Part 4.
Robin Hood's Royal Revenge.
Chapter 12.
Robin Hood Aids a Sorrowful Night Autumn came quickly to Sherwood Forest.
After the joy of Alan and Dale's wedding, the spring and summer sped past.
Robin woke up one bright October morning and realized that the winter was near.
The men of Sherwood Forest had entertained no guest for several weeks.
He said to Little John, "'Winter is coming, friend, and our money is running low.
We had better find ourselves some wealthy dinner guests before the freezing wind blows.
Everyone knows that you catch more fish with two hooks than with one.'
Robin told Little John to choose a group of men and search to the west for a rich guest.
Will Scarlet, Alan Adale and Midge, the miller's son, joined Robin and they set out toward the east.
Robin and his men walked for most of the morning.
When they found a shady, comfortable spot by the side of the road, they sat down to wait.
Many honest, hard-working people passed by, but no rich landlords or false friars traveled among them.
The men carried lunches of cold meat and bread, They ate quietly, enjoying the gentle fall breeze.
The afternoon wore on.
As the men got ready to return to Sherwood, a tall knight rode into view.
His clothes were plain but well-made.
He wore no gold chain or jeweled rings, as most knights did.
The knight rode slowly, his head hung low.
There is a very sorrowful-looking knight, Robin observed.
But even if he is sad, his clothes look rich.
Stay here, men, while I look into the matter.
Robin stepped out onto the road when the knight drew close.
Hold, Sir Knight.
Please wait here a moment.
Who are you to stop men on our king's highway? asked the knight.
That is a hard question, replied Robin.
Some men call me good, honest fellow.
Others call me a vile thief.
Your regard for me depends entirely on your own self.
My name is Robin Hood.
Truly good, Robin, said the knight, smiling.
You have a clever way of talking.
As for my regard, I say it is very favorable.
I hear much good of you and little bad.
What do you want from me?
Sir Knight, if you follow me into Sherwood, we will give you a feast such as you never have had before.
The sad knight shook his head slowly.
You are kind, but I think you will find me a heavy-hearted and sorrowful guest.
Let me pass.
No, said Robin.
We keep a type of inn here.
All our guests have a very merry time, but they must pay for their food and entertainment.
I understand what you're saying, said the knight, but I am not your man.
I have no money with me.
Is it true? asked Robin.
I want to believe you, but there are men like you whose word is not to be trusted.
He whistled and his men emerged from hiding.
These are my merry men.
They share in my fortune and loss, my happiness and my sorrow.
Please tell me, good knight, what money do you have?
The knight did not speak for a few minutes.
His cheeks grew red.
I don't know why I feel shame, but I do.
I tell you the truth, friend, when I say that my purse contains six shillings.
That is all the money that I, Sir Richard of the Lee, have in the whole world.
Robin listened quietly.
You give me your knightly word.
That is all the money you have.
Yes. answered Sir Richard.
I do pledge my most solemn word as a true knight.
Here is my purse.
You may search it yourselves.
Keep your purse, Sir Richard, said Robin.
The proud I strive to bring low.
Those who walk in sorrow I aim to help if I can.
Sir Richard, come with us to Sherwood.
I know you mean to be kind, said Sir Richard. but I doubt that you can help me with my troubles.
Nevertheless, I shall go.
Sir Knight Robin said kindly, I don't mean to bother you, but could you tell me what troubles you so?
Truly, Robin, I see no reason why I should not, replied Sir Richard.
My castle and lands are mortgaged for a debt I owe.
Three days from now, the prior of Emmet will sell all if I do not pay the money.
How did this happen? asked Robin.
I have a twenty-year-old son.
Already he is a knight.
Last year he went to the jousts at Chester and unhorsed all the men he rode against.
Finally he faced a great knight, Sir Walter of Lancaster.
My son's lance knocked Sir Walter from his horse.
The tragedy is that a splinter from the lance slipped through his helmet.
The splinter pierced Sir Walter's eye and he died.
His relatives had many friends in the court.
I was able to save my son from the dungeon only by paying a ransom of six hundred pounds in gold.
Because I didn't have the money, I mortgaged my lands to the prior of Emmett.
He drove a hard bargain in my hour of need.
How much money do you owe? asked Robin.
Only four hundred pounds, Sir Richard replied.
Only four hundred pounds, exclaimed Will Scarlet.
Don't you have friends who can help you?
When I was rich, I had many friends who boasted of their love for me, the knight responded.
They are nowhere to be found now.
You say you have no friends, Sir Richard, Robin said.
I make no boast, but I may be able to help you yet.
