CHAPTER XII.
A single volume paramount: a code: A master spirit: a determined road.
-- WORDSWORTH.
The next morning Robin Hood convened his foresters, and desired Little John, for the baron's edification, to read over the laws of their forest society.

Little John read aloud with a stentorophonic voice.
"At a high court of foresters, held under the greenwood tree, an hour after sun-rise, Robin Hood President, William Scarlet Vice-President, Little John Secretary: the following articles, moved by Friar Tuck in his capacity of Peer Spiritual, and seconded by Much the Miller, were unanimously agreed to.
"The principles of our society are six: Legitimacy, Equity, Hospitality, Chivalry, Chastity, and Courtesy.
"The articles of Legitimacy are four: "I.

Our government is legitimate, and our society is founded on the one golden rule of right, consecrated by the universal consent of mankind, and by the practice of all ages, individuals, and nations: namely, To keep what we have, and to catch what we can.
"II.

Our government being legitimate, all our proceedings shall be legitimate: wherefore we declare war against the whole world, and every forester is by this legitimate declaration legitimately invested with a roving commission, to make lawful prize of every thing that comes in his way.
"III.

All forest laws but our own we declare to be null and void.
"IV.