As it is, I have so well disposed my combustibles
that it shall not serve you as a strong hold in your rebellion.
If you hunt in the chases of Nottinghamshire, you may catch other
game than my daughter. Both she and I are content to be houseless
for a time, in the reflection that we have deserved your enmity,
and the friendship of Coeur-de-Lion. "FITZWATER."
CHAPTER XI
--Tuck, the merry friar, who many a sermon made
In praise of Robin Hood, his outlaws, and their trade.
DRAYTON.
The baron, with some of his retainers and all the foresters, halted at
daybreak in Sherwood forest. The foresters quickly erected tents,
and prepared an abundant breakfast of venison and ale.
"Now, Lord Fitzwater," said the chief forester, "recognise your son-in-law
that was to have been, in the outlaw Robin Hood."
"Ay, ay," said the baron, "I have recognised you long ago."
"And recognise your young friend Gamwell," said the second,
"in the outlaw Scarlet."
"And Little John, the page," said the third, "in Little John the outlaw."
"And Father Michael, of Rubygill Abbey," said the friar, "in Friar Tuck,
of Sherwood forest. Truly, I have a chapel here hard by, in the shape
of a hollow tree, where I put up my prayers for travellers, and Little John
holds the plate at the door, for good praying deserves good paying."
"I am in fine company," said the baron.
Pages:
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94