MARRIAGE OF ALLEN A DALE.

J. Gilbert

Day & Haghe lithographers to the Queen

ROBIN HOOD
AND
HIS MERRY FORESTERS.

BY STEPHEN PERCY,
AUTHOR OF “TALES OF THE KINGS OF ENGLAND”

“Merry it is in the good green-wood,

When the mavis and merle are singing.”

LONDON:
TILT AND BOGUE, FLEET STREET.
MDCCCXLI.

LONDON:
CLARKE, PRINTERS, SILVER STREET, FALCON SQUARE.

TO
MY SISTER ELIZA,
WITH
A BROTHER’S MOST AFFECTIONATE LOVE,
I DEDICATE
These Stories of my Boyhood.

CONTENTS.

LIST OF PLATES.

ROBIN HOOD.

EARLY SCHOOL-DAYS.

Tales of Robin Hood and his merry foresters were the delight of my boyhood.

Many an hour which my school-fellows spent in games of cricket or leap-frog, I passed happily away in the rustic arbour that we had built in the corner of our play-ground, deeply intent upon a volume of old ballads that chance had thrown before me. Sometimes a companion or two, weary of the sport in which they had been engaged, would join me in my retreat, and ask me to read aloud; and seldom would they leave me till the school-bell warned us that it was time to return to our duties.

After the tasks of the day were done we had two hours at our disposal before we were again called to study our lessons for the following morning. In these short intervals it was that, forgetting for awhile Cæsar, Cicero, and Virgil, freed from restraint, and exulting in health and spirits, we passed the happiest moments of our early days.

Though many years have since glided away, I can recall these pleasures most vividly. Well do I recollect the youth who shared my bed, and who in school hours sat next me on the first form; and well do I remember, as we sauntered together one bright summer’s evening through the shrubbery that encircled our play-ground, his asking me to tell him some tale of Robin Hood. Willingly I complied. There was an old sycamore tree close by, standing alone upon a little lawn. Its weather-beaten trunk was girt round by a low seat, whence, through an opening in the trees, a wide extent of country presented itself to the view. The shrubbery was upon the side of a steep hill, at whose base lay broad and verdant meadows: through these a navigable river winded peacefully along, bearing upon its surface the white lateen sail of the gay pleasure-boat, or the more dingy brown canvas of the heavily laden barge, that constantly lent a fresh charm to the delightful landscape. Beyond the meadows was a little village, almost concealed by the venerable trees that surrounded it, while, to the left, the white front of some noble mansion glistened afar off, amid the dark tint of the distant foliage. Many a time had I chosen this favourite bench, and now, with my young friend at my side, I again reclined against the broad old trunk. Scarce had we seated ourselves when another of our school-fellows happened to pass by, and at the intercession of my companion stayed to listen to my promised tale.

I endeavoured to recall the earliest mention of my brave hero in the ballads that told of his exploits, and thus began:—

ROBIN HOOD’S YOUTH.

“More than six hundred years ago, in the reigns of King Henry the Second and Richard Cœur de Lion, there lived in the northern part of England a most famous outlaw, named Robin Hood. The daring exploits and curious adventures of this renowned hero have been celebrated in songs throughout almost every country in Europe; and so great a favourite has he always been in England, that, as the old poet says,

“‘In this our spacious isle I think there is not one

But he of Robin Hood hath heard, and Little John;

And, to the end of time, the tales shall ne’er be done

Of Scarlet, George-a-Green, and Much, the miller’s son;

Of Tuck, the merry friar, which many a sermon made

In praise of Robin Hood, his outlaws, and their trade.’

“Robin Hood, whose true name appears to have been Robert Fitzooth, was born and bred in the sweet town of Locksley, in merry Nottinghamshire, about the year 1160. He was a very handsome youth, with light auburn hair, and dark bright eyes that glanced and sparkled like stars, and was the most expert archer and bravest wrestler among all the lads of the county, from whom he oft-times bore away the prize in their rural sports. One day as Robin Hood was going to Nottingham upon a visit to his uncle he passed by an ale-house, at the door of which stood several foresters, keepers of the king’s parks, drinking ale and wine. Young Robin joined the party, and entered into conversation with them, when he learned that the king had commanded a shooting match to be held at a town close by in the course of the following week.

“‘I will be there,’ cried Robin Hood with great glee, ‘and will show King Henry a good cloth-yard arrow well shot.’

“‘Ha! ha!’ laughed one of the foresters. ‘Dost thou think that a stripling like thee may shoot before a king? I’ faith, my young fellow, thou must give place to better men.’

“Robin Hood’s brow flushed with anger at this slight, and he half drew his dagger from its sheath, but recollecting himself—‘I’ll wager thee twenty crowns,’ he replied, ‘that I will strike a deer at five hundred yards.’

“‘Done,’ cried the forester. ‘I bet thee twenty crowns thou canst not. Our host shall hold the stakes while we go into yonder wood.’

“‘Agreed,’ said Robin Hood; ‘and if I do not kill the deer thou shalt win the bet.’ Each then paid twenty crowns to the host, and the whole party set out merrily to the wood. Young Robin strung his noble bow, and chose one of his best arrows, and in a few minutes a hart bounded across the plain. Although the animal was at a considerable distance farther off than the space agreed upon, Robin would not lose the chance; he drew his arrow to the head, and let fly with such force that when it struck the deer upon its side the poor creature fell plunging to the earth in a stream of its own blood.

“‘Give me the money,’ said Robin Hood proudly, to the host, ‘if ’twere a thousand pound, I’ve won the wager.’

“‘The wager’s none of thine,’ cried the man with whom he had laid the bet. ‘Thou hadst better take up thy bow and begone, or by’r lady I’ll make thee rue this day;’ and thus saying he bestowed a buffet on the young archer’s head, while the other keepers stood by and laughed.

“Robin Hood took up his bow as he was bidden, without saying a word, and smiled as he ran away from them across the plain. When he had got some good distance off, he turned round, and aiming at the treacherous forester, let fly a shaft which struck him upon the breast, pierced his heart, and laid him dead upon the spot. Before his companions had recovered from their surprise, Robin Hood sent arrow after arrow among them, wounding some severely, and stretching others lifeless upon the grass.

“The people of Nottingham hearing of this, came out in great numbers to take the bold young archer, but he had escaped far away before they arrived; therefore, contenting themselves with taking the bodies of the dead foresters, they buried them ‘all in a row,’ in the churchyard in Nottingham.

“For a long time afterwards Robin Hood dared not show himself in any town or village, as a reward was offered for his apprehension; but he lived in the forests under the green-wood trees, where he quickly met with several other youths who for various causes had been outlawed like himself.

“In these times immense tracts of land, especially in Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, were covered with dense woods, which generally abounded in deer and every description of game; and as these were the property of the king, rangers or foresters were appointed for their protection, and the penalty against any one who dared to slay a stag was death.

“Robin Hood and his companions cared very little for these rangers, who indeed stood but a poor chance against them. They shot the king’s deer whenever they were in want of food, and cooked it well enough by a fire kindled with branches of the royal trees.

“They likewise were sometimes bold enough to stop his majesty’s liege subjects upon the highway, and politely request the loan of a few pounds, which was most frequently granted them without their giving any security for its repayment, the poor traveller being glad to escape with a safe body.

“As the young outlaw thus continued to live in Sherwood forest, his superior skill in archery and his prowess at all manly exercises gained him great fame. Many young men joined him in his retreat, and placed themselves under his leadership, so that he soon found himself captain of at least three-score gallant youths.

“Robin Hood and his followers all dressed themselves in cloth of Lincoln green, and generally wore a scarlet cap upon their heads. Each man was armed with a dagger and a short basket-hilted sword, and carried a long bow in his hand, while a quiver filled with arrows a cloth-yard long hung at his back. The captain, besides wearing a better cloth than his men, always carried with him a bugle horn, whose notes he taught his followers to distinguish at a most incredible distance.

“One day Robin Hood said to his men, ‘My brave fellows, here have we been fourteen long days without any kind of sport. Stay ye here awhile among the green leaves, while I go forth in search of some adventure. If I want your assistance three blasts on my bugle horn will tell ye where I am.’ And bidding them adieu for the present, he shook hands with them, and with his trusty bow in his hand set out on his expedition. He soon reached the high road, where he thought he should most easily meet with something to do, and marched along boldly for a considerable way. Presently he came to a wide but shallow brook that ran across the road, over which there was but one narrow bridge, that would only permit a single person to cross at a time. Just as Robin Hood set his foot upon the plank at one end a traveller appeared upon the other side, and as neither would return they met in the middle of the bridge. The stranger was a tall handsome young fellow nearly seven feet high, but unarmed, except with a stout oaken staff.

“‘Go back,’ cried he to Robin Hood, ‘or ’twill be the worse for thee.’

“‘Ha! ha!’ laughed Robin, ‘surely thou jestest, man. Were I to bend this good bow of mine I could send an arrow through thy heart before thou could’st even strike;’ and stepping back a pace or two he drew a shaft from his quiver and fixed it ready to shoot.

“‘Thou talk’st like a coward,’ replied the stranger; ‘with a long bow drawn against one who has but an oaken staff.’

“‘I am no coward,’ answered Robin Hood, ‘and that thou shalt see. Stay on the bridge awhile. I’ll be with thee again in the twinkling of an arrow.’ And laying aside his bow he ran back along the plank, plunged into a thicket close at hand, and quickly returned bearing a good oak branch.

“‘Now,’ cried he to the traveller, ‘now we are equally matched; let’s fight out our quarrel on the bridge; whoever throws the other into the water shall win the day, and so we’ll part.’

“‘With all my heart,’ replied the stranger, ‘for go back I will not;’ and without a word farther he bestowed such a thwack on the head of Robin Hood that his teeth chattered together.

“‘Thou shalt have as good as thou giv’st,’ cried Robin, and laid such a blow on the shoulder of his opponent that every bone in his body rung again. At it they then went in right earnest, and thick and fast rattled the staves upon their heads and backs, appearing like men threshing corn. Getting more enraged at every stroke, they laid about each other with so much fury that their jackets smoked as if they had been on fire; but at last the stranger gave Robin Hood a blow upon the side of his head that made him stagger, and losing his balance the outlaw tumbled into the brook.

“‘Where art thou now, my fine fellow?’ cried the victorious stranger, laughing.

“‘Good faith,’ replied Robin Hood, ‘I’m in the water, and floating bravely with the tide. But thou art a bold yeoman I needs must say, and I’ll fight no more with thee. Thou hast got the day and there’s an end of our battle.’ Then wading to the bank he caught hold of a projecting branch of a tree, pulled himself out of the brook, and setting his bugle to his lips blew three such loud and lusty blasts that the woods and valleys echoed and re-echoed them, till they reached the ears of his merry bowmen. In a few minutes they all appeared dressed in their bright green coats, and ranged themselves round Robin Hood, who was lying on the grass to rest his bruised limbs.

“‘Good master,’ cried one of them, named Will Stutely, ‘what wantest thou with thy merry men? Hast thou fallen into the brook?’

“‘No matter,’ replied their captain; ‘this youth and I have had a famous fight, and he knocked me into the water.’

“‘We’ll duck him, we’ll duck him,’ exclaimed the men, running up to the stranger, and seizing him by the arms.

“‘Forbear!’ shouted Robin Hood. ‘He is a brave young fellow, and must be one of us.’ Then, springing to his feet, he advanced towards him. ‘No one shall harm thee, friend,’ he said; ‘these merry men are mine. There are three-score and nine, and if thou wilt join them thou shalt have a coat of Lincoln green like theirs, a dagger, a good broadsword, and a bow and arrows, with which we will soon teach thee to kill the fat fallow-deer.’

“‘Here’s my hand on it,’ replied the stranger, striking his palm into that of the bold outlaw; ‘I’ll serve thee with my whole heart. My name is John Little, but thou’lt find I can do much, and that I’ll play my part with the best.’

“‘His name must be altered,’ said Will Stutely. ‘I’ll be his godfather, and we’ll have a merry christening in the green-wood.’

“A brace of fat does were presently shot, and a fresh barrel of humming strong ale was broached for the occasion. Robin Hood and his followers then stood in a ring, while Will Stutely, attended by seven of the tallest, dressed themselves in black garments that had once belonged to some unfortunate priests, and prepared to baptize this pretty infant. They carried him into the midst of the ring, and throwing a bucket of water over his face, for fear a little sprinkling might not be enough, Will Stutely in a very solemn tone said, ‘This infant has hitherto been called John Little; we do now hereby change his name, which from the present day to the end of his life shall be called Little John.’

“A loud shout from the men made the forest ring again. When this ceremony was concluded, and when Robin Hood had given his new attendant a coat of Lincoln green, and a curiously carved long-bow, they all sat down on the grass to a merry feast. Music succeeded, and their bold captain, in honour of his new guest, trolled forth the following song:—

“‘You’re welcome, my lad, to the forests o’ green,

Where the wild deer so merrily bounds;

Where the foresters bold their gay revels hold,

And their bugle-horn cheerily sounds.

“‘Thou shalt be an archer, as well as the best,

And range in the green-wood with us;

Where we’ll not want gold nor silver, behold,

While bishops have aught in their purse.

“‘We live here like ’squires, or lords of renown,

Without e’er a foot of free land;

We feast on good cheer, with wine, ale, and beer,

And ev’ry thing at our command.

“‘Then welcome, my lad, to the merry green-wood,

Where the wild deer so joyously bounds;

Where the foresters bold their gay revels hold,

And their bugle-horn cheerily sounds.’

“THOU’RT WELCOME MY LAD TO THE MERRY GREEN-WOOD.”

J. Gilbert

“Merrily and gaily did they pass the evening; now dancing round some old monarch of the forest, and now listening to the rude but pleasing ditty of one of their companions. At length the sun went down, and the deep shades of the forest began to draw around them. Robin Hood drew forth his bugle, sounded a few notes, and in a minute or two the whole band were dispersed in groups to their huts and caves.

ROBIN HOOD AND THE BUTCHER.

“Shortly after this merry-making Robin Hood was one morning sitting by the way-side, amusing himself with trimming his bow and arrows, when he espied a jolly butcher hastening to market with a basket of meat before him upon his horse.

“‘Good morrow, my fine fellow,’ quoth Robin Hood as he passed by. ‘What may’st thou have in that basket there?’

“‘What’s that to thee,’ replied the butcher: ‘thou’lt not buy it I’ll warrant me.’

“‘Nay, now, my good friend, be civil,’ returned the outlaw, rising from the grass, and patting the man’s horse upon the neck. ‘What value settest thou upon this beast of thine, and the basket, altogether?’

“‘Well! an thou mean’st to buy,’ answered the butcher, still doubting, ‘thou shalt have the whole lot for four silver marks.’

“‘Throw that greasy frock of thine into the bargain,’ said Robin, ‘and here’s thy money:’ at the same time he took some silver pieces from a leathern pouch that hung from his girdle, and held them to the butcher. With great joy at having made so good a bargain, the man instantly dismounted, and giving his horse’s reins to his new owner, he quickly stripped off his outer garment. The bold outlaw as quickly encased himself in it, and, mounting the horse, took the basket from the butcher, and galloped off to Nottingham.

“When he reached the town, Robin Hood made his way to the part where the meat was sold; and having put up his horse at an inn, he uncovered his basket, and began to sell its contents. He knew very little and cared very little about the price that was usually paid for meat, and the ladies in the market quickly discovered that he gave about five times as much for a penny as any other butcher. His stall was soon surrounded, and his brethren in the trade were left without a customer. At first they could not imagine what could be the reason of so strange an occurrence; but when one of them learned that the new butcher had actually sold a whole leg of pork for a shilling, a general council was held, and it was unanimously agreed that he must either be mad, or some prodigal son who had run away with his father’s property: but they were all determined to learn something certain about him.

“When the market was over, one of them stepped up to Robin Hood. ‘Come, brother,’ said he to him, ‘we are all of one trade, come and dine with us to-day.’

“‘Right willingly that will I,’ replied the outlaw; ‘and a jolly dinner will we have. ’Tis my first day among ye, and by my faith it shall be a merry one.’ They were soon seated at the board, at the head of which presided the sheriff of Nottingham, while ‘mine host’ sat at the other end. Robin Hood, being a new comer, said grace, and they commenced a most fearful attack upon divers smoking flanks of beef, and many a goodly haunch of venison. The jovial outlaw did his duty with the rest, and when at last the dishes were allowed to be taken away, ‘Fill us more wine,’ he cried, ‘let’s be merry, my brethren; drink till ye can drink no more; I’ll pay the reckoning.’

“‘This is a mad blade,’ said the sheriff to his next neighbour; ‘we must find out who he is.’—‘Hast thou, friend,’ he continued aloud, addressing Robin Hood, ‘hast thou any horned beasts to dispose of?’

“‘Aye, good master sheriff, that have I,’ answered Robin, ‘some two or three hundreds, and a hundred acres of as good free land too as thou’st ever seen.’

“‘I want a few head of cattle,’ rejoined the former, ‘and if thou wilt, I’ll ride this day to look at thine.’

“‘Fill me a bumper of sack,’ cried Robin Hood; ‘here’s to a good bargain;’ and tossing off a goblet of wine, he rose up, threw a handful of silver upon the table, and with the sheriff left the astonished butchers to finish their wine and talk of their extraordinary comrade.

“The man of dignity saddled his palfrey, and tying a heavy bag of gold, wherewith to pay for his purchase, to his girdle, set out with Robin Hood to Sherwood forest. Merry were the jokes and loud was the laughter of the bold outlaw as they trotted along the road, and the sheriff thought that he had never met with so pleasant a companion. ‘Heaven preserve us,’ said he, ‘from a man they call Robin Hood, who often frequents these woods.’

“‘Fear not, master sheriff,’ replied Robin; ‘I saw him in Nottingham town not two hours ago, and I’ll warrant me he has not overtaken us.’

“‘In Nottingham!’ cried the sheriff, with astonishment: ‘why didst not thou tell me that before? I must go back and capture him.’

“‘’Twill be a profitless errand for thee,’ answered the outlaw. ‘Though I know Robin Hood as well as my own self, ’twas with difficulty I recognised him in his disguise.’ The sheriff looked hard at his companion, as he claimed so intimate a knowledge with the outlawed forester, but said not a word, only spurring his horse on faster, and keeping as far from his fellow-traveller as the width of the road permitted.

“Presently they arrived at the borders of the forest, and striking into a narrow road that led through it, reached an open lawn of some considerable extent. Just as they entered upon it, a whole herd of deer tripped gaily across the path.

“‘How likest thou my horned beasts, master sheriff?’ asked Robin Hood; ‘they are fat and in good condition, are they not?’

“‘I must tell thee, good fellow,’ returned the sheriff, reining up his palfrey, ‘that I would rather be elsewhere than in thy company.’

“Robin Hood replied by taking his bugle-horn from his side, and blowing three distinct blasts that made the woods re-echo, and his companion’s ears to tingle with no small degree of apprehension.

“‘Thou art a knave,’ cried he, ‘and hast played me false; take that for payment:’ and the terrified sheriff drew his sword and struck fiercely at the outlaw, who, spurring his steed aside, dexterously avoided the blow. In a moment after, sixty or more foresters, with Little John at their head, burst from the thickets and surrounded the two horsemen.

“‘Welcome, good master;’ said Little John to his captain. ‘What will’st thou with thy merry men?’

“‘I have brought the sheriff of Nottingham to dine with ye to-day,’ replied Robin Hood; ‘make good cheer, and give him of the best.’

“‘Aye, marry, that will we,’ returned the tall forester, ‘for I know he has gold to pay for it:’ and gently obliging the sheriff to dismount, he unfastened the bag from the unfortunate man’s girdle, and taking his cloak from his shoulders, he spread it upon the grass, and emptied the gold upon it.

“‘Three hundred pounds will serve us for many a carouse,’ said Little John, when he had counted the money and replaced it in the bag. ‘And now, master sheriff,’ he continued, laughing, ‘would’st thou like venison for thy dinner? Hast thou any stomach for a smoking haunch?’

“‘Let me away,’ cried the sheriff, running to his horse’s side, ‘or you’ll all rue this day.’

“Robin Hood sprang to his assistance, held the stirrup while he mounted, and politely wishing him a pleasant journey home, desired to be especially commended to his wife. The poor sheriff, glad to escape sound in body, returned no answer; but striking spurs into his palfrey was soon out of sight. The merry foresters quickly repaired to their wonted spot, and with many a bumper of ale or wine, drank to the health and prosperity of the liberal sheriff of Nottingham.

ROBIN HOOD AND WILL SCARLET.

“The bold outlaws were afraid to show themselves for some time after this adventure, and for several weeks retired to a distant forest, where their haunts were not so well known as in Sherwood.

“Robin Hood was one morning rambling among the woods, when, through the branches of the trees, he caught sight of a gay young fellow walking carelessly along and whistling merrily. The stranger was clothed in a silken doublet of beautiful scarlet, his hose were likewise of the same bright colour, and his gay green cap was ornamented with a crimson feather. By his side hung a handsome broadsword, the hilt of which was studded with precious stones, and in his left hand he carried an elegantly carved bow; while a quiver of polished oak, inlaid with silver, was suspended by a silken baldric at his back.

“As he emerged from the thicket upon a little plain, on which the noon-day sun was permitted to shine unobscured by the deep foliage that on all sides surrounded him, the traveller’s heart leapt with joy at the sight of a herd of deer grazing quietly at the other end of the verdant glade.

“‘The fattest among ye,’ quoth he, loud enough for the outlaw to over-hear him, ‘shall serve my dinner to-day:’ and drawing an arrow from his quiver, he fixed it upon his bow, and discharged the weapon with such keen velocity that the noblest animal among the herd fell dead at the distance of forty yards.

“‘Well shot! well shot, my friend!’ cried Robin Hood, advancing from his concealment. ‘Would’st like to be a forester in this merry green-wood?’

“‘Where springest thou from?’ said the stranger, turning round sharply at the sound of a voice: ‘Go thou thine own way; I’ll go mine.’

“‘If thou’lt accept the place,’ returned the outlaw, unheeding this angry reply, ‘I’ll make thee a bold yeoman, and give thee livery of mine.’

“‘Livery!’ cried the other. ‘By St. George, an thou dost not take to thine heels, I’ll give thee such a buffet as shall make thine ears ring for many a mile.’

“Robin Hood drew back a step, and bent his ever-ready bow, and at the same time the stranger, quick as thought, drew another arrow from his quiver, and pointed it at the outlaw.

“‘Hold! hold!’ cried the latter. ‘This is cowards’ play. Take thy sword, man, and let’s fight it out under yonder tree.’

“‘With all my heart,’ replied the traveller; ‘and by my faith I will not leave thee till thou dost cry “‘a mercy.”’ Then laying aside their bows, each drew his sword, and stepping beneath the shade of a broad old oak, began the combat in right good earnest. The bold outlaw, seizing an unguarded moment, laid a blow upon the shoulder of his opponent that made him wince again; but, in retaliation, the stranger rushed furiously at Robin Hood, and struck him so violently upon the head that the blood ran trickling down from every hair.

“‘Mercy, good fellow—mercy,’ he cried, dropping his sword’s point to the earth, and leaning himself against the tree; ‘thou hast fairly beaten me. Tell me,—who art thou? and what seek’st thou here?’

“‘Ha! thou alterest thy tone now,’ answered the victor with a laugh; ‘but, if thou’rt a true man, thou may’st stand my friend. Know’st thou where dwells a yeoman they call Robin Hood?’

“‘Wherefore dost thou seek him?’ inquired the outlaw.

“‘I am his sister’s son,’ replied the youth. ‘I had the misfortune to slay my father’s steward in a quarrel, and am forced to flee from home.’

“‘Thy name?’ asked Robin Hood anxiously.

“‘Is Will Gamwell, of the town of Maxwell,’ replied the stranger.

“‘My brave boy, I am thine uncle,’ exclaimed the outlaw, clasping him in his arms with delight; ‘thou should’st have said this before we shed each other’s blood.’

“‘Forgive me—forgive me,’—cried the youth, bending on his knee; ‘and I’ll serve thee day and night.’

“‘Give me thy hand,’ replied Robin; ‘thou art a bold fellow, a true marksman, and a right valiant swordsman, as I know to my cost. Let us go seek my merry men.’ And with many a pleasant discourse the newly-found relations beguiled their path to the haunt of the outlaws. As they approached the spot, Robin Hood drew his bugle from his girdle, and sounded a few short notes. Before the music had ceased Little John stood at his side.

“‘Is danger at hand, good master?’ he said. ‘Where hast thou tarried so long? Whence this blood?’

“‘I met with this youth,’ replied Robin Hood, ‘and full sore has he beaten me.’

“‘Then I’ll have a bout with him,’ cried the tall forester, and see if he will beat me too;’ and with a staff in his hand he stepped before the stranger.

“‘Nay nay,’ said his captain, interfering, ‘that must not be; he is my own dear sister’s son, and next to thee shall be my chief yeoman.’

“‘Welcome, my friend, to merry Sherwood,’ exclaimed Little John, shaking the new comer by the hand. ‘We’ll have a rare feast for thee to-night. But by what name shall we call thee among our jovial comrades?’

“‘His name is Gamwell,’ replied Robin Hood; ‘but we had better re-christen him as we did thee; he has forsooth a fine scarlet doublet, and Will Scarlet shall be his name.’ Then again taking his bugle, he set it to his lips, and winded it till

“‘The warbling echoes wak’d from every dale and hill.’

“More than a hundred tall yeomen, clad in Lincoln green, soon attended this summons, bounding among the trees like so many playful deer.

“Will Scarlet, frightened at the sight of so many men, all armed with bows, cried to his uncle to fly from them, and was himself starting off at his full speed, when Robin Hood caught him by the arm, and laughing heartily at his terror, bade him behold his future companions.

“‘What want’st thou, good master?’ said Will Stutely, the leader of the band. ‘Thy bugle sounded so shrill we thought there had been work for us.’

“‘The danger’s over now,’ replied Robin Hood; ‘but welcome your new comrade; he is my own sister’s son, and has proved himself a gallant youth, for he has given me a famous beating.’

“The foresters set up a simultaneous shout, and each advancing in his turn took the hand of the delighted youth. The rest of the day was spent in feasting and sporting, till the departing rays of the sun warned them to their caves and bowers.”

Just as I had thus concluded, and my young companions were making their various remarks upon the merry life of the bold outlaws, the deep tone of our school-bell rang in our ears. Off we started, like a herd of deer frightened at the notes of Robin Hood’s bugle-horn.

OUR SECOND MEETING.

ROBIN HOOD AND ALLEN-A-DALE.

On the next evening, when I took my seat beneath the sycamore, I found that it was surrounded by no less than six of my school-fellows; so popular had been the legends of Robin Hood with my hearers of the previous day. I was mightily pleased at this, and with renewed confidence began the following tale:—

“Shortly after the accession of Will Scarlet to his company, Robin Hood was one morning roaming through the forest, when he beheld a young man, very elegantly dressed in crimson silk, skipping merrily over the green plain, singing a roundelay; his face was lighted up with gladness, and his heart seemed overflowing with joy.

“On the very next morning Robin Hood again encountered the same youth. All his finery was gone. He wore a russet suit, and his countenance was overspread with melancholy. He walked slowly, absorbed in meditation, and now and then broke out into exclamations of the keenest grief. The outlaw’s heart was moved. ‘What can have caused this sudden change,’ he said to himself: ‘perhaps I may relieve his sorrows;’ and emerging from the grove he stood before the young man’s path.

“‘What ailest thou my friend?’ he said to him; ‘but yesterday thou wert as gay as a lark, and to-day as thou wert at a funeral.’

“‘Why dost thou ask?’ said the youth: ‘thou canst not help me in my distress.’

“‘I have a hundred as good yeomen as ever drew bow in the green-wood,’ replied the outlaw, ‘that will do my bidding as I list.’

“‘Lend me thine aid,’ cried the young man eagerly, ‘and I’ll be thy true servant for ever. My name is Allen-a-Dale. But yesterday I was to have wedded the fairest maiden upon whom the sun ever shone. To-day she is taken from me, and will be forced to marry a rich old knight whom she detests.’

“‘Where is the wedding to take place,’ inquired Robin Hood.

“‘At the little church in the vale ’twixt here and Nottingham,’ replied the lover; ‘’tis not five miles distant.’

“‘We will try what’s to be done,’ rejoined Robin. ‘Come with me, and by my faith it shall go hard but thou gettest thy fair maiden yet;’ and taking the now hopeful youth by the hand, the outlaw led him away.

“Great preparations were made for the approaching wedding in the village church that Allen-a-Dale had mentioned. The lord bishop of the diocese was there, dressed in his gorgeous robes; and the cottagers, decked out in their holiday costume, were waiting anxiously to witness so grand a marriage. An old man with a long flowing beard likewise demanded and received admission into the interior of the sacred edifice. He wore a sombre-coloured mantle that entirely covered him, and carried, slung by a belt across his shoulders, a harp, which, as he seated himself near the altar, he placed at his feet, ready to strike on the appearance of the bridal party. Presently the grave old knight entered the church, leading the beautiful damsel by the hand. Young girls, dressed in white, scattered roses in their path as they advanced, and the harper sounded his noble instrument. The poor maiden seemed totally unconscious of all that passed. She walked slowly, with her head bent to the earth; and tears burst from her eyes, and coursed each other down her lovely cheeks: but the old knight was unmoved, and hurried her to the altar. The bishop opened his book and began the ceremony.

“‘I forbid this match,’ exclaimed a voice that seemed to proceed from where the harper sat.

“The reverend father, surprised at so unusual an interruption, stopped, and looked around:—‘Stand forth, whoever thou art, and state thy reasons,’ said he, after a long pause.

“‘This old knight is not the damsel’s free choice,’ cried the old man, rising from his seat, ‘and I forbid the marriage.’ At the same moment pulling away his false beard, and casting aside his cloak, Robin Hood drew a bugle-horn from his baldric, and stunned the ears of bishop, knight, and maiden, with the loudness of his blast. At the summons four and twenty yeomen darted out of a grove that was close at hand, bounded like wild deer over the plain, and quickly entered the church. The first man among them was Allen-a-Dale. He ran to Robin Hood, and gave him his trusty bow; then, rushing to the altar, he hurled the old knight aside, and clasping the lovely maiden in his arms, bore her to the outlaw.

“‘Now, my good lord bishop,’ said Robin Hood, ‘thou may’st marry this fair lady to her own true love.’

“‘That cannot be,’ returned the bishop, closing his book with a loud clap; ‘the law requireth that the banns be published three times in the church.’

“‘We will soon remedy that,’ cried Little John, stepping forward from among the bowmen. ‘Lend me thy gown awhile, good master bishop, and I will do that office;’ and as he spake, he entered the enclosed space by the altar, and stood by the side of the reverend father, who, with a very ill will, suffered his robe to be taken from his person.

“The foresters and villagers, one and all, could not restrain their mirth when the tall yeoman put the garment upon himself, and took up the bishop’s volume. For fear that thrice might not be enough, he published the banns seven times, while Allen-a-Dale and his betrothed took their places at the altar steps.

“‘Who gives away this maid?’ asked Little John when he had finished that part of his duty.

“‘That do I,’ answered Robin Hood, who stood at the damsel’s side. ‘Where’s the man who dares dispute my gift?’ and clapping the bridegroom upon his shoulders—‘Cheer ye, my gallant friend,’ he cried; ‘by my troth thou hast boldly won the fairest maiden in Christendom.’

“Neither the old knight nor the bishop interposed, but while Little John proceeded with the ceremony they both left the church. As soon as all was concluded, the young girls again strewed flowers in the path of the now joyous bride, the bells struck up a merry peal, and the villagers and foresters, rushing out of the church, greeted the happy pair with loud shouts of joy. Robin Hood and his men escorted them home, and having drunk to the welfare and happiness of young Allen-a-Dale and his fair lady, they again returned to their green-wood shades.

ROBIN HOOD’S GOLDEN PRIZE.

“There were many days in which the outlaws of Sherwood scarcely knew how to pass away their time. They often grew tired of their easy and careless life, and longed for an adventure where more active exertions would be required. Robin Hood, especially, could ill brook the monotony of a forester’s life. He was ever bent upon some enterprise, either by himself alone, or with the assistance of his followers; and rarely a week passed but that the bold captain threw a good store of gold into his treasury. One day he disguised himself in the dress of a friar. A long dark-coloured gown completely covered his green doublet, and a large cowl over his head nearly concealed his features. His waist was girt round with a white woollen rope, from which were suspended a string of beads and an ivory crucifix. Thus attired, with a staff in his hand, he took the high road, and trudged on merrily. The first persons he met were, an honest husbandman, clad in tattered garments, carrying a chubby boy in his arms, and his wife, with an infant, following mournfully in his steps. Robin Hood stopped them, inquired the cause of their grief, and learned that their cottage had been burned down by a party of marauders, and that they were then on their way to Nottingham, where the poor man hoped to obtain employment.

“The seeming priest, moved with compassion at their forlorn state, drew forth a broad piece of gold and gave it to the wanderers, who ever after blessed the day they met the generous friar.

“Robin Hood walked on nearly a mile farther without meeting a single traveller, when at last he espied two monks in black gowns coming towards him, riding upon mules.

“‘Benedicite,’ said Robin Hood meekly, as they drew near him; ‘I pray ye, holy brethren, have pity upon a poor wandering friar, who has neither broken bread nor drank of the cup this day.’

“‘We are grieved, good brother,’ replied one of the monks, ‘we have not so much as a penny. Robbers met us on the way, who have stripped us of all our gold.’

“‘I fear thou tellest not the truth,’ returned the friar. ‘Wherefore did they leave ye those beasts?’

“‘Now by’r lady,’ cried the second monk, ‘thou art an insolent fellow,’ and pushing on their mules he and his companion galloped off. The outlaw laughed at their precipitate decampment, then starting off at his best speed, he soon overtook them. ‘Brethren,’ he cried, as one after the other he pulled them from their saddles, ‘since we have no money, let us pray to our dear lady to send us some;’ and falling on his knees he made the monks kneel down beside him. The old ballad says

“‘The priests did pray, with mournful cheer,

Sometimes their hands did wring,

Sometimes they wept and cried aloud,

Whilst Robin did merrily sing.’

“After some time thus spent, the outlaw rose. ‘Now, my brethren,’ quoth he, ‘let us see what money has been sent us—we will all share alike;’ and putting his hand in his pocket he pulled forth twenty pieces of gold, and laid them on the grass. The monks fumbled a long time amid their garments, but could find nothing.

“‘Let me search,’ cried the friar; ‘perchance ye have not hit upon the right pocket.’ The monks reluctantly consented, and presently the outlaw drew forth two purses, and counted out five hundred golden crowns.

“‘Here is a brave show,’ said Robin Hood,

‘Such store of gold to see;

And ye shall each of ye have a part

’Cause you prayed so heartily.’

“He then gave them back each fifty pieces, which the monks eagerly seized, and running to the side of their mules they were about to ride off. ‘Stay,’ cried the outlaw; ‘two things ye must swear: first—that ye will never tell lies again; and secondly—that ye will be charitable to the poor.’ The priests fell on their knees and gave the required promise to Robin Hood, and then

“‘He set them on their beasts again,

And away then they did ride;

And he returned to the merry green-wood

With great joy, mirth, and pride.’”

“Can you remember the whole of any ballad?” asked one of my hearers. “If you could I should like very much to hear it.”

“And so should I.”—“And I.”—“And I.”—cried two or three other voices.

“I fear there will be some parts that you will scarcely understand,” I replied; “but as you wish it, you shall hear of

ROBIN HOOD AND THE RANGER; OR, TRUE FRIENDSHIP AFTER A FIERCE FIGHT.

“When Phœbus had melted the ‘sickles’ of ice,

And likewise the mountains of snow,

Bold Robin Hood he would ramble away,

To frolic abroad with his bow.

“He left all his merry men waiting behind,

Whilst through the green valleys he pass’d,

Where he did behold a forester bold,

Who cry’d out, ‘Friend, whither so fast?’

“I am going,’ quoth Robin, ‘to kill a fat buck,

For me and my merry men all;

Besides, ere I go, I’ll have a fat doe,

Or else it shall cost me a fall.’

“‘You’d best have a care,’ said the forester then,

‘For these are his majesty’s deer;

Before you shall shoot, the thing I’ll dispute,

For I am head forester here.’

“‘These thirteen long summers,’ quoth Robin, ‘I’m sure,

My arrows I here have let fly;

Where freely I range, methinks it is strange

You should have more power than I.

“‘This forest,’ quoth Robin, ‘I think is my own,

And so are the nimble deer too;

Therefore I declare, and solemnly swear,

I’ll not be affronted by you.’

“The forester he had a long quarter staff,

Likewise a broadsword by his side;

Without more ado, he presently drew,

Declaring the truth should be tried.

“Bold Robin Hood had a sword of the best,

Thus, ere he could take any wrong,

His courage was flush, he’d venture a brush,

And thus they fell to it ding dong.

“The very first blow that the forester gave,

He made his broad weapon cry twang;

’Twas over the head, he fell down for dead,

O that was a terrible bang!

“But Robin he soon recovered himself,

And bravely fell to it again;

The very next stroke their weapons they broke,

Yet never a man there was slain.

“At quarter staff then they resolved to play,

Because they would have the other bout;

And brave Robin Hood right valiantly stood;

Unwilling he was to give out.

“Bold Robin he gave him very hard blows,

The other return’d them as fast;

At every stroke their jackets did smoke;

Three hours the combat did last.

“At length in a rage the forester grew,

And cudgel’d bold Robin so sore

That he could not stand, so shaking his hand,

He cry’d, ‘Let us freely give o’er.

“‘Thou art a brave fellow, I needs must confess

I never knew any so good;

Thou art fitting to be a yeoman for me,

And range in the merry green-wood.’

“Robin Hood set his bugle horn to his mouth,

A blast then he merrily blows;

His yeomen did hear, and straight did appear

A hundred with trusty long bows.

“Now Little John came at the head of them all,

Cloth’d in a rich mantle of green;

And likewise the rest were gloriously drest,

A delicate sight to be seen!

“‘Lo! these are my yeomen,’ said bold Robin Hood,

‘And thou shalt be one of the train,

A mantle and bow, and quiver also,

I give them whom I entertain.’

“The forester willingly entered the list,

They were such a beautiful sight;

Then with a long bow they shot a fat doe,

And made a rich supper that night,

“What singing and dancing was in the green-wood,

For joy of another new mate!

With might and delight they spent all the night,

And liv’d at a plentiful rate.

“Quoth he, ‘My brave yeomen, be true to your trust,

And then we may range the woods wide.’

They all did declare, and solemnly swear,

They would conquer, or die by his side.”

This ballad was highly approved of; and when, as usual, a few remarks had been made upon the valour of the champions, I resumed my tales, and told of

ROBIN HOOD AND GUY OF GISBORNE.

“How delightful are the woods upon a summer’s morn. The bright foliage of the trees now shines in its deepest verdure; the lawns and glades are clothed with luxuriant grass and sweet wild flowers, upon which the dew-drops glisten in the rising sun. The merry birds sitting upon the tender branches pour forth their morning lays; and yon lark, now soaring high towards the blue expanse of heaven, makes hill and dale re-echo with her melodious carol;—all telling of the goodness of their Creator, and praising him for his wondrous works. Thus thought Robin Hood as, on a bright morning in the pleasant month of June, he wandered amid the trees of Barnesdale. He had been awakened earlier than usual from his slumbers by the loud and incessant singing of a golden thrush: he arose, and rambled forth, enjoying the freshness of the morning breeze, and the sweet music that was borne upon it. Many a hart darted across his path, and many a young fawn skipped playfully at his side, and then bounded into the recesses of the forest. At another time the outlaw’s keen arrow would have followed them, but now he smiled at their merry gambols, and charmed with the loveliness of the scene, he rested upon his bow, and contemplated with heart-felt pleasure the tranquil beauty of the morn. He continued thus, absorbed in meditation, when suddenly a distant sound broke upon the stillness of the air.

“The outlaw listened for a moment. ‘’Tis the tramp of horses,’ he whispered to himself; and stepping to a tree, quick as thought he climbed amid its branches. Thence he could plainly distinguish the glitter of spear-heads and bright helmets, and scarce had he secured himself from observation, when several horsemen, followed by a troop of soldiers, passed within a few yards of his hiding-place. In the leader, Robin Hood at once recognised his old friend, the sheriff of Nottingham, who he had no doubt was now come with his men to seek for the traitorous butcher of Sherwood.

“It was not till some time after this little band had gone by that the outlaw ventured to descend the tree; and then, striking into a narrow path, he endeavoured to retrace his steps to the spot where his men were dwelling. On his way he was obliged to cross the high road, where a stranger arrested his steps.

“‘Hast thou seen the sheriff of Nottingham in the forest?’ he inquired.

“‘Aye, my good fellow, and with a fine band at his tail,’ replied Robin Hood. ‘Art thou seeking him?’

“‘Not him,’ returned the stranger, who was a bold yeoman, dressed in a coat of the untanned skin of some wild beast, and who carried a bow in his hand, and a sword and dagger at his side. ‘I seek not the sheriff, but him whom he seeks.’

“‘And who may that be?’ said the forester, at the same time forming a pretty shrewd guess.

“‘A man they call Robin Hood,’ answered the stranger. ‘If thou canst show me where he is, this purse shall be thine;’ and taking a well-filled leathern bag from his girdle, he rattled the contents together.

“‘Come with me, my friend, and thou shalt soon see Robin Hood,’ returned the outlaw. ‘But thou hast a brave bow; wilt thou not try thy skill with me in archery?’ The stranger at once consented. Robin Hood with his dagger cut down the branch of a tree, and fixing it in the earth, suspended upon the top a little garland, which he entwined with the long grass. The archers took their station at the distance of three hundred yards, and the stranger drew the first bow. His arrow flew past the mark far too high. The outlaw next bent his weapon, and shot within an inch or two of the stick. Again the yeoman essayed; and this time his shaft flew straight and passed through the garland; but Robin Hood stepped up boldly, and drawing his arrow to the very head, shot it with such vehemence that it clave the branch into two pieces, and still flew onwards for some yards.

“‘Give me thy hand,’ cried the stranger,—‘thou’rt the bravest bowman I’ve seen for many a day, an thy heart be as true as thy aim, thou art a better man than Robin Hood. What name bearest thou?’

“‘Nay—first tell me thine,’ replied Robin, ‘and then by my faith I will answer thee.’

“‘They call me Guy of Gisborne,’ rejoined the yeoman. ‘I’m one of the king’s rangers; and am sworn to take that outlawed traitor, Robin Hood.’