He told the lady that he was Robin Hood, the outlawed Earl of Huntingdon and that he would shield her innocence from the fierce and cruel ravisher. The Baron Fitz-walter, her father, treated his proposals with just and natural indignation, which so enraged the headstrong prince, that (taking advantage of his brother’s absence in Palestine, where the greater part of his followers were likewise fighting) he immediately attacked Castle Baynard, and slew its owner: but Matilda fled away to the green forest, and there, on the day following, was again met by the stranger knight his burnished steel was laid aside, and he was clad in Lincoln green, the archer’s garb. Prince John (afterwards king), who had honoured the castle with his presence, became smitten by the charms of the high-born maiden, and basely endeavoured to obtain her for a mistress. His countenance was clouded with sorrow, and as he came so he departed, none knew whither. On the fourth, a strange warrior, cased in mail, entered the lists, and vanquished the bravest of the combatants his gallant bearing and handsome features enamoured the fair young queen of that high festival, and she blushed deeply when she hung the golden chain around the victor’s neck, and kissed his lofty fore head. For three days, jousts and tourneys delighted the assembled guests, and won honour and lady’s love for many a new-made knight. Upon her entering her eighteenth year, he invited the neighbouring nobles to a costly banquet. Matilda was the daughter of Robert, Baron Fitz-walter, proprietor of Castle Baynard, who is distinguished in English History, as the ‘Marshal of the Army of God, and Holy Church ” and the leader of the illustrious barons, who extorted Magna Charta from King John. Fair Matilda / Fair Maid / Fair Marian / Maid Marian
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