Volume II Part 65 (2/2)

It was the song of Blondel! The same song He made with Richard, long since!-- Blondel's voice!

Just as we heard it on that summer's night When Lion-Heart came home from the Crusade.

[_The Song still drawing nearer._]

”Death! What is Death?” he cried.

”I must ride on, On to my true love's side, Up to her throne!”

[_Enter BLONDEL, from the garden. He stands, startled by the scene before him._]

MASKERS

Blondel! Where is the King? Where is the King?

BLONDEL

Did ye not know?--Richard, the King, is dead!

MASKERS

Dead!

JOHN

Dead! And ye let the living dog escape That dared snarl at our sovereignty. I know him, Risen from the dead or not. I know 'twas he, 'Twas Robin Hood! After him; hunt him down!

Let him not live to greet another sun.

After him!

MASKERS

[_Drawing their swords and plunging into the darkness._]

After him; hunt the villain down!

[_Curtain._]

ACT V

SCENE I. _Morning. Sherwood Forest (as before). LITTLE JOHN and some of the OUTLAWS are gathered together talking. Occasionally they look anxiously toward the cave and at the approaches through the wood. Enter two FORESTERS, running and breathless._

FIRST FORESTER

The King's men! They are scouring thro' the wood, Two troops of them, five hundred men in each And more are following.

SECOND FORESTER

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