Ivanhoe

More than thirty yeomen at first presented themselves as competitors,

several of whom were rangers and under-keepers in the royal forests of

Needwood and Charnwood. When, however, the archers understood with whom

they were to be matched, upwards of twenty withdrew themselves from the

contest, unwilling to encounter the dishonour of almost certain defeat.

For in those days the skill of each celebrated marksman was as well

known for many miles round him, as the qualities of a horse trained at

Newmarket are familiar to those who frequent that well-known meeting.

The diminished list of competitors for silvan fame still amounted to

eight. Prince John stepped from his royal seat to view more nearly the

persons of these chosen yeomen, several of whom wore the royal livery.

Having satisfied his curiosity by this investigation, he looked for the

object of his resentment, whom he observed standing on the same spot,

and with the same composed countenance which he had exhibited upon the

preceding day.

"Fellow," said Prince John, "I guessed by thy insolent babble that thou

wert no true lover of the longbow, and I see thou darest not adventure

thy skill among such merry-men as stand yonder."

"Under favour, sir," replied the yeoman, "I have another reason for

refraining to shoot, besides the fearing discomfiture and disgrace."

"And what is thy other reason?" said Prince John, who, for some cause

which perhaps he could not himself have explained, felt a painful

curiosity respecting this individual.

"Because," replied the woodsman, "I know not if these yeomen and I are

used to shoot at the same marks; and because, moreover, I know not how

your Grace might relish the winning of a third prize by one who has

unwittingly fallen under your displeasure."

Prince John coloured as he put the question, "What is thy name, yeoman?"

"Locksley," answered the yeoman.

"Then, Locksley," said Prince John, "thou shalt shoot in thy turn, when

these yeomen have displayed their skill. If thou carriest the prize,

I will add to it twenty nobles; but if thou losest it, thou shalt

be stript of thy Lincoln green, and scourged out of the lists with

bowstrings, for a wordy and insolent braggart."

"And how if I refuse to shoot on such a wager?" said the yeoman.--"Your

Grace's power, supported, as it is, by so many men-at-arms, may indeed

easily strip and scourge me, but cannot compel me to bend or to draw my

bow."

"If thou refusest my fair proffer," said the Prince, "the Provost of the

lists shall cut thy bowstring, break thy bow and arrows, and expel thee

from the presence as a faint-hearted craven."