GUM REVIEW / LITERATU RE

Tool Check

C – capitalization O – organization P – punctuation S – spaces

Practice: My favorite poem is Animal Crackers, by Christopher Morley Anne Nancy Terrell's initials—ant—make a word

Practice: Today's date is September My aunt and I are going to Charlotte North Carolina for a trip

You’ve probably read tales of the outlaws of Sherwood Forest and their bold leader, Robin Hood, who robbed from the rich to give to the poor. Find out how Robin helped a young man win his true love. “Robin Hood and Allin-a-dale”

Vocabulary trip: (v.) to dance or skip

Think Ahead 1. Think about the heroes you’ve read about so far. What do all these heroes have in common? 2. This story comes from England. Which other two stories in this unit also come from England?

“Robin Hood and Allin-a-dale” In the long ago days of King Richard and King John, there were many great woods in England. The most famous of these was Sherwood Forest, where the king often went to hunt deer. In this forest, there lived a band of daring men called outlaws. They had done something tat was against the laws of the land, and had been forced to hide themselves in the woods to save their lives. There they spent their time roaming about among trees, in hunting the king’s deer, and in robbing rich travelers that came their way. There was nearly a hundred of these outlaws, and their leader was a bold fellow called Robin Hood. They were dressed in suits of green, and armed with bows and arrows. Sometimes they carried long wooden lances and swords, which they knew how to handle well. Whenever they had taken anything, it was brought and laid at the feet of Robin Hood whom they called their king. He then divided it fairly among them, giving to each man his just share. Robin never allowed his men to harm anybody but the rich men who lived in great houses and did no work. He was always kind to the poor, and he often sent help to them, and for that reason the common people looked upon him as their friend.

Long after he was dead, men liked to talk about his deeds. Some praised him, and some blamed him. He was indeed, a rough, lawless fellow, but at that time, people did not think of right and wrong as they do now. A great many songs were made up about Robin Hood, and these songs were sung in the cottages and huts all over the land for hundreds of years afterward. He is a little story that is told in one of those songs. Robin Hood was standing one day under a green tree by the roadside. While listening to the birds among the leaves, he saw a young man passing by. This young man was dressed in a fine suit of red cloth, and, as he tripped gaily among the road, he seemed to be as happy as the day. “I will not trouble him,” said Robin Hood. “for I think he is on the way to his wedding.” The next day Robin stood in the same place. He had not been there that long when he saw the same young man coming down the road. But he did not seem to be so happy this time. HE had left his scarlet coat at home, and at every step he sighed and groaned. “Ah, the sad day!” he kept saying to himself. Robin Hood stepped out from under the tree and said, “I say, young man! Have you any money to spare me for my merry men and me?” “I have nothing at all,” said they young man, “but five shillings and a ring.” “A gold ring?” asked Robin Hood. “A gold ring?” “Yes,” said the young man, “It is a gold ring. Here it is.”

Questions: 1. Why do the men live in Sherwood Forest? 2. Why do the common people call Robin Hood their friend? 3. What does Allin-a-Dale promise he will do if Robin saves his bride? 4. What does Robin disguise himself as to get into the church? 5. What happens when Robin Hood blows his horn?

Discussion: 1. The story says that the rich old man “went home in a great rage.” Do you think he has a right to be angry? 2. Compare Robin Hood as a hero to St. George. Does Robin Hood do anything that you think St. George would not do?

Robin Hood vs. St. George