"
"Speak," said the bride's father, in a severe tone, and with a look
of significant menace. The girl looked alternately at her father
and Robin. She attempted to speak, but her voice failed in the effort,
and she burst into tears.
"Here is lawful cause and just impediment," said Robin,
"and I forbid the banns."
"Who are you, villain?" said the old knight, stamping his sound
foot with rage.
"I am the Roman law," said Robin, "which says that there shall not be more
than ten years between a man and his wife; and here are five times ten:
and so says the law of nature."
"Honest harper," said the bishop, "you are somewhat
over-officious here, and less courtly than I deemed you.
If you love sack, forbear; for this course will never bring you a drop.
As to your Roman law, and your law of nature, what right have they
to say any thing which the law of Holy Writ says not?"
"The law of Holy Writ does say it," said Robin; "I expound it so to say;
and I will produce sixty commentators to establish my exposition."
And so saying, he produced a horn from beneath his cloak, and blew
three blasts, and threescore bowmen in green came leaping from the bushes
and trees; and young Allen was the first among them to give Robin
his sword, while Friar Tuck and Little John marched up to the altar.
Robin stripped the bishop and clerk of their robes, and put them on the friar
and Little John; and Allen advanced to take the hand of the bride.
Pages:
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116