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。