"Nayfather，"saidMatilda，takingthebaron’shand，"donotharmthefriar：
　　hemeansnottooffendyou。Mygaietyneverbeforedispleasedyou。
　　Leastofallshoulditdosonow，whenIhaveneedofallmyspiritstooutweightheseverityofmyfortune。"
　　Asshespokethelastwords，tearsstartedintohereyes，which，asifashamedoftheinvoluntarybetrayingofherfeelings，sheturnedawaytoconceal。Thebaronwassubduedatonce。Hekissedhisdaughter，heldouthishandtothefriar，andsaid，"Singon，inGod’sname，andcrackawaytheflaskstillyourvoiceswimsincanary。"
　　ThenturningtoSirRalph，hesaid，"Youseehowitis，sirknight。
　　Matildaismydaughter;butshehasmeinleading-strings，thatisthetruthofit。"
　　CHAPTERV
　　’Tistrue，noloverhasthatpowerToenforceadesperateamourAshethathastwostringstohisbowAndburnsforloveandmoneytoo。——BUTLER。
　　Thefriarhadoftenhadexperienceofthebaron’stestyhumour;
　　butithadalwaysbeforeconfineditselftowords，inwhichthehabitoftestinessoftenmingledmoreexpressionofdispleasurethantheinternalfeelingprompted。
　　Heknewthebarontobehotandcholeric，butatthesametimehospitableandgenerous;passionatelyfondofhisdaughter，oftenthwartingherinseeming，butalwaysyieldingtoherinfact。
　　TheearlyattachmentbetweenMatildaandtheEarlofHuntingdonhadgiventhebaronnoseriousreasontointerferewithherhabitsandpursuits，whichweresocongenialtothoseofherlover;
　　andnotbeingover-burdenedwithorthodoxy，thatistosay，notbeingseasonedwithmoreofthesaltofthespiritthanwasnecessarytopreservehimfromexcommunication，confiscation，andphilotheoparoptesism，[1]hewasnotsorrytoencouragehisdaughter’schoiceofherconfessorinbrotherMichael，whohadmorejollityandlesshypocrisythananyofhisfraternity，andwasverylittleanxioustodisguisehisloveofthegoodthingsofthisworldunderthesemblanceofasanctifiedexterior。
　　ThefriarandMatildahadoftensungduetstogether，andhadbeenaccustomedtothebaron’schiminginwithastormycapriccio，whichwasusuallycharmedintosilencebysomesuddenturninthewitchingmelodiesofMatilda。Theyhadthereforenaturallycalculated，asfarastheirwildspiritscalculatedatall，onthesameeffectsfromthesamecauses。Butthecircumstancesoftheprecedingdayhadmadeanessentialalterationinthecase。
　　Thebaronknewwell，fromtheintelligencehehadreceived，thattheearl’soffencewaspastremission：whichwouldhavebeenoflessmomentbutfortheawfulfactofhiscastlebeinginthepossessionoftheking’sforces，andinthosedayspossessionwasconsiderablymorethanelevenpointsofthelaw。
　　Thebaronwasthereforeconvincedthattheearl’soutlawrywasinfallible，andthatMatildamusteitherrenounceherlover，orbecomewithhimanoutlawandafugitive。
　　Inproportion，therefore，tothebaron’sknowledgeofthestrengthanddurationofherattachment，washisfearofthedifficultyofitseverbeingovercome：herloveoftheforestandthechase，whichhehadneverbeforediscouraged，nowpresenteditselftohimasmatterofseriousalarm;andifhercheerfulnessgavehimhopeontheonehandbyindicatingaspiritsuperiortoalldisappointments，itwassuspicioustohimontheother，asarisingfromsomelatentcertaintyofbeingsoonunitedtotheearl。AllthesecircumstancesconcurredtorendertheirsongsofthevanisheddeerandgreenwoodarcheryandYoicksandHarkaway，extremelymal-a-propos，andtomakehisangerboilandbubbleinthecauldronofhisspirit，tillitsmorethanordinaryexcitementburstforthwithsuddenimpulseintoactivemanifestation。
　　[1]RoastingbyaslowfirefortheloveofGod。
　　Butasitsometimeshappens，fromthemightOfrageinmindsthatcannofarthergo，AshighastheyhavemountedindespiteIntheirremissiondotheysinkaslow，Toourboldbarondidithappenso。[2]
　　[2]OftheselinesallthatisnotinitalicsbelongstoMr。Wordsworth：ResolutionandIndependence。
　　Forhisdiscobolicexploitprovedtheclimaxofhisrage，andwassucceededbyanimmediatesensethathehadpassedtheboundsoflegitimatepassion;andhesunkimmediatelyfromtheverypinnacleofoppositiontothelevelofimplicitacquiescence。
　　Thefriar’sspiritswerenottobemarredbysuchalittleincident。
　　Hewashalf-inclined，atfirst，toreturnthebaron’scompliment;
　　buthisloveofMatildacheckedhim;andwhenthebaronheldouthishand，thefriarseizeditcordially，andtheydrownedallrecollectionoftheaffairbypledgingeachotherinacupofcanary。
　　Thefriar，havingstayedlongenoughtoseeeverythingreplacedonafriendlyfooting，rose，andmovedtotakehisleave。
　　Matildatoldhimhemustcomeagainonthemorrow，forshehadaverylongconfessiontomaketohim。Thisthefriarpromisedtodo，anddepartedwiththeknight。
　　SirRalph，onreachingtheabbey，drewhisfollowerstogether，andledthemtoLocksleyCastle，whichhefoundinthepossessionofhislieutenant;
　　whomheagainlefttherewithasufficientforcetoholditinsafekeepingintheking’sname，andproceededtoLondontoreporttheresultsofhisenterprise。
　　NowHenryourroyalkingwasverywrothattheearl’sevasion，andsworebySaintThomas-a-Becket（whomhehadhimselftranslatedintoasaintbyhavinghimknockedonthehead），thathewouldgivethecastleandlandsofLocksleytothemanwhoshouldbringintheearl。Hereuponensuedaprocessofthoughtinthemindoftheknight。TheeyesofthefairhuntressofArlingfordhadleftawoundinhisheartwhichonlyshewhogavecouldheal。
　　Hehadseenthatthebaronwasnolongerverypartialtotheoutlawedearl，butthathestillretainedhisoldaffectionforthelandsandcastleofLocksley。Nowthelandsandcastlewereveryfairthingsinthemselves，andwouldbeprettyappurtenancestoanadventurousknight;buttheywouldbedoublyvaluableascertainpassportstothefather’sfavour，whichwasonesteptowardsthatofthedaughter，oratleasttowardsobtainingpossessionofhereitherquietlyorperforce;
　　fortheknightwasnotsoniceinhisloveastoconsiderthelady’sfreegraceasinequanon：andtothinkofbeing，byanymeanswhatever，thelordofLocksleyandArlingford，andthehusbandofthebewitchingMatilda，wastocutintheshadesoffuturityavistaverytemptingtoasoldieroffortune。
　　Hesetoutinhighspiritswithachosenbandoffollowers，andbeatupallthecountryfarandwidearoundboththeOuseandtheTrent;butfortunedidnotseemdisposedtosecondhisdiligence，fornovestigewhatevercouldhetraceoftheearl。
　　Hisfollowers，whowereonlypaidwiththewagesofhope，begantomurmurandfalloff;for，asthoseunenlighteneddayswereignorantofthehappyinventionofpapermachinery，bywhichonepromisetopayissatisfactorilypaidwithanotherpromisetopay，andthatagainwithanotherininfiniteseries，theywouldnot，astheirwiserposterityhasdone，takethosetendersfortruepaywhichwerenotsterling;
　　sothat，onefinemorning，theknightfoundhimselfsittingonapleasantbankoftheTrent，withonlyasolitarysquire，whostillclungtotheshadowofpreferment，becausehedidnotseeatthemomentanybetterchanceofthesubstance。
　　Theknightdidnotdespairbecauseofthedesertionofhisfollowers：
　　hewaswellawarethathecouldeasilyraiserecruitsifhecouldoncefindtraceofhisgame;he，therefore，rodeaboutindefatigablyoverhillanddale，tothegreatsharpeningofhisownappetiteandthatofhissquire，livinggallantlyfrominntoinnwhenhispursewasfull，andquarteringhimselfintheking’snameonthenearestghostlybrotherhoodwhenithappenedtobeempty。
　　Anautumnandawinterhadpassedaway，whenthecourseofhisperlustationsbroughthimoneeveningintoabeautifulsylvanvalley，wherehefoundanumberofyoungwomenweavinggarlandsofflowers，andsingingovertheirpleasantoccupation。Heapproachedthem，andcourteouslyinquiredthewaytothenearesttown。
　　"Thereisnotownwithinseveralmiles，"wastheanswer。
　　"Avillage，then，ifitbebutlargeenoughtofurnishaninn？"
　　"ThereisGamwelljustby，butthereisnoinnnearerthanthenearesttown。"
　　"Anabbey，then？"
　　"Thereisnoabbeynearerthanthenearestinn。"
　　"Ahousethen，oracottage，whereImayobtainhospitalityforthenight？"
　　"Hospitality！"saidoneoftheyoungwomen;"youhavenotfartoseekforthat。DoyounotknowthatyouareintheneighbourhoodofGamwell-Hall？"
　　"Sofarfromit，"saidtheknight，"thatIneverheardthenameofGamwell-Hallbefore。"
　　"NeverheardofGamwell-Hall？"exclaimedalltheyoungwomentogether，whocouldassoonhavedreamedofhisneverhavingheardofthesky。
　　"Indeed，no，"saidSirRalph;"butIshallbeveryhappytogetridofmyignorance。"
　　"AndsoshallI，"saidhissquire;"foritseemsthatinthiscaseknowledgewillforoncebeacureforhunger，wherewithI
　　amgrievouslyafflicted。"
　　"Andwhyareyousobusy，myprettydamsels，weavingthesegarlands？"
　　saidtheknight。
　　"Why，doyounotknow，sir，"saidoneoftheyoungwomen，"thatto-morrowisGamwellfeast？"
　　Theknightwasagainobliged，withallhumility，toconfesshisignorance。
　　"Oh！sir，"saidhisinformant，"thenyouwillhavesomethingtosee，thatIcantellyou;forweshallchooseaQueenoftheMay，andweshallcrownherwithflowers，andplaceherinachariotofflowers，anddrawitwithlinesofflowers，andweshallhangallthetreeswithflowers，andweshallstrewallthegroundwithflowers，andweshalldancewithflowers，andinflowers，andonflowers，andweshallbeallflowers。"
　　"Thatyouwill，"saidtheknight;"andthesweetestandbrightestofalltheflowersoftheMay，myprettydamsels。"
　　Onwhichalltheprettydamselssmiledathimandeachother。
　　"AndtherewillbeallsortsofMay-games，andtherewillbeprizesforarchery，andtherewillbetheknight’sale，andtheforesters’venison，andtherewillbeKitScrapesqueakwithhisfiddle，andlittleTomWhistlerapwithhisfifeandtabor，andSamTrumtwangwithhisharp，andPeterMuggledronewithhisbagpipe，andhowIshalldancewithWillWhitethorn！"
　　addedthegirl，clappingherhandsasshespoke，andboundingfromthegroundwiththepleasureoftheanticipation。
　　Atallathleticyoungmanapproached，towhomtherusticmaidenscourtesiedwithgreatrespect;andoneoftheminformedSirRalphthatitwasyoungMasterWilliamGamwell。Theyounggentlemaninvitedandconductedtheknighttothehall，whereheintroducedhimtotheoldknighthisfather，andtotheoldladyhismother，andtotheyoungladyhissister，andtoanumberofboldyeomen，whowerelayingsiegetobeef，brawn，andplumpiearoundaponderoustable，andtakingcopiousdraughtsofoldOctober。Amottowasinscribedovertheinteriordoor，——
　　EAT，DRINK，ANDBEMERRY：
　　aninjunctionwhichSirRalphandhissquireshowedremarkablealacrityinobeying。OldSirGuyofGamwellgaveSirRalphaverycordialwelcome，andentertainedhimduringsupperwithseveralofhisbeststories，enforcedwithanoccasionalslapontheback，andpointedwithapegintheribs;
　　aspeciesofvivaciouseloquenceinwhichthe;oldgentlemanexcelled，andwhichissupposedbymanyofthatpleasantvarietyofthehumanspectes，knownbythenameofchoicefellowsandcomicaldogs，tobethegenuinetangibleshapeofthecreamofagoodjoke。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　What！shallwehaveincision？shallweembrew？HenryIV。
　　OldSirGuyofGamwell，andyoungWilliamGamwell，andfairAliceGamwell，andSirRalphMontfauconandhissquire，rodetogetherthenextmorningtothesceneofthefeast。
　　Theyarrivedonavillagegreen，surroundedwithcottagespeepingfromamongthetreesbywhichthegreenwascompletelyencircled。
　　Thewholecirclewashungroundwithonecontinuousgarlandofflowers，dependinginirregularfestoonsfromthebranches。
　　InthecentreofthegreenwasaMay-polehiddeninboughsandgarlands;andamultitudeofround-facedbumpkinsandcherry-checkedlassesweredancingaroundit，tothequadruplemelodyofScrapesqueak，Whistlerap，Trumtwang，andMuggledrone：
　　harmonywemustnotcallit;for，thoughtheyhadagreedtoapartnershipinpointoftune，each，likeatruepainstakingman，seemeddeterminedtohavehistimetohimself：Muggledroneplayedallegretto，Trumtwangallegro，Whistlerappresto，andScrapesqueakprestissimo。
　　Therewasakindofmathematicalproportionintheirdiscrepancy：
　　whileMuggledroneplayedthetunefourtimes，Trumtwangplayeditfive，Whistlerapsix，andScrapesqueakeight;forthelattercompletelydistancedallhiscompetitors，andindeedworkedhiselbowsonimblythatitsoutlinewasscarcelydistinguishablethroughthemistinessofitsrapidvibration。
　　Whiletheknightwasdelightinghiseyesandearswiththesepleasantsightsandsounds，alleyeswereturnedinonedirection;
　　andSirRalph，lookinground，sawafairladyingreenandgoldcomeridingthroughthetrees，accompaniedbyaportlyfriaringrey，andseveralfairdamselsandgallantgrooms。
　　Ontheirnearerapproach，herecognisedtheladyMatildaandherghostlyadviser，brotherMichael。Apartyofforestersarrivedfromanotherdirection，andthenensuedcordialinterchangesofgreeting，andcollisionsofhandsandlips，amongtheGamwellsandthenew-comers，——"Howdoesmyfaircoz，Mawd？"and"Howdoesmysweetcoz，Mawd？"and"Howdoesmywildcoz，Mawd？"And"Eh！
　　jollyfriar，yourhand，oldboy："and"Here，honestfriar："
　　and"Tome，merryfriar："and"Byyourfavour，mistressAlice："
　　and"Hey！cousinRobin："and"Hey！cousinWill："
　　and"Od’slife！merrySirGuy，yougrowyoungereveryyear，"——
　　astheoldknightshookthemallinturnwithonehand，andslappedthemonthebackwiththeother，intokenofhisaffection。
　　Anumberofyoungmenandwomenadvanced，somedrawing，andothersdancinground，afloralcar;andhavingplacedacrownofflowersonMatilda’shead，theysalutedherQueenoftheMay，anddrewhertotheplaceappointedfortheruralsports。
　　Ahogsheadofalewasabroachunderanoak，andafirewasblazinginanopenspacebeforethetreestoroastthefatdeerwhichtheforestersbrought。Thesportscommenced;and，afteranagreeableseriesofbowling，coiling，pitching，hurling，racing，leaping，grinning，wrestlingorfriendlydislocationofjoints，andcudgel-playingoramicablecrackingofskulls，thetrialofarcheryensued。
　　TheconquerorwastoberewardedwithagoldenarrowfromthehandoftheQueenoftheMay，whowastobehispartnerinthedancetillthecloseofthefeast。Thisstimulatedtheknight’semulation：
　　youngGamwellsuppliedhimwithabowandarrow，andhetookhisstationamongtheforesters，buthadthemortificationtobeout-shotbythemall，andtoseeoneofthemlodgethepointofhisarrowinthegoldenringofthecentre，andreceivetheprizefromthehandofthebeautifulMatilda，whosmiledonhimwithparticulargrace。
　　Thejealousknightscrutinisedthesuccessfulchampionwithgreatattention，andsurelythoughthehadseenthatfacebefore。
　　Inthemeantimetheforesterledtheladytothestation。
　　ThelucklessSirRalphdrankdeepdraughtsoflovefromthematchlessgraceofherattitudes，as，takingthebowinherlefthand，andadjustingthearrowwithherright，advancingherleftfoot，andgentlycurvingherbeautifulfigurewithaslightmotionofherheadthatwavedherblackfeathersandherringletedhair，shedrewthearrowtoitshead，andlooseditfromheropenfingers。Thearrowstruckwithintheringofgold，soclosetothatofthevictoriousforesterthatthepointswereincontact，andthefeatherswereintermingled。
　　Greatacclamationssucceeded，andtheforesterledMatildatothedance。
　　SirRalphgazedonherfascinatingmotionstillthetormentsofbaffledloveandjealousragebecameunendurable;andapproachingyoungGamwell，heaskedhimifheknewthenameofthatforesterwhowasleadingthedancewiththeQueenoftheMay？
　　"Robin，Ibelieve，"saidyoungGamwellcarelessly;"IthinktheycallhimRobin。"
　　"Isthatallyouknowofhim？"saidSirRalph。
　　"WhatmoreshouldIknowofhim？"saidyoungGamwell。
　　"ThenIcantellyou，"saidSirRalph，"heistheoutlawedEarlofHuntingdon，onwhoseheadissetsolargeaprice。"
　　"Ay，ishe？"saidyoungGamwell，inthesamecarelessmanner。
　　"Hewereaprizeworththetaking，"saidSirRalph。
　　"Nodoubt，"saidyoungGamwell。
　　"Howthinkyou？"saidSirRalph："aretheforestershisadherents？"
　　"Icannotsay，"saidyoungGamwell。
　　"Isyourpeasantryloyalandwell-disposed？"saidSirRalph。
　　"Passingloyal，"saidyoungGamwell。
　　"IfIshouldcallonthemintheking’sname，"saidSirRalph，"thinkyoutheywouldaidandassist？"
　　"Mostlikelytheywould，"saidyoungGamwell，"onesideortheother。"
　　"Ay，butwhichside？"saidtheknight。
　　"Thatremainstobetried，"saidyoungGamwell。
　　"IhaveKingHenry’scommission，"saidtheknight，"toapprehendthisearlthatwas。Howwouldyouadvisemetoact，being，asyousee，withoutattendantforce？"
　　"Iwouldadviseyou，"saidyoungGamwell，"totakeyourselfoffwithoutdelay，unlessyouwouldrelishthetasteofavolleyofarrows，ashowerofstones，andahailstormofcudgel-blows，whichwouldnotbeturnedasidebyaGodsaveKingHenry。"
　　SirRalph’ssquirenosoonerheardthis，andsawbythelooksofthespeakerthathewasnotlikelytoproveafalseprophet，thanheclappedspurstohishorseandgallopedoffwithmightandmain。Thisgavetheknightagoodexcusetopursuehim，whichhedidwithgreatcelerity，calling，"Stop，yourascal。"
　　Whenthesquirefanciedhimselfsafeoutofthereachofpursuit，hecheckedhisspeed，andallowedtheknighttocomeupwithhim。
　　Theyrodeonseveralmilesinsilence，tilltheydiscoveredthetowersandspiresofNottingham，wheretheknightintroducedhimselftothesheriff，anddemandedanarmedforcetoassistintheapprehensionoftheoutlawedEarlofHuntingdon。Thesheriff，whowaswillingtohavehisshareoftheprize，determinedtoaccompanytheknightinperson，andregaledhimandhismanwithgoodstoreofthebest;afterwhich，they，withastoutretinueoffiftymen，tookthewaytoGamwellfeast。
　　"God’smylife，"saidthesheriff，astheyrodealong，"Ihadasliefyouwouldtellmeofaserviceofplate。
　　Imuchdoubtifthisoutlawedearl，thisforesterRobin，benotthemantheycallRobinHood，whohasquarteredhimselfinSherwoodForest，andwhominendeavouringtoapprehendIhavefallendiverstimesintodisasters。
　　Hehasgottentogetherabandofdisinheritedprodigals，outlaweddebtors，excommunicatedheretics，eldersonsthathavespentalltheyhad，andyoungersonsthatneverhadanythingtospend;andwiththesehekillstheking’sdeer，andplunderswealthytravellersoffive-sixthsoftheirmoney;
　　butiftheybeabbotsorbishops，themhedespoilsutterly。"
　　ThesheriffthenproceededtorelatetohiscompaniontheadventureoftheabbotofDoubleflask（whichsomegravehistorianshaverelatedoftheabbotofSaintMary’s，andothersofthebishopofHereford）：howtheabbot，returningtohisabbeyincompanywithhishighselerer，whocarriedinhisportmanteautherentsoftheabbey-lands，andwithanumeroustrainofattendants，cameuponfourseemingpeasants，whowereroastingtheking’svenisonbytheking’shighway：how，injustindignationatthisflagrantinfringementoftheforestlaws，heaskedthemwhattheymeant，andtheyansweredthattheymeanttodine：
　　howheorderedthemtobeseizedandbound，andledcaptivetoNottingham，thattheymightknowwild-fleshtohavebeendestinedbyProvidenceforlicensedandprivilegedappetites，andnotforthebasehungerofunqualifiedknaves：howtheyprayedformercy，andhowtheabbotsworebySaintCharitythathewouldshowthemnone：
　　howoneofthemthereupondrewabuglehornfromunderhissmock-frockandblewthreeblasts，onwhichtheabbotandhistrainwereinstantlysurroundedbysixtybowmeningreen：
　　howtheytiedhimtoatree，andmadehimsaymassfortheirsins：
　　howtheyunboundhim，andsatehimdownwiththemtodinner，andgavehimvenisonandwild-fowlandwine，andmadehimpayforhisfareallthemoneyinhishighselerer’sportmanteau，andenforcedhimtosleepallnightunderatreeinhiscloak，andtoleavethecloakbehindhiminthemorning：howtheabbot，lightinpocketandheavyinheart，raisedthecountryuponRobinHood，forsohehadheardthechiefforestercalledbyhismen，andhuntedhimintoanoldwoman’scottage：
　　howRobinchangeddresseswiththeoldwoman，andhowtheabbotrodeingreattriumphtoNottingham，havingincustodyanoldwomaninagreendoubletandbreeches：howtheoldwomandiscoveredherself：
　　howthemerrymenofNottinghamlaughedattheabbot：
　　howtheabbotrailedattheoldwoman，andhowtheoldwomanout-railedtheabbot，tellinghimthatRobinhadgivenherfoodandfirethroughthewinter，whichnoabbotwouldeverdo，butwouldrathertakeitfromherforwhathecalledthegoodofthechurch，bywhichhemeanthisownlazinessandgluttony;
　　andthatsheknewatruemanfromafalsethief，andafreeforesterfromagreedyabbot。
　　"Thusyousee，"addedthesheriff，"howthisvillainpervertsthedeludedpeoplebymakingthembelievethatthosewhotitheandtolluponthemfortheirspiritualandtemporalbenefitarenottheirbestfriendsandfatherlyguardians;forheholdsthatingivingtoboorsandoldwomenwhathetakesfrompriestsandpeers，hedoesbutrestoretotheformerwhatthelatterhadtakenfromthem;
　　andthistheimpudentvarletcallsdistributivejustice。
　　Judgenowifanyloyalsubjectcanbesafeinsuchneighbourhood。"
　　Whilethesheriffwasthusenlighteninghiscompanionconcerningtheoffenders，andwhettinghisownindignationagainstthem，thesunwasfastsinkingtothewest。Theyrodeontilltheycameinviewofabridge，whichtheysawapartyapproachingfromtheoppositeside，andtheknightpresentlydiscoveredthatthepartyconsistedoftheladyMatildaandfriarMichael，youngGamwell，cousinRobin，andabouthalf-a-dozenforesters。
　　Theknightpointedouttheearltothesheriff，whoexclaimed，"Here，then，wehavehimaneasyprey;"andtheyrodeonmanfullytowardsthebridge，onwhichtheotherpartymadehalt。
　　"Whobethese，"saidthefriar，"thatcomeridingsofastthisway？
　　Now，asGodshalljudgeme，itisthatfalseknightSirRalphMontfaucon，andthesheriffofNottingham，withaposseofmen。Wemustmakegoodourpost，andletthemdislodgeusiftheymay。"
　　Thetwopartieswerenownearenoughtoparley;andthesheriffandtheknight，advancinginthefrontofthecavalcade，calledonthelady，thefriar，youngGamwell，andtheforesters，todeliverupthatfalse-traitor，Robert，formerlyEarlofHuntingdon。Roberthimselfmadeanswerbylettingflyanarrowthatstruckthegroundbetweentheforefeetofthesheriff’shorse。Thehorserearedupfromthewhizzing，andlodgedthesheriffinthedust;and，atthesametime，thefairMatildafavouredtheknightwithanarrowinhisrightarm，thatcompelledhimtowithdrawfromtheaffray。
　　Hismenliftedthesheriffcarefullyup，andreplacedhimonhishorse，whomheimmediatelywithgreatrageandzealurgedontotheassaultwithhisfiftymenathisheels，someofwhomwereinterceptedintheiradvancebythearrowsoftheforestersandMatilda;whilethefriar，withaneight-footstaff，dislodgedthesheriffasecondtime，andlaidonhimwithallthevigourofthechurchmilitantonearth，inspiteofhisejaculationsof"Hey，friarMichael！Whatmeansthis，honestfriar？
　　Hold，ghostlyfriar！Hold，holyfriar！"——tillMatildainterposed，anddeliveredthebatteredsherifftothecareoftheforesters。
　　Thefriarcontinuedflourishinghisstaffamongthesheriff’smen，knockingdownone，breakingtheribsofanother，dislocatingtheshoulderofathird，flatteningthenoseofafourth，crackingtheskullofafifth，andpitchingasixthintotheriver，tillthefew，whowereluckyenoughtoescapewithwholebones，clappedspurstotheirhorsesandfledfortheirlives，underafarewellvolleyofarrows。
　　SirRalph’ssquire，meanwhile，wasgladoftheexcuseofattendinghismaster’swoundtoabsenthimselffromthebattle;
　　andputthepoorknighttoagreatdealofunnecessarypainbymakingaslongabusinessaspossibleofextractingthearrow，whichhehadnotaccomplishedwhenMatilda，approaching，extracteditwithgreatfacility，andboundupthewoundwithherscarf，saying，"Ireclaimmyarrow，sirknight，whichstruckwhereI
　　aimedit，toadmonishyoutodesistfromyourenterprise。
　　Icouldaseasilyhavelodgeditinyourheart。"
　　"Itdidnotneed，"saidtheknight，withruefulgallantry;
　　"youhavelodgedonetherealready。"
　　"Ifyoumeantosaythatyouloveme，"saidMatilda，"itismorethanI
　　evershallyou：butifyouwillshowyourlovebynofurtherinterferingwithmine，youwillatleastmeritmygratitude。"
　　Theknightmadeawryfaceunderthedoublepainofheartandbodycausedatthesamemomentbythematerialormartial，andthemetaphoricaloreroticarrow，ofwhichthelatterwasthusbarbedbyadeclarationmorecandidthanflattering;buthedidnotchoosetoputinanysuchclaimtothelady’sgratitudeaswouldbarallhopesofherlove：
　　hethereforeremainedsilent;andtheladyandherescort，leavinghimandthesherifftothecareofthesquire，rodeontilltheycameinsightofArlingfordCastle，whentheypartedinseveraldirections。
　　Thefriarrodeoffalone;andaftertheforestershadlostsightofhimtheyheardhisvoicethroughthetwilight，singing，——
　　Astaff，astaff，ofayoungoakgraff，Thatisbothstoureandstiff，IsallagoodfriarcanneedsdesireToshriveaproudsheriffe。
　　Andthou，finefellowe，whohasttastedsoOftheforester’sgreenwoodgame，WiltbeinnohastethytimetowasteInseekingmoretasteofthesame：
　　OrthiscanIreadthee，andriddletheewell，Thouhadstbetterbyfarbethedevilinhell，ThanthesheriffofNottinghame。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　Now，mastersheriff，what’syourwillwithme？HenryIV。
　　Matildahadcarriedherpointwiththebaronofrangingatlibertywhithersoevershewould，underherpositivepromisetoreturnhome;
　　shewasasortofprisoneronparole：shehadobtainedthisindulgencebymeansofanobsoletehabitofalwaystellingthetruthandkeepingherword，whichourenlightenedagehasdiscardedwithotherbarbarisms，butwhichhadtheeffectofgivingherfathersomuchconfidenceinher，thathecouldnothelpconsideringherwordabettersecuritythanlocksandbars。
　　ThebaronhadbeenoneofthelasttohearoftherumoursofthenewoutlawsofSherwood，asMatildahadtakenallpossibleprecautionstokeepthoserumoursfromhisknowledge，fearingthattheymightcausetheinterruptionofhergreenwoodliberty;
　　anditwasonlyduringherabsenceatGamwellfeast，thatthebutler，beingthrownoffhisguardbyliquor，forgotherinjunctions，andregaledthebaronwithalongstoryoftherightmerryadventureofRobinHoodandtheabbotofDoubleflask。
　　Thebaronwasonemorning，asusual，cuttinghiswayvalorouslythrougharampartofcoldprovision，whenhisearsweresuddenlyassailedbyatremendousalarum，andsallyingforth，andlookingfromhiscastlewall，heperceivedalargepartyofarmedmenontheothersideofthemoat，whowerecallingonthewarderintheking’snametolowerthedrawbridgeandraisetheportcullis，whichhadbothbeensecuredbyMatilda’sorder。
　　Thebaronwalkedalongthebattlementtillhecameoppositetotheseunexpectedvisitors，who，assoonastheysawhim，calledout，"Lowerthedrawbridge，intheking’sname。"
　　"Forwhat，inthedevil’sname？"saidthebaron。
　　"ThesheriffofNottingham，"saidone，"liesinbedgrievouslybruised，andmanyofhismenarewounded，andseveralofthemslain;
　　andSirRalphMontfaucon，knight，issorewoundedinthearm;
　　andwearechargedtoapprehendWilliamGamwelltheyounger，ofGamwellHall，andfatherMichaelofRubygillAbbey，andMatildaFitzwaterofArlingfordCastle，asagentsandaccomplicesinthesaidbreachoftheking’speace。"
　　"Breachoftheking’sfiddlestick！"answeredthebaron。
　　"Whatdoyoumeanbycomingherewithyourcockandbull，storiesofmydaughtergrievouslybruisingthesheriffofNottingham？Youareasetofvagabondrascalsindisguise;andIhear，bythebye，thereisagangofthievesthathasjustsetupbusinessinSherwoodForest：
　　aprettypresence，indeed，togetintomycastlewithforceandarms，andmakeafamineinmybuttery，andadroughtinmycellar，andavoidinmystrongbox，andavacuuminmysilverscullery。"
　　"LordFitzwater，"criedone，"takeheedhowyouresistlawfulauthority：
　　wewillproveourselves————"
　　"Youwillproveyourselvesarrantknaves，Idoubtnot，"answeredthebaron;
　　"but，villains，youshallbemoregrievouslybruisedbymethaneverwasthesheriffbymydaughter（aprettytaletruly！），ifyoudonotforthwithavoidmyterritory。"
　　Bythistimethebaron’smenhadflockedtothebattlements，withlong-bowsandcross-bows，slingsandstones，andMatildawithherbowandquiverattheirhead。
　　Theassailants，findingthecastlesowelldefended，deemeditexpedienttowithdrawtilltheycouldreturningreaterforce，androdeofftoRubygillAbbey，wheretheymadeknowntheirerrandtothefatherabbot，who，havingsatisfiedhimselfoftheirlegitimacy，andconnedovertheallegations，saidthatdoubtlessbrotherMichaelhadheinouslyoffended;
　　butitwasnotforthecivillawtotakecognizanceofthemisdoingsofaholyfriar;thathewouldsummonachapterofmonks，andpassontheoffenderasentenceproportionatetohisoffence。
　　Theministersofciviljusticesaidthatwouldnotdo。
　　Theabbotsaiditwoulddoandshould;andbadethemnotprovokethemeeknessofhiscatholiccharitytolaythemunderthecurseofRome。Thisthreathaditseffect，andthepartyrodeofftoGamwell-Hall，wheretheyfoundtheGamwellsandtheirmenjustsittingdowntodinner，whichtheysavedthemthetroubleofeatingbyconsumingitintheking’snamethemselves，havingfirstseizedandboundyoungGamwell;
　　allwhichtheyaccomplishedbydintofsuperiornumbers，indespiteofamostvigorousstandmadebytheGamwellitesindefenceoftheiryoungmasterandtheirprovisions。
　　Thebaron，meanwhile，aftertheministersofjusticehaddeparted，interrogatedMatildaconcerningtheallegedfactofthegrievousbruisingofthesheriffofNottingham。MatildatoldhimthewholehistoryofGamwellfeast，andoftheirbattleonthebridge，whichhaditsorigininadesignofthesheriffofNottinghamtotakeoneoftheforestersintocustody。
　　"Ay！ay！"saidthebaron，"andIguesswhothatforesterwas;
　　buttrulythisfriarisadesperatefellow。Ididnotthinktherecouldhavebeensomuchvalourunderagreyfrock。
　　Andsoyouwoundedtheknightinthearm。Youareawildgirl，Mawd，——achipoftheoldblock，Mawd。Awildgirl，andawildfriar，andthreeorfourforesters，wildladsall，tokeepabridgeagainstatameknight，andatamesheriff，andfiftytamevarlets;bythislight，thelikewasneverheard！
　　Butdoyouknow，Mawd，youmustnotgoaboutsoanymore，sweetMawd：youmuststayathome，youmustensconce;
　　forthereisyourtamesheriffontheonehand，thatwilltakeyouperforce;andthereisyourwildforesterontheotherhand，thatwilltakeyouwithoutanyforceatall，Mawd：yourwildforester，Robin，cousinRobin，RobinHoodofSherwoodForest，thatbeatsandbindsbishops，spreadsnetsforarchbishops，andhuntsafatabbotasifhewereabuck：excellentgame，nodoubt，butyoumusthuntnomoreinsuchcompany。Iseeitnow：
　　trulyImighthaveguessedbeforethattheboldoutlawRobin，themostcourteousRobin，thenewthiefofSherwoodForest，wasyourlover，theearlthathasbeen：Imighthaveguesseditbefore，andwhatledyousomuchtothewoods;butyouhuntnomoreinsuchcompany。NomoreMaygamesandGamwellfeasts。
　　Mylandsandcastlewouldbetheforfeitofafewmoresuchpranks;
　　andIthinktheyareaswellinmyhandsastheking’s，quiteaswell。"
　　"Youknow，father，"saidMatilda，"theconditionofkeepingmeathome：
　　IgetoutifIcan，andnotonparole。"
　　"Ay！ay！"saidthebaron，"ifyoucan;verytrue：
　　watchandward，Mawd，watchandwardismyword：ifyoucan，isyours。Themarkisset，andsostartfair。"
　　Thebaronwouldhavegoneoninthiswayforanhour;butthefriarmadehisappearancewithalongoakstaffinhishand，singing，——
　　Drinkandsing，andeatandlaugh，Andsogoforthtobattle：
　　ForthetopofaskullandtheendofastaffDomakeaghostlyrattle。
　　"Ho！ho！friar！"saidthebaron——"singingfriar，laughingfriar，roaringfriar，fightingfriar，hackingfriar，thwackingfriar;cracking，cracking，crackingfriar;
　　joke-cracking，bottle-cracking，skull-crackingfriar！"
　　"Andho！ho！"saidthefriar，——"boldbaron，oldbaron，sturdybaron，wordybaron，longbaron，strongbaron，mightybaron，flightybaron，mazedbaron，crazedbaron，hackedbaron，thwackedbaron;cracked，cracked，crackedbaron;
　　bone-cracked，sconce-cracked，brain-crackedbaron！"
　　"Whatdoyoumean，"saidthebaron，"bullyfriar，bycallingmehackedandthwacked？"
　　"Wereyounotinthewars？"saidthefriar，"wherehewhoescapesuntrackeddoesmorecredittohisheelsthanhisarms。
　　Ipaytributetoyourvalourincallingyouhackedandthwacked。"
　　"Ineverwasthwackedinmylife，"saidthebaron;"Istoodmygroundmanfully，andcoveredmybodywithmysword。
　　IfIhadhadthelucktomeetwithafightingfriarindeed，Imighthavebeenthwacked，andsoundlytoo;butIholdmyselfamatchforanytwolaymen;ittakesninefightinglaymentomakeafightingfriar。"
　　"Whencecomeyounow，holyfather？"askedMatilda。
　　"FromRubygillAbbey，"saidthefriar，"whitherIneverreturn：
　　ForImustseeksomehermitcell，WhereIalonemybeadsmaytell，AndonthewightwhothatwayfaresLevyatollformyghostlypray’rs，Levyatoll，levyatoll，Levyatollformyghostlypray’rs。"
　　"Whatisthematterthen，father？"saidMatilda。
　　"Thisisthematter，"saidthefriar："myholybrethrenhaveheldachapteronme，andsentencedmetosevenyears’privationofwine。
　　Ithereforedeemeditfittingtotakemydeparture，whichtheywouldfainhaveprohibited。Iwasenforcedtoclearthewaywithmystaff。
　　Ihavegrievouslybeatenmydearlybelovedbrethren：Igrievethereat;
　　buttheyenforcedmethereto。Ihavebeatenthemmuch;Imowedthemdowntotherightandtotheleft，andleftthemlikeanill-reapedfieldofwheat，earandstrawpointingallways，scatteredinsinglenessandjumbledinmasses;andsobadethemfarewell，saying，Peacebewithyou。
　　ButImustnottarry，lestdangerbeinmyrear：therefore，farewell，sweetMatilda;andfarewell，noblebaron;andfarewell，sweetMatildaagain，thealphaandomegaoffatherMichael，thefirstandthelast。"
　　"Farewell，father，"saidthebaron，alittlesoftened;
　　"andGodsendyoubeneverassailedbymorethanfiftymenatatime。"
　　"Amen，"saidthefriar，"tothatgoodwish。"
　　"Andweshallmeetagain，father，Itrust，"saidMatilda。
　　"Whenthestormisblownover，"saidthebaron。
　　"Doubtitnot，"saidthefriar，"thoughfloodedTrentwerebetweenus，andfiftydevilsguardedthebridge。"
　　HekissedMatilda’sforehead，andwalkedawaywithoutasong。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　Letgallowsgapefordog：letmangofree。HenryV。
　　ApagehadbeenbroughtupinGamwell-Hall，who，whilehewaslittle，hadbeencalledLittleJohn，andcontinuedtobesocalledafterhehadgrowntobeafoottallerthananyothermaninthehouse。
　　Hewasfullsevenfeethigh。Hislatitudewasworthyofhislongitude，andhisstrengthwasworthyofboth;andthoughanhonestmanbyprofession，hehadpracticedarcheryontheking’sdeerforthebenefitofhismaster’shousehold，andfortheimprovementofhisowneyeandhand，tillhisaimhadbecomeinfalliblewithintherangeoftwomiles。
　　Hehadfoughtmanfullyindefenceofhisyoungmaster，tookhiscaptivityexceedinglytoheart，andfellintobittergriefandboundlessragewhenheheardthathehadbeentriedinNottinghamandsentencedtodie。
　　AliceGamwell，atLittleJohn’srequest，wrotethreelettersofonetenour;
　　andLittleJohn，havingattachedthemtothreebluntarrows，saddledthefleeteststeedinoldSirGuyofGamwell’sstables，mounted，androdefirsttoArlingfordCastle，whereheshotoneofthethreearrowsoverthebattlements;
　　thentoRubygillAbbey，whereheshotthesecondintotheabbey-garden;
　　thenbackpastGamwell-HalltothebordersofSherwoodForest，whereheshotthethirdintothewood。NowthefirstofthesearrowslightedinthenapeoftheneckofLordFitzwater，andlodgeditselffirmlybetweenhisskinandhiscollar;thesecondreboundedwiththehollowvibrationofadrumstickfromtheshavensconceoftheabbotofRubygill;
　　andthethirdpitchedperpendicularlyintothecentreofavenisonpastyinwhichRobinHoodwasmakingincision。
　　MatildaranuptoherfatherinthecourtofArlingfordCastle，seizedthearrow，drewofftheletter，andconcealeditinherbosombeforethebaronhadtimetolookround，whichhedidwithmanyexpressionsofrageagainsttheimpudentvillainwhohadshotabluntarrowintothenapeofhisneck。
　　"Butyouknow，father，"saidMatilda，"asharparrowinthesameplacewouldhavekilledyou;thereforethesendingabluntonewasveryconsiderate。"
　　"Considerate，withavengeance！"saidthebaron。
　　"Wherewastheconsiderationofsendingitatall？
　　Thisissomeofyourforester’spranks。Hehasmissedyouintheforest，sinceIhavekeptwatchandwardoveryou，andbywayofalove-tokenandaremembrancetoyoutakesarandomshotatme。"
　　TheabbotofRubygillpickedupthemissile-missiveormessengerarrow，whichhadreboundedfromhisshavencrown，withaveryunghostlymaledictiononthesender，whichhesuddenlycheckedwithapiousandconsolatoryreflectiononthegoodnessofProvidenceinhavingblessedhimwithsuchathicknessofskull，towhichhewasnowindebtedfortemporalpreservation，ashehadbeforebeenforspiritualpromotion。
　　Heopenedtheletter，whichwasaddressedtofatherMichael;
　　andfoundittocontainanintimationthatWilliamGamwellwastobehangedonMondayatNottingham。
　　"AndIwish，"saidtheabbot，"fatherMichaelweretobehangedwithhim：
　　anungratefulmonster，afterIhadrescuedhimfromthefangsofciviljustice，torewardmylenitybynotleavingaboneunbruisedamongtheholybrotherhoodofRubygill。"
　　RobinHoodextractedfromhisvenisonpastyasimilarintimationoftheevildestinyofhiscousin，whomhedetermined，ifpossible，torescuefromthejawsofCerberus。
　　ThesheriffofNottingham，thoughstillsorewithhisbruises，wassointentonrevenge，thatheraisedhimselffromhisbedtoattendtheexecutionofWilliamGamwell。HerodetotheauguststructureofretributiveThemis，astheFrenchcallagallows，inalltheprideandpompofshrievalty，andwithasplendidretinueofwell-equippedknavesandvarlets，asourancestorscalledhonestserving-men。
　　YoungGamwellwasbroughtforthwithhisarmspinionedbehindhim;
　　hissisterAliceandhisfather，SirGuy，attendinghimindisconsolatemood。
　　Hehadrejectedtheconfessorprovidedbythesheriff，andhadinsistedontheprivilegeofchoosinghisown，whomLittleJohnhadpromisedtobring。
　　LittleJohn，however，hadnotmadehisappearancewhenthefatalprocessionbeganitsmarch;butwhentheyreachedtheplaceofexecution，LittleJohnappeared，accompaniedbyaghostlyfriar。
　　"Sheriff，"saidyoungGamwell，"letmenotdiewithmyhandspinioned：
　　givemeasword，andsetanyoddsofyourmenagainstme，andletmediethedeathofaman，likethedescendantofanoblehouse，whichhasneveryetbeenstainedwithignominy。"
　　"No，no，"saidthesheriff;"Ihavehadenoughofsettingoddsagainstyou。
　　Ihaveswornyoushallbehanged，andhangedyoushallbe。"
　　"ThenGodhavemercyonme，"saidyoungGamwell;"andnow，holyfriar，shrivemysinfulsoul。"
　　Thefriarapproached。
　　"Letmeseethisfriar，"saidthesheriff："ifhebethefriarofthebridge，IhadasliefhavethedevilinNottingham;
　　butheshallfindmetoomuchforhimhere。"
　　"Thefriarofthebridge，"saidLittleJohn，"asyouverywellknow，sheriff，wasfatherMichaelofRubygillAbbey，andyoumayeasilyseethatthisisnottheman。"
　　"Iseeit，"saidthesheriff;"andGodbethankedforhisabsence。"
　　YoungGamwellstoodatthefootoftheladder。Thefriarapproachedhim，openedhisbook，groaned，turnedupthewhitesofhiseyes，tosseduphisarmsintheair，andsaid"Dominusvobiscum。"
　　Hethencrossedbothhishandsonhisbreastunderthefoldsofhisholyrobes，andstoodafewmomentsasifininwardprayer。
　　Adeepsilenceamongtheattendantcrowdaccompaniedthisactionofthefriar;interruptedonlybythehollowtoneofthedeath-bell，atlonganddrearyintervals。Suddenlythefriarthrewoffhisholyrobes，andappearedaforesterclothedingreen，withaswordinhisrighthandandahorninhisleft。
　　WiththeswordhecutthebondsofWilliamGamwell，whoinstantlysnatchedaswordfromoneofthesheriff’smen;andwiththehornheblewaloudblast，whichwasansweredatoncebyfourbuglesfromthequartersofthefourwinds，andfromeachquartercamefive-and-twentybowmenrunningallonarow。
　　"Treason！treason！"criedthesheriff。OldSirGuysprangtohisson’sside，andsodidLittleJohn;andthefoursettingbacktoback，keptthesheriffandhismenatbaytillthebowmencamewithinshotandletflytheirarrowsamongthesheriff’smen，who，afterabriefresistance，fledinalldirections。Theforester，whohadpersonatedthefriar，sentanarrowaftertheflyingsheriff，callingwithastrongvoice，"Tothesheriff’sleftarm，asakeepsakefromRobinHood。"Thearrowreacheditsdestiny;
　　thesheriffredoubledhisspeed，and，withtheonearrowinhisarm，didnotstoptobreathetillhewasoutofreachofanother。
　　TheforestersdidnotwastetimeinNottingham，butweresoonatadistancefromitswalls。SirGuyreturnedwithAlicetoGamwell-Hall;butthinkingheshouldnotbesafethere，fromthesharehehadhadinhisson’srescue，theyonlyremainedlongenoughtosupplythemselveswithclothesandmoney，anddeparted，undertheescortofLittleJohn，toanotherseatoftheGamwellsinYorkshire。YoungGamwell，takingitforgrantedthathisoffencewaspastremission，determinedonjoiningRobinHood，andaccompaniedhimtotheforest，whereitwasdeemedexpedientthatheshouldchangehisname;
　　andhewasrechristenedwithoutapriest，andwithwineinsteadofwater，bytheimmortalnameofScarlet。
　　CHAPTERIX
　　Whosetmymani’thestocks？————
　　Isethimthere，SirbuthisowndisordersDeservedmuchlessadvancement。——Lear。
　　ThebaronwasinflexibleinhisresolutionnottoletMatildaleavethecastle。Theletter，whichannouncedtohertheapproachingfateofyoungGamwell，filledherwithgrief，andincreasedtheirksomenessofaprivationwhichalreadypreyedsufficientlyonherspirits，andbegantoundermineherhealth。ShehadnolongertheconsolationofthesocietyofheroldfriendfatherMichael：
　　thelittlefatfriarofRubygillwassubstitutedasthecastleconfessor，notwithoutsomemisgivingsinhisghostlybosom;buthewasmorealluredbythesweetsavourofthegoodthingsofthisworldatArlingfordCastle，thandeterredbyhisaweoftheladyMatilda，whichneverthelesswassoexcessive，fromhisrecollectionofthetwangofthebow-string，thatheneverventuredtofindherinthewrong，muchlesstoenjoinanythingintheshapeofpenance，aswastheoccasionalpracticeofholyconfessors，withorwithoutcause，forthesakeofpiousdiscipline，andwhatwasinthosedayscalledsocialorder，namely，thepreservationoftheprivilegesofthefewwhohappenedtohaveany，attheexpenseoftheswinishmultitudewhohappenedtohavenone，exceptthatofworkingandbeingshotatforthebenefitoftheirbetters，whichisobviouslynotthemeaningofsocialorderinourmoreenlightenedtimes：
　　letusthereforebegratefultoProvidence，andsingTeDeumlaudamusinchoruswiththeHolyAlliance。
　　Thelittlefriar，however，thoughhefoundtheladyspotless，foundthebutleragreatsinner：atleastsoitwasconjectured，fromthelengthoftimehealwaystooktoconfesshiminthebuttery。
　　Matildabecameeverydaymorepaleanddejected：herspirit，whichcouldhavecontendedagainstanystrenuousaffliction，pinedinthemonotonousinactiontowhichshewascondemned。
　　Whileshecouldfreelyrangetheforestwithherloverinthemorning，shehadbeencontenttoreturntoherfather’scastleintheevening，thuspreservingunderangedthebalanceofherduties，habits，andaffections;notwithoutahopethattherepealofherlover’soutlawrymightbeeventuallyobtained，byajudiciousdistributionofsomeofhisforestspoilsamongtheholyfathersandsaintsthat-were-to-be，——piousproficientsintheecclesiasticartequestrian，whorodetheconscienceofKingHenrywithdouble-curbbridles，andkeptitwellinhandwhenitshowedmettleandseemedinclinedtorearandplunge。
　　ButtheaffairatGamwellfeastthrewmanyadditionaldifficultiesinthewayoftheaccomplishmentofthishope;
　　andveryshortlyafterwardsKingHenrytheSecondwenttomakeupinthenextworldhisquarrelwithThomas-a-Becket;
　　andRichardCoeurdeLionmadeallEnglandresoundwithpreparationsforthecrusade，tothegreatdelightofmanyzealousadventurers，whoeagerlyflockedunderhisbannerinthehopeofenrichingthemselveswithSaracenspoil，whichtheycalledfightingthebattlesofGod。Richard，whowasnotremarkablyscrupulousinhisfinancialoperations，wasnotlikelytooverlookthelandsandcastleofLocksley，whichheappropriatedimmediatelytohisownpurposes，andsoldtothehighestbidder。Now，astherepealoftheoutlawrywouldinvolvetherestitutionoftheestatestotherightfulowner，itwasobviousthatitcouldneverbeexpectedfromthatmostlegitimateandmostChristianking，RichardtheFirstofEngland，thearch-crusaderandanti-jacobinbyexcellence，——
　　theverytype，flower，cream，pink，symbol，andmirrorofalltheHolyAlliancesthathaveeverexistedonearth，exceptingthatheseasonedhissuperstitionandloveofconquestwithacertaincondimentofromanticgenerosityandchivalrousself-devotion，withwhichhisimitatorsinallotherpointshavefounditconvenienttodispense。
　　Togivefreelytoonemanwhathehadtakenforciblyfromanother，wasgenerosityofwhichhewasverycapable;buttorestorewhathehadtakentothemanfromwhomhehadtakenit，wassomethingthatworetoomuchofthecoolphysiognomyofjusticetobeeasilyreconcileabletohiskinglyfeelings。
　　Hehad，besides，notonlysentallKingHenry’ssaintsabouttheirbusiness，orratherabouttheirno-business——
　　theirfaineantise——buthehadlaidthemunderrigorouscontributionforthepurposesofhisholywar;andhavingmadethemrefundtothepietyofthesuccessorwhattheyhadextractedfromthepietyoftheprecursor，hecompelledthem，inaddition，togivehimtheirblessingfornothing。
　　Matilda，therefore，fromallthesecircumstances，feltlittlehopethatherloverwouldbeanythingbutanoutlawforlife。
　　ThedepartureofKingRichardfromEnglandwassucceededbytheepiscopalregencyofthebishopsofElyandDurham。Longchamp，bishopofEly，proceededtoshowhissenseofChristianfellowshipbyarrestinghisbrotherbishop，anddespoilinghimofhisshareinthegovernment;
　　andtosetforthhishumilityandloving-kindnessinaretinueofnoblesandknightswhoconsumedinonenight’sentertainmentsomefiveyears’
　　revenueoftheirentertainer，andinaguardoffifteenhundredforeignsoldiers，whomheconsideredindispensabletotheexerciseofavigourbeyondthelawinmaintainingwholesomedisciplineovertherefractoryEnglish。Theignorantimpatienceoftheswinishmultitudewiththesefruitsofgoodliving，broughtforthbyoneofthemeekwhohadinheritedtheearth，displayeditselfinageneralferment，ofwhichPrinceJohntookadvantagetomaketheexperimentofgettingpossessionofhisbrother’scrowninhisabsence。HebeganbycallingatReadingacouncilofbarons，whoseaspectinducedtheholybishoptodisguisehimself（somesayasanoldwoman，which，inthetwelfthcentury，perhapsmighthavebeenadisguiseforabishop），andmakehisescapebeyondsea。
　　PrinceJohnfolloweduphisadvantagebyobtainingpossessionofseveralstrongposts，andamongothersofthecastleofNottingham。
　　WhileJohnwasconductinghisoperationsatNottingham，herodeattimespastthecastleofArlingford。HestoppedononeoccasiontoclaimLordFitzwater’shospitality，andmademostprincelyhavocamonghisvenisonandbrawn。Nowitisamatterofrecordamongdiversgreathistoriansandlearnedclerks，thathewasthenandtheregrievouslysmittenbythecharmsofthelovelyMatilda，andthatafewdaysafterhedespatchedhistravellingminstrel，orlaureate，Harpiton，[3]（whomheretainedatmoderatewages，tokeepajournalofhisproceedings，andprovethemalljustandlegitimate），tothecastleofArlingford，tomakeproposalstothelady。
　　ThisHarpitonwasaveryusefulperson。Hewasalwaysready，notonlytomaintainthecauseofhismasterwithhispen，andtosinghiseulogiestohisharp，buttoundertakeatamoment’snoticeanykindofcourtlyemployment，calleddirtyworkbytheprofane，whichtheblessingsofcivilgovernment，namely，hismaster’spleasure，andtheinterestsofsocialorder，namely，hisownemolument，mightrequire。Inshort，Ileutl’emploiquicertesn’estpasmince，Etqu’alacour，outoutsepeintenbeau，Onappelloitetrel’amiduprince;
　　Maisqu’alaville，etsurtoutenprovince，Lesgensgrossiersontnommemaquereau。
　　[3]Harp-it-on：or，acorruptionof，acreepingthing。
　　PrinceJohnwasofopinionthattheloveofaprinceactualandkingexpectant，wasinitselfasufficienthonourtothedaughterofasimplebaron，andthattherightdivineorroyaltywouldmakeitsufficientlyholywithouttheritedivineofthechurch。
　　Hewas，therefore，graciouslypleasedtofallintoanexceedingpassion，whenhisconfidentialmessengerreturnedfromhisembassyinpiteousplight，havingbeen，bythebaron’sorder，firsttossedinablanketandsetinthestockstocool，andafterwardsduckedinthemoatandsetagaininthestockstodry。Johnsworetorevengehorriblythisflagrantoutrageonroyalprerogative，andtoobtainpossessionoftheladybyforceofarms;andaccordinglycollectedabodyoftroops，andmarcheduponArlingfordcastle。Aletter，conveyedasbeforeonthepointofabluntarrow，announcedhisapproachtoMatilda：
　　andlordFitzwaterhadjusttimetoassemblehisretainers，collectahastysupplyofprovision，raisethedraw-bridge，anddroptheportcullis，whenthecastlewassurroundedbytheenemy。
　　Thelittlefatfriar，whoduringtheconfusionwasasleepinthebuttery，foundhimself，onawaking，inclosedinthebesiegedcastle，anddolefullybewailedhisevilchance。
　　CHAPTERX
　　Anoblegirl，i’faith。Heart！IthinkIfightwithafamiliar，ortheghostofafencer。Callyouthisanamorousvisage？
　　Here’sbloodthatwouldhaveservedmethesesevenyears，inbrokenheadsandcutfingers，andnowitrunsoutalltogether。——MIDDLETON。RoaringGirl。
　　PrinceJohnsatdownimpatientlybeforeArlingfordcastleinthehopeofstarvingoutthebesieged;butfindingthedurationoftheirsuppliesextenditselfinanequalratiowiththeprolongationofhishope，hemadevigorouspreparationsforcarryingtheplacebystorm。
　　Heconstructedanimmensemachineonwheels，which，beingadvancedtotheedgeofthemoat，wouldloweratemporarybridge，ofwhichoneendwouldrestonthebank，andtheotheronthebattlements，andwhich，beingwellfurnishedwithsteppingboards，wouldenablehismentoascendtheinclinedplanewithspeedandfacility。
　　Matildareceivedintimationofthisdesignbytheusualfriendlychannelofabluntarrow，whichmusteitherhavebeensentfromsomesecretfriendintheprince’scamp，orfromsomevigorousarcherbeyondit：
　　thelatterwillnotappearimprobable，whenweconsiderthatRobinHoodandLittleJohncouldshoottwoEnglishmilesandaninchpoint-blank，ComescriveTurpino，chenonerra。
　　Themachinewascompleted，andtheensuingmorningfixedfortheassault。
　　Sixmen，relievedatintervals，keptwatchoveritduringthenight。
　　PrinceJohnretiredtosleep，congratulatinghimselfintheexpectationthatanotherdaywouldplacethefairculpritathisprincelymercy。
　　Hisanticipationsmingledwiththevisionsofhisslumber，andhedreamedofwoundsanddrums，andsackingandfiringthecastle，andbearingoffinhisarmsthebeautifulprizethroughthemidstoffireandsmoke。
　　Intheheightofthisimaginaryturmoil，heawoke，andconceivedforafewmomentsthatcertainsoundswhichranginhisears，werethecontinuationofthoseofhisdream，inthatsortofhalf-consciousnessbetweensleepingandwaking，whenrealityandphantasymeetandmingleindimandconfusedresemblance。Hewas，however，verysoonfullyawaketothefactofhisguardscallingonhimtoarm，whichhedidinhaste，andbeheldthemachineinflames，andafuriousconflictragingaroundit。
　　Hehurriedtothespot，andfoundthathiscamphadbeensuddenlyassailedfromonesidebyapartyofforesters，andthatthebaron’speoplehadmadeasortieontheother，andthattheyhadkilledtheguards，andsetfiretothemachine，beforetherestofthecampcouldcometotheassistanceoftheirfellows。
　　Thenightwasinitselfintenselydark，andthefire-lightshedarounditavividandunnaturalradiance。Ononeside，thecrimsonlightquiveredbyitsownagitationonthewavelessmoat，andonthebastionsandbuttressesofthecastle，andtheirshadowslayinmassyblacknessontheilluminatedwalls：
　　ontheother，itshoneuponthewoods，streamingfarwithinamongtheopentrunks，orrestingonthecloserfoliage。
　　Thecircumferenceofdarknessboundedthesceneonallsides：
　　andinthecentreragedthewar;shields，helmets，andbucklersgleamingandglitteringastheyrangandclashedagainsteachother;
　　plumesconfusedlytossinginthecrimsonlight，andthemessylightandshadethatfellonthefacesofthecombatants，givingadditionalenergytotheirferociousexpression。
　　John，drawingnearertothesceneofaction，observedtwoyoungwarriorsfightingsidebyside，oneofwhomworethehabitofaforester，theotherthatofaretainerofArlingford。Helookedintentlyonthemboth：theirpositiontowardsthefirefavouredthescrutiny;
　　andthehawk’seyeofloveveryspeedilydiscoveredthatthelatterwasthefairMatilda。Theforesterhedidnotknow：
　　buthehadsufficienttacttodiscernthathissuccesswouldbeverymuchfacilitatedbyseparatingherfromthiscompanion，aboveallothers。
　　Hethereforeformedapartyofmenintoawedge，onlytakingespecialcarenottobethepointofithimself，anddroveitbetweenthemwithsomuchprecision，thattheywereinamomentfarasunder。