Page 365 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

was ashamed that the King should know that Robin Hood
feared him so little that he thus dared to come within the
very gates of Nottingham Town.
Thus rode the King into Nottingham Town on that bright
afternoon in the early fall season; and none rejoiced more
than Robin Hood and his merry men to see him come so
royally unto his own.
Eventide had come; the great feast in the Guild Hall at
Nottingham Town was done, and the wine passed freely. A
thousand waxen lights gleamed along the board, at which
sat lord and noble and knight and squire in goodly array. At
the head of the table, upon a throne all hung with cloth of
gold, sat King Richard with the Sheriff of Nottingham be-
side him.
Quoth the King to the Sheriff, laughing as he spoke, ‘I
have heard much spoken concerning the doings of certain
fellows hereabouts, one Robin Hood and his band, who are
outlaws and abide in Sherwood Forest. Canst thou not tell
me somewhat of them, Sir Sheriff? For I hear that thou hast
had dealings with them more than once.’
At these words the Sheriff of Nottingham looked down
gloomily, and the Bishop of Hereford, who was present,
gnawed his nether lip. Quoth the Sheriff, ‘I can tell Your
Majesty but little concerning the doings of those naughty
fellows, saving that they are the boldest lawbreakers in all
the land.’
Then up spake young Sir Henry of the Lea, a great favor-
ite with the King, under whom he had fought in Palestine.
‘May it please Your Majesty,’ said he, ‘when I was away in

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood