The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 51 pages of information about The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction.

The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 51 pages of information about The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction.
but Robin confiding in him whom he worshipped, with the few that remained, set upon his enemies, and soon vanquished them, enriching himself with the spoils and ransom.”  Robin held masses in greater veneration ever after, stating, that Providence deserved still more from him, having delivered him thus miraculously.  At length, the infirmities of age increasing, and having a great sickness upon him, Robin was desirous to lose a little blood, and for that purpose he applied to the prioress of Kirkleys Nunnery, in Yorkshire; who, though a relation, treacherously suffered him to bleed to death, in, it is said, his 87th year.  According to Grafton’s Chronicle, it is said that after his death, the prioress caused him to be buried under a great stone “by the hywayes syde, and upon his grave the sayde prioress did lay a very fayre stone, wherein the names of Robert Hood, William of Goldesborough, and others were graven.  And the cause why she buryed him there was for that the common passengers and travailers, knowyng and seeyng him there buryed, might more safely and without feare take their jorneys that way, which they durst not do in the life of the sayed outlawes; and at eyther ende of the sayde tombe was erected a crosse of stone.”

Amongst the papers of the learned Dr. Gale, late Dean of York, was found this epitaph of Robin Hood, written in old English: 

  Hear underneath this laitl stean,
  Laiz Robert, Earl of Huntingtun,
  Near arcir ther az hie sa goud
  An pipl kauld im Robin Heud,
  Sick utlawz az hi an iz men
  Wil England nivr si agen.

  Obiit 24—­kal dekembris, 1247.

There is an odd story related of this tombstone:  that a certain knight taking it into his head to have it removed and placed as a hearth-stone in his great hall, it was laid over night, but the next morning it was surprisingly removed on one side; it was again laid a second and third time, and as often turned aside.  The knight thinking he had done wrong by removing it, ordered it should be drawn back again, which was performed by a pair of oxen and four horses, when twice the number could scarce remove it before.

(To be concluded in our next.)

* * * * *

ANECDOTE GALLERY.

* * * * *

HENRY BROUGHAM.

In the year ——­, as Wull, or William Hall, then overseer of the farm of Sunderland, in Selkirkshire, Scotland, the labours of the day being over, was leaning against the dyke of the farm-yard, a young gentleman of genteel appearance came up to him, wished him good evening, and observed that the country here looked beautiful.  The two getting into conversation, Hall, who was a talkative lad, after a few observations, asked him “where he was ga’in?” He said he intended going to Jedburgh; “and what business hae ye at Jeddart?” says Wull.  “Oh,” says the gentleman,

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The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.