Page:Celebrated history of the renowned Robin Hood (2).pdf/5

 only means of saving his soul. When Robin arrived at the Hall, his uncle was dead, and the monks, who had taken posses- sion of the house, shut the doors against him, and would give him nothing, which was a sad reverse to poor Robin, for he had been brought up as a gentleman without learning any business, and was unable to gain a livelihood. On turning from the Hall, he found Little John waiting for him, and, determined to unite their fortunes, they re- solved to go to Sherwood Forest, and support themselves by their bows.

Although the Forest abounded with deer, Robin found that other comforts were neces- sary, which could not be procured without money ; and thinking that the monks who had deprived him of his estate ought to sup- ply this, he laid every priest under contri- bution.

The fame of Robin Hood, and the merry life he led, soon drew a number of young men to join his band, and increased it to above one hundred of the bravest fellows in he kingdom, whom he clothed in green. When the monks, from being so often plun- dered, came less in the way, Robin’s men were obliged to extend their depredations to other parts of the country. It was only to priests, and the niggardly rich, that Robin Hood was an enemy; for he held the person