"But hast thou no friend that will help thee in thy dire need ?" "Never a man," said Sir Richard.

"While I was rich enow at home, and had friends, they blew great boasts of how they loved me.

But when the oak falls in the forest the swine run from beneath it lest they should be smitten down also.

So my friends have left me; for not only am I poor but I have great enemies." Then Robin said, "Thou sayst thou hast no friends, Sir Richard.

I make no boast, but many have found Robin Hood a friend in their troubles.
Cheer up, Sir Knight, I may help thee yet." The Knight shook his head with a faint smile, but for all that, Robin's words made him more blithe of heart, for in truth hope, be it never so faint, bringeth a gleam into darkness, like a little rushlight that costeth but a groat.
The day was well-nigh gone when they came near to the greenwood tree.
Even at a distance they saw by the number of men that Little John had come back with some guest, but when they came near enough, whom should they find but the Lord Bishop of Hereford! The good Bishop was in a fine stew, I wot.