Introduction
This tale opens a mediaeval ballad called ‘The Gest of Robin Hood’, and introduces us to the dashing outlaw’s peculiar code of ethics.
IT was Robin Hood’s custom to waylay a knight on the road, and invite him to dinner. As they finished their wine, Robin would ask his guest how much money he was carrying, and if he perjured himself, a scandalised Robin confiscated it.
One such guest said he had just ten shillings which, after a thorough search by Little John, turned out to be true. The knight, whose name was Sir Richard of the Lee, explained that his son had killed someone, and that, to pay compensation to the family, he had borrowed four hundred pounds from the Abbot of St Mary’s Abbey. Now he was broke, the deadline was midnight, and in a few hours his castle and lands would be forfeit.
Robin at once sent Little John to his coffers, and handed the astonished knight four hundred pounds. Our Lady, Robin assured him, would see the loan repaid. And so, with minutes to spare, the knight redeemed his lands and castle from a bitterly disappointed Abbot.
Précis
Robin Hood found that the knight whom he expected to pay for his dinner could not afford to, because his castle and lands were being held by St Mary’s Abbey, as security for a debt incurred on his son’s behalf. Robin immediately offered to loan him the money to redeem his property, and the grateful knight accepted. (57 / 60 words)
Robin Hood found that the knight whom he expected to pay for his dinner could not afford to, because his castle and lands were being held by St Mary’s Abbey, as security for a debt incurred on his son’s behalf. Robin immediately offered to loan him the money to redeem his property, and the grateful knight accepted.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 60 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 50 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, besides, otherwise, ought, since, unless, until, who.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
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.
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