Page 213 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

‘Truly,’ said Robin, much moved, ‘thine is a hard lot. But
tell me, what is owing to Emmet for thine estates?’
‘Only four hundred pounds,’ said Sir Richard.
At this, Robin smote his thigh in anger. ‘O the bloodsuck-
ers!’ cried he. ‘A noble estate to be forfeit for four hundred
pounds! But what will befall thee if thou dost lose thy lands,
Sir Richard?’
‘It is not mine own lot that doth trouble me in that case,’
said the Knight, ‘but my dear lady’s; for should I lose my
land she will have to betake herself to some kinsman and
there abide in charity, which, methinks, would break her
proud heart. As for me, I will over the salt sea, and so to Pal-
estine to join my son in fight for the holy sepulcher.’
Then up spake Will Scarlet. ‘But hast thou no friend that
will help thee in thy dire need?’
‘Never a man,’ said Sir Richard. ‘While I was rich enow at
home, and had friends, they blew great boasts of how they
loved me. But when the oak falls in the forest the swine run
from beneath it lest they should be smitten down also. So
my friends have left me; for not only am I poor but I have
great enemies.’
Then Robin said, ‘Thou sayst thou hast no friends, Sir
Richard. I make no boast, but many have found Robin
Hood a friend in their troubles. Cheer up, Sir Knight, I may
help thee yet.’
The Knight shook his head with a faint smile, but for all
that, Robin’s words made him more blithe of heart, for in
truth hope, be it never so faint, bringeth a gleam into dark-
ness, like a little rushlight that costeth but a groat.

1 The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood