Sosimplewerethepoorboy\'swords，andsodeephissorrow，thatevenLittleJohnfeltacertainknottylumpriseinhisthroat。
\"Iwondernot，\"saidRobin，afteramoment\'ssilence，\"thatthytruelovelovedthee，forthouhastsurelyasilvercrossbeneaththytongue，evenlikegoodSaintFrancis，thatcouldcharmthebirdsoftheairbyhisspeech。\"
\"Bythebreathofmybody，\"burstforthLittleJohn，seekingtocoverhisfeelingswithangrywords，\"IhaveagreatpartofamindtogostraightwayandcudgelthenastylifeoutofthebodyofthatsamevileSirStephen。Marry，comeup，sayI——whataplague——doesanoldweazenthinkthattenderlassesaretobeboughtlikepulletso\'amarketday？
Outuponhim！——I——butnomatter，onlylethimlooktohimself。\"
ThenupspokeWillScarlet。\"Methinksitseemethbutilldoneofthelassthatsheshouldsoquicklychangeatothers\'bidding，moreespeciallywhenitcomethtothemarryingofamanasoldasthissameSirStephen。Ilikeitnotinher，Allan。\"
\"Nay，\"saidAllanhotly，\"thoudostwrongher。Sheisassoftandgentleasastockdove。Iknowherbetterthananyoneinalltheworld。Shemaydoherfather\'sbidding，butifshemarriesSirStephen，herheartwillbreakandshewilldie。
Myownsweetdear，I——\"Hestoppedandshookhishead，forhecouldsaynothingfurther。
Whiletheotherswerespeaking，RobinHoodhadbeensunkinthought。
\"MethinksIhaveaplanmightfitthycase，Allan，\"saidhe。
\"Buttellmefirst，thinkestthou，lad，thatthytruelovehathspiritenoughtomarrytheewereyetogetherinchurch，thebannspublished，andthepriestfound，evenwereherfathertosayhernay？\"
\"Ay，marrywouldshe，\"criedAllaneagerly。
\"Then，ifherfatherbethemanthatItakehimtobe，Iwillundertakethatheshallgiveyoubothhisblessingasweddedmanandwife，intheplaceofoldSirStephen，anduponhisweddingmorn。
Butstay，nowIbethinkme，thereisonethingreckonednotupon——
thepriest。Truly，thoseoftheclothdonotlovemeovermuch，andwhenitcomestodoingasIdesireinsuchamatter，theyareaslikeasnottoprovestiff-necked。Astothelesserclergy，theyfeartodomeafavorbecauseofabbotorbishop。
\"Nay，\"quothWillScarlet，laughing，\"sofarasthatgoeth，Iknowofacertainfriarthat，couldstthoubutgetonthesoftsideofhim，woulddothybusinesseventhoughPopeJoanherselfstoodforthtobanhim。
HeisknownastheCurtalFriarofFountainAbbey，anddwellethinFountainDale。\"
\"But，\"quothRobin，\"FountainAbbeyisagoodhundredmilesfromhere。
Anwewouldhelpthislad，wehavenotimetogothitherandbackbeforehistruelovewillbemarried。Noughtistobegainedthere，coz。\"
\"Yea，\"quothWillScarlet，laughingagain，\"butthisFountainAbbeyisnotsofarawayastheoneofwhichthouspeakest，uncle。
TheFountainAbbeyofwhichIspeakisnosuchrichandproudplaceastheother，butasimplelittlecell；yet，withal，ascosyaspotaseverstoutanchoritedwelledwithin。Iknowtheplacewell，andcanguidetheethither，for，thoughitisagoodlydistance，yetmethinksastoutpairoflegscouldcarryamanthereandbackinoneday。\"
\"Thengivemethyhand，Allan，\"criedRobin，\"andletmetellthee，IswearbythebrighthairofSaintAElfridathatthistimetwodayshenceEllenaDaleshallbethywife。
IwillseekthissameFriarofFountainAbbeytomorrowday，andIwarrantIwillgetuponthesoftsideofhim，evenifI
havetodrubonesoft。\"
AtthisWillScarletlaughedagain。\"Benottoosureofthat，gooduncle，\"quothhe，\"nevertheless，fromwhatIknowofhim，IthinkthisCurtalFriarwillgladlyjointwosuchfairlovers，moreespeciallyiftherebegoodeatinganddrinkingafootthereafter。\"
Butnowoneofthebandcametosaythatthefeastwasspreaduponthegrass；so，Robinleadingtheway，theothersfollowedtowherethegoodlyfeastwasspread。Merrywasthemeal。
Jestandstorypassedfreely，andalllaughedtilltheforestrangagain。
Allanlaughedwiththerest，forhischeekswereflushedwiththehopethatRobinHoodhadgivenhim。
Atlastthefeastwasdone，andRobinHoodturnedtoAllan，whosatbesidehim。\"Now，Allan，\"quothhe，\"somuchhasbeensaidofthysingingthatwewouldfainhaveatasteofthyskillourselves。
Canstthounotgiveussomething？\"
\"Surely，\"answeredAllanreadily；forhewasnothird-ratesongsterthatmustbeaskedagainandagain，butsaid\"yes\"
or\"no\"atthefirstbidding；so，takinguphisharp，heranhisfingerslightlyoverthesweetlysoundingstrings，andallwashushedaboutthecloth。Then，backinghisvoicewithsweetmusiconhisharp，hesang：
MAYELLEN\'SWEDDING
Givinganaccountofhowshewasbelovedbyafairyprince，whotookhertohisownhome。
\"_MayEllensatbeneathathornAndinashoweraroundTheblossomsfellateverybreezeLikesnowupontheground，AndinalimetreenearwasheardThesweetsongofastrange，wildbird。
\"Osweet，sweet，sweet，Opiercingsweet，Olingeringsweetthestrain！
MayEllen\'sheartwithinherbreastStoodstillwithblissfulpain：
Andso，withlistening，upturnedface，Shesatasdeadinthatfairplace。
\"`Comedownfromouttheblossoms，bird！
Comedownfromoutthetree，AndonmyheartI\'lllettheelie，Andlovetheetenderly！\'
ThuscriedMayEllen，softandlow，Fromwherethehawthornsheditssnow。
\"Downdroppedthebirdonquiveringwing，Fromouttheblossomingtree，Andnestledinhersnowybreast。
`Mylove！mylove！\'criedshe；
Thenstraightwayhome，\'midsunandflower，Shebarehimtoherownsweetbower。
\"Thedayhathpassedtomellownight，Themoonfloatso\'erthelea，Andinitssolemn，pallidlightAyouthstandssilently：
Ayouthofbeautystrangeandrare，WithinMayEllen\'sbowerthere。
\"Hestoodwhereo\'erthepavementcoldTheglimmeringmoonbeamslay。
MayEllengazedwithwide，scaredeyes，Norcouldsheturnaway，For，asinmysticdreamsweseeAspirit，stoodhesilently。
\"Allinalowandbreathlessvoice，`Whencecomestthou？\'saidshe；
`Artthouthecreatureofadream，OravisionthatIsee？\'
Thensoftspakehe，asnightwindsshiverThroughstrainingreedsbesidetheriver。
\"`Icame，abirdonfeatheredwing，FromdistantFaerylandWheremurmuringwaterssoftlysingUponthegoldenstrand，Wheresweettreesareforevergreen；
Andtheremymotheristhequeen。\'……
\"NomoreMayEllenleavesherbowerTogracetheblossomsfair；
ButinthehushedandmidnighthourTheyhearhertalkingthere，Or，whenthemoonisshiningwhite，Theyhearhersingingthroughthenight。
\"`Oh，donthysilksandjewelsfine，\'
MayEllen\'smothersaid，`ForhithercomestheLordofLyneAndthouthislordmustwed。\'
MayEllensaid，`Itmaynotbe。
Hene\'ershallfindhiswifeinme。\'
\"Upspokeherbrother，darkandgrim：
`Nowbythebrightbluesky，E\'eryetadayhathgoneforhimThywickedbirdshalldie！
Forhehathwroughttheebitterharm，Bysomestrangeartorcunningcharm。\'
\"Then，withasadandmournfulsong，Awaythebirddidfly，Ando\'erthecastleeaves，andthroughThegrayandwindysky。
`Comeforth！\'thencriedthebrothergrim，`Whydostthougazesoafterhim？\'
\"ItisMayEllen\'sweddingday，Theskyisblueandfair，AndmanyalordandladygayInchurcharegatheredthere。
ThebridegroomwasSirHughtheBold，Allcladinsilkandclothofgold。
\"IncamethebrideinsamitewhiteWithawhitewreathonherhead；
Hereyeswerefixedwithaglassylook，Herfacewasasthedead，Andwhenshestoodamongthethrong，Shesangawildandwondroussong。
\"ThencameastrangeandrushingsoundLikethecomingwinddothbring，AndintheopenwindowsshotNineswansonwhistlingwing，Andhighabovetheheadstheyflew，Ingleamingfightthedarknessthrough。
\"AroundMayEllen\'sheadtheyflewInwideandwindyfight，Andthreetimesroundthecircledrew。
Theguestsshrankinaffright，Andthepriestbesidethealtarthere，Didcrosshimselfwithmutteredprayer。
\"Butthethirdtimetheyflewaround，FairEllenstraightwasgone，Andinherplace，upontheground，Therestoodasnow-whiteswan。
Then，withawildandlovelysong，Itjoinedtheswiftandwingedthrong。
\"There\'sancientmenatweddingsbeen，Forsixtyyearsandmore，Butsuchawondrousweddingday，Theyneversawbefore。
Butnonecouldcheckandnonecouldstay，Theswansthatborethebrideaway_。\"
NotasoundbrokethestillnesswhenAllanaDalehaddone，butallsatgazingatthehandsomesinger，forsosweetwashisvoiceandthemusicthateachmansatwithbatedbreath，lestonedropmoreshouldcomeandheshouldloseit。
\"Bymyfaithandmytroth，\"quothRobinatlast，drawingadeepbreath，\"lad，thouart——Thoumustnotleaveourcompany，Allan！Wiltthounotstaywithushereinthesweetgreenforest？Truly，Idofeelmyheartgoouttowardtheewithgreatlove。\"
ThenAllantookRobin\'shandandkissedit。\"Iwillstaywiththeealways，dearmaster，\"saidhe，\"forneverhaveIknownsuchkindnessasthouhastshownmethisday。\"
ThenWillScarletstretchedforthhishandandshookAllan\'sintokenoffellowship，asdidLittleJohnlikewise。
AndthusthefamousAllanaDalebecameoneofRobinHood\'sband。
RobinHoodSeekstheCurtalFriarTHESTOUTYEOMENofSherwoodForestwereeverearlyrisersofamorn，moreespeciallywhenthesummertimehadcome，fortheninthefreshnessofthedawnthedewwasalwaysthebrightest，andthesongofthesmallbirdsthesweetest。
QuothRobin，\"NowwillIgotoseekthissameFriarofFountainAbbeyofwhomwespakeyesternight，andIwilltakewithmefourofmygoodmen，andthesefourshallbeLittleJohn，WillScarlet，DavidofDoncaster，andArthuraBland。Bidetherestofyouhere，andWillStutelyshallbeyourchiefwhileIamgone。\"
ThenstraightwayRobinHooddonnedafinesteelcoatofchainmail，overwhichheputonalightjacketofLincolngreen。
Uponhisheadheclappedasteelcap，andthishecoveredbyoneofsoftwhiteleather，inwhichstoodanoddingcock\'splume。
Byhissidehehungagoodbroadswordoftemperedsteel，thebluishblademarkedalloverwithstrangefiguresofdragons，wingedwomen，andwhatnot。AgallantsightwasRobinsoarrayed，Iwot，theglintofsteelshowinghereandthereasthesunlightcaughtbrightlythelinksofpolishedmailthatshowedbeneathhisgreencoat。
So，havingarrayedhimself，heandthefouryeomensetforthupontheirway，WillScarlettakingthelead，forheknewbetterthantheotherswhithertogo。Thus，mileaftermile，theystrodealong，nowacrossabrawlingstream，nowalongasunlitroad，nowadownsomesweetforestpath，overwhichthetreesmetingreenandrustlingcanopy，andattheendofwhichaherdofstartleddeerdashedaway，withrattleofleavesandcrackleofbranches。Onwardtheywalkedwithsongandjestandlaughtertillnoontidewaspassed，whenatlasttheycametothebanksofawide，glassy，andlily-paddedstream。
Hereabroad，beatenpathstretchedalongbesidethebanks，onwhichpathlaboredthehorsesthattuggedattheslow-movingbarges，ladenwithbarleymealorwhatnot，fromthecountrysidetothemany-toweredtown。
Butnow，inthehotsilenceofthemidday，nohorsewasseennoranymanbesidesthemselves。Behindthemandbeforethemstretchedtheriver，itsplacidbosomruffledhereandtherebythepurpleduskofasmallbreeze。
\"Now，gooduncle，\"quothWillScarletatlast，whentheyhadwalkedforalongtimebesidethissweet，brightriver，\"justbeyondyonbendaheadofusisashallowfordwhichinnoplaceisdeeperthanthymid-thigh，andupontheothersideofthestreamisacertainlittlehermitagehiddenamidsttheboskytangleofthethicketswhereindwelleththeFriarofFountainDale。ThitherwillIleadthee，forIknowtheway；
albeititisnotoverhardtofind。\"
\"Nay，\"quothjollyRobin，stoppingsuddenly，\"hadIthoughtthatIshouldhavehadtowadewater，evenwereitsocrystalastreamasthis，IhaddonnedotherclothesthanIhaveuponme。
Butnomatternow，forafterallawettingwillnotwashtheskinaway，andwhatmustbe，must。Butbideyehere，lads，forIwouldenjoythismerryadventurealone。Nevertheless，listenwell，andifyehearmesounduponmybuglehorn，comequickly。\"
Sosaying，heturnedandleftthem，stridingonwardalone。
Robinhadwalkednofartherthanwherethebendoftheroadhidhisgoodmenfromhisview，whenhestoppedsuddenly，forhethoughtthatheheardvoices。Hestoodstillandlistened，andpresentlyheardwordspassedbackandforthbetwixtwhatseemedtobetwomen，andyetthetwovoiceswerewondrouslyalike。
Thesoundcamefromoverbehindthebank，thatherewassteepandhigh，droppingfromtheedgeoftheroadahalfascoreoffeettothesedgyvergeoftheriver。
\"\'Tisstrange，\"mutteredRobintohimselfafteraspace，whenthevoiceshadceasedtheirtalking，\"surelytherebetwopeoplethatspoketheonetotheother，andyetmethinkstheirvoicesaremightilyalike。
ImakemyvowthatneverhaveIheardthelikeinallmylifebefore。
Truly，ifthistwainaretobejudgedbytheirvoices，notwopeaswereevermorealike。Iwilllookintothismatter。\"Sosaying，hecamesoftlytotheriverbankandlayinghimdownuponthegrass，peeredovertheedgeanddownbelow。
Allwascoolandshadybeneaththebank。Astoutosiergrew，notstraightupward，butleaningacrossthewater，shadowingthespotwithitssoftfoliage。Allaroundgrewamassoffeatheryfernssuchashideandnestleincoolplaces，anduptoRobin\'snostrilscamethetenderodorofthewildthyme，thatlovesthemoistvergesofrunningstreams。Here，withhisbroadbackagainsttheruggedtrunkofthewillowtree，andhalfhiddenbythesoftfernsaroundhim，satastout，brawnyfellow，butnoothermanwasthere。
Hisheadwasasroundasaball，andcoveredwithamatofclose-clipped，curlyblackhairthatgrewlowdownonhisforehead。
Buthiscrownwasshornassmoothasthepalmofone\'shand，which，togetherwithhislooserobe，cowl，andstringofbeads，showedthatwhichhislooksneverwouldhavedone，thathewasafriar。
Hischeekswereasredandshiningasawintercrab，albeittheywerenearlycoveredoverwithaclosecurlyblackbeard，aswerehischinandupperliplikewise。Hisneckwasthicklikethatofanorthcountrybull，andhisroundheadcloselysetuponshoulderse\'enamatchforthoseofLittleJohnhimself。
Beneathhisbushyblackbrowsdancedapairoflittlegrayeyesthatcouldnotstandstillforverydrolleryofhumor。
Nomancouldlookintohisfaceandnotfeelhisheartstringstickledbythemerrimentoftheirlook。Byhissidelayasteelcap，whichhehadlaidoffforthesakeofthecoolnesstohiscrown。
Hislegswerestretchedwideapart，andbetwixthiskneesheheldagreatpastycompoundedofjuicymeatsofdiverskindsmadesavorywithtenderyoungonions，bothmeatandonionsbeingmingledwithagoodrichgravy。Inhisrightfistheheldagreatpieceofbrowncrustatwhichhemunchedsturdily，andeverynowandthenhethrusthislefthandintothepieanddrewitforthfullofmeat；
anonhewouldtakeamightypullatagreatbottleofMalmseythatlaybesidehim。
\"Bymyfaith，\"quothRobintohimself，\"Idoverilybelievethatthisisthemerriestfeast，themerriestwight，themerriestplace，andthemerriestsightinallmerryEngland。Methoughttherewasanotherhere，butitmusthavebeenthisholymantalkingtohimself。\"
SoRobinlaywatchingtheFriar，andtheFriar，allunknowingthathewassooverlooked，atehismealplacidly。Atlasthewasdone，and，havingfirstwipedhisgreasyhandsuponthefernsandwildthymeandsweeternapkinne\'erhadkinginalltheworld，hetookuphisflaskandbegantalkingtohimselfasthoughhewereanotherman，andansweringhimselfasthoughheweresomebodyelse。
\"Dearlad，thouartthesweetestfellowinalltheworld，Idolovetheeasaloverlovethhislass。La，thoudostmakemeshamedtospeaksotomeinthissolitaryplace，noonebeingby，andyetifthouwilthavemesayso，Idolovetheeasthoulovestme。Naythen，wiltthounottakeadrinkofgoodMalmsey？Afterthee，lad，afterthee。
Nay，Ibeseechthee，sweetenthedraughtwiththylipsherehepassedtheflaskfromhisrighthandtohisleft。
Anthouwiltforceitonmeso，Imustneedsdothybidding，yetwiththemorepleasuredoIsoasIdrinkthyverygreathealthherehetookalong，deepdraught。Andnow，sweetlad，\'tisthyturnnextherehepassedthebottlefromhislefthandbackagaintohisright。Itakeit，sweetchuck，andhere\'swishingtheeasmuchgoodasthouwishestme。\"
Sayingthis，hetookanotherdraught，andtrulyhedrankenoughfortwo。
AllthistimemerryRobinlayuponthebankandlistened，whilehisstomachsoquakedwithlaughterthathewasforcedtopresshispalmacrosshismouthtokeepitfromburstingforth；for，truly，hewouldnothavespoiledsuchagoodlyjestforthehalfofNottinghamshire。
Havinggottenhisbreathfromhislastdraught，theFriarbegantalkingagaininthiswise：\"Now，sweetlad，canstthounotsingmeasong？
La，Iknownot，Iambutinanillvoicethisday；prytheeaskmenot；
dostthounothearhowIcroaklikeafrog？Nay，nay，thyvoiceisassweetasanybullfinch；come，sing，Iprythee，Iwouldratherheartheesingthaneatafairfeast。Alas，Iwouldfainnotsingbeforeonethatcanpipesowellandhathheardsomanygoodlysongsandballads，ne\'ertheless，anthouwilthaveitso，Iwilldomybest。
ButnowmethinksthatthouandImightsingsomefairsongtogether；
dostthounotknowacertaindaintylittlecatchcalled`TheLovingYouthandtheScornfulMaid\'？Why，truly，methinksIhavehearditerenow。
Thendostthounotthinkthatthoucouldsttakethelass\'spartgifItakethelad\'s？IknownotbutIwilltry；beginthouwiththeladandIwillfollowwiththelass。\"
Then，singingfirstwithavoicedeepandgruff，andanoninonehighandsqueaking，heblithelytrolledthemerrycatchofTHELOVINGYOUTHANDTHESCORNFULMAID_HE
\"Ah，it\'swiltthoucomewithme，mylove？
Andit\'swiltthou，love，hemine？
ForIwillgiveuntothee，mylove，Gayknotsandribbonssofine。
I\'llwoothee，love，onmybendedknee，AndI\'llpipesweetsongstononebutthee。
Thenit\'shark！hark！hark！
TothewingedlarkAndit\'sharktothecooingdove！
AndthebrightdaffodilGrowethdownbytherill，Socomethouandbemylove。
SHE
\"Nowgettheeaway，youngmansofine；
Nowgettheeaway，Isay；
Formytrueloveshallneverbethine，Andsothouhadstbetternotstay。
Thouartnotafineenoughladforme，SoI\'llwaittillabetteryoungmanIsee。
Forit\'shark！hark！hark！
Tothewingedlark，Andit\'sharktothecooingdove！
AndthebrightdaffodilGrowethdownbytherill，YetneverI\'llbethylove。
HE
\"ThenstraightwillIseekforanotherfairshe，Formanyamaidcanbefound，Andasthouwiltneverhaveaughtofme，BytheewillIneverbebound。
Forneverisablossominthefieldsorare，Butothersarefoundthatarejustasfair。
Soit\'shark！hark！hark！
TothejoyouslarkAndit\'sharktothecooingdove！
AndthebrightdaffodilGrowethdownbytherill，AndI\'llseekmeanotherdearlove。
SHE
\"Youngman，turnnotsoveryquickawayAnotherfairlasstofind。
MethinksIhavespokeninhastetoday，NorhaveImadeupmymind_，_
Andifthouonlywiltstaywithme，I\'lllovenoother，sweetlad，butthee_。\"
HereRobincouldcontainhimselfnolongerbutburstforthintoamightyroaroflaughter；then，theholyFriarkeepingonwiththesong，hejoinedinthechorus，andtogethertheysang，or，asonemightsay，bellowed：
\"_Soit\'shark！hark！hark！
TothejoyouslarkAndit\'sharktothecooingdove！
ForthebrightdaffodilGrowethdownbytherillAndI\'llbethineowntruelove_。\"
Sotheysangtogether，forthestoutFriardidnotseemtohaveheardRobin\'slaughter，neitherdidheseemtoknowthattheyeomanhadjoinedinwiththesong，but，witheyeshalfclosed，lookingstraightbeforehimandwagginghisroundheadfromsidetosideintimetothemusic，hekeptonbravelytotheend，heandRobinfinishingupwithamightyroarthatmighthavebeenheardamile。Butnosoonerhadthelastwordbeensungthantheholymanseizedhissteelcap，clappeditonhishead，andspringingtohisfeet，criedinagreatvoice，\"Whatspyhavewehere？
Comeforth，thoulimbofevil，andIwillcarvetheeintoasfinepuddingmeatase\'erawifeinYorkshirecookedofaSunday。\"HereuponhedrewfrombeneathhisrobesagreatbroadswordfullasstoutaswasRobin\'s。
\"Nay，putupthypinkingiron，friend，\"quothRobin，standingupwiththetearsoflaughterstillonhischeeks。
\"Folkwhohavesungsosweetlytogethershouldnotfightthereafter。\"
Hereuponheleapeddownthebanktowheretheotherstood。
\"Itellthee，friend，\"saidhe，\"mythroatisasparchedwiththatsongase\'erabarleystubbleinOctober。HastthouhaplyanyMalmseyleftinthatstoutpottle？\"
\"Truly，\"saidtheFriarinaglumvoice，\"thoudostaskthyselffreelywherethouartnotbidden。YetItrustIamtoogoodaChristiantorefuseanymandrinkthatisathirst。
Suchasthereiso\'tthouartwelcometoadrinkofthesame。\"
AndheheldthepottleouttoRobin。
Robintookitwithoutmoreadoandputtingittohislips，tiltedhisheadback，whilethatwhichwaswithinsaid\"glug！\"lug！glug！\"
formorethanthreewinks，Iwot。ThestoutFriarwatchedRobinanxiouslythewhile，andwhenhewasdonetookthepottlequickly。
Heshookit，helditbetwixthiseyesandthelight，lookedreproachfullyattheyeoman，andstraightwayplaceditathisownlips。
Whenitcameawayagaintherewasnoughtwithinit。
\"Dossthouknowthecountryhereabouts，thougoodandholyman？\"
askedRobin，laughing。
\"Yea，somewhat，\"answeredtheotherdryly。
\"AnddostthouknowofacertainspotcalledFountainAbbey？\"
\"Yea，somewhat。\"
\"ThenperchancethouknowestalsoofacertainonewhogoethbythenameoftheCurtalFriarofFountainAbbey。\"
\"Yea，somewhat。\"
\"Wellthen，goodfellow，holyfather，orwhateverthouart，\"
quothRobin，\"IwouldknowwhetherthissameFriaristobefounduponthissideoftheriverortheother。\"
\"That，\"quoththeFriar，\"isapracticalquestionuponwhichthecunningrulesappertainingtologictouchnot。
Idoadvisetheetofindthatoutbytheaidofthineownfivesenses；sight，feeling，andwhatnot。\"
\"Idowishmuch，\"quothRobin，lookingthoughtfullyatthestoutpriest，\"tocrossyonfordandstrivetofindthissamegoodFriar。\"
\"Truly，\"saidtheotherpiously，\"itisagoodlywishonthepartofonesoyoung。Farbeitfrommetochecktheeinsoholyaquest。
Friend，theriverisfreetoall。\"
\"Yea，goodfather，\"saidRobin，\"butthouseestthatmyclothesareofthefinestandIfainwouldnotgetthemwet。
Methinksthyshouldersarestoutandbroad；couldstthounotfinditinthyhearttocarrymeacross？\"
\"Now，bythewhitehandoftheholyLadyoftheFountain！\"burstforththeFriarinamightyrage，\"dostthou，thoupoorpunystripling，thoukiss-my-lady-lapoppenjay；thou——thouWhatshallIcallthee？
Dostthouaskme，theholyTuck，tocarrythee？NowIswear——\"
Herehepausedsuddenly，thenslowlytheangerpassedfromhisface，andhislittleeyestwinkledoncemore。\"ButwhyshouldInot？\"
quothhepiously。
\"DidnottheholySaintChristopherevercarrythestrangeracrosstheriver？
AndshouldI，poorsinnerthatIam，beashamedtodolikewise？
Comewithme，stranger，andIwilldothybiddinginanhumbleframeofmind。\"Sosaying，heclamberedupthebank，closelyfollowedbyRobin，andledthewaytotheshallowpebblyford，chucklingtohimselfthewhileasthoughhewereenjoyingsomegoodlyjestwithinhimself。
Havingcometotheford，hegirdeduphisrobesabouthisloins，tuckedhisgoodbroadswordbeneathhisarm，andstoopedhisbacktotakeRobinuponit。Suddenlyhestraightenedup。
\"Methinks，\"quothhe，\"thou\'ltgetthyweaponwet。
Letmetuckitbeneathminearmalongwithmineown。\"
\"Nay，goodfather，\"saidRobin，\"Iwouldnotburdentheewithaughtofminebutmyself。\"
\"Dostthouthink，\"saidtheFriarmildly，\"thatthegoodSaintChristopherwouldha\'soughthisowneaseso？Nay，givemethytoolasIbidthee，forIwouldcarryitasapenancetomypride。\"
Uponthis，withoutmoreado，RobinHoodunbuckledhisswordfromhissideandhandedittotheother，whothrustitwithhisownbeneathhisarm。
ThenoncemoretheFriarbenthisback，and，Robinhavingmounteduponit，hesteppedsturdilyintothewaterandsostrodeonward，splashingintheshoal，andbreakingallthesmoothsurfaceintoever-wideningrings。
AtlasthereachedtheothersideandRobinleapedlightlyfromhisback。
\"Manythanks，goodfather，\"quothhe。\"Thouartindeedagoodandholyman。
Prytheegivememyswordandletmeaway，forIaminhaste。\"
AtthisthestoutFriarlookeduponRobinforalongtime，hisheadononeside，andwithamostwaggishtwisttohisface；
thenheslowlywinkedhisrighteye。\"Nay，goodyouth，\"
saidhegently，\"Idoubtnotthatthouartinhastewiththineaffairs，yetthoudostthinknothingofmine。Thineareofacarnalnature；
mineareofaspiritualnature，aholywork，sotospeak；
moreover，mineaffairsdolieupontheothersideofthisstream。
Iseebythyquestofthissameholyreclusethatthouartagoodyoungmanandmostreverenttothecloth。
Ididgetwetcominghither，andamsadlyafraidthatshouldI
wadethewateragainImightgetcertaincricksandpainsi\'
thejointsthatwouldmarmydevotionsformanyadaytocome。
IknowthatsinceIhavesohumblydonethybiddingthouwiltcarrymebackagain。ThouseesthowSaintGodrick，thatholyhermitwhosenataldaythisis，hathplacedinmyhandstwoswordsandinthineneveraone。Thereforebepersuaded，goodyouth，andcarrymebackagain。\"
RobinHoodlookedupandhelookeddown，bitinghisnetherlip。
Quothhe，\"ThoucunningFriar，thouhastmefairandfastenow。
Letmetelltheethatnotoneofthyclothhathsohoodwinkedmeinallmylifebefore。Imighthaveknownfromthylooksthatthouwertnosuchholymanasthoudidstpretendtobe。\"
\"Nay，\"interruptedtheFriar，\"Ibidtheespeaknotsoscurrilouslyneither，lestthoumaystperchancefeeltheprickofaninchorsoofbluesteel。\"
\"Tut，tut，\"saidRobin，\"speaknotso，Friar；theloserhathevertherighttousehistongueashedothlist。
Givememysword；Idopromisetocarrytheebackstraightway。
Nay，Iwillnotlifttheweaponagainstthee。\"
\"Marry，comeup，\"quoththeFriar，\"Ifeartheenot，fellow。
Hereisthyskewer；andgetthyselfpresentlyready，forI
wouldhastenback。\"
SoRobintookhisswordagainandbuckleditathisside；
thenhebenthisstoutbackandtooktheFriaruponit。
NowIwotRobinHoodhadaheavierloadtocarryintheFriarthantheFriarhadinhim。Moreoverhedidnotknowtheford，sohewentstumblingamongthestones，nowsteppingintoadeephole，andnownearlytrippingoveraboulder，whilethesweatrandownhisfaceinbeadsfromthehardnessofhisjourneyandtheheavinessofhisload。Meantime，theFriarkeptdigginghisheelsintoRobin\'ssidesandbiddinghimhasten，callinghimmanyillnamesthewhile。
ToallthisRobinansweredneveraword，but，havingsoftlyfeltaroundtillhefoundthebuckleofthebeltthatheldtheFriar\'ssword，heworkedslylyatthefastenings，seekingtoloosenthem。
Thusitcameaboutthat，bythetimehehadreachedtheotherbankwithhisload，theFriar\'sswordbeltwasloosealbeitheknewitnot；
sowhenRobinstoodondrylandandtheFriarleapedfromhisback，theyeomangrippedholdoftheswordsothatblade，sheath，andstrapcameawayfromtheholyman，leavinghimwithoutaweapon。
\"Nowthen，\"quothmerryRobin，pantingashespakeandwipingthesweatfromhisbrow，\"Ihavethee，fellow。Thistimethatsamesaintofwhomthoudidstspeakbutnowhathdeliveredtwoswordsintomyhandandhathstrippedthineawayfromthee。
Nowifthoudostnotcarrymeback，andthatspeedily，IswearIwillprickthyskintillitisasfullofholesasaslasheddoublet。\"
ThegoodFriarsaidnotawordforawhile，buthelookedatRobinwithagrimlook。\"Now，\"saidheatlast，\"Ididthinkthatthywitswereoftheheavysortandknewnotthatthouwertsocunning。Truly，thouhastmeuponthehip。
Givememysword，andIpromisenottodrawitagainsttheesaveinself-defense；also，Ipromisetodothybiddingandtaketheeuponmybackandcarrythee。\"
SojollyRobingavehimhisswordagain，whichtheFriarbuckledtohisside，andthistimelookedtoitthatitwasmoresecureinitsfastenings；thentuckinguphisrobesoncemore，hetookRobinHooduponhisbackandwithoutawordsteppedintothewater，andsowadedoninsilencewhileRobinsatlaughinguponhisback。
Atlasthereachedthemiddleofthefordwherethewaterwasdeepest。
Herehestoppedforamoment，andthen，withasuddenliftofhishandandheaveofhisshoulders，fairlyshotRobinoverhisheadasthoughhewereasackofgrain。
DownwentRobinintothewaterwithamightysplash。
\"There，\"quoththeholyman，calmlyturningbackagaintotheshore，\"letthatcoolthyhotspirit，ifitmay。\"
Meantime，aftermuchsplashing，Robinhadgottentohisfeetandstoodgazingabouthimallbewildered，thewaterrunningfromhiminprettylittlerills。
Atlastheshotthewateroutofhisearsandspatsomeoutofhismouth，and，gatheringhisscatteredwitstogether，sawthestoutFriarstandingonthebankandlaughing。Then，Iwot，wasRobinHoodamadman。
\"Stay，thouvillain！\"roaredhe，\"Iamaftertheestraight，andifIdonotcarvethybrawnfortheethisday，mayIneverliftfingeragain！\"
Sosaying，hedashed，splashing，tothebank。
\"Thouneedstnothastenthyselfunduly，\"quoththestoutFriar。\"Fearnot；
Iwillabidehere，andifthoudostnotcry`Alack-a-day\'erelongtimeisgone，mayInevermorepeepthroughthebrakeatafallowdeer。\"
AndnowRobin，havingreachedthebank，began，withoutmoreado，torolluphissleevesabovehiswrists。TheFriar，also，tuckedhisrobesmoreabouthim，showingagreat，stoutarmonwhichthemusclesstoodoutlikehumpsofanagedtree。
ThenRobinsaw，whathehadnotwottedofbefore，thattheFriarhadalsoacoatofchainmailbeneathhisgown。
\"Looktothyself，\"criedRobin，drawinghisgoodsword。
\"Ay，marry，\"quoththeFriar，whoheldhisalreadyinhishand。So，withoutmoreado，theycametogether，andthereuponbeganafierceandmightybattle。
Rightandleft，andupanddownandbackandforththeyfought。
Theswordsflashedinthesunandthenmetwithaclashthatsoundedfarandnear。Iwotthiswasnoplayfulboutatquarterstaff，butagrimandseriousfightofrealearnest。
Thustheystroveforanhourormore，pausingeverynowandthentorest，atwhichtimeseachlookedattheotherwithwonder，andthoughtthatneverhadheseensostoutafellow；
thenonceagaintheywouldgoatitmorefiercelythanever。
Yetinallthistimeneitherhadharmedtheothernorcausedhisbloodtoflow。AtlastmerryRobincried，\"Holdthyhand，goodfriend！\"whereuponbothloweredtheirswords。
\"NowIcraveaboonerewebeginagain，\"quothRobin，wipingthesweatfromhisbrow；fortheyhadstrivensolongthathebegantothinkthatitwouldbeanill-donethingeithertobesmittenhimselfortosmitesostoutandbraveafellow。
\"Whatwouldstthouhaveofme？\"askedtheFriar。
\"Onlythis，\"quothRobin；\"thatthouwiltletmeblowthriceuponmybuglehorn。\"
TheFriarbenthisbrowsandlookedshrewdlyatRobinHood。\"NowI
doverilythinkthatthouhastsomecunningtrickinthis，\"quothhe。
\"Ne\'ertheless，Ifeartheenot，andwilllettheehavethywish，providingthouwiltalsoletmeblowthriceuponthislittlewhistle。\"
\"Withallmyheart，\"quothRobin，\"so，heregoesforone。\"
Sosaying，heraisedhissilverhorntohislipsandblewthriceuponit，clearandhigh。
Meantime，theFriarstoodwatchingkeenlyforwhatmightcometopass，holdinginhisfingersthewhileaprettysilverwhistle，suchasknightsuseforcallingtheirhawksbacktotheirwrists，whichwhistlealwayshungathisgirdlealongwithhisrosary。
ScarcelyhadtheechoofthelastnoteofRobin\'sbuglecomewindingbackfromacrosstheriver，whenfourtallmeninLincolngreencamerunningaroundthebendoftheroad，eachwithabowinhishandandanarrowreadynockeduponthestring。
\"Ha！Isitthus，thoutraitorknave！\"criedtheFriar。\"Then，marry，looktothyself！\"Sosaying，hestraightwayclappedthehawk\'swhistletohislipsandblewablastthatwasbothloudandshrill。Andnowtherecameacracklingofthebushesthatlinedtheothersideoftheroad，andpresentlyforthfromthecovertburstfourgreat，shaggyhounds。
\"At\'em，SweetLips！At\'em，BellThroat！At\'em，Beauty！At\'em，Fangs！\"
criedtheFriar，pointingatRobin。
Andnowitwaswellforthatyeomanthatatreestoodnighhimbesidetheroad，elsehadhehadanillchanceofit。
Ereonecouldsay\"GafferDownthedale\"thehoundswereuponhim，andhehadonlytimetodrophisswordandleaplightlyintothetree，aroundwhichthehoundsgathered，lookingupathimasthoughhewereacatontheeaves。ButtheFriarquicklycalledoffhisdogs。
\"At\'em！\"criedhe，pointingdowntheroadtowheretheyeomenwerestandingstockstillwithwonderofwhattheysaw。
Asthehawkdartsdownuponitsquarry，sospedthefourdogsattheyeomen；butwhenthefourmensawthehoundssocoming，allwithoneaccord，savingonlyWillScarlet，dreweachmanhisgoosefeathertohisearandletflyhisshaft。
Andnowtheoldballadtellethofawondrousthingthathappened，forthusitsays，thateachdogsoshotatleapedlightlyaside，andasthearrowpassedhimwhistling，caughtitinhismouthandbititintwain。
NowitwouldhavebeenanilldayforthesefourgoodfellowshadnotWillScarletsteppedbeforetheothersandmetthehoundsastheycamerushing。\"Why，hownow，Fangs！\"criedhesternly。
\"Down，Beauty！Down，sirrah！Whatmeansthis？\"
Atthesoundofhisvoiceeachdogshrankbackquicklyandthenstraightwaycametohimandlickedhishandsandfawneduponhim，asisthewontofdogsthatmeetonetheyknow。Thenthefouryeomencameforward，thehoundsleapingaroundWillScarletjoyously。
\"Why，hownow！\"criedthestoutFriar，\"whatmeansthis？
Artthouwizardtoturnthosewolvesintolambs？Ha！\"criedhe，whentheyhadcomestillnearer，\"canItrustmineeyes？
WhatmeansitthatIseeyoungMasterWilliamGamwellinsuchcompany？\"
\"Nay，Tuck，\"saidtheyoungman，asthefourcameforwardtowhereRobinwasnowclamberingdownfromthetreeinwhichhehadbeenroosting，hehavingseenthatalldangerwasoverforthetime；\"nay，Tuck，mynameisnolongerWillGamwell，butWillScarlet；andthisismygooduncle，RobinHood，withwhomIamabidingjustnow。\"
\"Truly，goodmaster，\"saidtheFriar，lookingsomewhatabashedandreachingouthisgreatpalmtoRobin，\"Iha\'oftheardthynamebothsungandspokenof，butIneverthoughttomeettheeinbattle。
Icravethyforgiveness，anddowondernotthatIfoundsostoutamanagainstme。\"
\"Truly，mostholyfather，\"saidLittleJohn，\"Iammorethankfulthane\'erIwasinallmylifebeforethatourgoodfriendScarletknewtheeandthydogs。ItelltheeseriouslythatIfeltmyheartcrumbleawayfrommewhenIsawmyshaftsomissitsaim，andthosegreatbeastsofthinecomingstraightatme。\"
\"Thoumaystindeedbethankful，friend，\"saidtheFriargravely。
\"But，MasterWill，howcomethitthatthoudostnowabideinSherwood？\"
\"Why，Tuck，dostthounotknowofmyillhappeningwithmyfather\'ssteward？\"answeredScarlet。
\"Yea，truly，yetIknewnotthatthouwertinhidingbecauseofit。
Marry，thetimesareallawrywhenagentlemanmustliehiddenforsosmallathing。\"
\"Butwearelosingtime，\"quothRobin，\"andIhaveyettofindthatsameCurtalFriar。\"
\"Why，uncle，thouhastnotfartogo，\"saidWillScarlet，pointingtotheFriar，\"fortherehestandsbesidethee。\"
\"How？\"quothRobin，\"artthouthemanthatIhavebeenatsuchpainstoseekallday，andhavegotsuchaduckingfor？\"
\"Why，truly，\"saidtheFriardemurely，\"somedocallmetheCurtalFriarofFountainDale；othersagaincallmeinjesttheAbbotofFountainAbbey；
othersstillagaincallmesimpleFriarTuck。\"
\"Ilikethelastnamebest，\"quothRobin，\"foritdothslipmoregliblyoffthetongue。ButwhydidstthounottellmethouwertheIsought，insteadofsendingmesearchingforblackmoonbeams？\"
\"Why，truly，thoudidstnotaskme，goodmaster，\"quothstoutTuck；
\"butwhatdidstthoudesireofme？\"
\"Nay，\"quothRobin，\"thedaygrowethlate，andwecannotstandlongertalkinghere。ComebackwithustoSherwood，andIwillunfoldalltotheeaswetravelalong。\"
So，withouttarryinglonger，theyalldeparted，withthestoutdogsattheirheels，andwendedtheirwaybacktoSherwoodagain；
butitwaslongpastnightfalleretheyreachedthegreenwoodtree。
Nowlisten，fornextIwilltellhowRobinHoodcompassedthehappinessoftwoyounglovers，aidedbythemerryFriarTuckofFountainDale。
RobinHoodCompassesaMarriageANDNOWhadcomethemorningwhenfairEllenwastobemarried，andonwhichmerryRobinhadswornthatAllanaDaleshould，asitwere，eatoutoftheplatterthathadbeenfilledforSirStephenofTrent。UproseRobinHood，blitheandgay，uprosehismerrymenoneandall，anduproselastofallstoutFriarTuck，winkingthesmartofsleepfromouthiseyes。
Then，whiletheairseemedtobrimoverwiththesongofmanybirds，allblendedtogetherandalljoyinginthemistymorn，eachmanravedfaceandhandsintheleapingbrook，andsothedaybegan。
\"Now，\"quothRobin，whentheyhadbrokentheirfast，andeachmanhadeatenhisfill，\"itistimeforustosetforthupontheundertakingthatwehaveinhandfortoday。Iwillchoosemeonescoreofmygoodmentogowithme，forImayneedaid；andthou，WillScarlet，wiltabidehereandbethechiefwhileIamgone。\"Thensearchingthroughalltheband，eachmanofwhomcrowdedforwardeagertobechosen，Robincalledsuchashewishedbyname，untilhehadascoreofstoutfellows，theveryflowerofhisyeomanrie。
BesidesLittleJohnandWillStutelywerenighallthosefamousladsofwhomI
havealreadytoldyou。Then，whilethosesochosenranleaping，fullofjoy，toarmthemselveswithbowandshaftandbroadsword，RobinHoodsteppedasideintothecovert，andtheredonnedagay，beribbonedcoatsuchasmighthavebeenwornbysomestrollingminstrel，andslungaharpacrosshisshoulder，thebettertocarryoutthatpart。
Allthebandstaredandmanylaughed，forneverhadtheyseentheirmasterinsuchafantasticguisebefore。
\"Truly，\"quothRobin，holdinguphisarmsandlookingdownathimself，\"Idothinkitbesomewhatofagay，gaudy，grasshopperdress；
butitisaprettythingforallthat，anddothnotillbefittheturnofmylooks，albeitIwearitbutforthenonce。
Butstay，LittleJohn，herearetwobagsthatIwouldhavetheecarryinthypouchforthesakeofsafekeeping。
Icanillcareforthemmyselfbeneaththismotley。\"
\"Why，master，\"quothLittleJohn，takingthebagsandweighingtheminhishand，\"hereisthechinkofgold。\"
\"Well，whatantherebe，\"saidRobin，\"itismineowncoinandthebandisnonetheworseforwhatisthere。Come，buskye，lads，\"
andheturnedquicklyaway。\"Getyereadystraightway。\"
Thengatheringthescoretogetherinacloserank，inthemidstofwhichwereAllanaDaleandFriarTuck，heledthemforthupontheirwayfromtheforestshades。
SotheywalkedonforalongtimetilltheyhadcomeoutofSherwoodandtothevaleofRotherstream。Hereweredifferentsightsfromwhatonesawintheforest；hedgerows，broadfieldsofbarleycorn，pasturelandsrollingupwardtilltheymettheskyandalldottedoverwithflocksofwhitesheep，hayfieldswhencecametheodorofnew-mownhaythatlayinsmoothswathesoverwhichskimmedtheswiftsinrapidflight；suchtheysaw，anddifferentwasit，Iwot，fromthetangleddepthsofthesweetwoodlands，butfullasfair。
ThusRobinledhisband，walkingblithelywithchestthrownoutandheadthrownback，snuffingtheodorsofthegentlebreezethatcamedriftingfromoverthehayfields。
\"Truly，\"quothhe，\"thedearworldisasfairhereasinthewoodlandshades。
Whocallsitavaleoftears？Methinksitisbutthedarknessinourmindsthatbringethgloomtotheworld。Forwhatsayeththatmerrysongthousingest，LittleJohn？Isitnotthus？
\"_Forwhenmylove\'seyesdothine，dothine，Andwhenherlipssmilesorare，Thedayitisjocundandfine，sofine，ThoughletitbewetorbefairAndwhenthestoutaleisallflowingsofast，Oursorrowsandtroublesarethingsofthepast_。\"
\"Nay，\"saidFriarTuckpiously，\"yedothinkofprofanethingsandofnoughtelse；yet，truly，therebebettersafeguardsagainstcareandwoethanaledrinkingandbrighteyes，towit，fastingandmeditation。
Lookuponme，haveIthelikenessofasorrowfulman？\"
Atthisagreatshoutoflaughterwentupfromallaround，forthenightbeforethestoutFriarhademptiedtwiceasmanycanakinsofaleasanyoneofallthemerrymen。
\"Truly，\"quothRobin，whenhecouldspeakforlaughter，\"Ishouldsaythatthysorrowswereaboutequaltothygoodliness。\"
Sotheysteppedalong，talking，singing，jesting，andlaughing，untiltheyhadcometoacertainlittlechurchthatbelongedtothegreatestatesownedbytherichPrioryofEmmet。HereitwasthatfairEllenwastobemarriedonthatmorn，andherewasthespottowardwhichtheyeomenhadpointedtheirtoes。
Ontheothersideoftheroadfromwherethechurchstoodwithwavingfieldsofbarleyaround，ranastonewallalongtheroadside。
Overthewallfromthehighwaywasafringeofyoungtreesandbushes，andhereandtherethewallitselfwascoveredbyamassofblossomingwoodbinethatfilledallthewarmairfarandnearwithitssweetsummerodor。Thenstraightwaytheyeomenleapedoverthewall，alightingonthetallsoftgrassupontheotherside，frighteningaflockofsheepthatlaythereintheshadesothattheyscamperedawayinalldirections。
Herewasasweetcoolshadowbothfromthewallandfromthefairyoungtreesandbushes，andheresattheyeomendown，andgladenoughtheyweretorestaftertheirlongtrampofthemorning。
\"Now，\"quothRobin，\"Iwouldhaveoneofyouwatchandtellmewhenheseesanyonecomingtothechurch，andtheoneIchooseshallbeyoungDavidofDoncaster。Sogettheeuponthewall，David，andhidebeneaththewoodbinesoastokeepwatch。\"
AccordinglyyoungDaviddidashewasbidden，theothersstretchingthemselvesatlengthuponthegrass，sometalkingtogetherandotherssleeping。
Thenallwasquietsaveonlyforthelowvoicesofthosethattalkedtogether，andforAllan\'srestlessfootstepspacingupanddown，forhissoulwassofullofdisturbancethathecouldnotstandstill，andsaving，also，forthemellowsnoringofFriarTuck，whoenjoyedhissleepwithanoiseasofonesawingsoftwoodveryslowly。
Robinlayuponhisbackandgazedaloftintotheleavesofthetrees，histhoughtleaguesaway，andsoalongtimepassed。
ThenupspokeRobin，\"Nowtellus，youngDavidofDoncaster，whatdostthousee？\"
ThenDavidanswered，\"IseethewhitecloudsfloatingandIfeelthewinda-blowingandthreeblackcrowsareflyingoverthewold；
butnoughtelsedoIsee，goodmaster。\"
Sosilencefellagainandanothertimepassed，brokenonlyasIhavesaid，tillRobin，growingimpatient，spakeagain。
\"Nowtellme，youngDavid，whatdostthouseebythis？\"
AndDavidanswered，\"Iseethewindmillsswingingandthreetallpoplartreesswayingagainstthesky，andaflockoffieldfaresareflyingoverthehill；
butnoughtelsedoIsee，goodmaster。\"
Soanothertimepassed，tillatlastRobinaskedyoungDavidoncemorewhathesaw；andDavidsaid，\"Ihearthecuckoosinging，andIseehowthewindmakeswavesinthebarleyfield；
andnowoverthehilltothechurchcomethanoldfriar，andinhishandshecarriesagreatbunchofkeys；andlo！
Nowhecomethtothechurchdoor。\"
ThenuproseRobinHoodandshookFriarTuckbytheshoulder。
\"Come，rousethee，holyman！\"criedhe；whereupon，withmuchgrunting，thestoutTuckgottohisfeet。\"Marry，bestirthyself，\"
quothRobin，\"foryonder，inthechurchdoor，isoneofthycloth。
Gothouandtalktohim，andsogetthyselfintothechurch，thatthoumaystbetherewhenthouartwanted；meantime，LittleJohn，WillStutely，andIwillfollowtheeanon。\"
SoFriarTuckclamberedoverthewall，crossedtheroad，andcametothechurch，wheretheoldfriarwasstilllaboringwiththegreatkey，thelockbeingsomewhatrustyandhesomewhatoldandfeeble。
\"Hilloa，brother，\"quothTuck，\"letmeaidthee。\"Sosaying，hetookthekeyfromtheother\'shandandquicklyopenedthedoorwithaturnofit。
\"Whoartthou，goodbrother？\"askedtheoldfriar，inahigh，wheezingvoice。\"Whencecomestthou，andwhitherartthougoing？\"
AndhewinkedandblinkedatstoutFriarTucklikeanowlatthesun。
\"ThusdoIanswerthyquestions，brother，\"saidtheother。
\"MynameisTuck，andIgonofartherthanthisspot，ifthouwilthaplybutletmestaywhilethissameweddingisgoingforward。
IcomefromFountainDaleand，intruth，amacertainpoorhermit，asonemaysay，forIliveinacellbesidethefountainblessedbythatholySaintEthelrada。But，ifIunderstandaught，thereistobeagayweddingheretoday；so，ifthoumindestnot，Iwouldfainrestmeinthecoolshadewithin，forIwouldliketoseethisfinesight。\"
\"Truly，thouartwelcome，brother，\"saidtheoldman，leadingthewaywithin。Meantime，RobinHood，inhisguiseofharper，togetherwithLittleJohnandWillStutely，hadcometothechurch。
Robinsathimdownonabenchbesidethedoor，butLittleJohn，carryingthetwobagsofgold，wentwithin，asdidWillStutely。
SoRobinsatbythedoor，lookinguptheroadanddowntheroadtoseewhomightcome，till，afteratime，hesawsixhorsemencomeridingsedatelyandslowly，asbecamethem，fortheywerechurchmeninhighorders。Then，whentheyhadcomenearer，Robinsawwhotheywere，andknewthem。
ThefirstwastheBishopofHereford，andafinefigurehecut，Iwot。
Hisvestmentswereoftherichestsilk，andaroundhisneckwasafairchainofbeatengold。Thecapthathidhistonsurewasofblackvelvet，andaroundtheedgesofitwererowsofjewelsthatflashedinthesunlight，eachstonebeingsetingold。
Hishosewereofflame-coloredsilk，andhisshoesofblackvelvet，thelong，pointedtoesbeingturnedupandfastenedtohisknees，andoneitherinstepwasembroideredacrossingoldthread。
BesidetheBishoprodethePriorofEmmetuponamincingpalfrey。
Richwerehisclothesalso，butnotsogayasthestoutBishop\'s。BehindtheseweretwoofthehigherbrethrenofEmmet，andbehindtheseagaintworetainersbelongingtotheBishop；
fortheLordBishopofHerefordstrovetobeaslikethegreatbaronsaswasinthepowerofoneinholyorders。
WhenRobinsawthistraindrawingnear，withflashofjewelsandsilkandjingleofsilverbellsonthetrappingsofthenags，helookedsourlyuponthem。Quothhetohimself，\"YonBishopisovergaudyforaholyman。
Idowonderwhetherhispatron，who，methinks，wasSaintThomas，wasgiventowearinggoldenchainsabouthisneck，silkclothinguponhisbody，andpointedshoesuponhisfeet；themoneyforallofwhich，Godwot，hathbeenwrungfromthesweatofpoortenants。Bishop，Bishop，thypridemayhaveafallerethouwottestofit。\"
Sotheholymencametothechurch；theBishopandthePriorjestingandlaughingbetweenthemselvesaboutcertainfairdames，theirwordsmorebefittingthelipsoflaymen，methinks，thanholyclerks。
Thentheydismounted，andtheBishop，lookingaround，presentlycaughtsightofRobinstandinginthedoorway。
\"Hilloa，goodfellow，\"quothheinajovialvoice，\"whoartthouthatstruttestinsuchgayfeathers？\"
\"AharperamIfromthenorthcountry，\"quothRobin，\"andIcantouchthestrings，Iwot，asneveranothermaninallmerryEnglandcando。Truly，goodLordBishop，manyaknightandburgher，clerkandlayman，havedancedtomymusic，willy-nilly，andmosttimesgreatlyagainsttheirwill；suchisthemagicofmyharping。
Nowthisday，myLordBishop，ifImayplayatthiswedding，IdopromisethatIwillcausethefairbridetolovethemanshemarrieswithalovethatshalllastaslongasthattwainshalllivetogether。\"
\"Ha！isitso？\"criedtheBishop。\"Meanestthouthisinsooth？\"
AndhelookedkeenlyatRobin，whogazedboldlybackagainintohiseyes。
\"Now，ifthouwiltcausethismaidenwhohathverilybewitchedmypoorcousinStephenthustolovethemansheistomarry，asthousaystthoucanst，Iwillgivetheewhatsoeverthouwiltaskmeinduemeasure。
Letmehaveatasteofthyskill，fellow。\"
\"Nay，\"quothRobin，\"mymusiccomethnotwithoutIchoose，evenatalordbishop\'sbidding。Insooth，Iwillnotplayuntilthebrideandbridegroomcome。\"
\"Now，thouartasaucyvarlettospeaksotomycrest，\"
quoththeBishop，frowningonRobin。\"Yet，Imustneedsbearwiththee。Look，Prior，hithercomethourcousinSirStephen，andhisladylove。\"
Andnow，aroundthebendofthehighroad，cameothers，ridinguponhorses。
Thefirstofallwasatall，thinman，ofknightlybearing，dressedallinblacksilk，withablackvelvetcapuponhishead，turnedupwithscarlet。
Robinlooked，andhadnodoubtthatthiswasSirStephen，bothbecauseofhisknightlycarriageandofhisgrayhairs。BesidehimrodeastoutSaxonfranklin，Ellen\'sfather，EdwardofDeirwold；behindthosetwocamealitterbornebytwohorses，andthereinwasamaidenwhomRobinknewmustbeEllen。Behindthislitterrodesixmen-at-arms，thesunlightflashingontheirsteelcapsastheycamejinglingupthedustyroad。
Sothesealsocametothechurch，andthereSirStephenleapedfromhishorseand，comingtothelitter，handedfairEllenouttherefrom。
ThenRobinHoodlookedather，andcouldwondernolongerhowitcameaboutthatsoproudaknightasSirStephenofTrentwishedtomarryacommonfranklin\'sdaughter；nordidhewonderthatnoadowasmadeaboutthematter，forshewasthefairestmaidenthateverhehadbeheld。
Now，however，shewasallpaleanddrooping，likeafairwhitelilysnappedatthestem；andso，withbentheadandsorrowfullook，shewentwithinthechurch，SirStephenleadingherbythehand。
\"Whydostthounotplay，fellow？\"quoththeBishop，lookingsternlyatRobin。
\"Marry，\"saidRobincalmly，\"IwillplayingreaterwisethanYourLordshipthinks，butnottilltherighttimehathcome。\"
SaidtheBishoptohimself，whilehelookedgrimlyatRobin，\"WhenthisweddingisgonebyIwillhavethisfellowwellwhippedforhissaucytongueandboldspeech。\"
AndnowfairEllenandSirStephenstoodbeforethealtar，andtheBishophimselfcameinhisrobesandopenedhisbook，whereatfairEllenlookedupandaboutherinbitterdespair，likethefawnthatfindsthehoundsonherhaunch。
Then，inallhisflutteringtagsandribbonsofredandyellow，RobinHoodstrodeforward。Threestepshetookfromthepillarwherebyheleaned，andstoodbetweenthebrideandbridegroom。
\"Letmelookuponthislass，\"hesaidinaloudvoice。\"Why，hownow！
Whathavewehere？Herebeliliesinthecheeks，andnotrosessuchasbefitabonnybride。Thisisnofitwedding。Thou，SirKnight，soold，andshesoyoung，andthouthinkesttomakeherthywife？
Itelltheeitmaynotbe，forthouartnotherowntruelove。\"
Atthisallstoodamazed，andknewnotwheretolooknorwhattothinkorsay，fortheywereallbewilderedwiththehappening；so，whileeveryonelookedatRobinasthoughtheyhadbeenchangedtostone，heclappedhisbuglehorntohislipsandblewthreeblastssoloudandclear，theyechoedfromfloortorafterasthoughtheyweresoundedbythetrumpofdoom。