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stand, and deliver your money; it was a monk that ruined me, and I have sworn to spare none of your fraternity.” "But we are going on the king’s message,” said Richard. When Robin heard this, he let go the bridle, saying, "God save him! and confound all his enemies!” "Thou art cursing thyself,” said the king; "for thou art a robber, an outlaw, and a traitor.” Were you not his messenger,” returned Robin, "I would say you lied; for I never injured the honest and industrious man; I protect women and children and all the poor around me; it is only from the miserly rich, and those who live upon the labours of others, that I take any thing; but as you are King Richard’s servants, I will not deprive you of a single penny, and also excuse what you have said.” Robin asked them to partake of his good cheer before they proceeded on their journey. This being exactly the thing that the king wished for in order to sound Robin, he gave a ready consent, and then said, “was you not afraid singly to attack thirteen men?” “I am not afraid of ten thirteens,” returned Robin; then putting his horn to his mouth, he blew a shrill blast, and one hundred and fifty of his bowmen instantly appeared in view. The king was so charmed with the sight, and the manner in which they obeyed their captain, that he
