ACT I

SERF No, no, not that! not that! If you should blind me God will repay you. Kill me out of hand! [Enter Prince John and several of his retainers.] JOHN Who is this night-jar? [The retainers laugh.] Surely, master Sheriff, You should have cut its tongue out, first. Its cries Tingle so hideously across the wood They'll wake the King in Palestine. Small wonder That Robin Hood evades you. SHERIFF [To the Serf.] Silence, dog, Know you not better than to make this clamour Before Prince John? SERF Prince John! It is Prince John! For God's love save me, sir! JOHN Whose thrall is he? SHERIFF I know not, sir, but he was caught red-handed Killing the king's deer. By the forest law He should of rights be blinded; for, as you see, [He indicates the Serf's right hand.] 'Tis not his first deer at King Richard's cost. JOHN 'Twill save you trouble if you say at mine. SHERIFF Ay, sir, I pray your pardon—at your cost! His right hand lacks the thumb and arrow-finger, And though he vows it was a falling tree That crushed them, you may trust your Sheriff, sir, It was the law that clipped them when he last Hunted your deer. SERF Prince, when the Conqueror came, They burned my father's homestead with the rest To make the King a broader hunting-ground. I have hunted there for food. How could I bear To hear my hungry children crying? Prince, They'll make good bowmen for your wars, one day. JOHN He is much too fond of 'Prince': he'll never live To see a king. Whose thrall?—his iron collar, Look, is the name not on it? SHERIFF Sir, the name Is filed away, and in another hour The ring would have been broken. He is one of those Green adders of the moon, night-creeping thieves Whom Huntingdon has tempted to the woods. These desperate ruffians flee their lawful masters And flock around the disaffected Earl Like ragged rooks around an elm, by scores! And now, i' faith, the sun of Huntingdon Is setting fast. They've well nigh beggared him, Eaten him out of house and home. They say That, when we make him outlaw, we shall find Nought to distrain upon, but empty cupboards. JOHN Did you not serve him once yourself? SHERIFF Oh, ay, He was more prosperous then. But now my cupboards Are full, and his are bare. Well, I'd think scorn To share a crust with outcast churls and thieves, Doffing his dignity, letting them call him Robin, or Robin Hood, as if an Earl Were just a plain man, which he will be soon, When we have served our writ of outlawry! 'Tis said he hopes much from the King's return And swears by Lion-Heart; and though King Richard Is brother to yourself, 'tis all the more Ungracious, sir, to hope he should return, And overset your rule. But then—to keep Such base communications! Myself would think it Unworthy of my sheriffship, much more Unworthy a right Earl. JOHN You talk too much! This whippet, here, slinks at his heel, you say. Mercy may close her eyes, then. Take him off, Blind him or what you will; and let him thank His master for it. But wait—perhaps he knows Where we may trap this young patrician thief. Where is your master? SERF Where you'll never find him. JOHN Oh, ho! the dog is faithful! Take him away. Get your red business done, I shall require Your men to ride with me. SHERIFF [To his men.] Take him out yonder, A bow-shot into the wood, so that his clamour Do not offend my lord. Delay no time, The irons are hot by this. They'll give you light Enough to blind him by. SERF [Crying out and struggling as he is forced back into the forest.] No, no, not that! God will repay you! Kill me out of hand! SHERIFF [To Prince John.] There is a kind of justice in all this. The irons being heated in that fire, my lord, Which was his hut, aforetime. [Some of the men take the glowing irons from the fire and follow into the wood.] There's no need To parley with him, either. The snares are laid For Robin Hood. He goes this very night To his betrothal feast. JOHN Betrothal feast! SHERIFF At old Fitzwalter's castle, sir. JOHN Ha! ha! There will be one more guest there than he thought! Ourselves are riding thither. We intended My Lady Marian for a happier fate Than bride to Robin Hood. Your plans are laid To capture him? SHERIFF [Consequentially.] It was our purpose, sir, To serve the writ of outlawry upon him And capture him as he came forth. JOHN That's well. Then—let him disappear—you understand? SHERIFF I have your warrant, sir? Death? A great Earl? JOHN Why, first declare him outlawed at his feast! 'Twill gladden the tremulous heart of old Fitzwalter With his prospective son-in-law; and then— No man will overmuch concern himself Whither an outlaw goes. You understand? SHERIFF It shall be done, sir. JOHN But the Lady Marian! By heaven, I'll take her. I'll banish old Fitzwalter If he prevent my will in this. You'll bring How many men to ring the castle round? SHERIFF A good five score of bowmen. JOHN Then I'll take her This very night as hostage for Fitzwalter, Since he consorts with outlaws. These grey rats Will gnaw my kingdom's heart out. For 'tis mine, This England, now or later. They that hold By Richard, as their absent king, would make My rule a usurpation. God, am I My brother's keeper? [There is a cry in the forest from the Serf, who immediately afterwards appears at the edge of the glade, shaking himself free from his guards. He seizes a weapon and rushes at Prince John. One of the retainers runs him through and he falls at the Prince's feet.] JOHN That's a happy answer! SHERIFF [Stooping over the body.] He is dead. JOHN I am sorry. It were better sport To send him groping like a hoodman blind Through Sherwood, whimpering for his Robin. Come, I'll ride with you to this betrothal feast. Now for my Lady Marian! [Exeunt all. A pause. The scene darkens. Shadowy figures creep out from the thickets, of old men, women and children.] FIRST OLD MAN [Stretching his arms up to Heaven.] God, am I My brother's keeper? Witness, God in heaven, He said it and not we—Cain's word, he said it! FIRST WOMAN [Kneeling by the body.] O Father, Father, and the blood of Abel Cries to thee! A BLIND MAN Is there any light here still? I feel a hot breath on my face. The dark Is better for us all. I am sometimes glad They blinded me those many years ago. Princes are princes; and God made the world For one or two it seems. Well, I am glad I cannot see His world. FIRST WOMAN [Still by the body and whispering to the others.] Keep him away. 'Tis as we thought. The dead man is his son. Keep him away, poor soul. He need not know. [Some of the men carry the body among the thickets.] A CHILD Mother, I'm hungry, I'm hungry! FIRST OLD MAN There's no food For any of us to-night. The snares are empty, And I can try no more. THE BLIND MAN Wait till my son Comes back. He's a rare hunter is my boy. You need not fret, poor little one. My son Is much too quick and clever for the Sheriff. He'll bring you something good. Why, ha! ha! ha! Friends, I've a thought—the Sheriff's lit the fire Ready for us to roast our meat. Come, come, Let us be merry while we may! My boy Will soon come back with food for the old folks. The fire burns brightly, eh? SECOND OLD MAN The fire that feeds On hope and eats our hearts away. They've burnt Everything, everything! THE BLIND MAN Ah, princes are princes! But when the King comes home from the Crusade, We shall have better times. FIRST OLD MAN Ay, when the King Comes home from the Crusade. CHILD Mother, I'm hungry. SECOND WOMAN Oh, but if I could only find a crust Left by the dogs. Masters, the child will starve. We must have food. THE BLIND MAN I tell you when my boy Comes back, we shall have plenty! FIRST WOMAN God pity thee! THE BLIND MAN What dost thou mean? SECOND WOMAN Masters, the child will starve. FIRST OLD MAN Hist, who comes here—a forester? THE BLIND MAN We'd best Slip back into the dark. FIRST WOMAN [Excitedly.] No, stay! All's well. There's Shadow-of-a-Leaf, good Lady Marian's fool Beside him! THE BLIND MAN Ah, they say there's fairy blood In Shadow-of-a-Leaf. But I've no hopes of more From him, than wild bees' honey-bags. [Enter Little John, a giant figure, leading a donkey, laden with a sack. On the other side, Shadow-of-a-Leaf trips, a slender figure in green trunk-hose and doublet. He is tickling the donkey's ears with a long fern.] SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF Gee! Whoa! Neddy, my boy, have you forgot the Weaver, And how Titania tickled your long ears? Ha! ha! Don't ferns remind you? LITTLE JOHN Friends, my master Hath sent me to you, fearing ye might hunger. FIRST OLD MAN Thy master? LITTLE JOHN Robin Hood. SECOND WOMAN [Falling on her knees.] God bless his name. God bless the kindly name of Robin Hood. LITTLE JOHN [Giving them food.] 'Tis well nigh all that's left him; and to-night He goes to his betrothal feast. [All the outcasts except the first old man exeunt.] SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF [Pointing to the donkey.] Now look, There's nothing but that shadow of a cross On his grey back to tell you of the palms That once were strewn before my Lord, the King. Won't ferns, won't branching ferns, do just as well? There's only a dream to ride my donkey now! But, Neddy, I'll lead you home and cry—Hosanna! We'll thread the glad Gate Beautiful again, Though now there's only a Fool to hold your bridle And only moonlit ferns to strew your path, And the great King is fighting for a grave In lands beyond the sea. Come, Neddy, come, Hosanna! [Exit Shadow-of-a-Leaf with the donkey. He strews ferns before it as he goes.] FIRST OLD MAN 'Tis a strange creature, master! Thinkest There's fairy blood in him? LITTLE JOHN 'Twas he that brought Word of your plight to Robin Hood. He flits Like Moonshine thro' the forest. He'll be home Before I know it. I must be hastening back. This makes a sad betrothal night. FIRST OLD MAN That minds me, Couched in the thicket yonder, we overheard The Sheriff tell Prince John.... LITTLE JOHN Prince John! FIRST OLD MAN You'd best Warn Robin Hood. They're laying a trap for him. Ay! Now I mind me of it! I heard 'em say They'd take him at the castle. LITTLE JOHN To-night? FIRST OLD MAN To-night! Fly, lad, for God's dear love. Warn Robin Hood! Fly like the wind, or you'll be there too late. And yet you'd best be careful. There's five score In ambush round the castle. LITTLE JOHN I'll be there An if I have to break five hundred heads! [He rushes off thro' the forest. The old man goes into the thicket after the others. The scene darkens. A soft light, as of the moon, appears between the ferns to the right of the glade, showing Oberon and Titania.] TITANIA Yet one night more the gates of fairyland Are opened by a mortal's kindly deed. OBERON Last night the gates were shut, and I heard weeping! Men, women, children, beat upon the gates That guard our happy world. They could not sleep. Titania, must not that be terrible, When mortals cannot sleep? TITANIA Yet one night more Dear Robin Hood has opened the gates wide And their poor weary souls can enter in. OBERON Yet one night more we woodland elves may steal Out thro' the gates. I fear the time will come When they must close for ever; and we no more Shall hold our Sherwood revels. TITANIA Only love And love's kind sacrifice can open them. For when a mortal hurts himself to help Another, then he thrusts the gates wide open Between his world and ours. OBERON Ay, but that's rare, That kind of love, Titania, for the gates Are almost always closed. TITANIA Yet one night more! Hark, how the fairy host begins to sing Within the gates. Wait here and we shall see What weary souls by grace of Robin Hood This night shall enter Dreamland. See, they come! [The soft light deepens in the hollow among the ferns and the ivory gates of Dreamland are seen swinging open. The fairy host is heard, singing to invite the mortals to enter.] [Song of the fairies.] The Forest shall conquer! The Forest shall conquer! The Forest shall conquer! Your world is growing old; But a Princess sleeps in the greenwood, Whose hair is brighter than gold. The Forest shall conquer! The Forest shall conquer! The Forest shall conquer! O hearts that bleed and burn, Her lips are redder than roses, Who sleeps in the faëry fern. The Forest shall conquer! The Forest shall conquer! The Forest shall conquer! By the Beauty that wakes anew Milk-white with the fragrant hawthorn In the drip of the dawn-red dew. The Forest shall conquer! The Forest shall conquer! The Forest shall conquer! O hearts that are weary of pain, Come back to your home in Faërie And wait till she wakes again. [The victims of the forest-laws steal out of the thicket once more—dark, distorted, lame, blind, serfs with iron collars roun their necks, old men, women and children; and as the fairy song breaks into chorus they pass in procession thro' the beautiful gates. The gates slowly close. The fairy song is heard as dying away in the distance.] TITANIA [Coming out into the glade and holding up her hands to the evening star beyond the tree-tops.] Shine, shine, dear star of Love, yet one night more.

SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF Come in, my scraps of Lincoln green; come in, My slips of greenwood. You're much wanted here! Head, heart and eyes, we are all pent up in walls Of stone—nothing but walls on every side— And not a rose to break them—big blind walls, Neat smooth stone walls! Come in, my ragged robins; Come in, my jolly minions of the moon, My straggling hazel-boughs! Hey, bully friar, Come in, my knotted oak! Ho, little Much, Come in, my sweet green linnet. Come, my cushats, Larks, yellow-hammers, fern-owls, Oh, come in, Come in, my Dian's foresters, and drown us With may, with blossoming may! FITZWALTER Out, Shadow-of-a-Leaf! Welcome, welcome, good friends of Huntingdon, Or Robin Hood, by whatsoever name You best may love him. CRIES Robin! Robin! Robin! [Enter Robin Hood.] FITZWALTER Robin, so be it! Myself I am right glad To call him at this bright betrothal feast My son. [Lays a hand on Robin's shoulder.] Yet, though I would not cast a cloud Across our happy gathering, you'll forgive An old man and a father if he sees All your glad faces thro' a summer mist Of sadness. ROBIN Sadness? Yes, I understand. FITZWALTER No, Robin, no, you cannot understand. ROBIN Where's Marian? FITZWALTER Ay, that's all you think of, boy. But I must say a word to all of you Before she comes. ROBIN Why—what?... FITZWALTER No need to look So startled; but it is no secret here; For many of you are sharers of his wild Adventures. Now I hoped an end had come To these, until another rumour reached me, This very day, of yet another prank. You know, you know, how perilous a road My Marian must ride if Huntingdon Tramples the forest-laws beneath his heel And, in the thin disguise of Robin Hood, Succours the Saxon outlaws, makes his house A refuge for them, lavishes his wealth To feed their sick and needy. [The Sheriff and two of his men appear in the great doorway out of sight of the guests.] SHERIFF [Whispering.] Not yet! keep back! One of you go—see that the guards are set! He must not slip us. FITZWALTER Oh, I know his heart Is gold, but this is not an age of gold; And those who have must keep, or lose the power Even to help themselves. No—he must doff His green disguise of Robin Hood for ever, And wear his natural coat of Huntingdon. ROBIN Ah, which is the disguise? Day after day We rise and put our social armour on, A different mask for every friend; but steel Always to case our hearts. We are all so wrapped, So swathed, so muffled in habitual thought That now I swear we do not know our souls Or bodies from their winding-sheets; but Custom, Custom, the great god Custom, all day long Shovels the dirt upon us where we lie Buried alive and dreaming that we stand Upright and royal. Sir, I have great doubts About this world, doubts if we have the right To sit down here for this betrothal feast And gorge ourselves with plenty, when we know That for the scraps and crumbs which we let fall And never miss, children would kiss our hands And women weep in gratitude. Suppose A man fell wounded at your gates, you'd not Pass on and smile and leave him there to die. And can a few short miles of distance blind you? Miles, nay, a furlong is enough to close The gates of mercy. Must we thrust our hands Into the wounds before we can believe? Oh, is our sight so thick and gross? We came, We saw, we conquered with the Conqueror. We gave ourselves broad lands; and when our king Desired a wider hunting ground we set Hundreds of Saxon homes a-blaze and tossed Women and children back into the fire If they but wrung their hands against our will. And so we made our forest, and its leaves Were pitiful, more pitiful than man. They gave our homeless victims the same refuge And happy hiding place they give the birds And foxes. Then we made our forest-laws, And he that dared to hunt, even for food, Even on the ground where we had burned his hut, The ground we had drenched with his own kindred's blood, Poor foolish churl, why, we put out his eyes With red-hot irons, cut off both his hands, Torture him with such horrors that ... Christ God, How can I help but fight against it all? SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF Ah, gossips, if the Conqueror had but burned Everything with four walls, hut, castle, palace, And turned the whole wide world into a forest, Drenched us with may, we might be happy then! With sweet blue wood-smoke curling thro' the boughs, And just a pigeon's flap to break the silence, And ferns, of course, there's much to make men happy. Well, well, the forest conquers at the last! I saw a thistle in the castle courtyard, A purple thistle breaking thro' the pavement, Yesterday; and it's wonderful how soon Some creepers pick these old grey walls to pieces. These nunneries and these monasteries now, They don't spring up like flowers, so I suppose Old mother Nature wins the race at last. FITZWALTER Robin, my heart is with you, but I know A hundred ages will not change this earth. SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF [With a candle in his hand.] Gossip, suppose the sun goes out like this. Pouf! [Blows it out.] Stranger things have happened. FITZWALTER Silence, fool!... So, if you share your wealth with all the world Earth will be none the better, and my poor girl Will suffer for it. Where you got the gold You have already lavished on the poor Heaven knows. FRIAR TUCK Oh, by the mass and the sweet moon Of Sherwood, so do I? That's none so hard A riddle! SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF Ah, Friar Tuck, we know, we know! Under the hawthorn bough, and at the foot Of rainbows, that's where fairies hide their gold. Cut me a silver penny out of the moon Next time you're there. [Whispers.] Now tell me, have you brought Your quarter-staff? FRIAR TUCK [Whispering.] Hush! hush. SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF Oh, mum's the word! I see it! FITZWALTER Believe me, Robin, there's one way And only one—patience! When Lion-Heart Comes home from the Crusade, he will not brook This blot upon our chivalry. Prince John Is dangerous to a heart like yours. Beware Of rousing him. Meanwhile, your troth holds good; But, till the King comes home from the Crusade You must not claim your bride. ROBIN So be it, then.... When the great King comes home from the Crusade!... FITZWALTER Meanwhile for Marian's sake and mine, I pray Do nothing rash. [Enter Widow Scarlet. She goes up to Robin Hood.] WIDOW SCARLET Are you that Robin Hood They call the poor man's friend? ROBIN I am. WIDOW SCARLET They told me, They told me I should find you here. They told me! ROBIN Come, mother, what's the trouble? WIDOW SCARLET Sir, my son Will Scarlet lies in gaol at Nottingham For killing deer in Sherwood! Sir, they'll hang him. He only wanted food for him and me! They'll kill him, I tell you, they'll kill him. I can't help Crying it out. He's all I have, all! Save him! I'll pray for you, I'll ... ROBIN [To Fitzwalter, as he raises Widow Scarlet gently to her feet.] Sir, has not the King Come home from the Crusade? Does not your heart Fling open wide its gates to welcome him? FITZWALTER Robin, you set me riddles. Follow your conscience. Do what seems best. ROBIN I hope there is a way, Mother. I knew Will Scarlet. Better heart There never beat beneath a leather jerkin. He loved the forest and the forest loves him; And if the lads that wear the forest's livery Of living green should happen to break out And save Will Scarlet (as on my soul I swear, Mother, they shall!) why, that's a matter none Shall answer for to prince, or king, or God, But you and Robin Hood; and if the judgment Strike harder upon us than the heavenly smile Of sunshine thro' the greenwood, may it fall Upon my head alone. [Enter the Sheriff, with two of his men.] SHERIFF [Reads.] In the King's name! Thou, Earl of Huntingdon, by virtue of this writ art hereby attainted and deprived of thine earldom, thy lands and all thy goods and chattels whatsoever and whereas thou hast at divers times trespassed against the officers of the king by force of arms, thou art hereby outlawed and banished the realm. ROBIN That's well. [He laughs.] It puts an end to the great question Of how I shall dispose my wealth, Fitzwalter. But "banished"?—No! that is beyond their power While I have power to breathe, unless they banish The kind old oaks of Sherwood. They may call it "Outlawed," perhaps. FITZWALTER Who let the villain in Thro' doors of mine? CRIES Out with him! Out with him! [The guests draw swords and the Sheriff retreats thro' the doorway with his men.] ROBIN Stop! Put up your swords! He had his work to do. [Widow Scarlet falls sobbing at his feet.] WIDOW SCARLET O master, master, who will save my son, My son? ROBIN [Raising her.] Why, mother, this is but a dream, This poor fantastic strutting show of law! And you shall wake with us in Sherwood Forest And find Will Scarlet in your arms again. Come, cheerly, cheerly, we shall overcome All this. Hark! [A bugle sounds in the distance. There is a scuffle in the doorway and Little John bursts in with his head bleeding.] LITTLE JOHN Master, master, come away! They are setting a trap for thee, drawing their lines All round the castle. ROBIN How now, Little John, They have wounded thee! Art hurt? LITTLE JOHN No, no, that's nothing. Only a bloody cockscomb. Come, be swift, Or, if thou wert a fox, thou'dst never slip Between 'em. Ah, hear that? [Another bugle sounds from another direction.] That's number two. Two sides cut off already. When the third Sounds—they will have thee, sure as eggs is eggs. Prince John is there, Fitzwalter cannot save 'ee. They'll burn the castle down. ROBIN Prince John is there? LITTLE JOHN Ay, and my lord Fitzwalter had best look Well to my mistress Marian, if these ears Heard right as I came creeping thro' their lines. Look well to her, my lord, look well to her. Come, master, come, for God's sake, come away. FITZWALTER Robin, this is thy rashness. I warned thee, boy! Prince John! Nay, that's too perilous a jest For even a prince to play with me. Come, Robin, You must away and quickly. ROBIN Let me have One word with Marian. LITTLE JOHN It would be the last On earth. Come, if you ever wish to see Her face again. FITZWALTER Come, Robin, are you mad? You'll bring us all to ruin! [He opens a little door in the wall.] The secret passage, This brings you out by Much the Miller's wheel, Thro' an otter's burrow in the river bank. Come, quick, or you'll destroy us! Take this lanthorn. If you're in danger, slip into the stream And let it carry you down into the heart Of Sherwood. Come now, quickly, you must go! ROBIN The old cave, lads, in Sherwood, you know where To find me. Friar Tuck, bring Widow Scarlet Thither to-morrow, with a word or two From Lady Marian! FITZWALTER Quickly, quickly, go. [He pushes Robin and Little John into the opening and shuts the door. A pause.] Oh, I shall pay for this, this cursed folly! Henceforth I swear I wash my hands of him! [Enter Marian, from a door on the right above the banqueting hall. She pauses, pale and frightened, on the broad steps leading down.] MARIAN Father, where's Robin? FITZWALTER Child, I bade you stay Until I called you. MARIAN Something frightened me! Father, where's Robin? Where's Robin? FITZWALTER Hush, Marian, hark! [All stand listening.] SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF [Stealing to the foot of the stairs and whispering to Lady Marian.] Lady, they're all so silent now. I'll tell you I had a dream last night—there was a man That bled to death, because of four grey walls And a black-hooded nun. FITZWALTER [Angrily.] Hist, Shadow-of-a-Leaf! [The third bugle sounds. There is a clamour at the doors. Enter Prince John and his retainers.] JOHN [Mockingly.] Now this is fortunate! I come in time To see—Oh, what a picture! Lady Marian, Forgive me—coming suddenly out of the dark And seeing you there, robed in that dazzling white Above these verdant gentlemen, I feel Like one that greets the gracious evening star Thro' a gap in a great wood. Is aught amiss? Why are you all so silent? Ah, my good, My brave Fitzwalter, I most fervently Trust I am not inopportune. FITZWALTER My lord, I am glad that you can jest. I am sadly grieved And sorely disappointed in that youth Who has incurred your own displeasure. JOHN Ah? Your future son-in-law? FITZWALTER Never on earth! He is outlawed— MARIAN Outlawed! FITZWALTER And I wash my hands Of Huntingdon. His shadow shall not darken My doors again! JOHN That's vehement! Ha! ha! And what does Lady Marian say? MARIAN My father Speaks hastily. I am not so unworthy. FITZWALTER Unworthy? MARIAN Yes, unworthy as to desert him Because he is in trouble—the bravest man In England since the days of Hereward. You know why he is outlawed! FITZWALTER [To Prince John.] Sir, she speaks As the spoilt child of her old father's dotage. Give her no heed. She shall not meet with him On earth again, and till she promise this, She'll sun herself within the castle garden And never cross the draw-bridge. MARIAN Then I'll swim The moat! FRIAR TUCK Ha! ha! well spoken. MARIAN Oh, you forget, Father, you quite forget there is a King; And, when the King comes home from the Crusade, Will you forget Prince John and change once more? [Murmurs of assent from the Foresters.] JOHN Enough of this. Though I be prince, I am vice-gerent too! Fitzwalter, I would have some private talk With you and Lady Marian. Bid your guests Remove a little— FITZWALTER I'll lead them all within! And let them make what cheer they may. Come, friends. [He leads them up the stairs to the inner room.] My lord, I shall return immediately! [Exeunt Fitzwalter and the guests.] JOHN Marian! MARIAN My lord! JOHN [Drawing close to her.] I have come to urge a plea On your behalf as well as on my own! Listen, you may not know it—I must tell you. I have watched your beauty growing like a flower, With—why should I not say it—worship; yes, Marian, I will not hide it. MARIAN Sir, you are mad! Sir, and your bride, your bride, not three months wedded! You cannot mean ... JOHN Listen to me! Ah, Marian, You'd be more merciful if you knew all! D'you think that princes wed to please themselves? MARIAN Sir, English maidens do; and I am plighted Not to a prince, but to an outlawed man. JOHN Listen to me! One word! Marian, one word! I never meant you harm! Indeed, what harm Could come of this? Is not your father poor? I'd make him rich! Is not your lover outlawed? I'd save him from the certain death that waits him. You say the forest-laws afflict your soul And his—you say you'd die for their repeal! Well—I'll repeal them. All the churls in England Shall bless your name and mix it in their prayers With heaven itself. MARIAN The price? JOHN You call it that! To let me lay the world before your feet, To let me take this little hand in mine. Why should I hide my love from you? MARIAN No more, I'll hear no more! You are a prince, you say? JOHN One word—suppose it some small sacrifice, To save those churls for whom you say your heart Bleeds; yet you will not lift your little finger To save them! And what hinders you?—A breath, A dream, a golden rule! Can you not break it For a much greater end? MARIAN I'd die to save them. JOHN Then live to save them. MARIAN No, you will not let me; D'you think that bartering my soul will help To save another? If there's no way but this, Then through my lips those suffering hundreds cry, We choose the suffering. All that is good in them, All you have left, all you have not destroyed, Cries out against you: and I'll go to them, Suffer and toil and love and die with them Rather than touch your hand. You over-rate Your power to hurt our souls. You are mistaken! There is a golden rule! JOHN And with such lips You take to preaching! I was a fool to worry Your soul with reason. With hair like yours—it's hopeless! But Marian—you shall hear me. [He catches her in his arms.] Yes, by God, Marian, you shall! I love you. MARIAN [Struggling.] You should not live! JOHN One kiss, then! Devil take it. [Enter Fitzwalter above.] MARIAN [Wresting herself free.] You should not live! Were I a man and not a helpless girl You should not live! JOHN Come, now, that's very wicked. See how these murderous words affright your father. My good Fitzwalter, there's no need to look So ghastly. For your sake and hers and mine I have been trying to make your girl forget The name of Huntingdon. A few short months At our gay court would blot his memory out! I promise her a life of dazzling pleasures, And, in return she flies at me—a tigress— Clamouring for my blood! Try to persuade her! FITZWALTER My lord, you are very good. She must decide Herself. JOHN [Angrily.] I'll not be trifled with! I hold The hand of friendship out and you evade it, The moment I am gone, back comes your outlaw. You say you have no power with your own child! Well, then I'll take her back this very night; Back to the court with me. How do I know What treasons you are hatching here? I'll take her As hostage for yourself. FITZWALTER My lord, you jest! I have sworn to you. JOHN No more! If you be loyal, What cause have you to fear? FITZWALTER My lord, I'll give A hundred other pledges; but not this. JOHN By heaven, will you dictate your terms to me? I say that she shall come back to the court This very night! Ho, there, my men. [Enter John's retainers.] Escort This lady back with us. FITZWALTER Back there, keep back. Prince or no prince, I say she shall not go! [He draws his sword.] I'd rather see her Begging in rags with outlawed Huntingdon Than that one finger of yours should soil her glove. JOHN So here's an end of fawning, here's the truth, My old white-bearded hypocrite. Come, take her, Waste no more time. Let not the old fool daunt you With that great skewer. FITZWALTER [As John's men advance.] By God, since you will have it, Since you will drive me to my last resort, Break down my walls, and hound me to the forest, This is the truth! Out of my gates! Ho, help! A Robin Hood! A Robin Hood! [There is a clamour from the upper room. The doors are flung open and the Foresters appear at the head of the steps.] FRIAR TUCK [Coming down into the hall and brandishing his quarter-staff.] A Robin? Who calls on Robin Hood? His men are here To answer. FITZWALTER Drive these villains out of my gates. FRIAR TUCK [To Prince John.] Sir, I perceive you are a man of wisdom, So let me counsel you. There's not a lad Up yonder, but at four-score yards can shoot A swallow on the wing. They have drunken deep. I cannot answer but their hands might loose Their shafts before they know it. Now shall I give The word? Ready, my lads! [The Foresters make ready to shoot. John hesitates for a moment.] JOHN My Lady Marian, One word, and then I'll take my leave of you! [She pays no heed.] Farewell, then! I have five-score men at hand! And they shall be but lightning to the hell Of my revenge, Fitzwalter. I will not leave One stone upon another. From this night's work Shall God Himself not save you. [Exeunt John and his men.] FRIAR TUCK [As they go out.] My Lord Fitzwalter! I have confessed him! Shall I bid 'em shoot? 'Twill save a world of trouble. FITZWALTER No; or the King Himself will come against me. Follow them out, Drive them out of my gates, then raise the drawbridge And let none cross. Oh, I foresaw, foretold! Robin has wrecked us all! [Exeunt the Foresters and Fitzwalter. Shadow-of-a-Leaf remains alone with Marian.] MARIAN [She flings herself down on a couch and buries her head in her arms.] O Robin, Robin, I cannot lose you now! SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF [Sitting at her feet. The lights grow dim.] Ah, well, the prince Promised to break the walls down. Don't you think These villains are a sort of ploughshare, lady, And where they plough, who knows what wheat may spring! The lights are burning low and very low; So, Lady Marian, let me tell my dream. There was a forester that bled to death Because of four grey walls and a black nun Whose face I could not see—but, oh, beware! Though I am but your fool, your Shadow-of-a-Leaf, Dancing before the wild winds of the future, I feel them thrilling through my tattered wits Long ere your wisdom feels them. My poor brain Is like a harp hung in a willow-tree Swept by the winds of fate. I am but a fool, But oh, beware of that black-hooded nun. MARIAN This is no time for jesting, Shadow-of-a-Leaf. SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF The lights are burning low. Do you not feel A cold breath on your face? MARIAN Fling back that shutter! Look out and tell me what is happening. SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF [Flinging back the shutter.] Look, Look, gossip, how the moon comes dancing in. Ah, they have driven Prince John across the drawbridge. They are raising it, now! [There are cries in the distance, then a heavy sound of chains clanking and silence. Shadow-of-a-Leaf turns from the window and stands in the stream of moonlight, pointing to the door on the left.] Look! Look! MARIAN [Starting up with a cry of fear.] Ah! [The tall figure of a nun glides into the moonlit hall and throwing back her hood reveals the face of Queen Elinor.] ELINOR Lady Marion, Tell me quickly, where is Huntingdon hiding? MARIAN The Queen! ELINOR Yes! Yes! I donned this uncouth garb To pass through your besiegers. If Prince John Discover it, all is lost. Come, tell me quickly, Where is Robin? MARIAN Escaped, I hope. ELINOR Not here? MARIAN No! ELINOR Come, dear Lady Marian, do not doubt me. I am here to save you both. MARIAN He is not here. ELINOR Ah, but you know where I may find him, Marian. All will be lost if you delay to tell me Where I may speak with him. He is in peril. By dawn Prince John will have five hundred men Beleaguering the castle. You are all ruined Unless you trust me! Armies will scour the woods To hunt him down. Even now he may be wounded, Helpless to save himself. MARIAN Wounded! ELINOR Dear child, Take me to him. Here, on this holy cross, My mother's dying gift, I swear to you I wish to save him. MARIAN Oh, but how? ELINOR Trust me! MARIAN Wounded! He may be wounded! Oh, if I could, I'd go to him! I am helpless, prisoned here. My father ... ELINOR I alone can save your father. Give me your word that if I can persuade him, You'll lead me to your lover's hiding place, And let me speak with him. [Enter Fitzwalter.] Ah, my Lord Fitzwalter! FITZWALTER The queen! O madam, madam, I am driven Beyond myself. This girl, this foolish girl Has brought us all to ruin. This Huntingdon, As I foresaw, foresaw, foretold, foretold, Has dragged me down with him. ELINOR I am on your side, If you will hear me; and you yet may gain A son in Robin Hood. FITZWALTER Madam, I swear I have done with him. I pray you do not jest; But if you'll use your power to save my lands ... I was provoked!... Prince John required this child here— ELINOR Oh, I know! But you'll forgive him that! I do not wonder That loveliness like hers— FITZWALTER Ay, but you'll pardon A father's natural anger. Madam, I swear I was indeed provoked. But you'll assure him I've washed my hands of Huntingdon. MARIAN And yet His men are, even now, guarding your walls! Father, you cannot, you shall not— FITZWALTER Oh, be silent! Who wrapt me in this tangle? Are you bent On driving me out in my old age to seek Shelter in caves and woods? ELINOR My good Fitzwalter, It has not come to that! If you will trust me All will be well; but I must speak a word With Robin Hood. FITZWALTER You! ELINOR Oh, I have a reason. Your daughter knows his hiding place. FITZWALTER She knows! ELINOR Oh, trust them both for that. I am risking much! To-morrow she shall guide me there. This bird Being flown, trust me to make your peace with John. FITZWALTER But—Marian! ELINOR She'll be safer far with Robin, Than loitering here until your roof-tree burns. I think you know it. Fitzwalter, I can save you, I swear it on this cross. FITZWALTER But—Marian! Marian! ELINOR Your castle wrapt in flame!... There's nought to fear, If she could—Marian, once, at a court masque, You wore a page's dress of Lincoln green, And a green hood that muffled half your face, I could have sworn 'twas Robin come again— He was my page, you know— Wear it to-morrow—go, child, bid your maid Make ready—we'll set out betimes. MARIAN [Going up to her father.] I'll go, If you will let me, father. He may be wounded! Father, forgive me. Let me go to him. ELINOR Go, child, first do my bidding. He'll consent When you return. [Exit Marian.] My dear good friend Fitzwalter, Trust me, I have some power with Huntingdon. All shall be as you wish. I'll let her guide me, But—as for her—she shall not even see him Unless you wish. Trust me to wind them all Around my little finger. FITZWALTER It is dark here. Let us within. Madam, I think you are right. And you'll persuade Prince John? ELINOR [As they go up the steps.] I swear by this, This holy cross, my mother's dying gift! FITZWALTER It's very sure he'd burn the castle down. [Exeunt.] SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF [Coming out into the moonlight and staring up after them.] The nun! The nun! They'll whip me if I speak, For I am only Shadow-of-a-Leaf, the Fool. [Curtain.]