122 Bunmofo 



Marian's woes and wanderings ; how she fled from her 

 father's castle, when that castle was in flames, and how 

 bold Robinhood and Little John shielded her from harm. 



More than six hundred years have passed away since 

 a company of monks from the adjacent priory brought 

 hither the corpse of Lady Marian to inter it within the 

 church ; since the boughs of the old tree, waving in the 

 cold night air, cast their uncertain shadows on the long 

 train of veiled nuns, as they entered by torch-light the" 

 low arched door-way of the church. 



Marian had passed her young days in Baynard castle, 

 on the borders of Sherwood Forest. Her father, Richard 

 Fitz Walter, gave a tournament when his daughter attained 

 her eighteenth year; knights and squires assembled 

 from all parts; ladies came attired in robes of costly silk ; 

 and during three whole days, jousts and sports continued 

 without intermission ; but on the fourth, a stranger, clad 

 in burnished mail, entered the lists and vanquished the 

 bravest of his competitors. No one knew whence he 

 came, but his gallant bearing and handsome countenance, 

 won the heart of the young queen of that high festival, 

 and she trembled when she hung the golden chain around 

 his neck. It was said, too, by those who looked on, that 

 the mysterious victor was observed to turn pale ; but he 

 departed as he entered, suddenly and in haste, and the 

 tramp of his stately steed was heard afar in the still forest. 



Prince John was at the banquet, yet he liked not the 

 noble owner of the castle ; he had no thoughts in common 



