Henry Goes a-Maying

WHEREUNTO the king granting, Robin Hood whistled and all the two hundred archers shot off, loosing all at once; and when he whistled again they likewise shot again; their arrows whistled by craft of the head, so that the noise was strange and loud, which greatly delighted the king, queen, and their company. Moreover, this Robin Hood desired the king and queen with their retinue, to enter the green wood, where, in harbours made of boughs, and decked with flowers, they were set and served plentifully with venison and wine by Robin Hood and his men, to their great contentment, and had other pageants and pastimes.

I find also, that in the month of May, the citizens of London of all estates, lightly in every parish, or sometimes two or three parishes joining together, had their several mayings, and did fetch in May-poles, with divers warlike shows, with good archers, morris dancers, and other devices, for pastime all the day long; and toward the evening they had stage plays, and bonfires in the streets.

From ‘A Survey of London’ (1598) by John Stow (?1525-1605). Additional information from ‘Ballads of Robin Hood and other Outlaws’ (1912), by Frank Sidgwick (1879-1939).
Précis
King and Queen were much impressed by the skill of Robin’s archers, and still more when they were prevailed upon to enter the greenwood for a right royal feast. Stow added that in those days, May Day celebrations often went on late, and included mock battles, stage plays, and street parties around a bonfire.
Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

The archers shot their arrows. Their heads were made to whistle loudly. King and Queen were impressed.

See if you can include one or more of these words in your answer.

IAir. IIDesign. IIIFly.

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