\"LadyMatilda，\"saidJohn，\"yieldyourselfmyprisoner。\"
\"Ifyouwouldwearme，prince，\"saidMatilda，\"youmustwinme：\"
andwithoutgivinghimtimetodeliberateonthecourtesyoffightingwiththeladyofhislove，sheraisedherswordintheair，andlowereditonhisheadwithanimpetusthatwouldhavegonenightofathomeventhatextraordinarydepthofbrainwhichalwaysbydivinegracefurnishestheinteriorofahead-royal，ifhehadnotverydexterouslyparriedtheblow。PrinceJohnwishedtodisarmandtakecaptive，notinanywaytowoundorinjure，leastofalltokill，hisfairopponent。
Matildawasonlyintenttogetridofherantagonistatanyrate：
theedgeofherweaponpaintedhiscomplexionwithstreaksofveryunloverlikecrimson，andshewouldprobablyhavemarredJohn’shandforeversigningMagnaCharta，butthathewasbackedbytheadvantageofnumbers，andthatherswordbrokeshortonthebossofhisbuckler。
Johnwasfollowinguphisadvantagetomakeacaptiveofthelady，whenhewassuddenlyfelledtotheearthbyanunseenantagonist。
Someofhismenpickedhimcarefullyup，andconveyedhimtohistent，stunnedandstupified。
Whenherecovered，hefoundHarpitondiligentlyassistinginhisrecovery，moreinthefearoflosinghisplacethaninthatoflosinghismaster：
theprince’sfirstinquirywasfortheprisonerhehadbeenonthepointoftakingatthemomentwhenhishabeascorpuswassounseasonablysuspended。
Hewastoldthathispeoplehadbeenonthepointofsecuringthesaidprisoner，whenthedevilsuddenlyappearedamongtheminthelikenessofatallfriar，havinghisgreyfrockcincturedwithasword-belt，andhiscrown，whichwhetheritwereshavenornotheycouldnotsee，surmountedwithahelmet，andflourishinganeight-footstaff，withwhichhelaidabouthimtotherightandtotheleft，knockingdowntheprinceandhismenasiftheyhadbeensomanynine-pins：infine，hehadrescuedtheprisoner，andmadeaclearpassagethroughfriendandfoe，andinconjunctionwithachosenpartyofarchers，hadcoveredtheretreatofthebaron’smenandtheforesters，whohadallgoneoffinabodytowardsSherwoodforest。
Harpitonsuggestedthatitwouldbedesirabletosackthecastle，andvolunteeredtoleadthevanontheoccasion，asthedefenderswerewithdrawn，andtheexploitseemedtopromisemuchprofitandlittledanger：
Johnconsideredthatthecastlewouldinitselfbeagreatacquisitiontohim，asastrongholdinfurtheranceofhisdesignonhisbrother’sthrone;
andwasdeterminingtotakepossessionwiththefirstlightofmorning，whenhehadthemortificationtoseethecastleburstintoflamesinseveralplacesatonce。Apiteouscrywasheardfromwithin，andwhiletheprincewasproclaimingarewardtoanyonewhowouldenterintotheburningpile，andelucidatethemysteryofthedolefulvoice，forthwaddledthelittlefatfriarinanagonyoffear，outofthefireintothefrying-pan;
forhewasinstantlytakenintocustodyandcarriedbeforePrinceJohn，wringinghishandsandtearinghishair。
\"Areyouthefriar，\"saidPrinceJohn，inaterriblevoice，\"thatlaidmeprostrateinbattle，moweddownmymenlikegrass，rescuedmycaptive，andcoveredtheretreatofmyenemies？
And，notcontentwiththis，haveyounowsetfiretothecastleinwhichIintendedtotakeupmyroyalquarters？\"
Thelittlefriarquakedlikeajelly：hefellonhisknees，andattemptedtospeak;butinhiseagernesstovindicatehimselffromthisaccumulationofalarmingcharges，heknewnotwheretobegin;
hisideasrolledrounduponeachotherliketheradiiofawheel;
thewordshedesiredtoutter，insteadofissuing，asitwere，inarightlinefromhislips，seemedtoconglobatethemselvesintoasphereturningonitsownaxisinhisthroat：
afterseveralineffectualefforts，hisutterancetotallyfailedhim，andheremainedgasping，withhismouthopen，hislipsquivering，hishandsclaspedtogether，andthewhitesofhiseyesturneduptowardstheprincewithanexpressionmostruefullyimploring。
\"Areyouthatfriar？\"repeatedtheprince。
Severaloftheby-standersdeclaredthathewasnotthatfriar。Thelittlefriar，encouragedbythispatronage，foundhisvoice，andpleadedformercy。
Theprincequestionedhimcloselyconcerningtheburningofthecastle。
Thelittlefriardeclared，thathehadbeenintoogreatfearduringthesiegetoknowmuchofwhatwasgoingforward，exceptthathehadbeenconsciousduringthelastfewdaysofalamentabledeficiencyofprovisions，andhadbeenpresentthatverymorningatthebroachingofthelastbuttofsack。
Harpitongroanedinsympathy。Thelittlefriaradded，thatheknewnothingofwhathadpassedsincetillheheardtheflamesroaringathiselbow。
\"Takehimaway，Harpiton，\"saidtheprince，\"fillhimwithsack，andturnhimout。\"
\"Nevermindthesack，\"saidthelittlefriar，\"turnmeoutatonce。\"
\"Asadchance，\"saidHarpiton，\"tobeturnedoutwithoutsack。\"
ButwhatHarpitonthoughtasadchancethelittlefriarthoughtamerryone，andwentboundinglikeafatbucktowardstheabbeyofRubygill。
Anarrow，withaletterattachedtoit，wasshotintothecamp，andcarriedtotheprince。Thecontentswerethese：——
\"PrinceJohn，——Idonotconsidermyselftohaveresistedlawfulauthorityindefendingmycastleagainstyou，seeingthatyouareatpresentinastateofactiverebellionagainstyourliegesovereignRichard：
andifmyprovisionshadnotfailedme，Iwouldhavemaintainedittilldoomsday。Asitis，Ihavesowelldisposedmycombustiblesthatitshallnotserveyouasastrongholdinyourrebellion。
IfyouhuntinthechasesofNottinghamshire，youmaycatchothergamethanmydaughter。BothsheandIarecontenttobehouselessforatime，inthereflectionthatwehavedeservedyourenmity，andthefriendshipofCoeur-de-Lion。\"FITZWATER。\"
CHAPTERXI
——Tuck，themerryfriar，whomanyasermonmadeInpraiseofRobinHood，hisoutlaws，andtheirtrade。
DRAYTON。
Thebaron，withsomeofhisretainersandalltheforesters，haltedatdaybreakinSherwoodforest。Theforestersquicklyerectedtents，andpreparedanabundantbreakfastofvenisonandale。
\"Now，LordFitzwater，\"saidthechiefforester，\"recogniseyourson-in-lawthatwastohavebeen，intheoutlawRobinHood。\"
\"Ay，ay，\"saidthebaron，\"Ihaverecognisedyoulongago。\"
\"AndrecogniseyouryoungfriendGamwell，\"saidthesecond，\"intheoutlawScarlet。\"
\"AndLittleJohn，thepage，\"saidthethird，\"inLittleJohntheoutlaw。\"
\"AndFatherMichael，ofRubygillAbbey，\"saidthefriar，\"inFriarTuck，ofSherwoodforest。Truly，Ihaveachapelherehardby，intheshapeofahollowtree，whereIputupmyprayersfortravellers，andLittleJohnholdstheplateatthedoor，forgoodprayingdeservesgoodpaying。\"
\"Iaminfinecompany，\"saidthebaron。
\"Intheverybestofcompany，\"saidthefriar，\"inthehighcourtofNature，andinthemidstofherownnobility。
Isitnotso？Thisgoodlygroveisourpalace：
theoakandthebeechareitscolonnadeanditscanopy：
thesunandthemoonandthestarsareitseverlastinglamps：
thegrass，andthedaisy，andtheprimrose，andtheviolet，areitsmany-colouredfloorofgreen，white，yellow，andblue;
themay-flower，andthewoodbine，andtheeglantine，andtheivy，areitsdecorations，itscurtains，anditstapestry：thelark，andthethrush，andthelinnet，andthenightingale，areitsunhiredminstrelsandmusicians。RobinHoodiskingoftheforestbothbydignityofbirthandbyvirtueofhisstandingarmy：
tosaynothingofthefreechoiceofhispeople，whichhehasindeed，butIpassitbyasanillegitimatebasisofpower。
Heholdshisdominionovertheforest，anditshornedmultitudeofcitizen-deer，anditsswinishmultitudeorpeasantryofwildboars，byrightofconquestandforceofarms。
Heleviescontributionsamongthembythefreeconsentofhisarchers，theirvirtualrepresentatives。Iftheyshouldfindavoicetocomplainthatweare’tyrantsandusurperstokillandcookthemupintheirassignedandnativedwelling-place，’
weshouldmostconvincinglyadmonishthem，withpointofarrow，thattheyhavenothingtodowithourlawsbuttoobeythem。
Isitnotwrittenthatthefatribsoftheherdshallbefeduponbythemightyintheland？Andhavenottheywithalmyblessing？myorthodox，canonical，andarchiepiscopalblessing？
DoInotgivethanksforthemwhentheyarewellroastedandsmokingundermynose？WhattitlehadWilliamofNormandytoEngland，thatRobinofLocksleyhasnottomerrySherwood？Williamfoughtforhisclaim。SodoesRobin。Withwhom，both？Withanythatwouldorwilldisputeit。Williamraisedcontributions。
SodoesRobin。Fromwhom，both？Fromallthattheycouldorcanmakepaythem。WhydidanypaythemtoWilliam？WhydoanypaythemtoRobin？Forthesamereasontoboth：
becausetheycouldnotorcannothelpit。Theydifferindeed，inthis，thatWilliamtookfromthepoorandgavetotherich，andRobintakesfromtherichandgivestothepoor：andthereinisRobinillegitimate;thoughinallelseheistrueprince。
ScarletandJohn，aretheynotpeersoftheforest？lordstemporalofSherwood？AndamnotIlordspiritual？AmInotarchbishop？
AmInotpope？DoInotconsecratetheirbannerandabsolvetheirsins？Arenottheystate，andamnotIchurch？
Arenottheystatemonarchical，andamnotIchurchmilitant？
DoInotexcommunicateourenemiesfromvenisonandbrawn，andby’rLady，whenneedcalls，beatthemdownundermyfeet？
Thestateleviestax，andthechurchleviestithe。
Evensodowe。Mass，wetakeallatonce。Whatthen？
Itistaxbyredemptionandtithebycommutation。
YourWilliamandRichardcancutandcomeagain，butourRobindealswithslipperysubjectsthatcomenottwicetohisexchequer。
Whatneedwethentoconstituteacourt，exceptafoolandalaureate？
Forthefool，hisonlyuseistomakefalseknavesmerrybyart，andwearetruemenandaremerrybynature。Forthelaureate，hisonlyofficeistofindvirtuesinthosewhohavenone，andtodrinksackforhispains。Wehavequitevirtueenoughtoneedhimnot，andcandrinkoursackforourselves。\"
\"Wellpreached，friar，\"saidRobinHood：\"yetthereisonethingwantingtoconstituteacourt，andthatisaqueen。
Andnow，lovelyMatilda，lookrounduponthesesylvanshadeswherewehavesooftenrousedthestagfromhisfernycovert。
Therisingsunsmilesuponusthroughthestemsofthatbeechenknoll。
ShallItakeyourhand，Matilda，inthepresenceofthismycourt？
ShallIcrownyouwithourwild-woodcoronal，andhailyouqueenoftheforest？WillyoubethequeenMatildaofyourowntruekingRobin？\"
Matildasmiledassent。
\"NotMatilda，\"saidthefriar：\"therulesofourholyalliancerequirenewbirth。WehaveexceptedinfavourofLittleJohn，becauseheisgreatJohn，andhisnameisamisnomer。
Isprinkle，notthyforeheadwithwater，butthylipswithwine，andbaptizetheeMARIAN。\"
\"Hereisaprettyconspiracy，\"exclaimedthebaron。
\"Why，youvillanousfriar，thinkyoutonicknameandmarrymydaughterbeforemyfacewithimpunity？\"
\"Evenso，boldbaron，\"saidthefriar;\"wearestrongesthere。
Sayyou，mightovercomesright？Isayno。Thereisnorightbutmight：
andtosaythatmightovercomesrightistosaythatrightovercomesitself：
anabsurditymostpalpable。YourrightwasthestrongerinArlingford，andoursisthestrongerinSherwood。Yourrightwasrightaslongasyoucouldmaintainit;soisours。SoisKingRichard’s，withalldeferencebeitspoken;andsoisKingSaladin’s;andtheirtwomightsarenowcommittedinbloodyfray，andthatwhichovercomeswillberight，justaslongasitlasts，andasfarasitreaches。
Andnowifanyofyouknowanyjustimpediment————\"
\"Fireandfury，\"saidthebaron。
\"Fireandfury，\"saidthefriar，\"aremodesofthatmightwhichconstitutesright，andarejustimpedimentstoanythingagainstwhichtheycanbebroughttobear。Theyareourgoodalliesuponoccasion，andwoulddeclareforusnowifyoushouldputthemtothetest。\"
\"Father，\"saidMatilda，\"youknowthetermsofourcompact：
fromthemomentyourestrainedmyliberty，yourenouncedyourclaimtoallbutcompulsoryobedience。Thefriarargueswell。
Rightendswithmight。Thickwalls，drearygalleries，andtapestriedchambers，wereindifferenttomewhileIcouldleavethematpleasure，buthaveeverbeenhatefultomesincetheyheldmebyforce。MayIneveragainhaveroofbutthebluesky，norcanopybutthegreenleaves，norbarrierbuttheforest-bounds;
withtheforesterstomytrain，LittleJohntomypage，FriarTucktomyghostlyadviser，andRobinHoodtomyliegelord。
IamnolongerladyMatildaFitzwater，ofArlingfordCastle，butplainMaidMarian，ofSherwoodForest。\"
\"LongliveMaidMarian！\"re-echoedtheforesters。
\"Ohfalsegirl！\"saidthebaron，\"doyourenounceyournameandparentage？\"
\"Notmyparentage，\"saidMarian，\"butmynameindeed：
donotallmaidsrenounceitatthealtar？\"
\"Thealtar！\"saidthebaron：\"grantmepatience！whatdoyoumeanbythealtar？\"
\"Pilegreenturf，\"saidthefriar，\"wreatheitwithflowers，andcrownitwithfruit，andwewillshowthenoblebaronwhatwemeanbythealtar。\"
Theforestersdidasthefriardirected。
\"Now，LittleJohn，\"saidthefriar，\"onwiththecloakoftheabbotofDoubleflask。Iappointtheemyclerk：
thouartheredulyelectedinfullmote。\"
\"Iwishyouwereallinfullmoattogether，\"saidthebaron，\"andsmoothwallonbothsides。\"
\"Punnestthou？\"saidthefriar。\"Aheinousanti-christianoffence。
Whyanti-christian？Becauseanti-catholic？Whyanti-catholic？Becauseanti-roman。Whyanti-roman？BecauseCarthaginian。IsnotpunfromPunic？punicafides：theveryquint-essentialquiddityofbadfaith：
double-visaged：double-tongued。Hethatwillmakeapunwill————Isaynomore。Fieonit。Standforth，clerk。Whoisthebride’sfather？\"
\"Thereisnobride’sfather，\"saidthebaron。\"IamthefatherofMatildaFitzwater。\"
\"Thereisnonesuch，\"saidthefriar。\"ThisisthefairMaidMarian。Willyoumakeavirtueofnecessity，orwillyougivelawstotheflowingtide？Willyougiveher，orshallRobintakeher？
Willyoubehertruenaturalfather，orshallIcommutepaternity？
Standforth，Scarlet。\"
\"Standback，sirrahScarlet，\"saidthebaron。\"Mydaughtershallhavenofatherbutme。Needsmustwhenthedevildrives。\"
\"Nomatterwhodrives，\"saidthefriar，\"sothat，likeawell-disposedsubject，youyieldcheerfulobediencetothosewhocanenforceit。\"
\"Mawd，sweetMawd，\"saidthebaron，\"willyouthenforsakeyourpooroldfatherinhisdistress，withhiscastleinashes，andhisenemyinpower？\"
\"Notso，father，\"saidMarian;\"Iwillalwaysbeyourtruedaughter：
Iwillalwayslove，andserve，andwatch，anddefendyou：butneitherwillIforsakemyplightedlove，andmyownliegelord，whowasyourchoicebeforehewasmine，foryoumadehimmyassociateininfancy;
andthathecontinuedtobeminewhenheceasedtobeyours，doesnotinanywayshowremissnessinmydutiesorfallingoffinmyaffections。
AndthoughIhereplightmytrothatthealtartoRobin，inthepresenceofthisholypriestandpiousclerk，yet……Father，whenRichardreturnsfromPalestine，hewillrestoreyoutoyourbarony，andperhaps，foryoursake，yourdaughter’shusbandtotheearldomofHuntingdon：
shouldthatneverbe，shoulditbethewilloffatethatwemustliveanddieinthegreenwood，IwillliveanddieMAIDMARIAN。\"[4]
[4]AndthereforeisshecalledMaidMarianBecausesheleadsaspotlessmaidenlifeAndshalltillRobin’soutlawlifehaveend。
OldPlay。
\"Aprettyresolution，\"saidthebaron，\"ifRobinwillletyoukeepit。\"
\"Ihaveswornit，\"saidRobin。\"ShouldIexposehertendernesstotheperilsofmaternity，whenlifeanddeathmayhangonshiftingatamoment’snoticefromSherwoodtoBarnsdale，andfromBarnsdaletothesea-shore？AndwhyshouldIbanquetwhenmymerrymenstarve？
Chastityisourforestlaw，andeventhefriarhaskeptitsincehehasbeenhere。\"
\"Trulyso，\"saidthefriar：\"fortemptationdwellswitheaseandluxury：
butthehunterisHippolytus，andthehuntressisDian。Andnow，dearlybeloved————\"
Thefriarwentthroughtheceremonywithgreatunction，andLittleJohnwasmostclericalintheintonationofhisresponses。
Afterwhich，thefriarsang，andLittleJohnfiddled，andtheforestersdanced，RobinwithMarian，andScarletwiththebaron;
andthevenisonsmoked，andthealefrothed，andthewinesparkled，andthesunwentdownontheirunweariedfestivity：
whichtheywoundupwiththefollowingsong，thefriarleadingandtheforestersjoiningchorus：
Oh！boldRobinHoodisaforestergood，Aseverdrewbowinthemerrygreenwood：
Athisbugle’sshrillsingingtheechoesareringing，Thewilddeerarespringingformanyarood：
Itssummonswefollow，throughbrake，overhollow，Thethrice-blownshrillsummonsofboldRobinHood。
Andwhateyehathe’erseensuchasweetMaidenQueen，AsMarian，theprideoftheforester’sgreen？
Asweetgarden-flower，shebloomsinthebower，Wherealonetothishourthewildrosehasbeen：
Wehailherindutythequeenofallbeauty：
Wewilllive，wewilldie，byoursweetMaidenqueen。
Andhere’sagreyfriar，goodasheartcandesire，Toabsolvealloursinsasthecasemayrequire：
Whowithcouragesostout，layshisoak-plantabout，Andputstotheroutallthefoesofhischoir：
Forwearehischoristers，wemerryforesters，ChorussingthuswithourmilitantfriarAndScarletclothbringhisgoodyew-boughandstring，PrimeministerisheofRobinourking：
NomarkistoonarrowforlittleJohn’sarrow，Thathitsacocksparrowamileonthewing;
RobinandMarion，Scarlet，andLittleJohn，LongwiththeirgloryoldSherwoodshallring。
Eachagoodliver，forwell-featheredquiverDothfurnishbrawn，venison，andfowloftheriver：
Butthebestgamewedishup，itisafatbishop：
Whenhisangelswefishup，heprovesafreegiver：
Foraprelatesolowlyhasangelsmoreholy，Andshouldthisworld’sfalseangelstosinnersdeliver。
RobinandMarion，ScarletandLittleJohn，Drinktothemonebyone，drinkasyesing：
RobinandMarion，ScarletandLittleJohn，EchotoechothroughSherwoodshallfling：
RobinandMarion，ScarletandLittleJohn，LongwiththeirgloryoldSherwoodshallring。
CHAPTERXII
Asinglevolumeparamount：acode：
Amasterspirit：adeterminedroad。
WORDSWORTH。
ThenextmorningRobinHoodconvenedhisforesters，anddesiredLittleJohn，forthebaron’sedification，toreadoverthelawsoftheirforestsociety。
LittleJohnreadaloudwithastentorophonicvoice。
\"Atahighcourtofforesters，heldunderthegreenwoodtree，anhouraftersun-rise，RobinHoodPresident，WilliamScarletVice-President，LittleJohnSecretary：thefollowingarticles，movedbyFriarTuckinhiscapacityofPeerSpiritual，andsecondedbyMuchtheMiller，wereunanimouslyagreedto。
\"Theprinciplesofoursocietyaresix：
Legitimacy，Equity，Hospitality，Chivalry，Chastity，andCourtesy。
\"ThearticlesofLegitimacyarefour：
\"I。Ourgovernmentislegitimate，andoursocietyisfoundedontheonegoldenruleofright，consecratedbytheuniversalconsentofmankind，andbythepracticeofallages，individuals，andnations：namely，Tokeepwhatwehave，andtocatchwhatwecan。
\"II。Ourgovernmentbeinglegitimate，allourproceedingsshallbelegitimate：whereforewedeclarewaragainstthewholeworld，andeveryforesterisbythislegitimatedeclarationlegitimatelyinvestedwitharovingcommission，tomakelawfulprizeofeverythingthatcomesinhisway。
\"III。Allforestlawsbutourownwedeclaretobenullandvoid。
\"IV。AllsuchoftheoldlawsofEnglandasdonotinanywayinterferewith，ormilitateagainst，theviewsofthishonourableassembly，wewillloyallyadheretoandmaintain。
Therestwedeclarenullandvoidasfarasrelatestoourselves，inallcaseswhereinavigourbeyondthelawmaybeconducivetoourowninterestandpreservation。\"
\"ThearticlesofEquityarethree：
\"I。Thebalanceofpoweramongthepeoplebeingverymuchderanged，byonehavingtoomuchandanothernothing，weherebyresolveourselvesintoacongressorcourtofequity，torestoreasfarasinusliesthesaidnaturalbalanceofpower，bytakingfromallwhohavetoomuchasmuchofthesaidtoomuchaswecanlayourhandson;
andgivingtothosewhohavenothingsuchaportionthereofasitmayseemtousexpedienttopartwith。
\"II。Inallcasesaquorumofforestersshallconstituteacourtofequity，andasmanyasmaybestrongenoughtomanagethematterinhandshallconstituteaquorum。
\"III。Allusurers，monks，courtiers，andotherdronesofthegreathiveofsociety，whoshallbefoundladenwithanyportionofthehoneywhereoftheyhavewrongfullydespoiledtheindustriousbee，shallberightfullydespoiledthereofinturn;andallbishopsandabbotsshallbeboundandbeaten，[5]especiallytheabbotofDoncaster;
asshallalsoallsheriffs，especiallythesheriffofNottingham。
[5]\"ThesebyshoppesandthesearchbyshoppesYeshallthembeteandbynde，\"
saysRobinHood，inanoldballad。Perhaps，however，thusistobetakennotinaliteral，butinafigurativesensefromthebindingandbeatingofwheat：forasallrichmenwereRobin’sharvest，thebishopsandarchbishopsmusthavebeenthefinestandfattestearsamongthem，fromwhichRobinmerelyproposestothreshthegrainwhenhedirectsthemtobeboundandbeaten：
andasPharaoh’sfatkineweretypicaloffatearsofwheat，somayfatearsofwheat，mutatismutandis，betypicaloffatkine。
\"ThearticlesofHospitalityaretwo：
\"I。Postmen，carriersandmarket-folk，peasantsandmechanics，farmersandmillers，shallpassthroughourforestdominionswithoutletormolestation。
\"II。AllothertravellersthroughtheforestshallbegraciouslyinvitedtopartakeofRobin’shospitality;andiftheycomenotwillinglytheyshallbecompelled;andtherichmanshallpaywellforhisfare;
andthepoormanshallfeastscotfree，andperadventurereceivebountyinproportiontohisdesertandnecessity。
\"ThearticleofChivalryisone：
\"I。Everyforestershall，totheextentofhispower，aidandprotectmaids，widows，andorphans，andallweakanddistressedpersonswhomsoever：
andnowomanshallbeimpededormolestedinanyway;norshallanycompanyreceiveharmwhichanywomanisin。
\"ThearticleofChastityisone：
\"I。Everyforester，beingDiana’sforesterandminionofthemoon，shallcommendhimselftothegraceoftheVirgin，andshallhavethegiftofcontinencyonpainofexpulsion：
thatthearticleofchivalrymaybesecurefrominfringement，andmaids，wives，andwidowspasswithoutfearthroughtheforest。
\"ThearticleofCourtesyisone：
\"I。Nooneshallmiscallaforester。HewhocallsRobinRobertofHuntingdon，orsaluteshimbyanyothertitleordesignationwhatsoeverexceptplainRobinHood;orwhocallsMarianMatildaFitzwater，orsalutesherbyanyothertitleordesignationwhatsoeverexceptplainMaidMarian;
andsoofallothers;shallforeverysuchoffenceforfeitamark，tobepaidtothefriar。
\"Andthesearticleswesweartokeepaswearegoodmenandtrue。
Carriedbyacclamation。GodsaveKingRichard。\"LITTLEJOHN，Secretary。\"
\"Excellentlaws，\"saidthebaron：\"excellent，bytheholyrood。
WilliamofNormandy，withmygreatgreatgrandfatherFierabrasathiselbow，couldnothavemadebetter。Andnow，sweetMawd————\"
\"Afine，afine，\"criedthefriar，\"afine，bythearticleofcourtesy。\"
\"Od’slife，\"saidthebaron，\"shallInotcallmyowndaughterMawd？Methinksthereshouldbeaspecialexceptioninmyfavour。\"
\"Itmustnotbe，\"saidRobinHood：\"ourconstitutionadmitsnoprivilege。\"
\"ButIwillcommute，\"saidthefriar;\"fortwentymarksayeardulypaidintomyghostlypocketyoushallcallyourdaughterMawdtwohundredtimesaday。\"
\"Gramercy，\"saidthebaron，\"andIagree，honestfriar，whenIcangettwentymarkstopay：fortillPrinceJohnbebeatenfromNottingham，myrentsareliketoprovebutscanty。\"
\"Iwilltrust，\"saidthefriar，\"andthusletusratifythestipulation;
soshallourlawsandyourinfringementruntogetherinanamicableparallel。\"
\"But，\"saidLittleJohn，\"thisisabadprecedent，masterfriar。
Itisturningdisciplineintoprofit，penaltyintoperquisite，publicjusticeintoprivaterevenue。Itisrankcorruption，masterfriar。\"
\"Whyarelawsmade？\"saidthefriar。\"Fortheprofitofsomebody。
Ofwhom？Ofhimwhomakesthemfirst，andofothersasitmayhappen。
WasnotIlegislatorinthelastarticle，andshallInotthrivebymyownlaw？\"
\"Wellthen，sweetMawd，\"saidthebaron，\"Imustleaveyou，Mawd：
yourlifeisverywellfortheyoungandthehearty，butitsquaresnotwithmyageormyhumour。Imusthouse，Mawd。Imustfindrefuge：
butwhere？Thatisthequestion。\"
\"WhereSirGuyofGamwellhasfoundit，\"saidRobinHood，\"nearthebordersofBarnsdale。ThereyoumaydwellinsafetywithhimandfairAlice，tillKingRichardreturn，andLittleJohnshallgiveyousafeconduct。
Youwillhaveneedtotravelwithcaution，indisguiseandwithoutattendants，forPrinceJohncommandsallthisvicinity，andwilldoubtlesslaythecountryforyouandMarian。Nowitisfirstexpedienttodismissyourretainers。
Iftherebeanyamongthemwholikeourlife，theymaystaywithusinthegreenwood;therestmayreturntotheirhomes。\"
Someofthebaron’smenresolvedtoremainwithRobinandMarian，andwerefurnishedaccordinglywithsuitsofgreen，ofwhichRobinalwayskeptgoodstore。
MariannowdeclaredthatastherewasdangerinthewaytoBarnsdale，shewouldaccompanyLittleJohnandthebaron，assheshouldnotbehappyunlesssheherselfsawherfatherplacedinsecurity。
Robinwasveryunwillingtoconsenttothis，andassuredherthattherewasmoredangerforherthanthebaron：
butMarianwasabsolute。
\"Ifso，then，\"saidRobin，\"IshallbeyourguideinsteadofLittleJohn，andIshallleavehimandScarletjoint-regentsofSherwoodduringmyabsence，andthevoiceofFriarTuckshallbedecisivebetweenthemiftheydifferinnicequestionsofstatepolicy。\"Marianobjectedtothis，thattherewasmoredangerforRobinthaneitherherselforthebaron：
butRobinwasabsoluteinhisturn。
\"Talknotofmyvoice，\"saidthefriar;\"forifMarianbeadamselerrant，Iwillbeherghostlyesquire。\"
Robininsistedthatthisshouldnotbe，fornumberwouldonlyexposethemtogreaterriskofdetection。Thefriar，aftersomedebate，reluctantlyacquiesced。
Whiletheywerediscussingthesematters，theyheardthedistantsoundofhorses’feet。
\"Go，\"saidRobintoLittleJohn，\"andinviteyonderhorsemantodinner。\"
LittleJohnboundedaway，andsooncamebeforeayoungman，whowasridinginamelancholymanner，withthebridlehanginglooseonthehorse’sneck，andhiseyesdroopingtowardstheground。
\"Whithergoyou？\"saidLittleJohn。
\"Whithersoevermyhorsepleases，\"saidtheyoungman。
\"Andthatshallbe，\"saidLittleJohn，\"whitherIpleasetoleadhim。
Iamcommissionedtoinviteyoutodinewithmymaster。\"
\"Whoisyourmaster？\"saidtheyoungman。
\"RobinHood，\"saidLittleJohn。
\"Theboldoutlaw？\"saidthestranger。\"Neitherhenoryoushouldhavemademeturnaninchasideyesterday;butto-dayIcarenot。\"
\"Thenitisbetterforyou，\"saidLittleJohn，\"thatyoucameto-daythanyesterday，ifyoulovedininginawholeskin：
formymasteristhepinkofcourtesy：butifhisguestsprovestubborn，hebastesthemandhisvenisontogether，whilethefriarsaysmassbeforemeat。\"
Theyoungmanmadenoanswer，andscarcelyseemedtohearwhatLittleJohnwassaying，whothereforetookthehorse’sbridleandledhimtowhereRobinandhisforestersweresettingforththeirdinner。
RobinseatedtheyoungmannexttoMarian。Recoveringalittlefromhisstupor，helookedwithmuchamazementather，andthebaron，andRobin，andthefriar;listenedtotheirconversation，andseemedmuchastonishedtofindhimselfinsuchholyandcourtlycompany。
Robinhelpedhimlargelytorumble-pieandcygnetandpheasant，andtheotherdaintiesofhistable;andthefriarpledgedhiminaleandwine，andexhortedhimtomakegoodcheer。
Buttheyoungmandranklittle，ateless，spakenothing，andeverynowandthensighedheavily。
Whentherepastwasended，\"Now，\"saidRobin，\"youareatlibertytopursueyourjourney：butfirstbepleasedtopayforyourdinner。\"
\"ThatwouldIgladlydo，Robin，\"saidtheyoungman，\"butallIhaveaboutmearefiveshillingsandaring。
Tothefiveshillingsyoushallbewelcome，butfortheringIwillfightwhilethereisadropofbloodinmyveins。\"
\"Gallantlyspoken，\"saidRobinHood。\"Alove-token，withoutdoubt：
butyoumustsubmittoourforestlaws。LittleJohnmustsearch;
andifhefindnomorethanyousay，notapennywillItouch;
butifyouhavespokenfalse，thewholeisforfeittoourfraternity。\"
\"Andwithreason，\"saidthefriar;\"fortherebyisthetruthmaintainedTheabbotofDoubleflasksworetherewasnomoneyinhisvalise，andLittleJohnforthwithemptieditoffourhundredpounds。
Thuswastheabbot’sperjurybutofoneminute’sduration;
forthoughhisspeechwasfalseintheutterance，yetwasitnosoonerutteredthanitbecametrue，andweshouldhavebeenparticipescriministohavesufferedtheholyabbottodepartinfalsehood：
whereashecametousafalsepriest，andwesenthimawayatrueman。Marry，weturnedhiscloaktofurtheraccount，andtherebyhangsatalethatmaybeeithersaidorsung;
forintruthIamminstrelhereaswellaschaplain;
Iprayforgoodsuccesstoourjustandnecessarywarfare，andsingthanks-givingodeswhenourforestersbringinbooty：
BoldRobinhasrobedhiminghostlyattire，Andforthheisgonelikeaholyfriar，Singing，heydown，hodown，down，derrydown：
Andoftwogreyfriarshesoonwasaware，Regalingthemselveswithdaintyfare，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。
\"Goodmorrow，goodbrothers，\"saidboldRobinHood，\"Andwhatmakeyouinthegoodgreenwood，Singingheydown，hodown，down，derrydown！
Nowgiveme，Iprayyou，wineandfood;
FornonecanIfindinthegoodgreenwood，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。\"
\"Goodbrother，\"theysaid，\"wewouldgiveyoufullfain，Butwehavenomorethanenoughfortwain，Singing，heydown，hodown，down，derrydown。\"
\"Thengivemesomemoney，\"saidboldRobinHood，\"FornonecanIfindinthegoodgreenwood，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。\"
\"Nomoneyhavewe，goodbrother，\"saidthey：
\"Then，\"saidhe，\"wethreeformoneywillpray：
Singing，heydown，hodown，down，derrydown：
Andwhatevershallcomeattheendofourprayer，Wethreeholyfriarswillpiouslyshare，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。\"
\"Wewillnotpraywiththee，goodbrother，Godwot：
Fortruly，goodbrother，thoupleasestusnot，Singingheydown，hodown，down，derrydown：\"
ThenuptheybothstartedfromRobintorun，ButdownontheirkneesRobinpulledthemeachone，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。
Thegreyfriarsprayedwithadolefulface，ButboldRobinprayedwitharightmerrygrace，Singing，heydown，hodown，down，derrydown：
Andwhentheyhadprayed，theirportmanteauhetook，Andfromitahundredgoodangelsheshook，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。
\"Thesaints，\"saidboldRobin，\"havehearkenedourprayer，Andhere’sagoodangelapieceforyourshare：
Ifmoreyouwouldhave，youmustwinereyouwear：
Singingheydown，hodown，down，derrydown：\"
Thenheblewhisgoodhornwithamusicalcheer，Andfiftygreenbowmencametroopingfullnear，Andawaythegreyfriarstheyboundedlikedeer，Allonthefallenleavessobrown。
CHAPTERXIII
Whatcanayounglassie，whatshallayounglassie，Whatcanayounglassiedowi’anauldman？——BURNS。
\"Hereisbutfiveshillingsandaring，\"saidLittleJohn，\"andtheyoungmanhasspokentrue。\"
\"Then，\"saidRobintothestranger，\"ifwantofmoneybethecauseofyourmelancholy，speak。LittleJohnismytreasurer，andheshalldisbursetoyou。\"
\"Itis，anditisnot，\"saidthestranger;\"itis，because，hadInotwantedmoneyIhadneverlostmylove;itisnot，because，nowthatIhavelosther，moneywouldcometoolatetoregainher。\"
\"Inwhatwayhaveyoulosther？\"saidRobin：\"letusclearlyknowthatsheispastregaining，beforewegiveupourwishestorestorehertoyou。\"
\"Sheistobemarriedthisday，\"saidthestranger，\"andperhapsismarriedbythis，toaricholdknight;andyesterdayIknewitnot。\"
\"Whatisyourname？\"saidRobin。
\"Allen，\"saidthestranger。
\"Andwhereisthemarriagetotakeplace，Allen？\"saidRobin。
\"AtEdwinstowchurch，\"saidAllen，\"bythebishopofNottingham。\"
\"Iknowthatbishop，\"saidRobin;\"hedinedwithmeamonthsince，andpaidthreehundredpoundsforhisdinner。Hehasagoodearandlovesmusic。
Thefriarsangtohimtosometune。Givememyharper’scloak，andI
willplayapartatthiswedding。
\"Thesearedangeroustimes，Robin，\"saidMarian，\"forplayingpranksoutoftheforest。\"
\"Fearnot，\"saidRobin;\"EdwinstowliesnotNottingham-ward，andIwilltakemyprecautions。\"
Robinputonhisharper’scloak，whileLittleJohnpaintedhiseyebrowsandcheeks，tippedhisnosewithred，andtiedhimonacomelybeard。
Marianconfessed，thathadshenotbeenpresentatthemetamorphosis，sheshouldnothaveknownherowntrueRobin。Robintookhisharpandwenttothewedding。
Robinfoundthebishopandhistraininthechurchporch，impatientlyexpectingthearrivalofthebrideandbridegroom。
Theclerkwasobservingtothebishopthattheknightwassomewhatgouty，andthatthenecessityofwalkingthelastquarterofamilefromtheroadtothechurchyardprobablydetainedthelivelybridegroomratherlongerthanhadbeencalculatedupon。
\"Oh！bymyfey，\"saidthemusic-lovingbishop，\"herecomesaharperinthenickoftime，andnowIcarenothowlongtheytarry。
Ho！honestfriend，areyoucometoplayatthewedding？\"
\"Iamcometoplayanywhere，\"answeredRobin，\"whereIcangetacupofsack;
forwhichIwillsingthepraiseofthedonorinloftyverse，andemblazonhimwithanyvirtuewhichhemaywishtohavethecreditofpossessing，withoutthetroubleofpractising。
\"Amostcourtlyharper，\"saidthebishop;\"Iwillfilltheewithsack;
Iwillmaketheeawalkingbuttofsack，ifthouwiltdelightmyearswiththymelodies。\"
\"ThatwillI，\"saidRobin;\"inwhatbranchofmyartshallIexertmyfaculty？Iampassingwellinall，fromtheanthemtotheglee，andfromthedirgetothecoranto。\"
\"Itwouldbeidle，\"saidthebishop，\"togivetheesackforplayingmeanthems，seeingthatImyselfdoreceivesackforhearingthemsung。
Therefore，astheoccasionisfestive，thoushaltplaymeacoranto。\"
Robinstruckupandplayedawaymerrily，thebishopallthewhileingreatdelight，noddlinghishead，andbeatingtimewithhisfoot，tillthebrideandbridegroomappeared。
Thebridegroomwasrichlyapparelled，andcameslowlyandpainfullyforward，hobblingandleering，andpursinguphismouthintoasmileofresolutedefiancetothegout，andoftendercomplacencytowardshisladylove，who，shininglikegoldattheoldknight’sexpense，followedslowlybetweenherfatherandmother，hercheekspale，herheaddrooping，herstepsfaltering，andhereyesreddenedwithtears。
Robinstoppedhisminstrelsy，andsaidtothebishop，\"Thisseemstomeanunfitmatch。\"
\"Whatdoyousay，rascal？\"saidtheoldknight，hobblinguptohim。
\"Isay，\"saidRobin，\"thisseemstomeanunfitmatch。
What，inthedevil’sname，canyouwantwithayoungwife，whohaveonefootinflannelsandtheotherinthegrave？\"
\"Whatisthattothee，sirrahvarlet？\"saidtheoldknight;
\"standawayfromtheporch，orIwillfracturethysconcewithmycane。\"
\"Iwillnotstandawayfromtheporch，\"saidRobin，\"unlessthebridebidme，andtellmethatyouareherowntruelove。\"
\"Speak，\"saidthebride’sfather，inaseveretone，andwithalookofsignificantmenace。ThegirllookedalternatelyatherfatherandRobin。Sheattemptedtospeak，buthervoicefailedintheeffort，andsheburstintotears。
\"Hereislawfulcauseandjustimpediment，\"saidRobin，\"andIforbidthebanns。\"
\"Whoareyou，villain？\"saidtheoldknight，stampinghissoundfootwithrage。
\"IamtheRomanlaw，\"saidRobin，\"whichsaysthatthereshallnotbemorethantenyearsbetweenamanandhiswife;andherearefivetimesten：
andsosaysthelawofnature。\"
\"Honestharper，\"saidthebishop，\"youaresomewhatover-officioushere，andlesscourtlythanIdeemedyou。
Ifyoulovesack，forbear;forthiscoursewillneverbringyouadrop。
AstoyourRomanlaw，andyourlawofnature，whatrighthavetheytosayanythingwhichthelawofHolyWritsaysnot？\"
\"ThelawofHolyWritdoessayit，\"saidRobin;\"Iexpounditsotosay;
andIwillproducesixtycommentatorstoestablishmyexposition。\"
Andsosaying，heproducedahornfrombeneathhiscloak，andblewthreeblasts，andthreescorebowmeningreencameleapingfromthebushesandtrees;andyoungAllenwasthefirstamongthemtogiveRobinhissword，whileFriarTuckandLittleJohnmarcheduptothealtar。
Robinstrippedthebishopandclerkoftheirrobes，andputthemonthefriarandLittleJohn;andAllenadvancedtotakethehandofthebride。
Hercheeksgrewredandhereyesgrewbright，asshelockedherhandinherlover’s，andtrippedlightlywithhimintothechurch。
\"Thismarriagewillnotstand，\"saidthebishop，\"fortheyhavenotbeenthriceaskedinchurch。\"
\"Wewillaskthemseventimes，\"saidLittleJohn，\"lestthreeshouldnotsuffice。\"
\"Andinthemeantime，\"saidRobin，\"theknightandthebishopshalldancetomyharping。\"
SoRobinsatinthechurchporchandplayedawaymerrily，whilehisforestersformedaring，inthecentreofwhichtheknightandbishopdancedwithexemplaryalacrity;andiftheyrelaxedtheirexertions，Scarletgentlytouchedthemupwiththepointofanarrow。
Theknightgrimacedruefully，andbeggedRobintothinkofhisgout。
\"SoIdo，\"saidRobin;\"thisisthetrueantipodagron：
youshalldancethegoutaway，andbethankfultomewhileyoulive。
Itoldyou，\"headdedtothebishop，\"Iwouldplayatthiswedding;
butyoudidnottellmethatyouwoulddanceatit。
Thenextcoupleyoumarry，thinkoftheRomanlaw。\"
Thebishopwastoomuchoutofbreathtoreply;andnowtheyoungcoupleissuedfromchurch，andthebridehavingmadeafarewellobeisancetoherparents，theydepartedtogetherwiththeforesters，theparentsstorming，theattendantslaughing，thebishoppuffingandblowing，andtheknightrubbinghisgoutyfoot，andutteringdolefullamentationsforthegoldandjewelswithwhichhehadsounwittinglyadornedandcoweredthebride。
CHAPTERXIV
AsyecamefromtheholylandOfblessedWalsinghame，Ohmetyenotwithmytruelove，Asbythewayyecame？——OldBallad。
Inpursuanceofthearrangementrecordedinthetwelfthchapter，thebaron，Robin，andMariandisguisedthemselvesaspilgrimsreturnedfromPalestine，andtravellingfromthesea-coastofHampshiretotheirhomeinNorthumberland。Bydintofstaffandcockle-shell，sandalandscrip，theyproceededinsafetythegreaterpartoftheway（forRobinhadmanyslyinnsandresting-placesbetweenBarnsdaleandSherwood），andwerealreadyonthebordersofYorkshire，when，oneevening，theypassedwithinviewofacastle，wheretheysawaladystandingonaturret，andsurveyingthewholeextentofthevalleythroughwhichtheywerepassing。
Aservantcamerunningfromthecastle，anddeliveredtothemamessagefromhislady，whowassickwithexpectationofnewsfromherlordintheHolyLand，andentreatedthemtocometoher，thatshemightquestionthemconcerninghim。Thiswasanawkwardoccurrence：
buttherewasnopresenceforrefusal，andtheyfollowedtheservantintothecastle。Thebaron，whohadbeeninPalestineinhisyouth，undertooktobespokesmanontheoccasion，andtorelatehisownadventurestotheladyashavinghappenedtothelordinquestion。
Thispreparationenabledhimtobesominuteandcircumstantialinhisdetail，andsocoherentinhisrepliestoherquestions，thattheladyfellimplicitlyintothedelusion，andwasdelightedtofindthatherlordwasaliveandinhealth，andinhighfavourwiththeking，andperformingprodigiesofvalourinthenameofhislady，whoseminiaturehealwaysworeinhisbosom。
Thebaronguessedatthiscircumstancefromthecustomsofthatage，andhappenedtobeintheright。
\"Thisminiature，\"addedthebaron，\"Ihavehadthefelicitytosee，andshouldhaveknownyoubyitamongamillion。\"
Thebaronwasalittleembarrassedbysomequestionsoftheladyconcerningherlord’spersonalappearance;butRobincametohisaid，observingapicturesuspendedoppositetohimonthewall，whichhemadeaboldconjecturetobethatofthelordinquestion;
andmakingacalculationoftheinfluencesoftimeandwar，whichheweighedwithacomparisonofthelady’sage，hegaveadescriptionofherlordsufficientlylikethepictureinitsgroundworktobeatrueresemblance，andsufficientlydifferingfromitincircumstancestobemoreanoriginalthanacopy。
Theladywascompletelydeceived，andentreatedthemtopartakeherhospitalityforthenight;butthistheydeemeditprudenttodecline，andwithmanyhumblethanksforherkindness，andrepresentationsofthenecessityofnotdelayingtheirhomewardcourse，theyproceededontheirway。
Astheypassedoverthedrawbridge，theymetSirRalphMontfauconandhissquire，whowerewanderinginquestofMarian，andwereenteringtoclaimthathospitalitywhichthepilgrimshaddeclined。
TheircountenancesstruckSirRalphwithakindofimperfectrecognition，whichwouldneverhavebeenmatured，butthattheeyesofMarian，asshepassedhim，encounteredhis，andtheimagesofthosestarsofbeautycontinuedinvoluntarilytwinklinginhissensoriumtotheexclusionofallotherideas，tillmemory，love，andhopeconcurredwithimaginationtofurnishaprobablereasonfortheirhauntinghimsopertinaciously。
Thoseeyes，hethought，werecertainlytheeyesofMatildaFitzwater;
andiftheeyeswerehers，itwasextremelyprobable，ifnotlogicallyconsecutive，thattherestofthebodytheybelongedtowashersalso。
Now，ifitwerereallyMatildaFitzwater，whowerehertwocompanions？
Thebaron？Aye，andtheelderpilgrimwassomethinglikehim。
AndtheearlofHuntingdon？Veryprobably。Theearlandthebaronmightbegoodfriendsagain，nowthattheywerebothindisgracetogether。
Whilehewasrevolvingthesecogitations，hewasintroducedtothelady，andafterclaimingandreceivingthepromiseofhospitality，heinquiredwhatsheknewofthepilgrimswhohadjustdeparted？
TheladytoldhimtheywerenewlyreturnedfromPalestine，havingbeenlongintheHolyLand。Theknightexpressedsomescepticismonthispoint。
Theladyreplied，thattheyhadgivenhersominuteadetailofherlord’sproceedings，andsoaccurateadescriptionofhisperson，thatshecouldnotbedeceivedinthem。Thisstaggeredtheknight’sconfidenceinhisownpenetration;andifithadnotbeenaheresyinknighthoodtosupposeforamomentthattherecouldbeinrerumnaturasuchanotherpairofeyesasthoseofhismistress，hewouldhaveacquiescedimplicitlyinthelady’sjudgment。
Butwhiletheladyandtheknightwereconversing，thewarderblewhisbugle-horn，andpresentlyenteredaconfidentialmessengerfromPalestine，whogavehertounderstandthatherlordwaswell;
butenteredintoadetailofhisadventuresmostcompletelyatvariancewiththebaron’snarrative，towhichnotthecorrespondenceofasingleincidentgavetheremotestcolouringofsimilarity。
Itnowbecamemanifestthatthepilgrimswerenottruemen;
andSirRalphMontfauconsatedowntosupperwithhisheadfullofcogitations，whichweshallleavehimtochewanddigestwithhispheasantandcanary。
Meanwhileourthreepilgrimsproceededontheirway。
Theeveningsetinblackandlowering，whenRobinturnedasidefromthemaintrack，toseekanasylumforthenight，alonganarrowwaythatledbetweenrockyandwoodyhills。
Apeasantobservedthepilgrimsastheyenteredthatnarrowpass，andcalledafterthem：\"Whithergoyou，mymasters？thereareroguesinthatdirection。\"
\"Canyoushowusadirection，\"saidRobin，\"inwhichtherearenone？
Ifsowewilltakeitinpreference。\"Thepeasantgrinned，andwalkedawaywhistling。
Thepasswidenedastheyadvanced，andthewoodsgrewthickeranddarkeraroundthem。Theirpathwoundalongtheslopeofawoodydeclivity，whichrosehighabovetheminathickrampartoffoliage，anddescendedalmostprecipitouslytothebedofasmallriver，whichtheyhearddashinginitsrockychannel，andsawitswhitefoamgleamingatintervalsinthelastfaintglimmeringsoftwilight。
Inashorttimeallwasdark，andtherisingvoiceofthewindforetoldacomingstorm。Theyturnedapointofthevalley，andsawalightbelowtheminthedepthofthehollow，shiningthroughacottage-casementanddancinginitsreflectionontherestlessstream。
Robinblewhishorn，whichwasansweredfrombelow。Thecottagedooropened：aboycameforthwithatorch，ascendedthesteep，showedtokensofgreatdelightatmeetingwithRobin，andlightedthemdownaflightofstepsrudelycutintherock，andoveraseriesofruggedstepping-stones，thatcrossedthechanneloftheriver。
Theyenteredthecottage，whichexhibitedneatness，comfort，andplenty，beingamplyenrichedwithpots，pans，andpipkins，andadornedwithflitchesofbaconandsundrysimilarornaments，thatgavegoodlypromiseinthefirelightthatgleamedupontherafters。
Awoman，whoseemedjustoldenoughtobetheboy’smother，hadthrowndownherspinningwheelinherjoyatthesoundofRobin’shorn，andwasbustlingwithsingularalacritytosetforthherfestalwareandprepareanabundantsupper。
Herfeatures，thoughnotbeautiful，wereagreeableandexpressive，andwerenowlightedupwithsuchmanifestjoyatthesightofRobin，thatMariancouldnothelpfeelingamomentarytouchofjealousy，andahalf-formedsuspicionthatRobinhadbrokenhisforestlaw，andhadoccasionallygoneoutofbounds，asothergreatmenhavedoneuponoccasion，inordertoreconcilethebreachofthespirit，withthepreservationoftheletter，oftheirownlegislation。
However，thissuspicion，ifitcouldbesaidtoexistinamindsogenerousasMarian’s，wasverysoondissipatedbytheentranceofthewoman’shusband，whotestifiedasmuchjoyashiswifehaddoneatthesightofRobin;andinashorttimethewholeofthepartywereamicablyseatedroundasmokingsupperofriver-fishandwildwoodfowl，onwhichthebaronfellwithasmuchalacrityasifhehadbeenatruepilgrimfromPalestine。
Thehusbandproducedsomereconditeflasksofwine，whichwerelaidbyinabinnconsecratedtoRobin，whoseoccasionalvisitstotheminhiswanderingswerethefestaldaysofthesewarm-heartedcottagers，whosemannersshowedthattheyhadnotbeenborntothislowestate。
Theirstoryhadnomystery，andMarianeasilycollecteditfromthetenouroftheirconversation。Theyoungmanhadbeen，likeRobin，thevictimofanusuriousabbot，andhadbeenoutlawedfordebt，andhisnut-brownmaidhadaccompaniedhimtothedepthsofSherwood，wheretheylivedanunholyandillegitimatelife，killingtheking’sdeer，andneverhearingmass。Inthisstate，Robin，thenearlofHuntingdon，discoveredtheminoneofhishuntings，andgavethemaidandprotection。
WhenRobinhimselfbecameanoutlaw，thenecessaryqualificationorgiftofcontinencywastoohardalawforourloverstosubscribeto;
andastheywerethusdisqualifiedforforesters，Robinhadfoundthemaretreatinthisromanticandsecludedspot。Hehaddonesimilarservicetootherloverssimilarlycircumstanced，andhaddisposedtheminvariouswildsceneswhichheandhismenhaddiscoveredintheirflittingsfromplacetoplace，supplyingthemwithallnecessariesandcomfortsfromthereluctantdisgorgingsoffatabbotsandusurers。
Thebenefitwasinsomemeasuremutual;forthesecottagesservedhimasresting-placesinhisremovals，andenabledhimtotraveluntracedandunmolested;andinthedelightwithwhichhewasalwaysreceivedhefoundhimselfevenmorewelcomethanhewouldhavebeenataninn;
andthisissayingverymuchforgratitudeandaffectiontogether。
Thesmileswhichsurroundedhimwereofhisowncreation，andheparticipatedinthehappinesshehadbestowed。
Thecasementsbegantorattleinthewind，andtheraintobeatuponthewindows。Thewindswelledtoahurricane，andtheraindashedlikeafloodagainsttheglass。Theboyretiredtohislittlebed，thewifetrimmedthelamp，thehusbandheapedlogsuponthefire：
Robinbroachedanotherflask;andMarianfilledthebaron’scup，andsweetenedRobin’sbytouchingitsedgewithherlips。
\"Well，\"saidthebaron，\"givemearoofovermyhead，beitneversohumble。