Page:Famous exploits of Robin Hood, Little John, and his merry men all.pdf/14

14 there came in a wealthy old knight, leading a young damsel by the hand, of a fair, though sorrowful countenance, dressed in her glittering attire. 'This is not a fit match,' said bold Robin Hood, 'the bridegroom is much too old and uncomely; but since I am here, and the bride is prepared, she shall now choose her own mate.'

Robin then took his horn and blew twice or thrice with it, at the sound of which his fifty stout bowmen came leaping over the church-yard, and the first man was Allen Adale, who gave bold Robin his bow. 'This is thy true lover,' said Robin; 'come, take her, and be married before we depart. 'That never shall be,' said the bishop; 'thy speech is too bold, and the law requires that they be three times asked in the church.' Robin Hood then pulled off the bishop's rich apparel, and put it upon Little John, and made him appear like a priest. 'By my faith,' said Robin, laughing, 'that clothing becomes thee well; thou now lookest like a man and a bishop; therefore begin thy office.' When Little John went to the desk, the people began to laugh, and seemed to enjoy the joke; he asked them full seven times over to make the banns sure, lest three times should not be enough. 'Who gives this fair maid to Allen Adale for a wife?' said Little John. 'I give her to him with all my heart,' said