ROBIN

Well, first I went to swim In the deep pool below the mill.

LITTLE JOHN

I swam Enough last night to last me many a day.

What then?

ROBIN

I could not wash away the thought Of all you told me. If Prince John should dare!

That helpless girl! No, no, I will not think it.

Why, Little John, I went and tried to shoot A grey goose wing thro' Lady Marian's cas.e.m.e.nt.

LITTLE JOHN

Oh, ay, and a pink nosegay tied beneath it.

Now, master, you'll forgive your Little John,-- But that's midsummer madness and the may Is only half in flower as yet. But why-- You are wounded--why are you so pale?

ROBIN

No--no-- Not wounded; but oh, my good faithful friend, She is not there! I wished to send her warning.

I could not creep much closer; but I swear I think the castle is in the hands of John.

I saw some men upon the battlements, Not hers--I know--not hers!

LITTLE JOHN

Hist, who comes here?

[_He seizes his bow and stands ready to shoot._]

ROBIN

Stop, man, it is the fool. Thank G.o.d, the fool, Shadow-of-a-Leaf, my Marian's dainty fool.

How now, good fool, what news? What news?

[_Enter SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF._]

SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF

Good fool!

Should I be bad, sir, if I chanced to bring No news at all? That is the wise man's way.

Thank heaven, I've lost my wits. I am but a leaf Dancing upon the wild winds of the world, A prophet blown before them. Well, this evening, It is that lovely grey wind from the West That silvers all the fields and all the seas, And I'm the herald of May!

ROBIN

Come, Shadow-of-a-Leaf, I pray thee, do not jest.

SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF

I do not jest.

I am vaunt-courier to a gentleman, A sweet slim page in Lincoln green who comes, Wood-knife on hip, and wild rose in his face, With golden news of Marian. Oh, his news Is one crammed honeycomb, swelling with sweetness In twenty thousand cells; but delicate!

So send thy man aside.

ROBIN

Go, Little John.

[_LITTLE JOHN goes into the cave._]

Well, Shadow-of-a-Leaf, where is he?

SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF

At this moment His hair is tangled in a rose bush: hark, He swears, like a young leopard! Nay, he is free.

Come, master page, here is that thief of love, Give him your message. I'll to Little John.

[_Exit into the cave. Enter MARIAN, as a page in Lincoln green, her face m.u.f.fled in a hood._]

ROBIN

Good even, master page, what is thy news Of Lady Marian?

[_She stands silent._]

Answer me quickly, come, Hide not thy face!

[_She still stands m.u.f.fled and silent._]

Come, boy, the fool is chartered, Not thou; and I'll break off this hazel switch And make thee dance if thou not answer me.

What? Silent still? Sirrah, this hazel wand Shall lace thee till thou tingle, top to toe.

I'll ...

MARIAN

[_Unm.u.f.fling._]

Robin!

ROBIN

[_Catches her in his arms with a cry._]

Marian! Marian!

MARIAN

Fie upon you, Robin, you did not know me.