Page 308 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

the folk of London Town did not like to see the stout Tepus
overcome by a fellow from the countryside, even were he as
famous as Little John.
And now stout Gilbert of the White Hand took his place
and shot with the greatest care; and again, for the third time
in one day, he struck all three shafts into the clout.
‘Well done, Gilbert!’ quoth Robin Hood, smiting him
upon the shoulder. ‘I make my vow, thou art one of the best
archers that ever mine eyes beheld. Thou shouldst be a free
and merry ranger like us, lad, for thou art better fitted for
the greenwood than for the cobblestones and gray walls of
London Town.’ So saying, he took his place, and drew a fair,
round arrow from his quiver, which he turned over and
over ere he fitted it to his bowstring.
Then the King muttered in his beard, ‘Now, blessed
Saint Hubert, if thou wilt but jog that rogue’s elbow so as
to make him smite even the second ring, I will give eight-
score waxen candles three fingers’-breadth in thickness to
thy chapel nigh Matching.’ But it may be Saint Hubert’s ears
were stuffed with tow, for he seemed not to hear the King’s
prayer this day.
Having gotten three shafts to his liking, merry Robin
looked carefully to his bowstring ere he shot. ‘Yea,’ quoth
he to Gilbert, who stood nigh him to watch his shooting,
‘thou shouldst pay us a visit at merry Sherwood.’ Here he
drew the bowstring to his ear. ‘In London’—here he loosed
his shaft—‘thou canst find nought to shoot at but rooks
and daws; there one can tickle the ribs of the noblest stags
in England.’ So he shot even while he talked, yet the shaft

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