Volume II Part 51 (1/2)

Keep off the maid, there, Warman; I can manage This turbulent beauty. Ah, by G.o.d, you shall Come! Ah? G.o.d's blood, what's this?

[_MARIAN has succeeded in drawing her dagger and slightly wounding him. She wrests herself free._]

MARIAN

Keep back, I warn you!

JOHN

[_Advancing slowly._]

Strike, now strike if you will. You will not like To see the red blood spurting up your hand.

That's not maid's work. Come, strike!

[_ROBIN HOOD appears at the edge of the glade behind him_]

You see, you cannot!

Your heart is tenderer than you think.

ROBIN

[_Quietly._]

Prince John!

JOHN

[_Turns round and confronts ROBIN._]

Out with your blade, Warman; call up the rest!

We can strike freely now, without a fear Of marring the sweet beauty of the spoil.

We four can surely make an end of him.

Have at him, lads, and swiftly, or the thieves Will all be down on us.

[_ROBIN draws his sword and sets his back to an oak. The other two followers of PRINCE JOHN come out of the wood._]

ROBIN

Come on, all four!

This oak will s.h.i.+ft its roots before I budge One inch from four such howling wolves. Come on; You must be tired of fighting women-folk.

Come on! By G.o.d, sir, you must guard your head Better than that,

[_He disarms WARMAN._]

Or you're just food for worms Already; come, you dogs!

PRINCE JOHN