Page 82 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

not care to shoot for. At such times it had been the custom
to offer a half score of marks or a tun of ale, so this year he
proclaimed that a prize of two fat steers should be given to
the best bowman.
When Robin Hood heard what had been proclaimed
he was vexed, and said, ‘Now beshrew this Sheriff that he
should offer such a prize that none but shepherd hinds will
care to shoot for it! I would have loved nothing better than
to have had another bout at merry Nottingham Town, but
if I should win this prize nought would it pleasure or profit
me.’
Then up spoke Little John: ‘Nay, but hearken, good
master,’ said he, ‘only today Will Stutely, young David of
Doncaster, and I were at the Sign of the Blue Boar, and there
we heard all the news of this merry Fair, and also that the
Sheriff hath offered this prize, that we of Sherwood might
not care to come to the Fair; so, good master, if thou wilt, I
would fain go and strive to win even this poor thing among
the stout yeomen who will shoot at Nottingham Town.’
‘Nay, Little John,’ quoth Robin, ‘thou art a sound stout
fellow, yet thou lackest the cunning that good Stutely hath,
and I would not have harm befall thee for all Nottingham-
shire. Nevertheless, if thou wilt go, take some disguise lest
there be those there who may know thee.’
‘So be it, good master,’ quoth Little John, ‘yet all the dis-
guise that I wish is a good suit of scarlet instead of this of
Lincoln green. I will draw the cowl of my jacket about my
head so that it will hide my brown hair and beard, and then,
I trust, no one will know me.’

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