Wayland Smith’s Cave.
HERNE THE HUNTER.
The story of Herne the Hunter was familiar in Shakespeare’s days, as those who have read “The Merry Wives of Windsor” know; but like all old stories it has many versions, and some say that Herne lived in Plantagenet times, others as recently as Good Queen Bess’ reign; some, that he was a poacher, others, a keeper. But all agree that he haunted Windsor Forest, and some say that he does so to this day.
As the legend is generally told Herne was a royal keeper whose unusual skill at the chase caused him to become a great favourite of his royal master, and at the same time made his fellow foresters mighty jealous of him. So they combined together to try to plot his undoing.
To one of their secret councils, held beneath great oaks in the heart of the forest, there came one day a mysterious dark man of unusual stature and strength, whose face seemed familiar yet whom none could place. To their enquiries he answered gruffly that he lived on the outskirts of the forest, and that he knew their designs and could help them, if they wished it.
The jealous keepers at once accepted his offer. But he bargained with them, asking as the price of his aid that they should each grant one request whenever it was made. This was agreed, and the stranger disappeared, telling the now rather alarmed foresters that they should soon have proof of his powers.
Within a few days it was noticed that Herne’s skill began to fail him. He could no longer shoot straight, nor ride fast; and very swiftly he fell into disfavour. His rivals were delighted, particularly when the day came that he was dismissed from the Royal service.