Page:Celebrated history of the famous Robin Hood.pdf/20



with the remaining two arrows, clov both the wands. The king’s bowmen whispered to each other, that he must be the devil, for there never was such archery seen before; but the Bishop of Hereford said to the king, “I know now who they are ; that is Robin Hood and these fellows are his band.” The king would not have allowed them to depart; but as his word had been already given for their security, he mad a noble feast, bestowing on them the prizes, and sent them away with honour.

King Richard often though of the wondreful dexterity shewn 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 wa 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, & craved the boon he had promised to grant if her champions were victorious “ My dear Richard,” said she, “ the