Volume Viii Part 40 (2/2)

My master's laws are on record!

The court-roll here your grace may see.

KING. I pray thee, Friar, read it me.[275]

FRIAR. One shall suffice, and this is he.

No man, that cometh in this wood To feast or dwell with Robin Hood, Shall call him earl, lord, knight, or squire: He no such t.i.tles doth desire, But Robin Hood, plain Robin Hood, That honest yeoman stout and good, On pain of forfeiting a mark, That must be paid to me his clerk.

My liege, my liege, this law you broke, Almost in the last word you spoke: That crime may not acquitted be, Till Friar Tuck receive his fee.

KING. There's more than twenty marks, mad Friar.

[_Casts him purse_.

FRIAR. If thus you pay the clerk his hire, Oft may you forfeit, I desire.

You are a perfect penitent, And well you do your wrong repent: For this your highness' liberal gift I here absolve you without shrift.

KING. Gramercies, Friar. Now, Robin Hood, Sith Robin Hood it needs must be, I was about to ask before, If thou didst see the great stag's fall.

ROB. H. I did, my lord, I saw it all; But missing this same prating friar, And hearing you so much desire To have the losel's company, I went to seek Small-Honesty.

FRIAR. But you found Much, when you found me.

ROB. H. Ay, Much my man; but not a jot Of honesty in thee, G.o.d wot.

QUEEN. Robin, you do abuse the Friar.

FRIAR. Madam, I dare not call him liar: He may be bold with me, he knows.

How now, Prince John, how goes, how goes This woodman's life with you to-day?

My fellow Woodnet you would be.

JOHN. I am thy fellow, thou dost see; And to be plain, as G.o.d me save, So well I like thee, merry knave, That I thy company must have: Nay, and I will.

FRIAR. Nay, and you shall.

ROB. H. My lord, you need not fear at all, But you shall have his company: He will be bold, I warrant you.

KING. Know you, where-e'er a spring is nigh?

Fain would I drink, I am right dry.

ROB. H. I have a drink within my bower Of pleasant taste and sovereign power: My reverend uncle gives it me, To give unto your majesty.

KING. I would be loth, indeed, being in heat To drink cold water. Let us to thy bower.

ROB. H. Run, Friar, before, And bid my uncle be in readiness.

FRIAR. Gone in a trice[276] on such good business.

[_Exeunt omnes_.

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