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shown by Robin Hood and his band, and having heard of many of their generous actions, he regretted that they were outlaws, who, by plundering those whom he was bound to protect, were therefore enemies to the state. Sometimes he would exclaim, "If I could make these outlaws faithful subjects, what a pride they would be to my court!"
One day Queen Eleanor entered, and craved the boon he had promised to grant if her champions were victorious, "My dear Richard," said she, "the boon I ask, is the free pardon of Robin Hood and his men, who will, I am certain, prove themselves worthy of your clemency, and be a valuable acquisition to your crown." "My dear mother," said he, "I can refuse you nothing; but, before I grant your request. I must see Robin Hood again, in order to discover what his sentiments are; for which purpose I mean to disguise myself immediately, and go to Sherwood Forest."
As the queen approved of this. Richard, accompanied by twelve of his courtiers, all disguised is monks, mounted their horses, and proceeded to the Forest. Robin Hood, who observed them at a distance, thought it was a whole monastery of friars, and he determined to plunder them. King Richard, who was taller than the rest, rode foremost, and Robin taking him for the abbot, seized his horse by the bridle, saying, "Abbot, 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 to 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 labour's 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, "Were 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, that he could not help thinking they were much better trained than his own men.
