Robin seated the young man next to Marian. Recovering a little
from his stupor, he looked with much amazement at her, and the baron,
and Robin, and the friar; listened to their conversation, and seemed
much astonished to find himself in such holy and courtly company.
Robin helped him largely to rumble-pie and cygnet and pheasant,
and the other dainties of his table; and the friar pledged
him in ale and wine, and exhorted him to make good cheer.
But the young man drank little, ate less, spake nothing, and every
now and then sighed heavily.
When the repast was ended, "Now," said Robin, "you are at liberty to pursue
your journey: but first be pleased to pay for your dinner."
"That would I gladly do, Robin," said the young man,
"but all I have about me are five shillings and a ring.
To the five shillings you shall be welcome, but for the ring
I will fight while there is a drop of blood in my veins."
"Gallantly spoken," said Robin Hood. "A love-token, without doubt:
but you must submit to our forest laws. Little John must search;
and if he find no more than you say, not a penny will I touch;
but if you have spoken false, the whole is forfeit to our fraternity."
"And with reason," said the friar; "for thereby is the truth maintained
The abbot of Doubleflask swore there was no money in his valise,
and Little John forthwith emptied it of four hundred pounds.
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