_Robin Hood._ Is that indeed the truth, Sir Knight? Look carefully, Little John; if the knight speaks truly, he shall keep the ten shillings, but if not--

_Little John._ Indeed, my master, the knight speaks truly, for this is all the money I can find.

_Robin Hood._ How comes it, n.o.ble knight, that thou art so poor? Come, tell me the story. Mayhap I can help thee.

_The Knight._ I am Sir Richard of Lea, and my ancestors have been knights for a hundred years. A year ago I had plenty of money to spend as I would. But now I have nothing for my wife and my children, who weep for my absence from them.

_Robin Hood._ But how did you lose all your money?

_The Knight._ Perhaps you will think I lost it in a foolish way. My son, whom I dearly love, is a manly youth. Well can he shoot and joust fairly in the field. But once, in a quarrel, he slew a youth, and to save him, I pledged all my lands. Unless I redeem them by All Saints Day I shall lose them all.

_Robin Hood._ What is the sum you are bound to pay?

_The Knight._ Four hundred pounds. The day is near and I have nothing.

_Robin Hood._ But what canst thou do if thou losest thy land? What wilt thou do?

_The Knight._ I will sail far away over the seas. I cannot remain in England.

_Robin Hood._ It is a small sum. Hast thou no friends to help thee in thy need?

_The Knight._ Many friends had I when I had money and lands. Now when I need their help they turn away and know me not.

_Robin Hood._ By my faith, gentle knight, thou shalt not want for a friend. Little John, go to the chest and count out four hundred pounds.

_Will Scarlet._ Shall he not have cloth for a coat, gentle master? He is thinly clad.

_Robin Hood._ Well said, Will Scarlet; go, get three measures of every kind, that he may be warmly and gayly clad.

_Little John._ Here is the money, Robin Hood, and good measure.

_Robin Hood._ And what will you give, Little John, who are so generous with my money?

_Little John._ A pair of golden spurs, that he may ride fast to his castle and redeem his lands.

_The Knight._ Many thanks, Little John, and to you, my good friend. Tell me, Robin Hood, when shall I come to return the money you so kindly lend me?

_Robin Hood._ This day twelvemonth; and a happy year may it be! We will meet under this trysting tree. Till then, be merry!

_The Knight._ I shall be with you a year from to-day. Farewell.

SCENE II.--_In the Abbot's Hall_

THE ABBOT, THE PRIOR

_The Abbot._ This day a year ago Sir Richard Lea borrowed four hundred pounds from me. He promised to pay in a year or lose his land. If he does not return to-day, the land will be mine.

_The Prior._ The day is now far spent. Perhaps he will come yet.

_The Abbot._ I am sure I hope he will not. I trust he has left England.

_The Prior._ The land is worth much more than four hundred pounds. It were a pity if he did not redeem it.

_The Abbot._ Thou art ever crossing me! Speak no more about it! Where is the Lord Justice?

[Ill.u.s.tration]

_Lord Justice_ (_enters_). Here I am. I have just come from London to do justice on that Knight. Where is he?

_The Abbot._ The Knight has failed to come with the money and this is the day when the land falls to me.

_Lord Justice._ I dare swear he will not come and thou shalt have his lands. I now declare that the knight, Sir Richard Lea, has failed to keep his promise and his lands are--

_The Knight_ (_entering and kneeling before the Abbot_). Rejoice with me, Sir Abbot. I am come to keep my day.

_The Abbot._ What dost thou say? Hast brought the money?

_The Knight_ (_to try the Abbot_). Not a penny, but--

_The Abbot._ What dost thou here without the money?

_The Knight._ To ask your kindness and patience, Sir Abbot, for a longer time.

_Lord Justice._ The day has come. Thou losest thy land, Sir Knight, since thou canst not pay.

_The Knight._ Good Lord Justice, help me against my foes! I will surely pay, but must have more time.

_Lord Justice._ I am sorry for thee, Sir Richard, but the law is plain.

Either pay your debt or lose your land.

_The Knight._ Sir Abbot, I pray thee, have pity.

_The Abbot._ Get the land when thou canst, thou gettest no pity from me.

_The Knight._ By my faith, then, if I get not my land again, thou shalt pay dearly for it.

_The Abbot._ Get thee gone, false knight! Darest thou threaten me?

_The Knight._ False knight I am not, for I have fought well for my king.

_Lord Justice._ Sir Abbot, the day is not yet gone. What wilt thou give the knight to hold his peace?

_The Abbot._ A hundred pounds.

_Lord Justice._ Make it two hundred.

_The Knight._ No, nor nine hundred. Ye shall not have my land! Here, Sir Abbot, are the four hundred pounds. Had you been less covetous, I would have given interest. Now, get you gone, all of you; and learn to deal more justly and kindly with those in need. [_They go out._]