ACT V
Scene I. Morning. Sherwood Forest (as before). Little John and some of the Outlaws are gathered together talking. Occasionally they look anxiously toward the cave and at the approaches through the wood. Enter two Foresters, running and breathless.
FIRST FORESTER
The King's men! They are scouring thro' the wood,
Two troops of them, five hundred men in each
And more are following.
Two troops of them, five hundred men in each
And more are following.
SECOND FORESTER
We must away from here
And quickly.
And quickly.
LITTLE JOHN
Where did you sight them?
SECOND FORESTER
FIRST FORESTER
Five, about five. We saw the sunlight flash
Along, at least five hundred men at arms;
And, to the north, along another line,
Bigger, I think; but not so near.
Along, at least five hundred men at arms;
And, to the north, along another line,
Bigger, I think; but not so near.
SECOND FORESTER
Where's Robin?
We must away at once!
We must away at once!
FIRST FORESTER
No time to lose!
LITTLE JOHN
His wound is bitter—I know not if we dare
Move him!
Move him!
FIRST FORESTER
His wound?
LITTLE JOHN
Ay, some damned arrow pierced him
When he escaped last night from the Dark Tower.
He never spoke of it when first he reached us;
And, suddenly, he swooned. He is asleep
Now. He must not be wakened. They will take
Some time yet ere they thread our forest-maze.
When he escaped last night from the Dark Tower.
He never spoke of it when first he reached us;
And, suddenly, he swooned. He is asleep
Now. He must not be wakened. They will take
Some time yet ere they thread our forest-maze.
FIRST FORESTER
Not long, by God, not long. They are moving fast.
[Marian appears at the mouth of the cave. All turn to look at her, expectantly. She seems in distress.]
MARIAN
FRIAR TUCK
I've sent
A messenger to Kirklee Priory,
Where my old friend the Prioress hath store
Of balms and simples, and hath often helped
A wounded forester. Could we take him there,
Her skill would quickly heal him.
A messenger to Kirklee Priory,
Where my old friend the Prioress hath store
Of balms and simples, and hath often helped
A wounded forester. Could we take him there,
Her skill would quickly heal him.
LITTLE JOHN
The time is pressing!
FRIAR TUCK
The lad will not be long!
[Robin appears tottering and white at the mouth of the cave.]
MARIAN
[Running to him.]
O Robin, Robin,
You must not rise! Your wound!
You must not rise! Your wound!
ROBIN
[He speaks feverishly.]
Where can I rest
Better than on my greenwood throne of turf?
Friar, I heard them say they had some prisoners.
Bring them before me.
Better than on my greenwood throne of turf?
Friar, I heard them say they had some prisoners.
Bring them before me.
FRIAR TUCK
Master, you are fevered,
And they can wait.
And they can wait.
ROBIN
Yes, yes; but there are some
That cannot wait, that die for want of food,
And then—the Norman gold will come too late,
Too late.
That cannot wait, that die for want of food,
And then—the Norman gold will come too late,
Too late.
LITTLE JOHN
O master, you must rest.
O master, you must rest.
MARIAN
Oh, help me,
Help me with him. Help me to lead him back.
Oh, help me,
Help me with him. Help me to lead him back.
ROBIN
No! No! You must not touch me! I will rest
When I have seen the prisoners, not before.
When I have seen the prisoners, not before.
LITTLE JOHN
He means it, mistress, better humour him
Or he will break his wound afresh.
Or he will break his wound afresh.
MARIAN
O Robin,
Give me your word that you'll go back and rest,
When you have seen them.
Give me your word that you'll go back and rest,
When you have seen them.
ROBIN
Yes, I will try, I will try!
But oh, the sunlight! Where better, sweet, than this?
But oh, the sunlight! Where better, sweet, than this?
[She leads him to the throne of turf and he sits down upon it, with Marian at his side.]
The Friar is right. This life is wine, red wine,
Under the greenwood boughs! Oh, still to keep it,
One little glen of justice in the midst
Of multitudinous wrong. Who knows? We yet
May leaven the whole world.
Under the greenwood boughs! Oh, still to keep it,
One little glen of justice in the midst
Of multitudinous wrong. Who knows? We yet
May leaven the whole world.
[Enter the Outlaws, with several prisoners, among them, a Knight, an Abbot, and a Forester.]
Those are the prisoners?
You had some victims of the forest laws
That came to you for help. Bring them in, too,
And set them over against these lords of the earth!
You had some victims of the forest laws
That came to you for help. Bring them in, too,
And set them over against these lords of the earth!
[Some ragged women and children appear. Several serfs with iron collars round their necks and their eyes put out, are led gently in.]
LITTLE JOHN
Ay, more's the pity!
We took him out of pity, and he has wronged
Our honour, sir; he has wronged a helpless woman
Entrusted to his guidance thro' the forest.
We took him out of pity, and he has wronged
Our honour, sir; he has wronged a helpless woman
Entrusted to his guidance thro' the forest.
ROBIN
Ever the same, the danger comes from those
We fight for, those below, not those above!
Which of you will betray me to the King?
We fight for, those below, not those above!
Which of you will betray me to the King?
THE FORESTER
Do you ask me, sir?
ROBIN
Judas answered first,
With "Master, is it I?" Hang not thy head!
What say'st thou to this charge?
With "Master, is it I?" Hang not thy head!
What say'st thou to this charge?
THE FORESTER
Why, Friar Tuck
Can answer for me. Do you think he cares
Less for a woman's lips than I?
Can answer for me. Do you think he cares
Less for a woman's lips than I?
FRIAR TUCK
Cares less,
Thou rotten radish? Nay, but a vast deal more!
God's three best gifts to man,—woman and song
And wine, what dost thou know of all their joy?
Thou lean pick-purse of kisses?
Thou rotten radish? Nay, but a vast deal more!
God's three best gifts to man,—woman and song
And wine, what dost thou know of all their joy?
Thou lean pick-purse of kisses?
ROBIN
Take him out,
Friar, and let him pack his goods and go,
Whither he will. I trust the knave to thee
And thy good quarter-staff, for some five minutes
Before he says "Farewell."
Friar, and let him pack his goods and go,
Whither he will. I trust the knave to thee
And thy good quarter-staff, for some five minutes
Before he says "Farewell."
FRIAR
Bring him along,
Give him a quarter-staff, I'll thrash him roundly.
Give him a quarter-staff, I'll thrash him roundly.
[He goes out. Two of the Foresters follow with the prisoner. Others bring the Abbot before Robin.]
ROBIN
Ah! Ha! I know him, the godly usurer
Of York!
Of York!
LITTLE JOHN
We saw a woman beg for alms,
One of the sufferers by the rule which gave
This portly Norman his fat priory
And his abundant lands. We heard him say
That he was helpless, had not one poor coin
To give her, not a scrap of bread! He wears
Purple beneath his cloak: his fine sleek palfrey
Flaunted an Emperor's trappings!
One of the sufferers by the rule which gave
This portly Norman his fat priory
And his abundant lands. We heard him say
That he was helpless, had not one poor coin
To give her, not a scrap of bread! He wears
Purple beneath his cloak: his fine sleek palfrey
Flaunted an Emperor's trappings!
ABBOT
Man, the Church
Must keep her dignity!
Must keep her dignity!
ROBIN
[Pointing to the poor woman, etc.]
Ay, look at it!
There is your dignity! And you must wear
Silk next your skin to show it. But there was one
You call your Master, and He had not where
To lay His head, save one of these same trees!
There is your dignity! And you must wear
Silk next your skin to show it. But there was one
You call your Master, and He had not where
To lay His head, save one of these same trees!
ABBOT
Do you blaspheme! I pray you, let me go!
There are grave matters waiting. I am poor!
There are grave matters waiting. I am poor!
ROBIN
ABBOT
[Hurriedly.]
I have five marks
In all the world, no more. I'll give them to you!
In all the world, no more. I'll give them to you!
ROBIN
Look in his purse and see.
[They pour a heap of gold out of his purse.]
ROBIN
Five marks, Indeed!
Here's, at the least, a hundred marks in gold!
Here's, at the least, a hundred marks in gold!
ABBOT
That is my fees, my fees; you must not take them!
ROBIN
The ancient miracle!—five loaves, two small fishes;
And then—of what remained—they gathered up
Twelve basketsful!
And then—of what remained—they gathered up
Twelve basketsful!
ABBOT
Oh, you blaspheming villains!
ROBIN
Abbot, I chance to know how this was wrought,
This miracle; wrought with the blood, anguish and sweat
Of toiling peasants, while the cobwebs clustered
Around your lordly cellars of red wine.
Give him his five and let him go.
This miracle; wrought with the blood, anguish and sweat
Of toiling peasants, while the cobwebs clustered
Around your lordly cellars of red wine.
Give him his five and let him go.
ABBOT
[Going out.]
The King
Shall hear of this! The King will hunt you down!
Shall hear of this! The King will hunt you down!
ROBIN
SCARLET
Beseech you, sir, to rest,
Your wound will—
Your wound will—
ROBIN
No! The next, show me the next!
SCARLET
This Norman baron—
ROBIN
What, another friend!
Another master of broad territories.
How many homes were burned to make you lord
Of half a shire? What hath he in his purse?
Another master of broad territories.
How many homes were burned to make you lord
Of half a shire? What hath he in his purse?
SCARLET
Gold and to spare!
BARON
To keep up mine estate
I need much more.
I need much more.
ROBIN
[Pointing to the poor.]
Ay, you need these! these! these!
BARON
[Protesting.]
I am not rich.
ROBIN
Look in his purse and see.
BARON
ROBIN
[Murmuring as if to himself.]
Five loaves!
And yet, of what remained, they gathered up
Twelve basketsful. The bread of human kindness
Goes far! Oh, I begin to see new meanings
In that old miracle! How much? How much?
And yet, of what remained, they gathered up
Twelve basketsful. The bread of human kindness
Goes far! Oh, I begin to see new meanings
In that old miracle! How much? How much?
SCARLET
Five hundred marks in gold!
ROBIN
[Half rising and speaking with a sudden passion.]
His churls are starving,
Starving! Their little children cry for bread!
One of those jewels on his baldric there
Would feed them all in plenty all their lives!
Five loaves—and yet—and yet—of what remained,
The fragments, mark you, twelve great basketsful!
Starving! Their little children cry for bread!
One of those jewels on his baldric there
Would feed them all in plenty all their lives!
Five loaves—and yet—and yet—of what remained,
The fragments, mark you, twelve great basketsful!
BARON
I am in a madman's power! The man is mad!
ROBIN
Take all he has, all you can get. To-night,
When all is dark (we must have darkness, mind,
For deeds like this) blind creatures will creep out
With groping hands and gaping mouths, lean arms,
And shrivelled bodies, branded, fettered, lame,
Distorted, horrible; and they will weep
Great tears like gouts of blood upon our feet,
And we shall succour them and make them think
(That's if you have not mangled their poor souls
As well, or burned their children with their homes),
We'll try to make them think that some few roods
Of earth are not so bitter as hell might be.
Are you not glad to think of this? Nay—go—
Or else your face will haunt me when I die!
Take him quickly away. The next! The next!
O God!
When all is dark (we must have darkness, mind,
For deeds like this) blind creatures will creep out
With groping hands and gaping mouths, lean arms,
And shrivelled bodies, branded, fettered, lame,
Distorted, horrible; and they will weep
Great tears like gouts of blood upon our feet,
And we shall succour them and make them think
(That's if you have not mangled their poor souls
As well, or burned their children with their homes),
We'll try to make them think that some few roods
Of earth are not so bitter as hell might be.
Are you not glad to think of this? Nay—go—
Or else your face will haunt me when I die!
Take him quickly away. The next! The next!
O God!
MARIAN
[Bending over him.]
O Robin! Robin! Help him quickly.
The wound! The wound!
The wound! The wound!
[They gather round Robin. The Outlaws come back with the captive Forester, his pack upon his back.]
FRIAR TUCK
[To the Forester.]
Now, get you gone and quickly!
What, what hath happened?
What, what hath happened?
[Friar Tuck and the Outlaws join the throng round Robin.
The Forester shakes his fist at them and goes across the glade muttering. The
Messenger from Kirklee Priory
comes out of the forest at the same moment and speaks to
him, not knowing of his dismissal.]
MESSENGER
All's well! Robin can come
To Kirklee. Our old friend the Prioress
Is there, and faithful! They've all balms and simples
To heal a wound.
To Kirklee. Our old friend the Prioress
Is there, and faithful! They've all balms and simples
To heal a wound.
FORESTER
[Staring at him.]
To Kirklee?
MESSENGER
Yes, at sunset,
We'll take him to the borders of the wood
All will be safe.
Where he can steal in easily, alone.
We'll take him to the borders of the wood
All will be safe.
Where he can steal in easily, alone.
FORESTER
The King's men are at hand!
MESSENGER
FORESTER
When is he to go?
MESSENGER
Almost at once; but he must not steal in
Till sundown, when the nuns are all in chapel.
How now? What's this? What's this?
Till sundown, when the nuns are all in chapel.
How now? What's this? What's this?
[He goes across to the throng round Robin.]
FORESTER
[Looking after him.]
Alone, to Kirklee!
[Exit.]
Scene II. A room in Kirklee Priory. A window on the right overlooks a cloister leading up to the chapel door. The forest is seen in the distance, the sun beginning to set behind it. The Prioress and a Novice are sitting in a window-seat engaged in broidery work.
NOVICE
He must be a good man—this Robin Hood!
I long to see him. Father used to say
England had known none like him since the days
Of Hereward the Wake.
I long to see him. Father used to say
England had known none like him since the days
Of Hereward the Wake.
PRIORESS
He will be here
By vespers. You shall let him in. Who's that?
Can that be he? It is not sundown yet.
See who is there.
By vespers. You shall let him in. Who's that?
Can that be he? It is not sundown yet.
See who is there.
[Exit Novice. She returns excitedly.]
NOVICE
A lady asks to see you!
She is robed like any nun and yet she spoke
Like a great lady—one that is used to rule More than obey; and on her breast I saw
A ruby smouldering like a secret fire
Beneath her cloak. She bade me say she came
On Robin Hood's behest.
She is robed like any nun and yet she spoke
Like a great lady—one that is used to rule More than obey; and on her breast I saw
A ruby smouldering like a secret fire
Beneath her cloak. She bade me say she came
On Robin Hood's behest.
PRIORESS
What? Bring her in
Quickly.
Quickly.
[Exit Novice and returns with Queen Elinor in a nun's garb. At
the sign from the Prioress the Novice retires.]
ELINOR
Madam, I come to beg a favour.
I am a friend of Robin Hood. I have heard—
One of his Foresters, this very noon
Brought me the news—that he is sorely wounded;
And purposes to seek your kindly help
At Kirklee Priory.
I am a friend of Robin Hood. I have heard—
One of his Foresters, this very noon
Brought me the news—that he is sorely wounded;
And purposes to seek your kindly help
At Kirklee Priory.
PRIORESS
Oh, then indeed,
You must be a great friend, for this was kept
Most secret from all others.
You must be a great friend, for this was kept
Most secret from all others.
ELINOR
A great friend!
He was my page some fifteen years ago,
And all his life I have watched over him
As if he were my son! I have come to beg
A favour—let me see him when he comes.
My husband was a soldier, and I am skilled
In wounds. In Palestine I saved his life
When every leech despaired of it, a wound
Caused by a poisoned arrow.
He was my page some fifteen years ago,
And all his life I have watched over him
As if he were my son! I have come to beg
A favour—let me see him when he comes.
My husband was a soldier, and I am skilled
In wounds. In Palestine I saved his life
When every leech despaired of it, a wound
Caused by a poisoned arrow.
PRIORESS
You shall see him.
I have some skill myself in balms and simples,
But, in these deadlier matters I would fain
Trust to your wider knowledge.
I have some skill myself in balms and simples,
But, in these deadlier matters I would fain
Trust to your wider knowledge.
ELINOR
Let me see him alone;
Alone, you understand. His mind is fevered.
I have an influence over him. Do not say
That I am here, or aught that will excite him.
Better say nothing—lead him gently in,
And leave him. In my hands he is like a child.
Alone, you understand. His mind is fevered.
I have an influence over him. Do not say
That I am here, or aught that will excite him.
Better say nothing—lead him gently in,
And leave him. In my hands he is like a child.
PRIORESS
It shall be done. I see you are subtly versed
In the poor workings of our mortal minds.
In the poor workings of our mortal minds.
ELINOR
I learnt much from a wise old Eastern leech
When I was out in Palestine.
When I was out in Palestine.
PRIORESS
I have heard
They have great powers and magic remedies;
They can restore youth to the withered frame.
They have great powers and magic remedies;
They can restore youth to the withered frame.
ELINOR
There is only one thing that they cannot do.
PRIORESS
And what?
ELINOR
They cannot raise the dead.
PRIORESS
Ah, no;
I am most glad to hear you say it, most glad
To know we think alike. That is most true—
Yes—yes—most true; for God alone, dear friend,
Can raise the dead!
I am most glad to hear you say it, most glad
To know we think alike. That is most true—
Yes—yes—most true; for God alone, dear friend,
Can raise the dead!
[A bell begins tolling slowly.]
[Shadowy figures of nuns pass the windows and enter the chapel. The sunset deepens.]
Will you not pray
With me?
With me?
[The Prioress and Queen Elinor kneel down together before a little shrine. Enter the Novice.]
NOVICE
There is a forester at the door.
Mother, I think 'tis he!
Mother, I think 'tis he!
PRIORESS
[Rising.]
Admit him, then.
ELINOR
Leave me: I will keep praying till he comes.
PRIORESS
You are trembling! You are not afraid?
ELINOR
[With eyes closed as in strenuous devotion.]
No; no;
Leave me, I am but praying!
Leave me, I am but praying!
[A chant swells up in the chapel. Exit Prioress. Elinor continues
muttering as in prayer. Enter Robin Hood,
steadying himself on his bow, weak and white. She
rises and passes between him and the door to confront
him.]
ELINOR
Ah, Robin, you have come to me at last
For healing. Pretty Marian cannot help you
With all her kisses.
For healing. Pretty Marian cannot help you
With all her kisses.
ROBIN HOOD
[Staring at her wildly.]
You! I did not know
That you were here. I did not ask your help.
I must go—Marian!
That you were here. I did not ask your help.
I must go—Marian!
[He tries to reach the door, but reels in a half faint on the way.
Elinor supports him as he pauses, panting for breath.]
ELINOR
Robin, your heart is hard,
Both to yourself and me. You cannot go,
Rejecting the small help which I can give
As if I were a leper. Ah, come back.
Are you so unforgiving? God forgives!
Did you not see me praying for your sake?
Think, if you think not of yourself, oh, think
Of Marian—can you leave her clinging arms
Yet, for the cold grave, Robin? I have risked
Much, life itself, to bring you help this day!
I have some skill in wounds.
Both to yourself and me. You cannot go,
Rejecting the small help which I can give
As if I were a leper. Ah, come back.
Are you so unforgiving? God forgives!
Did you not see me praying for your sake?
Think, if you think not of yourself, oh, think
Of Marian—can you leave her clinging arms
Yet, for the cold grave, Robin? I have risked
Much, life itself, to bring you help this day!
I have some skill in wounds.
[She holds him closer and brings her face near to his own, looking
into his eyes.]
Ah, do you know
How slowly, how insidiously this death
Creeps, coil by tightening coil, around a man,
When he is weak as you are? Do you know
How the last subtle coil slips round your throat
And the flat snake-like head lifts up and peers
With cruel eyes of cold, keen inquisition,
Rivetting your own, until the blunt mouth sucks
Your breath out with one long, slow, poisonous kiss?
How slowly, how insidiously this death
Creeps, coil by tightening coil, around a man,
When he is weak as you are? Do you know
How the last subtle coil slips round your throat
And the flat snake-like head lifts up and peers
With cruel eyes of cold, keen inquisition,
Rivetting your own, until the blunt mouth sucks
Your breath out with one long, slow, poisonous kiss?
ROBIN HOOD
O God, that nightmare! Leave me! Let me go!
ELINOR
You stare at me as if you saw that snake.
Ha! Ha! Your nerves are shaken; you are so weak! You cannot go! What! Fainting? Ah, rest here
Upon this couch.
Ha! Ha! Your nerves are shaken; you are so weak! You cannot go! What! Fainting? Ah, rest here
Upon this couch.
[She half supports, half thrusts him back to a couch, in an alcove
out of sight and draws a curtain. There is a knock at
the door.]
ELINOR
Who's there?
PRIORESS
Madam, I came
To know if I could help in anything.
To know if I could help in anything.
ELINOR
Nothing! His blood runs languidly. It needs
The pricking of a vein to make the heart
Beat, and the sluggish rivers flow. I have brought
A lance for it. I'll let a little blood.
Not over-much; enough, enough to set
The pulses throbbing.
The pricking of a vein to make the heart
Beat, and the sluggish rivers flow. I have brought
A lance for it. I'll let a little blood.
Not over-much; enough, enough to set
The pulses throbbing.
PRIORESS
Maid Marian came with him.
She waits without and asks—
She waits without and asks—
ELINOR
Let her not come
Near him till all is done. Let her not know
Anything, or the old fever will awake.
I'll lance his arm now!
Near him till all is done. Let her not know
Anything, or the old fever will awake.
I'll lance his arm now!
[The Prioress closes the door. Elinor goes into the alcove. The
chant from the chapel swells up again. Queen Elinor comes out of the alcove, white and trembling.
She speaks in a low whisper as she looks back.]
Now, trickle down, sweet blood. Grow white, fond lips
That have kissed Marian—yet, she shall not boast
You kissed her last; for I will have you wake
To the fierce memory of this kiss in heaven
Or burn with it in hell;
That have kissed Marian—yet, she shall not boast
You kissed her last; for I will have you wake
To the fierce memory of this kiss in heaven
Or burn with it in hell;
[She kneels down as if to kiss the face of Robin, within. The
chant from the chapel swells up more loudly. The door
slowly opens. Marian steals in. Elinor rises and confronts
her.]
ELINOR
[Laying a hand upon Robin's bow beside her.]
Hush! Do not wake him!
MARIAN
[In a low voice.]
What have you done with him?
ELINOR
[As Marian advances towards the couch.]
He is asleep.
Hush! Not a step further! Stay where you are! His life
Hangs on a thread.
Hush! Not a step further! Stay where you are! His life
Hangs on a thread.
MARIAN
Why do you stare upon me?
What have you done? What's this that trickles down—
Why do you stare upon me?
What have you done? What's this that trickles down—
[Stoops to the floor and leaps back with a scream.]
It is blood. You have killed him!
ELINOR
[Seizes the bow and shoots. Marian falls.]
Follow him—down to hell.
King John will find you there.
King John will find you there.
[Exit. The scene grows dark.]
MARIAN
[Lifts her head with a groan.]
I am dying, Robin!
O God, I cannot wake him! Robin! Robin!
Give me one word to take into the dark!
He will not wake! He will not wake! O God,
Help him!
O God, I cannot wake him! Robin! Robin!
Give me one word to take into the dark!
He will not wake! He will not wake! O God,
Help him!
[She falls back unconscious. Shadow-of-a-Leaf, a green spray
in his hand, opens the casement and stands for a moment
in the window against the last glow of sunset, then
enters and runs to the side of Robin.]
SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF
[Hurriedly.]
Awake, awake, Robin, awake!
The forest waits to help you! All the leaves
Are listening for your bugle. Ah, where is it?
Let but one echo sound and the wild flowers
Will break thro' these grey walls and the green sprays
Drag down these deadly towers. Wake, Robin, wake,
And let the forest drown the priest's grey song
With happy murmurs. Robin, the gates are open
For you and Marian! All I had to give
I have given to thrust them open, the dear gates
Of fairyland which I shall never pass
Again. I can no more, I am but a shadow,
Dying as mortals die! It is not I
That calls, not I, but Marian. Hear her voice!
Robin, awake!
O, master mine, farewell!
The forest waits to help you! All the leaves
Are listening for your bugle. Ah, where is it?
Let but one echo sound and the wild flowers
Will break thro' these grey walls and the green sprays
Drag down these deadly towers. Wake, Robin, wake,
And let the forest drown the priest's grey song
With happy murmurs. Robin, the gates are open
For you and Marian! All I had to give
I have given to thrust them open, the dear gates
Of fairyland which I shall never pass
Again. I can no more, I am but a shadow,
Dying as mortals die! It is not I
That calls, not I, but Marian. Hear her voice!
Robin, awake!
O, master mine, farewell!
[Exit lingeringly through the casement.]
ROBIN
[Robin is dimly seen in the mouth of the alcove. He stretches out
his hands blindly in the dark.]
Marian! Why do you call to me in dreams?
Why do you call me? I must go. What's this?
Help me, kind God, for I must say one word,
Only one word—good-bye—to Marian,
To Marian—Ah, too weak, too weak!
Why do you call me? I must go. What's this?
Help me, kind God, for I must say one word,
Only one word—good-bye—to Marian,
To Marian—Ah, too weak, too weak!
[He sees the dark body of Marian and utters a cry, falling on his
knees beside her.]
[He rises to his feet and, drowning the distant organ-music, he
blows a resounding forest-call. It is answered by several
in the forest. He falls on his knees by Marian and
takes her in his arms.]
O Marian, Marian, who hath used thee so?
MARIAN
Robin, it is my death-wound. Ah, come close.
ROBIN
Marian, Marian, what have they done to thee?
[The Outlaws are heard thundering at the gates with cries.]
OUTLAWS
Robin! Robin! Robin! Break down the doors.
[The terrified nuns stream past the window, out of the chapel.
The Outlaws rush into the room. The scene still
darkens.]
SCARLET
Robin and Marian!
LITTLE JOHN
Christ, what devil's hand
Hath played the butcher here? Quick, hunt them down,
They passed out yonder. Let them not outlive
Our murdered king and queen.
Hath played the butcher here? Quick, hunt them down,
They passed out yonder. Let them not outlive
Our murdered king and queen.
REYNOLD GREENLEAF
O Robin, Robin,
Who shot this bitter shaft into her breast?
Who shot this bitter shaft into her breast?
[Several stoop and kneel by the two lovers.]
ROBIN HOOD
Speak to me, Marian, speak to me, only speak!
Just one small word, one little loving word
Like those—do you remember?—you have breathed
So many a time and often, against my cheek, Under the boughs of Sherwood, in the dark
At night, with nothing but the boughs and stars
Between us and the dear God up in heaven!
O God, why does a man's heart take so long
To break? It would break sooner if you spoke
A word to me, a word, one small kind word.
Just one small word, one little loving word
Like those—do you remember?—you have breathed
So many a time and often, against my cheek, Under the boughs of Sherwood, in the dark
At night, with nothing but the boughs and stars
Between us and the dear God up in heaven!
O God, why does a man's heart take so long
To break? It would break sooner if you spoke
A word to me, a word, one small kind word.
MARIAN
Sweetheart!
ROBIN
Sweetheart! You have broken it, broken it! Oh, kind,
Kind heart of Marian!
Kind heart of Marian!
MARIAN
Robin, come soon!
[Dies.]
ROBIN
Soon, sweetheart! Oh, her sweet brave soul is gone!
Marian, I follow quickly!
Marian, I follow quickly!
SCARLET
God, Kirklee
Shall burn for this!
Shall burn for this!
LITTLE JOHN
Kirklee shall burn for this!
O master, master, you shall be avenged!
O master, master, you shall be avenged!
ROBIN
No; let me stand upright! Your hand, good Scarlet!
We have lived our lives and God be thanked we go
Together thro' this darkness. We shall wake,
Please God, together. It is growing darker!
I cannot see your faces. Give me my bow
Quickly into my hands, for my strength fails
And I must shoot one last shaft on the trail
Of yonder setting sun, never to reach it! But where this last, last bolt of all my strength,
My hope, my love, shall fall, there bury us both,
Together, and tread the green turf over us!
The bow!
We have lived our lives and God be thanked we go
Together thro' this darkness. We shall wake,
Please God, together. It is growing darker!
I cannot see your faces. Give me my bow
Quickly into my hands, for my strength fails
And I must shoot one last shaft on the trail
Of yonder setting sun, never to reach it! But where this last, last bolt of all my strength,
My hope, my love, shall fall, there bury us both,
Together, and tread the green turf over us!
The bow!
[Scarlet hands him his bow. He stands against the faint glow
of the window, draws the bow to full length, shoots and
falls back into the arms of Little John.]
LITTLE JOHN
[Laying him down.]
Weep, England, for thine outlawed lover,
Dear Robin Hood, the poor man's friend, is dead.
Dear Robin Hood, the poor man's friend, is dead.
[The scene becomes quite dark. Then out of the darkness, and as
if at a distance, the voice of Shadow-of-a-Leaf is
heard singing the fairy song of the first scene. The
fairy glade in Sherwood begins to be visible in the gloom
by the soft light of the ivory gates which are swinging
open once more among the ferns. As the scene grows
clearer the song of Shadow-of-a-Leaf grows more and
more triumphant and is gradually caught up by the
>chorus of the fairy host within the woods.]
[Song of Shadow-of-a-Leaf.]
I
The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered!
The world begins again!
And O, the red of the roses,
And the rush of the healing rain!
The world begins again!
And O, the red of the roses,
And the rush of the healing rain!
II
The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered!
The Princess wakes from sleep;
For the soft green keys of the wood-land
Have opened her donjon-keep!
The Princess wakes from sleep;
For the soft green keys of the wood-land
Have opened her donjon-keep!
III
The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered!
Their grey walls hemmed us round;
But, under my greenwood oceans,
Their castles are trampled and drowned.
Their grey walls hemmed us round;
But, under my greenwood oceans,
Their castles are trampled and drowned.
IV
The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered!
My green sprays climbed on high,
And the ivy laid hold on their turrets
And haled them down from the sky!
My green sprays climbed on high,
And the ivy laid hold on their turrets
And haled them down from the sky!
V
The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered!
They were strong! They are overthrown!
For the little soft hands of the wild-flowers
Have broken them, stone by stone.
They were strong! They are overthrown!
For the little soft hands of the wild-flowers
Have broken them, stone by stone.
VI
The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered!
Though Robin lie dead, lie dead,
And the green turf by Kirklee
Lie light over Marian's head,
Though Robin lie dead, lie dead,
And the green turf by Kirklee
Lie light over Marian's head,
VII
Green ferns on the crimson sky-line,
What bugle have you heard?
Was it only the peal of the blue-bells,
Was it only the call of a bird?
What bugle have you heard?
Was it only the peal of the blue-bells,
Was it only the call of a bird?
VIII
The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered!
The rose o'er the fortalice floats!
My nightingales chant in their chapels,
My lilies have bridged their moats!
The rose o'er the fortalice floats!
My nightingales chant in their chapels,
My lilies have bridged their moats!
IX
The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered!
King Death, in the light of the sun,
Shrinks like an elfin shadow!
His reign is over and done!
King Death, in the light of the sun,
Shrinks like an elfin shadow!
His reign is over and done!
X
The hawthorn whitens the wood-land;
My lovers, awake, awake,
Shake off the grass-green coverlet,
Glide, bare-foot, thro' the brake!
My lovers, awake, awake,
Shake off the grass-green coverlet,
Glide, bare-foot, thro' the brake!
XI
The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered!
And, under the great green boughs,
I have found out a place for my lovers,
I have built them a beautiful house.
And, under the great green boughs,
I have found out a place for my lovers,
I have built them a beautiful house.
XII
Green ferns in the dawn-red dew-fall,
This gift by my death I give,—
They shall wander immortal thro' Sherwood!
In my great green house they shall live!
This gift by my death I give,—
They shall wander immortal thro' Sherwood!
In my great green house they shall live!
XIII
The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered!
When the first wind blows from the South,
They shall meet by the Gates of Faërie!
She shall set her mouth to his mouth!
When the first wind blows from the South,
They shall meet by the Gates of Faërie!
She shall set her mouth to his mouth!
XIV
He shall gather her, fold her and keep her;
They shall pass thro' the Gates, they shall live!
For the Forest, the Forest has conquered!
This gift by my death I give!
They shall pass thro' the Gates, they shall live!
For the Forest, the Forest has conquered!
This gift by my death I give!
XV
The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered! The Forest has conquered!
The world awakes anew;
And O, the scent of the hawthorn,
And the drip of the healing dew!
The world awakes anew;
And O, the scent of the hawthorn,
And the drip of the healing dew!
[The song ceases. Titania and Oberon come out into the moon-lit glade.]
OBERON
Yet one night more the gates of fairyland
Are opened by a mortal's kindly deed.
But Robin Hood and Marian now are driven
As we shall soon be driven, from the world
Of cruel mortals.
Are opened by a mortal's kindly deed.
But Robin Hood and Marian now are driven
As we shall soon be driven, from the world
Of cruel mortals.
TITANIA
Mortals call them dead;
Oberon, what is death?
Oberon, what is death?
OBERON
Only a sleep.
But these may dream their happy dreams in death
Before they wake to that new lovely life
Beyond the shadows; for poor Shadow-of-a-Leaf
Has given them this by love's eternal law
Of sacrifice, and they shall enter in
To dream their lover's dream in fairyland.
But these may dream their happy dreams in death
Before they wake to that new lovely life
Beyond the shadows; for poor Shadow-of-a-Leaf
Has given them this by love's eternal law
Of sacrifice, and they shall enter in
To dream their lover's dream in fairyland.
TITANIA
And Shadow-of-a-Leaf?
OBERON
TITANIA
But is this
For ever?
For ever?
OBERON
We fairies have not known or heard
What waits for those who, like this wandering Fool,
Throw all away for love. But I have heard
There is a great King, out beyond the world,
Not Richard, who is dead, nor yet King John;
But a great King who one day will come home
Clothed with the clouds of heaven from His Crusade.
We fairies have not known or heard
What waits for those who, like this wandering Fool,
Throw all away for love. But I have heard
There is a great King, out beyond the world,
Not Richard, who is dead, nor yet King John;
But a great King who one day will come home
Clothed with the clouds of heaven from His Crusade.
TITANIA
The great King!
OBERON
Hush, the poor dark mortals come!
[The crowd of serfs, old men, poor women, and children, begin to
enter as the fairy song swells up within the gates again.
Robin and Marian are led along by a crowd of fairies
at the end of the procession.]
TITANIA
And there, see, there come Robin and his bride.
And the fairies lead them on, strewing their path
With ferns and moon-flowers. See, they have entered in!
And the fairies lead them on, strewing their path
With ferns and moon-flowers. See, they have entered in!
[The last fairy vanishes thro' the gates.]
OBERON
And we must follow, for the gates may close
For ever now. Hundreds of years may pass
Before another mortal gives his life
To help the poor and needy.
For ever now. Hundreds of years may pass
Before another mortal gives his life
To help the poor and needy.
[Oberon and Titania follow hand in hand thro' the gates. They
begin to close. Shadow-of-a-Leaf steals wistfully
and hesitatingly across, as if to enter. They close
in his face. He goes up to them and leans against
them sobbing, a small green figure, looking like a
greenwood spray against their soft ivory glow. The
fairy music dies. He sinks to his knees and holds up
his hands. Immediately a voice is heard singing and
drawing nearer thro' the forest.]
[Song—drawing nearer.]
Knight on the narrow way,
Where wouldst thou ride?
"Onward," I heard him say,
"Love, to thy side!"
Where wouldst thou ride?
"Onward," I heard him say,
"Love, to thy side!"
"Nay," sang a bird above,
"Stay, for I see
Death in the mask of love
Waiting for thee."
"Stay, for I see
Death in the mask of love
Waiting for thee."
[Enter Blondel, leading a great white steed. He stops and looks at the kneeling figure.]
BLONDEL
Shadow-of-a-Leaf!
SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF
[Rising to his feet.]
Blondel!
BLONDEL
I go to seek
My King!
My King!
SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF
[In passionate grief.]
The King is dead!
BLONDEL
[In yet more passionate joy and triumph.]
The great King lives!
[Then more tenderly.]
Will you not come and look for Him with me?
[They go slowly together through the forest and are lost to sight.
Blondel's voice is heard singing the third stanza
of the song in the distance, further and further away.]
"Death? What is Death?" he cried.
"I must ride on!"
"I must ride on!"
[Curtain.]