Chapter 35

CHAPTER XXXV.
ROBIN HOOD AND HIS ADVENTURES. "They say he is already in the forest of Arden, and a many merry men
with him; and there they live like the old Robin Hood of England...
and fleet the time carelessly as they did in the golden world."- AS
YOU LIKE IT. AS has been already said, some of the ballad makers have so far
erred from the truth as to represent Robin Hood as being outlawed by
Henry VIII., and several stories are told of Queen Katherine's
interceding with her husband for the pardon of the bold outlaw.*
However this may be, it is known that Robin Hood once shot a match
on the queen's side against the king's archers, and here is the
story:- * This seems to have been the opinion of the author from whom we
draw the following account of our hero's life,- to show how the
doctors will disagree even on a topic as important as Robin Hood:- THE NOBLE BIRTH AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF ROBIN HOOD. "Robin Hood was descended from the noble family of the Earl of
Huntingdon, and being outlawed by Henry VIII. for many
extravagancies and outrages he had committed, he did draw together a
company of such bold and licentious persons as himself, who lived
for the most part on robberies committed in or near unto Sherwood
Forest in Nottinghamshire. He had these always ready at his command,
so that if need did require he at the winding of his horn would have
fifty or more of them in readiness to assist him. He whom he most
affected was called Little John by reason of his low stature, though
not inferior to any of them in strength of body and stoutness of
spirit. He would not entertain any into his service whom he had not
first fought with himself and made sufficient trial of his courage and
dexterity how to use his weapons, which was the reason that oftentimes
he came home hurt and beaten as he was; which was nevertheless no
occasion of the diminution of his love to the person whom he fought
with, for ever afterwards he would be the more familiar with him,
and better respect him for it. Many petitions were referred to the
king for a pardon for him, which the king (understanding of the many
mad pranks he and his associates played) would give no ear unto; but
being attended with a considerable guard, did make a progress
himself to find him out and bring him to condign punishment. At
last, by the means and mediation of Queen Katherine the king's wrath
was qualified, and his pardon sealed, and he spent his old age in
peace, at a house of his own, not far from Nottingham, being generally
beloved and respected by all." Robin Hood on one occasion sent a present to Queen Katherine with
which she was so pleased that she swore she would be a friend to the
noble outlaw as long as she might live. So one day the queen went to
her