ROBIN HOOD. 363

would you set your mind firmly in everything to be a true and
useful subject ?” This was the very thing that Robin wanted ;
it was the wish that had haunted his thoughts night and day ;
it was with the hope of this, that he made the rich present to
Queen Eleanor, “ My friend,” said Robin, “ Tam tired of the
lawless life that I lead: I never loved it. Other men may
praise my bold adventures and generousactions ; but I hate my
way of living, and everything that belongs to it: King Richard
is a noble prince and a gallant soldier ; and if he would take me
into his favour he should never have reason to repent it, but
should find me the most faithful of all his subjects.”—“ [ am
King Richard,” said the stranger ; and when he had said this
Robin and all his company fell on their knees before him.
“Stand up, my brave fellows,” said the king ; “ you have been
robbers, and you ought not to have been such, “The greatest
miser in my kingdom ought not to be treated with force, but to
be persuaded to dispose of his money properly. But you are
brave fellows ; you say that you are well inclined, and you have
power and skill to do me service. I freely grant to every one
of you my pardon: not one of you shall be called to account
for anything that is past ; only take care that you behave your-
selves in such a manner in fature, that I never may have reason
to repent the kindness that I now treat you with.”