Chapter 3
assembling for the betrothal feast of ROBIN and MARIAN. Some of ROBIN HOOD'S men, clad in Lincoln green, are just arriving at the doors. SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF runs forward to greet them._
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._]