"Nayfather，"saidMatilda，takingthebaron’shand，"donotharmthefriar：
hemeansnottooffendyou。Mygaietyneverbeforedispleasedyou。
Leastofallshoulditdosonow，whenIhaveneedofallmyspiritstooutweightheseverityofmyfortune。"
Asshespokethelastwords，tearsstartedintohereyes，which，asifashamedoftheinvoluntarybetrayingofherfeelings，sheturnedawaytoconceal。Thebaronwassubduedatonce。Hekissedhisdaughter，heldouthishandtothefriar，andsaid，"Singon，inGod’sname，andcrackawaytheflaskstillyourvoiceswimsincanary。"
ThenturningtoSirRalph，hesaid，"Youseehowitis，sirknight。
Matildaismydaughter;butshehasmeinleading-strings，thatisthetruthofit。"
CHAPTERV
’Tistrue，noloverhasthatpowerToenforceadesperateamourAshethathastwostringstohisbowAndburnsforloveandmoneytoo。——BUTLER。
Thefriarhadoftenhadexperienceofthebaron’stestyhumour;
butithadalwaysbeforeconfineditselftowords，inwhichthehabitoftestinessoftenmingledmoreexpressionofdispleasurethantheinternalfeelingprompted。
Heknewthebarontobehotandcholeric，butatthesametimehospitableandgenerous;passionatelyfondofhisdaughter，oftenthwartingherinseeming，butalwaysyieldingtoherinfact。
TheearlyattachmentbetweenMatildaandtheEarlofHuntingdonhadgiventhebaronnoseriousreasontointerferewithherhabitsandpursuits，whichweresocongenialtothoseofherlover;
andnotbeingover-burdenedwithorthodoxy，thatistosay，notbeingseasonedwithmoreofthesaltofthespiritthanwasnecessarytopreservehimfromexcommunication，confiscation，andphilotheoparoptesism，[1]hewasnotsorrytoencouragehisdaughter’schoiceofherconfessorinbrotherMichael，whohadmorejollityandlesshypocrisythananyofhisfraternity，andwasverylittleanxioustodisguisehisloveofthegoodthingsofthisworldunderthesemblanceofasanctifiedexterior。
ThefriarandMatildahadoftensungduetstogether，andhadbeenaccustomedtothebaron’schiminginwithastormycapriccio，whichwasusuallycharmedintosilencebysomesuddenturninthewitchingmelodiesofMatilda。Theyhadthereforenaturallycalculated，asfarastheirwildspiritscalculatedatall，onthesameeffectsfromthesamecauses。Butthecircumstancesoftheprecedingdayhadmadeanessentialalterationinthecase。
Thebaronknewwell，fromtheintelligencehehadreceived，thattheearl’soffencewaspastremission：whichwouldhavebeenoflessmomentbutfortheawfulfactofhiscastlebeinginthepossessionoftheking’sforces，andinthosedayspossessionwasconsiderablymorethanelevenpointsofthelaw。
Thebaronwasthereforeconvincedthattheearl’soutlawrywasinfallible，andthatMatildamusteitherrenounceherlover，orbecomewithhimanoutlawandafugitive。
Inproportion，therefore，tothebaron’sknowledgeofthestrengthanddurationofherattachment，washisfearofthedifficultyofitseverbeingovercome：herloveoftheforestandthechase，whichhehadneverbeforediscouraged，nowpresenteditselftohimasmatterofseriousalarm;andifhercheerfulnessgavehimhopeontheonehandbyindicatingaspiritsuperiortoalldisappointments，itwassuspicioustohimontheother，asarisingfromsomelatentcertaintyofbeingsoonunitedtotheearl。AllthesecircumstancesconcurredtorendertheirsongsofthevanisheddeerandgreenwoodarcheryandYoicksandHarkaway，extremelymal-a-propos，andtomakehisangerboilandbubbleinthecauldronofhisspirit，tillitsmorethanordinaryexcitementburstforthwithsuddenimpulseintoactivemanifestation。
[1]RoastingbyaslowfirefortheloveofGod。
Butasitsometimeshappens，fromthemightOfrageinmindsthatcannofarthergo，AshighastheyhavemountedindespiteIntheirremissiondotheysinkaslow，Toourboldbarondidithappenso。[2]
[2]OftheselinesallthatisnotinitalicsbelongstoMr。Wordsworth：ResolutionandIndependence。
Forhisdiscobolicexploitprovedtheclimaxofhisrage，andwassucceededbyanimmediatesensethathehadpassedtheboundsoflegitimatepassion;andhesunkimmediatelyfromtheverypinnacleofoppositiontothelevelofimplicitacquiescence。
Thefriar’sspiritswerenottobemarredbysuchalittleincident。
Hewashalf-inclined，atfirst，toreturnthebaron’scompliment;
buthisloveofMatildacheckedhim;andwhenthebaronheldouthishand，thefriarseizeditcordially，andtheydrownedallrecollectionoftheaffairbypledgingeachotherinacupofcanary。
Thefriar，havingstayedlongenoughtoseeeverythingreplacedonafriendlyfooting，rose，andmovedtotakehisleave。
Matildatoldhimhemustcomeagainonthemorrow，forshehadaverylongconfessiontomaketohim。Thisthefriarpromisedtodo，anddepartedwiththeknight。
SirRalph，onreachingtheabbey，drewhisfollowerstogether，andledthemtoLocksleyCastle，whichhefoundinthepossessionofhislieutenant;
whomheagainlefttherewithasufficientforcetoholditinsafekeepingintheking’sname，andproceededtoLondontoreporttheresultsofhisenterprise。
NowHenryourroyalkingwasverywrothattheearl’sevasion，andsworebySaintThomas-a-Becket（whomhehadhimselftranslatedintoasaintbyhavinghimknockedonthehead），thathewouldgivethecastleandlandsofLocksleytothemanwhoshouldbringintheearl。Hereuponensuedaprocessofthoughtinthemindoftheknight。TheeyesofthefairhuntressofArlingfordhadleftawoundinhisheartwhichonlyshewhogavecouldheal。
Hehadseenthatthebaronwasnolongerverypartialtotheoutlawedearl，butthathestillretainedhisoldaffectionforthelandsandcastleofLocksley。Nowthelandsandcastlewereveryfairthingsinthemselves，andwouldbeprettyappurtenancestoanadventurousknight;buttheywouldbedoublyvaluableascertainpassportstothefather’sfavour，whichwasonesteptowardsthatofthedaughter，oratleasttowardsobtainingpossessionofhereitherquietlyorperforce;
fortheknightwasnotsoniceinhisloveastoconsiderthelady’sfreegraceasinequanon：andtothinkofbeing，byanymeanswhatever，thelordofLocksleyandArlingford，andthehusbandofthebewitchingMatilda，wastocutintheshadesoffuturityavistaverytemptingtoasoldieroffortune。
Hesetoutinhighspiritswithachosenbandoffollowers，andbeatupallthecountryfarandwidearoundboththeOuseandtheTrent;butfortunedidnotseemdisposedtosecondhisdiligence，fornovestigewhatevercouldhetraceoftheearl。
Hisfollowers，whowereonlypaidwiththewagesofhope，begantomurmurandfalloff;for，asthoseunenlighteneddayswereignorantofthehappyinventionofpapermachinery，bywhichonepromisetopayissatisfactorilypaidwithanotherpromisetopay，andthatagainwithanotherininfiniteseries，theywouldnot，astheirwiserposterityhasdone，takethosetendersfortruepaywhichwerenotsterling;
sothat，onefinemorning，theknightfoundhimselfsittingonapleasantbankoftheTrent，withonlyasolitarysquire，whostillclungtotheshadowofpreferment，becausehedidnotseeatthemomentanybetterchanceofthesubstance。
Theknightdidnotdespairbecauseofthedesertionofhisfollowers：
hewaswellawarethathecouldeasilyraiserecruitsifhecouldoncefindtraceofhisgame;he，therefore，rodeaboutindefatigablyoverhillanddale，tothegreatsharpeningofhisownappetiteandthatofhissquire，livinggallantlyfrominntoinnwhenhispursewasfull，andquarteringhimselfintheking’snameonthenearestghostlybrotherhoodwhenithappenedtobeempty。
Anautumnandawinterhadpassedaway，whenthecourseofhisperlustationsbroughthimoneeveningintoabeautifulsylvanvalley，wherehefoundanumberofyoungwomenweavinggarlandsofflowers，andsingingovertheirpleasantoccupation。Heapproachedthem，andcourteouslyinquiredthewaytothenearesttown。
"Thereisnotownwithinseveralmiles，"wastheanswer。
"Avillage，then，ifitbebutlargeenoughtofurnishaninn？"
"ThereisGamwelljustby，butthereisnoinnnearerthanthenearesttown。"
"Anabbey，then？"
"Thereisnoabbeynearerthanthenearestinn。"
"Ahousethen，oracottage，whereImayobtainhospitalityforthenight？"
"Hospitality！"saidoneoftheyoungwomen;"youhavenotfartoseekforthat。DoyounotknowthatyouareintheneighbourhoodofGamwell-Hall？"
"Sofarfromit，"saidtheknight，"thatIneverheardthenameofGamwell-Hallbefore。"
"NeverheardofGamwell-Hall？"exclaimedalltheyoungwomentogether，whocouldassoonhavedreamedofhisneverhavingheardofthesky。
"Indeed，no，"saidSirRalph;"butIshallbeveryhappytogetridofmyignorance。"
"AndsoshallI，"saidhissquire;"foritseemsthatinthiscaseknowledgewillforoncebeacureforhunger，wherewithI
amgrievouslyafflicted。"
"Andwhyareyousobusy，myprettydamsels，weavingthesegarlands？"
saidtheknight。
"Why，doyounotknow，sir，"saidoneoftheyoungwomen，"thatto-morrowisGamwellfeast？"
Theknightwasagainobliged，withallhumility，toconfesshisignorance。
"Oh！sir，"saidhisinformant，"thenyouwillhavesomethingtosee，thatIcantellyou;forweshallchooseaQueenoftheMay，andweshallcrownherwithflowers，andplaceherinachariotofflowers，anddrawitwithlinesofflowers，andweshallhangallthetreeswithflowers，andweshallstrewallthegroundwithflowers，andweshalldancewithflowers，andinflowers，andonflowers，andweshallbeallflowers。"
"Thatyouwill，"saidtheknight;"andthesweetestandbrightestofalltheflowersoftheMay，myprettydamsels。"
Onwhichalltheprettydamselssmiledathimandeachother。
"AndtherewillbeallsortsofMay-games，andtherewillbeprizesforarchery，andtherewillbetheknight’sale，andtheforesters’venison，andtherewillbeKitScrapesqueakwithhisfiddle，andlittleTomWhistlerapwithhisfifeandtabor，andSamTrumtwangwithhisharp，andPeterMuggledronewithhisbagpipe，andhowIshalldancewithWillWhitethorn！"
addedthegirl，clappingherhandsasshespoke，andboundingfromthegroundwiththepleasureoftheanticipation。
Atallathleticyoungmanapproached，towhomtherusticmaidenscourtesiedwithgreatrespect;andoneoftheminformedSirRalphthatitwasyoungMasterWilliamGamwell。Theyounggentlemaninvitedandconductedtheknighttothehall，whereheintroducedhimtotheoldknighthisfather，andtotheoldladyhismother，andtotheyoungladyhissister，andtoanumberofboldyeomen，whowerelayingsiegetobeef，brawn，andplumpiearoundaponderoustable，andtakingcopiousdraughtsofoldOctober。Amottowasinscribedovertheinteriordoor，——
EAT，DRINK，ANDBEMERRY：
aninjunctionwhichSirRalphandhissquireshowedremarkablealacrityinobeying。OldSirGuyofGamwellgaveSirRalphaverycordialwelcome，andentertainedhimduringsupperwithseveralofhisbeststories，enforcedwithanoccasionalslapontheback，andpointedwithapegintheribs;
aspeciesofvivaciouseloquenceinwhichthe;oldgentlemanexcelled，andwhichissupposedbymanyofthatpleasantvarietyofthehumanspectes，knownbythenameofchoicefellowsandcomicaldogs，tobethegenuinetangibleshapeofthecreamofagoodjoke。
CHAPTERVI
What！shallwehaveincision？shallweembrew？HenryIV。
OldSirGuyofGamwell，andyoungWilliamGamwell，andfairAliceGamwell，andSirRalphMontfauconandhissquire，rodetogetherthenextmorningtothesceneofthefeast。
Theyarrivedonavillagegreen，surroundedwithcottagespeepingfromamongthetreesbywhichthegreenwascompletelyencircled。
Thewholecirclewashungroundwithonecontinuousgarlandofflowers，dependinginirregularfestoonsfromthebranches。
InthecentreofthegreenwasaMay-polehiddeninboughsandgarlands;andamultitudeofround-facedbumpkinsandcherry-checkedlassesweredancingaroundit，tothequadruplemelodyofScrapesqueak，Whistlerap，Trumtwang，andMuggledrone：
harmonywemustnotcallit;for，thoughtheyhadagreedtoapartnershipinpointoftune，each，likeatruepainstakingman，seemeddeterminedtohavehistimetohimself：Muggledroneplayedallegretto，Trumtwangallegro，Whistlerappresto，andScrapesqueakprestissimo。
Therewasakindofmathematicalproportionintheirdiscrepancy：
whileMuggledroneplayedthetunefourtimes，Trumtwangplayeditfive，Whistlerapsix，andScrapesqueakeight;forthelattercompletelydistancedallhiscompetitors，andindeedworkedhiselbowsonimblythatitsoutlinewasscarcelydistinguishablethroughthemistinessofitsrapidvibration。
Whiletheknightwasdelightinghiseyesandearswiththesepleasantsightsandsounds，alleyeswereturnedinonedirection;
andSirRalph，lookinground，sawafairladyingreenandgoldcomeridingthroughthetrees，accompaniedbyaportlyfriaringrey，andseveralfairdamselsandgallantgrooms。
Ontheirnearerapproach，herecognisedtheladyMatildaandherghostlyadviser，brotherMichael。Apartyofforestersarrivedfromanotherdirection，andthenensuedcordialinterchangesofgreeting，andcollisionsofhandsandlips，amongtheGamwellsandthenew-comers，——"Howdoesmyfaircoz，Mawd？"and"Howdoesmysweetcoz，Mawd？"and"Howdoesmywildcoz，Mawd？"And"Eh！
jollyfriar，yourhand，oldboy："and"Here，honestfriar："
and"Tome，merryfriar："and"Byyourfavour，mistressAlice："
and"Hey！cousinRobin："and"Hey！cousinWill："
and"Od’slife！merrySirGuy，yougrowyoungereveryyear，"——
astheoldknightshookthemallinturnwithonehand，andslappedthemonthebackwiththeother，intokenofhisaffection。
Anumberofyoungmenandwomenadvanced，somedrawing，andothersdancinground，afloralcar;andhavingplacedacrownofflowersonMatilda’shead，theysalutedherQueenoftheMay，anddrewhertotheplaceappointedfortheruralsports。
Ahogsheadofalewasabroachunderanoak，andafirewasblazinginanopenspacebeforethetreestoroastthefatdeerwhichtheforestersbrought。Thesportscommenced;and，afteranagreeableseriesofbowling，coiling，pitching，hurling，racing，leaping，grinning，wrestlingorfriendlydislocationofjoints，andcudgel-playingoramicablecrackingofskulls，thetrialofarcheryensued。
TheconquerorwastoberewardedwithagoldenarrowfromthehandoftheQueenoftheMay，whowastobehispartnerinthedancetillthecloseofthefeast。Thisstimulatedtheknight’semulation：
youngGamwellsuppliedhimwithabowandarrow，andhetookhisstationamongtheforesters，buthadthemortificationtobeout-shotbythemall，andtoseeoneofthemlodgethepointofhisarrowinthegoldenringofthecentre，andreceivetheprizefromthehandofthebeautifulMatilda，whosmiledonhimwithparticulargrace。
Thejealousknightscrutinisedthesuccessfulchampionwithgreatattention，andsurelythoughthehadseenthatfacebefore。
Inthemeantimetheforesterledtheladytothestation。
ThelucklessSirRalphdrankdeepdraughtsoflovefromthematchlessgraceofherattitudes，as，takingthebowinherlefthand，andadjustingthearrowwithherright，advancingherleftfoot，andgentlycurvingherbeautifulfigurewithaslightmotionofherheadthatwavedherblackfeathersandherringletedhair，shedrewthearrowtoitshead，andlooseditfromheropenfingers。Thearrowstruckwithintheringofgold，soclosetothatofthevictoriousforesterthatthepointswereincontact，andthefeatherswereintermingled。
Greatacclamationssucceeded，andtheforesterledMatildatothedance。
SirRalphgazedonherfascinatingmotionstillthetormentsofbaffledloveandjealousragebecameunendurable;andapproachingyoungGamwell，heaskedhimifheknewthenameofthatforesterwhowasleadingthedancewiththeQueenoftheMay？
"Robin，Ibelieve，"saidyoungGamwellcarelessly;"IthinktheycallhimRobin。"
"Isthatallyouknowofhim？"saidSirRalph。
"WhatmoreshouldIknowofhim？"saidyoungGamwell。
"ThenIcantellyou，"saidSirRalph，"heistheoutlawedEarlofHuntingdon，onwhoseheadissetsolargeaprice。"
"Ay，ishe？"saidyoungGamwell，inthesamecarelessmanner。
"Hewereaprizeworththetaking，"saidSirRalph。
"Nodoubt，"saidyoungGamwell。
"Howthinkyou？"saidSirRalph："aretheforestershisadherents？"
"Icannotsay，"saidyoungGamwell。
"Isyourpeasantryloyalandwell-disposed？"saidSirRalph。
"Passingloyal，"saidyoungGamwell。
"IfIshouldcallonthemintheking’sname，"saidSirRalph，"thinkyoutheywouldaidandassist？"
"Mostlikelytheywould，"saidyoungGamwell，"onesideortheother。"
"Ay，butwhichside？"saidtheknight。
"Thatremainstobetried，"saidyoungGamwell。
"IhaveKingHenry’scommission，"saidtheknight，"toapprehendthisearlthatwas。Howwouldyouadvisemetoact，being，asyousee，withoutattendantforce？"
"Iwouldadviseyou，"saidyoungGamwell，"totakeyourselfoffwithoutdelay，unlessyouwouldrelishthetasteofavolleyofarrows，ashowerofstones，andahailstormofcudgel-blows，whichwouldnotbeturnedasidebyaGodsaveKingHenry。"
SirRalph’ssquirenosoonerheardthis，andsawbythelooksofthespeakerthathewasnotlikelytoproveafalseprophet，thanheclappedspurstohishorseandgallopedoffwithmightandmain。Thisgavetheknightagoodexcusetopursuehim，whichhedidwithgreatcelerity，calling，"Stop，yourascal。"
Whenthesquirefanciedhimselfsafeoutofthereachofpursuit，hecheckedhisspeed，andallowedtheknighttocomeupwithhim。
Theyrodeonseveralmilesinsilence，tilltheydiscoveredthetowersandspiresofNottingham，wheretheknightintroducedhimselftothesheriff，anddemandedanarmedforcetoassistintheapprehensionoftheoutlawedEarlofHuntingdon。Thesheriff，whowaswillingtohavehisshareoftheprize，determinedtoaccompanytheknightinperson，andregaledhimandhismanwithgoodstoreofthebest;afterwhich，they，withastoutretinueoffiftymen，tookthewaytoGamwellfeast。
"God’smylife，"saidthesheriff，astheyrodealong，"Ihadasliefyouwouldtellmeofaserviceofplate。
Imuchdoubtifthisoutlawedearl，thisforesterRobin，benotthemantheycallRobinHood，whohasquarteredhimselfinSherwoodForest，andwhominendeavouringtoapprehendIhavefallendiverstimesintodisasters。
Hehasgottentogetherabandofdisinheritedprodigals，outlaweddebtors，excommunicatedheretics，eldersonsthathavespentalltheyhad，andyoungersonsthatneverhadanythingtospend;andwiththesehekillstheking’sdeer，andplunderswealthytravellersoffive-sixthsoftheirmoney;
butiftheybeabbotsorbishops，themhedespoilsutterly。"
ThesheriffthenproceededtorelatetohiscompaniontheadventureoftheabbotofDoubleflask（whichsomegravehistorianshaverelatedoftheabbotofSaintMary’s，andothersofthebishopofHereford）：howtheabbot，returningtohisabbeyincompanywithhishighselerer，whocarriedinhisportmanteautherentsoftheabbey-lands，andwithanumeroustrainofattendants，cameuponfourseemingpeasants，whowereroastingtheking’svenisonbytheking’shighway：how，injustindignationatthisflagrantinfringementoftheforestlaws，heaskedthemwhattheymeant，andtheyansweredthattheymeanttodine：
howheorderedthemtobeseizedandbound，andledcaptivetoNottingham，thattheymightknowwild-fleshtohavebeendestinedbyProvidenceforlicensedandprivilegedappetites，andnotforthebasehungerofunqualifiedknaves：howtheyprayedformercy，andhowtheabbotsworebySaintCharitythathewouldshowthemnone：
howoneofthemthereupondrewabuglehornfromunderhissmock-frockandblewthreeblasts，onwhichtheabbotandhistrainwereinstantlysurroundedbysixtybowmeningreen：
howtheytiedhimtoatree，andmadehimsaymassfortheirsins：
howtheyunboundhim，andsatehimdownwiththemtodinner，andgavehimvenisonandwild-fowlandwine，andmadehimpayforhisfareallthemoneyinhishighselerer’sportmanteau，andenforcedhimtosleepallnightunderatreeinhiscloak，andtoleavethecloakbehindhiminthemorning：howtheabbot，lightinpocketandheavyinheart，raisedthecountryuponRobinHood，forsohehadheardthechiefforestercalledbyhismen，andhuntedhimintoanoldwoman’scottage：
howRobinchangeddresseswiththeoldwoman，andhowtheabbotrodeingreattriumphtoNottingham，havingincustodyanoldwomaninagreendoubletandbreeches：howtheoldwomandiscoveredherself：
howthemerrymenofNottinghamlaughedattheabbot：
howtheabbotrailedattheoldwoman，andhowtheoldwomanout-railedtheabbot，tellinghimthatRobinhadgivenherfoodandfirethroughthewinter，whichnoabbotwouldeverdo，butwouldrathertakeitfromherforwhathecalledthegoodofthechurch，bywhichhemeanthisownlazinessandgluttony;
andthatsheknewatruemanfromafalsethief，andafreeforesterfromagreedyabbot。
"Thusyousee，"addedthesheriff，"howthisvillainpervertsthedeludedpeoplebymakingthembelievethatthosewhotitheandtolluponthemfortheirspiritualandtemporalbenefitarenottheirbestfriendsandfatherlyguardians;forheholdsthatingivingtoboorsandoldwomenwhathetakesfrompriestsandpeers，hedoesbutrestoretotheformerwhatthelatterhadtakenfromthem;
andthistheimpudentvarletcallsdistributivejustice。
Judgenowifanyloyalsubjectcanbesafeinsuchneighbourhood。"
Whilethesheriffwasthusenlighteninghiscompanionconcerningtheoffenders，andwhettinghisownindignationagainstthem，thesunwasfastsinkingtothewest。Theyrodeontilltheycameinviewofabridge，whichtheysawapartyapproachingfromtheoppositeside，andtheknightpresentlydiscoveredthatthepartyconsistedoftheladyMatildaandfriarMichael，youngGamwell，cousinRobin，andabouthalf-a-dozenforesters。
Theknightpointedouttheearltothesheriff，whoexclaimed，"Here，then，wehavehimaneasyprey;"andtheyrodeonmanfullytowardsthebridge，onwhichtheotherpartymadehalt。
"Whobethese，"saidthefriar，"thatcomeridingsofastthisway？
Now，asGodshalljudgeme，itisthatfalseknightSirRalphMontfaucon，andthesheriffofNottingham，withaposseofmen。Wemustmakegoodourpost，andletthemdislodgeusiftheymay。"
Thetwopartieswerenownearenoughtoparley;andthesheriffandtheknight，advancinginthefrontofthecavalcade，calledonthelady，thefriar，youngGamwell，andtheforesters，todeliverupthatfalse-traitor，Robert，formerlyEarlofHuntingdon。Roberthimselfmadeanswerbylettingflyanarrowthatstruckthegroundbetweentheforefeetofthesheriff’shorse。Thehorserearedupfromthewhizzing，andlodgedthesheriffinthedust;and，atthesametime，thefairMatildafavouredtheknightwithanarrowinhisrightarm，thatcompelledhimtowithdrawfromtheaffray。
Hismenliftedthesheriffcarefullyup，andreplacedhimonhishorse，whomheimmediatelywithgreatrageandzealurgedontotheassaultwithhisfiftymenathisheels，someofwhomwereinterceptedintheiradvancebythearrowsoftheforestersandMatilda;whilethefriar，withaneight-footstaff，dislodgedthesheriffasecondtime，andlaidonhimwithallthevigourofthechurchmilitantonearth，inspiteofhisejaculationsof"Hey，friarMichael！Whatmeansthis，honestfriar？
Hold，ghostlyfriar！Hold，holyfriar！"——tillMatildainterposed，anddeliveredthebatteredsherifftothecareoftheforesters。
Thefriarcontinuedflourishinghisstaffamongthesheriff’smen，knockingdownone，breakingtheribsofanother，dislocatingtheshoulderofathird，flatteningthenoseofafourth，crackingtheskullofafifth，andpitchingasixthintotheriver，tillthefew，whowereluckyenoughtoescapewithwholebones，clappedspurstotheirhorsesandfledfortheirlives，underafarewellvolleyofarrows。
SirRalph’ssquire，meanwhile，wasgladoftheexcuseofattendinghismaster’swoundtoabsenthimselffromthebattle;
andputthepoorknighttoagreatdealofunnecessarypainbymakingaslongabusinessaspossibleofextractingthearrow，whichhehadnotaccomplishedwhenMatilda，approaching，extracteditwithgreatfacility，andboundupthewoundwithherscarf，saying，"Ireclaimmyarrow，sirknight，whichstruckwhereI
aimedit，toadmonishyoutodesistfromyourenterprise。
Icouldaseasilyhavelodgeditinyourheart。"
"Itdidnotneed，"saidtheknight，withruefulgallantry;
"youhavelodgedonetherealready。"
"Ifyoumeantosaythatyouloveme，"saidMatilda，"itismorethanI
evershallyou：butifyouwillshowyourlovebynofurtherinterferingwithmine，youwillatleastmeritmygratitude。"
Theknightmadeawryfaceunderthedoublepainofheartandbodycausedatthesamemomentbythematerialormartial，andthemetaphoricaloreroticarrow，ofwhichthelatterwasthusbarbedbyadeclarationmorecandidthanflattering;buthedidnotchoosetoputinanysuchclaimtothelady’sgratitudeaswouldbarallhopesofherlove：
hethereforeremainedsilent;andtheladyandherescort，leavinghimandthesherifftothecareofthesquire，rodeontilltheycameinsightofArlingfordCastle，whentheypartedinseveraldirections。
Thefriarrodeoffalone;andaftertheforestershadlostsightofhimtheyheardhisvoicethroughthetwilight，singing，——
Astaff，astaff，ofayoungoakgraff，Thatisbothstoureandstiff，IsallagoodfriarcanneedsdesireToshriveaproudsheriffe。
Andthou，finefellowe，whohasttastedsoOftheforester’sgreenwoodgame，WiltbeinnohastethytimetowasteInseekingmoretasteofthesame：
OrthiscanIreadthee，andriddletheewell，Thouhadstbetterbyfarbethedevilinhell，ThanthesheriffofNottinghame。
CHAPTERVII
Now，mastersheriff，what’syourwillwithme？HenryIV。
Matildahadcarriedherpointwiththebaronofrangingatlibertywhithersoevershewould，underherpositivepromisetoreturnhome;
shewasasortofprisoneronparole：shehadobtainedthisindulgencebymeansofanobsoletehabitofalwaystellingthetruthandkeepingherword，whichourenlightenedagehasdiscardedwithotherbarbarisms，butwhichhadtheeffectofgivingherfathersomuchconfidenceinher，thathecouldnothelpconsideringherwordabettersecuritythanlocksandbars。
ThebaronhadbeenoneofthelasttohearoftherumoursofthenewoutlawsofSherwood，asMatildahadtakenallpossibleprecautionstokeepthoserumoursfromhisknowledge，fearingthattheymightcausetheinterruptionofhergreenwoodliberty;
anditwasonlyduringherabsenceatGamwellfeast，thatthebutler，beingthrownoffhisguardbyliquor，forgotherinjunctions，andregaledthebaronwithalongstoryoftherightmerryadventureofRobinHoodandtheabbotofDoubleflask。
Thebaronwasonemorning，asusual，cuttinghiswayvalorouslythrougharampartofcoldprovision，whenhisearsweresuddenlyassailedbyatremendousalarum，andsallyingforth，andlookingfromhiscastlewall，heperceivedalargepartyofarmedmenontheothersideofthemoat，whowerecallingonthewarderintheking’snametolowerthedrawbridgeandraisetheportcullis，whichhadbothbeensecuredbyMatilda’sorder。
Thebaronwalkedalongthebattlementtillhecameoppositetotheseunexpectedvisitors，who，assoonastheysawhim，calledout，"Lowerthedrawbridge，intheking’sname。"
"Forwhat，inthedevil’sname？"saidthebaron。
"ThesheriffofNottingham，"saidone，"liesinbedgrievouslybruised，andmanyofhismenarewounded，andseveralofthemslain;
andSirRalphMontfaucon，knight，issorewoundedinthearm;
andwearechargedtoapprehendWilliamGamwelltheyounger，ofGamwellHall，andfatherMichaelofRubygillAbbey，andMatildaFitzwaterofArlingfordCastle，asagentsandaccomplicesinthesaidbreachoftheking’speace。"
"Breachoftheking’sfiddlestick！"answeredthebaron。
"Whatdoyoumeanbycomingherewithyourcockandbull，storiesofmydaughtergrievouslybruisingthesheriffofNottingham？Youareasetofvagabondrascalsindisguise;andIhear，bythebye，thereisagangofthievesthathasjustsetupbusinessinSherwoodForest：
aprettypresence，indeed，togetintomycastlewithforceandarms，andmakeafamineinmybuttery，andadroughtinmycellar，andavoidinmystrongbox，andavacuuminmysilverscullery。"
"LordFitzwater，"criedone，"takeheedhowyouresistlawfulauthority：
wewillproveourselves————"
"Youwillproveyourselvesarrantknaves，Idoubtnot，"answeredthebaron;
"but，villains，youshallbemoregrievouslybruisedbymethaneverwasthesheriffbymydaughter（aprettytaletruly！），ifyoudonotforthwithavoidmyterritory。"
Bythistimethebaron’smenhadflockedtothebattlements，withlong-bowsandcross-bows，slingsandstones，andMatildawithherbowandquiverattheirhead。
Theassailants，findingthecastlesowelldefended，deemeditexpedienttowithdrawtilltheycouldreturningreaterforce，androdeofftoRubygillAbbey，wheretheymadeknowntheirerrandtothefatherabbot，who，havingsatisfiedhimselfoftheirlegitimacy，andconnedovertheallegations，saidthatdoubtlessbrotherMichaelhadheinouslyoffended;
butitwasnotforthecivillawtotakecognizanceofthemisdoingsofaholyfriar;thathewouldsummonachapterofmonks，andpassontheoffenderasentenceproportionatetohisoffence。
Theministersofciviljusticesaidthatwouldnotdo。
Theabbotsaiditwoulddoandshould;andbadethemnotprovokethemeeknessofhiscatholiccharitytolaythemunderthecurseofRome。Thisthreathaditseffect，andthepartyrodeofftoGamwell-Hall，wheretheyfoundtheGamwellsandtheirmenjustsittingdowntodinner，whichtheysavedthemthetroubleofeatingbyconsumingitintheking’snamethemselves，havingfirstseizedandboundyoungGamwell;
allwhichtheyaccomplishedbydintofsuperiornumbers，indespiteofamostvigorousstandmadebytheGamwellitesindefenceoftheiryoungmasterandtheirprovisions。
Thebaron，meanwhile，aftertheministersofjusticehaddeparted，interrogatedMatildaconcerningtheallegedfactofthegrievousbruisingofthesheriffofNottingham。MatildatoldhimthewholehistoryofGamwellfeast，andoftheirbattleonthebridge，whichhaditsorigininadesignofthesheriffofNottinghamtotakeoneoftheforestersintocustody。
"Ay！ay！"saidthebaron，"andIguesswhothatforesterwas;
buttrulythisfriarisadesperatefellow。Ididnotthinktherecouldhavebeensomuchvalourunderagreyfrock。
Andsoyouwoundedtheknightinthearm。Youareawildgirl，Mawd，——achipoftheoldblock，Mawd。Awildgirl，andawildfriar，andthreeorfourforesters，wildladsall，tokeepabridgeagainstatameknight，andatamesheriff，andfiftytamevarlets;bythislight，thelikewasneverheard！
Butdoyouknow，Mawd，youmustnotgoaboutsoanymore，sweetMawd：youmuststayathome，youmustensconce;
forthereisyourtamesheriffontheonehand，thatwilltakeyouperforce;andthereisyourwildforesterontheotherhand，thatwilltakeyouwithoutanyforceatall，Mawd：yourwildforester，Robin，cousinRobin，RobinHoodofSherwoodForest，thatbeatsandbindsbishops，spreadsnetsforarchbishops，andhuntsafatabbotasifhewereabuck：excellentgame，nodoubt，butyoumusthuntnomoreinsuchcompany。Iseeitnow：
trulyImighthaveguessedbeforethattheboldoutlawRobin，themostcourteousRobin，thenewthiefofSherwoodForest，wasyourlover，theearlthathasbeen：Imighthaveguesseditbefore，andwhatledyousomuchtothewoods;butyouhuntnomoreinsuchcompany。NomoreMaygamesandGamwellfeasts。
Mylandsandcastlewouldbetheforfeitofafewmoresuchpranks;
andIthinktheyareaswellinmyhandsastheking’s，quiteaswell。"
"Youknow，father，"saidMatilda，"theconditionofkeepingmeathome：
IgetoutifIcan，andnotonparole。"
"Ay！ay！"saidthebaron，"ifyoucan;verytrue：
watchandward，Mawd，watchandwardismyword：ifyoucan，isyours。Themarkisset，andsostartfair。"
Thebaronwouldhavegoneoninthiswayforanhour;butthefriarmadehisappearancewithalongoakstaffinhishand，singing，——
Drinkandsing，andeatandlaugh，Andsogoforthtobattle：
ForthetopofaskullandtheendofastaffDomakeaghostlyrattle。
"Ho！ho！friar！"saidthebaron——"singingfriar，laughingfriar，roaringfriar，fightingfriar，hackingfriar，thwackingfriar;cracking，cracking，crackingfriar;
joke-cracking，bottle-cracking，skull-crackingfriar！"
"Andho！ho！"saidthefriar，——"boldbaron，oldbaron，sturdybaron，wordybaron，longbaron，strongbaron，mightybaron，flightybaron，mazedbaron，crazedbaron，hackedbaron，thwackedbaron;cracked，cracked，crackedbaron;
bone-cracked，sconce-cracked，brain-crackedbaron！"
"Whatdoyoumean，"saidthebaron，"bullyfriar，bycallingmehackedandthwacked？"
"Wereyounotinthewars？"saidthefriar，"wherehewhoescapesuntrackeddoesmorecredittohisheelsthanhisarms。
Ipaytributetoyourvalourincallingyouhackedandthwacked。"
"Ineverwasthwackedinmylife，"saidthebaron;"Istoodmygroundmanfully，andcoveredmybodywithmysword。
IfIhadhadthelucktomeetwithafightingfriarindeed，Imighthavebeenthwacked，andsoundlytoo;butIholdmyselfamatchforanytwolaymen;ittakesninefightinglaymentomakeafightingfriar。"
"Whencecomeyounow，holyfather？"askedMatilda。
"FromRubygillAbbey，"saidthefriar，"whitherIneverreturn：
ForImustseeksomehermitcell，WhereIalonemybeadsmaytell，AndonthewightwhothatwayfaresLevyatollformyghostlypray’rs，Levyatoll，levyatoll，Levyatollformyghostlypray’rs。"
"Whatisthematterthen，father？"saidMatilda。
"Thisisthematter，"saidthefriar："myholybrethrenhaveheldachapteronme，andsentencedmetosevenyears’privationofwine。
Ithereforedeemeditfittingtotakemydeparture，whichtheywouldfainhaveprohibited。Iwasenforcedtoclearthewaywithmystaff。
Ihavegrievouslybeatenmydearlybelovedbrethren：Igrievethereat;
buttheyenforcedmethereto。Ihavebeatenthemmuch;Imowedthemdowntotherightandtotheleft，andleftthemlikeanill-reapedfieldofwheat，earandstrawpointingallways，scatteredinsinglenessandjumbledinmasses;andsobadethemfarewell，saying，Peacebewithyou。
ButImustnottarry，lestdangerbeinmyrear：therefore，farewell，sweetMatilda;andfarewell，noblebaron;andfarewell，sweetMatildaagain，thealphaandomegaoffatherMichael，thefirstandthelast。"
"Farewell，father，"saidthebaron，alittlesoftened;
"andGodsendyoubeneverassailedbymorethanfiftymenatatime。"
"Amen，"saidthefriar，"tothatgoodwish。"
"Andweshallmeetagain，father，Itrust，"saidMatilda。
"Whenthestormisblownover，"saidthebaron。
"Doubtitnot，"saidthefriar，"thoughfloodedTrentwerebetweenus，andfiftydevilsguardedthebridge。"
HekissedMatilda’sforehead，andwalkedawaywithoutasong。
CHAPTERVIII
Letgallowsgapefordog：letmangofree。HenryV。
ApagehadbeenbroughtupinGamwell-Hall，who，whilehewaslittle，hadbeencalledLittleJohn，andcontinuedtobesocalledafterhehadgrowntobeafoottallerthananyothermaninthehouse。
Hewasfullsevenfeethigh。Hislatitudewasworthyofhislongitude，andhisstrengthwasworthyofboth;andthoughanhonestmanbyprofession，hehadpracticedarcheryontheking’sdeerforthebenefitofhismaster’shousehold，andfortheimprovementofhisowneyeandhand，tillhisaimhadbecomeinfalliblewithintherangeoftwomiles。
Hehadfoughtmanfullyindefenceofhisyoungmaster，tookhiscaptivityexceedinglytoheart，andfellintobittergriefandboundlessragewhenheheardthathehadbeentriedinNottinghamandsentencedtodie。
AliceGamwell，atLittleJohn’srequest，wrotethreelettersofonetenour;
andLittleJohn，havingattachedthemtothreebluntarrows，saddledthefleeteststeedinoldSirGuyofGamwell’sstables，mounted，androdefirsttoArlingfordCastle，whereheshotoneofthethreearrowsoverthebattlements;
thentoRubygillAbbey，whereheshotthesecondintotheabbey-garden;
thenbackpastGamwell-HalltothebordersofSherwoodForest，whereheshotthethirdintothewood。NowthefirstofthesearrowslightedinthenapeoftheneckofLordFitzwater，andlodgeditselffirmlybetweenhisskinandhiscollar;thesecondreboundedwiththehollowvibrationofadrumstickfromtheshavensconceoftheabbotofRubygill;
andthethirdpitchedperpendicularlyintothecentreofavenisonpastyinwhichRobinHoodwasmakingincision。
MatildaranuptoherfatherinthecourtofArlingfordCastle，seizedthearrow，drewofftheletter，andconcealeditinherbosombeforethebaronhadtimetolookround，whichhedidwithmanyexpressionsofrageagainsttheimpudentvillainwhohadshotabluntarrowintothenapeofhisneck。
"Butyouknow，father，"saidMatilda，"asharparrowinthesameplacewouldhavekilledyou;thereforethesendingabluntonewasveryconsiderate。"
"Considerate，withavengeance！"saidthebaron。
"Wherewastheconsiderationofsendingitatall？
Thisissomeofyourforester’spranks。Hehasmissedyouintheforest，sinceIhavekeptwatchandwardoveryou，andbywayofalove-tokenandaremembrancetoyoutakesarandomshotatme。"
TheabbotofRubygillpickedupthemissile-missiveormessengerarrow，whichhadreboundedfromhisshavencrown，withaveryunghostlymaledictiononthesender，whichhesuddenlycheckedwithapiousandconsolatoryreflectiononthegoodnessofProvidenceinhavingblessedhimwithsuchathicknessofskull，towhichhewasnowindebtedfortemporalpreservation，ashehadbeforebeenforspiritualpromotion。
Heopenedtheletter，whichwasaddressedtofatherMichael;
andfoundittocontainanintimationthatWilliamGamwellwastobehangedonMondayatNottingham。
"AndIwish，"saidtheabbot，"fatherMichaelweretobehangedwithhim：
anungratefulmonster，afterIhadrescuedhimfromthefangsofciviljustice，torewardmylenitybynotleavingaboneunbruisedamongtheholybrotherhoodofRubygill。"
RobinHoodextractedfromhisvenisonpastyasimilarintimationoftheevildestinyofhiscousin，whomhedetermined，ifpossible，torescuefromthejawsofCerberus。
ThesheriffofNottingham，thoughstillsorewithhisbruises，wassointentonrevenge，thatheraisedhimselffromhisbedtoattendtheexecutionofWilliamGamwell。HerodetotheauguststructureofretributiveThemis，astheFrenchcallagallows，inalltheprideandpompofshrievalty，andwithasplendidretinueofwell-equippedknavesandvarlets，asourancestorscalledhonestserving-men。
YoungGamwellwasbroughtforthwithhisarmspinionedbehindhim;
hissisterAliceandhisfather，SirGuy，attendinghimindisconsolatemood。
Hehadrejectedtheconfessorprovidedbythesheriff，andhadinsistedontheprivilegeofchoosinghisown，whomLittleJohnhadpromisedtobring。
LittleJohn，however，hadnotmadehisappearancewhenthefatalprocessionbeganitsmarch;butwhentheyreachedtheplaceofexecution，LittleJohnappeared，accompaniedbyaghostlyfriar。
"Sheriff，"saidyoungGamwell，"letmenotdiewithmyhandspinioned：
givemeasword，andsetanyoddsofyourmenagainstme，andletmediethedeathofaman，likethedescendantofanoblehouse，whichhasneveryetbeenstainedwithignominy。"
"No，no，"saidthesheriff;"Ihavehadenoughofsettingoddsagainstyou。
Ihaveswornyoushallbehanged，andhangedyoushallbe。"
"ThenGodhavemercyonme，"saidyoungGamwell;"andnow，holyfriar，shrivemysinfulsoul。"
Thefriarapproached。
"Letmeseethisfriar，"saidthesheriff："ifhebethefriarofthebridge，IhadasliefhavethedevilinNottingham;
butheshallfindmetoomuchforhimhere。"
"Thefriarofthebridge，"saidLittleJohn，"asyouverywellknow，sheriff，wasfatherMichaelofRubygillAbbey，andyoumayeasilyseethatthisisnottheman。"
"Iseeit，"saidthesheriff;"andGodbethankedforhisabsence。"
YoungGamwellstoodatthefootoftheladder。Thefriarapproachedhim，openedhisbook，groaned，turnedupthewhitesofhiseyes，tosseduphisarmsintheair，andsaid"Dominusvobiscum。"
Hethencrossedbothhishandsonhisbreastunderthefoldsofhisholyrobes，andstoodafewmomentsasifininwardprayer。
Adeepsilenceamongtheattendantcrowdaccompaniedthisactionofthefriar;interruptedonlybythehollowtoneofthedeath-bell，atlonganddrearyintervals。Suddenlythefriarthrewoffhisholyrobes，andappearedaforesterclothedingreen，withaswordinhisrighthandandahorninhisleft。
WiththeswordhecutthebondsofWilliamGamwell，whoinstantlysnatchedaswordfromoneofthesheriff’smen;andwiththehornheblewaloudblast，whichwasansweredatoncebyfourbuglesfromthequartersofthefourwinds，andfromeachquartercamefive-and-twentybowmenrunningallonarow。
"Treason！treason！"criedthesheriff。OldSirGuysprangtohisson’sside，andsodidLittleJohn;andthefoursettingbacktoback，keptthesheriffandhismenatbaytillthebowmencamewithinshotandletflytheirarrowsamongthesheriff’smen，who，afterabriefresistance，fledinalldirections。Theforester，whohadpersonatedthefriar，sentanarrowaftertheflyingsheriff，callingwithastrongvoice，"Tothesheriff’sleftarm，asakeepsakefromRobinHood。"Thearrowreacheditsdestiny;
thesheriffredoubledhisspeed，and，withtheonearrowinhisarm，didnotstoptobreathetillhewasoutofreachofanother。
TheforestersdidnotwastetimeinNottingham，butweresoonatadistancefromitswalls。SirGuyreturnedwithAlicetoGamwell-Hall;butthinkingheshouldnotbesafethere，fromthesharehehadhadinhisson’srescue，theyonlyremainedlongenoughtosupplythemselveswithclothesandmoney，anddeparted，undertheescortofLittleJohn，toanotherseatoftheGamwellsinYorkshire。YoungGamwell，takingitforgrantedthathisoffencewaspastremission，determinedonjoiningRobinHood，andaccompaniedhimtotheforest，whereitwasdeemedexpedientthatheshouldchangehisname;
andhewasrechristenedwithoutapriest，andwithwineinsteadofwater，bytheimmortalnameofScarlet。
CHAPTERIX
Whosetmymani’thestocks？————
Isethimthere，SirbuthisowndisordersDeservedmuchlessadvancement。——Lear。
ThebaronwasinflexibleinhisresolutionnottoletMatildaleavethecastle。Theletter，whichannouncedtohertheapproachingfateofyoungGamwell，filledherwithgrief，andincreasedtheirksomenessofaprivationwhichalreadypreyedsufficientlyonherspirits，andbegantoundermineherhealth。ShehadnolongertheconsolationofthesocietyofheroldfriendfatherMichael：
thelittlefatfriarofRubygillwassubstitutedasthecastleconfessor，notwithoutsomemisgivingsinhisghostlybosom;buthewasmorealluredbythesweetsavourofthegoodthingsofthisworldatArlingfordCastle，thandeterredbyhisaweoftheladyMatilda，whichneverthelesswassoexcessive，fromhisrecollectionofthetwangofthebow-string，thatheneverventuredtofindherinthewrong，muchlesstoenjoinanythingintheshapeofpenance，aswastheoccasionalpracticeofholyconfessors，withorwithoutcause，forthesakeofpiousdiscipline，andwhatwasinthosedayscalledsocialorder，namely，thepreservationoftheprivilegesofthefewwhohappenedtohaveany，attheexpenseoftheswinishmultitudewhohappenedtohavenone，exceptthatofworkingandbeingshotatforthebenefitoftheirbetters，whichisobviouslynotthemeaningofsocialorderinourmoreenlightenedtimes：
letusthereforebegratefultoProvidence，andsingTeDeumlaudamusinchoruswiththeHolyAlliance。
Thelittlefriar，however，thoughhefoundtheladyspotless，foundthebutleragreatsinner：atleastsoitwasconjectured，fromthelengthoftimehealwaystooktoconfesshiminthebuttery。
Matildabecameeverydaymorepaleanddejected：herspirit，whichcouldhavecontendedagainstanystrenuousaffliction，pinedinthemonotonousinactiontowhichshewascondemned。
Whileshecouldfreelyrangetheforestwithherloverinthemorning，shehadbeencontenttoreturntoherfather’scastleintheevening，thuspreservingunderangedthebalanceofherduties，habits，andaffections;notwithoutahopethattherepealofherlover’soutlawrymightbeeventuallyobtained，byajudiciousdistributionofsomeofhisforestspoilsamongtheholyfathersandsaintsthat-were-to-be，——piousproficientsintheecclesiasticartequestrian，whorodetheconscienceofKingHenrywithdouble-curbbridles，andkeptitwellinhandwhenitshowedmettleandseemedinclinedtorearandplunge。
ButtheaffairatGamwellfeastthrewmanyadditionaldifficultiesinthewayoftheaccomplishmentofthishope;
andveryshortlyafterwardsKingHenrytheSecondwenttomakeupinthenextworldhisquarrelwithThomas-a-Becket;
andRichardCoeurdeLionmadeallEnglandresoundwithpreparationsforthecrusade，tothegreatdelightofmanyzealousadventurers，whoeagerlyflockedunderhisbannerinthehopeofenrichingthemselveswithSaracenspoil，whichtheycalledfightingthebattlesofGod。Richard，whowasnotremarkablyscrupulousinhisfinancialoperations，wasnotlikelytooverlookthelandsandcastleofLocksley，whichheappropriatedimmediatelytohisownpurposes，andsoldtothehighestbidder。Now，astherepealoftheoutlawrywouldinvolvetherestitutionoftheestatestotherightfulowner，itwasobviousthatitcouldneverbeexpectedfromthatmostlegitimateandmostChristianking，RichardtheFirstofEngland，thearch-crusaderandanti-jacobinbyexcellence，——
theverytype，flower，cream，pink，symbol，andmirrorofalltheHolyAlliancesthathaveeverexistedonearth，exceptingthatheseasonedhissuperstitionandloveofconquestwithacertaincondimentofromanticgenerosityandchivalrousself-devotion，withwhichhisimitatorsinallotherpointshavefounditconvenienttodispense。
Togivefreelytoonemanwhathehadtakenforciblyfromanother，wasgenerosityofwhichhewasverycapable;buttorestorewhathehadtakentothemanfromwhomhehadtakenit，wassomethingthatworetoomuchofthecoolphysiognomyofjusticetobeeasilyreconcileabletohiskinglyfeelings。
Hehad，besides，notonlysentallKingHenry’ssaintsabouttheirbusiness，orratherabouttheirno-business——
theirfaineantise——buthehadlaidthemunderrigorouscontributionforthepurposesofhisholywar;andhavingmadethemrefundtothepietyofthesuccessorwhattheyhadextractedfromthepietyoftheprecursor，hecompelledthem，inaddition，togivehimtheirblessingfornothing。
Matilda，therefore，fromallthesecircumstances，feltlittlehopethatherloverwouldbeanythingbutanoutlawforlife。
ThedepartureofKingRichardfromEnglandwassucceededbytheepiscopalregencyofthebishopsofElyandDurham。Longchamp，bishopofEly，proceededtoshowhissenseofChristianfellowshipbyarrestinghisbrotherbishop，anddespoilinghimofhisshareinthegovernment;
andtosetforthhishumilityandloving-kindnessinaretinueofnoblesandknightswhoconsumedinonenight’sentertainmentsomefiveyears’
revenueoftheirentertainer，andinaguardoffifteenhundredforeignsoldiers，whomheconsideredindispensabletotheexerciseofavigourbeyondthelawinmaintainingwholesomedisciplineovertherefractoryEnglish。Theignorantimpatienceoftheswinishmultitudewiththesefruitsofgoodliving，broughtforthbyoneofthemeekwhohadinheritedtheearth，displayeditselfinageneralferment，ofwhichPrinceJohntookadvantagetomaketheexperimentofgettingpossessionofhisbrother’scrowninhisabsence。HebeganbycallingatReadingacouncilofbarons，whoseaspectinducedtheholybishoptodisguisehimself（somesayasanoldwoman，which，inthetwelfthcentury，perhapsmighthavebeenadisguiseforabishop），andmakehisescapebeyondsea。
PrinceJohnfolloweduphisadvantagebyobtainingpossessionofseveralstrongposts，andamongothersofthecastleofNottingham。
WhileJohnwasconductinghisoperationsatNottingham，herodeattimespastthecastleofArlingford。HestoppedononeoccasiontoclaimLordFitzwater’shospitality，andmademostprincelyhavocamonghisvenisonandbrawn。Nowitisamatterofrecordamongdiversgreathistoriansandlearnedclerks，thathewasthenandtheregrievouslysmittenbythecharmsofthelovelyMatilda，andthatafewdaysafterhedespatchedhistravellingminstrel，orlaureate，Harpiton，[3]（whomheretainedatmoderatewages，tokeepajournalofhisproceedings，andprovethemalljustandlegitimate），tothecastleofArlingford，tomakeproposalstothelady。
ThisHarpitonwasaveryusefulperson。Hewasalwaysready，notonlytomaintainthecauseofhismasterwithhispen，andtosinghiseulogiestohisharp，buttoundertakeatamoment’snoticeanykindofcourtlyemployment，calleddirtyworkbytheprofane，whichtheblessingsofcivilgovernment，namely，hismaster’spleasure，andtheinterestsofsocialorder，namely，hisownemolument，mightrequire。Inshort，Ileutl’emploiquicertesn’estpasmince，Etqu’alacour，outoutsepeintenbeau，Onappelloitetrel’amiduprince;
Maisqu’alaville，etsurtoutenprovince，Lesgensgrossiersontnommemaquereau。
[3]Harp-it-on：or，acorruptionof<greek’Erpeton>，acreepingthing。
PrinceJohnwasofopinionthattheloveofaprinceactualandkingexpectant，wasinitselfasufficienthonourtothedaughterofasimplebaron，andthattherightdivineorroyaltywouldmakeitsufficientlyholywithouttheritedivineofthechurch。
Hewas，therefore，graciouslypleasedtofallintoanexceedingpassion，whenhisconfidentialmessengerreturnedfromhisembassyinpiteousplight，havingbeen，bythebaron’sorder，firsttossedinablanketandsetinthestockstocool，andafterwardsduckedinthemoatandsetagaininthestockstodry。Johnsworetorevengehorriblythisflagrantoutrageonroyalprerogative，andtoobtainpossessionoftheladybyforceofarms;andaccordinglycollectedabodyoftroops，andmarcheduponArlingfordcastle。Aletter，conveyedasbeforeonthepointofabluntarrow，announcedhisapproachtoMatilda：
andlordFitzwaterhadjusttimetoassemblehisretainers，collectahastysupplyofprovision，raisethedraw-bridge，anddroptheportcullis，whenthecastlewassurroundedbytheenemy。
Thelittlefatfriar，whoduringtheconfusionwasasleepinthebuttery，foundhimself，onawaking，inclosedinthebesiegedcastle，anddolefullybewailedhisevilchance。
CHAPTERX
Anoblegirl，i’faith。Heart！IthinkIfightwithafamiliar，ortheghostofafencer。Callyouthisanamorousvisage？
Here’sbloodthatwouldhaveservedmethesesevenyears，inbrokenheadsandcutfingers，andnowitrunsoutalltogether。——MIDDLETON。RoaringGirl。
PrinceJohnsatdownimpatientlybeforeArlingfordcastleinthehopeofstarvingoutthebesieged;butfindingthedurationoftheirsuppliesextenditselfinanequalratiowiththeprolongationofhishope，hemadevigorouspreparationsforcarryingtheplacebystorm。
Heconstructedanimmensemachineonwheels，which，beingadvancedtotheedgeofthemoat，wouldloweratemporarybridge，ofwhichoneendwouldrestonthebank，andtheotheronthebattlements，andwhich，beingwellfurnishedwithsteppingboards，wouldenablehismentoascendtheinclinedplanewithspeedandfacility。
Matildareceivedintimationofthisdesignbytheusualfriendlychannelofabluntarrow，whichmusteitherhavebeensentfromsomesecretfriendintheprince’scamp，orfromsomevigorousarcherbeyondit：
thelatterwillnotappearimprobable，whenweconsiderthatRobinHoodandLittleJohncouldshoottwoEnglishmilesandaninchpoint-blank，ComescriveTurpino，chenonerra。
Themachinewascompleted，andtheensuingmorningfixedfortheassault。
Sixmen，relievedatintervals，keptwatchoveritduringthenight。
PrinceJohnretiredtosleep，congratulatinghimselfintheexpectationthatanotherdaywouldplacethefairculpritathisprincelymercy。
Hisanticipationsmingledwiththevisionsofhisslumber，andhedreamedofwoundsanddrums，andsackingandfiringthecastle，andbearingoffinhisarmsthebeautifulprizethroughthemidstoffireandsmoke。
Intheheightofthisimaginaryturmoil，heawoke，andconceivedforafewmomentsthatcertainsoundswhichranginhisears，werethecontinuationofthoseofhisdream，inthatsortofhalf-consciousnessbetweensleepingandwaking，whenrealityandphantasymeetandmingleindimandconfusedresemblance。Hewas，however，verysoonfullyawaketothefactofhisguardscallingonhimtoarm，whichhedidinhaste，andbeheldthemachineinflames，andafuriousconflictragingaroundit。
Hehurriedtothespot，andfoundthathiscamphadbeensuddenlyassailedfromonesidebyapartyofforesters，andthatthebaron’speoplehadmadeasortieontheother，andthattheyhadkilledtheguards，andsetfiretothemachine，beforetherestofthecampcouldcometotheassistanceoftheirfellows。
Thenightwasinitselfintenselydark，andthefire-lightshedarounditavividandunnaturalradiance。Ononeside，thecrimsonlightquiveredbyitsownagitationonthewavelessmoat，andonthebastionsandbuttressesofthecastle，andtheirshadowslayinmassyblacknessontheilluminatedwalls：
ontheother，itshoneuponthewoods，streamingfarwithinamongtheopentrunks，orrestingonthecloserfoliage。
Thecircumferenceofdarknessboundedthesceneonallsides：
andinthecentreragedthewar;shields，helmets，andbucklersgleamingandglitteringastheyrangandclashedagainsteachother;
plumesconfusedlytossinginthecrimsonlight，andthemessylightandshadethatfellonthefacesofthecombatants，givingadditionalenergytotheirferociousexpression。
John，drawingnearertothesceneofaction，observedtwoyoungwarriorsfightingsidebyside，oneofwhomworethehabitofaforester，theotherthatofaretainerofArlingford。Helookedintentlyonthemboth：theirpositiontowardsthefirefavouredthescrutiny;
andthehawk’seyeofloveveryspeedilydiscoveredthatthelatterwasthefairMatilda。Theforesterhedidnotknow：
buthehadsufficienttacttodiscernthathissuccesswouldbeverymuchfacilitatedbyseparatingherfromthiscompanion，aboveallothers。
Hethereforeformedapartyofmenintoawedge，onlytakingespecialcarenottobethepointofithimself，anddroveitbetweenthemwithsomuchprecision，thattheywereinamomentfarasunder。
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