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Robin Hood Compasses a Marriage
Thefirstofallwasatall,thinman,ofknightlybearing,dressedallinblacksilk,withablackvelvetcapuponhishead,turnedupwithscarlet.Robinlooked,andhadnodoubtthatthiswasSirStephen,bothbecauseofhisknightlycarriageandofhisgrayhairs.BesidehimrodeastoutSaxonfranklin,Ellen’sfather,EdwardofDeirwold;behindthosetwocamealitterbornebytwohorses,andthereinwasamaidenwhomRobinknewmustbeEllen.Behindthislitterrodesixmen-at-arms,thesunlightflashingontheirsteelcapsastheycamejinglingupthedustyroad.
Sothesealsocametothechurch,andthereSirStephenleapedfromhishorseand,comingtothelitter,handedfairEllenouttherefrom.ThenRobinHoodlookedather,andcouldwondernolongerhowitcameaboutthatsoproudaknightasSirStephenofTrentwishedtomarryacommonfranklin’sdaughter;nordidhewonderthatnoadowasmadeaboutthematter,forshewasthefairestmaidenthateverhehadbeheld.Now,however,shewasallpaleanddrooping,likeafairwhitelilysnappedatthestem;andso,withbentheadandsorrowfullook,shewentwithinthechurch,SirStephenleadingherbythehand.
"Whydostthounotplay,fellow?"quoththeBishop,lookingsternlyatRobin.
"Marry,"saidRobincalmly,"IwillplayingreaterwisethanYourLordshipthinks,butnottilltherighttimehathcome.
