Page 101 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

that pursy Steward, but I thought that we had engaged to
fight with one another and that it must be done.’
‘Now,’ quoth Little John, ‘it doth seem to me that instead
of striving to cut one another’s throats, it were better for us
to be boon companions. What sayst thou, jolly Cook, wilt
thou go with me to Sherwood Forest and join with Robin
Hood’s band? Thou shalt live a merry life within the wood-
lands, and sevenscore good companions shalt thou have,
one of whom is mine own self. Thou shalt have three suits
of Lincoln green each year, and forty marks in pay.’
‘Now, thou art a man after mine own heart!’ cried the
Cook right heartily, ‘and, as thou speakest of it, that is the
very service for me. I will go with thee, and that right glad-
ly. Give me thy palm, sweet fellow, and I will be thine own
companion from henceforth. What may be thy name, lad?’
‘Men do call me Little John, good fellow.’
‘How? And art thou indeed Little John, and Robin Hood’s
own right-hand man? Many a time and oft I heard of thee,
but never did I hope to set eyes upon thee. And thou art
indeed the famous Little John!’ And the Cook seemed lost
in amazement, and looked upon his companion with open
eyes.
‘I am Little John, indeed, and I will bring to Robin Hood
this day a right stout fellow to join his merry band. But ere
we go, good friend, it seemeth to me to be a vast pity that,
as we have had so much of the Sheriff’s food, we should not
also carry off some of his silver plate to Robin Hood, as a
present from his worship.’
‘Ay, marry is it,’ said the Cook. And so they began hunt-

100 The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood