Then Sir Richard arose. “I cannot stay later, good friends,” said he, “for my lady will wax anxious if I come not home; so I crave leave to depart.”
Then Robin Hood and all his merry men arose, and Robin said, “We cannot let thee go hence unattended, Sir Richard.”
Then up spake Little John, “Good master, let me choose a score of stout fellows from the band, and let us arm ourselves in a seemly manner and so serve as retainers to Sir Richard till he can get others in our stead.”
“Thou hast spoken well, Little John, and it shall be done,” said Robin.
Then up spake Will Scarlet, “Let us give him a golden chain to hang about his neck, such as befits one of his blood, and also golden spurs to wear at his heels.”
Then Robin Hood said, “Thou hast spoken well, Will Scarlet, and it shall be done.”
Then up spake Will Stutely, “Let us give him yon bale of rich velvet and yon roll of cloth of gold to take home to his noble lady wife as a present from Robin Hood and his merry men all.”
At this all clapped their hands for joy, and Robin said: “Thou hast well spoken, Will Stutely, and it shall be done.”