Volume II Part 39 (1/2)

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.