Volume II Part 55 (1/2)

REYNOLD GREENLEAF

Was to be wedded, sire, against her will Last May, to a rich old baron.

RICHARD

Pigeon-pie-- And Malmsey--yes--a rich old baron--tell!

ROBIN

Sire, on the wedding day, my merry men Crowded the aisles with uninvited guests; And, as the old man drew forth the golden ring, They threw aside their cloaks with one great shout Of 'Sherwood'; and, for all its crimson panes, The church was one wild sea of Lincoln green!

The Forest had broken in, sire, and the bride Like a wild rose tossing on those green boughs, Was borne away and wedded here by Tuck To her true lover; and so--his harp is ours.

ALLAN-A-DALE

No feasting song, sire, but the royal theme Of chivalry--a song I made last night In yonder ruined chapel. It is called _The Old Knight's Vigil_.

RICHARD

Our hearts will keep it young!

[_ALLAN-A-DALE sings, SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF raises his head among the ferns._]

[_Song._]

I

Once, in this chapel, Lord Young and undaunted, Over my virgin sword Lightly I chaunted,-- ”Dawn ends my watch. I go s.h.i.+ning to meet the foe!”

II

”Swift with thy dawn,” I said, ”Set the lists ringing!

Soon shall thy foe be sped, And the world singing!

Bless my bright plume for me, Christ, King of Chivalry.

[_SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF rises to his knees amongst the ferns._]

III

”War-worn I kneel to-night, Lord, by Thine altar!

Oh, in to-morrow's fight, Let me not falter!

Bless my dark arms for me, Christ, King of Chivalry.

IV

”Keep Thou my broken sword All the long night through While I keep watch and ward!

Then--the red fight through, Bless the wrenched haft for me, Christ, King of Chivalry.