Collected Poems Volume II Part 37

ELINOR

I am on your side, If you will hear me; and you yet may gain A son in Robin Hood.

FITZWALTER

Madam, I swear I have done with him. I pray you do not jest; But if you'll use your power to save my lands ...

I was provoked!...

Prince John required this child here--

ELINOR

Oh, I know!

But you'll forgive him that! I do not wonder That loveliness like hers--

FITZWALTER

Ay, but you'll pardon A father's natural anger. Madam, I swear I was indeed provoked. But you'll a.s.sure him I've washed my hands of Huntingdon.

MARIAN

And yet His men are, even now, guarding your walls!

Father, you cannot, you shall not--

FITZWALTER

Oh, be silent!

Who wrapt me in this tangle? Are you bent On driving me out in my old age to seek Shelter in caves and woods?

ELINOR

My good Fitzwalter, It has not come to that! If you will trust me All will be well; but I must speak a word With Robin Hood.

FITZWALTER

You!

ELINOR

Oh, I have a reason.

Your daughter knows his hiding place.

FITZWALTER

She knows!

ELINOR

Oh, trust them both for that. I am risking much!

To-morrow she shall guide me there. This bird Being flown, trust me to make your peace with John.

FITZWALTER

But--Marian!

ELINOR

She'll be safer far with Robin, Than loitering here until your roof-tree burns.

I think you know it. Fitzwalter, I can save you, I swear it on this cross.

FITZWALTER

But--Marian! Marian!

ELINOR

Your castle wrapt in flame!...

There's nought to fear, If she could--Marian, once, at a court masque, You wore a page's dress of Lincoln green, And a green hood that m.u.f.fled half your face, I could have sworn 'twas Robin come again-- He was my page, you know-- Wear it to-morrow--go, child, bid your maid Make ready--we'll set out betimes.

MARIAN

[_Going up to her father._]

I'll go, If you will let me, father. He may be wounded!

Father, forgive me. Let me go to him.

ELINOR

Go, child, first do my bidding. He'll consent When you return.

[_Exit MARIAN._]

My dear good friend Fitzwalter, Trust me, _I_ have some power with Huntingdon.

All shall be as you wish. I'll let her guide me, But--as for her--she shall not even see him Unless you wish. Trust me to wind them all Around my little finger.

FITZWALTER

It is dark here.

Let us within. Madam, I think you are right.

And you'll persuade Prince John?

ELINOR

[_As they go up the steps._]

I swear by this, This holy cross, my mother's dying gift!

FITZWALTER

It's very sure he'd burn the castle down.