Page 372 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

athirst, and sin’ they have paid so richly for their score they
must e’en have the best.’
Friar Tuck bridled at being so checked in his speech,
nevertheless he went straightway to do Robin’s bidding; so
presently a great crock was brought, and wine was poured
out for all the guests and for Robin Hood. Then Robin held
his cup aloft. ‘Stay!’ cried he. ‘Tarry in your drinking till I
give you a pledge. Here is to good King Richard of great re-
nown, and may all enemies to him be confounded.’
Then all drank the King’s health, even the King himself.
‘Methinks, good fellow,’ said he, ‘thou hast drunk to thine
own confusion.’
‘Never a whit,’ quoth merry Robin, ‘for I tell thee that we
of Sherwood are more loyal to our lord the King than those
of thine order. We would give up our lives for his benefiting,
while ye are content to lie snug in your abbeys and priories
let reign who will.’
At this the King laughed. Quoth he, ‘Perhaps King Rich-
ard’s welfare is more to me than thou wottest of, fellow. But
enough of that matter. We have paid well for our fare, so
canst thou not show us some merry entertainment? I have
oft heard that ye are wondrous archers; wilt thou not show
us somewhat of your skill?’
‘With all my heart,’ said Robin, ‘we are always pleased
to show our guests all the sport that is to be seen. As Gaf-
fer Swanthold sayeth, ‘Tis a hard heart that will not give a
caged starling of the best’; and caged starlings ye are with us.
Ho, lads! Set up a garland at the end of the glade.’
Then, as the yeomen ran to do their master’s bidding,

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