Volume Vii Part 82 (1/2)

FAU. He did but try her! would she have been tried, It had gone hard on this and on this side. [_Aside_.

RICH. And since I see your virtue so confirm'd, As vice can have no entrance in your heart, I vow, in sight of heaven, never again, To move like question but for love.

FAU. My heart is eased; hold, Block, take up my cloak.

BLO. And your cap, too, sir?[474]

[_Sir_ RICH. FAUC. _comes forward_.

RICH. Sir Richard!

FAU. What, sweet Prince, welcome, i'faith, I see youth quickly gets the start of age; But welcome, welcome; and, young Huntington, Sweet Robin Hood, honour's best flow'ring bloom, Welcome to Fauconbridge with all my heart!

How cheers my love, how fares my Marian, ha?

Be merry, chuck, and, Prince Richard, welcome.

Let it go, Mall; I know thy grievances.

Away, away; tut, let it pa.s.s, sweet girl.

We needs must have his help about the earls. [_Aside_.

LADY F. Let it not be delay'd, dear Fauconbridge.

RICH. Sir Richard, first make suit unto my father, I'll follow you to Court, and second you.

FAU. Follow to court, ha? then I smell a rat, It's probable he'll have a bout again; Long siege makes entrance to the strongest fort.

It must not be; I must not leave him here. [_Aside_.

Prince Richard, if you love my brother's good, Let's ride back to the court: I'll wait on you.

RICH. He's jealous; but I must observe the time. [_Aside_.

We'll ride unto the court; I'll leave my boy Till we return; are you agreed to this?

FAU. O, ay, he is an honourable youth, Virtuous and modest, Huntington's right heir, His father Gilbert was the smoothest-fac'd lord That e'er bare arms in England or in France.

RICH. Solicit,[475] Robin: Lady, give good ear, And of your brother's freedom never fear. [_Aside_.

FAU. Marian, farewell; where's Block? open the gate; Come, Prince, G.o.d send us to prove fortunate.

[_Exeunt_.

LADY F. Why do you stay,[476] sir?

ROB. Madam, as a lieger to solicit for your absent love.

LADY F. Walk in the garden; I will follow you, I'faith, i'faith, you are a n.o.ble wag.

ROB. An honourable wag and waggish earl, Even what you will, sweet lady, I must bear, Hoping of patience profit will ensue, That you will bear the Prince as I bear you.

LADY F. Well said, well said, I'll have these toys amended, Go, will you walk into the garden, sir?

ROB. But will you promise me to bring no maids, To set upon my little mans.h.i.+p there?