Page 267 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

listen, I prythee.’
At this the jolly Beggar cocked his head on one side, like
a rogue of a magpie. Quoth he, ‘I am an ill jug to pour heavy
things into, good friend, and, if I mistake not, thou hast few
serious words to spare at any time.’
‘Nay,’ quoth jolly Robin, ‘what I would say first is the
most serious of all thoughts to me, to wit, ‘Where shall I get
somewhat to eat and drink?‘
‘Sayst thou so?’ quoth the Beggar. ‘Marry, I make no such
serious thoughts upon the matter. I eat when I can get it,
and munch my crust when I can get no crumb; likewise,
when there is no ale to be had I wash the dust from out my
throat with a trickle of cold water. I was sitting here, as thou
camest upon me, bethinking myself whether I should break
my fast or no. I do love to let my hunger grow mightily keen
ere I eat, for then a dry crust is as good to me as a venison
pasty with suet and raisins is to stout King Harry. I have a
sharp hunger upon me now, but methinks in a short while
it will ripen to a right mellow appetite.’
‘Now, in good sooth,’ quoth merry Robin, laughing, ‘thou
hast a quaint tongue betwixt thy teeth. But hast thou truly
nought but a dry crust about thee? Methinks thy bags and
pouches are fat and lusty for such thin fare.’
‘Why, mayhap there is some other cold fare therein,’ said
the Beggar slyly.
‘And hast thou nought to drink but cold water?’ said Rob-
in.
‘Never so much as a drop,’ quoth the Beggar. ‘Over be-
yond yon clump of trees is as sweet a little inn as ever thou

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood