Yourgreenwoodcanopyisprettyandpleasantinsunshine;butifIweredoomedtoliveunderit，Ishouldwishitwerewater-tight。"
　　"But，"saidRobin，"wehavetentsandcavesforfoulweather，goodstoreofwineandvenison，andfuelinabundance。"
　　"Ay，but，"saidthebaron，"Iliketopulloffmybootsofanight，whichyouforestersseldomdo，andtoensconcemyselfthereafterinacomfortablebed。
　　Yourbeech-rootisover-hardforacouch，andyourmossystumpissomewhatroughforabolster。"
　　"Hadyounotdryleaves，"saidRobin，"withabishop’ssurpliceoverthem？
　　Whatwouldyouhavesofter？Andhadyounotanabbot’stravellingcloakforacoverlet？Whatwouldyouhavewarmer？"
　　"Verytrue，"saidthebaron，"butthatwasanindulgencetoaguest，andI
　　dreamedallnightofthesheriffofNottingham。Iliketofeelmyselfsafe，"
　　headded，stretchingouthislegstothefire，andthrowinghimselfbackinhischairwiththeairofamandeterminedtobecomfortable。
　　"Iliketofeelmyselfsafe，"saidthebaron。
　　Atthatmomentthewomancaughtherhusband’sarm，andallthepartyfollowingthedirectionofhereyes，lookedsimultaneouslytothewindow，wheretheyhadjusttimetocatchaglimpseofanapparitionofanarmedhead，withitsplumagetossinginthestorm，onwhichthelightshonefromwithin，andwhichdisappearedimmediately。
　　CHAPTERXV
　　Oknight，thoulack’stacupofcanary。WhendidIseetheesoputdown？——TwelfthNight。
　　Severalknocks，asfromtheknucklesofanironglove，weregiventothedoorofthecottage，andavoicewasheardentreatingshelterfromthestormforatravellerwhohadlosthisway。
　　Robinaroseandwenttothedoor。
　　"Whatareyou？"saidRobin。
　　"Asoldier，"repliedthevoice："anunfortunateadherentofLongchamp，flyingthevengeanceofPrinceJohn。"
　　"Areyoualone？"saidRobin。
　　"Yes，"saidthevoice："itisadreadfulnight。Hospitablecottagers，praygivemeadmittance。Iwouldnothaveaskeditbutforthestorm。
　　Iwouldhavekeptmywatchinthewoods。"
　　"ThatIbelieve，"saidRobin。"Youdidnotreckononthestormwhenyouturnedintothispass。Doyouknowthereareroguesthisway？"
　　"Ido，"saidthevoice。
　　"SodoI，"saidRobin。
　　Apauseensued，duringwhichRobinlisteningattentivelycaughtafaintsoundofwhispering。
　　"Youarenotalone，"saidRobin。"Whoareyourcompanions？"
　　"Nonebutthewindandthewater，"saidthevoice，"andIwouldIhadthemnot。"
　　"Thewindandthewaterhavemanyvoices，"saidRobin，"butI
　　neverbeforeheardthemsay，Whatshallwedo？"
　　Anotherpauseensued：afterwhich，"Lookye，mastercottager，"saidthevoice，inanalteredtone，"ifyoudonotletusinwillingly，wewillbreakdownthedoor。"
　　"Ho！ho！"roaredthebaron，"youarebecomepluralareyou，rascals？Howmanyarethereofyou，thieves？What，Iwarrant，youthoughttorobandmurderapoorharmlesscottagerandhiswife，anddidnotdreamofagarrison？
　　Youlookedfornoweaponofoppositionbutspit，poker，andbastingladle，wieldedbyunskilfulhands：but，rascals，hereisshortswordandlongcudgelinhandswelltriedinwar，wherewithyoushallbedrilledintocullendersandbeatenintomummy。"
　　Noreplywasmade，butfuriousstrokesfromwithoutresoundeduponthedoor。Robin，Marian，andthebaronthrewbytheirpilgrim’sattire，andstoodinarmsonthedefensive。
　　Theywereprovidedwithswords，andthecottagergavethembucklersandhelmets，forallRobin’shauntswerefurnishedwithsecretarmouries。Buttheykepttheirswordssheathed，andthebaronwieldedaponderousspear，whichhepointedtowardsthedoorreadytorunthroughthefirstthatshouldenter，andRobinandMarianeachheldabowwiththearrowdrawntoitsheadandpointedinthesamedirection。Thecottagerflourishedastrongcudgel（aweaponintheuseofwhichhepridedhimselfonbeingparticularlyexpert），andthewifeseizedthespitfromthefireplace，andhelditasshesawthebaronholdhisspear。
　　Thestormofwindandraincontinuedtobeatontheroofandthecasement，andthestormofblowstoresounduponthedoor，whichatlengthgavewaywithaviolentcrash，andaclusterofarmedmenappearedwithout，seeminglynotlessthantwelve。
　　Behindthemrolledthestreamnowchangedfromagentleandshallowrivertoamightyandimpetuoustorrent，roaringinwavesofyellowfoam，partiallyreddenedbythelightthatstreamedthroughtheopendoor，andturningupitsconvulsedsurfaceinflashesofshiftingradiancefromrestlessmassesofhalf-visibleshadow。
　　Thestepping-stones，bywhichtheintrudersmusthavecrossed，wereburiedunderthewaters。Ontheoppositebankthelightfellonthestemsandboughsoftherock-rootedoakandashtossingandswayingintheblast，andsweepingtheflashingspraywiththeirleaves。
　　Theinstantthedoorbroke，RobinandMarianloosedtheirarrows。
　　Robin’sarrowstruckoneoftheassailantsinthejunctureoftheshoulder，anddisabledhisrightarm：Marian’sstruckasecondinthejunctureoftheknee，andrenderedhimunserviceable;forthenight。
　　Thebaron’slongspearstruckonthemailedbreastplateofathird，andbeingstretchedtoitsfullextentbythelong-armedhero，drovehimtotheedgeofthetorrent，andplungedhimintoitseddies，alongwhichhewaswhirleddownthedarknessofthedescendingstream，callingvainlyonhiscomradesforaid，tillhisvoicewaslostinthemingledroarofthewatersandthewind。Afourthspringingthroughthedoorwaslaidprostratebythecottager’scudgel：
　　butthewifebeinglessdexterousthanhercompany，thoughanAmazoninstrength，missedherpassatafifth，anddrovethepointofthespitseveralinchesintotherighthanddoor-postasshestoodclosetotheleft，andthusmadeanewbarrierwhichtheinvaderscouldnotpasswithoutdippingunderitandsubmittingtheirneckstothesword：
　　butoneoftheassailantsseizingitwithgiganticrage，shookitatoncefromthegraspofitsholderandfromitslodgmentinthepost，andatthesametimemadegoodtheirruptionoftherestofhispartyintothecottage。
　　Nowragedanunequalcombat，fortheassailantsfelltwotooneonRobin，Marian，thebaron，andthecottager;whilethewife，beingdeprivedofherspit，convertedeverythingthatwasathandtoamissile，andrainedpots，pans，andpipkinsonthearmedheadsoftheenemy。Thebaronragedlikeatiger，andthecottagerlaidabouthimlikeathresher。OneofthesoldiersstruckRobin’sswordfromhishandandbroughthimonhisknee，whentheboy，whohadbeenrousedbythetumultandhadbeenpeepingthroughtheinnerdoor，leapedforwardinhisshirt，pickeduptheswordandreplaceditinRobin’shand，whoinstantlyspringingup，disarmedandwoundedoneofhisantagonists，whiletheotherwaslaidprostrateunderthedintofabrasscauldronlaunchedbytheAmazoniandame。RobinnowturnedtotheaidofMarian，whowasparryingmostdexterouslythecutsandslashesofhertwoassailants，ofwhomRobindeliveredherfromone，whileawell-appliedblowofherswordstruckoffthehelmetoftheother，whofellonhiskneestobegaboon，andsherecognisedSirRalphMontfaucon。Themenwhowereengagedwiththebaronandthepeasant，seeingtheirleadersubdued，immediatelylaiddowntheirarmsandcriedforquarter。
　　Thewifebroughtsomestrongrope，andthebarontiedtheirarmsbehindthem。
　　"Now，SirRalph，"saidMarian，"oncemoreyouareatmymercy。"
　　"ThatIalwaysam，cruelbeauty，"saidthediscomfitedlover。
　　"Odso！courteousknight，"saidthebaron，"isthisthereturnyoumakeformybeefandcanary，whenyoukissedmydaughter’shandintokenofcontritionforyourintermeddlingatherwedding？
　　Heart，Iamgladtoseeshehasgivenyouabloodycoxcomb。
　　Slicehimdown，Mawd！slicehimdown，andflinghimintotheriver。"
　　"Confess，"saidMarian，"whatbroughtyouhere，andhowdidyoutraceoursteps？"
　　"Iwillconfessnothing，"saidtheknight。
　　"Thenconfessyou，rascal，"saidthebaron，holdinghisswordtothethroatofthecaptivesquire。
　　"Takeawaythesword，"saidthesquire，"itistoonearmymouth，andmyvoicewillnotcomeoutforfear：
　　takeawaythesword，andIwillconfessall。"
　　Thebarondroppedhissword，andthesquireproceeded;
　　"SirRalphmetyou，asyouquittedLadyFalkland’scastle，andbyrepresentingtoherwhoyouwere，borrowedfromhersuchanumberofherretainersashedeemedmustensureyourcapture，seeingthatyourfamiliarthefriarwasnotatyourelbow。
　　Wesetforthwithoutdelay，andtracedyoufirstbymeansofapeasantwhosawyouturnintothisvalley，andafterwardsbythelightfromthecasementofthissolitarydwelling。
　　Ourdesignwastohavelaidanambushforyouinthemorning，butthestormandyourobservationofmyunluckyfacethroughthecasementmadeuschangeourpurpose;andwhatfollowedyoucantellbetterthanIcan，beingindeedmastersofthesubject。"
　　"Youareamerryknave，"saidthebaron，"andhereisacupofwineforyou。"
　　"Gramercy，"saidthesquire，"andbetterlatethannever：
　　butIlackedacupofthisbefore。HadIbeenpot-valiant，I
　　hadheldyouplay。"
　　"Sirknight，"saidMarian，"thisisthethirdtimeyouhavesoughtthelifeofmylordandofme，formineisinterwovenwithhis。
　　AnddoyouthinkmesospiritlessastobelievethatIcanbeyoursbycompulsion？Temptmenotagain，forthenexttimeshallbethelast，andthefishofthenearestrivershallcommutethefleshofarecreantknightintothefast-daydinnerofanuncarnivorousfriar。
　　Ispareyounow，notinpitybutinscorn。Yetshallyousweartoaconventionnevermoretopursueormolestmylordorme，andonthisconditionyoushalllive。"
　　Theknighthadnoalternativebuttocomply，andswore，onthehonourofknighthood，tokeeptheconventioninviolate。
　　Howwellhekepthisoathweshallhavenoopportunityofnarrating：
　　Diluilanostraistoriapiunonparla。
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　Carrymeoverthewater，thoufinefellowe。OldBallad。
　　Thepilgrims，withoutexperiencingfurthermolestation，arrivedattheretreatofSirGuyofGamwell。Theyfoundtheoldknightacuptoolow;partlyfrombeingcutofffromthescenesofhisoldhospitalityandtheshoutsofhisNottinghamshirevassals，whowerewonttomaketheraftersofhisancienthallre-echototheirrevelry;butprincipallyfrombeingpartedfromhisson，whohadlongbeenthebetterhalfofhisflaskandpasty。
　　Thearrivalofourvisitorscheeredhimup;andfindingthatthebaronwastoremainwithhim，hetestifiedhisdelightandthecordialityofhiswelcomebypegginghimintheribstillhemadehimroar。
　　RobinandMariantookanaffectionateleaveofthebaronandtheoldknight;
　　andbeforetheyquittedthevicinityofBarnsdale，deemingitprudenttoreturninadifferentdisguise，theylaidasidetheirpilgrim’sattire，andassumedthehabitsandappurtenancesofwanderingminstrels。
　　Theytravelledinthischaractersafelyandpleasantly，tilloneeveningatalatehourtheyarrivedbythesideofariver，whereRobinlookingoutforamodeofpassageperceivedaferry-boatsafelymooredinanookontheoppositebank;
　　nearwhichachimneysendingupawreathofsmokethroughthethick-setwillows，wastheonlysymptomofhumanhabitation;
　　andRobinnaturallyconceivingthesaidchimneyandwreathofsmoketobetheoutwardsignsoftheinwardferryman，shouted"Over！"
　　withmuchstrengthandclearness;butnovoicereplied，andnoferrymanappeared。Robinraisedhisvoice，andshoutedwithredoubledenergy，"Over，Over，O-o-o-over！"Afaintechoaloneresponded"Over！"andagaindiedawayintodeepsilence：
　　butafterabriefintervalavoicefromamongthewillows，inastrangekindofmingledintonationthatwashalfashoutandhalfasong，answered：
　　Over，over，over，jolly，jollyrover，Wouldyouthencomeover？Over，over，over？
　　Jolly，jollyrover，here’sonelivesinclover：
　　Whofindstheclover？Thejolly，jollyrover。
　　Hefindstheclover，lethimthencomeover，Thejolly，jollyrover，over，over，over，"Imuchdoubt，"saidMarian，"ifthisferrymandonotmeanbycloversomethingmorethanthetollofhisferry-boat。"
　　"Idoubtnot，"answeredRobin，"heisalevieroftollandtithe，whichIshallputhimuponproofofhisrighttoreceive，bymakingtrialofhismighttoenforce。"
　　Theferrymanemergedfromthewillowsandsteppedintohisboat。
　　"AsIlive，"exclaimedRobin，"theferrymanisafriar。"
　　"Withasword，"saidMarian，"stuckinhisropegirdle。"
　　Thefriarpushedhisboatoffmanfully，andwaspresentlyhalfovertheriver。
　　"ItisfriarTuck，"saidMarian。
　　"Hewillscarcelyknowus，"saidRobin;"andifhedonot，Iwillbreakastaffwithhimforsport。"
　　Thefriarcamesingingacrossthewater：theboattouchedtheland：
　　RobinandMariansteppedonboard：thefriarpushedoffagain。
　　"Silkendoublets，silkendoublets，"saidthefriar：
　　"slenderlylined，Ibow：yourwanderingminstrelisalwayspoortoll：yoursweetangelsofvoicespasscurrentforabedandasupperatthehouseofeverylordthatlikestohearthefameofhisvalourwithoutthetroubleoffightingforit。
　　Whatneedyouofpurseorpouch？Youmaysingbeforethieves。
　　Pedlars，pedlars：wanderingfromdoortodoorwiththesmallwareofliesandcajolery：exploitsforcarpet-knights;
　　honestyforcourtiers;truthformonks，andchastityfornuns：
　　agoodsaleablestockthatcoststhevendernothing，defieswearandtear，andwhenithasservedahundredcustomersisasplentifulandasmarketableasever。But，sirrahs，I’llnoneofyourbalderdash。
　　Youpassnothencewithoutclinkofbrass，orI’llknockyourmusicalnoddlestogethertilltheyringlikeapairofcymbals。
　　Thatwillbeanewtuneforyourminstrelships。"
　　Thisfriendlyspeechofthefriarendedastheysteppedontheoppositebank。
　　Robinhadnoticedastheypassedthatthesummerstreamwaslow。
　　"Why，thoubrawlingmongrel，"saidRobin，"thatwhetherthoubethief，friar，orferryman，oranill-mixedcompoundofallthree，passesconjecture，thoughIjudgetheetobesimplethief，whatbarkestthouatthus？
　　Villain，thereisclinkofbrassforthee。Dostthouseethiscoin？
　　Dostthouhearthismusic？Lookandlisten：fortouchthoushaltnot：
　　myminstrelshipdefiesthee。Thoushaltcarrymeonthybackoverthewater，andreceivenothingbutacrackedsconceforthytrouble。"
　　"Abargain，"saidthefriar："forthewaterislow，thelabourislight，andtherewardisalluring。"AndhestoopeddownforRobin，whomountedhisback，andthefriarwadedwithhimovertheriver。
　　"Now，finefellow，"saidthefriar，"thoushaltcarrymebackoverthewater，andthoushalthaveacrackedsconceforthytrouble。"
　　Robintookthefriaronhisback，andwadedwithhimintothemiddleoftheriver，whenbyadexterousjerkhesuddenlyflunghimoffandplungedhimhorizontallyoverheadandearsinthewater。
　　Robinwadedtoshore，andthefriar，halfswimmingandhalfscrambling，followed。
　　"Finefellow，finefellow，"saidthefriar，"nowwillIpaytheethycrackedsconce。"
　　"Notso，"saidRobin，"Ihavenotearnedit：butthouhastearnedit，andshalthaveit。"
　　Itwasnot，eveninthosegoodoldtimes，asightofeverydaytoseeatroubadourandafriarplayingatsingle-stickbythesideofariver，eachaimingwithfellintentattheother’scoxcomb。
　　Thepartieswerebothsoskilledinattackanddefence，thattheirmutualeffortsforalongtimeexpendedthemselvesinquickandloudrappingsoneachother’soakenstaves。AtlengthRobinbyadexterousfeintcontrivedtoscoreoneonthefriar’scrown：
　　butinthecarelessmomentoftriumphasplendidsweepofthefriar’sstaffstruckRobin’soutofhishandintothemiddleoftheriver，andrepaidhiscrackontheheadwithadegreeofvigourthatmighthavepassedtheboundsofajestifMarianhadnotretardeditsdescentbycatchingthefriar’sarm。
　　"Hownow，recreantfriar，"saidMarian;"whathaveyoutosaywhyyoushouldnotsufferinstantexecution，beingdetectedinopenrebellionagainstyourliegelord？
　　Thereforekneeldown，traitor，andsubmityournecktotheswordoftheoffendedlaw。"
　　"Benefitofclergy，"saidthefriar："Ipleadmyclergy。
　　Andisityouindeed，yescapegraces？Yearewelldisguised：
　　Iknewyenot，bymyflask。Robin，jollyRobin，hebuysajestdearlythatpaysforitwithabloodycoxcomb。
　　Buthereisbalmforallbruises，outwardandinward。
　　（Thefriarproducedaflaskofcanary。）Washthywoundtwiceandthythroatthricewiththissolarconcoction，andthoushaltmarvelwherewasthyhurt。Butwhatmovedyetothisfrolic？
　　Knewyenotthatyecouldnotappearinamaskmorefashionedtomovemybilethaninthatofthesegildersandlackerersofthesmoothsurfaceofworthlessness，thatbringthegoldoftruevalourintodisrepute，bystampingthebasermetalwiththefairerim-pression？Imarvelledtofindanysuchgiventofighting（fortheyhaveanoldinstinctofself-preservation）：butI
　　rejoicedthereat，thatImightdiscusstothempoeticaljustice：
　　andthereforehaveIcrackedthysconce：forwhich，letthisbethymedicine。"
　　"Butwherefore，"saidMarian，"dowefindyouhere，whenweleftyoujointlordwardenofSherwood？"
　　"Idobutretiretomydevotions，"repliedthefriar。
　　"Thisismyhermitage，inwhichIfirsttookrefugewhenI
　　escapedfrommybelovedbrethrenofRubygill;andtowhichI
　　stillretreatattimesfromthevanitiesoftheworld，whichelsemightclingtometooclosely，sinceIhavebeenpromotedtobepeer-spiritualofyourforest-court。For，indeed，Idofindinmyselfcertainindicationsandadmonitionsthatmydayhaspastitsnoon;andnonemorecogentthanthis：
　　thatdailyofbadwineIgrowmoreintolerant，andofgoodwinehaveakeenerandmorefastidiousrelish。Thereisnosurersymptomofrecedingyears。Theferrymanismyfaithfulvarlet。
　　Isendhimonsomepiouserrand，thatImaymeditateinghostlyprivacy，whenmypresenceintheforestcanbestbespared：
　　andwhencanitbebettersparedthannow，seeingthattheneighbourhoodofPrinceJohn，andhisincessantperquisitionsforMarian，havemadetheforesttoohottoholdmoreofusthanareneedfultokeepupaquorum，andpreserveunbrokenthecontinuityofourforest-dominion？For，intruth，withoutyourgreenwoodmajesties，wehavehardlythewittoliveinabody，andatthesametimetokeepournecksoutofjeopardy，whilethatarch-rebelandtraitorJohninfeststheprecinctsofourterritory。"
　　Thefriarnowconductedthemtohispeacefulcell，wherehespreadhisfrugalboardwithfish，venison，wild-fowl，fruit，andcanary。
　　UnderthecompoundoperationofthismateriamedicaRobin’swoundshealedapace，andthefriar，whohatedminstrelsy，beganasusualchirpinginhiscups。RobinandMarianchimedinwithhistunefulhumourtillthemidnightmoonpeepedinupontheirrevelry。
　　Itwasnowtheverywitchingtimeofnight，whentheyheardavoiceshouting，"Over！"Theypausedtolisten，andthevoicerepeated"Over！"inaccentsclearandloud，butwhichatthesametimeeitherwereinthemselves，orseemedtobe，fromtheplaceandthehour，singularlyplaintiveanddreary。
　　Thefriarfidgettedaboutinhisseat：fellintoadeepmusing：
　　shookhimself，andlookedabouthim：firstatMarian，thenatRobin，thenatMarianagain;filledandtossedoffacupofcanary，andrelapsedintohisreverie。
　　"Willyounotbringyourpassengerover？"saidRobin。Thefriarshookhisheadandlookedmysterious。
　　"Thatpassenger，"saidthefriar，"willnevercomeover。
　　Everyfullmoon，atmidnight，thatvoicecalls，’Over！’Iandmyvarlethavemorethanonceobeyedthesummons，andwehavesometimeshadaglimpseofawhitefigureundertheoppositetrees：
　　butwhentheboathastouchedthebank，nothinghasbeentobeseen;
　　andthevoicehasbeenheardnomoretillthemidnightofthenextfullmoon。"
　　"Itisverystrange，"saidRobin。
　　"Wondrousstrange，"saidthefriar，lookingsolemn。
　　Thevoiceagaincalled"Over！"inalongplaintivemusicalcry。
　　"Imustgotoit，"saidthefriar，"oritwillgiveusnopeace。
　　Iwouldallmycustomerswereofthisworld。IbegintothinkthatIamCharon，andthatthisriverisStyx。"
　　"Iwillgowithyou，friar，"saidRobin。
　　"Bymyflask，"saidthefriar，"butyoushallnot。"
　　"ThenIwill，"saidMarian。
　　"Stillless，"saidthefriar，hurryingoutofthecell。
　　RobinandMarianfollowed：butthefriaroutsteppedthem，andpushedoffhisboat。
　　Awhitefigurewasvisibleundertheshadeoftheoppositetrees。
　　Theboatapproachedtheshore，andthefigureglidedaway。
　　Thefriarreturned。
　　Theyre-enteredthecottage，andsatsometimeconversingonthephenomenontheyhadseen。Thefriarsippedhiswine，andafteratime，said：
　　"Thereisatraditionofadamselwhowasdrownedheresomeyearsago。
　　Thetraditionis————"
　　Butthefriarcouldnotnarrateaplaintale：hethereforeclearedhisthroat，andsangwithduesolemnity，inaghostlyvoice：
　　Adamselcameinmidnightrain，Andcalledacrosstheferry：
　　Thewearywightshecalledinvain，Whosesensessleepdidbury。
　　Atevening，fromherfather’sdoorSheturnedtomeetherlover：
　　Atmidnight，onthelonelyshore，Sheshouted"Over，over！"
　　ShehadnotmethimbythetreeOftheiraccustomedmeeting，Andsadandsickatheartwasshe，Herheartallwildlybeating。
　　Inchillsuspensethehourswentby，Thewildstormburstaboveher：
　　Sheturnedhertotherivernigh，Andshouted，"Over，over！"
　　Adim，discoloured，doubtfullightThemoon’sdarkveilpermitted，AndthickbeforehertroubledsightFantasticshadowsflitted。
　　Herlover’sformappearedtoglide，Andbeckono’erthewater：
　　Alas！hisbloodthatmornhaddyedHerbrother’sswordwithslaughter。
　　Uponalittlerockshestood，Tomakeherinvocation：
　　Shemarkednotthattherain-swoll’nfloodWasislandingherstation。
　　Thetempestmockedherfeeblecry：
　　Nosainthisaidwouldgiveher：
　　Thefloodswelledhighandyetmorehigh，Andsweptherdowntheriver。
　　Yetoftbeneaththepalemoonlight，Whenhollowwindsareblowing，TheshadowofthatmaidenbrightGlidesbythedarkstream’sflowing。
　　Andwhenthestormsofmidnightrave，Whilecloudsthebroadmooncover，ThewildgustswaftacrossthewaveThecryof，"Over，over！"
　　Whilethefriarwassinging，Marianwasmeditating：
　　andwhenhehadendedshesaid，"Honestfriar，youhavemisplacedyourtradition，whichbelongstotheaestuaryofanoblerriver，wherethedamselwassweptawaybytherisingofthetide，forwhichyourland-floodisanindifferentsubstitute。
　　ButthetruetraditionofthisstreamIthinkImyselfpossess，andIwillnarrateitinyourownway：
　　Itwasafriarofordersfree，AfriarofRubygill：
　　Atthegreenwood-treeavowmadehe，Buthekeptitveryill：
　　Avowmadeheofchastity，Buthekeptitveryill。
　　Hekeptit，perchance，intheconsciousshadeOftheboundsoftheforestwhereinitwasmade：
　　Butheroamedwherehelisted，asfreeasthewind，Andhelefthisgoodvowintheforestbehind：
　　Foritswoodsoutofsightwerehisvowoutofmind，WiththefriarofRubygill。
　　Inlonelyhuthimselfheshut，ThefriarofRubygill;
　　Wheretheghostlyelfabsolvedhimself，Tofollowhisowngoodwill：
　　Andhehadnolackofcanarysack，Tokeephisconsciencestill。
　　Andadamselwellknew，whenatlonelymidnightItgleamedonthewaters，hissignal-lamp-light：
　　"Over！over！"shewarbledwithnightingalethroat，Andthefriarsprungforthatthemagicalnote，Andshecrossedthedarkstreaminhistrimferryboat，WiththefriarofRubygill。
　　"Lookyounow，"saidRobin，"ifthefriardoesnotblush。
　　ManystrangesightshaveIseeninmyday，butnevertillthismomentdidIseeablushingfriar。"
　　"Ithink，"saidthefriar，"youneversawonethatblushednot，oryousawgoodcanarythrownaway。Butyouarewelcometolaughifitsopleaseyou。Noneshalllaughinmycompany，thoughitbeatmyexpense，butIwillhavemyshareofthemerriment。
　　Theworldisastage，andlifeisafarce，andhethatlaughsmosthasmostprofitoftheperformance。Theworstthingisgoodenoughtobelaughedat，thoughitbegoodfornothingelse;
　　andthebestthing，thoughitbegoodforsomethingelse，isgoodfornothingbetter。"
　　Andhestruckupasonginpraiseoflaughingandquaffing，withoutfurtheradvertingtoMarian’sinsinuatedaccusation;being，perhaps，ofopinion，thatitwasasubjectonwhichtheleastsaidwouldbethesoonestmended。
　　Sopassedthenight。Inthemorningaforestercametothefriar，withintelligencethatPrinceJohnhadbeencompelled，bytheurgencyofhisaffairsinotherquarters，todisembarrassNottinghamCastleofhisroyalpresence。Ourwanderersreturnedjoyfullytotheirforest-dominion，beingthusrelievedfromthevicinityofanymoreformidablebelligerentthantheiroldbruisedandbeatenenemythesheriffofNottingham。
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　Oh！thislifeIsnoblerthanattendingforacheck，RicherthandoingnothingforabribeProuderthanrustlinginunpaid-forsilk。——Cymbeline。
　　SoRobinandMariandweltandreignedintheforest，rangingthegladesandthegreenwoodsfromthematinsofthelarktothevespersofthenightingale，andadministeringnaturaljusticeaccordingtoRobin’sideasofrectifyingtheinequalitiesofhumancondition：
　　raisinggenialdewsfromthebagsoftherichandidle，andreturningtheminfertilisingshowersonthepoorandindustrious：
　　anoperationwhichmoreenlightenedstatesmenhavehappilyreversed，totheunspeakablebenefitofthecommunityatlarge。
　　ThelightfootstepsofMarianwereimpressedonthemorningdewbesidethefirmerstepofherlover，andtheyshookitslargedropsaboutthemastheyclearedthemselvesapassagethroughthethicktallfern，withoutanyfearofcatchingcold，whichwasnotmuchinfashioninthetwelfthcentury。RobinwasashospitableasCathmor;
　　forsevenmenstoodonsevenpathstocallthestrangertohisfeast。
　　Itistrue，hesuperaddedthesmallimprovementofmakingthestrangerpayforit：thanwhichwhatcouldbemoregenerous？
　　ForCathmorwashimselftheprimegiverofhisfeast，whereasRobinwasonlytheagenttoaseriesofstrangers，whoprovidedinturnfortheentertainmentoftheirsuccessors;
　　whichiscarryingthedisinterestednessofhospitalitytoitsacme。
　　Marianoftenkilledthedeer，WhichScarletdressed，andFriarTuckblessedWhileLittleJohnwanderedinsearchofaguest。
　　Robinwasverydevout，thoughtherewasgreatunityinhisreligion：
　　itwasexclusivelygiventoourLadytheVirgin，andheneversetforthinamorningtillhehadsaidthreeprayers，andhadheardthesweetvoiceofhisMariansingingahymntotheirmutualpatroness。Eachofhismenhad，asusual，apatronsaintaccordingtohisnameortaste。
　　Thefriarchoseasaintforhimself，andfixedonSaintBotolph，whomheeuphonisedintoSaintBottle，andmaintainedthathewasthatveryPanomphicPantagrueliansaint，wellknowninancientFranceasafemaledivinity，bythenameofLaDiveBouteille，whoseoracularmonosyllable"Trincq，’，iscelebratedandunder-stoodbyallnations，andisexpoundedbythelearneddoctorAlcofribas，[6]
　　whohastreatedatlargeonthesubject，tosignify"drink。"
　　SaintBottle，then，wasthesaintofFriarTuck，whodidnotyieldeventoRobinandMarianintheassiduityofhisdevotionstohischosenpatron。Suchwastheirsummerlife，andintheirwintercavestheyhadsufficientfurniture，ampleprovender，storeofoldwine，andassuredlynolackoffuel，withjoyousmusicandpleasantdiscoursetocharmawaytheseasonofdarknessandstorms。
　　[6]AlcofribasNasier：ananagramofFrancoisRabelais，andhisassumedappellation。
　　Thereaderwhodesirestoknowmoreaboutthisoraculardivinity，mayconsultthesaiddoctorAlcofribasNasier，whowillusherhimintotheadytumthroughthemediumofthehighpriestessBacbuc。
　　Manymoonshadwaxedandwaned，whenontheafternoonofalovelysummerdayalustybroad-bonedknightwasridingthroughtheforestofSherwood。Thesunshonebrilliantlyonthefullgreenfoliage，andaffordedtheknightafineopportunityofobservingpicturesqueeffects，ofwhichitistobefearedhedidnotavailhimself。
　　Buthehadnotproceededfar，beforehehadanopportunityofobservingsomethingmuchmoreinteresting，namely，afineyoungoutlawleaning，inthetrueSherwoodfashion，withhisbackagainstatree。
　　Theknightwaspreparingtoaskthestrangeraquestion，theanswertowhich，ifcorrectlygiven，wouldhaverelievedhimfromadoubtthatpressedheavilyonhismind，astowhetherhewasintherightroadorthewrong，whentheyouthpreventedtheinquirybysaying：
　　"InGod’sname，sirknight，youarelatetoyourmeals。
　　Mymasterhastarrieddinnerforyouthesethreehours。"
　　"Idoubt，"saidtheknight，"Iamnotheyouwotof。
　　IamnowherebiddentodayandIknownoneinthisvicinage。"
　　"Wefeared，"saidtheyouth，"yourmemorywouldbetreacherous：
　　thereforeamIstationedheretorefreshit。"
　　"Whoisyourmaster？"saidtheknight;"andwheredoesheabide？"
　　"Mymaster，"saidtheyouth，"iscalledRobinHood，andheabideshardby。"
　　"Andwhatknowsheofme？"saidtheknight。
　　"Heknowsyou，"answeredtheyouth"ashedoeseveryway-faringknightandfriar，byinstinct。"
　　"Gramercy，"saidtheknight;"thenIunderstandhisbidding：
　　buthowifIsayIwillnotcome？"
　　"Iamenjoinedtobringyou，"saidtheyouth。"Ifpersuasionavailnot，Imustuseotherargument。"
　　"Say’stthouso？"saidtheknight;"Idoubtifthystriplingrhetoricwouldconvinceme。"
　　"That，"saidtheyoungforester，"wewillsee。"
　　"Wearenotequallymatched，boy，"saidtheknight。
　　"Ishouldgetlesshonourbythyconquest，thangriefbythyinjury。"
　　"Perhaps，"saidtheyouth，"mystrengthismorethanmyseeming，andmycunningmorethanmystrength。Thereforeletitpleaseyourknighthoodtodismount。"
　　"Itshallpleasemyknighthoodtochastisethypresumption，"
　　saidtheknight，springingfromhissaddle。
　　Hereupon，whichinthosedayswasusuallytheresultofameetingbetweenanytwopersonsanywhere，theyproceededtofight。
　　Theknighthadinanuncommondegreebothstrengthandskill：
　　theforesterhadlessstrength，butnotlessskillthantheknight，andshowedsuchamasteryofhisweaponasreducedthelattertogreatadmiration。
　　Theyhadnotfoughtmanyminutesbytheforestclock，thesun;
　　andhadasyetdoneeachothernoworseinjurythanthattheknighthadwoundedtheforester’sjerkin，andtheforesterhaddisabledtheknight’splume;whentheywereinterruptedbyavoicefromathicket，exclaiming，"Wellfought，girl：
　　wellfought。Mass，thathadnighbeenashrewdhit。
　　Thouowesthimforthat，lass。Marry，standby，I’llpayhimforthee。"
　　Theknightturningtothevoice，beheldatallfriarissuingfromthethicket，brandishingaponderouscudgel。
　　"Whoartthou？"saidtheknight。
　　"IamthechurchmilitantofSherwood，"answeredthefriar。
　　"Whyartthouinarmsagainstourladyqueen？"
　　"Whatmeanestthou？"saidtheknight。
　　"Truly，this，"saidthefriar，"isourliegeladyoftheforest，againstwhomIdoapprehendtheeinovertactoftreason。
　　Whatsayestthouforthyself？"
　　"Isay，"answeredtheknight，"thatifthisbeindeedalady，manneveryetheldmesolong。"
　　"Spoken，"saidthefriar，"likeonewhohathdoneexecution。
　　Hastthouthystomachfullofsteel？Wiltthoudiversifythyrepastwithatasteofmyoak-graff？Orwiltthouinclinethinehearttoourvenisonwhichtrulyiscooling？Wiltthoufight？orwiltthoudine？orwiltthoufightanddine？orwiltthoudineandfight？
　　Iamforthee，chooseasthoumayest。"
　　"Iwilldine，"saidtheknight;"forwithladyIneverfoughtbefore，andwithfriarIneverfoughtyet，andwithneitherwillIeverfightknowingly：andifthisbethequeenoftheforest，Iwillnot，beinginherowndominions，bebackwardtodoherhomage。"
　　Sosaying，hekissedthehandofMarian，whowaspleasedmostgraciouslytoexpressherapprobation。
　　"Gramercy，sirknight，"saidthefriar，"Ilaudtheeforthycourtesy，whichIdeemtobenolessthanthyvalour。
　　Nowdothoufollowme，whileIfollowmynose，whichscentsthepleasantodourofroastfromthedepthoftheforestrecesses。
　　Iwillleadthyhorse，anddothouleadmylady。"
　　TheknighttookMarian’shand，andfollowedthefriar，whowalkedbeforethem，singing：
　　Whenthewindblows，whenthewindblowsFromwhereunderbuckthedrylogglows，Whatguidecanyoufollow，O’erbrakeando’erhollow，Sotrueasaghostly，ghostlynose？
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　RobinandRichardweretwoprettymen。MotherGoose’sMelody。
　　Theyproceeded，followingtheirinfallibleguide，firstalongalightelasticgreenswardundertheshadeofloftyandwide-spreadingtreesthatskirtedasunnyopeningoftheforest，thenalonglabyrinthinepaths，whichthedeer，theoutlaw，orthewoodmanhadmade，throughthecloseshootsoftheyoungcoppices，throughthethickundergrowthoftheancientwoods，throughbedsofgiganticfernthatfilledthenarrowgladesandwavedtheirgreenfeatheryheadsabovetheplumeoftheknight。Alongthesesylvanalleystheywalkedinsinglefile;thefriarsingingandpioneeringinthevan，thehorseplungingandflounderingbehindthefriar，theladyfollowing"inmaidenmeditationfancyfree，"andtheknightbringinguptherear，muchmarvellingatthestrangecompanyintowhichhisstarshadthrownhim。
　　TheirpathhadexpandedsufficientlytoallowtheknighttotakeMarian’shandagain，whentheyarrivedintheaugustpresenceofRobinHoodandhiscourt。
　　Robin’stablewasspreadunderahighoverarchingcanopyoflivingboughs，ontheedgeofanaturallawnofverdurestarredwithflowers，throughwhichaswifttransparentrivuletransparklinginthesun。
　　Theboardwascoveredwithabundanceofchoicefoodandexcellentliquor，notwithoutthecomelinessofsnow-whitelinenandthesplendourofcostlyplate，whichthesheriffofNottinghamhadunwillinglycontributedtosupply，atthesametimewithanexcellentcook，whomLittleJohn’sarthadspiritedawaytotheforestwiththecontentsofhismaster’ssilverscullery。
　　Anhundredforesterswerehereassembledover-readyfortheirdinner，someseatedatthetableandsomelyingingroupsunderthetrees。
　　Robinbadecourteouswelcometotheknight，whotookhisseatbetweenRobinandMarianatthefestalboard;atwhichwasalreadyplacedonestrangeguestinthepersonofaportlymonk，sittingbetweenLittleJohnandScarlet，with，hisrotundphysiognomyelongatedintoanunnaturalovalbytheconjointinfluenceofsorrowandfear：
　　sorrowforthedepartedcontentsofhistravellingtreasury，agood-lookingvalisewhichwashangingemptyonabough;andfearforhispersonalsafety，ofwhichalltheflasksandpastiesbeforehimcouldnotgivehimassurance。
　　Theappearanceoftheknight，however，cheeredhimupwithasemblanceofprotection，andgavehimjustsufficientcouragetodemolishacygnetandarumble-pie，whichhedilutedwiththecontentsoftwoflasksofcanarysack。
　　Butwine，whichsometimescreatesandoftenincreasesjoy，dothalso，uponoccasion，heightensorrow：andsoitfarednowwithourportlymonk，whohadnosoonerexplainedawayhisportionofprovender，thanhebegantoweepandbewailhimselfbitterly。
　　"Whydostthouweep，man？"saidRobinHood。"Thouhastdonethineembassyjustly，andshalthavethyLady’sgrace。"
　　"Alack！alack！"saidthemonk："noembassyhadI，lucklesssinner，aswellthouwottest，buttotaketomyabbeyinsafetythetreasurewhereofthouhastdespoiledme。"
　　"Propoundmehiscase，"saidFriarTuck，"andIwillgivehimghostlycounsel。"
　　"Youwellremember，"saidRobinHood，"thesorrowfulknightwhodinedwithusheretwelvemonthsandadaygoneby。"
　　"WelldoI，"saidFriarTuck。"Hislandswereinjeopardywithacertainabbot，whowouldallowhimnolongerdayfortheirredemption。
　　Whereuponyoulenttohimthefourhundredpoundswhichheneeded，andwhichhewastorepaythisday，thoughhehadnobettersecuritytogivethanourLadytheVirgin。"
　　"Ineverdesiredbetter，"saidRobin，"forsheneveryetfailedtosendmemypay;andhereisoneofherownflock，thisfaithfulandwell-favouredmonkofSt。Mary’s，hathbroughtitmeduly，principalandinteresttoapenny，asLittleJohncantestify，whotolditforth。
　　Tobesure，hedeniedhavingit，butthatwastoproveourfaith。
　　Wesoughtandfoundit。"
　　"Iknownothingofyourknight，"saidthemonk："andthemoneywasourown，astheVirginshallblessme。"
　　"Sheshallblessthee，"saidFriarTuck，"forafaithfulmessenger。"
　　Themonkresumedhiswailing。LittleJohnbroughthimhishorse。
　　Robingavehimleavetodepart。Hesprangwithsingularnimblenessintothesaddle，andvanishedwithoutsaying，Godgiveyougoodday。
　　Thestrangerknightlaughedheartilyasthemonkrodeoff。
　　"Theysay，sirknight，"saidFriarTuck，"theyshouldlaughwhowin：
　　butthoulaughestwhoartlikelytolose。"
　　"Ihavewon，"saidtheknight，"agooddinner，somemirth，andsomeknowledge：andIcannotlosebypayingforthem。"
　　"Bravelysaid，"answeredRobin。"Stillitbecomestheetopay：
　　foritisnotmeetthatapoorforestershouldtreatarichknight。
　　Howmuchmoneyhastthouwiththee？"
　　"Troth，Iknownot，"saidtheknight。"Sometimesmuch，sometimeslittle，sometimesnone。Butsearch，andwhatthoufindest，keep：
　　andforthesakeofthykindheartandopenhand，beitwhatitmay，Ishallwishitweremore。"
　　"Then，sincethousayestso，"saidRobin，"notapennywillItouch。
　　Manyafalsechurlcomeshither，anddisbursesagainsthiswill：
　　andtillthereislackofthese，Ipreynotontruemen。"
　　"Thouartthyselfatrueman，rightwellIjudge，Robin，"
　　saidthestrangerknight，"andseemestmorelikeonebredincourtthantothypresentoutlawlife。"
　　"Ourlife，"saidthefriar，"isacraft，anart，andamystery。
　　Howmuchofit，thinkyou，couldbelearnedatcourt？"
　　"Indeed，Icannotsay，"saidthestrangerknight：
　　"butIshouldapprehendverylittle。"
　　"AndsoshouldI，"saidthefriar："forweshouldfindverylittleofourboldopenpractice，butshouldhearabundanceofpraiseofourprinciples。
　　Toliveinseemingfellowshipandsecretrivalry;tohaveahandforall，andaheartfornone;tobeeverybody’sacquaintance，andnobody’sfriend;
　　tomeditatetheruinofallonwhomwesmile，andtodreadthesecretstratagemsofallwhosmileonus;topilferhonoursanddespoilfortunes，notbyfightingindaylight，butbysappingindarkness：
　　theseareartswhichthecourtcanteach，butwhichwe，by’rLady，havenotlearned。Butletyourcourt-minstreltuneuphisthroattothepraiseofyourcourt-hero，thencomeourprinciplesintoplay：
　　thenisourpracticeextollednotbythesamename，fortheirRichardisahero，andourRobinisathief：marry，yourherogutsanexchequer，whileyourthiefdisembowelsaportmanteau，yourherosacksacity，whileyourthiefsacksacellar：yourheromaraudsonalargerscale，andthatisallthedifference，fortheprincipleandthevirtueareone：
　　buttwoofatradecannotagree：thereforeyourheromakeslawstogetridofyourthief，andgiveshimanillnamethathemayhanghim：
　　formightisright，andthestrongmakelawsfortheweak，andtheythatmakelawstoservetheirownturndoalsomakemoralstogivecolourtotheirlaws。"
　　"Yourcomparison，friar，"saidthestranger，"failsinthis：
　　thatyourthieffightsforprofit，andyourheroforhonour。
　　IhavefoughtunderthebannersofRichard，andif，asyouphraseit，hegutsexchequers，andsackscities，itisnottowintreasureforhimself，buttofurnishforththemeansofhisgreaterandmoregloriousaim。"
　　"Misconceivemenot，sirknight，"saidthefriar。"WeallloveandhonourKingRichard，andhereisadeepdraughttohishealth：
　　butIwouldshowyou，thatweforestersaremiscalledbyopprobriousnames，andthatourvirtues，thoughtheyfollowathumbledistance，areyettrulyakintothoseofCoeur-de-Lion。IsaynotthatRichardisathief，butIsaythatRobinisahero：andforhonour，dideveryetman，miscalledthief，wingreaterhonourthanRobin？Donotallmengracehimwithsomehonourableepithet？Themostgentlethief，themostcourteousthief，themostbountifulthief，yea，andthemosthonestthief？
　　Richardiscourteous，bountiful，honest，andvaliant：butsoalsoisRobin：itisthefalsewordthatmakestheunjustdistinction。
　　Theyaretwin-spirits，andshouldbefriends，butthatfortunehathdifferentlycasttheirlot：buttheirnamesshalldescendtogethertothelatestdays，asthefloweroftheirageandofEngland：
　　forinthepureprinciplesoffreebooteryhavetheyexcelledallmen;
　　andtotheprinciplesoffreebootery，diverselydeveloped，belongallthequalitiestowhichsongandstoryconcederenown。"
　　"Andyoumayadd，friar，"saidMarian，"thatRobin，nolessthanRichard，iskinginhisowndominion;andthatifhissubjectsbefewer，yetaretheymoreuniformlyloyal。"
　　"Iwould，fairlady，"saidthestranger，"thatthylatterobservationwerenotsotrue。ButInothingdoubt，Robin，thatifRichardcouldhearyourfriar，andseeyouandyourlady，asInowdo，thereisnotamaninEnglandwhomhewouldtakebythehandmorecordiallythanyourself。"
　　"Gramercy，sirknight，"saidRobin————ButhisspeechwascutshortbyLittleJohncalling，"Hark！"
　　Alllistened。Adistanttramplingofhorseswasheard。
　　Thesoundsapproachedrapidly，andatlengthagroupofhorsemenglitteringinholydaydresseswasvisibleamongthetrees。
　　"God’smylife！"saidRobin，"whatmeansthis？Toarms，mymerrymenall。"
　　"Noarms，Robin，"saidtheforemosthorseman，ridingupandspringingfromhissaddle："haveyouforgottenSirWilliamoftheLee？"
　　"No，bymyfay，"saidRobin;"andrightwelcomeagaintoSherwood。"
　　LittleJohnbustledtore-arraythedisorganisedeconomyofthetable，andreplacethedilapidationsoftheprovender。
　　"Icomelate，Robin，"saidSirWilliam，"butIcamebyawrestling，whereIfoundagoodyeomanwrongfullybesetbyacrowdofsturdyvarlets，andIstaidtodohimright。"
　　"Ithanktheeforthat，inGod’sname，"saidRobin，"asifthygoodservicehadbeentomyself。"
　　"Andhere，"saidtheknight，"isthyfourhundredpound;
　　andmymenhavebroughttheeanhundredbowsandasmanywell-furnishedquivers;whichIbeseechtheetoreceiveandtouseasapoortokenofmygratefulkindnesstothee：
　　formeandmywifeandchildrendidstthouredeemfrombeggary。"
　　"Thybowsandarrows，"saidRobin，"willIjoyfullyreceive：
　　butofthymoney，notapenny。Itispaidalready。
　　MyLady，whowasthysecurity，hathsentitmeforthee。"
　　SirWilliampressed，butRobinwasinflexible。
　　"Itispaid，"saidRobin，"asthisgoodknightcantestify，whosawmyLady’smessengerdepartbutnow。"
　　SirWilliamlookedroundtothestrangerknight，andinstantlyfellonhisknee，saying，"GodsaveKingRichard。"
　　Theforesters，friarandall，droppedontheirkneestogether，andrepeatedinchorus："GodsaveKingRichard。"
　　"Rise，rise，"saidRichard，smiling："Robiniskinghere，ashisladyhathshown。Ihaveheardmuchofthee，Robin，bothofthypresentandthyformerstate。Andthis，thyfairforest-queen，is，iftalessaytrue，theladyMatildaFitzwater。"
　　Mariansignedacknowledgment。
　　"Yourfather，"saidtheking，"hasapprovedhisfidelitytome，bythelossofhislands，whichthenewnessofmyreturn，andmanypubliccares，havenotyetgivenmetimetorestore：
　　butthisjusticeshallbedonetohim，andtotheealso，Robin，ifthouwiltleavethyforest-lifeandresumethyearldom，andbeapeerofCoeur-de-Lion：forbraverheartandjusterhandIneveryetfound。"
　　Robinlookedroundonhismen。
　　"Yourfollowers，"saidtheking，"shallhavefreepardon，andsuchofthemasthouwiltpartwithshallhavemaintenancefromme;
　　andifeverIconfesstopriest，itshallbetothyfriar。"
　　"Gramercytoyourmajesty，"saidthefriar;"andmyinflictionsshallbeflasksofcanary;andifthenumberbe（asingravecasesImay，peradventure，makeit）toogreatforonefrailmortality，Iwillrelieveyoubyvicariouspenance，andpourdownmyownthroattheredundancyoftheburden。"
　　Robinandhisfollowersembracedtheking’sproposal。
　　AjoyfulmeetingsoonfollowedwiththebaronandSirGuyofGamwell：
　　andRichardhimselfhonouredwithhisownpresenceaformalsolemnizationofthenuptialsofourlovers，whomheconstantlydistinguishedwithhispeculiarregard。
　　Thefriarcouldnotsay，Farewelltotheforest，withoutsomethingofaheavyheart：andhesangasheturnedhisbackuponitsbounds，occasionallyrevertinghishead：
　　Yewoods，thatoftatsultrynoonHaveo’ermespreadyourmessyshade：
　　Yegushingstreams，whosemurmuredtuneHasinmyearsweetmusicmade，While，wherethedancingpebblesshowDeepintherestlessfountain-poolThegelidwater’supwardflow，Mysecondflaskwaslaidtocool：
　　Yepleasantsightsofleafandflower：
　　Yepleasantsoundsofbirdandbee：
　　Yesportsofdeerinsylvanbower：
　　Yefeastsbeneaththegreenwoodtree：
　　Yebaskingsinthevernalsun：
　　Yeslumbersinthesummerdell：
　　Yetrophiesthatthisarmhaswon：
　　Andmustyehearyourfriar’sfarewell？
　　Butthefriar’sfarewellwasnotdestinedtobeeternal。
　　HewasdomiciledasthefamilyconfessoroftheearlandcountessofHuntingdon，wholedadiscreetandcourtlylife，andkeptupoldhospitalityinallitsmunificence，tillthedeathofKingRichardandtheusurpationofJohn，byplacingtheirenemyinpower，compelledthemtoreturntotheirgreenwoodsovereignty;which，itisprobable，theywouldhavebeforedonefromchoice，iftheirloveofsylvanlibertyhadnotbeencounteractedbytheirdesiretoretainthefriendshipofCoeur-de-Lion。Theiroldandtriedadherents，thefriaramongtheforemost，flockedagainroundtheirforest-banner;
　　andinmerrySherwoodtheylonglivedtogether，theladystillretainingherformernameofMaidMarian，thoughtheappellationwasthenasmuchamisnomerasthatofLittleJohn。