This is no time for jesting, Shadow-of-a-Leaf.
The lights are burning low. Do you not feel A cold breath on your face?
Fling back that shutter! Look out and tell me what is happening.
Look, Look, gossip, how the moon comes dancing in. Ah, they have driven Prince John across the drawbridge. They are raising it, now!
[_There are cries in the distance, then a heavy sound of chains clanking and silence. SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF turns from the window and stands in the stream of moonlight, pointing to the door on the left._]
[_The tall figure of a nun glides into the moonlit hall and throwing back her hood reveals the face of QUEEN ELINOR._]
Lady Marion, Tell me quickly, where is Huntingdon hiding?
Yes! Yes! I donned this uncouth garb To pass through your besiegers. If Prince John Discover it, all is lost. Come, tell me quickly, Where is Robin?
Come, dear Lady Marian, do not doubt me. I am here to save you both.
Ah, but you know where I may find him, Marian. All will be lost if you delay to tell me Where I may speak with him. He is in peril. By dawn Prince John will have five hundred men Beleaguering the castle. You are all ruined Unless you trust me! Armies will scour the woods To hunt him down. Even now he may be wounded, Helpless to save himself.
Dear child, Take me to him. Here, on this holy cross, My mother's dying gift, I swear to you I wish to save him.
Wounded! He may be wounded! Oh, if I could, I'd go to him! I am helpless, prisoned here. My father ...
I alone can save your father. Give me your word that if I can persuade him, You'll lead me to your lover's hiding place, And let me speak with him.
The queen! O madam, madam, I am driven Beyond myself. This girl, this foolish girl Has brought us all to ruin. This Huntingdon, As I foresaw, foresaw, foretold, foretold, Has dragged me down with him.
I am on your side, If you will hear me; and you yet may gain A son in Robin Hood.
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--
Oh, I know! But you'll forgive him that! I do not wonder That loveliness like hers--
Ay, but you'll pardon A father's natural anger. Madam, I swear I was indeed provoked. But you'll assure him I've washed my hands of Huntingdon.