any one to do in one night; Robin did that in a trice, and played many mad
pranks beside ere the day appeared.

In the morning he went to the two lovers to their bed-side, and bid God
give them joy, and told them all things went well, and that ere night he
would bring them ten pounds of her uncle's to begin the world with. They
both thanked him, which was all the requital that he looked for, and being
therewith well contented he went his way laughing.

Home went he to the old man, who then was by, and marvelled how the work
was done so soon. Robin, seeing that, said: "Sir, I pray marvel not, for a
greater wonder than that this night hath happened to me." "Good niece, what
is that?" said the old man. "This, Sir; but I shame to speak it, yet I
will: weary with work, I slept, and did dream that I consented to that
which you have so often desired of me (you know what it is I mean), and
methought you gave me as a reward ten pounds, with your consent to marry
that young man that I have loved so long." "Didst thou dream so? thy dream
I will make good, for under my handwriting I give my free consent to marry
him, or whom thou dost please to marry (and withal writ); and for the ten
pounds, go but into the out-barn, and I will bring it thee presently. How
sayest thou," said the old lecher; "wilt thou?" Robin with silence did seem
to grant, and went toward the barn. The old man made haste, told out his
money, and followed.

Being come thither, he hurled the money on the ground, saying, "This is the
most pleasing bargain that ever I made;" and going to embrace Robin, Robin
took him up in his arms and carried him forth; first drew him through a
pond to cool his hot blood, then did he carry him where the young married
couple were, and said, "Here is your uncle's consent under his hand; then,
here is the ten pounds he gave you, and there is your uncle: let him deny