Part 21 (1/2)

_Robin Hood._ Is that indeed the truth, Sir Knight? Look carefully, Little John; if the knight speaks truly, he shall keep the ten s.h.i.+llings, but if not--

_Little John._ Indeed, my master, the knight speaks truly, for this is all the money I can find.

_Robin Hood._ How comes it, n.o.ble knight, that thou art so poor? Come, tell me the story. Mayhap I can help thee.

_The Knight._ I am Sir Richard of Lea, and my ancestors have been knights for a hundred years. A year ago I had plenty of money to spend as I would. But now I have nothing for my wife and my children, who weep for my absence from them.

_Robin Hood._ But how did you lose all your money?

_The Knight._ Perhaps you will think I lost it in a foolish way. My son, whom I dearly love, is a manly youth. Well can he shoot and joust fairly in the field. But once, in a quarrel, he slew a youth, and to save him, I pledged all my lands. Unless I redeem them by All Saints Day I shall lose them all.

_Robin Hood._ What is the sum you are bound to pay?

_The Knight._ Four hundred pounds. The day is near and I have nothing.

_Robin Hood._ But what canst thou do if thou losest thy land? What wilt thou do?

_The Knight._ I will sail far away over the seas. I cannot remain in England.

_Robin Hood._ It is a small sum. Hast thou no friends to help thee in thy need?

_The Knight._ Many friends had I when I had money and lands. Now when I need their help they turn away and know me not.

_Robin Hood._ By my faith, gentle knight, thou shalt not want for a friend. Little John, go to the chest and count out four hundred pounds.

_Will Scarlet._ Shall he not have cloth for a coat, gentle master? He is thinly clad.

_Robin Hood._ Well said, Will Scarlet; go, get three measures of every kind, that he may be warmly and gayly clad.

_Little John._ Here is the money, Robin Hood, and good measure.

_Robin Hood._ And what will you give, Little John, who are so generous with my money?

_Little John._ A pair of golden spurs, that he may ride fast to his castle and redeem his lands.

_The Knight._ Many thanks, Little John, and to you, my good friend. Tell me, Robin Hood, when shall I come to return the money you so kindly lend me?

_Robin Hood._ This day twelvemonth; and a happy year may it be! We will meet under this trysting tree. Till then, be merry!

_The Knight._ I shall be with you a year from to-day. Farewell.

SCENE II.--_In the Abbot's Hall_

THE ABBOT, THE PRIOR

_The Abbot._ This day a year ago Sir Richard Lea borrowed four hundred pounds from me. He promised to pay in a year or lose his land. If he does not return to-day, the land will be mine.

_The Prior._ The day is now far spent. Perhaps he will come yet.

_The Abbot._ I am sure I hope he will not. I trust he has left England.