Page 208 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

swing.
So the yeomen lay behind the hedge and finished their
midday meal; but still the time slipped along and no one
came. At last, a man came slowly riding over the hill and
down the stony road toward the spot where Robin and his
band lay hidden. He was a good stout knight, but sorrowful
of face and downcast of mien. His clothes were plain and
rich, but no chain of gold, such as folk of his stand in life
wore at most times, hung around his neck, and no jewel was
about him; yet no one could mistake him for aught but one
of proud and noble blood. His head was bowed upon his
breast and his hands drooped limp on either side; and so he
came slowly riding, as though sunk in sad thoughts, while
even his good horse, the reins loose upon his neck, walked
with hanging head, as though he shared his master’s grief.
Quoth Robin Hood, ‘Yon is verily a sorry-looking gal-
lant, and doth seem to have donned ill-content with his
jerkin this morning; nevertheless, I will out and talk with
him, for there may be some pickings here for a hungry daw.
Methinks his dress is rich, though he himself is so down-
cast. Bide ye here till I look into this matter.’ So saying, he
arose and left them, crossed the road to the shrine, and
there stood, waiting for the sorrowful knight to come near
him. So, presently, when the knight came riding slowly
along, jolly Robin stepped forward and laid his hand upon
the bridle rein. ‘Hold, Sir Knight,’ quoth he. ‘I prythee tarry
for a short time, for I have a few words to say to thee.’
‘What art thou, friend, who dost stop a traveler in this
manner upon his most gracious Majesty’s highway?’ said

0