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said, “I was to have been married yesterday to a young lady whom I have long courted, and I bought this ring for the occasion, but the Bishop of Hereford, her uncle, has rejected me, and means to give her to an old wealthy knight. Robin inquired whether the young lady had consented to her uncle’s choice or not, and when, and where the ceremony was to take place. Allan-a-dale (for that was the name of the young man) told him that the lady was forced to comply much against her inclinations, and that the marriage was to take place that day in the parish chapel, about five miles from the forest. When Robin heard the bishop’s name, who was his great enemy, and the time and place, he told Allan-a-dale to put on a cheerful look, and he would ensure him of getting his mistress. “If you incline to join our bowmen,” said Robin “bring your bride to the forest, and let her live with us; but if you do not like our merry life, you are at liberty to carry her to where you please.” Allan-a-dale agreed to join the bowmen, as with them he felt himself sure of protection ; and then seeing there was no time to lose, Robin disguised