwithrage，"wehavehadenoughofthyvilecompany，andcarenolongertobemadesportof。
　　Gothyway，andletusgooursinpeace。"
　　"Lathere，now！"quothLittleJohn。"Methoughtweweresuchamerrycompany，andherethoudostblazeuplikefatinthepan。
　　Buttruly，Iha'hadenowofyoutoday，thoughIcanillspareyourcompany。Iknowyewillmissme，butginyewantmeagain，whispertoGoodmanWind，andhewillbringnewsthereoftome。
　　ButyeseeIamapoormanandyearerich。Iprayyougivemeapennyortwotobuymebreadandcheeseatthenextinn。"
　　"Wehavenomoney，fellow，"saidtheleanFriarharshly。
　　"Come，BrotherThomas，letusforward。"
　　ButLittleJohncaughtthehorsesbythebridlereins，oneineitherhand。
　　"Ha'yeintruthnomoneyaboutyouwhatsoever？"saidhe。
　　"Now，Iprayyou，brothers，forcharity'ssake，givemesomewhattobuyacrustofbread，e'enthoughitbeonlyapenny。"
　　"Itellthee，fellow，wehavenomoney，"thunderedthefatlittleFriarwiththegreatvoice。
　　"Ha'ye，inholytruth，nomoney？"askedLittleJohn。
　　"Notafarthing，"saidtheleanFriarsourly。
　　"Notagroat，"saidthefatFriarloudly。
　　"Nay，"quothLittleJohn，"thismustnotbe。Farbeitfrommetoseesuchholymenasyearedepartfrommewithnomoney。
　　Getbothofyoudownstraightwayfromoffyourhorses，andwewillkneelhereinthemiddleofthecrossroadsandpraytheblessedSaintDunstantosendussomemoneytocarryusonourjourney。"
　　"Whatsayestthou，thoulimbofevil！"criedtheleanFriar，fairlygnashinghisteethwithrage。"Dossthoubidme，thehighcellarerofFountainAbbey，togetdownfrommyhorseandkneelinthedirtyroadtopraytosomebeggarlySaxonsaint？"
　　"Now，"quothLittleJohn，"Iha'agreatpartofamindtocrackthyheadfortheeforspeakingthusofthegoodSaintDunstan！Butgetdownstraightway，formypatiencewillnotlastmuchlonger，andImayforgetthatyearebothinholyorders。"Sosaying，hetwirledhisstoutstafftillitwhistledagain。
　　Atthisspeechbothfriarsgrewaspaleasdough。
　　DownslippedthefatBrotherfromoffhishorseononeside，anddownslippedtheleanBrotherontheother。
　　"Now，brothers，downonyourkneesandpray，"saidLittleJohn；
　　thereupon，puttinghisheavyhandsupontheshoulderofeach，heforcedthemtotheirknees，hekneelingalso。ThenLittleJohnbegantobeseechSaintDunstanformoney，whichhedidinagreatloudvoice。
　　AfterhehadsobesoughttheSaintforatime，hebadethefriarsfeelintheirpouchesandseeiftheSainthadsentthemanything；
　　soeachputhishandslowlyinthepouchthathungbesidehim，butbroughtnothingthence。
　　"Ha！"quothLittleJohn，"haveyourprayerssolittlevirtue？
　　Thenletusatitagain。"ThenstraightwayhebegancallingonSaintDunstanagain，somewhatinthiswise："OgraciousSaintDunstan！Sendsomemoneystraightwaytothesepoorfolk，lestthefatonewasteawayandgrowasleanastheleanone，andtheleanonewasteawaytonothingatall，eretheygettoLincolnTown；butsendthemonlytenshillingsapiece，lesttheygrowpuffedupwithpride，Anymorethanthatthatthousendest，sendtome。
　　"Now，"quothhe，rising，"letusseewhateachmanhath。"
　　Thenhethrusthishandintohispouchanddrewthencefourgoldenangels。
　　"Whathaveye，brothers？"saidhe。
　　Thenonceagaineachfriarslowlythrusthishandintohispouch，andonceagainbroughtitoutwithnothinginit。
　　"Haveyenothing？"quothLittleJohn。"Nay，Iwarrantthereissomewhatthathathcreptintotheseamsofyourpouches，andsoyeha'missedit。
　　Letmelook。"
　　SohewentfirsttotheleanFriar，and，thrustinghishandintothepouch，hedrewforthaleathernbagandcountedtherefromonehundredandtenpoundsofgoldenmoney。"Ithought，"quothLittleJohn，"thatthouhadstmissed，insomeoddcornerofthypouch，themoneythattheblessedSainthadsentthee。Andnowletmeseewhetherthouhastnotsome，also，brother。"
　　ThereuponhethrusthishandintothepouchofthefatFriaranddrewthenceabagliketheotherandcountedoutfromitthreescoreandtenpounds。
　　"Lookyenow，"quothhe，"IknewthegoodSainthadsenttheesomepittancethatthou，also，hadstmissed。"
　　Then，givingthemonepoundbetweenthem，heslippedtherestofthemoneyintohisownpouch，saying，"Yepledgedmeyourholywordthatyehadnomoney。Beingholymen，Itrustthatyewouldnotbelieyourwordsopledged，thereforeIknowthegoodSaintDunstanhathsentthisinanswertomyprayers。
　　ButasIonlyprayedfortenshillingstobesenttoeachofyou，alloverandabovethatbelongethbyrightstome，andsoItakeit。
　　Igiveyougoodden，brothers，andmayyehaveapleasantjourneyhenceforth。"Sosaying，heturnedandleftthem，stridingaway。Thefriarslookedatoneanotherwithawoefullook，andslowlyandsadlytheymountedtheirhorsesagainandrodeawaywithneveraword。
　　ButLittleJohnturnedhisfootstepsbackagaintoSherwoodForest，andmerrilyhewhistledashestrodealong。
　　AndnowwewillseewhatbefellRobinHoodinhisventureasbeggar。
　　RobinHoodTurnsBeggarAFTERJOLLYROBINhadleftLittleJohnattheforkingoftheroads，hewalkedmerrilyonwardinthemellowsunshinethatshoneabouthim。
　　Everandanonhewouldskipandleaporsingasnatchofsong，forpurejoyousnessoftheday；for，becauseofthesweetnessofthespringtide，hisheartwasaslustywithinhimasthatofacoltnewlyturnedouttograss。Sometimeshewouldwalkalongdistance，gazingaloftatthegreatwhiteswellingcloudsthatmovedslowlyacrossthedeepbluesky；anonhewouldstopanddrinkinthefullnessoflifeofallthings，forthehedgerowswerebuddingtenderlyandthegrassofthemeadowswaswaxinglongandgreen；againhewouldstandstillandlistentotheprettysongofthelittlebirdsinthethicketsorhearkentotheclearcrowofthecockdaringtheskytorain，whereathewouldlaugh，forittookbutlittletotickleRobin'sheartintomerriment。
　　Sohetrudgedmanfullyalong，everwillingtostopforthisreasonorforthat，andeverreadytochatwithsuchmerrylassesashemetnowandthen。Sothemorningslippedalong，butyethemetnobeggarwithwhomhecouldchangeclothes。
　　Quothhe，"IfIdonotchangemyluckinhaste，Iamliketohaveanemptydayofit，foritiswellnighhalfgonealready，and，althoughIhavehadamerrywalkthroughthecountryside，Iknownoughtofabeggar'slife。"
　　Then，afterawhile，hebegantogrowhungry，whereuponhismindturnedfromthoughtsofspringtimeandflowersandbirdsanddwelleduponboiledcapons，Malmsey，whitebread，andthelike，withgreattenderness。
　　Quothhetohimself，"IwouldIhadWillieWynkin'swishingcoat；
　　IknowrightwellwhatIshouldwishfor，andthisitshouldbe。"
　　Herehemarkeduponthefingersofhislefthandwiththeforefingerofhisrighthandthosethingswhichhewishedfor。
　　"Firstly，Iwouldhaveasweetbrownpieoftenderlarks；markye，notdrycooked，butwithagoodsopofgravytomoistenitwithal。
　　Next，Iwouldhaveaprettypullet，fairlyboiled，withtenderpigeons'
　　eggs，cunninglysliced，garnishingtheplatteraround。
　　WiththeseIwouldhavealong，slimloafofwheatenbreadthathathbeenbakeduponthehearth；itshouldbewarmfromthefire，withglossybrowncrust，thecolorofthehairofmineownMaidMarian，andthissamecrustshouldbeascrispandbrittleasthethinwhiteicethatliesacrossthefurrowsintheearlywinter'smorning。
　　Thesewilldoforthemoresolidthings；butwiththeseI
　　musthavethreepotties，fatandround，onefullofMalmsey，oneofCanary，andonebrimmingfullofmineowndearlustysack。"
　　ThusspokeRobintohimself，hismouthgrowingmoistatthecornerswiththethoughtsofthegoodthingshehadraisedinhisownmind。
　　So，talkingtohimself，hecametowherethedustyroadturnedsharplyaroundthehedge，alltenderwiththegreenofthecomingleaf，andtherehesawbeforehimastoutfellowsittinguponastile，swinginghislegsinidleness。Allaboutthislustyroguedangleddiverspouchesandbagsofdifferentsizesandkinds，adozenormore，withgreat，wide，gapingmouths，likeabroodofhungrydaws。
　　Hiscoatwasgatheredinathiswaist，andwaspatchedwithasmanycolorsastherearestripesuponaMaypoleinthespringtide。
　　Onhisheadheworeagreattallleatherncap，andacrosshiskneesrestedastoutquarterstaffofblackthorn，fullaslongandheavyasRobin's。AsjollyabeggarwasheasevertrodthelanesandbywaysofNottinghamshire，forhiseyeswereasgrayasslate，andsnappedandtwinkledanddancedwithmerriment，andhisblackhaircurledclosealloverhisheadinlittleringsofkinkiness。
　　"Halloa，goodfellow，"quothRobin，whenhehadcomenightotheother，"whatartthoudoingherethismerryday，whentheflowersarepeepingandthebudsareswelling？"
　　Thentheotherwinkedoneeyeandstraightwaytrolledforthinamerryvoice：
　　"_Isituponthestile，AndIsingalittlewhileAsIwaitformyowntruedear，O，Forthesunisshiningbright，Andtheleavesaredancinglight，Andthelittlefowlsingssheisnear，O_。
　　"Andsoitiswithme，bullyboy，savingthatmydoxycomethnot。"
　　"Nowthatisarightsweetsong，"quothRobin，"and，wereIintherightmindtolistentothee，Icouldbearwelltohearmore；
　　butIhavetwothingsofseriousnesstoaskofthee；
　　solisten，Iprythee。"
　　AtthisthejollyBeggarcockedhisheadononeside，likearogueofamagpie。Quothhe，"Iamanilljugtopourheavythingsinto，goodfriend，and，ifImistakenot，thouhastfewseriouswordstospareatanytime。"
　　"Nay，"quothjollyRobin，"whatIwouldsayfirstisthemostseriousofallthoughtstome，towit，`WhereshallIgetsomewhattoeatanddrink？'"
　　"Saystthouso？"quoththeBeggar。"Marry，Imakenosuchseriousthoughtsuponthematter。IeatwhenIcangetit，andmunchmycrustwhenIcangetnocrumb；likewise，whenthereisnoaletobehadIwashthedustfromoutmythroatwithatrickleofcoldwater。Iwassittinghere，asthoucamestuponme，bethinkingmyselfwhetherIshouldbreakmyfastorno。
　　IdolovetoletmyhungergrowmightilykeenereIeat，forthenadrycrustisasgoodtomeasavenisonpastywithsuetandraisinsistostoutKingHarry。Ihaveasharphungeruponmenow，butmethinksinashortwhileitwillripentoarightmellowappetite。"
　　"Now，ingoodsooth，"quothmerryRobin，laughing，"thouhastaquainttonguebetwixtthyteeth。Buthastthoutrulynoughtbutadrycrustaboutthee？
　　Methinksthybagsandpouchesarefatandlustyforsuchthinfare。"
　　"Why，mayhapthereissomeothercoldfaretherein，"saidtheBeggarslyly。
　　"Andhastthounoughttodrinkbutcoldwater？"saidRobin。
　　"Neversomuchasadrop，"quoththeBeggar。"Overbeyondyonclumpoftreesisassweetalittleinnaseverthouhastliftedeyelidupon；
　　butIgonotthither，fortheyhaveanastywaywithme。
　　Once，whenthegoodPriorofEmmetwasdiningthere，thelandladysetadearlittletartofstewedcrabsandbarleysugaruponthewindowsilltocool，and，seeingitthere，andfearingitmightbelost，ItookitwithmetillthatIcouldfindtheownerthereof。
　　Eversincethentheyhaveactedveryilltowardme；yettruthbidsmesaythattheyhavethebestaletherethateverrolledovermytongue。"
　　AtthisRobinlaughedaloud。"Marry，"quothhe，"theydidilltowardtheeforthykindness。Buttellmetruly，whathastthouinthypouches？"
　　"Why，"quoththeBeggar，peepingintothemouthsofhisbags，"Ifindhereagoodlypieceofpigeonpie，wrappedinacabbageleaftoholdthegravy。
　　HereIbeholdadaintystreakedpieceofbrawn，andhereafairlumpofwhitebread。HereIfindfouroatencakesandacoldknuckleofham。Ha！Insooth，'tisstrange；buthereIbeholdsixeggsthatmusthavecomebyaccidentfromsomepoultryyardhereabouts。
　　Theyareraw，butroasteduponthecoalsandspreadwithapieceofbutterthatIsee——"
　　"Peace，goodfriend！"criedRobin，holdinguphishand。"Thoumakestmypoorstomachquakewithjoyforwhatthoutellestmesosweetly。
　　Ifthouwiltgivemetoeat，Iwillstraightwayhiemetothatlittleinnthoudidsttellofbutnow，andwillbringaskinofaleforthydrinkingandmine。"
　　"Friend，thouhastsaidenough，"saidtheBeggar，gettingdownfromthestile。"IwillfeasttheewiththebestthatIhaveandblessSaintCedricforthycompany。But，sweetchuck，Iprytheebringthreequartsofaleatleast，oneforthydrinkingandtwoformine，formythirstissuchthatmethinksIcandrinkaleasthesandsoftheRiverDeedrinksaltwater。"
　　SoRobinstraightwaylefttheBeggar，who，uponhispart，wenttoabuddinglimebushbackofthehedge，andtherespreadhisfeastuponthegrassandroastedhiseggsuponalittlefagotfire，withadeftnessgainedbylonglaborinthatline。
　　AfterawhilebackcameRobinbearingagoodlyskinofaleuponhisshoulder，whichhelaiduponthegrass。Then，lookinguponthefeastspreadupontheground——andafairsightitwastolookupon——
　　heslowlyrubbedhishandoverhisstomach，fortohishungryeyesitseemedthefairestsightthathehadbeheldinallhislife。
　　"Friend，"saidtheBeggar，"letmefeeltheweightofthatskin。
　　"Yea，truly，"quothRobin，"helpthyself，sweetchuck，andmeantimeletmeseewhetherthypigeonpieisfreshorno。"
　　Sotheoneseizeduponthealeandtheotheruponthepigeonpie，andnothingwasheardforawhilebutthemunchingoffoodandthegurgleofaleasitlefttheskin。
　　Atlast，afteralongtimehadpassedthus，Robinpushedthefoodfromhimandheavedagreatsighofdeepcontent，forhefeltasthoughhehadbeenmadealloveranew。
　　"Andnow，goodfriend，"quothhe，leaningupononeelbow，"IwouldhaveattheeaboutthatothermatterofseriousnessofwhichIspokenotlongsince。"
　　"How！"saidtheBeggarreproachfully，"thouwouldstsurelynottalkofthingsappertainingtoseriousaffairsuponsuchaleasthis！"
　　"Nay，"quothRobin，laughing。"Iwouldnotcheckthythirst，sweetfriend；drinkwhileItalktothee。Thusitis：
　　IwouldhavetheeknowthatIhavetakenalikingtothycraftandwouldfainhaveatasteofabeggar'slifemineownself。"
　　SaidtheBeggar，"Imarvelnotthatthouhasttakenalikingtomymanneroflife，goodfellow，but`tolike'and`todo'
　　aretwomattersofdifferentsorts。Itellthee，friend，onemustservealongapprenticeshipereonecanlearntobeevensomuchasaclapper-dudgeon，muchlessacrankoranAbraham-man。[3]I
　　tellthee，lad，thouarttoooldtoenteruponthatwhichitmaytaketheeyearstocatchthehangof。"
　　[3]ClassesoftravelingmendicantsthatinfestedEnglandaslateasthemiddleoftheseventeenthcentury。
　　VIDEDakkar'sENGLISHVILLAINIES，etc。
　　"Mayhapthatmaybeso，"quothRobin，"forIbringtomindthatGafferSwantholdsayethJackShoemakermakethillbread；
　　TomBakermakethillshoon。Nevertheless，Ihaveamindtotasteabeggar'slife，andneedbuttheclothingtobeasgoodasany。"
　　"Itellthee，fellow，"saidtheBeggar，"ifthouwertcladassweetlyasgoodSaintWynten，thepatronofourcraft，thouwouldstnevermakeabeggar。
　　Marry，thefirstjollytravelerthatthouwouldstmeetwouldbeattheetoapuddingforthrustingthynoseintoacraftthatbelongethnottothee。"
　　"Nevertheless，"quothRobin，"Iwouldhaveatryatit；andmethinksIshallchangeclotheswiththee，forthygarbseemethtobepretty，nottosaygay。
　　SonotonlywillIchangeclothes，butIwillgivetheetwogoldenangelstoboot。Ihavebroughtmystoutstaffwithme，thinkingthatImighthavetorapsomeoneofthebrethrenofthyclothovertheheadbywayofargumentinthismatter，butIlovetheesomuchforthefeastthouhastgivenmethatIwouldnotliftevenmylittlefingeragainstthee，sothouneedstnothaveacrumboffear。"
　　TothistheBeggarlistenedwithhisknucklesrestingagainsthiships，andwhenRobinhadendedhecockedhisheadononesideandthrusthistongueintohischeek。
　　"Marry，comeup，"quothheatlast。"Liftthyfingeragainstme，forsooth！Artthououtofthywits，man？
　　MynameisRicconHazel，andIcomefromHolywell，inFlintshire，overbytheRiverDee。Itellthee，knave，Ihavecrackedtheheadofmanyabettermanthanthouart，andevennowIwouldscaldthycrownfortheebutforthealethouhastgivenme。
　　Nowthoushaltnothavesomuchasonetag-ragofmycoat，evencoulditsavetheefromhanging。"
　　"Now，fellow，"saidRobin，"itwouldillsuitmetospoilthyprettyheadforthee，butItelltheeplainly，thatbutforthisfeastIwoulddothattotheewouldstopthytravelingthecountryformanyadaytocome。
　　Keepthylipsshut，lad，orthyluckwilltumbleoutofthymouthwiththyspeech！"
　　"Nowout，andalasforthee，man，forthouhastbredthyselfillthisday！"criedtheBeggar，risingandtakinguphisstaff。
　　"Takeupthyclubanddefendthyself，fellow，forIwillnotonlybeattheebutIwilltakefromtheethymoneyandleavetheenotsomuchasaclippedgroattobuythyselfalumpofgoosegreasetorubthycrackedcrownwithal。
　　Sodefendthyself，Isay。"
　　ThenupleapedmerryRobinandsnatcheduphisstaffalso。
　　"Takemymoney，ifthoucanst，"quothhe。"Ipromisefreelytogivetheeeveryfarthingifthoudosttouchme。"
　　Andhetwirledhisstaffinhisfingerstillitwhistledagain。
　　ThentheBeggarswunghisstaffalso，andstruckamightyblowatRobin，whichtheyeomanturned。ThreeblowstheBeggarstruck，yetneveronetouchedsomuchasahairofRobin'shead。
　　ThenstoutRobinsawhischance，and，ereyoucouldcountthree，Riccon'sstaffwasoverthehedge，andRicconhimselflayuponthegreengrasswithnomoremotionthanyoucouldfindinanemptypuddingbag。
　　"Hownow！"quothmerryRobin，laughing。"Wiltthouhavemyhideormymoney，sweetchuck？"Buttothistheotheransweredneveraword。ThenRobin，seeinghisplight，andthathewasstunnedwiththeblow，ran，stilllaughing，andbroughttheskinofaleandpouredsomeofitontheBeggar'sheadandsomedownhisthroat，sothatpresentlyheopenedhiseyesandlookedaroundasthoughwonderingwhyhelayuponhisback。
　　ThenRobin，seeingthathehadsomewhatgatheredthewitsthathadjustbeenrappedoutofhishead，said，"Now，goodfellow，wiltthouchangeclotheswithme，orshallIhavetotaptheeagain？Herearetwogoldenangelsifthouwiltgivemefreelyallthyragsandbagsandthycapandthings。
　　Ifthougivestthemnotfreely，ImuchfearmeIshallhaveto——"
　　andhelookedupanddownhisstaff。
　　ThenRicconsatupandrubbedthebumponhiscrown。"Now，outuponit！"
　　quothhe。"Ididthinktodrubtheesweetly，fellow。Iknownothowitis，butIseem，asitwere，tohaveboughtmorebeerthanIcandrink。
　　IfImustgiveupmyclothes，Imust，butfirstpromiseme，bythywordasatrueyeoman，thatthouwilttakenoughtfrommebutmyclothes。"
　　"Ipromiseonthewordofatrueyeoman，"quothRobin，thinkingthatthefellowhadafewpenniesthathewouldsave。
　　ThereupontheBeggardrewalittleknifethathungathissideand，rippinguptheliningofhiscoat，drewthencetenbrightgoldenpounds，whichhelaiduponthegroundbesidehimwithacunningwinkatRobin。"Nowthoumaysthavemyclothesandwelcome，"saidhe，"andthoumightesthavehadtheminexchangeforthinewithoutthecostofasinglefarthing，farlesstwogoldenangels。"
　　"Marry，"quothRobin，laughing，"thouartaslyfellow，andItelltheetruly，hadIknownthouhadstsomuchmoneybytheemaybethoumightstnothavecarrieditaway，forIwarrantthoudidstnotcomehonestlybyit。"
　　Theneachstrippedoffhisclothesandputonthoseoftheother，andaslustyabeggarwasRobinHoodase'eryoucouldfindofasummer'sday。
　　ButstoutRicconofHolywellskippedandleapedanddancedforjoyofthefairsuitofLincolngreenthathehadsogotten。Quothhe，"Iamagay-featheredbirdnow。Truly，mydearMollPeascodwouldneverknowmeinthisdress。
　　Thoumaystkeepthecoldpiecesofthefeast，friend，forImeantolivewellandlustilywhilemymoneylastsandmyclothesaregay。"
　　SoheturnedandleftRobinand，crossingthestile，wasgone，butRobinheardhimsingingfrombeyondthehedgeashestrodeaway：
　　"_ForPollyissmilingandMollyisgladWhenthebeggarcomesinatthedoor，AndJackandDickcallhimafinelustylad，Andthehostessrunsupagreatscore。
　　Thenhey，WillyWaddykin，Stay，BillyWaddykin，Andletthebrownaleflowfree，flowfree，Thebeggar'sthemanforme_。"
　　Robinlistenedtillthesongendedinthedistance，thenhealsocrossedthestileintotheroad，butturnedhistoesawayfromwheretheBeggarhadgone。
　　TheroadledupagentlehillandupthehillRobinwalked，ahalfscoreormoreofbagsdanglingabouthislegs。
　　Onwardhestrolledforalongtime，butotheradventurehefoundnot。
　　Theroadwasbareofallelsebuthimself，ashewentkickinguplittlecloudsofdustateachfootstep；foritwasnoontide，themostpeacefultimeofalltheday，nexttotwilight。
　　Alltheearthwassilentintherestfulnessofeatingtime；
　　theplowhorsesstoodinthefurrowmunching，withgreatbagsovertheirnosesholdingsweetfood，theplowmansatunderthehedgeandtheplowboyalso，andthey，too，weremunching，eachoneholdingagreatpieceofbreadinonefistandagreatpieceofcheeseintheother。
　　SoRobin，withalltheemptyroadtohimself，strodealongwhistlingmerrily，hisbagsandpouchesbobbinganddanglingathisthighs。Atlasthecametowherealittlegrass-grownpathlefttheroadand，passingthroughastileanddownahill，ledintoalittledellandonacrossarillinthevalleyandupthehillontheotherside，tillitreachedawindmillthatstoodonthecapoftherisewherethewindbentthetreesinswayingmotion。
　　Robinlookedatthespotandlikedit，and，fornoreasonbutthathisfancyledhim，hetookthelittlepathandwalkeddownthegrassysunnyslopeoftheopenmeadow，andsocametothelittledingleand，ereheknewit，uponfourlustyfellowsthatsatwithlegsoutstretchedaroundagoodlyfeastspreadupontheground。
　　Fourmerrybeggarswerethey，andeachhadslungabouthisneckalittleboardthatresteduponhisbreast。
　　Oneboardhadwrittenuponit，"Iamblind，"another，"Iamdeaf，"
　　another，"Iamdumb，"andthefourth，"Pitythelameone。"
　　Butalthoughallthesetroubleswrittenupontheboardsseemedsogrievous，thefourstoutfellowssataroundfeastingasmerrilyasthoughCain'swifehadneveropenedthepottlethatheldmisfortunesandletthemforthlikeacloudoffliestopesterus。