Ah, gossips, if the Conqueror had but burned Everything with four walls, hut, castle, palace, And turned the whole wide world into a forest, Drenched us with may, we might be happy then! With sweet blue wood-smoke curling thro' the boughs, And just a pigeon's flap to break the silence, And ferns, of course, there's much to make men happy. Well, well, the forest conquers at the last! I saw a thistle in the castle courtyard, A purple thistle breaking thro' the pavement, Yesterday; and it's wonderful how soon Some creepers pick these old grey walls to pieces. These nunneries and these monasteries now, They don't spring up like flowers, so I suppose Old mother Nature wins the race at last.
Robin, my heart is with you, but I know A hundred ages will not change this earth.
Gossip, suppose the sun goes out like this. Pouf!
Silence, fool!... So, if you share your wealth with all the world Earth will be none the better, and my poor girl Will suffer for it. Where you got the gold You have already lavished on the poor Heaven knows.
Oh, by the mass and the sweet moon Of Sherwood, so do I? That's none so hard A riddle!
Ah, Friar Tuck, we know, we know! Under the hawthorn bough, and at the foot Of rainbows, that's where fairies hide their gold. Cut me a silver penny out of the moon Next time you're there.
Now tell me, have you brought Your quarter-staff?
Believe me, Robin, there's one way And only one--patience! When Lion-Heart Comes home from the Crusade, he will not brook This blot upon our chivalry. Prince John Is dangerous to a heart like yours. Beware Of rousing him. Meanwhile, your troth holds good; But, till the King comes home from the Crusade You must not claim your bride.
So be it, then.... When the great King comes home from the Crusade!...
Meanwhile for Marian's sake and mine, I pray Do nothing rash.
[_Enter WIDOW SCARLET. She goes up to ROBIN HOOD._]
Are you that Robin Hood They call the poor man's friend?
They told me, They told me I should find you here. They told me!
Sir, my son Will Scarlet lies in gaol at Nottingham For killing deer in Sherwood! Sir, they'll hang him. He only wanted food for him and me! They'll kill him, I tell you, they'll kill him. I can't help Crying it out. He's all I have, all! Save him! I'll pray for you, I'll ...