Page 218 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

last two fellows came to say that the feast was ready spread,
so Robin, leading his guests with either hand, brought them
to where great smoking dishes that sent savory smells far
and near stood along the white linen cloth spread on the
grass. All around was a glare of torches that lit everything
up with a red light. Then, straightway sitting down, all fell
to with noise and hubbub, the rattling of platters blending
with the sound of loud talking and laughter. A long time the
feast lasted, but at last all was over, and the bright wine and
humming ale passed briskly. Then Robin Hood called aloud
for silence, and all was hushed till he spoke.
‘I have a story to tell you all, so listen to what I have to
say,’ quoth he; whereupon, without more ado, he told them
all about Sir Richard, and how his lands were in pawn. But,
as he went on, the Bishop’s face, that had erst been smiling
and ruddy with merriment, waxed serious, and he put aside
the horn of wine he held in his hand, for he knew the story
of Sir Richard, and his heart sank within him with grim
forebodings. Then, when Robin Hood had done, he turned
to the Bishop of Hereford. ‘Now, my Lord Bishop,’ said he,
‘dost thou not think this is ill done of anyone, much more of
a churchman, who should live in humbleness and charity?’
To this the Bishop answered not a word but looked upon
the ground with moody eyes.
Quoth Robin, ‘Now, thou art the richest bishop in all
England; canst thou not help this needy brother?’ But still
the Bishop answered not a word.
Then Robin turned to Little John, and quoth he, ‘Go thou
and Will Stutely and bring forth those five pack horses yon-

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