Gee! Whoa! Neddy, my boy, have you forgot the Weaver, And how Titania tickled your long ears? Ha! ha! Don't ferns remind you?
Friends, my master Hath sent me to you, fearing ye might hunger.
God bless his name. God bless the kindly name of Robin Hood.
'Tis well nigh all that's left him; and to-night He goes to his betrothal feast.
[_All the outcasts except the first old man exeunt._]
Now look, There's nothing but that shadow of a cross On his grey back to tell you of the palms That once were strewn before my Lord, the King. Won't ferns, won't branching ferns, do just as well? There's only a dream to ride my donkey now! But, Neddy, I'll lead you home and cry--HOSANNA! We'll thread the glad Gate Beautiful again, Though now there's only a Fool to hold your bridle And only moonlit ferns to strew your path, And the great King is fighting for a grave In lands beyond the sea. Come, Neddy, come, Hosanna!
[_Exit SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF with the donkey. He strews ferns before it as he goes._]
'Tis a strange creature, master! Thinkest There's fairy blood in him?
'Twas he that brought Word of your plight to Robin Hood. He flits Like Moonshine thro' the forest. He'll be home Before I know it. I must be hastening back. This makes a sad betrothal night.
That minds me, Couched in the thicket yonder, we overheard The Sheriff tell Prince John....
You'd best Warn Robin Hood. They're laying a trap for him. Ay! Now I mind me of it! I heard 'em say They'd take him at the castle.
To-night! Fly, lad, for God's dear love. Warn Robin Hood! Fly like the wind, or you'll be there too late. And yet you'd best be careful. There's five score In ambush round the castle.
I'll be there An if I have to break five hundred heads!
[_He rushes off thro' the forest. The old man goes into the thicket after the others. The scene darkens. A soft light, as of the moon, appears between the ferns to the right of the glade, showing OBERON and TITANIA._]
Yet one night more the gates of fairyland Are opened by a mortal's kindly deed.
Last night the gates were shut, and I heard weeping! Men, women, children, beat upon the gates That guard our happy world. They could not sleep. Titania, must not that be terrible, When mortals cannot sleep?