1 > THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD. Our hero was born in NottMgHafitsRire, where the family had a large mansion. His father, the Earl of Huntingdon, was head ranger of the north of England ; Ins mother ^s o. a noble family, being the daughter of Richard, Earl of W ai- wick, and was related to a great many respectable families ;; amoiv which was the uncle of our hero, Squire Gamewell, of Gamewell Hall, in Yorkshire, and considered a very noted sportsman. , . . When our hero had attained his fourteenth year, be was sent by his mother on a visit to Gamewell Hall. 11 is uncle, who had no children, wishing to do honour to his nephew, invited the neighbouring sportsmen to his house; and they were not a little surprised to find that this youth could draw the long bow, and engaged in the boar and stag hunts wnh the greatest intrepidity. "Old Gamewell, proud of his nephew, found no diiiiculty in persuading him to fix his residence with him, with an assurance at his death to succeed to his estates. These preliminaries settled, our hero next made choice of a companion in the person of Little John, a servant of his uncle's, and one who was considered the best sportsman in the whole country. These two companions seldom quitted each other; the sports of the field formed their only amusement; and for many years they lived a life devoid of care, anxiety, or sorrow. Robin had gone to pay his father a visit, when the Squire being suddenly taken ill, a messenger was despatched to hasten him home ; but the dangerous state of his mother's health prevented him from leaving her till a late hour on the following day. In the meantime, the Squire finding himself dying, sent for a monk, in order that he might make his peace with Heaven, and who prevailed on the dying man to sign a deed, conveying all he had to the church, as the only means of saving his soul. When Eobin arrived at the Hall, his uncle was dead, and the monks, who had taken possession of the house, shut the doors against him, and would give him nothing, which was a sad reverse to poor Eobin, lor he had TV 4 been brought up as a gentleman without learning any busi. ness, and was unable to gain a livelihood. On turning from the Hall, lie found Little John waiting for him, and deter. mined to unite their fortunes, they resolved to go to Shcn wood Forest, and support themselves by their bows. Although the forest abounded with deer, Robin found tlia other comforts were necessary, which could not be procure: without money; and thinking that the monks who had d prived him of his estate, ought to supply this, he laid eve priest under contribution. The fame of Robin Hood and the merry life he led, soo drew a number of young men to join his band, and increase it to above one hundred of the bravest fellows in the kingdom whom he clothed in green. When the monks, from being; often plundered, came less in the wny, Robin's men wen obliged to extend their depredations to other parts of th country. It was only to priests, and the niggardly rich, tha Robin Hood was an enemy ; for he held the person and pro- perty of every woman sacred, and always took the part of tin weak and injured. By the poor people he was adored, k he generously supplied their wants from his own private purse The first adventure of our hero, who now assumed th name of Robin Hood, was performed by him and fifteen mofl on the Bishop of Carlisle, with a guard of fifteen men, whom! they met on the south side of Ferrybridge, in Yorkshire Having dispersed his retinue, they took from the Bishop eigh hundred marks; and then placing him on his horse with hi face to the tail, obliged him in that condition to ride to Ion don. One day, Robin Hood, meeting with a. butcher going t market to sell his meat, bought his whole cargo, and his mai 0 not t0 W*w • • 1 havc 110 S re « ehwge about me, Si,-," said 6 Robin Hood ; " however, I'll take your advice, for fear of \\ worst." So, as they were riding along, Robin Hood saij « Perhaps we may meet with some rogues of the gang by ft way, for this is an ugly robbing road ; therefore I'll seem this little I have, which is but ten guineas, by putting it k my mouth." Now the gentleman, not in the least suspecting him to \ of that profession, told him, that in case he should be g upon, he had secured his gold in the feet of his stocking which he said was no small quantity, and that he had receive it that day of his tenants for rent. Discoursing thus togethe they had not gone above half a mile further before they can to a very bye place, where Robin Hood bid the gentlem stand and deliver his money. The gentleman was in gre: surprise, and told him he took him for a very honest a; worthy person. However, there was no remedy for the k of his money, which was about four score and ten marks. J Robin Hood left the gentleman, cursing his folly for tellk him where he had hid his money. Another time Robin had been riding for his pleasure, at as he was returning home in the evening very well mountt coming near Turton Bridge, in Yorkshire, he perceived gentleman in his gardens, which indeed were very extend Robin rode to the gardener, and inquired of him whether a gentleman, whose curiosity had led him to see those farad rardens, might not have the liberty of walking in then The gardener knowing his master was very willing that a person appearing in good fashion might walk therein, gj him admittance. Robin, alighting, gave the gardener: horse to hold ; and seeing the gentleman in the walks, Kol paid his respects to him in a submissive manner, at the sa: time begging he would pardon his presumption for conir into his "gardens when his worship was recreating him- The gentleman told him he was very welcome, and invii him to see his wilderness; where, sitting down in an arbor they began to talk very merrily together ; and, at the end] their discourse, Robin told him that he had heard he wa! very charitable gentlemen, and that he must make bold ^ him to borrow what money he had about him, for he had! little himself, and a long way to travel. At these words the gentleman began to startle, and i very much surprised at his impudence. But Robin told r he was a dead man if he made any resistance. Then he! him to a tree, and went away with a large booty; but lick the gentleman be of good cheer, for he would send presently to release him. And, accordingly, going to: gardener, who held his horse all this while, gave him a nine- penny piece, saying, "Honest friend, your master wants to speak with you." Then mounting, he rode oft" the grounds, whilst the gardener made haste to his master, and was very much surprised to find him bound in that manner; but he immediately loosed him, and the gentleman returned him thanks tor sending a rogue to rob him in his gardens. One day, as Robin was in search of adventures near the skirts of the forest, he met a priest well mounted, with a iat buck across his saddle, and disguised in a countryman's frock. Being in want of a horse, he resolved to rob the parson, and laying hold of the bridle, ordered him to dismount ; but the priest struck a furious blow at Robin with the butt-end of his whip, which he received on his staff, and soon brought the priest to the ground. After robbing the parson of his money and horse, and requesting to be remembered in his prayers, Robin rode off ior Stratford. On the road he fell in with a rich country ucaler going to purchase goods at Lancaster, with whom he soon got acquainted, and they travelled together; but Che merchant was so close that Robin could make nothing of fcim. On reaching Coventry, where they dined together, ami drank some good wme and ale, Robin told his fellow-traveller, that as the roads they had to travel were so dangerous, the safest way was to conceal their money in their boosts, and on seeing Robin deposit a bag of gold, the merchant did the same! Ihey again continued their journey until they came to a part ot the road which crossed two ways, where Robin pulled off the merchant's boots, in which he got three hundred pieces of gold, and rode off for Sherwood Forest Our adventurer was a man of great courage, and a bold, 8 daring, and resolute temper ; and being endowed with a great deal of love and charity for the poor, insomuch that he would relieve any poor families in distress, was, on the contrary. a mortal enemy to misers and the engrossers of com: for h e would often take from these to relieve the necessitous. One time being at Wantage, a great market for corn, he happened to fall into a person's company at an inn there, whom he knew to be a great engrosser of corn, and who had bought as much corn in the market as cost fourscore marks, whicl Robin bought of him again, and paid him one hundred mark ready money for it. The corn he sent immediately to be distributed among tin poor of the country. Robin understanding which way hii corn merchant went, was soon at his heels, and demanded his money again, and what he had besides. The countrymai was in great surprise, shaking and trembling very mac!; asking him whether he thought it was justice to take from him his money and his goods too? Says Robin, "Why, have not I, you villain, paid you for your corn honestly, and can you assume the impudence to talk of justice when there is none in the world acts more unjustly than an engrosser o; corn? Sirrah, there is no vermin in the land like you, wit slander both heaven and earth with pretended dearths, whet there is no scarcity at all; so talk no more of your justies and honesty, but immediately deliver your money, or I shall crack your crown for you." Upon which he delivered himi bag, in which Robin" found his own money, and as mud more ; so away he went with a great deal of satisfaction. One fine summer day, when "the merry bowmen were en- joving their sports, and trying each other's prowess, Robb, elated with his own superiority, said, " My friends, do yoi know any man that can match me at wrestling, playing th: quarter-staff, or ki lling a deer?" Will Scarlet, who boq Robin a kind of grudge, replied, "I have heard of a friar a Fountain Abbey, who" will draw a bow, wrestle, or handle! quarter-staff, with any man alive." " Say you so," saw Robin, "I shall soon have proof of that;" and taking to bow and quarter-staff with him, went to the neighbourly of the Abbey, whore he saw a tall brawny friar walking Jj the river-side, and instantly knew him to be the man W wanted. Robin tied his horse to a tree, and coming up ti the friar, said, "Carry me over this river, thou brawny frias or I will crack thy crown." The friar returned no answer, be immediately took Robin upon his back, and carried him j the other side without speaking a single word. Robin leapj pflf the friar's back and pretended to be going away; but w 0 friar stopped him, saying, "Carry me back again, thou fine fellow, or it shall breed thee pain." Robin took the friar on his back ; and having carried him across the water he then insisted on the monk taking him over again, or he would break his bones. The friar took Robin on his back, but on coming to the middle of the water, he threw him in, saying, ' ' Now, mv fine fellow, take your choice whether thou wilr sink or swim." Robin, however, got to land as soon as the friar; and challenged him to wrestle, shoot, and to a bout at quarter-staff; but at none of these could he beat the friar, nor the friar him. Robin was so well pleased with the friar that he wanted him to join the merry men ; but the friar would not consent, and even tried to persuade Robin to turn monk ; so they shook hands and parted good friends. Robin Hood, soon after, going by himself into a lone house a little out of the road, found a poor old woman, weeping very bitterly. He desired her to acquaint him with the cause of her sorrow; to which she answered, that she was a widow, and being somewhat indebted to her landlord, expected him every moment to come and seize what few goods she had, which would be her utter ruin. Robin Hood bade her rest herself contented, and he would make things easy; so pulling off his rich laced clothes, and putting on an old coat, which the old woman lent him, and having likewise secured his horse in an old barn, in a little time came the old miserly landlord, and demanded his rent ; upon this Robin Hood rises out of the chimney corner with a short stick in his hand, and says, "I understand, Sir, that my sister here, poor woman! is behind hand for rent, and that you design to seize her goods; but, she being a desolate widow, and having nothing to satisfy you at present, I hope you will take so much pit/ ■ I m to and compassion as not to be too severe with her: pray, S let me persuade you to have a little forbearance." To whi the landlord replied, "I want my rent, and if I am notp a now, I'll seize her goods, and turn her out." When Hob Hood found that no entreaties would prevail, he pulled leathern bag out of his pocket, and said, "Come, let's see receipt in full, and I'll pay it:" so accordingly a receipt w given, and the rent paid. Then the landlord being goi away, Robin Hood said, "'Tis drawing towards night, 8 and there's great robbing abroad, therefore I would advi you to stay here till to morrow morning, and take the <1 before you." "No, no," replied the landlord, " I'll go hou now, I shall reach seven miles before it is dark." "Pr a Sir,'' said Robin, to him again, "let me persuade you totai here, for there's great robbing abroad." "I don't care answered the landlord, " I will go home now ; besides, I do fear being robbed by any one man, let him be what he wil So taking his horse", away he rode, and Robin Hood af him, dressed then in his line clothes, and meeting him at pond where he knew he must pass by, bid him stand a fight, or deliver his money; which so terrified him, that delivered all the money he had received for rent, and as mu more to it. As Robin was going one morning to Nottingham, hem with a tinker, and civilly asked him what news? "Why replied the tinker, "I hear no other news than that of taki Robin Hood, and I have a warrant in my pocket for appr bending him ; so if you can tell me where he is, I'll rewa you." "Let me sec the warrant," says Robin Hood, I'll go with you, and take him this night, for I know a hou that he uses in Nottingham." "No (answered the tinke I'll let no man see my warrant." So Robin then asked him to go to Nottingham, where said he wns sure to meet with Robin Hood. They so reached Nottingham, where they went to an inn, and' dra so plentifully, that the tinker fell asleep : then Robin to away the tinker's money, and the king's warrant, and If him the reckoning to pay. Soon after this, Robin disguised himself in a friar's hab and had not gone far before he met a couple of priests; li making a pitiful moan to them, begged their charity, at that they would relieve one of their own function for t Virgin Mary's sake. " That we would do," said they w b we have lately met with a gang of villains who robbed us all our money, and left us nothing to relieve ourselves. " I am afraid," said Robin, " you are so addicted to lying, tli i 11 an honest man cannot take your word ; therefore let us all go down on our knees, and pray to the Virgin Mary to send us some money to defray our charges." Upon which they offered to run away ; but Robin soon put an end to their career, and made them go to prayers. They had not been long at their supplications, before Robin bid one of the priests feel in his pockets what the Virgin. Mary had sent! upon which they both put their hands in their pockets, and pulled out nothing. Robin, upon this, fell into a great passion, and told them he believed that they were nothing but a parcel of lying deceitful knaves, to make him believe the Virgin had sent them nothing. So Robin searched their pockets, and found five hundred pieces of gold. When he saw this glorious sight, he could not forbear calling them lying and deceitful knaves. Soon after they rose up to go, but Robin stopped them, and made them take an oath never to tell lies to a friar again. After which he returned to Sherwood, where he made all his companions merry. Being another time at Wigton, in Yorkshire, and hearing how barbarously the ostlers would cheat the horses of their provender, he privately went into the stable, and hid himself under the manger. A little time after came the ostler, under the pretence of feeding Robin Hood's horse: no sGoner had he put the oats and beans into the manger, and laid down his sieve, but he sweeps them all into a canvas bag fixed under one corner of the manger, and away he went. After dinner, Robin Hood asked the ostler, H What com he had given his horse?" He said he had given him what corn he ordered him, and the gentleman who had dined with: him saw him bring it through the kitchen. To which Robin Hood answered, "Don't tell me a lie, for I shall ask my horse presently; fetch him hither, and you will soon see whether the ostler has done him justice or not." Accordingly the horse was fetched, and Robin Hood striking him on the bellv, he laid his mouth to his master's ear. "Look you there ' now," said Robin Hood, "did not I tell you that the ostler had cheated him of his corn ! " " Why," said the landlord, what does he say ? " " Say," quoth Robin Hood ; " why he says your ostler has flung all the corn into a bag placed at one corner of the manger." Upon which the landlord and ins guests went into the stable, and searching narrowly about the manger, found the bag of corn at one end of it ; for which cruel villany he immediately turned his ostler away. hJtl i?° d anothe .L tirae w as riding towards London, and being on Dunsmore Heath, met with William Longchamp who was then Bishop of Ely, with a small retinue of 2 12 foul' or five in number. Immediately lie rode up to otic the bishop's servants, whom he pretended to know; "A Tom," said he, "I am glad, with all my heart, that I a come up with you, for there's nothing but robbing, go whe one will ; I have a great charge of money about me myse but since I have the good luck to get up with these hone gentlemen, I am not in fear of losing it." This discourse which Robin Hood had with the man, niaq his lordship and his retinue think him to be an honest mat and they held a great deal of chat with him on the road, t at last an opportunity favouring his intention, says he tot bishop's attendants, "I am very dry; and since you a pleased to give me protection from danger as far as I shall your way, I'll ride before, and see if I can get any good liqi to treat you for your civility." Robin Hood set spurs to horse, and ro.tle away ; when, being out of sight, he quid tied his horse to a tree in a thick wood, which was on o side of the road, through which the bishop was to pass; fh returning back to the company, says, "O gentlemen! lac ruined and undone; for in yonder lane, meeting with h rogues, they have taken about forty marks from me : but tin villains being but indifferently mounted, I don't doubt h that if you were to pursue them, you'd soon take them, The bishop, pitying Robin Hood's loss, said to his servant; "Let the poor fellow show you which way the rogues toot and go all of yon, and take them if possible." They set of taking Robin Hood along with them : and when they cam into a narrow lane, he gave them the necessary directions ft pursuing the highwaymen. But Robin Hood's business was with the Bishop, andba he goes, and says to him. " Sir, my time is but short, the fore you must deliver what money you have, or expect t worst of usage." The bishop, not knowing how to help hi self, was forced to give him two hundred and fifty marks, a then Robin Hood retired to the wood, there mounted horse, and rode off with his prize. Soon after, the bisho being met by his servants, they told him they could not lie of the rogues, high nor low. "Ah!" answered the bisho " the greatest rogue has been with me, for he that preterit to be robbed of forty marks, hath just now made up the lo by robbing me of sixty times the money. It was customary for our adventurer to go frequently disguise : at one time he pulled off his fine clothes, W dressed himself like an old shoemaker, and put an old leathc apron about him, the better to colour his being one of tj craft. In this disguise he set out to travel, and being ^ 13 liberal in his expenses, the landlord provided him a good lodging. The house was full of guests, and a friar coming in very late, they had no lodgings for him • the friar, rather than go any further, chose to accept a bedfellow ; but there was none that wished to be disturbed at that time of but Robin (whom they took for a shoemaker) was well enough pleased to have such a bedfellow. Matters being thus accommodated, and the friar in bed, he soon fell fast asleep, and slept very heartily; but Robin having got a pretty good nap before, had no mind to sleep any more that night, but to lie awake, and meditate mischief, for he never loved any of that function, so he studied how he should change breeches with the friar; and getting up at dawn of day, he put on not only the friar's breeches, but also his canonical garments. Robin finding the sacred habiliments fitted him very well ; and being thus rigged, down stairs he goes, and calls the ostler, bidding him bring his boots, and make ready his horse. The ostler, not in the least mistrust- ing but that it was really the friar, brought him his boots, and asked him what corn his horse might have ? " Half a peck of oats," says Robin; which was given him. Robin called for the reckoning, and was answered he ]Htid all last night, but for his horse. The horse having eaten up his corn, he mounted with all the expedition imaginable, giving the ostler something to drink his health. Away he rode, as fast as the friar's horse would carry him. The friar not dreaming what had happened, kept close with- in the bed; but about seven in the morning he rose out of his sleep, and going to bid his bedfellow good morning, soon found, not only that the bird was flown, but also that he was flown away with his feathers, for he saw nothing but a parcel of old clothes. Upon this the friar in great surprise calls for somebody to come up ; but the servants supposing it was the shoemaker, asked him what ailed him to make such a noise and bade him be quiet. This vexed the friar, and made him knock the harder; upon which the chamberlain went up, and threatened to thrash him if he made any more noise. Tho friar not understanding the meaning of this rude treatment was amazed, and asked where his clothes were; the chamber- lain replied, " Where a plague should thev be but upon the chair where you lelt them ? Who do you'think would med- dle with your dirty clothes? They are not of so much worth, that you need be afraid of any body's stealing them." "The man's mad," replied the friar: "Do you know who you speak to?" "Yes, I do," replied the chamberlain, "a drunken shoemaker." ' ' Why, I am the friar,' ' said he, " who 11 14 came to late last night." "The plague you are!' 7 repli e tlie chamberlain; "lam sure the friar went away at thre, o'clock this morning." With this noise and scuffle, uj comes the landlord of the inn, and some of the servants, wli presently discovered that this was the person they had ini : taken for the shoemaker, and found that he had made an ex. change with the friar; upon which the master of the in 5 furnished him with a suit of his own clothes, and money tj bear his charges through his journey. One morning, as Robin was strolling in the forest, he saw a genteel-looking young man sitting under a tree, who a,, peared to be very melancholy and dejected^ lie desired on; of his bowmen to bring the young man to him ; and when!;; Came, Robin inquired the cause of his sadness. The your.; man, taking a ring from his pocket said, "I was to have bees married yesterday to a young lady whom I have long courtei and I bought this ring for the occasion, but the Bishop t Hereford, her uncle, has rejected me, and means to give he to an old wealthy knight." Robin inquired whether the young lady had consented to her uncle's choice or not, m when and where the ceremony was to take place. Allan* dale (for t%t was the name of the young man,) told him tk the lady was forced to comply much against her inclination and that the marriage was to take place that day in the parish chapel, about five miles from the forest. When Koto VTird the bishop's name,whowas his great enemy, and the tm and place, he told Allan-a-dale to put on a cheerful look, an he would ensure him of getting his mistress. " If you incJJ to ioin our bowmen," said Robin, "bring your bride tot forest, and let her live with us; but if you do not like a merry life, you are at liberty to carry her wherever j* 15 nlease 55 Allan-a-dale agreed to join the bowmen, as with them he felt himself sure of protection; and then, seeing there was no time to lose, Robin disguised himself as a har- per and ordered twenty-four of his bowmen and Allan-a-dale to follow him; but proceeded to the church alone, where he found the bishop putting on his robes, who asked him what he wanted ; Robin told him he was a harper, come to offer his services at the wedding. On the old knight and the bride making their appearance, Robin stepped forward and said, "1 cannot allow this marriage to go on, for the bride must have her own choice." Then pulling out his horn, he gave three blasts, and the bowmen entered the church. "Young lady," said Robin, "as you are now free, see if there is any one 'here you would choose for your husband." She no sooner saw Al!an-a-dale, than she sprang to him, and said, "Here is my choice." Robin requested the Bishop to pro- ceed ; but as he refused, he pulled off his robes, and put them on Little John, who took the book and went through the ceremony very gracefully, Robin giving away the bride. The bishop and the old knight slunk out of the church, and the rest of the party went off" to celebrate the wedding at Sher- wood Forest. The Bishop of Hereford was so enraged at the trick played him, that he made several excursions to Sherwood Forest with a party of soldiers, on purpose to take Robin prisoner. One day, as Robin was walking alone in the forest, he heard the trampling of horses behind him, and looking about, saw the Bishop, with six of his followers, in pursuit of him. As they were only at a short distance behind him, Robin had no time to lose, therefore he ran forward till he reached the cottage of a poor old woman, into which he rushed, and beg- 16 ged her to save his life. She immediately exchanged clothes with him, and as the Bishop came in with his men, Robin passed by them and got clear off. When he came in sight of his band, one of the bowmen, who observed him coming, cried out, " A witch, a witch!" and was about to let fly an arrow at him, when Robin discovered himself. He then told Little John to kill a fat deer, as the Bishop of Hereford was to dine with them, and taking his bowmen along with him, went to a particular spot to wait for his guest. When the Bishop entered the cottage, he seized the old woman, who was in Robin's clothes, and said, "I know you 1 nre one of Robin Hood's gang, therefore take me to where he is, and your life shall be saved." The old woman who had got her directions from Robin, agreed to take him ; am! being soon mounted, they rode on to an opening in the Forest, where Robin's bowmen were all drawn up, when the Bishop asked, "Who are these?" "I think it is Robin Hood, whom you want, and his merry men," replied she: "but I cannot be certain, for I am only a poor old woman, who changed clothes with him." The Bishop, after bestow- ing a hearty malediction on the old woman, was turning to ride off; but Robin brought him down from his horse, ant forced him to go and partake of their good cheer. Aftet dinner he made the Bishop dance a hornpipe, to the no small diversion of the bowmen ; and having eased him of five hun- dred pounds, as payment of his reckoning, they led him and his followers to the high road, where the bowmen gave threi cheers, and then returned to the forest. Robin Hood once being at Stratford, he met with a count*] dealer travelling into Lancashire to buy goods. Robin aw this rider afterwards got acquainted together on the road. 17 At night they put up together at the Horse Shoe Inn at Daventiy, where they supped off a quarter of venison and a roasted goose. After supper Robin proposed a game at All- fours, on which they drank several bottles of wine, when Robin wanted to sound the depth of his pockets, which he was too close to let him do that night, though he went to bed very drunk. The next morning they breakfasted together, and agreed to travel towards Coventry, where, at the White Bear, they dined, and afterwards refreshed themselves with the landlord, and some excellent wine and ale. After dinner, Robin told his fellow-traveller, that it was a dangerous road they had to pass that evening, and therefore thought it advisable to conceal their money in their boots, or some other secure place about them. The traveller at first refused, but upon seeing Robin put a bag of gold down, he drew out his and did the same. This revived Robin Hood's spirits much. In this manner they travelled several miles before an opportu- nity or place presented, entertaining themselves with the valiant exploits of bold archers and their men. They rode very loving along, the traveller intending that night to reach Litchfield, but when they came to a "place called Cuckoo's Corner, which parts the" roads, Robin told his companion that he was at his journey's end; he must instantly draw his boots off, for there was no time to dispute Upon which the traveller replied, "I really thought as much, and suspected it from the first hour I came into your company." However, it was no time to hesitate or regret; Robin took his bag, in which were two hundred pieces of gold besides some pieces of silver, dismounted him, and took Ins horse. With this booty, and being alone, fearing also his 18 " companions would blame his absence, lie made directly ft Sherwood Forest, riding through Warwickshire disguised i a page. Robin being at an inn near Buckingham, heard great smgin and dancing, "and found it was a country wake, at which wet present most of the young men and maids for several milt round about. Robin, pleased at the adventure, put up hj horse, and, as he was drinking in the kitchen, an old vie farmer came in with a hundred marks tied up in a bag uncle his arm. Robin's eyes were more fixed upon the farmer' bag of money than the young folks dancing, and observing i the room where they were that there was a chimney with i large funnel, he went out and communicated his designs t the ostler, who, for a reward, drest a great mastiff dog in i cow's hide he had in his stable, placing the horns just on hi forehead, when in the height of their jollity, by the help of ladder and a rope, he let him hastily down the chimney in: the room where they were all assembled. Robin had returns before the acting of this scene; the dog howled hideously;; he descended, and rushing among them in that frightful form turned all into hurry and confusion ; and the old farmer being in a dreadful fright, dropped his hundred marks, at; fled °for safetv ; the meantime Robin securing the mono under his cloak, immediately took horse and made the bet of his way. By these and similar depredations he became noted, repel, ling force by force, and art by cunning. The severity of ti forest laws, enacted by the Norman kings, made it necessan for his followers to keep together. Their numbers increase to four hundred of the best marksmen in the kingdom, arapDj whom was the celebrated George Green, the Pindar of Wafo field. At one time, when the finances of the merry men wen very low. they resolved to plunder the rich convent of St Mary, and to carry off the image of the Holy Virgin, wbid was of solid silver. Under the disguise of a poor blind on strel and his mother, Robin Hood and Little John gains, admittance to the convent ; and, when the nuns and friar: had retired to their cells, opened the gates to their compaj ions. The alarm soon spread through the convent, and ever one flew to the chapel for protection ; but the bowme: having already entered the place, were proceeding to spoil: of what was most valuable, and to take down the suj image, when one of the nuns cried out,, "Oh! mercy; ^ thev take awav the gilt of our queen, even while she is Mfl» in our walls?" On hearing this, Robin said, "M/W (1 19 comrades, desist, and let not disloyalty be ranked among our errors, this house and all within it are rendered sacred by the presence of Queen Eleanor ! " The bowmen instantly obeyed their leader; and as they quitted the convent, Robin told the nuns to bless the queen for preserving their image, which otherwise would have bought wine to the Sherwood venison. When the queen heard of the behaviour of Robin Hood, and that his respect for her alone had saved the convent from beino; plundered, she was so much pleased, that she deter- mined to be a friend to him and his men. Soon after King Richard's return from Palestine, he pro- claimed a grand shooting match to take place in the palace grounds, and prizes were to be awarded to the best marks- men. Queen Eleanor, thinking this a favourable opportunity to execute her design in favour of Robin Hood, told the kin that she could bring one hundred men, who would beat the most skilful of his archers. The king requested her to bring- forward her champions, and if they were victorious, he would not only bestow on them the prizes but grant her any boon 6he asked. The queen immediately despatched the following message to Robin Hood : — " Queen Eleanor greets you well, requesting that you will take one hundred of yourbowmcn with you, and hasten to London: for a great match at the bow is to take place there, and she has chosen you and your men to be her champions." On the appointed day, in presence of the whole court, the king's archers, who were thought to be the best in the king- dom, ranged themselves on one side; while the. queen's champions, all clad in green, with Robin Hood at their head, took their station on the other; but the queen was the only person there who knew them. After sounding the trumpets, 20 King Richard announced the prizes which were to be be- stowed on the best marksmen, and the courtiers began tr offer bets of six to one in favour of the king's men ; but n one would bet against them. "Will no knight venture hi, money on my side?" said the queen. ''Come, Sir Rober; Lee, vou must try your fortune ;" but the knight begged tl be excused, as there was no chance of success. The qucei then asked the Bishop of Hereford, Robin Hood's old f oe but he swore by his silver mitre, that he would not bet on penny. " If you won't bet on the queen's side, how muci will you venture on the king's?" said Robin. "All tin gold I have with me, which is five hundred pounds," replie the bishop, and he laid the money on the ground. Robin immediately produced a bag of the same value, and threw i down upon the green. Before the bowmen began, Queen Eleanor craved this boon from the king— that he 'should not be angry with any of he archers ; but that they should be free to stay at court during the match, and afterwards to have forty days to retire t where they pleased. King Richard agreed to this ; and Un- ordered the targets to be placed. The king's archers lodged about forty arrows in the target ; but Robin's bowmen, to th astonishment of all the court, placed all their arrows in tli mark. The captain of the king's archers challenged Robin to shoi three arrows with him "for one hundred pounds; to whic Robin agreed, on condition that he would shoot one at tli mark he produced. A fresh target was set up, and the captain amidst thunders of applause, fixed his three arrows in th mark, and one of them in the very centre of the target; h Robin, with seeming carelessness, let fly his first arrow, which split the centre one to shivers, and stuck in its place. Robin then caused two willow wands to be stuck in thi ground at double distance, observing, that this was the kiwi of mark he was accustomed to, and challenged all the king's archers to a trial ; but as none of them durst venture afte what they had seen, Robin, with the remaining two arrows clove both the wands. The king's bowmen wispered to eaci other, that he must be the devil, for there never was sua archery seen before; but the Bishop of Hereford said to tli king, "I know now who they arc; that is Robin Hood, an these fellows are his band." The king would not have allowc them to depart ; but as his word had been already given fo their security, he made a noble feast, bestowed on them ta prizes, and sent them away with honour. King Richard often thought of the wonderful dextcnt f 21 ( I I W shown by Robin Hood and his band, and having heavd of many of 'their generous actions, he regretted that they were outlaws, who, by plundering those whom he was bound to protect, were therefore enemies to tile state. Sometimes he would exclaim, "If I could make these outlaws faithful sub- jects, what a pride they would be to my court !" One dav Queen Eleanor entered, and craved the boon lie had promised to grant if her champions were victorious, "My dear Richard," said She, ''the boon I ask. is the free pardon of Robin Hood and his men, who will, I am certain, prove themselves worthy of your clemency, and be a valuable ac- quisition to vour crown. " " My dear mother,' ' said _he, ' 1 1 can refuse you nothing ; but, before I grant your request, I must sec Robin Hood again, in order to discover what his sentiments are ; for which purpose I mean to disguise myself immediately, and go to Sherwood Forest." As the queen approved of this, Richard, accompanied by twelve of his courtiers, all disguised as monks, mounted their horses, and proceeded to the Forest. Kobin Hood, who observed them at a distance, thought it was a whole monas- tery of friars, and he determined to plunder them. King Richard, who was taller than the rest, rode foremost, and Robin taking him for the abbot, seized his horse by the bridle, saying. "Abbot, stand, and deliver your money; it was a monk that ruined me, and I have sworn to spare none of your fraternity." " lint we are going on the king's message," said Richard." When Robin heard this, he let go the bridle, saying, " God save him! and confound all his enemies!" "Thou art. cursing thyself," said the king, "for thou art a robber, an outlaw, and a traitor." "Were you not his mes- senger," returned Robin, " I would say you lied; for I never injured the honest and industrious man ; I protect wo- men and children, and all the poor around me ; it is only from the miserly rich, and those who live upon the labours of others, that I take any thing, but as you are King Richard's servants, I will not deprive you of a single penny, and also excuse what you have said." Robin asked them to partake of his good cheer before they proceeded on their journey. This being exactly the thing that the king wished for in order to sound Robin, he gave a ready consent, and then said, "Were vou not afraid singly to attack thirteen men ?" "I < am not afraid of ten thirtcens," returned Robin; then putting his horn to his mouth, he blew a shrill blast, and one hun- 3 dred and fifty of his bowmen instantly appeared in view. k* The king was so charmed with the sight, that he could not help thinking they were much better trained than his own men. n the bandage away with hev, locked the door as before, auj there left him to expire. Morning broke; and as the sun's rays broke upon \ heavy eye-lids, he experienced the most dreadful sensation j sickness— he lay quiet— yet bleeding, and not knowing thai his life was fast ebbing away. At length he discovered t!;; horrible truth; he feebly gained the lattice, but una!' raise himself, so as to pass through it, he with his remainio; breath, blew his horn. The well known sound was heard!; Little John, who was near the abbey walls; suspectm wrong, he called together a strong party, and rushing to tii Kates, demanded admittance. This was denied, so the gats were broken open. lie again heard the tremulous notes, the horn, followed the sound, and soon found poor hob Hood in a dying state, from loss of blood. Little John was greatly exasperated, and vowed to re the treacherous building to the ground: "Not one stor.e, said he, stamping his foot violently on the ground, 'not or, little stone shall stand upon another." "I prithee, no!" said Robin to Little John, "the last q of my life shall not change in spirit to what the first was-4 the woman's conscience be her punishment — I will not han her. But," said Robin, with a fainting voice, '-give men bow, and but one arrow-it will be my last shaft—and win-: it rests in the greensward, there would I rest also I _ "Raise me," said Robin Hood, in a plaintive voice; i drew his bow with a convulsive exertion, and the arrow 111 over the tree tops to a considerable distance. Little Jo; watched the arrow in its flight; and turning received tl last words of Robin Hood. "It is my last shot ! the la 1 ever draw bow-string ! Farewell, my bonny yew bow, trusty broad arrow; bear me to the spot where it tell, died "the renowned Robin Hood. He expired the 24th of December, 1347, aged 55, and interred in Kirkley Park, Yorkshire. EPITAPH. Robert, Earl of Huntingdon, Lies here, his labour being done. No archer like him was so good, His wildness named him Robin Hood. For thirteen years and somewhat more, These northern parts he vexed sore : Such outlaws as he and his men, May England never know again.