Part Fourteen: King Richard Comes to Sherwood Forest

Now more than 12 months had passed and gone since these stirring adventures that had

just been told of the fellow Robin Hood and Little John. And great

changes had fallen in THIS time for King Henry had died

and Richard had come to the crown that fitted him so well through many hard trials

and their adventures as starting as any that ever detail Robin Hood

Harken you gentlemen all for soon I must bid you

farewell.

Overall in one

story I have yet to tell.

King Richard and Mary Adventures of Robin Hood.

This is another in the series of readings recorded by Chuck Levy from the book by Howard Pyle

part 14. King Richard comes to Sherwood Forest.

Richard the Lion Heart backy had come under wing to take up

his cross. His bad and it is

good to greet him in

the throng as they were glad some bright autumn day that gathered to greet

the fair. I was Richard.

A strange voice did saying

it was the time of autumn after the harvest had been gathered home and all

Nottinghamshire was in a mighty stir and two most shocking Richard of the lion's heart was

making a royal progress through merry England and everyone expected him to come to

Nottingham town in his journeying. Messengers would writing back

and forth between the sheriff and the King until at last the time was fixed upon when his

Majesty was to stop them not him. As the guest of his worship

and Al came more bustled than ever. A great running hither and thither a

rapping of hammers and a babel of voices sounded everywhere through the place where the folk

were building great arches across the streets beneath which the king was to pass

and were draping these arches with silken banners and streamers of many colors.

Great hubbub was going on in the Guildhall of the town also for here a grand banquet was to be

given to the king and the nobles of his train and the best master carpenters

were busy building a throne with the king and the sheriff were to sit at the head of the table side by

side. It seemed to many of the good folk of the place as of

the day that should bring the king into the town and would never come. But all the

same it did come in its own season.

And bright shone the sun down into the stony streets which were all alive with a

restless sea of people. On either side of the way. Great

crowds of town and country folk stood packed as close together as dried herring in a box

so that the sheriff's men how brigs in hands could hardly press them back to leave some

space for the King's writing. But even as the sheriff's men pressed back

a great burly friar cried out to one of them.

Push usually get what style get Di noble general BS or our

Lady of the founder and I would just not treat me with more deference.

I were going to pay for the day even as old I'll be one of the mighty

men at this a great shout of laughter

rolls from a number of tow your men in Lincoln green that were scattered through the crowd there about

but one that seemed of more authority than the others nudge the holy man with his elbow.

Peace talk not promised me that I would put a

check upon my tongue.

A merry but I did not claim to have a hard footed knave trample all over my

poor toes as though there were no more than so many acorns in a forest.

But of a sudden all this bickering ceased. Or a clear sound of many

bugle Vons came winding down the street. And all the people craned their

necks and gazed in the direction whence the sound came and the crowding and the

pushing and the swaying still greater than ever now. A gallant

array of men came looming into sight. But cheering up the people ran

down the crowd as the fire runs in dry grass. Eight ten

twenty had rolled in velvet and cloth of gold came riding forward over their

games floated a cloud of snow white feathers each Herald water in his hand along

the field accompanied the deep blue music from each company. Heavy

barrel shell but with the Royal Arms of England emblazoned There are

after the news came riding by our noble knight to buy

all the folly on shaving that their heads were uncovered in their hands

they bore tall dances from the tops of which is of many colors and devices.

By the side of each night walked a page clad in rich clothes of silk and velvet

and each page botany and his master's helmet from which waved long floating

plumes of feather.

Never had not Ingham's enough air a sight that those five score noble knights

from whose armor the sun blazed in dazzling light as they came riding on their great war

horses with clashing of arms and jingling of chains. Behind the

knights came the barons and the nobles of the mint country in robes of silk and

cloth of gold with golden chains about their necks and jewels at their good will

behind these Again came a great array of men at arms with spears and held birds in their

hands and in the midst of the two riders

side by side. One of the horsemen was the Sheriff of Nottingham

in his robes of office just the other who was a head taller than the sheriff was

clad in a rich but simple garb with a broad heavy chain about his neck

his hair and beard were like threads of gold and his eyes were as blue as the summer

sky. As he rode along he bowled to the right hand and the

left and the mighty roar of voices followed him as he passed.

For this was King Richard.

Then above all the tumult and the shouting. A great voice was heard roaring every

exchange.

Press TV Our gracious King Richard Wright. Why it's only you got

older.

Then King Richard looking toward the spot whence the sound came. So I told

burly strapping priest standing in front of all the crowd with his legs wide apart as he

backed against those behind.

By my sowl sure of. You have the tallest priest in Nottingham church that ever I

saw in all my life. If EVER NEVER answered prayers because of deafness. Me

thinks I would nevertheless have blessings bestowed upon me by that man yonder would make the great

stone image of Saint Peter Rabbit ears and hearken not to him. I would that I had an

army of such as he.

To this the sheriff answered never a word but all the blood left his cheeks and he

caught at the pommel of the saddle to keep himself from falling for he also saw the fellow

that so shouted and knew him to be Friar Tuck. And

moreover behind Friar Tuck he saw the faces of Robin Hood and Little John and Will

Scarlet and will stupidly and Helena Dale and others of the band.

Oh no what are you sure of that dago is so white. Your

Majesty it was not but a sudden pain that will soon pass by.

Thus he speak for he was ashamed that the king should know that Robin Hood feared

him so little that he dared to come within the very gate of Nottingham town.

Thus rode the king to Nottingham town and on that bright afternoon in the early

fall season and none rejoiced more than Robin Hood and his merry

men.

To see him come so royally to his own.

Even tide had come the great feast in the Guildhall that nothing in town was

done and the wine passed freely. A thousand waxen

lights gleamed along the border which sacked Lord noble and Knight and Squire in good legal right

at the head of the table upon a throne all hung with cloth of gold stuck to King

Richard with the Sheriff of Nottingham beside him.

I have heard much spoken concerning the doings of certain fellows hereabouts one

Robin Hood and his band who are outlaws and abide in Sherwood Forest.

Can still not tell me somewhat of them so if Europe or I hear that Al has had dealings with

them more than once.

At these words the Sheriff of Nottingham looked dark gloomy and the Bishop of

her for do was present nodded his nether lip.

You can tell your Majesty but little concerning the doings of those not a fellow's

saving that they are the boldest law breakers in all the land.

Then up speak young Sir Henry of the be a great favorite with the king under whom he

had fought in Palestine. May I please your Majesty when I was away

in Palestine I heard oft times from my father and in most cases I

heard of this very fellow Robinhood. If your majesty would like I

would tell you a certain adventure of this outlaw the king laughingly bad him

tell his tale.

Whereupon he told how Robin Hood had aided Sir Richard of the levy with money

that he had borrowed from the Bishop of here for it. Again and again the King and those

present roared with laughter. Why was the poor bishop cherry red in the face with

vexation. For the matter was a sore thing with him. When Sir Henry of

the Lee was done others of those present seeing how the king enjoyed this merry tale

told other tales concerning Robin and his merry men.

By the hilt of my sword. This is Golden Mary your neighbors ever I heard

tell of Mary. I must take this matter in end and do what

thou could not do.

Sheriff to wit clear the forest of him and his band.

That night. The king sat in the place that was set apart for his lodging whilst in Nottingham

town. With him where young Sir Henry of the other night

and three barons of Nottinghamshire.

But the king's mind still dwelt upon Robin Hood.

No I would freely give a hundred pounds to meet this roguish fellow

Robinhood and to see somewhat of his doings in Sherwood Forest.

Oh off your back just do you have such of these I report you. It is not

so hard to satisfy if your Majesty is willing to lose 100

pounds. Oh you would engage to cause you not only to meet this fellow

but to feast with him and you would marry Sir Hubert. This pleases

me well but how will Tao cause me to meet Robin Hood. War is

thoughts. Look your majesty and DAs here present. Put on the

robes of seven of the order of Blackfriars and let your back just t

hang a person of 100 pounds beneath your gown. Then let

us undertake to ride from here to Mansfield Town to morrow and without I

am much mistaken. We will both meet with Robin Hood and dine with him

before the day be past.

I like my plan so you have it and to morrow we will try it and

see whether there be virtue in it.

So it happened that when early the next morning the sheriff came to where his liege lord was

abiding to pay his duty to him.

The king told him what they had talked of the night before and what merry adventure they were

set upon undertaking that morning. But when the sheriff heard this he smote his

forehead with his fist. Alas.

What evil Council is this that has been given. Oh my gracious Lord and

King you know not what you do. This villain does go to

seek house no reverence I love O king all kings Lords

but did I not hear a right when I was told that this Robin Hood had shed no blood

since he was outlawed saving only that of that vile guy you have just been

what was death all honest men should thank him. You young man just as

you have heard all right nevertheless. Then what have I to fear in meeting

him. Having done him no harm.

Truly there is no danger in this. But mayhap the hour will go with

us to share. Heaven forbid.

But now seven habits such as Blackfriars where were brought and the King and those

about him having led themselves there in and His Majesty having hung up cursed with a hundred

golden pounds in it beneath his robes. They all went forth and mounted the mules

that had been brought to the door for them.

Then the king that the sheriff be silent as to their doings and

so they set forth the ball in their way.

Onward they travel jesting until they had passed through the open country

between their harvest fields whence the harvest had been gathered. Through scattered

blades that began to thicken. They went farther along. Till they came within the

heavy shade of the forest itself.

It travelled in the forest for several miles without meeting anyone as they thought.

Until they had come to that part of the road that lay nearest to news today heavy

by the Holy Saint Martin.

How I wish that I had a better head for remembering things of great need. Here we have

come our way and have brought never so much as a drop of anything to drink with us.

Now I would fain give up a hundred pounds for someone to quench my thirst with all.

No sooner had the king so spoken than out from the cupboard at the roadside stepped a tall

fellow with a yellow beard and hair and a pair of merry blue eye who

forthwith laid hold upon the king's bridle rein.

Truly holy brothers are it were not a Christian thing to not give fitting out sir

to so fair a bargain. We keep an inn here abouts

and for fifty pounds we will not only give the good draft of wine but we

will give thee as noble a piece does have about it to gold I got it with all and

so saying he put his fingers to his lips and blew a shrill whistle and then straightway

the bushes and branches on either side of the road swayed and crackled and threescore broad shouldered

your men in Lincoln green burst out of the cover.

Oh no fellow Who are you. No not a rogue.

I start out all regard for such holy men as we are not a whit

forninst the holiness belonging to rich friars such as you are.

One could drop into a thimble and the good wife would never feel it with the tip of her finger.

As per my name it is Robin Hood and have heard

it before are not all components.

I walked up on that naughty fellow and I'm almost one with all as I have often heard oh

no not pretty. Let me and these brethren of my travel forward in

peace and quietness.

It may not be what it would look but ill of us to let such holy

men travel on mud with empty stomachs. But I doubt not that

I have stuff that purse to pay that I scored Daryn since Star operates so

freely so much for a poor draft of wine. Show me thy post

reverend brother or I may perchance have to script by Rob from me to search

for it myself.

No use no force here is my purse.

But not by a lot of US hands upon our person hut tut.

What proud words are these. Oh the King of England to talk

so to me.

Yeah I will take this person see what there is within Will Scarlet took the

purse and counted out the money and then Robin bad will keep £50 for

themselves and put 50 back into the purse. This he handed to the

king.

Here brother take this half of my money and thanks same to martyr not whom

thou didst call before Art has fallen into the hands of such gentle

rogues that they will not strip the bearer as they might do. But

we're not put back by cow. But I would fain see thy face.

I may not put back my towel for we seven have vowed that we shall not show

our faces of four and twenty hours.

Then keep them covered in peace. And far be it from me to make you

break your vows.

So Robin called seven of his yeoman and that them each take one mule by the

bridle.

Then turning their faces toward the depths of the woodlands they journeyed onward until they

came to the open glade and the greenwood tree.

Littlejohn's with threescore yeomen at his heels and also gone forth that morning to

wait along the roads and bring a rich guest to share with glee. Such might be his luck

for many with that purses must travel the roads at this time when such great doings were going on

in Nottinghamshire.

But Little John and so many others were gone. Fry up tuck and

to score a more stout yeomen was seated beneath the great tree when Robin and the

others came up and they leaped to their feet to meet him. Mary King Richard got down

from his mule and stood looking about him.

By my soul though has been very crude thought a fine lot of young men about

the robin.

Me thinks King Richard himself would be glad of such a bodyguard.

Ah but these are not all of my fellows. All three score or more of them are we

on business with my good right hand man Littlejohn. But as far King

Richard I killed the brother there is not a man of us all but would

pour out our blood like water for him. He touch none cannot rightly

understand our king but we young men who love him right loyally for the

sake of his brave doings which are so like our own.

But now Friar Tuck came bustling up are you have your good

day brother. If your good day are am I am right glad to welcome some

of my Croft in their snotty place cruelly Hermy thinks these

rogues of outlaws would stand what are your cards were it not for the

prayers of all the talk who labor it so hard for there will be

a lot of bad priest. You'll know. You

never let me hear it start again. But I am no patient man.

Your Here is a name of a friar colas me a mad preached and yet

I smite him.

My name is Friar Tuck fellow the hoary friar talk

talk doll has said you know pretty ceased like talk and bring some

wine. These Reverend bent on a thirst and since they have paid so

richly and all their score are they must have the best talk

bridled at being so checked in his speech.

Nevertheless he went straight away to do Robin's bidding. So presently a great

crock was brought and wine was poured out for all the guests and for Robin Hood

and then Robin Hood held his cup aloft steady.

Terry you're not drinking till I give you a pledge. Here is too good King Richard

up great tree no none and may all enemies to him being confound.

And then good Richard spoke.

Me thinks good fellow though has to dine on confusion.

Never a whit what I tell thee that we are sure what I'm on oil to our lord the

king that always of all. I know what we would give up our very lives for his

benefiting whilst you are content to lie snug in your abbeys and priories

let Crane who will rub it in but AP's King Richard's welfare

is more to me than Da what a stout fellow but enough of that matter.

We have paid well for off air so can't stand up show us some merry entertainment.

I've oft heard that your wondrous arches will not show us somewhat of your

skill. With all my heart we are always pleased to show our guests

all the sport that is to be seen as gaffer swaddled say it.

Tis a hard heart that will not give a caged Starling. The best and

cage starlings are you with us all lads. Send up a gun and

at the end of the glade.

Then as the Yeoman Rand to do their masters bidding. Talk turned to one of the mock

Friars.

He risked our master whenever he come out across some poor piece of

which he straightway lay it on the shoulders of this gaffer Swancourt

little Every maybe so that the poor Goodman going travelling all about

with all the odds and ends and tags and regs of our master's brains packed

on his back and in the meantime the market which they were to shoot was set up

at six score paces distant.

It was a garland of leaves and flowers two spans in with which same was hung up

on a stake in front of a broad tree trunk.

There are ya nose off our mark lads. Each of you show three

arrow is that right. And if any fellow missed it by so much as one

arrow each will have above it will scarlet mist.

Hearken to him. Y.M. now dust Bristow buffets

from nice strapping nephew as though they were love taps from some bouncing glass.

I warrant our safety at the guard my life self or that which not be

so free of his covering.

First David of Doncaster shot and lodged all three of his arrows within the garden.

Well done David. I have saved nine years from a warning this day.

Now Midge the Miller is shocked and he also large his arrows in the garden

then followed what to think but alas for him

for one of his shops missed the mark by the breadth of two fingers and then Will

Scarlet called to him Come hither fellow I owe the

somewhat that I would pay forthwith. Then what the Tinker came

forward and stood in front of Will Scarlet screwing up his face and shutting his

eyes tightly as though he already felt his ears ringing with the buffet.

Will Scarlet rolled up his sleeve and standing on tip told to give the greatest

swing to his arm. He struck with might and main own

came his palm against the Tinker's head and down when stout walked to the grass

heels over head as the wooden image of the fairy goes down when the skilful player throws a

cudgel at it.

Then as the Tinker sat up upon the grass rubbing his ear and winking on

the blinking at the bright stars that danced before his eyes. The yeoman roared with mirth.

Philip Forrest praying. As for King Richard he laughed over tears ran

down his cheek.

Thus the band shot deep into some getting off scot free and

some winning a buffet but always sent them to the grass.

And now last of all Robin took his place and all was hushed

as he shot the first shaft he shot spit a piece

from the stake on which the Garland was hung.

The second shaft lodged within an inch of the other and

for the third time Robin shot.

But alas for him the arrow was healed feathered and wavering to one side it smote an

inch outside the Garland.

At this so great roar went up those of the yeoman who sat upon the grass rolling over and

over and shouting with laughter for never before had they seen their masters so missed his

mark. But Robin flung his bow upon the ground with vexation.

I know how to post it. How do you better do it when I

die.

But it doesn't not my thing does give me no clue you know and I would engage to

split the one with a soul from

a good uncle on Dollhouse how Guy felt shocks and has this name

out and out. I swear the ETO was as good as any that have been loosed this day.

Come hither. I owe these somewhat and would they pay you.

Oh good M. R. Yes go and may my blessing go with

now has bestowed these love taps of Will starts with great freedom

and it were a pair to a dog August not died on chair it

may not be I am king yes and no subject may raise a

hand against the king.

But even our great King Richard may yield to the holy pope without shame

and even take a tap from him by way of penance. Therefore I

will yield myself to this holy fry are who seem to be wanted I thought id

and will take my punishment from him. Thus saying Robin turned to King

Richard. I prithee brother take my punishing into a guy

holding hands with all my heart.

I owe the somewhat for having lifted a heavy weight of fifty pounds from my

purse.

So make room for him on the green lads and make us meet

Tumbu I will freely give thee back by fifty pounds but I

tell thee brother if thou make me not feel grass sawn on my back I

will take away every farthing I asked what I boast full speech so be

it.

I am willing to venture it. Thereupon King Richard rolled up his

sleeve and showed an arm that made the human stare. But

Robin with his speech wide apart stood firmly planted waiting the other

smiling.

Then the king swung back his arm and balancing himself a moment he

delivered a buffet it fell like a thunderbolt tone with Robin headlong

upon the grass.

But this would have killed us don't knwo how the young woman shouted with

laughter till their sides ached for never had they seen such a buffet given in all their

life. As for Robin he presently sat up and looked all around

him as though he had dropped from a cloud and had lit in a place he had never seen before.

After a while still gazing about him at his laughing yeoman he put his

fingertips softly to his ear and felt a rounded tendon

will start to come.

This fellow out is fifty pounds. I want nothing more and I don't know but it's money you want

of him.

A Moran sees a man whose budding I would that I had taken my dues from the

ville.

What I verily believe yet the deaf and blind from ever hearing again

then while gusts of laughter still broke from the band Will Scarlet counted out the fifty

power and the King dropped back into his person again. I

give thee Thanks Robin and if ever the House should wish for another box of the

year to match the one dollar asked.

Come to me and I will fifty with it or not. So spake the merry

King.

But even as he ended there came suddenly the sound of many voices and

out from the cover burst Littlejohn and threescore men with Sir Richard of the Lee in the midst

across the glade they came running and as they came so Richard shouted to Robin

Maconie stupor and make raised go to bed together and come with me.

King Richard left Nottingham told this very morning and come up to see clearing the wood loans.

I know not how he cometh but it was a rule of this that reached me this morning.

Nevertheless I know that it is the truth. Therefore he said with all that I

may come to Castle leave both held obvious lie hidden till I present danger

posset. But who are these strangers that thou hast with thee.

Why my friend these are certain gentle guests that came with us from the high road over by Newstead

Abbey. I know not their names but I have become right well acquainted with this

lusty rogue poem this morning merry the pleasure of this acquaintance

have cost me a deaf ear and fifty pounds to boot.

So Richard looked keenly at the tall friar who drawing himself up to his full

height looked fixedly back at the Knight then of a sudden saw

Richard's cheeks grew pale for he knew who it was that he looked upon.

Quickly he leaped from off his horse's back and flung himself upon his knees before the other. And

at this the king seeing that Sir Richard knew him threw back his

collar of all the yeoman saw his face and

knew him also. But there was not one of them but had been in the crowd in the good town of Nottingham

and had seen him riding side by side with the sheriff. Down they fell

upon their knees. Nor could they say I worked. Then the king looked

all around right grimly. And last of all his glance came back and

rested again upon the Richard of the Lee.

How is this Richard. Oh you're a star stepped between me and

these fellows. And how does it all for the nightly cousin of the bee as a refuge to

them will make it a hiding place for the most retarded outlaws in

England.

Then Sir Richard of the levy raised his eyes to the king. Far be it from me

to do all that could bring your Majesty's anger upon me. Yet Stuart nor would I face

your Majesties rather than suffer a lot of harm that I could stay to fall upon Robin Hood and his

band. To them my old life if I know everything.

Should I then desert him in his hour of need and dare the night had done

speaking one of the mock friars that stood near the king came forward and knelt beside

Sir Richard and throwing back his coal showed the face of young Sir

Henry of the Lee. And then Sir Henry grasped his father's hand and said to

the king.

Here Neil as one who has served the world King Richard and as though no

West had stepped between the death in Palestine. Yet do I

abide by my dear father. And here I say also that I would freely give

shelter to this noble outlaw Robin Hood even though it brought by wrath upon

me for my father's honor and my father's welfare are as dear to me as

mine own.

King Richard looked from one to the other of the kneeling Knight. It's. And at

last the frown faded from his brow and a smile twitch at the corners of

his lips.

Marry Sir Richard. Thou art a bold spoken Knight and by

freedom of speech we are not heavily against thee with me this

young son of thine take it up there is about in boldness of speech and of deed.

But as he say at the STEP ONE TIME BETWEEN ME AND DEATH. Wherefore I would

pardon the for his sake even if the acts done more than thou hast.

Rai's all of you for you show some or no harm through me this day.

But it was a pity that I many times would end in such a matter out as to mar its joyousness.

And oh Robin is 90 years still too deaf to hear me

speak.

My New Years would be death and in death they would cease to hear your Majesty's

voice. As for the blow that your Majesty struck me

I would say that though my sins are happily many. Thinks they have been

paid up and pulled out by then.

Robin of Locksley who died dangerous passed for him by a

I give the guy a pardon him but in sooth

I cannot let you roam the forest as you have done in the past and therefore I will take the

word without its aid I would give by service to me and I would still go back to

London with me. We will take that. Dave Littlejohn also and

likewise Di cousin Will Scarlett and I didn't scroll down a deal.

As for the rest stop by and we will take the names and have them duly

recorded as royal Rangers henceforward to roam the forests as law

abiding caretakers of our dear and show work.

The

thing Richard sat him down and the student drank with them and shook

it and when it was done he swore roundly that he had

never had such a lusty repast in all his life before.

That sure would step on a bed of sweet green.

And early the next morning he set forth from the woodland down.

Robin Hood and all of his band going with you.

You may guess what a stir there was in the good town when all these famous

outlaws came marching into the street. As for the sheriff

he knew not what to say. You know where to look when he's all Robin Hood in such high favor with the

king. Whilst all his heart was filled with gold. Because of the

vexation that lay upon him the

next day the king took leave of Nottingham town. So Robin Hood and

Little John and Will Scarlet and Allan a Dale shook hands with all the

rest of the band and swore that they would often come to Sherwood and see

them. Then each mounted his horse and rode

away in the train of the King of Pop.

And Dustin got married yet then cheers of Robin Hood

as many oh yeah before Robin returned to the green.

Oh sure what his he did by

his by his side.

You know

so when's part 14 of the merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle.

The reader is Chuck Levy the balance of a song by Dick Moore

and the recorder tunes played by Susanna heart. Robin Hood was recorded in the

studios of KPFA Berkeley for the National Association of educational

broadcasters. Where no

recording of the Symphony Number two in a major by the 18th century English

composer William Boyce. This work is performed from the original

manuscript by the London baroque ensemble under the direction of Dr. Carl

Hawes.

Thank.

You.

Yeah

yeah yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah but.

Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah yeah.

Yeah.

The way. The lib.

Yeah.

They are.

The only.

One.

I EVER. Knew.

Thanks. To him and. Beat

Yeah. OK.

Now.

The in.

The back.

Of. The book.

And.

I. Think.

Thank.

The Symphony Number two in a Major William voice

recorded by the London baroque ensemble under the direction of Dr. Carl Harz.

The symphony by William Boyce was played following the 14th and

concluding part of the Mary Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle.

This is the end I ybe network.