Приключения Робин Гуда
Robin Hood Shoots Before Queen Eleanor
HerehedrewreinandcalledloudlyforapottleofRhenishwinetobebroughthim,forstoutcountryalewastoocoarseadrinkforthisyounggentleman.Fivelustyfellowssatuponthebenchbeneaththepleasantshadeofthewide-spreadingoakinfrontoftheinndoor,drinkingaleandbeer,andallstaredamainatthisfairandgallantlad.TwoofthestoutestofthemwereclothedinLincolngreen,andagreatheavyoakenstaffleanedagainstthegnarledoaktreetrunkbesideeachfellow.
Thelandlordcameandbroughtapottleofwineandalongnarrowglassuponasalver,whichhehelduptothePageashesatuponhishorse.YoungPartingtonpouredforththebrightyellowwineandholdingtheglassaloft,cried,"Hereistothehealthandlonghappinessofmyroyalmistress,thenobleQueenEleanor;andmaymyjourneyandherdesiringssoonhaveend,andIfindacertainstoutyeomanmencallRobinHood."
Atthesewordsallstared,butpresentlythetwostoutyeomeninLincolngreenbeganwhisperingtogether.Thenoneofthetwo,whomPartingtonthoughttobethetallestandstoutestfellowhehadeverbeheld,spokeupandsaid,"WhatseekestthouofRobinHood,SirPage?AndwhatdoesourgoodQueenEleanorwishofhim?Iaskthisofthee,notfoolishly,butwithreason,forIknowsomewhatofthisstoutyeoman."
"Anthouknowestaughtofhim,goodfellow,"saidyoungPartington,"thouwiltdogreatservicetohimandgreatpleasuretoourroyalQueenbyaidingmetofindhim.
