Volume Viii Part 15 (1/2)

Warman, let's in; I'll fit him presently: Only for Marian am I now his enemy.

[_Exeunt_.

_Enter_ ROBIN, _like a citizen_.

ROB. H. Earl John[177] and Warman, two good friends of mine: I think they knew me not, or if they did I care not what can follow. I am sure The sharpest end is death, and that will come.

But what of death or sorrow do I dream?

My Marian, my fair life, my beauteous love Is coming, to give comfort to my grief, And the sly queen, intending to deceive, Hath taught us how we should her sleights receive.[178]

But who is this? G.o.d's pity! here's Prince John.

JOHN. Good even, sir. This clear evening should portend Some frost, I think: how judge you, honest friend?

ROB. H. I am not weather-wise; but it may be We shall have hard frost; for true charity, Good dealing, faithful friends.h.i.+p, honesty, Are chill-cold, dead with cold.

JOHN. O good sir, stay, That frost hath lasted many a bitter day.

Know ye no frozen hearts that are belov'd?

ROB. H. Love is a flame, a fire, that being moved, Still brighter grows. But say, are you beloved?

JOHN. I would be, if I be not: but pa.s.s that.

Are ye a dweller in this city, pray?

ROB. H. I am; and for a gentlewoman stay, That rides some four or five mile in great haste.

_Enter_ QUEEN _and_ MARIAN.[179]

JOHN. I see your labour, sir, is not in waste, For here come two; are either of these yours?

ROB. H. Both are--one most.[180]

JOHN. Which do you most respect?

ROB. H. The youngest and the fairest I reject.

JOHN. Robin, I'll try you, whether ye say true. [_Aside_.

ROB. H. As you with me, so, John, I'll jest with you. [_Aside_.

QU. ELIN. Marian, let me go first to Robin Hood, And I will tell him what we do intend.

MAR. Do what your highness please; your will is mine.

JOHN. My mother is with gentle Marian: O, it doth grieve her to be left behind.

QU. ELIN. Shall we away, my Robin, lest the queen Betray our purpose? sweet, let us away: I have great will to go, no heart to stay.

ROB. H. Away with thee? No; get thee far away From me, foul Marian, fair though thou be nam'd; For thy bewitching eyes have raised storms, That have my name and n.o.blesse ever sham'd; Prince John, my dear friend once, is now for thee Become an unrelenting enemy.

JOHN. But I'll relent and love thee, if thou leave her.

ROB. H. And Elinor my sovereign, mother-queen,[181]

That yet retains true pa.s.sion in her breast, Stands mourning yonder. Hence! I thee detest.