第4章

Yourgreenwoodcanopyisprettyandpleasantinsunshine;butifIweredoomedtoliveunderit，Ishouldwishitwerewater-tight。"

"But，"saidRobin，"wehavetentsandcavesforfoulweather，goodstoreofwineandvenison，andfuelinabundance。"

"Ay，but，"saidthebaron，"Iliketopulloffmybootsofanight，whichyouforestersseldomdo，andtoensconcemyselfthereafterinacomfortablebed。

Yourbeech-rootisover-hardforacouch，andyourmossystumpissomewhatroughforabolster。"

"Hadyounotdryleaves，"saidRobin，"withabishop’ssurpliceoverthem？

Whatwouldyouhavesofter？Andhadyounotanabbot’stravellingcloakforacoverlet？Whatwouldyouhavewarmer？"

"Verytrue，"saidthebaron，"butthatwasanindulgencetoaguest，andI

dreamedallnightofthesheriffofNottingham。Iliketofeelmyselfsafe，"

headded，stretchingouthislegstothefire，andthrowinghimselfbackinhischairwiththeairofamandeterminedtobecomfortable。

"Iliketofeelmyselfsafe，"saidthebaron。

Atthatmomentthewomancaughtherhusband’sarm，andallthepartyfollowingthedirectionofhereyes，lookedsimultaneouslytothewindow，wheretheyhadjusttimetocatchaglimpseofanapparitionofanarmedhead，withitsplumagetossinginthestorm，onwhichthelightshonefromwithin，andwhichdisappearedimmediately。

CHAPTERXV

Oknight，thoulack’stacupofcanary。WhendidIseetheesoputdown？——TwelfthNight。

Severalknocks，asfromtheknucklesofanironglove，weregiventothedoorofthecottage，andavoicewasheardentreatingshelterfromthestormforatravellerwhohadlosthisway。

Robinaroseandwenttothedoor。

"Whatareyou？"saidRobin。

"Asoldier，"repliedthevoice："anunfortunateadherentofLongchamp，flyingthevengeanceofPrinceJohn。"

"Areyoualone？"saidRobin。

"Yes，"saidthevoice："itisadreadfulnight。Hospitablecottagers，praygivemeadmittance。Iwouldnothaveaskeditbutforthestorm。

Iwouldhavekeptmywatchinthewoods。"

"ThatIbelieve，"saidRobin。"Youdidnotreckononthestormwhenyouturnedintothispass。Doyouknowthereareroguesthisway？"

"Ido，"saidthevoice。

"SodoI，"saidRobin。

Apauseensued，duringwhichRobinlisteningattentivelycaughtafaintsoundofwhispering。

"Youarenotalone，"saidRobin。"Whoareyourcompanions？"

"Nonebutthewindandthewater，"saidthevoice，"andIwouldIhadthemnot。"

"Thewindandthewaterhavemanyvoices，"saidRobin，"butI

neverbeforeheardthemsay，Whatshallwedo？"

Anotherpauseensued：afterwhich，"Lookye，mastercottager，"saidthevoice，inanalteredtone，"ifyoudonotletusinwillingly，wewillbreakdownthedoor。"

"Ho！ho！"roaredthebaron，"youarebecomepluralareyou，rascals？Howmanyarethereofyou，thieves？What，Iwarrant，youthoughttorobandmurderapoorharmlesscottagerandhiswife，anddidnotdreamofagarrison？

Youlookedfornoweaponofoppositionbutspit，poker，andbastingladle，wieldedbyunskilfulhands：but，rascals，hereisshortswordandlongcudgelinhandswelltriedinwar，wherewithyoushallbedrilledintocullendersandbeatenintomummy。"

Noreplywasmade，butfuriousstrokesfromwithoutresoundeduponthedoor。Robin，Marian，andthebaronthrewbytheirpilgrim’sattire，andstoodinarmsonthedefensive。

Theywereprovidedwithswords，andthecottagergavethembucklersandhelmets，forallRobin’shauntswerefurnishedwithsecretarmouries。Buttheykepttheirswordssheathed，andthebaronwieldedaponderousspear，whichhepointedtowardsthedoorreadytorunthroughthefirstthatshouldenter，andRobinandMarianeachheldabowwiththearrowdrawntoitsheadandpointedinthesamedirection。Thecottagerflourishedastrongcudgel（aweaponintheuseofwhichhepridedhimselfonbeingparticularlyexpert），andthewifeseizedthespitfromthefireplace，andhelditasshesawthebaronholdhisspear。

Thestormofwindandraincontinuedtobeatontheroofandthecasement，andthestormofblowstoresounduponthedoor，whichatlengthgavewaywithaviolentcrash，andaclusterofarmedmenappearedwithout，seeminglynotlessthantwelve。

Behindthemrolledthestreamnowchangedfromagentleandshallowrivertoamightyandimpetuoustorrent，roaringinwavesofyellowfoam，partiallyreddenedbythelightthatstreamedthroughtheopendoor，andturningupitsconvulsedsurfaceinflashesofshiftingradiancefromrestlessmassesofhalf-visibleshadow。

Thestepping-stones，bywhichtheintrudersmusthavecrossed，wereburiedunderthewaters。Ontheoppositebankthelightfellonthestemsandboughsoftherock-rootedoakandashtossingandswayingintheblast，andsweepingtheflashingspraywiththeirleaves。

Theinstantthedoorbroke，RobinandMarianloosedtheirarrows。

Robin’sarrowstruckoneoftheassailantsinthejunctureoftheshoulder，anddisabledhisrightarm：Marian’sstruckasecondinthejunctureoftheknee，andrenderedhimunserviceable;forthenight。

Thebaron’slongspearstruckonthemailedbreastplateofathird，andbeingstretchedtoitsfullextentbythelong-armedhero，drovehimtotheedgeofthetorrent，andplungedhimintoitseddies，alongwhichhewaswhirleddownthedarknessofthedescendingstream，callingvainlyonhiscomradesforaid，tillhisvoicewaslostinthemingledroarofthewatersandthewind。Afourthspringingthroughthedoorwaslaidprostratebythecottager’scudgel：

butthewifebeinglessdexterousthanhercompany，thoughanAmazoninstrength，missedherpassatafifth，anddrovethepointofthespitseveralinchesintotherighthanddoor-postasshestoodclosetotheleft，andthusmadeanewbarrierwhichtheinvaderscouldnotpasswithoutdippingunderitandsubmittingtheirneckstothesword：

butoneoftheassailantsseizingitwithgiganticrage，shookitatoncefromthegraspofitsholderandfromitslodgmentinthepost，andatthesametimemadegoodtheirruptionoftherestofhispartyintothecottage。

Nowragedanunequalcombat，fortheassailantsfelltwotooneonRobin，Marian，thebaron，andthecottager;whilethewife，beingdeprivedofherspit，convertedeverythingthatwasathandtoamissile，andrainedpots，pans，andpipkinsonthearmedheadsoftheenemy。Thebaronragedlikeatiger，andthecottagerlaidabouthimlikeathresher。OneofthesoldiersstruckRobin’sswordfromhishandandbroughthimonhisknee，whentheboy，whohadbeenrousedbythetumultandhadbeenpeepingthroughtheinnerdoor，leapedforwardinhisshirt，pickeduptheswordandreplaceditinRobin’shand，whoinstantlyspringingup，disarmedandwoundedoneofhisantagonists，whiletheotherwaslaidprostrateunderthedintofabrasscauldronlaunchedbytheAmazoniandame。RobinnowturnedtotheaidofMarian，whowasparryingmostdexterouslythecutsandslashesofhertwoassailants，ofwhomRobindeliveredherfromone，whileawell-appliedblowofherswordstruckoffthehelmetoftheother，whofellonhiskneestobegaboon，andsherecognisedSirRalphMontfaucon。Themenwhowereengagedwiththebaronandthepeasant，seeingtheirleadersubdued，immediatelylaiddowntheirarmsandcriedforquarter。

Thewifebroughtsomestrongrope，andthebarontiedtheirarmsbehindthem。

"Now，SirRalph，"saidMarian，"oncemoreyouareatmymercy。"

"ThatIalwaysam，cruelbeauty，"saidthediscomfitedlover。

"Odso！courteousknight，"saidthebaron，"isthisthereturnyoumakeformybeefandcanary，whenyoukissedmydaughter’shandintokenofcontritionforyourintermeddlingatherwedding？

Heart，Iamgladtoseeshehasgivenyouabloodycoxcomb。

Slicehimdown，Mawd！slicehimdown，andflinghimintotheriver。"

"Confess，"saidMarian，"whatbroughtyouhere，andhowdidyoutraceoursteps？"

"Iwillconfessnothing，"saidtheknight。

"Thenconfessyou，rascal，"saidthebaron，holdinghisswordtothethroatofthecaptivesquire。

"Takeawaythesword，"saidthesquire，"itistoonearmymouth，andmyvoicewillnotcomeoutforfear：

takeawaythesword，andIwillconfessall。"

Thebarondroppedhissword，andthesquireproceeded;

"SirRalphmetyou，asyouquittedLadyFalkland’scastle，andbyrepresentingtoherwhoyouwere，borrowedfromhersuchanumberofherretainersashedeemedmustensureyourcapture，seeingthatyourfamiliarthefriarwasnotatyourelbow。

Wesetforthwithoutdelay，andtracedyoufirstbymeansofapeasantwhosawyouturnintothisvalley，andafterwardsbythelightfromthecasementofthissolitarydwelling。

Ourdesignwastohavelaidanambushforyouinthemorning，butthestormandyourobservationofmyunluckyfacethroughthecasementmadeuschangeourpurpose;andwhatfollowedyoucantellbetterthanIcan，beingindeedmastersofthesubject。"

"Youareamerryknave，"saidthebaron，"andhereisacupofwineforyou。"

"Gramercy，"saidthesquire，"andbetterlatethannever：

butIlackedacupofthisbefore。HadIbeenpot-valiant，I

hadheldyouplay。"

"Sirknight，"saidMarian，"thisisthethirdtimeyouhavesoughtthelifeofmylordandofme，formineisinterwovenwithhis。

AnddoyouthinkmesospiritlessastobelievethatIcanbeyoursbycompulsion？Temptmenotagain，forthenexttimeshallbethelast，andthefishofthenearestrivershallcommutethefleshofarecreantknightintothefast-daydinnerofanuncarnivorousfriar。

Ispareyounow，notinpitybutinscorn。Yetshallyousweartoaconventionnevermoretopursueormolestmylordorme，andonthisconditionyoushalllive。"

Theknighthadnoalternativebuttocomply，andswore，onthehonourofknighthood，tokeeptheconventioninviolate。

Howwellhekepthisoathweshallhavenoopportunityofnarrating：

Diluilanostraistoriapiunonparla。

CHAPTERXVI

Carrymeoverthewater，thoufinefellowe。OldBallad。

Thepilgrims，withoutexperiencingfurthermolestation，arrivedattheretreatofSirGuyofGamwell。Theyfoundtheoldknightacuptoolow;partlyfrombeingcutofffromthescenesofhisoldhospitalityandtheshoutsofhisNottinghamshirevassals，whowerewonttomaketheraftersofhisancienthallre-echototheirrevelry;butprincipallyfrombeingpartedfromhisson，whohadlongbeenthebetterhalfofhisflaskandpasty。

Thearrivalofourvisitorscheeredhimup;andfindingthatthebaronwastoremainwithhim，hetestifiedhisdelightandthecordialityofhiswelcomebypegginghimintheribstillhemadehimroar。

RobinandMariantookanaffectionateleaveofthebaronandtheoldknight;

andbeforetheyquittedthevicinityofBarnsdale，deemingitprudenttoreturninadifferentdisguise，theylaidasidetheirpilgrim’sattire，andassumedthehabitsandappurtenancesofwanderingminstrels。

Theytravelledinthischaractersafelyandpleasantly，tilloneeveningatalatehourtheyarrivedbythesideofariver，whereRobinlookingoutforamodeofpassageperceivedaferry-boatsafelymooredinanookontheoppositebank;

nearwhichachimneysendingupawreathofsmokethroughthethick-setwillows，wastheonlysymptomofhumanhabitation;

andRobinnaturallyconceivingthesaidchimneyandwreathofsmoketobetheoutwardsignsoftheinwardferryman，shouted"Over！"

withmuchstrengthandclearness;butnovoicereplied，andnoferrymanappeared。Robinraisedhisvoice，andshoutedwithredoubledenergy，"Over，Over，O-o-o-over！"Afaintechoaloneresponded"Over！"andagaindiedawayintodeepsilence：

butafterabriefintervalavoicefromamongthewillows，inastrangekindofmingledintonationthatwashalfashoutandhalfasong，answered：

Over，over，over，jolly，jollyrover，Wouldyouthencomeover？Over，over，over？

Jolly，jollyrover，here’sonelivesinclover：

Whofindstheclover？Thejolly，jollyrover。

Hefindstheclover，lethimthencomeover，Thejolly，jollyrover，over，over，over，"Imuchdoubt，"saidMarian，"ifthisferrymandonotmeanbycloversomethingmorethanthetollofhisferry-boat。"

"Idoubtnot，"answeredRobin，"heisalevieroftollandtithe，whichIshallputhimuponproofofhisrighttoreceive，bymakingtrialofhismighttoenforce。"

Theferrymanemergedfromthewillowsandsteppedintohisboat。

"AsIlive，"exclaimedRobin，"theferrymanisafriar。"

"Withasword，"saidMarian，"stuckinhisropegirdle。"

Thefriarpushedhisboatoffmanfully，andwaspresentlyhalfovertheriver。

"ItisfriarTuck，"saidMarian。

"Hewillscarcelyknowus，"saidRobin;"andifhedonot，Iwillbreakastaffwithhimforsport。"

Thefriarcamesingingacrossthewater：theboattouchedtheland：

RobinandMariansteppedonboard：thefriarpushedoffagain。

"Silkendoublets，silkendoublets，"saidthefriar：

"slenderlylined，Ibow：yourwanderingminstrelisalwayspoortoll：yoursweetangelsofvoicespasscurrentforabedandasupperatthehouseofeverylordthatlikestohearthefameofhisvalourwithoutthetroubleoffightingforit。

Whatneedyouofpurseorpouch？Youmaysingbeforethieves。

Pedlars，pedlars：wanderingfromdoortodoorwiththesmallwareofliesandcajolery：exploitsforcarpet-knights;

honestyforcourtiers;truthformonks，andchastityfornuns：

agoodsaleablestockthatcoststhevendernothing，defieswearandtear，andwhenithasservedahundredcustomersisasplentifulandasmarketableasever。But，sirrahs，I’llnoneofyourbalderdash。

Youpassnothencewithoutclinkofbrass，orI’llknockyourmusicalnoddlestogethertilltheyringlikeapairofcymbals。

Thatwillbeanewtuneforyourminstrelships。"

Thisfriendlyspeechofthefriarendedastheysteppedontheoppositebank。

Robinhadnoticedastheypassedthatthesummerstreamwaslow。

"Why，thoubrawlingmongrel，"saidRobin，"thatwhetherthoubethief，friar，orferryman，oranill-mixedcompoundofallthree，passesconjecture，thoughIjudgetheetobesimplethief，whatbarkestthouatthus？

Villain，thereisclinkofbrassforthee。Dostthouseethiscoin？

Dostthouhearthismusic？Lookandlisten：fortouchthoushaltnot：

myminstrelshipdefiesthee。Thoushaltcarrymeonthybackoverthewater，andreceivenothingbutacrackedsconceforthytrouble。"

"Abargain，"saidthefriar："forthewaterislow，thelabourislight，andtherewardisalluring。"AndhestoopeddownforRobin，whomountedhisback，andthefriarwadedwithhimovertheriver。

"Now，finefellow，"saidthefriar，"thoushaltcarrymebackoverthewater，andthoushalthaveacrackedsconceforthytrouble。"

Robintookthefriaronhisback，andwadedwithhimintothemiddleoftheriver，whenbyadexterousjerkhesuddenlyflunghimoffandplungedhimhorizontallyoverheadandearsinthewater。

Robinwadedtoshore，andthefriar，halfswimmingandhalfscrambling，followed。

"Finefellow，finefellow，"saidthefriar，"nowwillIpaytheethycrackedsconce。"

"Notso，"saidRobin，"Ihavenotearnedit：butthouhastearnedit，andshalthaveit。"

Itwasnot，eveninthosegoodoldtimes，asightofeverydaytoseeatroubadourandafriarplayingatsingle-stickbythesideofariver，eachaimingwithfellintentattheother’scoxcomb。

Thepartieswerebothsoskilledinattackanddefence，thattheirmutualeffortsforalongtimeexpendedthemselvesinquickandloudrappingsoneachother’soakenstaves。AtlengthRobinbyadexterousfeintcontrivedtoscoreoneonthefriar’scrown：

butinthecarelessmomentoftriumphasplendidsweepofthefriar’sstaffstruckRobin’soutofhishandintothemiddleoftheriver，andrepaidhiscrackontheheadwithadegreeofvigourthatmighthavepassedtheboundsofajestifMarianhadnotretardeditsdescentbycatchingthefriar’sarm。

"Hownow，recreantfriar，"saidMarian;"whathaveyoutosaywhyyoushouldnotsufferinstantexecution，beingdetectedinopenrebellionagainstyourliegelord？

Thereforekneeldown，traitor，andsubmityournecktotheswordoftheoffendedlaw。"

"Benefitofclergy，"saidthefriar："Ipleadmyclergy。

Andisityouindeed，yescapegraces？Yearewelldisguised：

Iknewyenot，bymyflask。Robin，jollyRobin，hebuysajestdearlythatpaysforitwithabloodycoxcomb。

Buthereisbalmforallbruises，outwardandinward。

（Thefriarproducedaflaskofcanary。）Washthywoundtwiceandthythroatthricewiththissolarconcoction，andthoushaltmarvelwherewasthyhurt。Butwhatmovedyetothisfrolic？

Knewyenotthatyecouldnotappearinamaskmorefashionedtomovemybilethaninthatofthesegildersandlackerersofthesmoothsurfaceofworthlessness，thatbringthegoldoftruevalourintodisrepute，bystampingthebasermetalwiththefairerim-pression？Imarvelledtofindanysuchgiventofighting（fortheyhaveanoldinstinctofself-preservation）：butI

rejoicedthereat，thatImightdiscusstothempoeticaljustice：

andthereforehaveIcrackedthysconce：forwhich，letthisbethymedicine。"

"Butwherefore，"saidMarian，"dowefindyouhere，whenweleftyoujointlordwardenofSherwood？"

"Idobutretiretomydevotions，"repliedthefriar。

"Thisismyhermitage，inwhichIfirsttookrefugewhenI

escapedfrommybelovedbrethrenofRubygill;andtowhichI

stillretreatattimesfromthevanitiesoftheworld，whichelsemightclingtometooclosely，sinceIhavebeenpromotedtobepeer-spiritualofyourforest-court。For，indeed，Idofindinmyselfcertainindicationsandadmonitionsthatmydayhaspastitsnoon;andnonemorecogentthanthis：

thatdailyofbadwineIgrowmoreintolerant，andofgoodwinehaveakeenerandmorefastidiousrelish。Thereisnosurersymptomofrecedingyears。Theferrymanismyfaithfulvarlet。

Isendhimonsomepiouserrand，thatImaymeditateinghostlyprivacy，whenmypresenceintheforestcanbestbespared：

andwhencanitbebettersparedthannow，seeingthattheneighbourhoodofPrinceJohn，andhisincessantperquisitionsforMarian，havemadetheforesttoohottoholdmoreofusthanareneedfultokeepupaquorum，andpreserveunbrokenthecontinuityofourforest-dominion？For，intruth，withoutyourgreenwoodmajesties，wehavehardlythewittoliveinabody，andatthesametimetokeepournecksoutofjeopardy，whilethatarch-rebelandtraitorJohninfeststheprecinctsofourterritory。"

Thefriarnowconductedthemtohispeacefulcell，wherehespreadhisfrugalboardwithfish，venison，wild-fowl，fruit，andcanary。

UnderthecompoundoperationofthismateriamedicaRobin’swoundshealedapace，andthefriar，whohatedminstrelsy，beganasusualchirpinginhiscups。RobinandMarianchimedinwithhistunefulhumourtillthemidnightmoonpeepedinupontheirrevelry。

Itwasnowtheverywitchingtimeofnight，whentheyheardavoiceshouting，"Over！"Theypausedtolisten，andthevoicerepeated"Over！"inaccentsclearandloud，butwhichatthesametimeeitherwereinthemselves，orseemedtobe，fromtheplaceandthehour，singularlyplaintiveanddreary。

Thefriarfidgettedaboutinhisseat：fellintoadeepmusing：

shookhimself，andlookedabouthim：firstatMarian，thenatRobin，thenatMarianagain;filledandtossedoffacupofcanary，andrelapsedintohisreverie。

"Willyounotbringyourpassengerover？"saidRobin。Thefriarshookhisheadandlookedmysterious。

"Thatpassenger，"saidthefriar，"willnevercomeover。

Everyfullmoon，atmidnight，thatvoicecalls，’Over！’Iandmyvarlethavemorethanonceobeyedthesummons，andwehavesometimeshadaglimpseofawhitefigureundertheoppositetrees：

butwhentheboathastouchedthebank，nothinghasbeentobeseen;

andthevoicehasbeenheardnomoretillthemidnightofthenextfullmoon。"

"Itisverystrange，"saidRobin。

"Wondrousstrange，"saidthefriar，lookingsolemn。

Thevoiceagaincalled"Over！"inalongplaintivemusicalcry。

"Imustgotoit，"saidthefriar，"oritwillgiveusnopeace。

Iwouldallmycustomerswereofthisworld。IbegintothinkthatIamCharon，andthatthisriverisStyx。"

"Iwillgowithyou，friar，"saidRobin。

"Bymyflask，"saidthefriar，"butyoushallnot。"

"ThenIwill，"saidMarian。

"Stillless，"saidthefriar，hurryingoutofthecell。

RobinandMarianfollowed：butthefriaroutsteppedthem，andpushedoffhisboat。

Awhitefigurewasvisibleundertheshadeoftheoppositetrees。

Theboatapproachedtheshore，andthefigureglidedaway。

Thefriarreturned。

Theyre-enteredthecottage，andsatsometimeconversingonthephenomenontheyhadseen。Thefriarsippedhiswine，andafteratime，said：

"Thereisatraditionofadamselwhowasdrownedheresomeyearsago。

Thetraditionis————"

Butthefriarcouldnotnarrateaplaintale：hethereforeclearedhisthroat，andsangwithduesolemnity，inaghostlyvoice：

Adamselcameinmidnightrain，Andcalledacrosstheferry：

Thewearywightshecalledinvain，Whosesensessleepdidbury。

Atevening，fromherfather’sdoorSheturnedtomeetherlover：

Atmidnight，onthelonelyshore，Sheshouted"Over，over！"

ShehadnotmethimbythetreeOftheiraccustomedmeeting，Andsadandsickatheartwasshe，Herheartallwildlybeating。

Inchillsuspensethehourswentby，Thewildstormburstaboveher：

Sheturnedhertotherivernigh，Andshouted，"Over，over！"

Adim，discoloured，doubtfullightThemoon’sdarkveilpermitted，AndthickbeforehertroubledsightFantasticshadowsflitted。

Herlover’sformappearedtoglide，Andbeckono’erthewater：

Alas！hisbloodthatmornhaddyedHerbrother’sswordwithslaughter。

Uponalittlerockshestood，Tomakeherinvocation：

Shemarkednotthattherain-swoll’nfloodWasislandingherstation。

Thetempestmockedherfeeblecry：

Nosainthisaidwouldgiveher：

Thefloodswelledhighandyetmorehigh，Andsweptherdowntheriver。

Yetoftbeneaththepalemoonlight，Whenhollowwindsareblowing，TheshadowofthatmaidenbrightGlidesbythedarkstream’sflowing。

Andwhenthestormsofmidnightrave，Whilecloudsthebroadmooncover，ThewildgustswaftacrossthewaveThecryof，"Over，over！"

Whilethefriarwassinging，Marianwasmeditating：

andwhenhehadendedshesaid，"Honestfriar，youhavemisplacedyourtradition，whichbelongstotheaestuaryofanoblerriver，wherethedamselwassweptawaybytherisingofthetide，forwhichyourland-floodisanindifferentsubstitute。

ButthetruetraditionofthisstreamIthinkImyselfpossess，andIwillnarrateitinyourownway：

Itwasafriarofordersfree，AfriarofRubygill：

Atthegreenwood-treeavowmadehe，Buthekeptitveryill：

Avowmadeheofchastity，Buthekeptitveryill。

Hekeptit，perchance，intheconsciousshadeOftheboundsoftheforestwhereinitwasmade：

Butheroamedwherehelisted，asfreeasthewind，Andhelefthisgoodvowintheforestbehind：

Foritswoodsoutofsightwerehisvowoutofmind，WiththefriarofRubygill。

Inlonelyhuthimselfheshut，ThefriarofRubygill;

Wheretheghostlyelfabsolvedhimself，Tofollowhisowngoodwill：

Andhehadnolackofcanarysack，Tokeephisconsciencestill。

Andadamselwellknew，whenatlonelymidnightItgleamedonthewaters，hissignal-lamp-light：

"Over！over！"shewarbledwithnightingalethroat，Andthefriarsprungforthatthemagicalnote，Andshecrossedthedarkstreaminhistrimferryboat，WiththefriarofRubygill。

"Lookyounow，"saidRobin，"ifthefriardoesnotblush。

ManystrangesightshaveIseeninmyday，butnevertillthismomentdidIseeablushingfriar。"

"Ithink，"saidthefriar，"youneversawonethatblushednot，oryousawgoodcanarythrownaway。Butyouarewelcometolaughifitsopleaseyou。Noneshalllaughinmycompany，thoughitbeatmyexpense，butIwillhavemyshareofthemerriment。

Theworldisastage，andlifeisafarce，andhethatlaughsmosthasmostprofitoftheperformance。Theworstthingisgoodenoughtobelaughedat，thoughitbegoodfornothingelse;

andthebestthing，thoughitbegoodforsomethingelse，isgoodfornothingbetter。"

Andhestruckupasonginpraiseoflaughingandquaffing，withoutfurtheradvertingtoMarian’sinsinuatedaccusation;being，perhaps，ofopinion，thatitwasasubjectonwhichtheleastsaidwouldbethesoonestmended。

Sopassedthenight。Inthemorningaforestercametothefriar，withintelligencethatPrinceJohnhadbeencompelled，bytheurgencyofhisaffairsinotherquarters，todisembarrassNottinghamCastleofhisroyalpresence。Ourwanderersreturnedjoyfullytotheirforest-dominion，beingthusrelievedfromthevicinityofanymoreformidablebelligerentthantheiroldbruisedandbeatenenemythesheriffofNottingham。

CHAPTERXVII

Oh！thislifeIsnoblerthanattendingforacheck，RicherthandoingnothingforabribeProuderthanrustlinginunpaid-forsilk。——Cymbeline。

SoRobinandMariandweltandreignedintheforest，rangingthegladesandthegreenwoodsfromthematinsofthelarktothevespersofthenightingale，andadministeringnaturaljusticeaccordingtoRobin’sideasofrectifyingtheinequalitiesofhumancondition：

raisinggenialdewsfromthebagsoftherichandidle，andreturningtheminfertilisingshowersonthepoorandindustrious：

anoperationwhichmoreenlightenedstatesmenhavehappilyreversed，totheunspeakablebenefitofthecommunityatlarge。

ThelightfootstepsofMarianwereimpressedonthemorningdewbesidethefirmerstepofherlover，andtheyshookitslargedropsaboutthemastheyclearedthemselvesapassagethroughthethicktallfern，withoutanyfearofcatchingcold，whichwasnotmuchinfashioninthetwelfthcentury。RobinwasashospitableasCathmor;

forsevenmenstoodonsevenpathstocallthestrangertohisfeast。

Itistrue，hesuperaddedthesmallimprovementofmakingthestrangerpayforit：thanwhichwhatcouldbemoregenerous？

ForCathmorwashimselftheprimegiverofhisfeast，whereasRobinwasonlytheagenttoaseriesofstrangers，whoprovidedinturnfortheentertainmentoftheirsuccessors;

whichiscarryingthedisinterestednessofhospitalitytoitsacme。

Marianoftenkilledthedeer，WhichScarletdressed，andFriarTuckblessedWhileLittleJohnwanderedinsearchofaguest。

Robinwasverydevout，thoughtherewasgreatunityinhisreligion：

itwasexclusivelygiventoourLadytheVirgin，andheneversetforthinamorningtillhehadsaidthreeprayers，andhadheardthesweetvoiceofhisMariansingingahymntotheirmutualpatroness。Eachofhismenhad，asusual，apatronsaintaccordingtohisnameortaste。

Thefriarchoseasaintforhimself，andfixedonSaintBotolph，whomheeuphonisedintoSaintBottle，andmaintainedthathewasthatveryPanomphicPantagrueliansaint，wellknowninancientFranceasafemaledivinity，bythenameofLaDiveBouteille，whoseoracularmonosyllable"Trincq，’，iscelebratedandunder-stoodbyallnations，andisexpoundedbythelearneddoctorAlcofribas，[6]

whohastreatedatlargeonthesubject，tosignify"drink。"

SaintBottle，then，wasthesaintofFriarTuck，whodidnotyieldeventoRobinandMarianintheassiduityofhisdevotionstohischosenpatron。Suchwastheirsummerlife，andintheirwintercavestheyhadsufficientfurniture，ampleprovender，storeofoldwine，andassuredlynolackoffuel，withjoyousmusicandpleasantdiscoursetocharmawaytheseasonofdarknessandstorms。

[6]AlcofribasNasier：ananagramofFrancoisRabelais，andhisassumedappellation。

Thereaderwhodesirestoknowmoreaboutthisoraculardivinity，mayconsultthesaiddoctorAlcofribasNasier，whowillusherhimintotheadytumthroughthemediumofthehighpriestessBacbuc。

Manymoonshadwaxedandwaned，whenontheafternoonofalovelysummerdayalustybroad-bonedknightwasridingthroughtheforestofSherwood。Thesunshonebrilliantlyonthefullgreenfoliage，andaffordedtheknightafineopportunityofobservingpicturesqueeffects，ofwhichitistobefearedhedidnotavailhimself。

Buthehadnotproceededfar，beforehehadanopportunityofobservingsomethingmuchmoreinteresting，namely，afineyoungoutlawleaning，inthetrueSherwoodfashion，withhisbackagainstatree。

Theknightwaspreparingtoaskthestrangeraquestion，theanswertowhich，ifcorrectlygiven，wouldhaverelievedhimfromadoubtthatpressedheavilyonhismind，astowhetherhewasintherightroadorthewrong，whentheyouthpreventedtheinquirybysaying：

"InGod’sname，sirknight，youarelatetoyourmeals。

Mymasterhastarrieddinnerforyouthesethreehours。"

"Idoubt，"saidtheknight，"Iamnotheyouwotof。

IamnowherebiddentodayandIknownoneinthisvicinage。"

"Wefeared，"saidtheyouth，"yourmemorywouldbetreacherous：

thereforeamIstationedheretorefreshit。"

"Whoisyourmaster？"saidtheknight;"andwheredoesheabide？"

"Mymaster，"saidtheyouth，"iscalledRobinHood，andheabideshardby。"

"Andwhatknowsheofme？"saidtheknight。

"Heknowsyou，"answeredtheyouth"ashedoeseveryway-faringknightandfriar，byinstinct。"

"Gramercy，"saidtheknight;"thenIunderstandhisbidding：

buthowifIsayIwillnotcome？"

"Iamenjoinedtobringyou，"saidtheyouth。"Ifpersuasionavailnot，Imustuseotherargument。"

"Say’stthouso？"saidtheknight;"Idoubtifthystriplingrhetoricwouldconvinceme。"

"That，"saidtheyoungforester，"wewillsee。"

"Wearenotequallymatched，boy，"saidtheknight。

"Ishouldgetlesshonourbythyconquest，thangriefbythyinjury。"

"Perhaps，"saidtheyouth，"mystrengthismorethanmyseeming，andmycunningmorethanmystrength。Thereforeletitpleaseyourknighthoodtodismount。"

"Itshallpleasemyknighthoodtochastisethypresumption，"

saidtheknight，springingfromhissaddle。

Hereupon，whichinthosedayswasusuallytheresultofameetingbetweenanytwopersonsanywhere，theyproceededtofight。

Theknighthadinanuncommondegreebothstrengthandskill：

theforesterhadlessstrength，butnotlessskillthantheknight，andshowedsuchamasteryofhisweaponasreducedthelattertogreatadmiration。

Theyhadnotfoughtmanyminutesbytheforestclock，thesun;

andhadasyetdoneeachothernoworseinjurythanthattheknighthadwoundedtheforester’sjerkin，andtheforesterhaddisabledtheknight’splume;whentheywereinterruptedbyavoicefromathicket，exclaiming，"Wellfought，girl：

wellfought。Mass，thathadnighbeenashrewdhit。

Thouowesthimforthat，lass。Marry，standby，I’llpayhimforthee。"

Theknightturningtothevoice，beheldatallfriarissuingfromthethicket，brandishingaponderouscudgel。

"Whoartthou？"saidtheknight。

"IamthechurchmilitantofSherwood，"answeredthefriar。

"Whyartthouinarmsagainstourladyqueen？"

"Whatmeanestthou？"saidtheknight。

"Truly，this，"saidthefriar，"isourliegeladyoftheforest，againstwhomIdoapprehendtheeinovertactoftreason。

Whatsayestthouforthyself？"

"Isay，"answeredtheknight，"thatifthisbeindeedalady，manneveryetheldmesolong。"

"Spoken，"saidthefriar，"likeonewhohathdoneexecution。

Hastthouthystomachfullofsteel？Wiltthoudiversifythyrepastwithatasteofmyoak-graff？Orwiltthouinclinethinehearttoourvenisonwhichtrulyiscooling？Wiltthoufight？orwiltthoudine？orwiltthoufightanddine？orwiltthoudineandfight？

Iamforthee，chooseasthoumayest。"

"Iwilldine，"saidtheknight;"forwithladyIneverfoughtbefore，andwithfriarIneverfoughtyet，andwithneitherwillIeverfightknowingly：andifthisbethequeenoftheforest，Iwillnot，beinginherowndominions，bebackwardtodoherhomage。"

Sosaying，hekissedthehandofMarian，whowaspleasedmostgraciouslytoexpressherapprobation。

"Gramercy，sirknight，"saidthefriar，"Ilaudtheeforthycourtesy，whichIdeemtobenolessthanthyvalour。

Nowdothoufollowme，whileIfollowmynose，whichscentsthepleasantodourofroastfromthedepthoftheforestrecesses。

Iwillleadthyhorse，anddothouleadmylady。"

TheknighttookMarian’shand，andfollowedthefriar，whowalkedbeforethem，singing：

Whenthewindblows，whenthewindblowsFromwhereunderbuckthedrylogglows，Whatguidecanyoufollow，O’erbrakeando’erhollow，Sotrueasaghostly，ghostlynose？

CHAPTERXVIII

RobinandRichardweretwoprettymen。MotherGoose’sMelody。

Theyproceeded，followingtheirinfallibleguide，firstalongalightelasticgreenswardundertheshadeofloftyandwide-spreadingtreesthatskirtedasunnyopeningoftheforest，thenalonglabyrinthinepaths，whichthedeer，theoutlaw，orthewoodmanhadmade，throughthecloseshootsoftheyoungcoppices，throughthethickundergrowthoftheancientwoods，throughbedsofgiganticfernthatfilledthenarrowgladesandwavedtheirgreenfeatheryheadsabovetheplumeoftheknight。Alongthesesylvanalleystheywalkedinsinglefile;thefriarsingingandpioneeringinthevan，thehorseplungingandflounderingbehindthefriar，theladyfollowing"inmaidenmeditationfancyfree，"andtheknightbringinguptherear，muchmarvellingatthestrangecompanyintowhichhisstarshadthrownhim。

TheirpathhadexpandedsufficientlytoallowtheknighttotakeMarian’shandagain，whentheyarrivedintheaugustpresenceofRobinHoodandhiscourt。

Robin’stablewasspreadunderahighoverarchingcanopyoflivingboughs，ontheedgeofanaturallawnofverdurestarredwithflowers，throughwhichaswifttransparentrivuletransparklinginthesun。

Theboardwascoveredwithabundanceofchoicefoodandexcellentliquor，notwithoutthecomelinessofsnow-whitelinenandthesplendourofcostlyplate，whichthesheriffofNottinghamhadunwillinglycontributedtosupply，atthesametimewithanexcellentcook，whomLittleJohn’sarthadspiritedawaytotheforestwiththecontentsofhismaster’ssilverscullery。

Anhundredforesterswerehereassembledover-readyfortheirdinner，someseatedatthetableandsomelyingingroupsunderthetrees。

Robinbadecourteouswelcometotheknight，whotookhisseatbetweenRobinandMarianatthefestalboard;atwhichwasalreadyplacedonestrangeguestinthepersonofaportlymonk，sittingbetweenLittleJohnandScarlet，with，hisrotundphysiognomyelongatedintoanunnaturalovalbytheconjointinfluenceofsorrowandfear：

sorrowforthedepartedcontentsofhistravellingtreasury，agood-lookingvalisewhichwashangingemptyonabough;andfearforhispersonalsafety，ofwhichalltheflasksandpastiesbeforehimcouldnotgivehimassurance。

Theappearanceoftheknight，however，cheeredhimupwithasemblanceofprotection，andgavehimjustsufficientcouragetodemolishacygnetandarumble-pie，whichhedilutedwiththecontentsoftwoflasksofcanarysack。

Butwine，whichsometimescreatesandoftenincreasesjoy，dothalso，uponoccasion，heightensorrow：andsoitfarednowwithourportlymonk，whohadnosoonerexplainedawayhisportionofprovender，thanhebegantoweepandbewailhimselfbitterly。

"Whydostthouweep，man？"saidRobinHood。"Thouhastdonethineembassyjustly，andshalthavethyLady’sgrace。"

"Alack！alack！"saidthemonk："noembassyhadI，lucklesssinner，aswellthouwottest，buttotaketomyabbeyinsafetythetreasurewhereofthouhastdespoiledme。"

"Propoundmehiscase，"saidFriarTuck，"andIwillgivehimghostlycounsel。"

"Youwellremember，"saidRobinHood，"thesorrowfulknightwhodinedwithusheretwelvemonthsandadaygoneby。"

"WelldoI，"saidFriarTuck。"Hislandswereinjeopardywithacertainabbot，whowouldallowhimnolongerdayfortheirredemption。

Whereuponyoulenttohimthefourhundredpoundswhichheneeded，andwhichhewastorepaythisday，thoughhehadnobettersecuritytogivethanourLadytheVirgin。"

"Ineverdesiredbetter，"saidRobin，"forsheneveryetfailedtosendmemypay;andhereisoneofherownflock，thisfaithfulandwell-favouredmonkofSt。Mary’s，hathbroughtitmeduly，principalandinteresttoapenny，asLittleJohncantestify，whotolditforth。

Tobesure，hedeniedhavingit，butthatwastoproveourfaith。

Wesoughtandfoundit。"

"Iknownothingofyourknight，"saidthemonk："andthemoneywasourown，astheVirginshallblessme。"

"Sheshallblessthee，"saidFriarTuck，"forafaithfulmessenger。"

Themonkresumedhiswailing。LittleJohnbroughthimhishorse。

Robingavehimleavetodepart。Hesprangwithsingularnimblenessintothesaddle，andvanishedwithoutsaying，Godgiveyougoodday。

Thestrangerknightlaughedheartilyasthemonkrodeoff。

"Theysay，sirknight，"saidFriarTuck，"theyshouldlaughwhowin：

butthoulaughestwhoartlikelytolose。"

"Ihavewon，"saidtheknight，"agooddinner，somemirth，andsomeknowledge：andIcannotlosebypayingforthem。"

"Bravelysaid，"answeredRobin。"Stillitbecomestheetopay：

foritisnotmeetthatapoorforestershouldtreatarichknight。

Howmuchmoneyhastthouwiththee？"

"Troth，Iknownot，"saidtheknight。"Sometimesmuch，sometimeslittle，sometimesnone。Butsearch，andwhatthoufindest，keep：

andforthesakeofthykindheartandopenhand，beitwhatitmay，Ishallwishitweremore。"

"Then，sincethousayestso，"saidRobin，"notapennywillItouch。

Manyafalsechurlcomeshither，anddisbursesagainsthiswill：

andtillthereislackofthese，Ipreynotontruemen。"

"Thouartthyselfatrueman，rightwellIjudge，Robin，"

saidthestrangerknight，"andseemestmorelikeonebredincourtthantothypresentoutlawlife。"

"Ourlife，"saidthefriar，"isacraft，anart，andamystery。

Howmuchofit，thinkyou，couldbelearnedatcourt？"

"Indeed，Icannotsay，"saidthestrangerknight：

"butIshouldapprehendverylittle。"

"AndsoshouldI，"saidthefriar："forweshouldfindverylittleofourboldopenpractice，butshouldhearabundanceofpraiseofourprinciples。

Toliveinseemingfellowshipandsecretrivalry;tohaveahandforall，andaheartfornone;tobeeverybody’sacquaintance，andnobody’sfriend;

tomeditatetheruinofallonwhomwesmile，andtodreadthesecretstratagemsofallwhosmileonus;topilferhonoursanddespoilfortunes，notbyfightingindaylight，butbysappingindarkness：

theseareartswhichthecourtcanteach，butwhichwe，by’rLady，havenotlearned。Butletyourcourt-minstreltuneuphisthroattothepraiseofyourcourt-hero，thencomeourprinciplesintoplay：

thenisourpracticeextollednotbythesamename，fortheirRichardisahero，andourRobinisathief：marry，yourherogutsanexchequer，whileyourthiefdisembowelsaportmanteau，yourherosacksacity，whileyourthiefsacksacellar：yourheromaraudsonalargerscale，andthatisallthedifference，fortheprincipleandthevirtueareone：

buttwoofatradecannotagree：thereforeyourheromakeslawstogetridofyourthief，andgiveshimanillnamethathemayhanghim：

formightisright，andthestrongmakelawsfortheweak，andtheythatmakelawstoservetheirownturndoalsomakemoralstogivecolourtotheirlaws。"

"Yourcomparison，friar，"saidthestranger，"failsinthis：

thatyourthieffightsforprofit，andyourheroforhonour。

IhavefoughtunderthebannersofRichard，andif，asyouphraseit，hegutsexchequers，andsackscities，itisnottowintreasureforhimself，buttofurnishforththemeansofhisgreaterandmoregloriousaim。"

"Misconceivemenot，sirknight，"saidthefriar。"WeallloveandhonourKingRichard，andhereisadeepdraughttohishealth：

butIwouldshowyou，thatweforestersaremiscalledbyopprobriousnames，andthatourvirtues，thoughtheyfollowathumbledistance，areyettrulyakintothoseofCoeur-de-Lion。IsaynotthatRichardisathief，butIsaythatRobinisahero：andforhonour，dideveryetman，miscalledthief，wingreaterhonourthanRobin？Donotallmengracehimwithsomehonourableepithet？Themostgentlethief，themostcourteousthief，themostbountifulthief，yea，andthemosthonestthief？

Richardiscourteous，bountiful，honest，andvaliant：butsoalsoisRobin：itisthefalsewordthatmakestheunjustdistinction。

Theyaretwin-spirits，andshouldbefriends，butthatfortunehathdifferentlycasttheirlot：buttheirnamesshalldescendtogethertothelatestdays，asthefloweroftheirageandofEngland：

forinthepureprinciplesoffreebooteryhavetheyexcelledallmen;

andtotheprinciplesoffreebootery，diverselydeveloped，belongallthequalitiestowhichsongandstoryconcederenown。"

"Andyoumayadd，friar，"saidMarian，"thatRobin，nolessthanRichard，iskinginhisowndominion;andthatifhissubjectsbefewer，yetaretheymoreuniformlyloyal。"

"Iwould，fairlady，"saidthestranger，"thatthylatterobservationwerenotsotrue。ButInothingdoubt，Robin，thatifRichardcouldhearyourfriar，andseeyouandyourlady，asInowdo，thereisnotamaninEnglandwhomhewouldtakebythehandmorecordiallythanyourself。"

"Gramercy，sirknight，"saidRobin————ButhisspeechwascutshortbyLittleJohncalling，"Hark！"

Alllistened。Adistanttramplingofhorseswasheard。

Thesoundsapproachedrapidly，andatlengthagroupofhorsemenglitteringinholydaydresseswasvisibleamongthetrees。

"God’smylife！"saidRobin，"whatmeansthis？Toarms，mymerrymenall。"

"Noarms，Robin，"saidtheforemosthorseman，ridingupandspringingfromhissaddle："haveyouforgottenSirWilliamoftheLee？"

"No，bymyfay，"saidRobin;"andrightwelcomeagaintoSherwood。"

LittleJohnbustledtore-arraythedisorganisedeconomyofthetable，andreplacethedilapidationsoftheprovender。

"Icomelate，Robin，"saidSirWilliam，"butIcamebyawrestling，whereIfoundagoodyeomanwrongfullybesetbyacrowdofsturdyvarlets，andIstaidtodohimright。"

"Ithanktheeforthat，inGod’sname，"saidRobin，"asifthygoodservicehadbeentomyself。"

"Andhere，"saidtheknight，"isthyfourhundredpound;

andmymenhavebroughttheeanhundredbowsandasmanywell-furnishedquivers;whichIbeseechtheetoreceiveandtouseasapoortokenofmygratefulkindnesstothee：

formeandmywifeandchildrendidstthouredeemfrombeggary。"

"Thybowsandarrows，"saidRobin，"willIjoyfullyreceive：

butofthymoney，notapenny。Itispaidalready。

MyLady，whowasthysecurity，hathsentitmeforthee。"

SirWilliampressed，butRobinwasinflexible。

"Itispaid，"saidRobin，"asthisgoodknightcantestify，whosawmyLady’smessengerdepartbutnow。"

SirWilliamlookedroundtothestrangerknight，andinstantlyfellonhisknee，saying，"GodsaveKingRichard。"

Theforesters，friarandall，droppedontheirkneestogether，andrepeatedinchorus："GodsaveKingRichard。"

"Rise，rise，"saidRichard，smiling："Robiniskinghere，ashisladyhathshown。Ihaveheardmuchofthee，Robin，bothofthypresentandthyformerstate。Andthis，thyfairforest-queen，is，iftalessaytrue，theladyMatildaFitzwater。"

Mariansignedacknowledgment。

"Yourfather，"saidtheking，"hasapprovedhisfidelitytome，bythelossofhislands，whichthenewnessofmyreturn，andmanypubliccares，havenotyetgivenmetimetorestore：

butthisjusticeshallbedonetohim，andtotheealso，Robin，ifthouwiltleavethyforest-lifeandresumethyearldom，andbeapeerofCoeur-de-Lion：forbraverheartandjusterhandIneveryetfound。"

Robinlookedroundonhismen。

"Yourfollowers，"saidtheking，"shallhavefreepardon，andsuchofthemasthouwiltpartwithshallhavemaintenancefromme;

andifeverIconfesstopriest，itshallbetothyfriar。"

"Gramercytoyourmajesty，"saidthefriar;"andmyinflictionsshallbeflasksofcanary;andifthenumberbe（asingravecasesImay，peradventure，makeit）toogreatforonefrailmortality，Iwillrelieveyoubyvicariouspenance，andpourdownmyownthroattheredundancyoftheburden。"

Robinandhisfollowersembracedtheking’sproposal。

AjoyfulmeetingsoonfollowedwiththebaronandSirGuyofGamwell：

andRichardhimselfhonouredwithhisownpresenceaformalsolemnizationofthenuptialsofourlovers，whomheconstantlydistinguishedwithhispeculiarregard。

Thefriarcouldnotsay，Farewelltotheforest，withoutsomethingofaheavyheart：andhesangasheturnedhisbackuponitsbounds，occasionallyrevertinghishead：

Yewoods，thatoftatsultrynoonHaveo’ermespreadyourmessyshade：

Yegushingstreams，whosemurmuredtuneHasinmyearsweetmusicmade，While，wherethedancingpebblesshowDeepintherestlessfountain-poolThegelidwater’supwardflow，Mysecondflaskwaslaidtocool：

Yepleasantsightsofleafandflower：

Yepleasantsoundsofbirdandbee：

Yesportsofdeerinsylvanbower：

Yefeastsbeneaththegreenwoodtree：

Yebaskingsinthevernalsun：

Yeslumbersinthesummerdell：

Yetrophiesthatthisarmhaswon：

Andmustyehearyourfriar’sfarewell？

Butthefriar’sfarewellwasnotdestinedtobeeternal。

HewasdomiciledasthefamilyconfessoroftheearlandcountessofHuntingdon，wholedadiscreetandcourtlylife，andkeptupoldhospitalityinallitsmunificence，tillthedeathofKingRichardandtheusurpationofJohn，byplacingtheirenemyinpower，compelledthemtoreturntotheirgreenwoodsovereignty;which，itisprobable，theywouldhavebeforedonefromchoice，iftheirloveofsylvanlibertyhadnotbeencounteractedbytheirdesiretoretainthefriendshipofCoeur-de-Lion。Theiroldandtriedadherents，thefriaramongtheforemost，flockedagainroundtheirforest-banner;

andinmerrySherwoodtheylonglivedtogether，theladystillretainingherformernameofMaidMarian，thoughtheappellationwasthenasmuchamisnomerasthatofLittleJohn。