Volume II Part 47 (1/2)

SECOND RUSTIC

Why, father, one would never think to see thee Thou had'st so sound a heart!

FIRST RUSTIC

Ah, here they come!

The Sheriff and his men; and, in the midst, There's poor Will Scarlet bound.

THE CROWD MURMURS

Ah, here they come!

Look at the halberts s.h.i.+ning! Can you see him?

FIRST RUSTIC

There, there he is. His face is white: but, Lord, He takes it bravely.

SECOND RUSTIC

He's a brave man, Will.

SHERIFF

Back with the crowd there, guards; delay no time!

SOME WOMEN IN THE CROWD

Ah, ah, poor lad!

ROBIN

[_Eagerly._]

What are they doing now?

I cannot see!

FIRST RUSTIC

The Sheriff's angered now!

SECOND RUSTIC

Ay, for they say a messenger has come From that same G.o.dless hangman whose lean neck I'd like to twist, saying he is delayed.

'Tis the first G.o.dly deed he has ever done.

THIRD RUSTIC

The Sheriff says he will not be delayed.