Page:Famous exploits of Robin Hood, Little John, and his merry men all.pdf/16

16 said the other, 'and if thou offerest to touch thy horn, my good broad sword shall cut it in two, and strike thee to the dust.' Bold Robin Hood then bent his stout bow, and stood ready to shoot at his foe; The stranger also took his strong bow, and as readily stood on his guard. 'Prithee let us hold our hands,' said Robin Hood, 'for if we attempt to shoot, one of us must infallibly die; let us now lay aside our bows, and try each other's skill with bucklers and good broad swords. These rivals in skill then fought stoutly and boldly, and many a hard blow resounded upon their bucklers. They aimed their strong blows above and below, from the head to the feet, but neither of them could make the other give way. Robin Hood at length gave the stranger such a mighty stroke that it made the fire fly from his eyes, and almost deprived him of his senses. 'I hope to give thee a blow,’ said the stranger, 'that shall shame all the rest, and put an end to the fray. Then presently taking good aim with his sword, he struck Robin upon the head with such force, that the blood soon appeared, and ran trickling down his cheeks. 'By my faith,' said Robin Hood, 'I must now beg for quarter; prithee, my brave fellow, tell me who thou art, and what is thy name, for I love and respect a brave man.' The stranger answered, 'I was