Volume II Part 56 (1/2)

You'd be king the sooner. Never fear: These wandering meteors flash into their graves Like lightning, and no thunder follows them To warn their foolish henchmen.

JOHN

[_Looking at her searchingly._]

Shall I risk The King's return?

ELINOR

What do you mean?

JOHN

I mean I cannot wait and watch this Robin Hood Dangle the fruit of Tantalus before me, Then eat it in my sight! I have borne enough!

He gave me like a fairing to my brother In Sherwood Forest; and I now must watch him, A happy bridegroom with the happy bride, Whose lips I meant for mine.

ELINOR

And do you think I love to see it?

JOHN

Had it not been for you He would have died ere this!

ELINOR

Then let him die!

JOHN

Oh, ay, but do you mean it, mother?

ELINOR

G.o.d, I hate him, hate him!

JOHN

Mother, he goes at noon To Sherwood Forest, with a bag of gold For some of his old followers. If, by chance He fall--how saith the Scripture?--among thieves And vanish--is not heard of any more, I think Suspicion scarce could lift her head Among these roses here to hiss at me, When Lion-Heart returns.

ELINOR

Vanish?

JOHN

I would not Kill him too quickly. I would have him taken To a dungeon that I know.

ELINOR

You have laid your trap Already? Tell me. You need not be afraid!