“For that I am a fool belike, Robin. Howbeit, I'm better Fool than outlaw.”
“Say, rather, greater fool, Fool, for foresters' life is better than life o' folly, and payeth better to boot, what with booty—ha! Moreover, I do love thee, since, Fool, though fool, art wise in counsel and valiant beyond thought—so 'tis I would not lose thee. Stay, therefore, and live my comrade and brother, equal with me in all things. How say'st thou?”
“Why, Robin, I say this: True friendship is a goodly thing and a rare in this world, and, therefore, to be treasured; 'tis thing no man may buy or seek, since itself is seeker and cometh of itself; 'tis a prop—a staff in stony ways, a shield 'gainst foes, a light i' the dark. So do I love friendship, Robin, and thou'rt my friend, yet must leave thee, though friendship shall abide.”
Quoth ROBIN: How abide an we be parted?
“In heart and mind and memory, Robin. Moreover, though I go, yet will I return anon, an life be mine.”
“And wherefore go ye, brother?”
“First to seek my comrade.”
“Thy comrade—ha! I mind him, a fierce great fellow with hawk's beak and a fighting eye. And whither trend ye?”
“To Canalise.”
“Art crazed, brother? 'Tis there death waiteth thee!”