Page 216 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

‘Ay,’ said Little John in so sorrowful a voice that it might
have drawn tears from the Dragon of Wentley.
‘Alas, that these things should be!’ said jolly Robin,
turning to the Bishop, ‘for I have ever found Little John a
truthful man.’
At this, a roar of laughter went up, whereat the blood
rushed into the Bishop’s face till it was cherry red from
crown to chin; but he said nothing and only swallowed his
words, though they well-nigh choked him.
‘Nay, my Lord Bishop,’ said Robin, ‘we are rough fellows,
but I trust not such ill men as thou thinkest, after all. There
is not a man here that would harm a hair of thy reverence’s
head. I know thou art galled by our jesting, but we are all
equal here in the greenwood, for there are no bishops nor
barons nor earls among us, but only men, so thou must
share our life with us while thou dost abide here. Come,
busk ye, my merry men, and get the feast ready. Meantime,
we will show our guests our woodland sports.’
So, while some went to kindle the fires for roasting meats,
others ran leaping to get their cudgels and longbows. Then
Robin brought forward Sir Richard of the Lea. ‘My Lord
Bishop,’ said he, ‘here is another guest that we have with
us this day. I wish that thou mightest know him better, for
I and all my men will strive to honor you both at this mer-
rymaking.’
‘Sir Richard,’ said the Bishop in a reproachful tone, ‘me-
thinks thou and I are companions and fellow sufferers in
this den of—‘ He was about to say ‘thieves,’ but he stopped
suddenly and looked askance at Robin Hood.

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