Page 366 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

Palestine I heard ofttimes from my father, and in most cas-
es I heard of this very fellow, Robin Hood. If Your Majesty
would like I will tell you a certain adventure of this outlaw.’
Then the King laughingly bade him tell his tale, where-
upon he told how Robin Hood had aided Sir Richard of
the Lea with money that he had borrowed from the Bishop
of Hereford. Again and again the King and those present
roared with laughter, while the poor Bishop waxed cherry
red in the face with vexation, for the matter was a sore thing
with him. When Sir Henry of the Lea was done, others of
those present, seeing how the King enjoyed this merry tale,
told other tales concerning Robin and his merry men.
‘By the hilt of my sword,’ said stout King Richard, ‘this
is as bold and merry a knave as ever I heard tell of. Marry, I
must take this matter in hand and do what thou couldst not
do, Sheriff, to wit, clear the forest of him and his band.’
That night the King sat in the place that was set apart
for his lodging while in Nottingham Town. With him were
young Sir Henry of the Lea and two other knights and
three barons of Nottinghamshire; but the King’s mind still
dwelled upon Robin Hood. ‘Now,’ quoth he, ‘I would freely
give a hundred pounds to meet this roguish fellow, Robin
Hood, and to see somewhat of his doings in Sherwood For-
est.’
Then up spake Sir Hubert of gingham, laughing: ‘If Your
Majesty hath such a desire upon you it is not so hard to sat-
isfy. If Your Majesty is willing to lose one hundred pounds,
I will engage to cause you not only to meet this fellow, but
to feast with him in Sherwood.’