Collected Poems Volume II Part 66

We must away from here And quickly.

LITTLE JOHN

Where did you sight them?

SECOND FORESTER

From the old elm, Our watch-tower. They were not five miles away!

FIRST FORESTER

Five, about five. We saw the sunlight flash Along, at least five hundred men at arms; And, to the north, along another line, Bigger, I think; but not so near.

SECOND FORESTER

Where's Robin?

We must away at once!

FIRST FORESTER

No time to lose!

LITTLE JOHN

His wound is bitter--I know not if we dare Move him!

FIRST FORESTER

His wound?

LITTLE JOHN

Ay, some d.a.m.ned arrow pierced him When he escaped last night from the Dark Tower.

He never spoke of it when first he reached us; And, suddenly, he swooned. He is asleep Now. He must not be wakened. They will take Some time yet ere they thread our forest-maze.

FIRST FORESTER

Not long, by G.o.d, not long. They are moving fast.

[_MARIAN appears at the mouth of the cave. All turn to look at her, expectantly. She seems in distress._]

MARIAN

He is tossing to and fro. I think his wound Has taken fever! What can we do?

FRIAR TUCK

I've sent A messenger to Kirklee Priory, Where my old friend the Prioress hath store Of balms and simples, and hath often helped A wounded forester. Could we take him there, Her skill would quickly heal him.

LITTLE JOHN

The time is pressing!

FRIAR TUCK

The lad will not be long!

[_ROBIN appears tottering and white at the mouth of the cave._]

MARIAN

[_Running to him._]

O Robin, Robin, You must not rise! Your wound!

ROBIN

[_He speaks feverishly._]

Where can I rest Better than on my greenwood throne of turf?

Friar, I heard them say they had some prisoners.

Bring them before me.

FRIAR TUCK

Master, you are fevered, And they can wait.

ROBIN

Yes, yes; but there are some That cannot wait, that die for want of food, And then--the Norman gold will come too late, Too late.

LITTLE JOHN O master, you must rest.

[_Going up to him._]

MARIAN Oh, help me, Help me with him. Help me to lead him back.

ROBIN

No! No! You must not touch me! I will rest When I have seen the prisoners, not before.

LITTLE JOHN

He means it, mistress, better humour him Or he will break his wound afresh.

MARIAN

O Robin, Give me your word that you'll go back and rest, When you have seen them.