Page:Life and adventures of Robin Hood.pdf/22

 After dinner, the pretended monks again mounted their horses, and were preparing to take their leave of the bow men, 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, opening a part of the monk's cloak, which discovered 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 Huntingdon, 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 good behaviour, and the services which you are able to render me by your skill and bravery, if you are inclined, never to have cause to repent of my kindness."

Robin Hood, now Earl of Huntingdon, and his bowmen, immediately swore allegiance to the king; and by their good conduct afterwards, Richard was induced to place them near his own person as a body guard.

It is evident none but the rich and considerable were objects of Robin Hood's depredations; for so far from plundering the poor, he did them all the good that lay in his