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