3-047-206 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'He Shall Be King of Sherwood', 1932. Robert '...sternly resolved to devote his life...to alleviating the miseries of his fellow-sufferers. Whilst considering how to set about this task he was interrupted by the approach of a number of his father's retainers, bold strong men, excellent shots, ever ready to wrestle, run or jump, as behoved the stout Saxon of that period. They had come to offer their services to their young master, declaring it were better to be outlaws and spend their days with him, free and merry, than to occupy the proudest positions under their foes. Robert gladly accepted their proposal to form a band of which each member would pledge himself to be true to the others. With one accord they chose their young master as chief. "Aye", cried they, "he shall be King of Sherwood, and let those beware who cross our path, for we will brook no interference". Robert declared that he would no longer be called Earl of Huntingdon, but as one of the brotherhood should henceforth be known amongst them as Robin Hood'. From "Robin Hood and His Life in the Merry Greenwood", by Rose Yeatman Woolf, illustrated by Howard Davie. [Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, London, 1932]