Page 36 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

thou shalt share all with us and lead a right merry life in the
greenwood; for cares have we not, and misfortune cometh
not upon us within the sweet shades of Sherwood, where we
shoot the dun deer and feed upon venison and sweet oaten
cakes, and curds and honey. Wilt thou come with me?’
‘Ay, marry, will I join with you all,’ quoth the Tinker, ‘for
I love a merry life, and I love thee, good master, though thou
didst thwack my ribs and cheat me into the bargain. Fain
am I to own thou art both a stouter and a slyer man than I;
so I will obey thee and be thine own true servant.’
So all turned their steps to the forest depths, where the
Tinker was to live henceforth. For many a day he sang bal-
lads to the band, until the famous Allan a Dale joined them,
before whose sweet voice all others seemed as harsh as a
raven’s; but of him we will learn hereafter.