Page 53 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

So thus they went in threescore companies of five to
Sherwood Forest, to take Robin Hood, each constable wish-
ing that he might be the one to find the bold outlaw, or at
least one of his band. For seven days and nights they hunt-
ed through the forest glades, but never saw so much as a
single man in Lincoln green; for tidings of all this had been
brought to Robin Hood by trusty Eadom o’ the Blue Boar.
When he first heard the news, Robin said, ‘If the Sher-
iff dare send force to meet force, woe will it be for him and
many a better man besides, for blood will flow and there
will be great trouble for all. But fain would I shun blood
and battle, and fain would I not deal sorrow to womenfolk
and wives because good stout yeomen lose their lives. Once
I slew a man, and never do I wish to slay a man again, for it
is bitter for the soul to think thereon. So now we will abide
silently in Sherwood Forest, so that it may be well for all,
but should we be forced to defend ourselves, or any of our
band, then let each man draw bow and brand with might
and main.’
At this speech many of the band shook their heads, and
said to themselves, ‘Now the Sheriff will think that we are
cowards, and folk will scoff throughout the countryside,
saying that we fear to meet these men.’ But they said noth-
ing aloud, swallowing their words and doing as Robin bade
them.
Thus they hid in the depths of Sherwood Forest for seven
days and seven nights and never showed their faces abroad
in all that time; but early in the morning of the eighth day
Robin Hood called the band together and said, ‘Now who

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood