ROBIN’S KINDNESS to toe POOR.

The Merry-men followed King Richard to Nottingham, and
soon afterwards he restored Robin Hood to his fortune and his
honours. The poor had reason to rejoice that Robin was again
a rich Earl, for (as he had always done when a poor Outlaw) he
gave liberally to them, helping the aged, the women, and the chil-
dren, and doing good to everybody. He kept together his band of
three hundred archers, under the command of Little John; and
they dwelt in his castle, keeping their word to King Richard, and
leading honest lives; but still shooting deer‘in the Earl’s own
woods, for Robin loved better to be in the greenwood than in the
town, and would rather live in the forest than at the Court.

ROBIN’S OLD AGE AND DEATH.

Robin Hood lived to a great age, in health and happiness. But
at length, feeling ill and weak, he went to the Priory of Kirklees,
of which his cousin was Prioress, to ask her to give him advice and
help—for ladies were often skilful in medicine and healing in those
days. But this wicked woman, who hated Robin, bled him too
much; and when Little John came to look after his dear master,
he found him dying. Robin bade him open the window, and give
him his bow and arrows. Then, with a last effort of his feeble
hands, the Archer shot out of the window into the forest, and bade
Little John bury him wherever the arrow should fall. His faith-
ful friend obeyed, and Robin Hood’s grave was made under the
green trees which he loved so well when living.