ur 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?

[Illustration]

_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 Ab