You'd be king the sooner. Never fear: These wandering meteors flash into their graves Like lightning, and no thunder follows them To warn their foolish henchmen.

JOHN

[_Looking at her searchingly._]

Shall I risk The King's return?

ELINOR

What do you mean?

JOHN

I mean I cannot wait and watch this Robin Hood Dangle the fruit of Tantalus before me, Then eat it in my sight! I have borne enough!

He gave me like a fairing to my brother In Sherwood Forest; and I now must watch him, A happy bridegroom with the happy bride, Whose lips I meant for mine.

ELINOR

And do you think I love to see it?

JOHN

Had it not been for you He would have died ere this!

ELINOR

Then let him die!

JOHN

Oh, ay, but do you mean it, mother?

ELINOR

G.o.d, I hate him, hate him!

JOHN

Mother, he goes at noon To Sherwood Forest, with a bag of gold For some of his old followers. If, by chance He fall--how saith the Scripture?--among thieves And vanish--is not heard of any more, I think Suspicion scarce could lift her head Among these roses here to hiss at me, When Lion-Heart returns.

ELINOR

Vanish?

JOHN

I would not Kill him too quickly. I would have him taken To a dungeon that I know.

ELINOR

You have laid your trap Already? Tell me. You need not be afraid!

I saw them kiss, in the garden, yesternight; And I have wondered, ever since, if fire Could make a brand quite hot enough to stamp My hate upon him.

JOHN

Well, then, I will tell you-- The plan is laid; and, if his bag of gold Rejoice one serf to-day, then I'll resign Maid Marian to his loving arms for ever.

But you must help me, mother, or she'll suspect.

Do not let slip your mask of friendliness, As I have feared. Look--there our lovers come Beneath that arch of roses. Look, look, mother, They are taking leave of one another now, A ghastly parting, for he will be gone Well nigh four hours, they think. To look at them, One might suppose they knew it was for ever.

ELINOR

Come, or my hate will show itself in my face: I must not see them.

[_Exeunt PRINCE and ELINOR. A pause. Enter ROBIN HOOD and MARIAN._]

ROBIN

So, good-bye, once more, Sweetheart.

MARIAN

Four hours; how shall I pa.s.s the time?

Four hours, four ages, you will scarce be home By dusk; how shall I pa.s.s it?

ROBIN

You've to think What robe to wear at the great masque to-night And then to don it. When you've done all that I shall be home again.

MARIAN

What, not before?

ROBIN

That's not unlikely, either.

MARIAN

Now you mock me, But you'll be back before the masque begins.

ROBIN

I warrant you I will.

MARIAN

It is a month To-day since we were married. Did you know it?

Fie, I believe you had forgotten, Robin.