Collected Poems Volume II Part 62

You’re reading novel Collected Poems Volume II Part 62 online at LightNovelFree.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit LightNovelFree.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy!

Where is Robin Hood?

I have never seen him, but from all one hears He is a wood-G.o.d and a young Apollo, And a more chaste Actaeon all in one.

MASKER

Oh, ay, he never watched Diana bathing, Or, if he did, all Sherwood winked at it.

Who knows? Do you believe a man and maid Can sleep out in the woods all night, as these Have slept a hundred times, and put to shame Our first poor parents; throw the apple aside And float out of their leafy Paradise Like angels?

LADY

No; I fear the forest boughs Could tell sad tales. Oh, I imagine it-- Married to Robin, by a fat hedge-priest Under an altar of hawthorn, with a choir Of sparrows, and a spray of cuckoo-spit For holy water! Oh, the modest chime Of blue-bells from a fairy belfry, a veil Of evening mist, a robe of golden hair; A blade of gra.s.s for a ring; a band of thieves In Lincoln green to witness the sweet bans; A glow-worm for a nuptial taper, a bed Of rose-leaves, and wild thyme and wood-doves' down.

Quick! Draw the bridal curtains--three tall ferns-- Across the cave mouth, lest a star should peep And make the wild rose leap into her face!

Pis.h.!.+ A sweet maid! But where is Robin Hood?

MASKER

I know not; but he'd better have a care Of Mistress Marian. If I know Prince John He has marked her for his own.

LADY

I cannot see What fascinates him.

MASKER

No, you are right, nor I.

PRINCE JOHN

Come, Lady Marian, let me lead you out To tread a measure.

MARIAN

Pray, sir, pardon me!

I am tired.

FITZWALTER

[_Whispering angrily to her._]

Now, Marian, be not so ungracious.

You both abuse him and disparage us.

His courtiers led the ladies they did choose.

Do not displease him, girl. I pray you, go!

Dance out your galliard. G.o.d's dear holy-bread, Y'are too forgetful. Dance, or by my troth, You'll move my patience. I say you do us wrong.

MARIAN

I will do what you will. Lead, lead your dance.

[_Exeunt JOHN and MARIAN._]

FIRST MASKER

[_To a lady, as they come up from the garden._]

Will you not let me see your face now, sweet?

LADY

You hurt my lip with that last kiss of yours.

Hush, do not lean your face so close, I pray you; Loosen my fingers. There's my lord.

FIRST MASKER

Where? Where?

Now, if I know him, I shall know your name!

LADY

That tall man with the damozel in red.

FIRST MASKER

Oh, never fear him. He, too, wore a mask!

I saw them--

[_They pa.s.s out talking._]

SECOND MASKER

[_Looking after them._]

Saw you those two turtle-doves!

SECOND LADY

Yes.

SECOND MASKER

Come with me, I'll show you where I caught them Among the roses, half an hour ago.

[_They laugh and exeunt into the gardens. The music swells up and more dancers appear._]

[_Enter ROBIN HOOD, still in his forester's garb, but wearing a mask. He walks as if wounded and in pain. He sits down in the shadow of a pillar watching, and partly concealed from the throng._]

THIRD LADY

Remember now to say you did not see me Here at the masque.

Collected Poems Volume II Part 62

You're reading novel Collected Poems Volume II Part 62 online at LightNovelFree.com. You can use the follow function to bookmark your favorite novel ( Only for registered users ). If you find any errors ( broken links, can't load photos, etc.. ), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible. And when you start a conversation or debate about a certain topic with other people, please do not offend them just because you don't like their opinions.


Collected Poems Volume II Part 62 summary

You're reading Collected Poems Volume II Part 62. This novel has been translated by Updating. Author: Alfred Noyes already has 457 views.

It's great if you read and follow any novel on our website. We promise you that we'll bring you the latest, hottest novel everyday and FREE.

LightNovelFree.com is a most smartest website for reading novel online, it can automatic resize images to fit your pc screen, even on your mobile. Experience now by using your smartphone and access to LightNovelFree.com