ROBIN HOOD’S PARDON, REBELLION, AND DEATH.
“The excitement caused by the death of the sheriff of Nottingham was not easily appeased. Intelligence of the outrage was carried to King Richard, who summoned a council to devise the best means of putting down the fearless rebels. They declared the knight of Wierysdale an outlaw; and his lands, which were forfeited to the crown, were offered as a reward to whomsoever should take the traitor, Robin Hood, dead or alive. Fifty knights volunteered their services, and Sherwood forest became too hot for the brave outlaws, who retired by stealth to Plompton park, in Cumberland, where they concealed themselves for many weeks. At last, receiving intelligence that the search was abandoned, they ventured to return to Sherwood; but, to their great surprise, they were one morning interrupted by the approach of six priests, who advanced towards them, riding upon steeds richly caparisoned. The foremost was a man of most commanding presence. He was of noble countenance, tall stature, well proportioned, and apparently of Herculean strength; and, as he sat upright upon his saddle and glanced around him, his stately mien but ill accorded with the peaceful character of the white robe that covered him.
“Robin Hood knew him not, and wondered what bold bishop it could be, who had ventured to enter upon the proscribed domains.
“‘By thy leave, holy father,’ he cried, as he stepped from a thicket, and laid his hand upon the horse’s bridle, ‘thou must abide awhile. If thou hast gold in thy purse, by the laws of Sherwood forest it is forfeited.’
“‘Good sir,’ replied the bishop, ‘I have but forty pounds. King Richard has been at Nottingham, and the gay follies of the court have swallowed up the rest;’ and drawing a purse from his girdle, he gave it to the outlaw, who counted out the bright gold pieces into his hand. ‘Thou wilt need these, perchance,’ he said, as he gave back half the money. ‘We may meet again and thou canst then repay me.’
“‘Gramercy, but thou art a gentle thief,’ exclaimed the bishop. ‘If, as I strongly suspect, thou art bold Robin Hood, Richard, king of England, sends thee his seal by me, and bids thee attend him in the good town of Nottingham.’
“The outlaw bent his knee as he beheld the royal signet. ‘I will obey,’ he cried, ‘I can trust to the honour of King Richard, and for love of him, sir bishop, thou shalt dine with me under our trysting tree.’ He winded his bugle-horn merrily, and seven-score men obeyed the summons.
“A cloth was spread upon the grass, and plentifully supplied with venison, fowls, and fish; cans of fine brown ale, and bowls of ruby wine. The bishop and his companions seated themselves, and a jovial feast ensued. ‘Let us drink to the health of King Richard,’ cried the outlaw, filling his goblet to the brim. ‘He who fails me in this pledge is no friend of Robin Hood’s.’ Loud cries of ‘Long live the King,’ rose from all sides; and in imitation of their host, each man emptied his cup, and reversed it upon the cloth before him.
“‘Bend your bows, my gallant followers,’ said the outlaw, ‘and show our guests the archery of Sherwood.’ A willow wand was fixed in the earth, at a long distance off, and a garland of wild roses was suspended upon its top. The laws of the game were, that whoever missed the garland should lose his bow and arrows, and receive a buffet upon his bare head. One by one the foresters advanced, and all shot true, until Little John carelessly missed the wand by three good inches. Robin Hood gave him a blow upon his ear that made it ring for many an after hour, and then took his own turn. To his great dismay his shaft flew on the outer side of the garland.
“His men shouted with laughter. ‘Thou hast lost thy bow, good master!’ they cried in the greatest glee. ‘The bishop shall give thee thy pay.’ The priest laughed too, and turning up the sleeves of his gown stepped toward the outlaw.