Volume II Part 72 (1/2)

[_She falls back unconscious. SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF, a green spray in his hand, opens the cas.e.m.e.nt and stands for a moment in the window against the last glow of sunset, then enters and runs to the side of ROBIN._]

SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF

[_Hurriedly._]

Awake, awake, Robin, awake!

The forest waits to help you! All the leaves Are listening for your bugle. Ah, where is it?

Let but one echo sound and the wild flowers Will break thro' these grey walls and the green sprays Drag down these deadly towers. Wake, Robin, wake, And let the forest drown the priest's grey song With happy murmurs. Robin, the gates are open For you and Marian! All I had to give I have given to thrust them open, the dear gates Of fairyland which I shall never pa.s.s Again. I can no more, I am but a shadow, Dying as mortals die! It is not I That calls, not I, but Marian. Hear her voice!

Robin, awake!

O, master mine, farewell!

[_Exit lingeringly through the cas.e.m.e.nt._]

ROBIN

[_ROBIN is dimly seen in the mouth of the alcove. He stretches out his hands blindly in the dark._]

Marian! Why do you call to me in dreams?

Why do you call me? I must go. What's this?

Help me, kind G.o.d, for I must say one word, Only one word--good-bye--to Marian, To Marian--Ah, too weak, too weak!

[_He sees the dark body of MARIAN and utters a cry, falling on his knees beside her._]

O G.o.d, Marian! Marian!

My bugle! Ah, my bugle!

[_He rises to his feet and, drowning the distant organ-music, he blows a resounding forest-call. It is answered by several in the forest. He falls on his knees by MARIAN and takes her in his arms._]

O Marian, Marian, who hath used thee so?

MARIAN

Robin, it is my death-wound. Ah, come close.

ROBIN

Marian, Marian, what have they done to thee?

[_The OUTLAWS are heard thundering at the gates with cries._]

OUTLAWS

Robin! Robin! Robin! Break down the doors.

[_The terrified nuns stream past the window, out of the chapel.

The OUTLAWS rush into the room. The scene still darkens._]

SCARLET