Page:Celebrated history of the renowned Robin Hood (2).pdf/20

 could not help thinking they were much better trained than his own men.

After dinner, the pretended monks again mounted their horses, and were preparing to take their leave of the bowmen, when the king said to Robin Hood, "Now, my brave fellow, if I were to procure your pardon and that of your men, would you turn faithful and useful subjects?” This being the first wish of Robin’s heart, and for some time past always uppermost in his thoughts, he replied, "Abbot, I am tired of this kind of life; and though some may praise our bold adventures and generous actions, yet I now hate every thing connected with it. Were King Richard, who is a gallant soldier and a generous prince, to pardon our offences, and take us into favour, he would never have reason to repent his clemency, for he would find us the most loyal and peaceful of his subjects.”

"Behold your king!” said Richard open- ing a part of the monk’s cloak, which dis- covered the star and other insignia. Robin and his bowmen were instantly on their knees before him. "Rise up my brave fellows, your leader is now Earl of Hunt- ingdon, which is his just right, from being next heir to the late earl. I restore you again to society, by freely pardoning all your past offences; and I expect from your future