FIRST RUSTICA sad may-day! Where yonder gallows glowers,We should have raised the may-pole.SECOND RUSTICAy, no songs,No kisses in the ring, no country dancesTo-day; no lads and lasses on the green,Crowning their queen of may.[EnterRobin Hood, disguised as an old beggar, with a green patch on one eye.]ROBINIs this the place,Masters, where they're a-goin' to hang Will Scarlet?FIRST RUSTICAy, father, more's the pity.ROBINEh! Don't ye thinkThere may be scuffling, masters? There's a manyThat seems to like him well, here, roundabouts.SECOND RUSTICToo many halberts round him. There's no chance.ROBINI've heard the forest might break out, the ladsIn Lincoln green, you wot of! If they did?FIRST RUSTICThere's many here would swing a cudgel and helpTo trip the Sheriff up. If Robin HoodWere only here! But then he's outlawed now.SECOND RUSTICAy, and there's big rewards out. It would beSure death for him to try a rescue now.The biggest patch of Lincoln Green we'll seeThis day, is that same patch on thy old eye,Eh, lads!THIRD RUSTICWhat's more, they say Prince John is outThis very day, scouring thro' Sherwood forestIn quest of Lady Marian!ROBIN[Sharply.]You heard that?THIRD RUSTICAy, for they say she's flown to Sherwood forest.SECOND RUSTICAh! Ah? That's why he went. I saw Prince John!With these same eyes I saw him riding outTo Sherwood, not an hour ago.ROBINYou saw him?SECOND RUSTICAy, and he only took three men at arms.FIRST RUSTICThree men at arms! Why then, he must ha' knownThat Robin's men would all be busy here!He's none so bold, he would not risk his skin!I think there'll be some scuffling after all.ROBINAy, tell 'em so—go, spread it thro' the crowd![He mutters to himself.]He'd take some time, to find her, but 'fore GodWe must be quick; 'fore God we must be quick!SECOND RUSTICWhy, father, one would never think to see theeThou had'st so sound a heart!FIRST RUSTICAh, here they come!The Sheriff and his men; and, in the midst,There's poor Will Scarlet bound.THE CROWD MURMURSAh, here they come!Look at the halberts shining! Can you see him?FIRST RUSTICThere, there he is. His face is white: but, Lord,He takes it bravely.SECOND RUSTICHe's a brave man, Will.SHERIFFBack with the crowd there, guards; delay no time!SOME WOMEN IN THE CROWDAh, ah, poor lad!ROBIN[Eagerly.]What are they doing now?I cannot see!FIRST RUSTICThe Sheriff's angered now!SECOND RUSTICAy, for they say a messenger has comeFrom that same godless hangman whose lean neckI'd like to twist, saying he is delayed.'Tis the first godly deed he has ever done.THIRD RUSTICThe Sheriff says he will not be delayed.But who will take the hangman's office?ROBINMasters,I have a thought; make way; let me bespeakThe Sheriff!RUSTICSHow now, father, what's to do?ROBINMake way, I tell you. Here's the man they want!SHERIFFWhat's this?ROBINGood master Sheriff, I've a grudgeAgainst Will Scarlet. Let me have the taskOf sending him to heaven!CROWDAh-h-h, the old devil!SHERIFFCome on, then, and be brief!ROBINI'm not a hangman;But I can cleave your thinnest hazel wandAt sixty yards.SHERIFFShoot, then, and make an end.Make way there, clear the way![An opening is made in the crowd.Robinstands in the gap,Will Scarletis not seen by the audience.]CROWDAh-h-h, the old devil!ROBINI'll shoot him one on either side, just graze him,To show you how I love him; then the thirdSlick in his heart.[He shoots. A murmur goes up from the crowd. The crowd hidesWill Scarletduring the shooting. ButRobinremains in full view, in the opening.]SHERIFF[Angrily.]Take care! You've cut the cordThat bound him on that side!ROBINThen here's the second!I will be careful![He takes a steady aim.]A RUSTIC TO HIS NEIGHBOURSI' faith, lads, he can shoot!What do you think—that green patch on his eyeSmacks of the merry men! He's tricking them![Robinshoots. A louder murmur goes up from the crowd.]SHERIFFYou have cut the rope again!A CRYHe has cut him free!ROBINAll right! All right! It's just to tease the dog!Here's for the third now![He aims and shoots quickly. There is a loud cry of a wounded man; then a shout from the crowd.]THE CROWDAh-h-h, he has missed; he has killedOne of the guards!FIRST RUSTICWhat has he done?SECOND RUSTICHe has killedOne of the Sheriff's men!SHERIFFThere's treachery here!I'll cleave the first man's heart that moves!ROBINWill Scarlet,Pick up that dead man's halbert!SHERIFFTreachery! Help!Down with the villain!ROBIN[Throws off his beggar's crouch and hurls theSheriffand several of his men back amongst the crowd. His cloak drops off.]Sherwood! A merry Sherwood!CROWDAh! ha! The Lincoln Green! A Robin Hood![A bugle rings out and immediately some of the yokels throw off their disguise and the Lincoln green appears as by magic amongst the crowd. The guards are rushed and hustled by them. Robin and several of his men make a ring roundWill Scarlet.]SHERIFFIt is the outlawed Earl of Huntingdon:There is a great reward upon his head.Down with him![TheSheriff'smen make a rush at the little band. AKnightin jet black armour, with a red-cross shield, suddenly appears and forces his way through the mob, sword in hand.]KNIGHTWhat, so many against so few!Back, you wild wolves. Now, foresters, follow me,For our St. George and merry England, charge,Charge them, my lads![TheForestersmake a rush with him and theSheriffand his men take to flight.]ROBINNow back to Sherwood, swiftly!A horse, or I shall come too late; a horse![He sees theKnightin armour standing by his horse.]Your pardon, sir; our debt to you is great,Too great almost for thanks; but if you beBound by the vows of chivalry, I pray youLend me your charger; and my men will bring youTo my poor home in Sherwood. There you'll findA most abundant gratitude.KNIGHTYour name?ROBINWas Huntingdon; but now is Robin Hood.KNIGHTIf I refuse?ROBINThen, sir, I must perforceTake it. I am an outlaw, but the lawOf manhood still constrains me—'tis a matterOf life and death—KNIGHTTake it and God be with you!I'll follow you to Sherwood with your men.[Robinseizes the horse, leaps to the saddle, and gallops away.][Curtain.]
FIRST RUSTIC
A sad may-day! Where yonder gallows glowers,We should have raised the may-pole.
SECOND RUSTIC
Ay, no songs,No kisses in the ring, no country dancesTo-day; no lads and lasses on the green,Crowning their queen of may.
[EnterRobin Hood, disguised as an old beggar, with a green patch on one eye.]
ROBIN
Is this the place,Masters, where they're a-goin' to hang Will Scarlet?
FIRST RUSTIC
Ay, father, more's the pity.
ROBIN
Eh! Don't ye thinkThere may be scuffling, masters? There's a manyThat seems to like him well, here, roundabouts.
SECOND RUSTIC
Too many halberts round him. There's no chance.
ROBIN
I've heard the forest might break out, the ladsIn Lincoln green, you wot of! If they did?
FIRST RUSTIC
There's many here would swing a cudgel and helpTo trip the Sheriff up. If Robin HoodWere only here! But then he's outlawed now.
SECOND RUSTIC
Ay, and there's big rewards out. It would beSure death for him to try a rescue now.The biggest patch of Lincoln Green we'll seeThis day, is that same patch on thy old eye,Eh, lads!
THIRD RUSTIC
What's more, they say Prince John is outThis very day, scouring thro' Sherwood forestIn quest of Lady Marian!
ROBIN
[Sharply.]
You heard that?
THIRD RUSTIC
Ay, for they say she's flown to Sherwood forest.
SECOND RUSTIC
Ah! Ah? That's why he went. I saw Prince John!With these same eyes I saw him riding outTo Sherwood, not an hour ago.
ROBIN
You saw him?
SECOND RUSTIC
Ay, and he only took three men at arms.
FIRST RUSTIC
Three men at arms! Why then, he must ha' knownThat Robin's men would all be busy here!He's none so bold, he would not risk his skin!I think there'll be some scuffling after all.
ROBIN
Ay, tell 'em so—go, spread it thro' the crowd!
[He mutters to himself.]
He'd take some time, to find her, but 'fore GodWe must be quick; 'fore God we must be quick!
SECOND RUSTIC
Why, father, one would never think to see theeThou had'st so sound a heart!
FIRST RUSTIC
Ah, here they come!The Sheriff and his men; and, in the midst,There's poor Will Scarlet bound.
THE CROWD MURMURS
Ah, here they come!Look at the halberts shining! Can you see him?
FIRST RUSTIC
There, there he is. His face is white: but, Lord,He takes it bravely.
SECOND RUSTIC
He's a brave man, Will.
SHERIFF
Back with the crowd there, guards; delay no time!
SOME WOMEN IN THE CROWD
Ah, ah, poor lad!
ROBIN
[Eagerly.]
What are they doing now?I cannot see!
FIRST RUSTIC
The Sheriff's angered now!
SECOND RUSTIC
Ay, for they say a messenger has comeFrom that same godless hangman whose lean neckI'd like to twist, saying he is delayed.'Tis the first godly deed he has ever done.
THIRD RUSTIC
The Sheriff says he will not be delayed.But who will take the hangman's office?
ROBIN
Masters,I have a thought; make way; let me bespeakThe Sheriff!
RUSTICS
How now, father, what's to do?
ROBIN
Make way, I tell you. Here's the man they want!
SHERIFF
What's this?
ROBIN
Good master Sheriff, I've a grudgeAgainst Will Scarlet. Let me have the taskOf sending him to heaven!
CROWD
Ah-h-h, the old devil!
SHERIFF
Come on, then, and be brief!
ROBIN
I'm not a hangman;But I can cleave your thinnest hazel wandAt sixty yards.
SHERIFF
Shoot, then, and make an end.Make way there, clear the way!
[An opening is made in the crowd.Robinstands in the gap,Will Scarletis not seen by the audience.]
CROWD
Ah-h-h, the old devil!
ROBIN
I'll shoot him one on either side, just graze him,To show you how I love him; then the thirdSlick in his heart.
[He shoots. A murmur goes up from the crowd. The crowd hidesWill Scarletduring the shooting. ButRobinremains in full view, in the opening.]
SHERIFF
[Angrily.]
Take care! You've cut the cordThat bound him on that side!
ROBIN
Then here's the second!I will be careful!
[He takes a steady aim.]
A RUSTIC TO HIS NEIGHBOURS
I' faith, lads, he can shoot!What do you think—that green patch on his eyeSmacks of the merry men! He's tricking them!
[Robinshoots. A louder murmur goes up from the crowd.]
SHERIFF
You have cut the rope again!
A CRY
He has cut him free!
ROBIN
All right! All right! It's just to tease the dog!Here's for the third now!
[He aims and shoots quickly. There is a loud cry of a wounded man; then a shout from the crowd.]
THE CROWD
Ah-h-h, he has missed; he has killedOne of the guards!
FIRST RUSTIC
What has he done?
SECOND RUSTIC
He has killedOne of the Sheriff's men!
SHERIFF
There's treachery here!I'll cleave the first man's heart that moves!
ROBIN
Will Scarlet,Pick up that dead man's halbert!
SHERIFF
Treachery! Help!Down with the villain!
ROBIN
[Throws off his beggar's crouch and hurls theSheriffand several of his men back amongst the crowd. His cloak drops off.]
Sherwood! A merry Sherwood!
CROWD
Ah! ha! The Lincoln Green! A Robin Hood!
[A bugle rings out and immediately some of the yokels throw off their disguise and the Lincoln green appears as by magic amongst the crowd. The guards are rushed and hustled by them. Robin and several of his men make a ring roundWill Scarlet.]
SHERIFF
It is the outlawed Earl of Huntingdon:There is a great reward upon his head.Down with him!
[TheSheriff'smen make a rush at the little band. AKnightin jet black armour, with a red-cross shield, suddenly appears and forces his way through the mob, sword in hand.]
KNIGHT
What, so many against so few!Back, you wild wolves. Now, foresters, follow me,For our St. George and merry England, charge,Charge them, my lads!
[TheForestersmake a rush with him and theSheriffand his men take to flight.]
ROBIN
Now back to Sherwood, swiftly!A horse, or I shall come too late; a horse!
[He sees theKnightin armour standing by his horse.]
Your pardon, sir; our debt to you is great,Too great almost for thanks; but if you beBound by the vows of chivalry, I pray youLend me your charger; and my men will bring youTo my poor home in Sherwood. There you'll findA most abundant gratitude.
KNIGHT
Your name?
ROBIN
Was Huntingdon; but now is Robin Hood.
KNIGHT
If I refuse?
ROBIN
Then, sir, I must perforceTake it. I am an outlaw, but the lawOf manhood still constrains me—'tis a matterOf life and death—
KNIGHT
Take it and God be with you!I'll follow you to Sherwood with your men.
[Robinseizes the horse, leaps to the saddle, and gallops away.]
[Curtain.]
Scene II.Sherwood Forest. Outside the cave.Jenny, MarianandWidow Scarlet.
MARIANThis dreadful waiting! How I wish that RobinHad listened to the rest and stayed with me.How still the woods are! Jenny, do you thinkThere will be fighting? Oh, I am selfish, mother;You need not be afraid. Robin will bringWill Scarlet safely back to Sherwood. Why,Perhaps they are all returning even now!Cheer up! How long d'you think they've been away,Jenny, six hours or more? The sun is high,And all the dew is gone.JENNYNay, scarce three hours.Now don't you keep a-fretting. They'll be back,Quite soon enough. I've scarcely spoke with you,This last three days and more; and even nowIt seems I cannot get you to myself,Two's quite enough.[ToWidow Scarlet.]Come, widow, come with me.I'll give you my own corner in the hutAnd make you cosy. If you take a napWill Scarlet will be here betimes you wake.[Takes her to the hut and shuts her in.]There, drat her, for a mumping mumble-crust!MARIANCome, Jenny, that's too bad; the poor old dameIs lonely.JENNYShe's not lonely when she sleeps,And if I never get you to myselfWhere was the good of trapesing after youAnd living here in Sherwood like wild rabbits?You ha'nt so much as let me comb your hairThis last three days and more.MARIANWell, comb it, Jenny,Now, if you like, and comb it all day long;But don't get crabbed, and don't speak so crossly![Jennybegins looseningMarian'shair and combing it.]JENNYWhy, Mistress, it grows longer every day.It's far below your knees, and how it shines!And wavy, just like Much the Miller's brook,Where it comes tumbling out into the sun,Like gold, red gold.MARIANAh, that's provoking, Jenny,For you forgot to bring me my steel glass,And, if you chatter so, I shall soon want it.JENNYI've found a very good one at a pinch.There's a smooth silver pool, down in the stream,Where you can see your face most beautiful.MARIANSo that's how Jenny spends her lonely hours,A sad female Narcissus, while poor MuchDwines to an Echo!JENNYI don't like those gods.I never cared for them. But, as for Much,Much is the best of all the merry men.And, mistress, O, he speaks so beautifully,Itmightbe just an Echo from blue hillsFar, far away! You see he's quite a scholar:Much, more an' most (That's what he calls the threeGreasy caparisons—much, more an' most)!You see they thought that being so very smallThey could not make him grow to be a man,They'd make a scholar of him instead. The FriarTaught him his letters. He can write his name,And mine, and yours, just like a missal book,In lovely colours; and he always drawsThe first big letter ofJennylike a treeWith naked Cupids hiding in the branches.Mistress, I don't believe you hear one wordI ever speak to you! Your eyes are alwaysThat far and far away.MARIANI'm listening, Jenny!JENNYWell, when he draws the first big M of yours,He makes it like a bridge from earth to heaven,With white-winged angels passing up and down;And, underneath the bridge, in a black stream,He puts the drowning face of the bad PrinceHolding his wicked hands out, while a devilStands on the bank and with a pointed stakeKeeps him from landing—Ah, what's that? What's that?MARIANO Jenny, how you startled me!JENNYI thoughtI saw that same face peering thro' the fernsYonder—there—see, they are shaking still.[She screams.]Ah! Ah![Prince Johnand another man appear advancing across the glade.]JOHNSo here's my dainty tigress in her den,And—Warman—there's a pretty scrap for youBeside her. Now, sweet mistress, will you deignTo come with me, to change these cheerless woodsFor something queenlier? If I be not mistaken,You have had time to tire of that dark cave.Was I not right, now? Surely you can seeThose tresses were not meant to waste their goldUpon this desert. Nay, but Marian, hear me.I do not jest.[At a sign fromMarian, Jennygoes quickly inside the cave.]That's well! Dismiss your maid!Warman, remove a little.[His man retires.]I see you thinkA little better of me! Out in the woodThere waits a palfrey for you, and the stirrupLongs, as I long, to clasp your dainty foot.I am very sure by this you must be tiredOf outlawry, a lovely maid like you.[He draws nearer.]MARIANWait—I must think, must think.JOHNGive me your hand!Why do you shrink from me? If you could knowThe fire that burns me night and day, you would notRefuse to let me snatch one cooling kissFrom that white hand of yours.MARIANIf you be prince,You will respect my loneliness and go.JOHNHow can I leave you, when by day and nightI see that face of yours.I'll not pretendI do not love you, do not long for you,Desire and hunger for your kiss, your touch!I'll not pretend to be a saint, you see!I hunger and thirst for you. Marian, Marian.MARIANYou are mad!JOHNAy, mad for you.Body and soulI am broken up with love for you. Your eyesFlash like the eyes of a tigress, and I love themThe better for it.Ah, do not shrink from me![Jennycomes out of the cave and handsMariana bow. She leaps back and aims it atJohn.]MARIANBack, you wild beast, or by the heaven above us,I'll kill you! Now, don't doubt me. I can shootTruly as any forester. I swear,Prince or no prince, king or no king, I'll kill youIf you should stir one step from where you stand.JOHNCome, come, sweet Marian, put that weapon down.I was beside myself, was carried away.I cannot help my love for—MARIANI'll not hearAnother sickening word: throw down your arms,That dagger at your side.JOHNOh, that's too foolish,Marian, I swear—MARIANYou see that rusty stainUpon the silver birch down yonder? Watch.[She shoots. Then swiftly aims at him again.]Now, throw your weapon down.[He pulls out the dagger and throws it down, with a shrug of his shoulders. One of his men steals up behindMarian.]JENNYAh, Mistress Marian,There's one behind you! Look![The man springs forward and seizesMarian'sarms.]JOHN[Coming forward and taking hold of her also.]So, my sweet tigress,You're trapped then, are you? Well, we'll waste no time!We'll talk this over when we reach the castle.Keep off the maid, there, Warman; I can manageThis turbulent beauty. Ah, by God, you shallCome! Ah? God's blood, what's this?[Marianhas succeeded in drawing her dagger and slightly wounding him. She wrests herself free.]MARIANKeep back, I warn you!JOHN[Advancing slowly.]Strike, now strike if you will. You will not likeTo see the red blood spurting up your hand.That's not maid's work. Come, strike![Robin Hoodappears at the edge of the glade behind him]You see, you cannot!Your heart is tenderer than you think.ROBIN[Quietly.]Prince John!JOHN[Turns round and confrontsRobin.]Out with your blade, Warman; call up the rest!We can strike freely now, without a fearOf marring the sweet beauty of the spoil.We four can surely make an end of him.Have at him, lads, and swiftly, or the thievesWill all be down on us.[Robindraws his sword and sets his back to an oak. The other two followers ofPrince Johncome out of the wood.]ROBINCome on, all four!This oak will shift its roots before I budgeOne inch from four such howling wolves. Come on;You must be tired of fighting women-folk.Come on! By God, sir, you must guard your headBetter than that,[He disarmsWarman.]Or you're just food for wormsAlready; come, you dogs!PRINCE JOHNWork round, you three,Behind him! Drive him out from that damned oak!ROBINOh, that's a princely speech! Have at you, sir![He strikesPrince John'ssword out of his hand and turns suddenly to confront the others.Johnpicks up a dagger and makes as if to stabRobinin the back. At the same instant, bugles are heard in the distance. The red-cross knight flashes between the trees and seizingJohn'sarm in his gauntleted hand, disarms him, then turns to helpRobin.]KNIGHTWhat, four on one! Down with your blades, you curs,Or, by Mahound!—[The three men take to flight.Johnstands staring at the newcomer. TheForestersappear, surrounding the glade.]JOHN[Muttering.]What? Thou? Thou? Or his ghost?No—no—it cannot be.ROBINLet them yelp home,The pitiful jackals. They have left behindThe prime offender. Ha, there, my merry lads,All's well; but take this villain into the caveAnd guard him there.[TheForestersleadPrince Johninto the cave.]JOHN[To theForesters.]Answer me one thing: whoIs yonder red-cross knight?A FORESTERNo friend of thine,Whoe'er he be!KNIGHT[ToRobin.]I need not askhisname.I grieve to know it!ROBINSir, I am much beholdenTo your good chivalry. What thanks is mineTo give, is all your own.KNIGHTThen I ask this!Give me that prisoner! I think his life is mine.ROBINYou saved my own, and more, you saved much moreThan my poor life is worth. But, sir, think well!This man is dangerous, not to me alone,But to the King of England; for he'll yetUsurp the throne! Think well!KNIGHTI ask no more.I have more reasons than you know.ROBINSo be it.Ho! Bring the prisoner back![TheForestersbringPrince Johnback. He stares at theKnightas if in fear.]Sir, you shall judge him.This prisoner is your own.KNIGHTThen—let him go!FORESTERSWhat! Set him free?ROBINObey![They releasePrince John.]KNIGHTOut of my sight;Go!PRINCE JOHNWhat man is this?KNIGHTQuickly, get thee gone![Prince Johngoes out, shaken and white.]
MARIAN
This dreadful waiting! How I wish that RobinHad listened to the rest and stayed with me.How still the woods are! Jenny, do you thinkThere will be fighting? Oh, I am selfish, mother;You need not be afraid. Robin will bringWill Scarlet safely back to Sherwood. Why,Perhaps they are all returning even now!Cheer up! How long d'you think they've been away,Jenny, six hours or more? The sun is high,And all the dew is gone.
JENNY
Nay, scarce three hours.Now don't you keep a-fretting. They'll be back,Quite soon enough. I've scarcely spoke with you,This last three days and more; and even nowIt seems I cannot get you to myself,Two's quite enough.
[ToWidow Scarlet.]
Come, widow, come with me.I'll give you my own corner in the hutAnd make you cosy. If you take a napWill Scarlet will be here betimes you wake.
[Takes her to the hut and shuts her in.]
There, drat her, for a mumping mumble-crust!
MARIAN
Come, Jenny, that's too bad; the poor old dameIs lonely.
JENNY
She's not lonely when she sleeps,And if I never get you to myselfWhere was the good of trapesing after youAnd living here in Sherwood like wild rabbits?You ha'nt so much as let me comb your hairThis last three days and more.
MARIAN
Well, comb it, Jenny,Now, if you like, and comb it all day long;But don't get crabbed, and don't speak so crossly!
[Jennybegins looseningMarian'shair and combing it.]
JENNY
Why, Mistress, it grows longer every day.It's far below your knees, and how it shines!And wavy, just like Much the Miller's brook,Where it comes tumbling out into the sun,Like gold, red gold.
MARIAN
Ah, that's provoking, Jenny,For you forgot to bring me my steel glass,And, if you chatter so, I shall soon want it.
JENNY
I've found a very good one at a pinch.There's a smooth silver pool, down in the stream,Where you can see your face most beautiful.
MARIAN
So that's how Jenny spends her lonely hours,A sad female Narcissus, while poor MuchDwines to an Echo!
JENNY
I don't like those gods.I never cared for them. But, as for Much,Much is the best of all the merry men.And, mistress, O, he speaks so beautifully,Itmightbe just an Echo from blue hillsFar, far away! You see he's quite a scholar:Much, more an' most (That's what he calls the threeGreasy caparisons—much, more an' most)!You see they thought that being so very smallThey could not make him grow to be a man,They'd make a scholar of him instead. The FriarTaught him his letters. He can write his name,And mine, and yours, just like a missal book,In lovely colours; and he always drawsThe first big letter ofJennylike a treeWith naked Cupids hiding in the branches.Mistress, I don't believe you hear one wordI ever speak to you! Your eyes are alwaysThat far and far away.
MARIAN
I'm listening, Jenny!
JENNY
Well, when he draws the first big M of yours,He makes it like a bridge from earth to heaven,With white-winged angels passing up and down;And, underneath the bridge, in a black stream,He puts the drowning face of the bad PrinceHolding his wicked hands out, while a devilStands on the bank and with a pointed stakeKeeps him from landing—Ah, what's that? What's that?
MARIAN
O Jenny, how you startled me!
JENNY
I thoughtI saw that same face peering thro' the fernsYonder—there—see, they are shaking still.
[She screams.]
Ah! Ah!
[Prince Johnand another man appear advancing across the glade.]
JOHN
So here's my dainty tigress in her den,And—Warman—there's a pretty scrap for youBeside her. Now, sweet mistress, will you deignTo come with me, to change these cheerless woodsFor something queenlier? If I be not mistaken,You have had time to tire of that dark cave.Was I not right, now? Surely you can seeThose tresses were not meant to waste their goldUpon this desert. Nay, but Marian, hear me.I do not jest.
[At a sign fromMarian, Jennygoes quickly inside the cave.]
That's well! Dismiss your maid!Warman, remove a little.
[His man retires.]
I see you thinkA little better of me! Out in the woodThere waits a palfrey for you, and the stirrupLongs, as I long, to clasp your dainty foot.I am very sure by this you must be tiredOf outlawry, a lovely maid like you.
[He draws nearer.]
MARIAN
Wait—I must think, must think.
JOHN
Give me your hand!Why do you shrink from me? If you could knowThe fire that burns me night and day, you would notRefuse to let me snatch one cooling kissFrom that white hand of yours.
MARIAN
If you be prince,You will respect my loneliness and go.
JOHN
How can I leave you, when by day and nightI see that face of yours.I'll not pretendI do not love you, do not long for you,Desire and hunger for your kiss, your touch!I'll not pretend to be a saint, you see!I hunger and thirst for you. Marian, Marian.
MARIAN
You are mad!
JOHN
Ay, mad for you.Body and soulI am broken up with love for you. Your eyesFlash like the eyes of a tigress, and I love themThe better for it.Ah, do not shrink from me!
[Jennycomes out of the cave and handsMariana bow. She leaps back and aims it atJohn.]
MARIAN
Back, you wild beast, or by the heaven above us,I'll kill you! Now, don't doubt me. I can shootTruly as any forester. I swear,Prince or no prince, king or no king, I'll kill youIf you should stir one step from where you stand.
JOHN
Come, come, sweet Marian, put that weapon down.I was beside myself, was carried away.I cannot help my love for—
MARIAN
I'll not hearAnother sickening word: throw down your arms,That dagger at your side.
JOHN
Oh, that's too foolish,Marian, I swear—
MARIAN
You see that rusty stainUpon the silver birch down yonder? Watch.
[She shoots. Then swiftly aims at him again.]
Now, throw your weapon down.
[He pulls out the dagger and throws it down, with a shrug of his shoulders. One of his men steals up behindMarian.]
JENNY
Ah, Mistress Marian,There's one behind you! Look!
[The man springs forward and seizesMarian'sarms.]
JOHN
[Coming forward and taking hold of her also.]
So, my sweet tigress,You're trapped then, are you? Well, we'll waste no time!We'll talk this over when we reach the castle.Keep off the maid, there, Warman; I can manageThis turbulent beauty. Ah, by God, you shallCome! Ah? God's blood, what's this?
[Marianhas succeeded in drawing her dagger and slightly wounding him. She wrests herself free.]
MARIAN
Keep back, I warn you!
JOHN
[Advancing slowly.]
Strike, now strike if you will. You will not likeTo see the red blood spurting up your hand.That's not maid's work. Come, strike!
[Robin Hoodappears at the edge of the glade behind him]
You see, you cannot!Your heart is tenderer than you think.
ROBIN
[Quietly.]
Prince John!
JOHN
[Turns round and confrontsRobin.]
Out with your blade, Warman; call up the rest!We can strike freely now, without a fearOf marring the sweet beauty of the spoil.We four can surely make an end of him.Have at him, lads, and swiftly, or the thievesWill all be down on us.
[Robindraws his sword and sets his back to an oak. The other two followers ofPrince Johncome out of the wood.]
ROBIN
Come on, all four!This oak will shift its roots before I budgeOne inch from four such howling wolves. Come on;You must be tired of fighting women-folk.Come on! By God, sir, you must guard your headBetter than that,
[He disarmsWarman.]
Or you're just food for wormsAlready; come, you dogs!
PRINCE JOHN
Work round, you three,Behind him! Drive him out from that damned oak!
ROBIN
Oh, that's a princely speech! Have at you, sir!
[He strikesPrince John'ssword out of his hand and turns suddenly to confront the others.Johnpicks up a dagger and makes as if to stabRobinin the back. At the same instant, bugles are heard in the distance. The red-cross knight flashes between the trees and seizingJohn'sarm in his gauntleted hand, disarms him, then turns to helpRobin.]
KNIGHT
What, four on one! Down with your blades, you curs,Or, by Mahound!—
[The three men take to flight.Johnstands staring at the newcomer. TheForestersappear, surrounding the glade.]
JOHN
[Muttering.]
What? Thou? Thou? Or his ghost?No—no—it cannot be.
ROBIN
Let them yelp home,The pitiful jackals. They have left behindThe prime offender. Ha, there, my merry lads,All's well; but take this villain into the caveAnd guard him there.
[TheForestersleadPrince Johninto the cave.]
JOHN
[To theForesters.]
Answer me one thing: whoIs yonder red-cross knight?
A FORESTER
No friend of thine,Whoe'er he be!
KNIGHT
[ToRobin.]
I need not askhisname.I grieve to know it!
ROBIN
Sir, I am much beholdenTo your good chivalry. What thanks is mineTo give, is all your own.
KNIGHT
Then I ask this!Give me that prisoner! I think his life is mine.
ROBIN
You saved my own, and more, you saved much moreThan my poor life is worth. But, sir, think well!This man is dangerous, not to me alone,But to the King of England; for he'll yetUsurp the throne! Think well!
KNIGHT
I ask no more.I have more reasons than you know.
ROBIN
So be it.Ho! Bring the prisoner back!
[TheForestersbringPrince Johnback. He stares at theKnightas if in fear.]
Sir, you shall judge him.This prisoner is your own.
KNIGHT
Then—let him go!
FORESTERS
What! Set him free?
ROBIN
Obey!
[They releasePrince John.]
KNIGHT
Out of my sight;Go!
PRINCE JOHN
What man is this?
KNIGHT
Quickly, get thee gone!
[Prince Johngoes out, shaken and white.]
ROBINWe'll think no more of him! It is our ruleThat whomsoe'er we meet in merry greenwoodShould dine with us. Will you not be our guest?KNIGHTThat's a most happy thought! I have not heardA merrier word than dinner all this day.I am well-nigh starved.ROBINWill you not raise your visorAnd let us know to whose good knightly handWe are so beholden?KNIGHTSir, you will pardon me,If, for a little, I remain unknown.But, tell me, are you not that Robin HoodWho breaks the forest laws?ROBINThat is my name.We hold this earth as naturally our ownAs the glad common air we breathe. We thinkNo man, no king, can so usurp the worldAs not to give us room to live free lives,But, if you shrink from eating the King's deer—KNIGHTShrink? Ha! ha! ha! I count it as my own![TheForestersappear, preparing the dinner on a table of green turfs, beneath a spreading oak.MarianandJennyappear at the door of the hut.Jennygoes across to help at the preparations for dinner.]ROBINAh, there's my Lady Marian! Will you not comeAnd speak with her?[He and theKnightgo and talk toMarianin the background.]LITTLE JOHN[At the table.]The trenchers all are set;Manchets of wheat, cream, curds and honey-cakes,Venison pasties, roasted pigeons! Much,Run to the cave; we'll broach our rarest wineTo-day. Old Much is waiting for thee thereTo help him. He is growling roundly, too,At thy delay.MUCH[Going towards the cave.]Ah me, my poor old father!JENNYI've dressed the salt and strawed the dining hallWith flowers.[EnterFriar Tuckwith several moreForestersandWill Scarlet.]ROBINAh, good Will Scarlet, here at last!FRIAR TUCKWe should ha' been here sooner; but these othersBorrowed a farmer's market cart and gallopedAhead of us!ROBINThy mother is in the hut,Sheer broken down with hope and fearfulness,Waiting and trembling for thee, Will. Go in,Put thy big arm around her.[Will Scarletgoes into the hut with a cry.]SCARLETMother!FRIAR TUCKYou see,My sons, you couldn't expect the lad to run!There is a certain looseness in the limbs,A quaking of the flesh that overcomesThe bravest who has felt a hangman's ropeCuddling his neck.ROBINYou judge him by the ropeThat cuddles your slim waist! Oh, you sweet armful,Sit down and pant! I warrant you were gladTo bear him company.FRIAR TUCKI'll not deny it!I am a man of solids. Like the Church,I am founded on a rock.[He sits down.]ROBINSolids, i' faith!Sir, it is true he is partly based on beef;He grapples with it squarely; but fluids, too,Have played their part in that cathedral choirHe calls his throat. One godless virtue, sir,They seem to have given him. Never a nightingaleGurgles jug! jug! in mellower tones than heWhen jugs are flowing. Never a thrush can pipeSweet, sweet, so rarely as, when a pipe of wineSummers his throttle, we'll make him sing to usOne of his heathen ditties—The Malmsey Butt,OrDown the Merry Red Lane!FRIAR TUCKOh, ay, you laugh,But, though I cannot run, when I am restedI'll challenge you, Robin, to a game of buffets,One fair, square, stand-up, stand-still, knock-down blowApiece; you'll need no more. If you not kissThe turf, at my first clout, I will foregoMalmsey for ever!ROBINFriar, I recant;You're champion there. Fists of a common sizeI will encounter; but not whirling hamsLike thine!FRIAR TUCKI knew it!JENNY[Approaching.]Please you, sirs, all is ready!FRIAR TUCKAh, Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, that's good news![Will Scarletcomes out of the hut with his arm round his mother. They all sit down at the table of turfs. Enter Shadow-of-a-Leaf timidly.]SHADOW-OF-A-LEAFIs there a place for me?A FORESTERAy, come along!FRIAR TUCKNow, Robin, don't forget the grace, my son.ROBIN[Standing up.]It is our custom, sir, since our repastIs borrowed from the King, to drain one cupTo him, and his return from the Crusade,Before we dine. That same wine-bibbing friarCalls it our 'grace'; and constitutes himselfRemembrancer—without a cause, for neverHave we forgotten, never while bugles ringThro' Sherwood, shall forget—Outlaws, the King![All stand up except theKnight.]CRIESThe King and his return from the Crusade![They drink and resume their seats.]ROBINYou did not drink the health, sir Knight. I hopeYou hold with Lion-Heart.KNIGHTYes; I hold with him.You were too quick for me. I had not drawnThese gauntlets off.But tell me, Lady Marian,When is your bridal day with Robin Hood?MARIANWe shall be wedded when the King comes homeFrom the Crusade.KNIGHTAh, when the King comes home!That's music—all the birds of April singIn those four words for me—the King comes home.MARIANI am glad you love him, sir.ROBINBut you're not eating!Your helmet's locked and barred! Will you not raiseYour visor?KNIGHT[Laughs.]Ha! ha! ha! You see I am trapped!I did not wish to raise it! Hunger and thirstBreak down all masks and all disguises, Robin.[He rises and removes his helmet, revealing the face ofRichard Cœur de Lion.]ROBINThe King![They all leap to their feet.]OUTLAWSThe King! The King!ROBINBut oh, my liege,I should have known, when we were hard besetAround Will Scarlet by their swarming bands,And when you rode out of the Eastern skyAnd hurled our foemen down, I should have knownIt was the King come home from the Crusade!And when I was beset here in the woodBy treacherous hounds again, I should have knownWhose armour suddenly burned between the leaves!I should have known, either it was St. GeorgeOr else the King come home from the Crusade!RICHARDIndeed there is one thing that might have told you,Robin—a lover's instinct, since it seemsSo much for you and Marian dependsOn my return.SHADOW-OF-A-LEAFSire, you will pardon me,For I am only a fool, and yet methinksYou know not half the meaning of those words—The King, the King comes home from the Crusade!Thrust up your swords, heft uppermost, my lads,And shout—the King comes home from the Crusade.[He leaps on a seat, and thrusts up the King's sword, heft uppermost, as if it were a cross.]ROBINPardon him, sire, poor Shadow-of-a-Leaf has lostHis wits!SHADOW-OF-A-LEAFThat's what Titania said you'd say,Poor sweet bells out of tune! But oh, don't leave,Don't leave the forest! There's darker things to come!Don't leave the forest! I have wits enough at leastTo wrap my legs around my neck for warmthOn winter nights.RICHARDWell, you've no need to passThe winter in these woods—SHADOW-OF-A-LEAFOh, notthatwinter!ROBINShadow-of-a-Leaf, be silent![Shadow-of-a-Leafgoes aside and throws himself down sobbing among the ferns.]RICHARDWhen even your caveMethinks can scarce be cheery. Huntingdon,Your earldom we restore to you this day!You and my Lady Marian shall returnTo Court with us, where your true bridal trothShall be fulfilled with golden marriage bells.Now, friends, the venison pasty! We must hearThe Malmsey ButtandDown the Merry Red Lane,Ere we set out, at dawn, for London Town.ROBINAllan-a-dale shall touch a golden stringTo speed our feast, sire, for he soars aboveThe gross needs of the Churchman!RICHARDAllan-a-Dale?WILL SCARLETOur greenwood minstrel, sire! His harp is oursBecause we won his bride for him.RICHARDHis bride?REYNOLD GREENLEAFWas to be wedded, sire, against her willLast May, to a rich old baron.RICHARDPigeon-pie—And Malmsey—yes—a rich old baron—tell!ROBINSire, on the wedding day, my merry menCrowded the aisles with uninvited guests;And, as the old man drew forth the golden ring,They threw aside their cloaks with one great shoutOf 'Sherwood'; and, for all its crimson panes,The church was one wild sea of Lincoln green!The Forest had broken in, sire, and the brideLike a wild rose tossing on those green boughs,Was borne away and wedded here by TuckTo her true lover; and so—his harp is ours.ALLAN-A-DALENo feasting song, sire, but the royal themeOf chivalry—a song I made last nightIn yonder ruined chapel. It is calledThe Old Knight's Vigil.RICHARDOur hearts will keep it young![Allan-a-dalesings,Shadow-of-a-Leafraises his head among the ferns.][Song.]IOnce, in this chapel, LordYoung and undaunted,Over my virgin swordLightly I chaunted,—"Dawn ends my watch. I goShining to meet the foe!"II"Swift with thy dawn," I said,"Set the lists ringing!Soon shall thy foe be sped,And the world singing!Bless my bright plume for me,Christ, King of Chivalry.[Shadow-of-a-Leafrises to his knees amongst the ferns.]III"War-worn I kneel to-night,Lord, by Thine altar!Oh, in to-morrow's fight,Let me not falter!Bless my dark arms for me,Christ, King of Chivalry.IV"Keep Thou my broken swordAll the long night throughWhile I keep watch and ward!Then—the red fight through,Bless the wrenched haft for me,Christ, King of Chivalry.V"Keep, in thy piercèd hands,Still the bruised helmet:Let not their hostile bandsWholly o'erwhelm it!Bless my poor shield for me,Christ, King of Chivalry.VI"Keep Thou the sullied mail,Lord, that I tenderHere, at Thine altar-rail!Then—let Thy splendourTouch it once ... and I goStainless to meet the foe."[Shadow-of-a-Leafrises to his feet and takes a step towards the minstrel.][Curtain.]
ROBIN
We'll think no more of him! It is our ruleThat whomsoe'er we meet in merry greenwoodShould dine with us. Will you not be our guest?
KNIGHT
That's a most happy thought! I have not heardA merrier word than dinner all this day.I am well-nigh starved.
ROBIN
Will you not raise your visorAnd let us know to whose good knightly handWe are so beholden?
KNIGHT
Sir, you will pardon me,If, for a little, I remain unknown.But, tell me, are you not that Robin HoodWho breaks the forest laws?
ROBIN
That is my name.We hold this earth as naturally our ownAs the glad common air we breathe. We thinkNo man, no king, can so usurp the worldAs not to give us room to live free lives,But, if you shrink from eating the King's deer—
KNIGHT
Shrink? Ha! ha! ha! I count it as my own!
[TheForestersappear, preparing the dinner on a table of green turfs, beneath a spreading oak.MarianandJennyappear at the door of the hut.Jennygoes across to help at the preparations for dinner.]
ROBIN
Ah, there's my Lady Marian! Will you not comeAnd speak with her?
[He and theKnightgo and talk toMarianin the background.]
LITTLE JOHN
[At the table.]The trenchers all are set;Manchets of wheat, cream, curds and honey-cakes,Venison pasties, roasted pigeons! Much,Run to the cave; we'll broach our rarest wineTo-day. Old Much is waiting for thee thereTo help him. He is growling roundly, too,At thy delay.
MUCH
[Going towards the cave.]
Ah me, my poor old father!
JENNY
I've dressed the salt and strawed the dining hallWith flowers.
[EnterFriar Tuckwith several moreForestersandWill Scarlet.]
ROBIN
Ah, good Will Scarlet, here at last!
FRIAR TUCK
We should ha' been here sooner; but these othersBorrowed a farmer's market cart and gallopedAhead of us!
ROBIN
Thy mother is in the hut,Sheer broken down with hope and fearfulness,Waiting and trembling for thee, Will. Go in,Put thy big arm around her.
[Will Scarletgoes into the hut with a cry.]
SCARLET
Mother!
FRIAR TUCK
You see,My sons, you couldn't expect the lad to run!There is a certain looseness in the limbs,A quaking of the flesh that overcomesThe bravest who has felt a hangman's ropeCuddling his neck.
ROBIN
You judge him by the ropeThat cuddles your slim waist! Oh, you sweet armful,Sit down and pant! I warrant you were gladTo bear him company.
FRIAR TUCK
I'll not deny it!I am a man of solids. Like the Church,I am founded on a rock.
[He sits down.]
ROBIN
Solids, i' faith!Sir, it is true he is partly based on beef;He grapples with it squarely; but fluids, too,Have played their part in that cathedral choirHe calls his throat. One godless virtue, sir,They seem to have given him. Never a nightingaleGurgles jug! jug! in mellower tones than heWhen jugs are flowing. Never a thrush can pipeSweet, sweet, so rarely as, when a pipe of wineSummers his throttle, we'll make him sing to usOne of his heathen ditties—The Malmsey Butt,OrDown the Merry Red Lane!
FRIAR TUCK
Oh, ay, you laugh,But, though I cannot run, when I am restedI'll challenge you, Robin, to a game of buffets,One fair, square, stand-up, stand-still, knock-down blowApiece; you'll need no more. If you not kissThe turf, at my first clout, I will foregoMalmsey for ever!
ROBIN
Friar, I recant;You're champion there. Fists of a common sizeI will encounter; but not whirling hamsLike thine!
FRIAR TUCK
I knew it!
JENNY
[Approaching.]
Please you, sirs, all is ready!
FRIAR TUCK
Ah, Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, that's good news!
[Will Scarletcomes out of the hut with his arm round his mother. They all sit down at the table of turfs. Enter Shadow-of-a-Leaf timidly.]
SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF
Is there a place for me?
A FORESTER
Ay, come along!
FRIAR TUCK
Now, Robin, don't forget the grace, my son.
ROBIN
[Standing up.]
It is our custom, sir, since our repastIs borrowed from the King, to drain one cupTo him, and his return from the Crusade,Before we dine. That same wine-bibbing friarCalls it our 'grace'; and constitutes himselfRemembrancer—without a cause, for neverHave we forgotten, never while bugles ringThro' Sherwood, shall forget—Outlaws, the King!
[All stand up except theKnight.]
CRIES
The King and his return from the Crusade!
[They drink and resume their seats.]
ROBIN
You did not drink the health, sir Knight. I hopeYou hold with Lion-Heart.
KNIGHT
Yes; I hold with him.You were too quick for me. I had not drawnThese gauntlets off.But tell me, Lady Marian,When is your bridal day with Robin Hood?
MARIAN
We shall be wedded when the King comes homeFrom the Crusade.
KNIGHT
Ah, when the King comes home!That's music—all the birds of April singIn those four words for me—the King comes home.
MARIAN
I am glad you love him, sir.
ROBIN
But you're not eating!Your helmet's locked and barred! Will you not raiseYour visor?
KNIGHT
[Laughs.]
Ha! ha! ha! You see I am trapped!I did not wish to raise it! Hunger and thirstBreak down all masks and all disguises, Robin.
[He rises and removes his helmet, revealing the face ofRichard Cœur de Lion.]
ROBIN
The King!
[They all leap to their feet.]
OUTLAWS
The King! The King!
ROBIN
But oh, my liege,I should have known, when we were hard besetAround Will Scarlet by their swarming bands,And when you rode out of the Eastern skyAnd hurled our foemen down, I should have knownIt was the King come home from the Crusade!And when I was beset here in the woodBy treacherous hounds again, I should have knownWhose armour suddenly burned between the leaves!I should have known, either it was St. GeorgeOr else the King come home from the Crusade!
RICHARD
Indeed there is one thing that might have told you,Robin—a lover's instinct, since it seemsSo much for you and Marian dependsOn my return.
SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF
Sire, you will pardon me,For I am only a fool, and yet methinksYou know not half the meaning of those words—The King, the King comes home from the Crusade!Thrust up your swords, heft uppermost, my lads,And shout—the King comes home from the Crusade.
[He leaps on a seat, and thrusts up the King's sword, heft uppermost, as if it were a cross.]
ROBIN
Pardon him, sire, poor Shadow-of-a-Leaf has lostHis wits!
SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF
That's what Titania said you'd say,Poor sweet bells out of tune! But oh, don't leave,Don't leave the forest! There's darker things to come!Don't leave the forest! I have wits enough at leastTo wrap my legs around my neck for warmthOn winter nights.
RICHARD
Well, you've no need to passThe winter in these woods—
SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF
Oh, notthatwinter!
ROBIN
Shadow-of-a-Leaf, be silent!
[Shadow-of-a-Leafgoes aside and throws himself down sobbing among the ferns.]
RICHARD
When even your caveMethinks can scarce be cheery. Huntingdon,Your earldom we restore to you this day!You and my Lady Marian shall returnTo Court with us, where your true bridal trothShall be fulfilled with golden marriage bells.Now, friends, the venison pasty! We must hearThe Malmsey ButtandDown the Merry Red Lane,Ere we set out, at dawn, for London Town.
ROBIN
Allan-a-dale shall touch a golden stringTo speed our feast, sire, for he soars aboveThe gross needs of the Churchman!
RICHARD
Allan-a-Dale?
WILL SCARLET
Our greenwood minstrel, sire! His harp is oursBecause we won his bride for him.
RICHARD
His bride?
REYNOLD GREENLEAF
Was to be wedded, sire, against her willLast May, to a rich old baron.
RICHARD
Pigeon-pie—And Malmsey—yes—a rich old baron—tell!
ROBIN
Sire, on the wedding day, my merry menCrowded the aisles with uninvited guests;And, as the old man drew forth the golden ring,They threw aside their cloaks with one great shoutOf 'Sherwood'; and, for all its crimson panes,The church was one wild sea of Lincoln green!The Forest had broken in, sire, and the brideLike a wild rose tossing on those green boughs,Was borne away and wedded here by TuckTo her true lover; and so—his harp is ours.
ALLAN-A-DALE
No feasting song, sire, but the royal themeOf chivalry—a song I made last nightIn yonder ruined chapel. It is calledThe Old Knight's Vigil.
RICHARD
Our hearts will keep it young!
[Allan-a-dalesings,Shadow-of-a-Leafraises his head among the ferns.]
[Song.]
I
Once, in this chapel, LordYoung and undaunted,Over my virgin swordLightly I chaunted,—"Dawn ends my watch. I goShining to meet the foe!"
II
"Swift with thy dawn," I said,"Set the lists ringing!Soon shall thy foe be sped,And the world singing!Bless my bright plume for me,Christ, King of Chivalry.
[Shadow-of-a-Leafrises to his knees amongst the ferns.]
III
"War-worn I kneel to-night,Lord, by Thine altar!Oh, in to-morrow's fight,Let me not falter!Bless my dark arms for me,Christ, King of Chivalry.
IV
"Keep Thou my broken swordAll the long night throughWhile I keep watch and ward!Then—the red fight through,Bless the wrenched haft for me,Christ, King of Chivalry.
V
"Keep, in thy piercèd hands,Still the bruised helmet:Let not their hostile bandsWholly o'erwhelm it!Bless my poor shield for me,Christ, King of Chivalry.
VI
"Keep Thou the sullied mail,Lord, that I tenderHere, at Thine altar-rail!Then—let Thy splendourTouch it once ... and I goStainless to meet the foe."
[Shadow-of-a-Leafrises to his feet and takes a step towards the minstrel.]
[Curtain.]
Scene I.Garden of the King's Palace. EnterJohnandElinor.