FROMTHEAUTHORTOTHEREADER
YouwhosoplodamidseriousthingsthatyoufeelitshametogiveyourselfupevenforafewshortmomentstomirthandjoyousnessinthelandofFancy；youwhothinkthatlifehathnoughttodowithinnocentlaughterthatcanharmnoone；thesepagesarenotforyou。
Claptotheleavesandgonofartherthanthis，forItellyouplainlythatifyougofartheryouwillbescandalizedbyseeinggood，soberfolksofrealhistorysofriskandcaperingaycolorsandmotleythatyouwouldnotknowthembutforthenamestaggedtothem。
Hereisastout，lustyfellowwithaquicktemper，yetnonesoillforallthat，whogoesbythenameofHenryII。Hereisafair，gentleladybeforewhomalltheothersbowandcallherQueenEleanor。Hereisafatrogueofafellow，dressedupinrichrobesofaclericalkind，thatallthegoodfolkcallmyLordBishopofHereford。Hereisacertainfellowwithasourtemperandagrimlook——
theworshipful，theSheriffofNottingham。Andhere，aboveall，isagreat，tall，merryfellowthatroamsthegreenwoodandjoinsinhomelysports，andsitsbesidetheSheriffatmerryfeast，whichsamebeareththenameoftheproudestofthePlantagenets——RichardoftheLion\'sHeart。Besidetheseareawholehostofknights，priests，nobles，burghers，yeomen，pages，ladies，lasses，landlords，beggars，peddlers，andwhatnot，alllivingthemerriestofmerrylives，andallboundbynothingbutafewoddstrandsofcertainoldballadssnippedandclippedandtiedtogetheragaininascoreofknots
whichdrawthesejocundfellowshereandthere，singingastheygo。
Hereyouwillfindahundreddull，sober，joggingplaces，alltrickedoutwithflowersandwhatnot，tillnoonewouldknowthemintheirfancifuldress。
Andhereisacountrybearingawell-knownname，whereinnochillmistspressuponourspirits，andnorainfallsbutwhatrollsoffourbackslikeAprilshowersoffthebacksofsleekdrakes；whereflowersbloomforeverandbirdsarealwayssinging；whereeveryfellowhathamerrycatchashetravelstheroads，andaleandbeerandwinesuchasmuddlenowits
flowlikewaterinabrook。
ThiscountryisnotFairyland。Whatisit？\'TisthelandofFancy，andisofthatpleasantkindthat，whenyoutireofit——whisk！——youclaptheleavesofthisbooktogetherand\'tisgone，andyouarereadyforeverydaylife，withnoharmdone。
AndnowIliftthecurtainthathangsbetweenhereandNo-man\'s-land。Willyoucomewithme，sweetReader？Ithankyou。
Givemeyourhand。
HowRobinHoodCanetoBeanOutlawINMERRYENGLANDinthetimeofold，whengoodKingHenrytheSecondruledtheland，therelivedwithinthegreengladesofSherwoodForest，nearNottinghamTown，afamousoutlawwhosenamewasRobinHood。Noarchereverlivedthatcouldspeedagraygooseshaftwithsuchskillandcunningashis，norwerethereeversuchyeomenasthesevenscoremerrymenthatroamedwithhimthroughthegreenwoodshades。
RightmerrilytheydwelledwithinthedepthsofSherwoodForest，sufferingneithercarenorwant，butpassingthetimeinmerrygamesofarcheryorboutsofcudgelplay，livingupontheKing\'svenison，washeddownwithdraughtsofaleofOctoberbrewing。
NotonlyRobinhimselfbutallthebandwereoutlawsanddwelledapartfromothermen，yettheywerebelovedbythecountrypeopleroundabout，fornooneevercametojollyRobinforhelpintimeofneedandwentawayagainwithanemptyfist。
AndnowIwilltellhowitcameaboutthatRobinHoodfellafoulofthelaw。
WhenRobinwasayouthofeighteen，stoutofsinewandboldofheart，theSheriffofNottinghamproclaimedashootingmatchandofferedaprizeofabuttofaletowhosoevershouldshootthebestshaftinNottinghamshire。\"Now，\"quothRobin，\"willIgotoo，forfainwouldIdrawastringforthebrighteyesofmylassandabuttofgoodOctoberbrewing。\"
Souphegotandtookhisgoodstoutyewbowandascoreormoreofbroadclothyardarrows，andstartedofffromLocksleyTownthroughSherwoodForesttoNottingham。
ItwasatthedawnofdayinthemerryMaytime，whenhedgerowsaregreenandflowersbedeckthemeadows；daisiespiedandyellowcuckoobudsandfairprimrosesallalongthebrieryhedges；whenapplebudsblossomandsweetbirdssing，thelarkatdawnofday，thethrostlecockandcuckoo；
whenladsandlasseslookuponeachotherwithsweetthoughts；whenbusyhousewivesspreadtheirlinentobleachuponthebrightgreengrass。
Sweetwasthegreenwoodashewalkedalongitspaths，andbrightthegreenandrustlingleaves，amidwhichthelittlebirdssangwithmightandmain：
andblithelyRobinwhistledashetrudgedalong，thinkingofMaidMarianandherbrighteyes，foratsuchtimesayouth\'sthoughtsarewonttoturnpleasantlyuponthelassthathelovesthebest。
Asthushewalkedalongwithabriskstepandamerrywhistle，hecamesuddenlyuponsomeforestersseatedbeneathagreatoaktree。Fifteentherewereinall，makingthemselvesmerrywithfeastinganddrinkingastheysataroundahugepasty，towhicheachmanhelpedhimself，thrustinghishandsintothepie，andwashingdownthatwhichtheyatewithgreathornsofalewhichtheydrewallfoamingfromabarrelthatstoodnigh。
EachmanwascladinLincolngreen，andafineshowtheymade，seatedupontheswardbeneaththatfair，spreadingtree。
Thenoneofthem，withhismouthfull，calledouttoRobin，\"Hulloa，wheregoestthou，littlelad，withthyone-pennybowandthyfarthingshafts？\"
ThenRobingrewangry，fornostriplinglikestobetauntedwithhisgreenyears。
\"Now，\"quothhe，\"mybowandekeminearrowsareasgoodasshine；
andmoreover，IgototheshootingmatchatNottinghamTown，whichsamehasbeenproclaimedbyourgoodSheriffofNottinghamshire；
thereIwillshootwithotherstoutyeomen，foraprizehasbeenofferedofafinebuttofale。\"
Thenonewhoheldahornofaleinhishandsaid，\"Ho！listentothelad！
Why，boy，thymother\'smilkisyetscarcedryuponthylips，andyetthoupratestofstandingupwithgoodstoutmenatNottinghambutts，thouwhoartscarceabletodrawonestringofatwo-stonebow。\"
\"I\'llholdthebestofyoutwentymarks，\"quothboldRobin，\"thatIhitthecloutatthreescorerods，bythegoodhelpofOurLadyfair。\"
Atthisalllaughedaloud，andonesaid，\"Wellboasted，thoufairinfant，wellboasted！Andwellthouknowestthatnotargetisnightomakegoodthywager。\"
Andanothercried，\"Hewillbetakingalewithhismilknext。\"
AtthisRobingrewrightmad。\"Harkye，\"saidhe，\"yonder，attheglade\'send，Iseeaherdofdeer，evenmorethanthreescorerodsdistant。
I\'llholdyoutwentymarksthat，byleaveofOurLady，Icausethebesthartamongthemtodie。\"
\"Nowdone！\"criedhewhohadspokenfirst。\"Andherearetwentymarks。
Iwagerthatthoucausestnobeasttodie，withorwithouttheaidofOurLady。\"
ThenRobintookhisgoodyewbowinhishand，andplacingthetipathisinstep，hestrungitrightdeftly；thenhenockedabroadclothyardarrowand，raisingthebow，drewthegraygoosefeathertohisear；thenextmomentthebowstringrangandthearrowspeddownthegladeasasparrowhawkskimsinanorthernwind。
Highleapedthenoblesthartofalltheherd，onlytofalldead，reddeningthegreenpathwithhisheart\'sblood。
\"Ha！\"criedRobin，\"howlikestthouthatshot，goodfellow？
Iwotthewagerweremine，anitwerethreehundredpounds。\"
Thenalltheforesterswerefilledwithrage，andhewhohadspokenthefirstandhadlostthewagerwasmoreangrythanall。
\"Nay，\"criedhe，\"thewagerisnoneofthine，andgettheegone，straightway，or，byallthesaintsofheaven，I\'llbastethysidesuntilthouwiltne\'erbeabletowalkagain。\"
\"Knowestthounot，\"saidanother，\"thatthouhastkilledtheKing\'sdeer，and，bythelawsofourgraciouslordandsovereignKingHarry，thineearsshouldbeshavenclosetothyhead？\"
\"Catchhim！\"criedathird。
\"Nay，\"saidafourth，\"lethime\'engobecauseofhistenderyears。\"
NeverawordsaidRobinHood，buthelookedattheforesterswithagrimface；
then，turningonhisheel，strodeawayfromthemdowntheforestglade。
Buthisheartwasbitterlyangry，forhisbloodwashotandyouthfulandpronetoboil。
Now，wellwouldithavebeenforhimwhohadfirstspokenhadheleftRobinHoodalone；buthisangerwashot，bothbecausetheyouthhadgottenthebetterofhimandbecauseofthedeepdraughtsofalethathehadbeenquaffing。So，ofasudden，withoutanywarning，hesprangtohisfeet，andseizeduponhisbowandfittedittoashaft。
\"Ay，\"criedhe，\"andI\'llhurrytheeanon。\"AndhesentthearrowwhistlingafterRobin。
ItwaswellforRobinHoodthatthatsameforester\'sheadwasspinningwithale，orelsehewouldneverhavetakenanotherstep。
Asitwas，thearrowwhistledwithinthreeinchesofhishead。
Thenheturnedaroundandquicklydrewhisownbow，andsentanarrowbackinreturn。
\"YesaidIwasnoarcher，\"criedhealoud，\"butsaysonowagain！\"
Theshaftflewstraight；thearcherfellforwardwithacry，andlayonhisfaceupontheground，hisarrowsrattlingabouthimfromoutofhisquiver，thegraygooseshaftwetwithhis；
heart\'sblood。Then，beforetheotherscouldgathertheirwitsaboutthem，RobinHoodwasgoneintothedepthsofthegreenwood。
Somestartedafterhim，butnotwithmuchheart，foreachfearedtosufferthedeathofhisfellow；sopresentlytheyallcameandliftedthedeadmanupandborehimawaytoNottinghamTown。
MeanwhileRobinHoodranthroughthegreenwood。Gonewasallthejoyandbrightnessfromeverything，forhisheartwassickwithinhim，anditwasborneinuponhissoulthathehadslainaman。
\"Alas！\"criedhe，\"thouhastfoundmeanarcherthatwillmakethywifetowring！Iwouldthatthouhadstne\'ersaidonewordtome，orthatIhadneverpassedthyway，ore\'enthatmyrightforefingerhadbeenstrickenofferethatthishadhappened！
InhasteIsmote，butgrieveIsoreatleisure！\"Andthen，eveninhistrouble，herememberedtheoldsawthat\"Whatisdoneisdone；andtheeggcrackedcannotbecured。\"
Andsohecametodwellinthegreenwoodthatwastobehishomeformanyayeartocome，neveragaintoseethehappydayswiththeladsandlassesofsweetLocksleyTown；forhewasoutlawed，notonlybecausehehadkilledaman，butalsobecausehehadpoachedupontheKing\'sdeer，andtwohundredpoundsweresetuponhishead，asarewardforwhoeverwouldbringhimtothecourtoftheKing。
NowtheSheriffofNottinghamsworethathehimselfwouldbringthisknaveRobinHoodtojustice，andfortworeasons：
first，becausehewantedthetwohundredpounds，andnext，becausetheforesterthatRobinHoodhadkilledwasofkintohim。
ButRobinHoodlayhiddeninSherwoodForestforoneyear，andinthattimetheregatheredaroundhimmanyotherslikehimself，castoutfromotherfolkforthiscauseandforthat。
Somehadshotdeerinhungrywintertime，whentheycouldgetnootherfood，andhadbeenseenintheactbytheforesters，buthadescaped，thussavingtheirears；somehadbeenturnedoutoftheirinheritance，thattheirfarmsmightbeaddedtotheKing\'slandsinSherwoodForest；somehadbeendespoiledbyagreatbaronorarichabbotorapowerfulesquire——
all，foronecauseoranother，hadcometoSherwoodtoescapewrongandoppression。
So，inallthatyear，fivescoreormoregoodstoutyeomengatheredaboutRobinHood，andchosehimtobetheirleaderandchief。
Thentheyvowedthatevenastheythemselveshadbeendespoiledtheywoulddespoiltheiroppressors，whetherbaron，abbot，knight，orsquire，andthatfromeachtheywouldtakethatwhichhadbeenwrungfromthepoorbyunjusttaxes，orlandrents，orinwrongfulfines。
Buttothepoorfolktheywouldgiveahelpinghandinneedandtrouble，andwouldreturntothemthatwhichhadbeenunjustlytakenfromthem。
Besidesthis，theysworenevertoharmachildnortowrongawoman，beshemaid，wife，orwidow；sothat，afterawhile，whenthepeoplebegantofindthatnoharmwasmeanttothem，butthatmoneyorfoodcameintimeofwanttomanyapoorfamily，theycametopraiseRobinandhismerrymen，andtotellmanytalesofhimandofhisdoingsinSherwoodForest，fortheyfelthimtobeoneofthemselves。
UproseRobinHoodonemerrymornwhenallthebirdsweresingingblithelyamongtheleaves，anduproseallhismerrymen，eachfellowwashinghisheadandhandsinthecoldbrownbrookthatleapedlaughingfromstonetostone。
ThensaidRobin，\"Forfourteendayshaveweseennosport，sonowI
willgoabroadtoseekadventuresforthwith。Buttarryye，mymerrymenall，hereinthegreenwood；onlyseethatyemindwellmycall。
ThreeblastsuponthebuglehornIwillblowinmyhourofneed；
thencomequickly，forIshallwantyouraid。\"
Sosaying，hestrodeawaythroughtheleafyforestgladesuntilhehadcometothevergeofSherwood。Therehewanderedforalongtime，throughhighwayandbyway，throughdinglydellandforestskirts。
Nowhemetafairbuxomlassinashadylane，andeachgavetheotheramerrywordandpassedtheirway；nowhesawafairladyuponanamblingpad，towhomhedoffedhiscap，andwhobowedsedatelyinreturntothefairyouth；nowhesawafatmonkonapannier-ladenass；
nowagallantknight，withspearandshieldandarmorthatflashedbrightlyinthesunlight；nowapagecladincrimson；andnowastoutburgherfromgoodNottinghamTown，pacingalongwithseriousfootsteps；
allthesesightshesaw，butadventurefoundhenone。Atlasthetookaroadbytheforestskirts，abypaththatdippedtowardabroad，pebblystreamspannedbyanarrowbridgemadeofalogofwood。Ashedrewnighthisbridgehesawatallstrangercomingfromtheotherside。
ThereuponRobinquickenedhispace，asdidthestrangerlikewise，eachthinkingtocrossfirst。
\"Nowstandthouback，\"quothRobin，\"andletthebettermancrossfirst。\"
\"Nay，\"answeredthestranger，\"thenstandbackshineownself，forthebetterman，Iwet，amI。\"
\"Thatwillwepresentlysee，\"quothRobin，\"andmeanwhilestandthouwherethouart，orelse，bythebrightbrowofSaintAElfrida，IwillshowtheerightgoodNottinghamplaywithaclothyardshaftbetwixtthyribs。\"
\"Now，\"quoththestranger，\"Iwilltanthyhidetillitbeasmanycolorsasabeggar\'scloak，ifthoudarestsomuchastouchastringofthatsamebowthatthouholdestinthyhands。\"
\"Thoupratestlikeanass，\"saidRobin，\"forIcouldsendthisshaftcleanthroughthyproudheartbeforeacurtalfriarcouldsaygraceoveraroastgooseatMichaelmastide。\"
\"Andthoupratestlikeacoward，\"answeredthestranger，\"forthoustandesttherewithagoodyewbowtoshootatmyheart，whileIhavenoughtinmyhandbutaplainblackthornstaffwherewithtomeetthee。\"
\"Now，\"quothRobin，\"bythefaithofmyheart，neverhaveIhadacoward\'snameinallmylifebefore。Iwilllaybymytrustybowandekemyarrows，andifthoudarestabidemycoming，Iwillgoandcutacudgeltotestthymanhoodwithal。\"
\"Ay，marry，thatwillIabidethycoming，andjoyously，too，\"
quoththestranger；whereuponheleanedsturdilyuponhisstafftoawaitRobin。
ThenRobinHoodsteppedquicklytothecoversideandcutagoodstaffofgroundoak，straight，withoutnew，andsixfeetinlength，andcamebacktrimmingawaythetenderstemsfromit，whilethestrangerwaitedforhim，leaninguponhisstaff，andwhistlingashegazedroundabout。Robinobservedhimfurtivelyashetrimmedhisstaff，measuringhimfromtoptotoefromoutthecornerofhiseye，andthoughtthathehadneverseenalustierorastouterman。
TallwasRobin，buttallerwasthestrangerbyaheadandaneck，forhewassevenfeetinheight。BroadwasRobinacrosstheshoulders，butbroaderwasthestrangerbytwicethebreadthofapalm，whilehemeasuredatleastanellaroundthewaist。
\"Nevertheless，\"saidRobintohimself，\"Iwillbastethyhiderightmerrily，mygoodfellow\"；then，aloud，\"Lo，hereismygoodstaff，lustyandtough。
Nowwaitmycoming，anthoudarest，andmeetmeanthoufearestnot。
Thenwewillfightuntiloneortheotherofustumbleintothestreambydintofblows。\"
\"Marry，thatmeetethmywholeheart！\"criedthestranger，twirlinghisstaffabovehishead，betwixthisfingersandthumb，untilitwhistledagain。
NeverdidtheKnightsofArthur\'sRoundTablemeetinastouterfightthandidthesetwo。InamomentRobinsteppedquicklyuponthebridgewherethestrangerstood；firsthemadeafeint，andthendeliveredablowatthestranger\'sheadthat，haditmetitsmark，wouldhavetumbledhimspeedilyintothewater。
Butthestrangerturnedtheblowrightdeftlyandinreturngaveoneasstout，whichRobinalsoturnedasthestrangerhaddone。
Sotheystood，eachinhisplace，neithermovingafinger\'s-breadthback，foronegoodhour，andmanyblowsweregivenandreceivedbyeachinthattime，tillhereandthereweresorebonesandbumps，yetneitherthoughtofcrying\"Enough，\"norseemedlikelytofallfromoffthebridge。
Nowandthentheystoppedtorest，andeachthoughtthatheneverhadseeninallhislifebeforesuchahandatquarterstaff。
AtlastRobingavethestrangerablowupontheribsthatmadehisjacketsmokelikeadampstrawthatchinthesun。Soshrewdwasthestrokethatthestrangercamewithinahair\'s-breadthoffallingoffthebridge，butheregainedhimselfrightquicklyand，byadexterousblow，gaveRobinacrackonthecrownthatcausedthebloodtoflow。
ThenRobingrewmadwithangerandsmotewithallhismightattheother。
ButthestrangerwardedtheblowandonceagainthwackedRobin，andthistimesofairlythathefellheelsoverheadintothewater，asthequeenpinfallsinagameofbowls。
\"Andwhereartthounow，mygoodlad？\"shoutedthestranger，roaringwithlaughter。
\"Oh，inthefloodandfloatingadownwiththetide，\"criedRobin，norcouldheforbearlaughinghimselfathissorryplight。
Then，gaininghisfeet，hewadedtothebank，thelittlefishspeedinghitherandthither，allfrightenedathissplashing。
\"Givemethyhand，\"criedhe，whenhehadreachedthebank。
\"Imustneedsownthouartabraveandasturdysouland，withal，agoodstoutstrokewiththecudgels。Bythisandbythat，myheadhummethliketoahiveofbeesonahotJuneday。\"
Thenheclappedhishorntohislipsandwindedablastthatwentechoingsweetlydowntheforestpaths。\"Ay，marry，\"
quothheagain，\"thouartatalllad，andekeabraveone，forne\'er，Ibow，isthereamanbetwixthereandCanterburyTowncoulddotheliketomethatthouhastdone。\"
\"Andthou，\"quoththestranger，laughing，\"takestthycudgelinglikeabraveheartandastoutyeoman。\"
Butnowthedistanttwigsandbranchesrustledwiththecomingofmen，andsuddenlyascoreortwoofgoodstoutyeomen，allcladinLincolngreen，burstfromoutthecovert，withmerryWillStutelyattheirhead。
\"Goodmaster，\"criedWill，\"howisthis？Trulythouartallwetfromheadtofoot，andthattotheveryskin。\"
\"Why，marry，\"answeredjollyRobin，\"yonstoutfellowhathtumbledmeneckandcropintothewaterandhathgivenmeadrubbingbeside。\"
\"Thenshallhenotgowithoutaduckingandekeadrubbinghimself！\"
criedWillStutely。\"Haveathim，lads！\"
ThenWillandascoreofyeomenleapeduponthestranger，butthoughtheysprangquicklytheyfoundhimreadyandfelthimstrikerightandleftwithhisstoutstaff，sothat，thoughhewentdownwithpressofnumbers，someofthemrubbedcrackedcrownsbeforehewasovercome。
\"Nay，forbear！\"criedRobin，laughinguntilhissoresidesachedagain。
\"Heisarightgoodmanandtrue，andnoharmshallbefallhim。
Nowharkye，goodyouth，wiltthoustaywithmeandbeoneofmyband？
ThreesuitsofLincolngreenshaltthouhaveeachyear，besidefortymarksinfee，andsharewithuswhatsoevergoodshallbefallus。
Thoushalteatsweetvenisonandquaffthestoutestale，andmineowngoodright-handmanshaltthoube，forneverdidIseesuchacudgelplayerinallmylifebefore。Speak！Wiltthoubeoneofmygoodmerrymen？\"
\"ThatknowInot，\"quoththestrangersurlily，forhewasangryatbeingsotumbledabout。\"Ifyehandleyewbowandappleshaftnobetterthanyedooakencudgel，Iwotyearenotfittobecalledyeomeninmycountry；
butiftherebeanymanherethatcanshootabettershaftthanI，thenwillIbethinkmeofjoiningwithyou。\"
\"Nowbymyfaith，\"saidRobin，\"thouartarightsaucyvarlet，sirrah；
yetIwillstooptotheeasIneverstoopedtomanbefore。
GoodStutely，cutthouafairwhitepieceofbarkfourfingersinbreadth，andsetitfourscoreyardsdistantonyonderoak。
Now，stranger，hitthatfairlywithagraygooseshaftandcallthyselfanarcher。\"
\"Ay，marry，thatwillI，\"answeredhe。\"Givemeagoodstoutbowandafairbroadarrow，andifIhititnot，stripmeandbeatmebluewithbowstrings。\"
Thenhechosethestoutestbowamongthemall，nexttoRobin\'sown，andastraightgraygooseshaft，well-featheredandsmooth，andsteppingtothemark——whilealltheband，sittingorlyinguponthegreensward，watchedtoseehimshoot——hedrewthearrowtohischeekandloosedtheshaftrightdeftly，sendingitsostraightdownthepaththatitclovethemarkintheverycenter。
\"Aha！\"criedhe，\"mendthouthatifthoucanst\"；whileeventheyeomenclappedtheirhandsatsofairashot。
\"Thatisakeenshotindeed，\"quothRobin。\"MenditIcannot，butmaritImay，perhaps。\"
Thentakinguphisowngoodstoutbowandnockinganarrowwithcare，heshotwithhisverygreatestskill。Straightflewthearrow，andsotruethatitlitfairlyuponthestranger\'sshaftandsplititintosplinters。
Thenalltheyeomenleapedtotheirfeetandshoutedforjoythattheirmasterhadshotsowell。
\"NowbythelustyyewbowofgoodSaintWithold，\"criedthestranger，\"thatisashotindeed，andneversawIthelikeinallmylifebefore！
NowtrulywillIbethymanhenceforthandforaye。GoodAdamBell[1]
wasafairshot，butnevershotheso！\"
[1]AdamBell，Clymo\'theClough，andWilliamofCloudeslywerethreenotednorth-countrybowmenwhosenameshavebeencelebratedinmanyballadsoftheoldentime。
\"ThenhaveIgainedarightgoodmanthisday，\"quothjollyRobin。\"Whatnamegoestthouby，goodfellow？\"
\"MencallmeJohnLittlewhenceIcame，\"answeredthestranger。
ThenWillStutely，wholovedagoodjest，spokeup。
\"Nay，fairlittlestranger，\"saidhe，\"IlikenotthynameandfainwouldIhaveitotherwise。Littleartthouindeed，andsmallofboneandsinew，thereforeshaltthoubechristenedLittleJohn，andIwillbethygodfather。\"
ThenRobinHoodandallhisbandlaughedalouduntilthestrangerbegantogrowangry。
\"Anthoumakeajestofme，\"quothhetoWillStutely，\"thouwilthavesorebonesandlittlepay，andthatinshortseason。\"
\"Nay，goodfriend，\"saidRobinHood，\"bottlethineanger，forthenamefitteththeewell。LittleJohnshallthoubecalledhenceforth，andLittleJohnshallitbe。
Socome，mymerrymen，wewillprepareachristeningfeastforthisfairinfant。\"
Soturningtheirbacksuponthestream，theyplungedintotheforestoncemore，throughwhichtheytracedtheirstepstilltheyreachedthespotwheretheydwelledinthedepthsofthewoodland。
Therehadtheybuilthutsofbarkandbranchesoftrees，andmadecouchesofsweetrushesspreadoverwithskinsoffallowdeer。
Herestoodagreatoaktreewithbranchesspreadingbroadlyaround，beneathwhichwasaseatofgreenmosswhereRobinHoodwaswonttositatfeastandatmerrymakingwithhisstoutmenabouthim。
Heretheyfoundtherestoftheband，someofwhomhadcomeinwithabraceoffatdoes。Thentheyallbuiltgreatfiresandafteratimeroastedthedoesandbroachedabarrelofhummingale。
Thenwhenthefeastwasreadytheyallsatdown，butRobinplacedLittleJohnathisrighthand，forhewashenceforthtobethesecondintheband。
ThenwhenthefeastwasdoneWillStutelyspokeup。\"Itisnowtime，Iween，tochristenourbonnybabe，isitnotso，merryboys？\"
And\"Aye！Aye！\"criedall，laughingtillthewoodsechoedwiththeirmirth。
\"Thensevensponsorsshallwehave，\"quothWillStutely，andhuntingamongalltheband，hechosethesevenstoutestmenofthemall。
\"NowbySaintDunstan，\"criedLittleJohn，springingtohisfeet，\"morethanoneofyoushallrueitanyoulayfingeruponme。\"
Butwithoutawordtheyallranuponhimatonce，seizinghimbyhislegsandarmsandholdinghimtightlyinspiteofhisstruggles，andtheyborehimforthwhileallstoodaroundtoseethesport。
Thenonecameforwardwhohadbeenchosentoplaythepriestbecausehehadabaldcrown，andinhishandhecarriedabrimmingpotofale。
\"Now，whobringeththisbabe？\"askedherightsoberly。
\"ThatdoI，\"answeredWillStutely。
\"Andwhatnamecallestthouhim？\"
\"LittleJohncallIhim。\"
\"NowLittleJohn，\"quoththemockpriest，\"thouhastnotlivedheretofore，butonlygottheealongthroughtheworld，buthenceforththouwiltliveindeed。
WhenthoulivedstnotthouwastcalledJohnLittle，butnowthatthoudostliveindeed，LittleJohnshaltthoubecalled，sochristenIthee。\"
AndattheselastwordsheemptiedthepotofaleuponLittleJohn\'shead。
ThenallshoutedwithlaughterastheysawthegoodbrownalestreamoverLittleJohn\'sbeardandtricklefromhisnoseandchin，whilehiseyesblinkedwiththesmartofit。
Atfirsthewasofamindtobeangrybutfoundhecouldnot，becausetheothersweresomerry；sohe，too，laughedwiththerest。
ThenRobintookthissweet，prettybabe，clothedhimallanewfromtoptotoeinLincolngreen，andgavehimagoodstoutbow，andsomadehimamemberofthemerryband。
AndthusitwasthatRobinHoodbecameoutlawed；thusabandofmerrycompanionsgatheredabouthim，andthushegainedhisright-handman，LittleJohn；andsotheprologueends。
AndnowIwilltellhowtheSheriffofNottinghamthreetimessoughttotakeRobinHood，andhowhefailedeachtime。
RobinHoodandtheTinkerNowitwastoldbeforehowtwohundredpoundsweresetuponRobinHood\'shead，andhowtheSheriffofNottinghamsworethathehimselfwouldseizeRobin，bothbecausehewouldfainhavethetwohundredpoundsandbecausetheslainmanwasakinsmanofhisown。
NowtheSheriffdidnotyetknowwhataforceRobinhadabouthiminSherwood，butthoughtthathemightserveawarrantforhisarrestashecoulduponanyothermanthathadbrokenthelaws；
thereforeheofferedfourscoregoldenangelstoanyonewhowouldservethiswarrant。ButmenofNottinghamTownknewmoreofRobinHoodandhisdoingsthantheSheriffdid，andmanylaughedtothinkofservingawarrantupontheboldoutlaw，knowingwellthatalltheywouldgetforsuchservicewouldbecrackedcrowns；
sothatnoonecameforwardtotakethematterinhand。
Thusafortnightpassed，inwhichtimenonecameforwardtodotheSheriff\'sbusiness。Thensaidhe，\"ArightgoodrewardhaveIofferedtowhosoeverwouldservemywarrantuponRobinHood，andImarvelthatnoonehascometoundertakethetask。\"
Thenoneofhismenwhowasnearhimsaid，\"Goodmaster，thouwottestnottheforcethatRobinHoodhasabouthimandhowlittlehecaresforwarrantofkingorsheriff。
Truly，noonelikestogoonthisservice，forfearofcrackedcrownsandbrokenbones。\"
\"ThenIholdallNottinghammentobecowards，\"saidtheSheriff。\"AndletmeseethemaninallNottinghamshirethatdaredisobeythewarrantofoursovereignlordKingHarry，for，bytheshrineofSaintEdmund，Iwillhanghimfortycubitshigh！ButifnomaninNottinghamdarewinfourscoreangels，Iwillsendelsewhere，forthereshouldbemenofmettlesomewhereinthisland。\"
Thenhecalledupamessengerinwhomheplacedgreattrust，andbadehimsaddlehishorseandmakereadytogotoLincolnTowntoseewhetherhecouldfindanyonetherethatwoulddohisbiddingandwinthereward。
Sothatsamemorningthemessengerstartedforthuponhiserrand。
BrightshonethesunuponthedustyhighwaythatledfromNottinghamtoLincoln，stretchingawayallwhiteoverhillanddale。
Dustywasthehighwayanddustythethroatofthemessenger，sothathisheartwasgladwhenhesawbeforehimtheSignoftheBlueBoarInn，whensomewhatmorethanhalfhisjourneywasdone。
Theinnlookedfairtohiseyes，andtheshadeoftheoaktreesthatstoodarounditseemedcoolandpleasant，sohealightedfromhishorsetoresthimselfforatime，callingforapotofaletorefreshhisthirstythroat。
Therehesawapartyofrightjovialfellowsseatedbeneaththespreadingoakthatshadedthegreenswardinfrontofthedoor。
Therewasatinker，twobarefootfriars，andapartyofsixoftheKing\'sforestersallcladinLincolngreen，andallofthemwerequaffinghummingaleandsingingmerryballadsofthegoodoldtimes。
Loudlaughedtheforesters，asjestswerebandiedaboutbetweenthesinging，andlouderlaughedthefriars，fortheywerelustymenwithbeardsthatcurledlikethewoolofblackrams；butloudestofalllaughedtheTinker，andhesangmoresweetlythananyoftherest。
Hisbagandhishammerhunguponatwigoftheoaktree，andnearbyleanedhisgoodstoutcudgel，asthickashiswristandknottedattheend。
\"Come，\"criedoneoftheforesterstothetiredmessenger，\"comejoinusforthisshot。Ho，landlord！Bringafreshpotofaleforeachman。
Themessengerwasgladenoughtositdownalongwiththeotherswhowerethere，forhislimbswerewearyandthealewasgood。
\"Nowwhatnewsbearestthousofast？\"quothone，\"andwhitherridestthoutoday？\"
Themessengerwasachattysoulandlovedabitofgossipdearly；besides，thepotofalewarmedhisheart；
sothat，settlinghimselfinaneasycorneroftheinnbench，whilethehostleaneduponthedoorwayandthehostessstoodwithherhandsbeneathherapron，heunfoldedhisbudgetofnewswithgreatcomfort。Hetoldallfromtheveryfirst：
howRobinHoodhadslaintheforester，andhowhehadhiddeninthegreenwoodtoescapethelaw；howthathelivedtherein，allagainstthelaw，Godwot，slayingHisMajesty\'sdeerandlevyingtollonfatabbot，knight，andesquire，sothatnonedaretravelevenonbroadWatlingStreetortheFosseWayforfearofhim；howthattheSheriffhadamindtoservetheKing\'swarrantuponthissamerogue，thoughlittlewouldhemindwarrantofeitherkingorsheriff，forhewasfarfrombeingalaw-abidingman。
ThenhetoldhownonecouldbefoundinallNottinghamTowntoservethiswarrant，forfearofcrackedpatesandbrokenbones，andhowthathe，themessenger，wasnowuponhiswaytoLincolnTowntofindofwhatmettletheLincolnmenmightbe。
\"NowcomeI，forsooth，fromgoodBanburyTown，\"saidthejollyTinker，\"andnoonenighNottingham——norSherwoodeither，anthatbethemark——
canholdcudgelwithmygrip。Why，lads，didInotmeetthatmadwagSimonofEly，evenatthefamousfairatHertfordTown，andbeathimintheringatthatplacebeforeSirRobertofLeslieandhislady？
ThissameRobinHood，ofwhom，Iwot，Ineverheardbefore，isarightmerryblade，butginhebestrong，amnotIstronger？
Andginhebesly，amnotIslyer？NowbythebrighteyesofNano\'
theMill，andbymineownnameandthat\'sWato\'theCrabstaff，andbymineownmother\'sson，andthat\'smyself，willI，evenI，Wato\'
theCrabstaff，meetthissamesturdyrogue，andginhemindnotthesealofourglorioussovereignKingHarry，andthewarrantofthegoodSheriffofNottinghamshire，Iwillsobruise，beat，andbemaulhispatethatheshallnevermovefingerortoeagain！
Hearyethat，bullyboys？\"
\"Nowartthouthemanformyfarthing，\"criedthemessenger。
\"AndbackthougoestwithmetoNottinghamTown。\"
\"Nay，\"quoththeTinker，shakinghisheadslowlyfromsidetoside。
\"GoIwithnomanginitbenotwithmineownfreewill。\"
\"Nay，nay，\"saidthemessenger，\"nomanisthereinNottinghamshirecouldmaketheegoagainstthywill，thoubravefellow。\"
\"Ay，thatbeIbrave，\"saidtheTinker。
\"Ay，marry，\"saidthemessenger，\"thouartabravelad；
butourgoodSheriffhathofferedfourscoreangelsofbrightgoldtowhosoevershallservethewarrantuponRobinHood；
thoughlittlegoodwillitdo。\"
\"ThenIwillgowiththee，lad。DobutwaittillIgetmybagandhammer，andmycudgel。Ay，let\'mebutmeetthissameRobinHood，andletmeseewhetherhewillnotmindtheKing\'swarrant。\"So，afterhavingpaidtheirscore，themessenger，withtheTinkerstridingbesidehisnag，startedbacktoNottinghamagain。
Onebrightmorningsoonafterthistime，RobinHoodstartedofftoNottinghamTowntofindwhatwasa-doingthere，walkingmerrilyalongtheroadsidewherethegrasswassweetwithdaisies，hiseyeswanderingandhisthoughtsalso。
Hisbuglehornhungathishipandhisbowandarrowsathisback，whileinhishandheboreagoodstoutoakenstaff，whichhetwirledwithhisfingersashestrolledalong。
Asthushewalkeddownashadylanehesawatinkercoming，trollingamerrysongashedrewnigh。Onhisbackhunghisbagandhishammer，andinhishandhecarriedarightstoutcrabstafffullsixfeetlong，andthussanghe：
\"_Inpeascodtime，whenhoundtohornGiveseartillbuckbekilled，AndlittleladswithpipesofcornSitkeepingbeastsafield_——\"
\"Halloa，goodfriend！\"criedRobin。
\"IWENTTOGATHERSTRAWBERRIES——\"
\"Halloa！\"criedRobinagain。
\"BYWOODSANDGROVESFULLFAIR——\"
\"Halloa！Artthoudeaf，man？Goodfriend，sayI！\"
\"Andwhoartthoudostsoboldlycheckafairsong？\"quoththeTinker，stoppinginhissinging。\"Halloa，shineownself，whetherthoubegoodfriendorno。Butletmetellthee，thoustoutfellow，ginthoubeagoodfrienditwerewellforusboth；butginthoubenogoodfrienditwereillforthee。\"
\"Andwhencecomestthou，mylustyblade？\"quothRobin。
\"IcomefromBanbury，\"answeredtheTinker。
\"Alas！\"quothRobin，\"Ihearthereissadnewsthismerrymorn。\"
\"Ha！Isitindeedso？\"criedtheTinkereagerly。
\"Prytheetellitspeedily，forIamatinkerbytrade，asthouseest，andasIaminmytradeIamgreedyfornews，evenasapriestisgreedyforfarthings。\"
\"Wellthen，\"quothRobin，\"listthouandIwilltell，butbearthyselfupbravely，forthenewsissad，Iwot。Thusitis：
Ihearthattwotinkersareinthestocksfordrinkingaleandbeer！\"
\"Nowamurrainseizetheeandthynews，thouscurvydog，\"
quoththeTinker，\"forthouspeakestbutillofgoodmen。
Butsadnewsitisindeed，gintherebetwostoutfellowsinthestocks。\"
\"Nay，\"saidRobin，\"thouhastmissedthemarkanddostbutweepforthewrongsow。Thesadnessofthenewsliethinthattherebebuttwointhestocks，fortheothersdoroamthecountryatlarge。\"
\"NowbythepewterplatterofSaintDunstan，\"criedtheTinker，\"Ihaveagoodpartofamindtobastethyhideforthineilljest。
Butginmenbeputinthestocksfordrinkingaleandbeer，Itrowthouwouldstnotlosethypart。\"
LoudlaughedRobinandcried，\"Nowwelltaken，Tinker，welltaken！
Why，thywitsarelikebeer，anddofrothupmostwhentheygrowsour！
Butrightartthou，man，forIlovealeandbeerrightwell。
ThereforecomestraightwaywithmehardbytotheSignoftheBlueBoar，andifthoudrinkestasthouappearest——andIwotthouwiltnotbeliethylooks——IwilldrenchthythroatwithasgoodhomebrewedaseverwastappedinallbroadNottinghamshire。\"
\"Nowbymyfaith，\"saidtheTinker，\"thouartarightgoodfellowinspiteofthyscurvyjests。Ilovethee，mysweetchuck，andginIgonotwiththeetothatsameBlueBoarthoumaystcallmeaheathen。\"
\"Tellmethynews，goodfriend，Iprythee，\"quothRobinastheytrudgedalongtogether，\"fortinkers，Iween，areallasfullofnewsasaneggofmeat。\"
\"NowIlovetheeasmybrother，mybullyblade，\"saidtheTinker，\"elseIwouldnottelltheemynews；forslyamI，man，andI
haveinhandagraveundertakingthatdothcallforallmywits，forIcometoseekaboldoutlawthatmen，hereabouts，callRobinHood。WithinmypouchIhaveawarrant，allfairlywrittenoutonparchment，forsooth，withagreatredsealfortomakeitlawful。
CouldIbutmeetthissameRobinHoodIwouldserveituponhisdaintybody，andifhemindeditnotIwouldbeathimtilleveryoneofhisribswouldcryAmen。Butthoulivesthereabouts，mayhapthouknowestRobinHoodthyself，goodfellow。\"
\"Ay，marry，thatIdosomewhat，\"quothRobin，\"andIhaveseenhimthisverymorn。But，Tinker，mensaythatheisbutasad，slythief。
Thouhadstbetterwatchthywarrant，man，orelsehemaystealitoutofthyverypouch。\"
\"Lethimbuttry！\"criedtheTinker。\"Slymayhebe，butslyamI，too。IwouldIhadhimherenow，mantoman！\"
Andhemadehisheavycudgeltospinagain。\"Butwhatmannerofmanishe，lad？
\"Muchlikemyself，\"saidRobin，laughing，\"andinheightandbuildandagenighthesame；andhehathblueeyes，too。\"
\"Nay，\"quoththeTinker，\"thouartbutagreenyouth。
Ithoughthimtobeagreatbeardedman。Nottinghammenfearedhimso。\"
\"Truly，heisnotsooldnorsostoutasthouart，\"saidRobin。\"Butmendocallhimarightdefthandatquarterstaff。\"
\"Thatmaybe，\"saidtheTinkerrightsturdily，\"butIammoredeftthanhe，fordidInotovercomeSimonofElyinafairboutintheringatHertfordTown？Butifthouknowesthim，myjollyblade，wiltthougowithmeandbringmetohim？
FourscorebrightangelshaththeSheriffpromisedmeifIservethewarrantupontheknave\'sbody，andtenofthemwillIgivetotheeifthoushowestmehim。\"
\"Ay，thatwillI，\"quothRobin，\"butshowmethywarrant，man，untilI
seewhetheritbegoodorno。\"
\"ThatwillInotdo，eventomineownbrother，\"answeredtheTinker。\"NomanshallseemywarranttillIserveituponyonfellow\'sownbody。\"
\"Sobeit，\"quothRobin。\"AndthoushowitnottomeIknownottowhomthouwiltshowit。ButhereweareattheSignoftheBlueBoar，soletusinandtastehisbrownOctober。\"
NosweeterinncouldbefoundinallNottinghamshirethanthatoftheBlueBoar。Nonehadsuchlovelytreesstandingaround，orwassocoveredwithtrailingclematisandsweetwoodbine；
nonehadsuchgoodbeerandsuchhummingale；nor，inwintertime，whenthenorthwindhowledandsnowdriftedaroundthehedges，wastheretobefound，elsewhere，sucharoaringfireasblazeduponthehearthoftheBlueBoar。Atsuchtimesmightbefoundagoodlycompanyofyeomenorcountryfolkseatedaroundtheblazinghearth，bandyingmerryjests，whileroastedcrabs[2]bobbedinbowlsofaleuponthehearthstone。WellknownwastheinntoRobinHoodandhisband，fortherehadheandsuchmerrycompanionsasLittleJohnorWillStutelyoryoungDavidofDoncasteroftengatheredwhenalltheforestwasfilledwithsnow。
Asforminehost，heknewhowtokeepastilltongueinhishead，andtoswallowhiswordsbeforetheypassedhisteeth，forheknewverywellwhichsideofhisbreadwasspreadwithbutter，forRobinandhisbandwerethebestofcustomersandpaidtheirscoreswithouthavingthemchalkedupbehindthedoor。
Sonow，whenRobinHoodandtheTinkercametheretoandcalledaloudfortwogreatpotsofale，nonewouldhaveknownfromlookorspeechthatthehosthadeverseteyesupontheoutlawbefore。
[2]Smallsourapples。
\"Bidethouhere，\"quothRobintotheTinker，\"whileIgoandseethatminehostdrawethalefromtherightbutt，forhehathgoodOctober，Iknow，andthatbrewedbyWitholdofTamworth。\"Sosaying，hewentwithinandwhisperedtothehosttoaddameasureofFlemishstrongwaterstothegoodEnglishale；
whichthelatterdidandbroughtittothem。
\"ByOurLady，\"saidtheTinker，afteralongdraughtoftheale，\"yonsameWitholdofTamworth——arightgoodSaxonname，too，Iwouldhavetheeknow——breweththemosthummingalethate\'erpassedthelipsofWato\'theCrabstaff。\"
\"Drink，man，drink，\"criedRobin，onlywettinghisownlipsmeanwhile。
\"Ho，landlord！Bringmyfriendanotherpotofthesame。
Andnowforasong，myjollyblade。\"
\"Ay，thatwillIgivetheeasong，mylovelyfellow，\"
quoththeTinker，\"forInevertastedsuchaleinallmydaysbefore。
ByOurLady，itdothmakemyheadhumevennow！Hey，DameHostess，comelisten，anthouwouldsthearasong，andthoutoo，thoubonnylass，forneversingIsowellaswhenbrighteyesdolookuponmethewhile。\"
ThenhesanganancientballadofthetimeofgoodKingArthur，called\"TheMarriageofSirGawaine，\"whichyoumaysometimereadyourself，instoutEnglishofearlytimes；andashesang，alllistenedtothatnobletaleofnobleknightandhissacrificetohisking。
ButlongbeforetheTinkercametothelastversehistonguebegantotripandhisheadtospin，becauseofthestrongwatersmixedwiththeale。
Firsthistonguetripped，thenitgrewthickofsound；thenhisheadwaggedfromsidetoside，untilatlasthefellasleepasthoughheneverwouldwakenagain。
ThenRobinHoodlaughedaloudandquicklytookthewarrantfromouttheTinker\'spouchwithhisdeftfingers。
\"Slyartthou，Tinker，\"quothhe，\"butnotyet，Ibow，artthouasslyasthatsameslythiefRobinHood。\"
Thenhecalledthehosttohimandsaid，\"Here，goodman，aretenbroadshillingsfortheentertainmentthouhastgivenusthisday。
Seethatthoutakestgoodcareofthyfairguestthere，andwhenhewakesthoumaystagainchargehimtenshillingsalso，andifhehathitnot，thoumaysttakehisbagandhammer，andevenhiscoat，inpayment。
ThusdoIpunishthosethatcomeintothegreenwoodtodealdoletome。
Asforthineownself，neverknewIlandlordyetthatwouldnotchargetwiceanhecould。\"
Atthisthehostsmiledslyly，asthoughsayingtohimselftherusticsaw，\"Teachamagpietosuckeggs。\"
TheTinkersleptuntiltheafternoondrewtoacloseandtheshadowsgrewlongbesidethewoodlandedge，thenheawoke。
Firsthelookedup，thenhelookeddown，thenhelookedeast，thenhelookedwest，forhewasgatheringhiswitstogether，likebarleystrawsblownapartbythewind。
Firsthethoughtofhismerrycompanion，buthewasgone。
Thenhethoughtofhisstoutcrabstaff，andthathehadwithinhishand。Thenofhiswarrant，andofthefourscoreangelshewastogainforservingituponRobinHood。Hethrusthishandintohispouch，butnotascrapnorafarthingwasthere。
Thenhesprangtohisfeetinarage。
\"Ho，landlord！\"criedhe，\"whitherhaththatknavegonethatwaswithmebutnow？\"
\"WhatknavemeanethYourWorship？\"quoththelandlord，callingtheTinkerWorshiptosoothehim，asamanwouldpouroiluponangrywater。
\"IsawnoknavewithYourWorship，forIswearnomanwoulddarecallthatmanknavesonightoSherwoodForest。ArightstoutyeomanI
sawwithYourWorship，butIthoughtthatYourWorshipknewhim，forfewtherebeaboutherethatpasshimbyandknowhimnot。\"
\"Now，howshouldI，thatne\'erhavesquealedinyoursty，knowalltheswinetherein？Whowashe，then，anthouknowesthimsowell？\"
\"Why，yonsameisarightstoutfellowwhommenhereaboutsdocallRobinHood，whichsame——\"
\"Now，by\'rLady！\"criedtheTinkerhastily，andinadeepvoicelikeanangrybull，\"thoudidstseemecomeintothineinn，I，astaunch，honestcraftsman，andnevertoldmewhomycompanywas，wellknowingthineownselfwhohewas。Now，Ihavearightroundpieceofamindtocrackthyknave\'spateforthee！\"
Thenhetookuphiscudgelandlookedatthelandlordasthoughhewouldsmitehimwherehestood。
\"Nay，\"criedthehost，throwinguphiselbow，forhefearedtheblow，\"howknewIthatthouknewesthimnot？\"
\"Wellandtrulythankfulmaystthoube，\"quoththeTinker，\"thatI
beapatientmanandsodosparethybaldcrown，elsewouldstthoune\'ercheatcustomeragain。ButasforthissameknaveRobinHood，Igostraightwaytoseekhim，andifIdonotscorehisknave\'spate，cutmystaffintofagotsandcallmewoman。\"
Sosaying，hegatheredhimselftogethertodepart。
\"Nay，\"quoththelandlord，standinginfrontofhimandholdingouthisarmslikeagooseherddrivinghisflock，formoneymadehimbold，\"thougoestnottillthouhastpaidmemyscore。\"
\"Butdidnothepaythee？\"
\"Notsomuchasonefarthing；andtengoodshillings\'worthofalehaveyedrunkthisday。Nay，Isay，thougoestnotawaywithoutpayingme，elseshallourgoodSheriffknowofit。\"
\"ButnoughthaveItopaytheewith，goodfellow，\"quoththeTinker。
\"`Goodfellow\'notme，\"saidthelandlord。
\"GoodfellowamInotwhenitcomethtolosetenshillings！
Paymethatthouowestmeinbroadmoney，orelseleavethycoatandbagandhammer；yet，Iwottheyarenotworthtenshillings，andIshalllosethereby。Nay，anthoustirrest，IhaveagreatdogwithinandIwillloosehimuponthee。
Maken，openthouthedoorandletforthBrianifthisfellowstirsonestep。\"
\"Nay，\"quoththeTinker——for，byroamingthecountry，hehadlearnedwhatdogswere——\"takethouwhatthouwilthave，andletmedepartinpeace，andmayamurraingowiththee。
Butoh，landlord！AnIcatchyonscurvyvarlet，Iswearheshallpayfullwithusuryforthathehathhad！\"
Sosaying，hestrodeawaytowardtheforest，talkingtohimself，whilethelandlordandhisworthydameandMakenstoodlookingafterhim，andlaughedwhenhehadfairlygone。
\"RobinandIstrippedyonassofhispackmainneatly，\"
quoththelandlord。
NowithappenedaboutthistimethatRobinHoodwasgoingthroughtheforesttoFosseWay，toseewhatwastobeseenthere，forthemoonwasfullandthenightgavepromiseofbeingbright。Inhishandhecarriedhisstoutoakenstaff，andathissidehunghisbuglehorn。Asthushewalkedupaforestpath，whistling，downanotherpathcametheTinker，mutteringtohimselfandshakinghisheadlikeanangrybull；
andso，atasuddenbend，theymetsharplyfacetoface。
Eachstoodstillforatime，andthenRobinspoke：
\"Halloa，mysweetbird，\"saidhe，laughingmerrily，\"howlikestthouthineale？Wiltnotsingtomeanothersong？\"
TheTinkersaidnothingatfirstbutstoodlookingatRobinwithagrimface。
\"Now，\"quothheatlast，\"IamrightgladIhavemetthee，andifIdonotrattlethyboneswithinthyhidethisday，Igivetheeleavetoputthyfootuponmyneck。\"
\"Withallmyheart，\"criedmerryRobin。\"Rattlemybones，anthoucanst。\"
Sosaying，hegrippedhisstaffandthrewhimselfuponhisguard。
ThentheTinkerspatuponhishandsand，graspinghisstaff，camestraightattheother。Hestrucktwoorthreeblows，butsoonfoundthathehadmethismatch，forRobinwardedandparriedallofthem，and，beforetheTinkerthought，hegavehimarapupontheribsinreturn。AtthisRobinlaughedaloud，andtheTinkergrewmoreangrythanever，andsmoteagainwithallhismightandmain。
AgainRobinwardedtwoofthestrokes，butatthethird，hisstaffbrokebeneaththemightyblowsoftheTinker。\"Now，illbetidethee，traitorstaff，\"criedRobin，asitfellfromhishands；\"afoulstickartthoutoservemethusinminehourofneed。\"
\"Nowyieldthee，\"quoththeTinker，\"forthouartmycaptive；
andifthoudonot，Iwillbeatthypatetoapudding。\"
TothisRobinHoodmadenoanswer，but，clappinghishorntohislips，heblewthreeblasts，loudandclear。
\"Ay，\"quoththeTinker，\"blowthoumayest，butgothoumustwithmetoNottinghamTown，fortheSheriffwouldfainseetheethere。
Nowwiltthouyieldthee，orshallIhavetobreakthyprettyhead？\"
\"AnImustdrinksourale，Imust，\"quothRobin，\"butneverhaveIyieldedmetomanbefore，andthatwithoutwoundormarkuponmybody。Nor，whenIbethinkme，willIyieldnow。
Ho，mymerrymen！Comequickly！\"
ThenfromouttheforestleapedLittleJohnandsixstoutyeomencladinLincolngreen。
\"Hownow，goodmaster，\"criedLittleJohn，\"whatneedhastthouthatthoudostwindthyhornsoloudly？\"
\"Therestandsatinker，\"quothRobin，\"thatwouldfaintakemetoNottingham，theretohanguponthegallowstree。\"
\"Thenshallhehimselfhangforthwith，\"criedLittleJohn，andheandtheothersmadeattheTinker，toseizehim。
\"Nay，touchhimnot，\"saidRobin，\"forarightstoutmanishe。
Ametalmanheisbytrade，andamettledmanbynature；moreover，hedothsingalovelyballad。Say，goodfellow，wiltthoujoinmymerrymenall？
ThreesuitsofLincolngreenshaltthouhaveayear，besidesfortymarksinfee；thoushaltshareallwithusandleadarightmerrylifeinthegreenwood；forcareshavewenot，andmisfortunecomethnotuponuswithinthesweetshadesofSherwood，whereweshootthedundeerandfeeduponvenisonandsweetoatencakes，andcurdsandhoney。
Wiltthoucomewithme？\"
\"Ay，marry，willIjoinwithyouall，\"quoththeTinker，\"forIloveamerrylife，andIlovethee，goodmaster，thoughthoudidstthwackmyribsandcheatmeintothebargain。
FainamItoownthouartbothastouterandaslyermanthanI；
soIwillobeytheeandbethineowntrueservant。\"
Soallturnedtheirstepstotheforestdepths，wheretheTinkerwastolivehenceforth。Formanyadayhesangballadstotheband，untilthefamousAllanaDalejoinedthem，beforewhosesweetvoiceallothersseemedasharshasaraven\'s；
butofhimwewilllearnhereafter。
TheShootingMatchatNottinghamTownTHENTHESHERIFFwasverywrothbecauseofthisfailuretotakejollyRobin，foritcametohisears，asillnewsalwaysdoes，thatthepeoplelaughedathimandmadeajestofhisthinkingtoserveawarrantuponsuchaoneastheboldoutlaw。
Andamanhatesnothingsomuchasbeingmadeajestof；sohesaid：
\"OurgraciouslordandsovereignKinghimselfshallknowofthis，andhowhislawsarepervertedanddespisedbythisbandofrebeloutlaws。
AsforyontraitorTinker，himwillIhang，ifIcatchhim，upontheveryhighestgallowstreeinallNottinghamshire。\"
ThenhebadeallhisservantsandretainerstomakereadytogotoLondonTown，toseeandspeakwiththeKing。
AtthistherewasbustlingattheSheriff\'scastle，andmenranhitherandthitheruponthisbusinessanduponthat，whiletheforgefiresofNottinghamglowedredfarintothenightliketwinklingstars，forallthesmithsofthetownwerebusymakingormendingarmorfortheSheriff\'stroopofescort。
Fortwodaysthislaborlasted，then，onthethird，allwasreadyforthejourney。Soforththeystartedinthebrightsunlight，fromNottinghamTowntoFosseWayandthencetoWatlingStreet；
andsotheyjourneyedfortwodays，untiltheysawatlastthespiresandtowersofgreatLondonTown；andmanyfolksstopped，astheyjourneyedalong，andgazedattheshowtheymaderidingalongthehighwayswiththeirflashingarmorandgayplumesandtrappings。
InLondonKingHenryandhisfairQueenEleanorheldtheircourt，gaywithladiesinsilksandsatinsandvelvetsandclothofgold，andalsobraveknightsandgallantcourtiers。
ThithercametheSheriffandwasshownintotheKing\'spresence。
\"Aboon，aboon，\"quothhe，ashekneltupontheground。
\"Nowwhatwouldstthouhave？\"saidtheKing。\"Letushearwhatmaybethydesires。\"
\"OgoodmyLordandSovereign，\"spaketheSheriff，\"inSherwoodForestinourowngoodshireofNottingham，livethaboldoutlawwhosenameisRobinHood。\"
\"Ingoodsooth，\"saidtheKing，\"hisdoingshavereachedevenourownroyalears。Heisasaucy，rebelliousvarlet，yet，Iamfaintoown，arightmerrysoulwithal。\"
\"Buthearken，OmymostgraciousSovereign，\"saidtheSheriff。\"Isentawarranttohimwiththineownroyalsealattached，byarightlustyknave，buthebeatthemessengerandstolethewarrant。
Andhekilleththydeerandrobbeththineownliegesubjectsevenuponthegreathighways。\"
\"Why，hownow，\"quoththeKingwrathfully。\"Whatwouldstthouhavemedo？
Comestthounottomewithagreatarrayofmen-at-armsandretainers，andyetartnotabletotakeasinglebandoflustyknaveswithoutarmoronbreast，inthineowncounty！Whatwouldstthouhavemedo？ArtthounotmySheriff？ArenotmylawsinforceinNottinghamshire？Canstthounottakethineowncourseagainstthosethatbreakthelawsordoanyinjurytotheeorthine？Go，gettheegone，andthinkwell；devisesomeplanofthineown，buttroublemenofurther。Butlookwelltoit，MasterSheriff，forIwillhavemylawsobeyedbyallmenwithinmykingdom，andifthouartnotabletoenforcethemthouartnosheriffforme。
Solookwelltothyself，Isay，orillmaybefalltheeaswellasallthethievingknavesinNottinghamshire。Whenthefloodcomethitsweepethawaygrainaswellaschaff。\"
ThentheSheriffturnedawaywithasoreandtroubledheart，andsadlyheruedhisfineshowofretainers，forhesawthattheKingwasangrybecausehehadsomanymenabouthimandyetcouldnotenforcethelaws。So，astheyallrodeslowlybacktoNottingham，theSheriffwasthoughtfulandfullofcare。
Notaworddidhespeaktoanyone，andnooneofhismenspoketohim，butallthetimehewasbusydevisingsomeplantotakeRobinHood。
\"Aha！\"criedhesuddenly，smitinghishanduponhisthigh\"Ihaveitnow！
Rideon，mymerrymenall，andletusgetbacktoNottinghamTownasspeedilyaswemay。Andmarkwellmywords：beforeafortnightispassed，thatevilknaveRobinHoodwillbesafelyclappedintoNottinghamgaol。\"
ButwhatwastheSheriff\'splan？
Asausurertakeseachoneofabagofsilverangels，feelingeachcointofindwhetheritbeclippedornot，sotheSheriff，asallrodeslowlyandsadlybacktowardNottingham，tookupthoughtafterthoughtinturn，feelingaroundtheedgesofeachbutfindingineveryonesomeflaw。
AtlasthethoughtofthedaringsoulofjollyRobinandhow，ashetheSheriffknew，heoftencameevenwithinthewallsofNottingham。
\"Now，\"thoughttheSheriff，\"couldIbutpersuadeRobinnightoNottinghamTownsothatIcouldfindhim，IwarrantIwouldlayhandsuponhimsostoutlythathewouldnevergetawayagain。\"
Thenofasuddenitcametohimlikeaflashthatwerehetoproclaimagreatshootingmatchandoffersomegrandprize，RobinHoodmightbeoverpersuadedbyhisspirittocometothebutts；
anditwasthisthoughtwhichcausedhimtocry\"Aha！\"andsmitehispalmuponhisthigh。
So，assoonashehadreturnedsafelytoNottingham，hesentmessengersnorthandsouth，andeastandwest，toproclaimthroughtown，hamlet，andcountryside，thisgrandshootingmatch，andeveryonewasbiddenthatcoulddrawalongbow，andtheprizewastobeanarrowofpurebeatengold。
WhenRobinHoodfirstheardthenewsofthishewasinLincolnTown，andhasteningbacktoSherwoodForesthesooncalledallhismerrymenabouthimandspoketothemthus：
\"Nowhearken，mymerrymenall，tothenewsthatIhavebroughtfromLincolnTowntoday。OurfriendtheSheriffofNottinghamhathproclaimedashootingmatch，andhathsentmessengerstotellofitthroughallthecountryside，andtheprizeistobeabrightgoldenarrow。
NowIfainwouldhaveoneofuswinit，bothbecauseofthefairnessoftheprizeandbecauseoursweetfriendtheSheriffhathofferedit。
Sowewilltakeourbowsandshaftsandgotheretoshoot，forIknowrightwellthatmerrimentwillbea-going。Whatsayye，lads？\"
ThenyoungDavidofDoncasterspokeupandsaid，\"Nowlisten，Ipraythee，goodmaster，untowhatIsay。IhavecomestraightfromourfriendEadomo\'
theBlueBoar，andthereIheardthefullnewsofthissamematch。