Volume II Part 59 (1/2)

Shadow-of-a-Leaf, some change Is creeping o'er the forest. I myself Scarce laugh so much since Robin went away!

Oh, my head hangs as heavily as a violet Brimmed with the rain. Shadow-of-a-Leaf, a cloud, A whisper steals across this listening wood!

I am growing afraid. Dear fool, I am thy Puck, But I am growing afraid there comes an end To all our Sherwood revels, and I shall never Tease thee again.

SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF

Here comes the King!

[_Enter OBERON._]

Hail, Oberon.

King of the fairies, I strew ferns before you.

There are no palms here: ferns do just as well!

OBERON

Shadow-of-a-Leaf, our battles all are wasted; Our fairy dreams whereby we strove to warn Robin and Marian, wasted. Shadow-of-a-Leaf, Dear Robin Hood, the lover of the poor, And kind Maid Marian, our forest queen, Are in the toils at last!

[_He pauses._]

SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF

Speak, speak!

OBERON

Prince John Hath trapped and taken Robin.

SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF

Is not Richard King of this England? Did not Richard tempt Robin, for Marian's sake, to leave the forest?

Did he not swear upon the Holy Cross That Robin should be Earl of Huntingdon And hold his lands in safety?

OBERON

Only fear Of Richard held the wicked Prince in leash.

But Richard roamed abroad again. Prince John Would murder Robin secretly.

SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF

Wise men Fight too much for these holy sepulchres!

Are not the living images of G.o.d Better than empty graves?

OBERON

One grave is filled Now; for our fairy couriers have brought Tidings that Richard Lion-Heart is dead.

SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF