Page 223 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

chain to hang about his neck, such as befits one of his blood,
and also golden spurs to wear at his heels.’
Then Robin Hood said, ‘Thou hast spoken well, Will
Scarlet, and it shall be done.’
Then up spake Will Stutely, ‘Let us give him yon bale of
rich velvet and yon roll of cloth of gold to take home to his
noble lady wife as a present from Robin Hood and his merry
men all.’
At this all clapped their hands for joy, and Robin said:
‘Thou hast well spoken, Will Stutely, and it shall be done.’
Then Sir Richard of the Lea looked all around and strove
to speak, but could scarcely do so for the feelings that choked
him; at last he said in a husky, trembling voice, ‘Ye shall all
see, good friends, that Sir Richard o’ the Lea will ever re-
member your kindness this day. And if ye be at any time
in dire need or trouble, come to me and my lady, and the
walls of Castle Lea shall be battered down ere harm shall
befall you. I—‘ He could say nothing further, but turned
hastily away.
But now Little John and nineteen stout fellows whom
he had chosen for his band, came forth all ready for the
journey. Each man wore upon his breast a coat of linked
mail, and on his head a cap of steel, and at his side a good
stout sword. A gallant show they made as they stood all in
a row. Then Robin came and threw a chain of gold about
Sir Richard’s neck, and Will Scarlet knelt and buckled the
golden spurs upon his heel; and now Little John led forward
Sir Richard’s horse, and the Knight mounted. He looked
down at Robin for a little time, then of a sudden stooped

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood