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 Robin Hoodja comic opera in three actsL 
 
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^„W.KO0H. 
 
 ROBIN HOOD, 
 
 A 
 
 COMIC OPERA 
 
 IN 
 
 THREE ACTS. 
 
 MUSIC BY LIBRETTO BY 
 
 REGINALD DeKOVEN, HARRY B. SMITH. 
 
 Copyright, 1890, by HARRY B. SMITH. 
 
 CHICAGO . 
 
 Slason Thompson & Co., Printers 
 
 180-182 Monroe Street, 
 
 1890, 
 
 ^ PL 
 
CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. 
 
 .Outlaws, 
 
 Robert Earl of Huntington, afterward Robin Hood. 
 
 Sir Tristram Testy Sheriff of Nottingham . 
 
 Little John, 
 Friar Tuck, 
 Allan-a-Dale, 
 Will Scarlet, 
 Guy of Gisborne. 
 
 Marian Daughter of Lord Fitz waiter, afterward called Maid Marian. 
 
 Dame Durden Keecer of an Inn on the Border of Sherwood Forest. 
 
 Annabel Her Daughter. 
 
 Mark o' the Mill A Villager. 
 
 Outlaws, King's Foresters, Villagers, Sheriff's Henchmen, Village 
 Musicians, Milkmaids, Shepherds, etc., etc. 
 
ROBIN HOOD. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Scene. The old town of Nottingham. Early morning on the day of the May 
 Day fair. Villagers enter preparing for the fair. 
 
 Villagers. 'Tis the morning of the fair, 
 
 'Tis a day of pastime rare; 
 Hail the gladsome day, 
 The happy time of May. 
 Springtime cometh over hill and vale. 
 
 May Day bright 
 
 Brings delight. 
 Happy time, we sing to thee all hail. 
 Birds so bright carol on ev'ry side; 
 
 Seem to sing 
 
 To the spring, 
 Welcoming with joy the sweet springtide. 
 
 Girls. Come, village belles, with fairings bright their hair adorning, 
 
 For it is meet we look our best on May Day morning. 
 All. Brightly the May-pole gleams in the sun. 
 
 Soon the merry morris dance will be begun. 
 (A pedlar enters with his pack.) 
 Girls. See, here's a pedlar; he is bringing pretty trifles for the fair; 
 
 This is a chance to buy some ribbons brave and bonny for our hair 
 (Outlaws' horns are heard in the distance.") 
 All. List to the gay hunter's horn 
 
 Sound through the forest at morn. 
 {Little John, Allan-a-Dale and Will Scarlet enter.) 
 Little John. In Sherwood forest, the merriest of lives 
 
 Is our life so fair and free. 
 
Scarlet. We roam and rove 
 
 In Sherwood's grove 
 Beneath the greenwood tree. 
 Allan. Through all the glades 
 
 And sylvan shades 
 Our homes are found. 
 
 We hunt the deer. 
 Alar and near 
 Our hunting horns resound. 
 Tan-ta-ra! 
 The three. Cheerily, merrily, roaming e'er, 
 
 Living like kings in the forest fair; 
 Never are we weary, ever we are gay. 
 Free are we as birds the livelong summer day. 
 All. Cheerily, merrily, etc. 
 
 (.-\iinabel and Dame Durden enter and are welcomed by the villagers, Annabel 
 greeting Allan-a-Dale.) 
 
 Annabel. Surely 'tis an acquisition 
 
 To this goodly companie; 
 Outlaws of such high position 
 
 Gladly at the fair we see. 
 All. Come and join our dance! 
 
 (A May-pole is made ready for dancing^ 
 
 Morris Dance. 
 
 All. Fal-la, Fal-la. 
 
 Trip a morris dance hilarious. 
 
 Lightly, brightly, 
 Trip in measures multifarious. 
 Dance so happily, so gaily, madly. 
 Dance your prettiest, your lightest and best; 
 No court minuet is danced half so gladly. 
 Dance your liveliest and don't stop to rest. 
 Fal-la, Fal-la. 
 
 Little J. Bring in the bales and boxes, comrades. We will sell to these 
 good folk all the goods we have confiscated. 
 
 {Goods are brought in by the outlaws.^ 
 Villagers. Hurrah! 
 Allan-a-Dale. Here is our jolly Friar Tuck. He shall serve as auctioneer. 
 
 {Ftiar Tuck and Mark-o^-the-Mill enter.) 
 Yes. Let the salebegin. 
 
6 
 
 Friat T. Faith, I have just come from an auction not far from here, and 
 who d'ye think was there? 
 
 All. Who then? 
 
 Friar T. The Sheriff of Nottingham. 
 
 All. The Sheriff! 
 
 Friar T. Ay; he was disguised, but I knew him. He bought a suit of 
 clothes of me; the same suit of homespun that we stole from the mes- 
 senger. Now the Sheriff has the stolen suit and we have a fair price. 
 (Annabel and a chorus of milkmaids enter.) 
 
 Milkmaids' Chorus. 
 
 Milkmaids. When chanticleer crowing 
 
 Says night is a'going. 
 And larks their nests are scornihg-O, 
 In rain or fair weather. 
 We trip o'er the heather 
 So early in the morning-O. 
 
 Yes, when dawn's first blush we see 
 Come we milkmaids o'er the lea, 
 
 Singing tra-la-la. 
 Plowboys haste o'er dell and hill, 
 Whistling with a right good-will, 
 Piping their tra-la-la. ■ 
 
 (Annabel comes forward.) 
 Annabel. With a lissome figure and a laughing face 
 
 An ideal milkmaid's a thing of grace. 
 A creature whose laughing, dimpled face 
 Is of lilies and roses the trysting place. 
 The painters depict her a fairy thing; 
 The poets her praises delight to sing. 
 She dresses in satins and finest silks, 
 She sings sweet songs as she sits and milks. 
 She insists upon wearing a Gainsborough hat. 
 Her ankles are something to wonder at. 
 Her hands are dainty and oh, so white; 
 Her curls are perfect, her eyes are bright. 
 She's the manner and mien of my lady fine, 
 While even her cows are idyllic kine. 
 Such milkmaids do poets and painters find. 
 And it's proper to add we are just that kind. 
 
 Milkmaids. We're exceedingly glad 
 
 We have nothing to add 
 In the way of contradiction 
 For it's easy to see 
 
That such milkmaids as we 
 Are not milkmaids of fact, but of fiction. 
 
 Allan. But the kind of milkmaids that you describe 
 
 Do not belong to the real tribe. 
 The real milkmaid in a homespun gown 
 Has very few smiles but full many a frown; 
 Her hands are heavy and red and rough, 
 And she rarely sings, for her voice is gruff. 
 She is middle-aged, she is plain at that, 
 And her figure is something to cavil at. 
 Her life is a merry round, 'tis said. 
 Of rising, working and going to bed. 
 Her joy is getting her work all done 
 And going to rest at the set of sun. 
 Of all her life, 'tis the saddest tale 
 When a cow kicks over a brimming pail. 
 Her hands are rough, and her gown homespun. 
 And she only sings when her work is done. 
 
 Milkmaids. We're exceedingly sure 
 
 We could never endure 
 Any life so fraught with friction; 
 
 And 'tis easy to see 
 
 That it's nicer to be 
 A milkmaid of fanciful fiction. 
 
 Dame D. {To Annabel,) Thou pert minx! Get thee within and mind thy 
 dairy pans. {To Allan.) Young man, begone, unless thou hast a. 
 mind to buy butter or cheeses from a lone widow and her daughter. 
 {Allan kisses Annabel.) Eh? What was that? 
 
 Allan. 'Twas nothing, gentle Dame, 
 
 Dame D. Truly a loud nothing. This smacks of untruth. 
 
 Allan {sympathetically). Is it true that you are a widow? 
 
 Dame D. {Aside.) Can he mean to propose. {Sighs.) Alas! I know not for 
 surety. My man has been at the Crusades for the past twelve years. 
 I have sent him each year a suit of homespun and a letter, but to the 
 last I sent I have received no answer. I fear that outlaws waylaid 
 the messenger and stole the suit. 
 
 Allan. Perhaps your good man may return this very day. Many bow- 
 men from the Crusades will attend the fair to take part in the shooting 
 match. 
 
 {Horn sounds without^ 
 
 Allan. Yes, there is the signal for their coming. 
 
 Dame D. {Looking off.) But who is the gallant leading them? Surely 
 he is not a forester. 
 
Allan. Ah, that is young Robert of Huntington. He comes into his 
 
 title and estates this very day. 
 Annabel. (Looking off.) IVIethinks he is a proper man. 
 Allan. He is a fine fellow, and though he belongs to the nobility he is the 
 
 finest bow-shot in all England. Oh, what a pity that he is not an 
 
 outlaw. 
 (Horns heard. The archers enter headed by Robert, Little John, Allan-a-Dale , 
 
 Scarlet — All armed with long bows.) 
 
 Ensemble. 
 
 Archers. 
 
 Villagers. 
 
 Robert. 
 
 All. 
 Robert. 
 
 Come the bowmen in Lincoln green, 
 More skillful archers were never seen 
 Bowmen they with eyes so keen. 
 Gaily clad in Lincoln green. ' 
 In the leafy shades 
 Of the woodland glades, 
 'Neath old Sherwood's greenwood tree; 
 Where the red deer springs 
 And the throstle sings 
 Is the dearest spot to me; 
 For never a care 
 r the world comes there. 
 And never you hear a sigh; 
 
 As you love and laugh. 
 As you quip and quaff. 
 So gaily the days go by. ' 
 
 Then hey for the merry greenwbod? say I, 
 
 And give me a bow of yew; 
 Let mine be the life that is free from strife, 
 
 Where friends are stanch and true. 1 
 
 Then hey for the merry greenwood! say I, etc 
 Oh, we hunt the stag 
 Over hill and crag. 
 Where the antlered monarch bounds; 
 With a trusty bow 
 We can lay him low, 
 Then our ringing bugle sounds. 
 All lovers who mourn 
 Can find hope newborn 
 If the life of the woods they try; 
 There is sure relief 
 For a lover's grief. 
 So gaily the days go by. 
 
 Then hey for the merry greenwood! say I, etc. 
 
9 
 
 Annabel. Sir cavalier, 
 
 You're welcome here 
 To this our fair. 
 Robert. My thanks, my dear; 
 
 A pretty girl 
 You are, I swear. 
 Allan. Just pardon me 
 
 My friend, but she 
 Is my betrothed I must aver. 
 tittle J. {Aside to Robert^ Though all is fair 
 In love and war. 
 You'd better not make love to her. 
 Robert. As all is fair 
 
 In love or war, 
 I'll make love to whome'er I will; 
 On May Day bright, 
 When hearts are light, 
 I scoff at him who takes it ill. 
 
 Madrigal. 
 Annabel, Allan, Robert and Little John. 
 
 All is fair in love and war, 
 
 So they say, so they say. 
 ( IVith a heigho and a lily gay.) 
 And a wight can rightly win 
 
 Any maid on May Day. 
 {As the fiimrose spreads so sweetly.) 
 Lily bells begin to ring, 
 
 Fal-la-la! 
 'Tis the matin lime of spring, 
 
 Fal-la-la! 
 Maiden fancies love to stray. 
 
 So they say, so they say. 
 ( With a heigho and a lily gay.) 
 Birds all choose their mates in May, 
 
 So they say, so they say. 
 {As the primrose spreads so sweetly.) 
 When the ringdoves are a'cooing, 
 And the redbreasts are a'wooing. 
 Then methinks, if ne'er before. 
 All is fair in love and war. 
 Fal-la-la, la-la, etc. ■ 
 
 {Commotion without. Marian, dressed as a cavalier, enters , pursued by Fiiar 
 Tuck.) 
 
10 
 
 Little J. 
 Allan. 
 
 All. 
 Marian. 
 
 All. 
 Friar T. 
 
 All. 
 Robert. 
 
 Mai ian. 
 Allan. 
 
 All. 
 
 Marian. 
 King 
 
 How now ? What's the row ? 
 Who is this youthful gallant, pray, 
 With whom you seem to seek a fray ? 
 
 Yes, explain. 
 Yes, please explain to me for one, 
 I'd like to know what I have done. 
 He wants to fight, this priestly churl, 
 Because I kissed a pretty girl. 
 
 What girl? Explain. 
 When I can get my breath I'll tell, . 
 
 Just what befell. 
 I saw this little coxcomb here 
 Make love unto a pretty dear, 
 And give her a resounding kiss 
 Upon the cheek — about like this. {Tries to kiss Annabel.) 
 
 Down with him! 
 Nay! Hold! It seems to me extremely flat 
 To fight about a little thing like that. 
 I never offered such a kiss. 
 
 'Twas just a tiny one like this. (Offers a kiss to Annabel.) 
 You seem to think it is a feat 
 To kiss each pretty girl you meet. 
 
 Solo. Marian. 
 I come as a cavalier, • 
 
 And you must take it not amiss; 
 I do as a cavalier. 
 
 Who is never loath to steal a kiss. 
 And never a cavalier, 
 
 Would be a gallant knight and true. 
 Who wouldn't confer a kiss 
 
 Upon a girl who wished him to. 
 Cavaliers, I declare. 
 Must be courteous to the fair. 
 Cavaliers e'er must be 
 In their manners slightly free. 
 And if you had been by, 
 You would have done just as I. 
 Wrath pray stifle, 
 'Twas a trifle, 
 She herself could not deny. 
 
 Cavaliers, we declare, etc. 
 (All march off excepting Robert and Marian^ 
 (Aside.) So this is the future Earl of Huntington whom the 
 has commanded me to marry. Well, he's not so bad after all. 
 
11 
 
 {Addressing Robert.) Young fellow, can you tell one where one may 
 
 find Robert who is to be Earl of Huntington? 
 Robert. Yes, young fellow; I can tell one, or, for that matter, I might tell 
 
 two, for I am he. 
 Marian. Well, I suppose you know that you are commanded to be mar- 
 ried? 
 Robert. Commanded to be married? 
 Marian. Yes; behold the King's command. {Produces parchment; reads. y 
 
 Robert, the future Earl of Huntington — marry — Lady Marian — daugh- 
 ter of Lord Fitzwalter — by order of the King. 
 Robert. And what have you to do with it? 
 Marian. Oh, I am the page who brings the King's message to Lady 
 
 Marian's guardian, the Sheriff of Nottingham. 
 Robert. Look ye, young sir, Robert, Earl of Huntington, is not the ma» 
 
 to marry the first girl that is offered to him. /am rather particular. 
 Marian. Oh, indeed. Well, you may as well understand that my cousin 
 
 Marian is not the girl to marry off-hand. She's not easy to please, andi 
 
 I don't think you will suit. 
 Robert. Oh, indeed? Is she a well-favored w.ench? 
 Marian. "Wench,'' sirrah? Wench me no wenches. I'll have you tO' 
 
 know that my cousin is a high-born lady, sir. 
 Robert. Well, is she a well-favored high-born lady then; and has she a. 
 
 high-born temper like her cousin's ? 
 Marian. If you want to know what she looks like, you might take a. 
 
 glance at me. We are said to favor each other. 
 Robert. Not a bad looking young fellow. So you favor each other, do 
 
 you? Well, suppose you favor me by telling your cousin that I am 
 
 not ready to marry, and therefore I respectfully refuse her. 
 Marian. What! Such impudence! You refuse my cousin who has had 
 . dozen of offers from the finest gallants in England ? You refuse her 
 
 indeed? She x^Imsss you. 
 Robin. {Aside.) That was a regular feminine outburst. Why, this must 
 
 be Lady Marian herself. Rather pretty — and clever, too. ( To Marian.)- 
 
 Really, my dear boy, I was only teasing you. The fact is that I love 
 
 your cousin, and I am delighted at the King's command. 
 Marian. What! You love my cousin? 
 Robert. What man of taste could fail to be enamored of the famous 
 
 beauty, Lady Marian Fitzwalter? {Aside.) That ought to help me out. 
 Marian. Ah, so you think her pretty? 
 Robert. Oh, she is adorable. 
 
 Marian. Why, where have you seen me? {Recollects herself suddenly.) 
 Robert. Aha! Caught by your own confession. And did you suppose 
 
 that I did not recognize you from the first? 
 Marian. It was only natural that I should want to see the kind of man 
 
 that I am commanded to marry. I took the place of the page who 
 
1-2 
 
 was to bring the order to the Sheriff, Sir Tristram Testy. He is the 
 custodian of my fortune. 
 
 Robert. Sir Tristram has charge of my estates as well. This Sir Tristram 
 seems very fond of being custodian of estates. I mistrust him. 
 
 Marian. And I suspect him, too. He has been pressing the suit of one 
 Guy of Gisborne, whom he wishes me to marry. The two have some 
 conspiracy afoot. Sir Tristram is likely to be here soon to attend the 
 fair. I will dress as a village girl, take a place in yonder dairy booth, 
 and try to learn his motive in wishing me to marry Guy of Gisborne. 
 
 Robert. Marry another! How can you speak of such a thing? Are you 
 not plighted to me by the King's mandate ? 
 
 Marian. But you refused me. 
 
 Robert. Refuse? No; never did Kinjf have subject who obeyed more 
 willingly. {About to put his arm around her.) 
 
 Marian {repulsing him). Not so fast. (Imitating his manner in the early 
 part of the scene.) Look ye, young sir. Lady Marian Fitzwalter is not 
 the girl to marry the first man who is offered to her. I am rather 
 particular. 
 
 Robert. Believe me; I spoke the truth when I told you that at the court 
 tourneys I have seen you and seen only to dream of your beauty for 
 days. But I never thought that I should have the happiness of call- 
 ing you mine. 
 
 Duet. Marian and Robert. 
 
 Robert. 
 
 Marian. 
 
 Robert. 
 
 Marian. 
 
 Robert. 
 
 Marian. 
 
 Robert. 
 
 Marian, 
 
 Though it was within this hour we met, 
 
 I have dreamed of such a face as thine; 
 Dreams I love to think of even yet 
 
 When I held thy little hand in mine — 
 
 To wake was for that dreamland face to pine. 
 
 Dreams we must by contraries divine. 
 
 Will that dream come true? 
 No, no. 
 
 Let me dream anew. 
 Not so. 
 
 Who knows what fate 
 
 May thee await. 
 If thy constancy time and distance prove. 
 
 This hand of mine 
 
 May yet be thine 
 If fidelity dwelleth with thy love. 
 
 Long, long ago. 
 
 Some time, I know. 
 In dreamland fair we met. 
 
 It may be so, but I forget. 
 
 I needs must own 
 
13 
 
 That thou alone 
 Art to me more than all beside. 
 Robert. What joy to hear 
 
 Those words so dear. 
 Both. Love ever will be our guide. 
 
 Come dream so bright, 
 
 My heart delight. 
 
 Dreaming anew, 
 
 I find 'tis true. 
 
 Fair dost thou seem, 
 
 Beautiful dream. 
 
 At last I see thee. 
 
 My dream has come true'. 
 ( They exit. T,\e Sheriff and Sir Guy enter attended by guards, foresters and 
 
 villagers^ 
 Song. The Sheriff. 
 I am the Sheriff of Nottingham, 
 
 My eye is like an eagle's; 
 So sly and clever — in fact I am 
 
 One of the law's best beagles. 
 
 I'm a genius quite. 
 Guy. He's a wonderful wight. 
 
 Sheriff. I'm considered remarkably bright. 
 
 If anyone fractures the slightest law, 
 
 With a glance I can fill him with panic awe. 
 All. Bow low! 
 
 Guy. Bow lowly as you can. 
 
 All. Bow low! 
 
 Sheriff. You should to such a man. 
 
 You may search for aye 
 
 But you never will descry 
 
 Such a wondrous Sheriff as I. 
 
 Such a brain 
 
 All. He makes no error. 
 
 Sheriff. Such an eye 
 
 All. It striketh terror. 
 
 Sheriff. I've a seething brain that can never go astray, 
 
 I am sure to be right alway; 
 Such a Sheriff bold as you behold 
 You don't see ev'ry day. 
 
 I never yet made a mistake, 
 I'd like to for variety's sake. 
 In short, infallible I am. 
 The Sheriff of Nottingham. 
 
14 
 
 Jill He never yet made a mistake, etc. 
 
 Sheiiff. The merry Sheriff of Nottingham, 
 
 Is always right and lawful; 
 If anyone hints he's a sham, 
 His punishment is awful. 
 I put him in jail. 
 Guy. He refuses all bail. 
 
 S/uriff. 'Tis an argument ne'er known to fail; 
 
 If any plebeian my greatness mocks, 
 I answer by putting him in the stocks. 
 jfll Bow low! 
 
 Guy. Bow lowly as you can, etc. 
 
 (The chorus exit.) 
 Sheriff. All is well now, friend Guy. I have evidence enough to send all 
 these outlaws to the gallows. A letter that I found in the pocket of 
 that homespun coat I bought at the auction, proves that it was sent 
 by one Dame Durden to her husband at the Crusades. The messen- 
 ger must have been robbed by Little John's band. What do you 
 think of that for » piece of detective work? I fancy it was rather 
 clever of me. 
 ■Guy. Oh, I wish I had half your acuteness. I wish you would lend me 
 
 your eagle eye for a few days. 
 Sheriff. Patience, good Guy. At present you are a simple country lout. 
 Guy. Quite right; so I am. • 
 
 Sheriff. But you can be as loutish as you please when you are a peer of 
 
 England. 
 ■Guy. A peer of England! Oh, I would do anything to be a peer of 
 
 England. 
 Sheriff. Leave it all to me, and you shall be the Earl of Huntington. 
 
 Guy. The Earl of Huntington! Why, there is one already. 
 
 Sheriff. True, there is a person who thinks he is the Earl. He comes of 
 age to-day. He has a fortune of a hundred thousand crowns, which 
 I must deliver to him to-day. Now, if I should make you Earl of 
 Huntington, friend Guy, you would be satisfied with fifty thousand 
 crowds, wouldn't you? 
 
 ■Guy. Yes; or twenty-five. Why, I would be Earl of Huntington for my 
 board and lodging. 
 
 Sheriff. {Aside.'\ Well, then, if friend Guy is satisfied with- twenty-five, 
 I can worry along on seventy-five. Now, I fancy that was rather 
 clever of me. Now I want you to marry my ward. Lady Marian Fitz- 
 walter — nice girl — rich, too. 
 
 Guy. I would even do that to be a peer. 
 
 Shniff. And I suppose you would be satisfied with a dowry of ten thou- 
 sand crowns; wouldn't you, friend Guy? 
 
15 
 
 Guy {doubtfully). How beautiful is she? 
 
 Sheriff. Oh, her beauty shames the noon-day sun. 
 
 Guy. Why, I would marry a young woman whose beauty shames the 
 
 noon-day sun for almost nothing. 
 Sheriff. So it is all arranged. I make you the Earl of Huntington, and 
 
 you get twenty-five thousand crowns. {Aside.) I get seventy-five. 
 
 {To Guy.) You marry Lady Marian and get ten thousand crowns' 
 
 dowry with her. (Aside.) I get ninety thousand. 
 Guy. Oh, how can I ever thank you? 
 
 Sheriff. (Aside.) Now, that's what comes of having an eagle eye. 
 {Marian enteis dressed as a dairy maid. She crosses to the iairy booth unseen 
 
 by Guy or the Sheriffs 
 Guy. But stop a minute. You say I am a simple country lout, and J 
 
 have no doubt you are right. Now, it's just possible that this lady 
 
 whose beauty shames the noon-day sun may not fall in love with me 
 
 at first sight. 
 Sheriff. Wait a bit. My surging brain is a'weary. I must have some 
 
 refreshment. Aha, there is a dairy-maid. She can give me a glass of 
 
 new-mown milk. (Goes to the booth.) My dear, a glass of milk. 
 Marian. For two? 
 
 Sheriff. No; for one. This young man does not drink. 
 Marian. Here you are, sir. 
 
 Sheriff. Your health, my dear. Nice girl — very. 
 Guy. Come, answer my question, Master Sheriff. How am I to win the 
 
 heart of this Lady Marian with the ten thousand crowns? 
 Sheriff. Come, I will give you a lesson. You can practice on yon little 
 
 dairy maid. 
 Guy. But is it proper for me — a future peer of England — to waste time 
 
 on a plain dairy maid? 
 Sheriff. Tut! tut! People of that sort frequently waste time upon peers 
 
 of England. 
 Guy. Very well; if you say so, I will do the best I can. Only you must 
 
 freely criticise me. 
 Sheriff. Criticise you, my boy; I'll show you how it's all done. 
 
 Trio. Maiian, Shetiff and Guy. 
 
 Sheriff. When a peer makes love to a damsel fair. 
 
 Before he begins to make his confession. 
 He stands statuesquely to make an impression; 
 Well, something like this is the proper air. 
 
 Do ycm think you could do like that, my lad? 
 That's very nice — pretty well — not bad. 
 
 Guy. I'll follow your suggestion 
 
 And I'll ask the fateful question. 
 
I(i 
 
 Mnian. (Chtirning.) Churning, churning 
 
 All the live-long day; 
 Earning, earning 
 
 Wherewithal to pay. 
 
 For a gown of satin rare, 
 
 For a ribbon for my hair; 
 
 Colin surely will declare 
 
 He will love for aye. 
 
 Guy. ThoHgh like a peer I've stood and acted. 
 
 The damsel's thoughts seem quite distracted. 
 Sheriff. Oh, those are the means that the maids employ; 
 
 Before one begins to yield to his pleading 
 She has to pretend that she gives little heeding. 
 She does this kind of thing — with a. mien so coy; 
 Do not mind little things like this, my boy. 
 That's what they do when they think they're coy. 
 Repeat now after me. 
 
 {Sheriff sings and Guy repeats each phrase.) 
 Sweetheart, my own sweetheart, 
 
 Lift up thy bonny eyes, 
 And bid with love's fond art 
 My drooping spirits rise 
 Behold a peer who kneels 
 
 Upon his peerless knee, {Both kneel.) 
 And who distinctly feels 
 
 A fiery flame for thee. 
 Well, if for love of me you burn. 
 Suppose you help me churn. 
 Consent. 
 Of course. 
 I'll illustrate the art 
 By which to win her heart. 
 This is the way to kneel; 
 It is the height of grace. 
 How very dreary. 
 'Tis thus you try to steal 
 A miniature embrace. {Illustrates ) 
 
 He makes me weary. 
 When you your love unfold. 
 Smile pensively this wise. 
 
 Oh, very fine indeed! 
 Hands o'er your heart you hold. 
 And wildly roll your eyes. 
 
 Such tactics must succeed. 
 
 Marian. 
 
 Sheriff. 
 
 Guy. 
 
 Sheriff. 
 
 Marian. 
 Sheiiff. 
 
 Marian. 
 Sheriff. 
 
 Marian. 
 Sheriff. 
 
 Marian. 
 
 {Aside to Guy.) 
 
17 
 
 All. Burning, yearning 
 
 All the live-long day; 
 
 Learning, learning 
 Love's perplexing way. 
 
 Love is darkest of despair, 
 
 Love is radiance most rare; 
 
 Love is solace or a care, 
 Changeable for aye. 
 
 (All exit. Outlaws' horns heard at a distance. Robert, Little John, Scarlet, 
 
 Allan-a-Dale, Outlaws, Dame Durden, Annabel and Villagers enter.) 
 Dame. And who has won the prize, good masters? 
 Little J. Who, but young Robert of Huntington? Oh, what a pity he is 
 
 not one of us. 
 Allan. But nobody should grudge him his good luck. He made a ball's 
 
 eye at every shot. 
 Robert. Yes, fortune is kind to me to-day. It is on this day that I come 
 
 into my title and estates. 
 Little J. And who is the custodian of your property? 
 Robert. The Lord High Sheriff of Nottingham. In the absence of the 
 
 King at the Crusades, this Sheriff's power is absolute; but I shall make 
 
 a demand on him at once, and, as I am of age to-day, I do not think 
 
 he dare refuse. 
 Little y. Refuse? Let him try it. We'll standby you; won't we, friends? 
 All. Aye, aye. 
 Robert, Come, then. Let's have him out, and as soon as I get possession 
 
 of my fortune you shall all make merry at my expense. 
 Friar T. Ah, that's the kind of a nobleman for ye. We're to make 
 
 merry at his expense. A cheer for him. 
 All. Huzzah. 
 (Robert goes to the door of the Sheriff's house and knocks at the door with the 
 
 large iron knocker^ 
 
 Finale. 
 
 Robert. What ho! Within there! 
 
 All. Within there! What ho! 
 
 Robert. For you, Lord Sheriff, we await, 
 
 So of our call be heedful; 
 Produce my title and estate. 
 
 Produce the cash so needful. 
 (Rapping on the door). Rat-tat-tat-tat. You hear me rap. 
 
 Now come and join us soon, old chap. 
 All. Rat-tat-tat-tat. You hear us rap— etc. 
 
 ( The Sheriff, Guy and Marian enter ^ 
 Sheriff. Come, come. What means this din so loud? 
 
 Disperse, disperse, you noisy crowd. 
 
18 
 
 Disperse? Ho, ho. 
 Disperse? Oh, no. 
 A. business errand brings us here; 
 And so forbear that haughty sneer. 
 Just hearken to our friend's recital, 
 And then confer on him his title. 
 Approve me now as Earl. 
 No Earl are you, in sooth. 
 You vain, presumptuous youth. 
 Sherijff. {Speaking through music.) I find that by your father's will you 
 
 are disinherited. 
 Robert. Disinherited? 
 
 Sheriff' (Producing document.) Here are the documents. Before your 
 birth your father, the Earl, was secretly married to a young peasant 
 girl. Their son was reared by me. Behold him— the rightful heir of 
 Huntington. (^Pushes Guy forward.) 
 
 All. 
 
 Women. 
 Little J. 
 
 Scarlet. 
 
 Robert. 
 Sheriff. 
 
 This statement's true. You cannot move it; 
 
 Here are the documents to prove it. 
 
 This is some trick mendacious. 
 
 Not so; it is veracious. 
 
 Of course I am the real Earl. 
 
 Those papers prove his title quite. 
 
 I made them all and know they're right. 
 
 Sheriff. 
 
 Robert. 
 Sheriff. 
 Guy. 
 Sheriff, 
 
 {Aside., 
 
 Marion (who holds the otder of the King for her marriage to the Earl of Hunt- 
 ington.) 
 
 If this young churl uncouth, 
 Is Huntington in truth, 
 I will suppress the King's command; 
 I'll not accept his hand. 
 (She hides the order of the King in her sun-bonnet. 
 Robert. Traitor, have your way; but when the King returns from the 
 
 Crusades I know he will see that justice is done. {Sheriff exits ^ 
 Little J. And now, friend Robert, take your bow of yew; 
 
 Come to old Sherwood; join our jolly crew, 
 Instead of Earl, a monarch you shall be; 
 The king of forest rovers, subjects free. 
 Robert. I take you at your word. Your hand 
 
 Right gladly will I join your band. 
 
 Outlaws. Come! away! . 
 
 We are most joyful this to see; 
 'Tis plain an outlaw he will be. 
 Robin. Farewell until we meet again. ( To Marion^ 
 
 Farewell tcJ thee; 
 
 Farewell. Although a king I reign; 
 Faithful I'll be. 
 
19 
 
 All. Then away let us go to the forest free and fair. 
 
 There a king you may be, and a king who has not a care. 
 Come away! Come away! For life is merry there. 
 (Robert takes leave of Marian, and is cairled off on the shoulders of several of 
 the outlaws, ivho march off in procession, headed by Little John, Friar 
 Tuck, Will Scarlet and Allan, Curtain. 
 
 End of Act I. 
 
ACT II. 
 
 Scene.— ^ hunter' s lodge kept by Dame Durden on the borders of Sherwood 
 Forest. Little John, Scarlet and Allan-a-Dale discovered playing at skittles. 
 Friar Tuck is superintending the cooking. Outlaws discovered grouped 
 about the stage, variously occupied. Time, early evening. 
 Chorus. 
 
 Oh, cheerily soundeth the huntsman's horn! 
 
 Its clarion blast so fine 
 Through deeps of old Sherwood is clearly borne; 
 We hear it at eve and at break of morn; 
 
 Of Robin Hood's band the sign. 
 
 A'hunting we will go; 
 
 (Tra-ra-ra, tra-ra.) (Imitating horns.) 
 And chase the hart and roe; 
 
 (Tra-ra-ra, tra-ra.) 
 O, where is band so jolly 
 
 As Robin's band all in Lincoln green? 
 Their life is pleasant folly; i 
 
 Nope's ever so gay, I ween. 
 
 Scarlet. 
 
 Tenors. 
 Basses. 
 
 A llan. 
 
 A tailor there dwelt near old Sherwood's edge, 
 
 Who was deft with an old cross-bow; 
 One day, as he sat on his window ledge, 
 
 That way came a jet black crow. 
 He perched on an oak and to caw began — 
 One could hear him a'near and far: 
 "It takes nine tailors to make a good man; 
 
 A ninth of a man, sir, you are.'' 
 "It takes nine tailors" — etc. 
 "Caw, caw, caw" — etc. 
 
 The tailor, he waxfed exceeding fierce. 
 
 Crying- "Wife, bring my old bent bow." 
 And a cloth-yard shaft he dispatched to pierce 
 
 The heart of that jet black crow. 
 But he killed his fav'rite pig as it ran. 
 
 While the crow screamed and flew afar: 
 "It takes nine tailors to make a good man; 
 
 A ninth of a man, sir, you are." 
 
31 
 
 Tenors, i " It takes nine tailors" — etc. 
 Basses. ) "Caw, caw, caw, caw" — etc. 
 
 {Annabel enters from the lodge.) 
 Little J. A jolly good song and jolly well sung. Come, swaet Annabel, 
 
 fill me a tankard of that brown, October ale. {Annabel presents him 
 
 with a tankard which she has filled at the cask.) Here's to your bonny 
 
 black eyes, my dear. 
 Allan. Come away from him, Annabel. You are getting so that you flirt 
 
 with every man that comes to the lodge. It is intolerable. 
 Annabel. And you are getting so that I believe you would be jealous of a 
 
 marble statue. 
 Scarlet. But where can our Captain be ? 
 
 {Horn sounds without.) 
 Little J. Aha! That is his trumpet. 
 Friar T. {who has been cooking the soup). And he is just in time; for the 
 
 soup is all ready 
 Outlaws. Here is the Captain. ( Robin enters with a bag of game.) 
 Little J. Welcome, Captain! As usual you do not return empty-handed. 
 Robin. No fear of that while the King's preserves are so well stocked. 
 
 Sweet Annabel, may I crave a bumper of humming ale from your 
 
 fair hands ? 
 Annabel. Here it is, all ready for you, brave Robin. 
 Robin. And here's a kiss for your courtesy. {Kisses her.) 
 Allan. Will you never leave oiT making love to every new-comer? Do 
 
 you think men were made for you to kiss? 
 Annabel. Partly for that, I'm sure. 
 
 Robin. What, Allan; are you jealous of Annabel again? Nonsense, man! 
 Allan. It may be nonsense, but Annabel is a sad coquette, and I love 
 
 her so that she keeps my temper at white heat. 
 Robin. My regard for her is purely Platonic, and just to prove it, lovely 
 
 Annabel, I will come to your window at moonrise this evening, and 
 
 sing you a purely Platonic serenade. 
 Annabel. And I will open my lattice to listen with all the pleasure in life. 
 Allan. And if you do, all is over between us. 
 Annabel. It's little I care for that. Master Allan. Come as yoii say, 
 
 Master Robin — just to plague this jealous fellow. 
 Robin. Not I. I will come to please myself, not to plague him. 
 Allan. You might not be so much at ease if you knew that the Sheriff of 
 
 Nottingham had set forth for the forest with a party of foresters 
 
 sworn to capture the dreaded outlaw, Robin Hood. 
 Robin. Perhaps; but the Sheriff does not know that the outlaw, Robin 
 
 Hood, and the rightful Earl of Huntington, are one and the same 
 
 person. He thinks that I have gone to the Crusades and have peace- 
 fully jrielded up my birthright. 
 Little J. I knew that such a merry fellow as you would be happier with us. 
 
32 
 
 Robin. Happy? Yes, I am happy, except 
 
 Little J. Excepting when you think of the Lady Marian, eh? Take my 
 
 advice, man, and don't waste a thought on her. 
 Friar T. Banish thoughts of love. Captain, and try some broth. 
 Little J. Ho! draw a mug of yonder nappy ale. When an outlaw prates 
 
 of love and such like evils, there's but one remedy — a flagon of brown, 
 
 October ale. Sing the praises of bright eyes and ruddy lips, an ye 
 
 will. I sing the praise of ale. 
 
 The Song of Brown, October Ale. 
 
 Little John. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 And it's will ye quaff with me, my lads, 
 
 And it's will ye quaff with me ? 
 It is a draught of nut-brown ale 
 
 I offer unto ye. 
 All humming in the tankard, lads, 
 
 It cheers the heart forlorn; 
 Oh, here's a friend to e'v'ryone — 
 
 'Tis stout John Barleycorn. 
 
 So laugh, lads, and quaff, lads; 
 
 'Twill make you stout and hale; 
 Through all my days, I'll sing the praise 
 
 Of brown, October ale. 
 
 Now, tapster, if in me you'd win 
 
 A friend who will not fail. 
 Fill up once more the cannikin 
 
 With brown, October ale. 
 
 Little John. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 And it's will you love me true, my lafs, 
 And it's will you love me true ? 
 
 If not, I'll drink one flagon more. 
 And so farewell to you. 
 
 If Joan or Moll, or Nan or Doll 
 
 Should make your heart to mourn, 
 
 I'll give a friend who will be stanch — 
 'Tis rare John Barleycorn. 
 
 So laugh, lads, and quaff, lads. 
 
 While flagons do not fail, 
 We'll happy be with three times three 
 
 Of brown, October ale. 
 Now, you, good wife, and you, good man, 
 
 Let not your, mjrih grow stale; 
 But round we'll pass the clinking can 
 
 Of brown, October ale. 
 
23 
 
 {Alli-xil. The Sheriff enters with Guy and six journeymen tinkeis.) 
 Sheriff. Ah, here we are on the borders of Sherwood Forest, where the 
 outlaw Robin Hood commits his fearful crimes. What is the matter 
 with the Earl of Huntington? If you tremble like that you will shake 
 down some of these trees. You seem to think you have got to be 
 shaken before Robin is taken. 
 Guy. But I'm thinking of the desperado, Robin Hood. Br-r-r-ritremblei). 
 Sheriff {tmitating him). Br-r-r-r. What are you doing? 
 Guy (trembling). I am quaking at the dreaded name of Robin Hood. 
 
 They say he sticks at nothing. 
 Sheriff. I don't care if he sticks at everything. Robin Hood never robs 
 from the poor — sensible man; they have nothing worth taking. As 
 journeymen tinkers we are too poor to attract his attention. Perhaps 
 we will get a chance to capture this Robin, whoever he may be. You 
 seem to forget that I have my eagle eye with me. 
 Guy. Which is your eagle eye? 
 
 Sheriff. The left — and it's a wonder. Trust to my colossal intellect, 
 
 friend Guy, and we will not only bring Marian back so you can marry 
 
 her, but we will hang Robin on a highly ornate and commodious 
 
 gallows. 
 
 Guy. Yes; but if we are journeymen tinkers,, we had better attend to 
 
 business. 
 Sheriff. True, we must keep up our characters. Who knows but Robin 
 Hood may be in this very lodge. Come, to work, my honest jour- 
 neymen, and, like all true craftsmen, beguile your toil with blithe 
 roundelay. 
 
 Tinker's Song. 
 I. 
 'Tis merry journeymen we are. 
 All in the tinkering line, sirs; 
 We tramp the roadways near and far. 
 
 If weather it be fine, sirs 
 And if so be some churlish lout 
 
 Should make us surly answers, 
 We straightway drown his utterance out 
 By tapping on our pans, sits. 
 Then we rap, rap, rap, 
 And we tap, tap, tap. 
 From the dawn till the dark of night, sirs; 
 We are men of mettle, 
 And the can or kettle 
 Doesn't live that we can't set right, sirs. 
 
 Tink tank, clink clank — 
 Hear our hammers ring; 
 When trade is brisk 
 
34 
 
 We frolic and we frisk 
 As happy and gay as a king. 
 
 Your tinker is a blithesome blade, 
 
 A cheerful soul I wot, sirs; 
 And gin enow he be not paid, • 
 
 He thieves what you have got, sirs. 
 He tells the news from town to town. 
 
 The true news and the lie, sirs; 
 You'll search the whole world up and down 
 
 And find no wight so sly, sirs. 
 O we rap, rap, rap — etc. 
 
 {Robin, Little John, Friar Tuck, Scarlet and Annabel enter. Awatel 'ervx 
 ale to the Sheriff.) 
 
 Friar T. Come; what say you to a game at bowls? 
 
 Little J. I'll lay you a stoup of sack that I can beat you, my fat friar. 
 
 Scarlet. How now, thou roystering boaster! I'll cast a bowl with you 
 right willingly. Now, what say you to this? (Bowls.) 
 
 All. Well bowled! 
 
 Sheriff, I wonder who these rapscallions are. Do you know these noisy 
 wights, sweet damsel? 
 
 Annabel. (Aside.) I must not betray such good customers. (To the Sheriff.) 
 Know them? Ay, marry. 
 
 Sheriff. Oh, you marry, do you? Which one? 
 
 Annabel. Methinks they are a party of yeomen sent by the King to cap- 
 ture Robin Hood. 
 
 Sheriff. (Slightly tipsy.) Bah! What can yeomen do? They lack shrewd- 
 ness, sagacious-ness-ness; eagle-eye-tiveness. They have not an eagle 
 eye to their backs. 
 
 Annabel. (Aside to Robin.) Beware, brave Robin, or you will not sing 
 that serenade to me this night. Yonder fellow is the Sheriff of Not- 
 tingham come to capture you. 
 
 Robin and the Outlaws. (Aside.) The Sheriff! 
 
 Robin. (Aside.) It's lucky he is in his cups. 
 
 Little J. You mean his cups are in him. (To the Sheriff.) Look ye, my 
 
 lusty tinkers, have you heard the sad news from Banbury! 
 Sheriff (maudlin). Sad news from Cranberry? What's the sad news? Tell 
 me, for I am a tinker by trade and as greedy for news as a priest is 
 for farthings. 
 Scarlet. Yes; it is said that two tinkers have been placed in the stocks 
 
 for drinking small beer. 
 Sheriff. A plague on thy news, thou scurvy loon. Thou speakest ill of 
 my trade. 
 
35 
 
 Roliin. Tut, tut, jolly menders of kettles. You see we are four stout 
 
 yeomen to two tinkers; so for your own sakes let us no"t fall to 
 
 cracking crowns. 
 Friar T. No, but fall to cracking jests over a stoup of sack. 
 Little J. Ho, my sweet Annabel. Bring us more of thy nappy ale. 
 Sheriff. I do love you as brothers all, else would I not waste time with 
 
 ye; for I am a sly dog, and I have- in my pocket a warrant for that 
 
 villainous outlaw, Robin Hood. 
 Little J. Thou hast a warrant? 
 Sheriff. Ay, here in this pouch. 
 Guy. Yes; and we seek also the Lady Marian Fitzwalter, who is ordered 
 
 by the King to marry the Earl of Huntington — that is I. 
 Robin. Lady Marian to marry you? 
 Little J. (Aside.) Tut, tut! I will attend to this. (To the Shetiff.) And 
 
 where is this fair dame? 
 Sheriff. Troth, she has fled from home and gone we know not whither. 
 Robin. (Aside.) Can she have come to the forest to join me? (Returns to 
 
 the table.) 
 Sheriff. My first business must be to serve this warrant upon Robin 
 
 Hood. An' he mind it not I will cudgel him till every one of his 
 
 bones cries out amen. But mayhap some of ye know this Robin. 
 Little J. What; know him? Not we, indeed! 
 Outlaw. Not we, indeed. 
 Little J. But drink, man; drink. 
 (Little John makes the Sheriff drink and pretends to drink himself. The other 
 
 Outlaws pfetend to drink and laugh aside at the Sheriff.) 
 Friar T. (To Guy.) Drink, sweet youth; drink. 
 Sheriff. (Drinking.) I'll catch this vagabond Robin and hang him on the 
 
 highest gallows in merry England. 
 Robin. (Aside.) The old villain! 
 Scarlet. Here's a health to you, my fine fellow. 
 
 (Sheriff drinks. Scarlet pretends to drink and throws the ale on the ground^ 
 Little J. But, tinker, they say this Robin Hood is a sly thief. 
 Sheriff. What do I care? So am I — I mean I'm sly. 
 Little J. You had better watch your warrant closely, or he may steal it. 
 
 (Little John takes the warrant from the Sheriff' s pouch.) 
 Sheriff. Steal it? Ho, ho! That's a joke. Steal from me? Let him try it. 
 Little J. He'd only have to try it; wouldn't he? Ho, ho, ho! 
 Sheriff. Oh, if I only had him here, man to man. 
 Little J. He'd show you; wouldn't he? 
 Guy. But what manner of man is Robin Hood? 
 Robin. I saw him once. He is much such a man as I. 
 Little J. (Aside.) Take care. You will betray yourself. 
 
26 
 
 Sheriff. Egad! I thought him a bearded and blear-eyed ruffian; but if 
 
 he be a young churl like you, so much the easier task to crack his 
 
 knave's pate, 
 Robin. What say you? 
 
 Scarlet. {Aside.) Hold Robin, be patient with the villain. 
 Robin. Perchance, master tinker, this Robin is a deft hand with a cudgel. 
 Sheriff. Deft he may be; but I am" defter. 
 Little J. Then quaff another tankard. 
 Sheriff. Not I; always know when to stop. (He is the worse for liquor^ 
 
 I must keep my eagle eye and my immense brain in good working 
 
 order. Not another drop. 
 Scarlet. (To Guy.) Have a round with me, young friend? 
 Guy. No more; I must keep perfectly straight. 
 Sheriff. ( Trying to rise with dignity^ I am afraid I have taken about a 
 
 teaspoonful too much. 
 Little J. Nonsense, man! We are getting jolly together. Look at 
 
 me. I am worse than you. 
 Friar T. I am the worst of all of ye. 
 Sheriff. So you are. Here, give me another tankard. I allow no man 
 
 to be worse than I am. 
 Little J. Why, master tinker, you are as sober as a judge. How do you 
 
 manage to do it? 
 Sheriff. Do it by — eagle eye — great brain. {Falls into the chair.) 
 Friar T. And now, what say all of you to a song? 
 All. A song, a song! 
 Sheriff. Song? I'faith, in singing I can beat you all. I have the loudest 
 
 voice in all the country round. 
 Guy. I can't sing with you, for I know no songs. 
 Friar T. Oh, you must all join in. I, have a right jolly song here, writ 
 
 by myself. He£(rken, and keep your eyes upon these same notes. 
 
 {Gives out ^arts of a song which he takes from his pockets.) 
 
 Pastoral Glee. 
 
 All. O, see the lambkins play. 
 
 The birdlings pipe on every tree; 
 
 The kids do frisk right gladsomelie; 
 
 And bleat the lambs 
 
 Beside their dams. 
 They are so full of glee. 
 
 Yes, they are full 
 
 They are so full 
 
 They are so full of glee. 
 
 Friar T. Oh, dear 
 
 Little f. Oh, dear- • 
 
 Shenff • Oh, dear 
 
27 
 
 All. 
 
 Friar T. 
 
 Sheriff 
 
 Scarlet. 
 
 All. 
 
 Friar T. 
 
 Sheriff. 
 
 All. 
 
 Friar T. 
 
 Sheriff. 
 
 All. 
 
 Oh, dear Aminta, come with me. 
 
 Oh, dam 
 
 Oh, dam 
 
 Oh, dam 
 
 Oh, damsel fair, spring is wintry without thee. 
 Now swear 
 
 Now swear — — 
 Now swear I need not doubt thee. 
 Oh pay, my fair 
 
 Oh, pay, my fair — — 
 Oh, pay, my fair, this love of mine 
 I cannot live without thee. 
 
 The frogs right wantonly do sing; 
 The daffodils do bloom and spring. 
 
 If my Aminta doth deny 
 
 To hear my love-lorn sigh, 
 
 I'll seek my bier 
 
 I'll seek my bier 
 
 I'll seek my lonely bier to die. 
 Young Strephon loves her too; 
 
 He 's so sly; 
 So black his eye 
 
 So black his eye ■ 
 
 So black is his roguish eye. 
 Aminta hear and make reply. 
 Or bid me seek my bier to die. 
 
 Sextette. 
 
 When lads have had enow. 
 Song is most meet, I trow 
 Sheriff {sleepy at the table). (Fol-di-riddle, fol-di-row.) 
 Scarlet. Timid hearts braver are; 
 
 Bold hearts are bolder far. 
 Sheriff. (Fol-di-riddle, fol-di-row.) , 
 
 All. Ho then for jollity, 
 
 Fun and frivolity; 
 Drink with avidity 
 Banish timidity; 
 Try the experiment, 
 'Twill bring you merriment. 
 Quaff with me. 
 Laugh with me. ; 
 
 Jolly dogs we | 
 
 \All dance off but the Sheriff. Dame Burden enters. 
 
 Friaj T. 
 
 Sheriff. 
 
 All. 
 
 Friar T. 
 
 Scarle*. 
 
 All. 
 
 Little J 
 
38 
 
 Dame. What's this? All gone. And who is to pay for the six quarterns 
 of good malt liquor they had? Ah; they have left one of the tinkers 
 here— the worse for liquor, too. Come, sir tinker. You owe me ten 
 good shillings for the ale you have had. 
 
 Sheriff. What's the matter? 
 
 Dame. Come; you are not too drunk to pay me ten shillings. 
 
 Sheriff. I pay nothing! Great brain— eagle eye— never pay for anything. 
 
 Dame. (Aside.) If I can find his purse, I will pay myself. How now! 
 He hath no purse. I'll be sworn that I have seen this suit of home- 
 spun before. No; he hath nothing but this letter. {Takes letter from 
 the Sheriffs pocket.) Merciful powers! what do I see? This is my 
 letter! 
 
 Sheiiff. Letter! What letter? 
 
 Dame. It is the letter that I sent to my husband at the Crusades; yes, 
 and the same suit of-homespun, too; made by my own hands. It is — 
 it must be gaffer Durden, my own long lost husband. For twelve 
 long years I have not seen you. The campaigns have changed you 
 sadly, but you are the same height and figure. Oh, what joy to see 
 you again. (Embraces him.) 
 
 Sheriff. Egad! I seem to have won the fancy of this buxom dame. 
 Madam, I prithee, hold off and unhand me, for I am an honest and 
 discreet bachelor. 
 
 Dame. And do you love me still, my own husband? 
 
 Sheriff. Husband, did you say? 
 
 Dame. Certainly. Are you not my liege lord? 
 
 Sheriff. Woman, aroint! and get you gone! I am liege lord to no dame; 
 but I am a careful and prudent bachelor. The taint of scandal has 
 never touched my fair name. 
 
 Dame. Villain, after your leaving me for twelve years; after my sending 
 you a suit of homespun every year, you have the face to deny me? 
 
 Sheriff. You have a face that makes me deny you. Woman, if you have 
 a grand-daughter, I will think on wedlock; but I am not in need of a 
 grandmother's care. 
 
 Dame. Villain! I am your true and lawful wife. An you deny me, I will 
 appeal to the Sheriff of Nottingham. He will put you in the stocks. 
 
 Sheriff [falling on his knees). No, no! Anything but that! Don't tell the 
 Sheriff. If he should fix his eagle eye on me, I would be lost. The 
 Sheriff of Nottingham is one of the greatest men of the age. 
 
 Dame. One of the greatest fools! 
 
 Sheriff. What's that? Tut tut! 
 
 Dame. But he hath wit enow to deal with you. 
 
 Sheiiff. Now, my aged but worthy crone, do you mean to say that I am 
 married to you? 
 
 Dame. Certainly. Have I not been a faithful wife to you for twenty 
 years? 
 
39 
 
 Sheriff. Well, not that I am aware of. 
 
 Dame. Did I not send you the very clothes you wear — naade by these 
 hands? 
 
 Sheriff. These clothes? 
 
 Dame. To be sure. If you deny that you came by them lawfully, you 
 must be a thief; so when I drag you before the Sheriff, he will have 
 your right hand cut off for stealing. 
 
 Sheriff. (Aside.) I see. It's all on account of these clothes. Outlaws 
 stole them and I bought them at auction. I must humor her or I will 
 be arrested for buying stolen goods. As Sheriff it would be my duty 
 to arrest myself and have my right hand cut off. {To her.) Ha! ha! 
 I was only joking with you. Of course you are my wife and a better 
 wife I never married. 
 
 Dame. Ah, at last he recognizes me. (Embraces him.) 
 
 Sheriff. (Aside.) I fancy that was rather clever of me. (To her.) ' Recog- 
 nize you? Of course I do. It's a wise man that knows his own wife. 
 
 Dame. But come within and I will give you something to banish the 
 effects of drinking overmuch. You shall have a rasher of bacon. 
 You must be hungry after twelve years. 
 
 Sheriff. Yes; a twelve years' fast has put an edge on my appetite. 
 (Aside.) The old beldame thinks that I've had nothing to eat for 
 twtlve years. Good joke! (To her.) Ay, ay, wife, let me have the 
 rasher of bacon at once. 
 
 Dame. And you shall have a steak, too. 
 
 Sheriff. A steak! Ay, within — within! (Aside.) Here goes another mar- 
 tyr to the steak. 
 
 (She drags the Sheriff into the house R. Mafian enters dressed in a hunting 
 costume of Lincoln. green.) 
 
 Solo. Marian. 
 
 'Neath greenwood trees 
 All Nature is at peace and rest; 
 Each bird that warbles from its nest 
 Tells me of one whoni I love best. 
 Yon bright brooklet gleaming 
 With greeting, too, is teeming. 
 Long have I been dreaming 
 
 Of the hour we two should meet. 
 
 Ye birds, in azure winging, 
 I thank you for your singing. 
 
 Tidings from my love you bring afar. 
 Ev'ry blossom seems to tell me he is true; 
 His voice is echoed by the streamlet blue. 
 
 I seem to hear 
 
30 
 
 My love's voice near, 
 Echoed by the breezes blowing, 
 And the brooklet in its flowing — 
 All these voices say he is near. 
 Ye birds in azure winging, 
 I thank ye for your singing. 
 Yes, ev'ry song that's ringing 
 Is a tender token bringing 
 From the one who is nearest, dearest; 
 Yes, they tell me he is near. 
 
 {Annabel enters from the house.') 
 Annabel. Whom have we here? A new recruit for Robin Hood's band? 
 Marian. You have guessed the truth, my good girl. I have come to 
 
 join Robin Hood. 
 Annabel. Oh, I suppose you are a sweetheart of his. 
 Marian. Certainly I am. 
 
 Annabel. Then what right has Robin Hood to make love to me? 
 Marian. He makes love to you, does he? {Aside.) Faithless wretch! 
 Annabel. The most desperate love. This very evening he promised to 
 
 come and sing beneath my window. 
 Marian. Fine doings, truly. And you, I suppose, promised to open your 
 
 lattice to him? 
 Annabel. To be sure, I did. 
 
 Marian. But is there no sweetheart to whom you are particularly true. 
 Annabel. Yes, young AUan-a-Dale, of Robin Hood's band. He is a gal- 
 lant lad, only he is terribly jealous. Only think, he says if I see 
 Robin Hood this night, all is over between us. It was that which 
 decided me to see Robin. 
 Marian. Just for the sake of getting you out of this scrape with Robin, I 
 will keep the appointment that you have with him. Thus you can 
 remain good friends with your Allan and I will surprise Robin, who 
 seeks to play me false. 
 Annabel. I agree. 
 
 Marian. Mind; I only do this as a favor to you. 
 
 Annabel. Come, then, and I will show you my room. When your Robin 
 appears below the window, you can open the lattice to him in my 
 stead. 
 Marian {with affected indifference). Ob, very well, very well; if you think 
 
 best, I will do so — purely as a favor to you. I follow you. 
 {Annabel leads the way into the house. Marian continues, as she follows 
 Annabel.) I hope that the moonlight will be bright enough for Robin 
 to see my face. {Exits.) 
 
 {Guy enters, followed by Allan-a-Dale.) 
 Cuy. Master Sheriff! Master Sheriff! Oh, where can he be? Master 
 Sheriff! 
 
3] 
 
 Allan. Yes, call him forth, and I will play the traitor with a right good 
 will. Come forth. Master Sheriff, an you would capture the outlaw, 
 Robin Hood. 
 
 {Sheriff appears in doorway of the house.) 
 
 Sheriff. That woman is a good soul if she does say she is my wife. She 
 
 gave me some herb tea to sober me, and put ice upon my brow. I 
 
 feel as well as ever. Hello, friend Guy, what do you want? 
 Guy. Here is a golden opportunity. This is one of Robin Hood's band, 
 
 who wants to give Robin up to justice. 
 Sheriff. Where .is this true-hearted and gentlemanly outlaw? 
 Allan. I am the man. 
 Sheriff. So you are anxious to give up Robin, are you? I think this is 
 
 rather clever of me. At what price, eh? 
 Allan. Price! At no price! I give him up as I would give up the whole 
 
 band, if they played me such a trick. I want no money. 
 Sheriff. (Aside.) So much the better. I will charge it up to the county 
 
 as paid to him, and put the money in my own pocket. {To Alia)!.) 
 
 Then why do you give Robin up? 
 Allan. Because he is trying to rob me of my sweetheart, Annabel. I 
 
 cannot live without her. Rather than see her marry him, I will 
 
 deliver him up to the Sheriff. 
 Sheriff. That's right. Now, just fancy Robin printing a kiss upon her 
 
 beautiful lips. 
 Allan. Oh, the villain! 
 
 Sheriff. You can't think of his arm around her slim waist without squirm- 
 ing with anguish. There; I saw you squirm. 
 Guy. Think of her snow-white arms about his neck. 
 Allan. Perdition! 
 
 Sheriff. Perdition? I should say so. Now, where can we find him, eh? 
 Allan. Meet me here at moonrise and I will point him out to you. 
 Guy. But will you surely be here? 
 
 Allan. Indeed I will be here to gloat over his capture. 
 Sheriff. You need not trouble yourself about doing any gloating. If any 
 
 gloating is necessary, I can attend to it. As a gloater, I am a shining 
 
 success. 
 Guy. Noble young man. Take this purse of gold for your trouble. 
 Allan. I do not want your money. Vengeance is enough for me. 
 
 {Thiows down purse. Exits.) 
 Sheriff. If you tried to pay your board with vengeance, you would not 
 
 find it go very far. What did I tell you, friend Guy? You stick to me 
 
 and you will be inlaid with cash. Come now, let us tell our jovial 
 
 tinkers to be in readiness. 
 Guy. Yes, we will need their help. There is one of him and only six 
 
 of us. 
 
32 
 
 Sheriff. What care we for numbers. We would get the best of him if we 
 
 were twice as many. 
 {Guy and the Sheriff exit. During this scene the stage has grown darker and 
 
 the vioon rises. Robin enters.') 
 Robin. Oh, Marian, Marian; if I could only believe you true. But did 
 not Guy of Gisborne himself say that she was to marry him? Yes, it 
 was the King's command she should marry the Earl of Huntington, 
 as he now calls himself. She is lost to me forever. And now I must 
 not forget that I was to sing a serenade to that little coquette, Anna- 
 bel. At least, she has the merit of not pretending to be true to 
 anyone. 
 
 Solo. Robin. 
 I. 
 A troubadour sang to his love, 
 
 Who looked from her lattice on high: 
 "So long as the moon shines above, 
 So long will I be 
 Ever faithful to thee. 
 So long as the moon's in the sky. 
 The moon must shine for aye; 
 So hear my roundelay." 
 Twas thus sang blithely the troubadour; 
 
 And his melody cast a spell; 
 For the damsel hearkened and loved him more 
 Than ever a damsel might tell. 
 
 II. 
 At day, when the moon was asleep. 
 That troubadour warbled his lay 
 To other fair ladies who weep. 
 Who pensively sigh 
 And softly reply. 
 Who vow they will love him for aye. 
 He only vowed to love 
 While Luna shone above; 
 So did not faithless prove. 
 Thus sang he ever, that troubadour 
 
 And his melody cast a spell; 
 For the damsels hearkened and loved him more 
 Than ever young damsels might tell. 
 
 {Ma7 ian enters from house wearing A nnabel 's red cloak. Moonlight. Marian 
 
 keeps her face averted from Robing 
 Marian. So, gallant Robin, thou dost bring 
 
 This serenade to me to sing? 
 
33 
 
 Robin. No serenade could ever tell 
 
 How much I love thee, and how well. 
 
 {A llcui, followed by Scarlet, appears. Scarlet trying to restrain Allan, who is 
 
 angiy on seeing Marian, whom he mistakes for Annabel.) 
 Allan. (Aside.) She is false to me, the jade. 
 
 Scarlet. [Aside.) Pray be calm and undismayed. 
 
 Marian. [Aside.) I am forgotten, I'm afraid. 
 
 Robin. No serenade could ever tell 
 
 How much I love sweet Annabel. 
 Allan. [Aside.) Her scorn I will repay. 
 
 Marian. [Aside.) He has a winning way. 
 
 Robin. [Aside.) She shall not say me nay. 
 
 Scarlet. [To Allan, aside.) I pray thee think of her no more. 
 
 Some other girl adore. 
 Robin and Marian. Yes, yes, I love thee, I own. 
 
 My heart is thine alone. 
 Allan. [Aside.) My vengeance she shall know. 
 
 Shall she wed him? Nay, not so. 
 
 She shall be mine alone. 
 Scarlet. We must no longer stay. 
 
 I prithee come away. [Scarlet forces Allan away.) 
 
 Robin. Ah, my little Annabel, with you I may cease to remember that 
 
 there are high-born ladies who forget their vows and forswear their 
 
 loves. 
 Marian. ( Turning her face toward him.) Is there any particular high-born 
 
 lady to whom you refer. Master Robin? 
 Robin. [Amazed.) It is Marian. 
 Marian. Yes, your injured and deserted Marian. I have heard of your 
 
 pranks with village girls, and with shame I confess that I love one 
 
 whom I find engaged in singing rapturous love songs to another. 
 Robin. Forgive me, Marian, I thought you false. Rumor says that you 
 
 are to marry Guy of Gisborne, who has usurped my title, my estates. 
 Marian. Yes; and it was to prevent such a marriage that I have come to 
 
 link my fortunes with yours. 
 Robin. Oh, that's very well for a jes', my girl; but it is impossible — 
 
 excepting on one condition. 
 [Sheriff, Guy, Allan and two tinkers enter. They listen to the following 
 
 dialogue. Allan angry at seeing Robin with one whom he supposes to 6e 
 
 Annabel.) 
 Marian. And what may that be? 
 Robin. Consent to our immediate marriage. 
 Allan. [Aside.) Marriage! 
 
 Robin. Friar Tuck can marry us as safe and sound as a bishop. 
 Maiian. Very well, I accept the condition. 
 
34 
 
 Robin. And the jolly Friar shall marry us on the morrow. 
 
 Allan. {Aside.) Annabel marry Robin? It shall never be. 
 
 Sheriff. {Aside to Allan). Now, young man, is that verily Robin Hood? 
 {Robin has his arm arouna Marian. Her face is lurtied from the others.) 
 
 Allan. Yes; that is the man for whom you seek. Seize him! 
 ( Tinkers seize Robing 
 
 Robin. Allan-a-Dale a traitor? Oh, I cannot believe it. 
 
 Allan. Believe it, for it is true. Rather than see you marry my Annabel 
 I give you up to the Sheriff. 
 
 Marian. {Aside:) The Sheriff! 
 
 Sheriff. Run, good Guy, and summon the King's archers. 
 
 Guy. Yes, we can't have too many men on our side. {Exits.) 
 
 Allan. It is not my fault, but the fault of that wretched girl, Annabel. 
 {Goes to Marian^) Yes, faithless girl, it is through your perfidy that 
 — {Marian turns.) What! It is not Annabel? 
 
 Marian. Certainly not. I am {hesitates). 
 
 Shetiff. And who is this unfortunate young woman who has been duped 
 by the outlaw's wiles? {Goes to Marian, who tries to hide her face.) 
 
 Allan. It is not Annabel! Oh, what a fatal mistake I have made. 
 
 Robin. You see to what your senseless jealousy has brought you. 
 
 Allan. Oh, pardon, Captain. Let them take me instead of you. I will 
 gladly give myself up in your stead. 
 
 Robin. {Aside.) You can do much better than that. Quickl To the for- 
 est; find Little John and the rest, and call them all to rescue me. 
 
 Allan. {Aside.) Yes, we may yet beat the Sheriff at his own game. {Exits.) 
 
 Sheriff. What! My ward, Marian? 
 
 Marian. Yes, I have come to join Robert. 
 
 Sheriff. Robert, say you? 
 
 Marian. Yes; the rightful Earl of Huntington, whom you have driven 
 to get an honest living by highway robbery. 
 
 Sheriff. Robin Hood and Robert of Huntington the same! 
 
 Robin. Yes; the terrible brigand you have been hunting for months, who 
 has robbed the rich and befriended the poor; who has slain the King's 
 deer and fought the King's men, is none other than Robert of Hunt- 
 ington. 
 
 Sheriff. So much the better. Oh, my massive brain is doing its work 
 well this time. Seize him! Oh, you are seizing him. Well, you 
 other fellows seize him too. He is a terrible creature. Now on to 
 Nottingham town! 
 
 Marian. You shall not take him without me. 
 
 Sheriff. That's all right, my dear. We are going to take you, never fear. 
 You are to be married to my friend Guy, the young Earl, by the 
 King's express command. Come. Away with them. She to the 
 altar — he to the halter. Ha, ha, ha! My eagle eye triumphs! 
 
35 
 
 Jiobin. Stop! Cne moment my crafty friend. You have played all your 
 
 trumps, but I have one left. 
 Sheriff (dismayed). The deuce! 
 
 Robin. The deuce? Perhaps not; it may be the King. {Sounds his horn ^ 
 Sheriff. Don't let him do that. Take that trumpet from him. 
 Jiobin. Not till I sound one more blast. 
 
 {He breaks from the tinkers who hold him, goes up stage and blows his i 
 loudiy. ) 
 
 Sheiiff. You struggle with him, my brave lads, and I will attend to the 
 
 girl. {Goes to Marian who holds him at bay with her bow and arrow. 
 
 A horn is heard. The outlaws rush on led by Allan. Little J., Scarlet and 
 
 Friar Tuck enter with the others. Little J. and Scarlet release Robin. 
 
 Friar Tiuk ties the Sheiiff s arms behind him.) 
 Allan. Captain, it was I who brought about your capture; but I have 
 
 also effected your release. 
 Robin. I forgive you for the one and thank you for the other, i thank 
 
 you one and all, brave comrades. 
 Friar T. Here is our arch enemy, the Sheriff. I surrounded him all by 
 
 myself. 
 Little J. What shall we do with the Sheriff ? 
 Outla-ivs. Hang him. 
 -Sheriff. Gentlemen, I beg that you will not hang me while I have this 
 
 bad cold. It would be cruelty. 
 
 {Dame Durden enters.) 
 
 Dame. My poor, dear husband, what are these men doing to you? 
 
 Little J. Husband ? 
 
 Outlaws. Her husband ? 
 
 .Sheriff. Woman, get you gone and let these gentlemen hang me in 
 peace. Haven't I enough trouble without your persisting that you 
 are ray wife? 
 
 Little J. Do you mean to say that you are this man's wife ? 
 
 Dame. Certainly; that is as near as I can tell. He has been away from 
 me for twelve long years, and has been, doubtless, sorely battered in 
 the wars with the Saracens; but his figure is the same. 
 
 Sheiiff. Oh, my figure's the same, is it? I wish I had came here with- 
 out my figure; then she would not have been able to identify me. 
 Little J. Speak, man; are you this woman's husband? 
 
 Sheriff. Do I look like a collector of antiquities ? 
 
 Da?ne. Oh, the old villair 
 
 All. Oh, the old villain! 
 
 Dame. Then tell me, you rascal, how did you come by this suit of clothes 
 that you have on? 
 
 .Sheriff. I bought them at an auction sale. 
 
36 
 
 Dame. That is false, for I made these clothes with my own hands, and 
 
 sent them to him at the wars. {Produces letter.) And this letter I 
 
 found in his pocket even now. 
 Robin. Now, if you are not this honest woman's husband, how did you 
 
 get this suit of homespun and this letter? 
 Allan. {Aside to Little J.) It's the suit we sold at auction at Nottingham. 
 Dame. If he denies that he is my husband, I denounce him as a thief. 
 Outlaws. He's a thief ! Hang him! 
 Sheriff. Mercy! Mercy! 
 Robin. We are honest outlaws who hold thieving in abhorrence. We 
 
 show no mercy to thieves. 
 Dame. You have your choice. Admit that I am your wife or that you 
 
 are a thief. 
 Shetiff. Life is very precious to me, and there is a suspense about hanging 
 
 which is unpleasant — but, I admit that I am a thief. Rather than 
 
 marry you I would be hanged a dozen times. 
 Outlauis. He admits his guilt; to the stocks with him. 
 
 Finale. 
 
 {The Sheriff is put in the stocks.) 
 Piiiicipals. Put the Sheriff in the stocks — 
 
 All. In the stocks. 
 
 Principals. For at us he jibes and mocks — 
 
 All. Jibes and mocks. 
 
 Outlaws. In Sherwoqd's fo'rest the merriest of lives 
 
 Is our life so fair and free', 
 And this old hypocrite in gyves 
 
 Made fast shall straightway be. 
 We'll laugh — ha, ha! — 'tis jolly fun 
 
 To see him now. 
 We'll laugh— ha, ha!— the Sheriff is undone; 
 And yet, done up, we vow. 
 All. Look at him, look at him. What a plight. 
 
 Certainly he is a gruesome sight. 
 Prithee, Master Sheriff, 
 Prithee come away. 
 Stocks are most becoming 
 To you we must say. 
 All. Look at him, look at him. What a plight. {Etc.) 
 
 Dame. So, now false one, you're in a gruesome plight; 
 
 If you'd acknowledge me I'd aid your flight. 
 Sheriff {dolefully). Woman, get thee gone 
 
 And let me die alone. 
 {Aside.) If Guy would come with the King's men, 
 
 I'd turn the tables on them then. 
 
37 
 
 Robin. Come, now let's to our forest lair; 
 
 Of ambuscades we must beware. 
 Little J. Yes; let's away, for danger's lurking near. 
 
 Scarlet. The foresters may find their Sheriff here. 
 
 (From all sides come the King's archers led by Guy. All the archers draw theif 
 bows and level arrows at the outlaws.) 
 
 Outlaws. 
 Archers. 
 Guv. 
 
 Sheriff 
 
 All. 
 
 Marian. 
 
 Sheriff. 
 
 All. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Marian. 
 
 Sheriff. 
 
 Marian and Robin. 
 
 We're lost! We're lost! 
 
 We triumph! Huzzah! 
 Let a man stir and straight his life is done. 
 We're brave as lions, for we're two to one 
 ( The Sheiiff is released from the stocks.) 
 It seems I have the best of it 
 
 Where erst I had the worst; 
 Who laughs the last laughs louder far 
 
 Than he who laughs the first. 
 Now, Robin Hood shall go with us. 
 
 To Nottingham goes he; 
 Sing hey for the merty stocks and chains, 
 
 Sing hey for the gallows tree. 
 The very merry 
 Heigh down derry. 
 
 Rollicking gallows tree. 
 
 But, you must set him free 
 That he may wed with me. 
 I'd have you understand 
 It is the King's command. 
 
 You're dreadfully mistaken, Miss, 
 
 For he is not the one. 
 The King's command is that she wed 
 
 The Earl of Huntington. 
 The Earl of Huntington is Guy, 
 
 ' And Guy must bridegroom be. 
 Sing hey for the merry stocks and chains. 
 And the rollicking gallows tree. 
 The very merry. 
 Heigh down derry, 
 Rollicking gallows tree. 
 
 'Tis true. Alas, too true. 
 
 And I must part from you. 
 
 Take them away. To Nottingham let's hie. 
 
 This is a triumph for my eagle eye. 
 
 Fear not my darling, 
 Hope's bright star may still be shining; 
 
38 
 
 Fear not, my love, 
 For ev'ry cloud has silver lining. 
 I will be true, but come what may, 
 The King's command we must obey. 
 All. . Yes, come what will and come what may. 
 
 The King's command all must obev. 
 
 End of the Second Act. 
 
ACT III. 
 
 Scene. — The courtyard of the Sheriff's house. A chapel. A shed in which is 
 a blacksmith's forge with^fire. A prison near which is an anvil, iefote 
 which Will Scarlet is at work making a swotd. 
 
 Armorer's Song. Will Scarlet. 
 
 Let hammer on anvil ring, ring, ring, 
 
 And the forge fire brightly shine; 
 Let the wars rage still, while I work with a will 
 
 At this peaceable trade of mine. « 
 
 The sword is a weapon to conquer fields; 
 
 I honor the man who shakes it; 
 But naught is the lad who the broadsword wields 
 
 Compared to the lad who makes it. 
 Huzzah for the anvil, the forge and the sledge; | 
 
 Huzzah for the sparks that fly; I 
 
 If I had a cup I would straightway pledge i 
 
 The armorer — that is I 
 
 l ang, clang, cla ngj_ 
 Let carking care go hang. 
 
 Let the trusty sledge • 
 
 On the anvil's edge 
 By a lusty arm be hurled. 
 
 Cling, cling, cling! 
 Let the armorer blithely sing; 
 
 For it's here is made 
 
 The hero's blade 
 That may conquer all the world 
 
 Let others of glory sing, sing, sing. 
 
 As they struggle in glory's quest. 
 Let them wave their brands in their mailed hands 
 
 While the sword smites shield and crest. 
 The soldier's a lad who is stanch and leal. 
 
 And his calling is most glorious; 
 But who is it gives him the trusty steel 
 That can render him victorious? 
 
40 
 
 Huzzah for the wight who can fashion a blade 
 
 That can make a traitor fly; 
 Huzzah for the lad who this broadsword made, 
 
 The armorer — that is I. 
 
 Clang, clang, clang!— etc. 
 
 {Little John, Friar Tuck and AUan-a-Dale enter, dressed as monks.) 
 Scarlet. So that finishes the chains for Master Robin Hood. None would 
 
 know, to look at them, that I have made them weak in a certain link, 
 
 so that our Captain may break them at will. Methinks I am w;ll- 
 
 nigh sly enow for a sheriff. Hello! Whom have we here? # 
 
 Little J. Friend, we are three pious pilgrims who are begging our way 
 
 from door to door. Perchance thou hast a few crumbs of bread for us. 
 Allan. A few crumbs of cake, maybe. 
 Friar T. Or a few crumbs of wine. 
 
 Little/., Allan and Friar T. Ho! ho! ho! {laughing at Scarlet.) 
 Scarlet. Thinlf not to befool me with your cowls and gowns. I know ye 
 
 too well. 
 Little J. And how fares the rescue of our Captain? 
 Scarlet. Methinks all will be well. The Sheriff has planned to have 
 
 Robin brought from jail to-day that he may witness the marriage of 
 
 Maid Marian to Guy of Gisborne. " Who will make strong chains 
 
 for Robin?" quoth the Sheriff. " I am an armorer," said I. Not 
 
 knowing me to be Will Scarlet he took me at my word, and here are 
 
 the chains. {Friar Tuck tries to break the chains, which all examine.) 
 
 Be careful, man. You will break them. 
 Little J. Break them? Ho! ho! A fine armorer, truly. 
 Scarlet. Yes, they are made weak in a certain link, so our Captain may 
 
 free himself right easily. 
 Allan. And Annabel? Have you learned anything of her? 
 Scarlet. Annabel is to be married to the Sheriff at the same time that 
 
 Marian is wedded to Guy of Gisborne. 
 Allan. This is more of her treachery. 
 Scarlet. No; blame her not. She is forced into the marriage by Dame 
 
 Durden, her mother. 
 Little J. A double wedding, eh? Oh, very well; then wc must have a 
 
 double rescue. Let us carry off Robin, Marian and Annabel all 
 
 together. 
 Scarlet. First I will put on Robin his new chains, which he may easily 
 
 break. 
 Little J. The Friar and I will go to Robin's cell to give him spiritual 
 
 counsel. 
 Ftiar T. I'll change clothes with him, and Robin shall come forth in my 
 
 cowl and gown. I will remain in the cell in his place. 
 Allan. But the Sheriff will hang you for helping Robin to escape. 
 
41 
 
 Friar T. Hang me? Let him try it. I am a churchman and sacred from 
 the touch of such profane beasts as sheriffs. Hang me? Let him dare 
 to lay a finger on me and I will excommunicate him with bell, book 
 and candle. 
 
 Little J. I have brought with me a score of our yeomen who will rush to 
 aid us at a blast from my bugle. 
 
 Allan. Meanwhile I will seek for Annabel, and tell her that at the last 
 moment she may be rescued from her ancient bridegroom. {Runs off.) 
 
 Scarlet. Now into the jail with me. 
 
 Utile J. And I would like to see the Sheriff when he comes to look for 
 his prisoner. He will find him so reformed that he has become a 
 pious and holy friar. 
 
 {Scat let. Friar Tuck and Little John enter the jail. Chmch bells ring. Shep- 
 herds and milkmaids enter and decorate the Sheriff's house with garlands. 
 The baker enters with a large wedding cake. The Sheriff and Guy entet 
 L. Both are in their wedding clothes^ 
 
 Sheriff. That's right, fellow-citizens, make things look as gaudy and 
 spectacular as possible. We'll charge the florist's bill to the county. 
 What did I tell you, friend Guy? Did I not say that you would win 
 the girl if you would trust to aiy colossal mind and unequaled eagle- 
 ness of eye? 
 
 Guy. You did indeed, and if you ever want a friend 
 
 Sheriff {interrupting'). I don't — they're too expensive. I must be satis- 
 fied with gratitude, friend Guy, {aside) and with the lion's share of 
 Robert's estate and Marian's dowry. 
 
 Guy. But where is my lovely bride, Marian? 
 
 Sheiiff. And where is my beauteous little Annabel. I finally persuaded 
 her mother that I was not her father— I mean that I was not her hus- 
 band — I mean that I was not Dame Durden's husband, so the Dame 
 eagerly accepted me as a son-in-law. But where is Annabel? 
 
 {Dame Durden, dragging Annabel, enters. Allan enters, still wearing his 
 monk's cowl and gown.) Ha! Here she is, the fairest of her sex — with 
 a few trifling exceptions. {To Annabel.) One little ante-nuptial 
 embrace. Oh, I doat upon her! {Goes to Annabel and offers to kiss her.) 
 
 Annabel {shrinking). Oh, I wish I had an antidote 
 
 Sheriff. Kissing between persons who have plaught — I mean plighted 
 their troth is not altogether prohibited. 
 
 Guy. It's quite the usual thing, you know. 
 
 Sheriff. Just a pocket edition of a kiss upon those pearly lips — I mean 
 ruby lips. 
 
 {Allan steps between Annabel and the Sheriff. The Sheriff not noticing that 
 Allan has taken the place of Annabel, kisses him.) 
 
 Sheriff. What impudence is this? To the stocks with this fellow. Take 
 his measure for a new stocks at once. 
 
 Allan. Surely you would not do violence to a poor mendicant monU 
 
42 
 
 Sheiiff. Certainly, if he comes monking around my bride. 
 
 (Robin wearing Friar Tuck' s cowl and gown, and Little John still as a monk, 
 enter from the jail. Friar Tuck appears in the window of the jail.) 
 
 Allan. {Aside.) Annabel. 
 
 Annabel. {Aside.) That voice! 
 
 Allan. {Aside.) It is I, Allan. {To the Sheriff.) I only come, my Lord 
 Sheriff, to say that the Bishop of Hereford has been captured by 
 Robin Hood's men, and he is their prisoner in Sherwood Forest. 
 
 Dame. The Bishop taken captive! 
 
 Annabel. Then the wedding will have to be put off. Oh, joj*! 
 
 Sheriff. My bonny bride is not wildly anxious to be married. There 
 is nothing of the fever of impatience about Annabel. Courage, my 
 darling. If the Bishop cannot get here to officiate at the double wed- 
 ding, we will get some pious friar to perform the ceremony. Perhap 
 this young monk would do. Young man, what terms will you make 
 to marry two couples? Two couples, you know; you ought to do it 
 cheaply. 
 
 Allan. I would not presume to take the place of the Lord Bishop of 
 Hereford, but I can get you a good churchman who will do it for you. 
 
 Robin. What would ye, brethren? A holy man to marry ye? In good 
 sooth, there is no better marrier than I in all Nottinghamshire. Is it 
 not so Brother Bartholomew? 
 
 Little /. Marry, 'tis full of truth that thou sayest. Brother Joseph. Mar- 
 rying is his specialty, I wot. 
 
 Guy. What say you. Master Sheriff? Are you willing this good Friar 
 should take the place of the Bishop? 
 
 Sheriff. I would prefer the Bishop; but since my lovely Annabel is rest- 
 lessly eager to call me her's, the Friar will have to do for us. 
 
 Little J. And he will do for you. {Aside.) , 
 
 Sheriff. Yonder is the chapel. Mind that you be not late, for the cere- 
 mony is soon to begin. We only await one of tlie brides. 
 
 Little J. Oh, we will be here betimes, never fear. 
 
 Robin. Come, Brother Bartholomew. 
 
 Little J. Ay, ay. Brother Joseph; but go slowly, for I am sore stricken 
 in years and my aged form is bent like a forest oak. 
 {Robin exits, followed by Little John.) 
 
 Annabel. {Aside.) Oh, Allan, forgive me and save me. I only love you; 
 I swear it. {Church bells ring.) 
 
 Allan. {Aside.) Do not fear. Keep up your courage, and at the last 
 moment you and Marian shall be restored to us. 
 
 Sheriff {turning to Allan and Annabel). How now, my bride? Are you 
 trying to captivate this young churchman on your very wedding day? 
 Beshrew me, but it is a coquettish minx, I ween. 
 
 Allan. Calm yourself. Master Sheriff; I was telling your beauteous bride 
 the story of yon church bells. 
 
43 
 
 Annabel. Oh, a passing, pleasant story, methinks. {Aside io Allan.)- 
 What was it? 
 
 Allan. Of a damsel who was charmed away from a hapless marriage by- 
 hearing those bells ring out their chimes. 
 
 The Bells of St, Swithins. 
 
 Allan. In olden times 
 
 St. Swithins' chimes 
 Told blithely ev'ry hour 
 From out the old grey tower. 
 'Neath Swithins' shade 
 A lovely maid 
 Lived in a. cottage bower, 
 As fair as any flower. 
 She heard the chimes through all the day; 
 She heard them call the folk to pray; 
 She learned to love their roundelay 
 From old St. Swithins' tower. 
 
 Ding, dong, bell, 
 For wedding song or funeral knell. 
 Your message to each hearer tell. 
 Betimes, 
 Ye chimes. • 
 
 Ding, dong, dong! 
 Of joy or grief may be your song. 
 If mirth or pain 
 Be your refrain. 
 Still ring, ye bells, and sing. 
 All. Ding, dong, bell— etc. 
 
 Allan. A youth there came 
 
 With love aflame 
 To that sweet maiden's bower 
 Beneath St. Swithins' tower. 
 With smile and sigh 
 He bade her fly 
 Nor heed what clouds might lower — 
 True love enough for dower — 
 A little space with him she strayed. 
 
 When warningly those chime bells played: 
 " Turn back, turn back, O, gentle maid, 
 His love will last an hour." 
 All. Ding, dong, bell — etc. 
 
 (After the song, all exit. Robin Hood enters, still wealing Ids monk's dress.y 
 
44 
 
 RoUn. It is all prepared. The chapel will be fiUeo with our brave fel- 
 lows. I will be in the Bishop's place, with Little John and Scarlet at 
 either hand. It will be strange indeed if we cannot carry off both 
 girls and baffle the Sheriff. 
 
 (^Friar Tuck appears in the window of the jail.) 
 
 Friar T. What, ho! Captain Robin Hood! How much longer must I 
 cool my heels in this box? I am getting hungry, and these chains are 
 a misfit. 
 
 Robin. Patience, my jovial Friar, you will soon be released. You must 
 rattle your chains loudly. Then if the Sheriff hears them he will not 
 imagine that I have escaped. {Friat Tuck rattles chains loudly^ 
 
 Friar T. But begone. I see some one approaching from the Sheriff's 
 house. 
 
 Robin. Perhaps it may be Marian. I will stay and tell her of our plan. 
 {Retires up stage, Marian enters from the house.) 
 
 Marian. Here is the friar who is going to marry me to Guy of Gisborne. 
 What! It is Robin! 
 
 Robin. Yes, my Marian — mine in spite of the King's command. 
 
 Marian. But how have you managed to escape? 
 
 Robin. That I have not time to tell you now. I come to tell you that 
 you must keep up a good heart and at the very moment.that this Guy 
 of Gisborne thinks to make you his wife I will save you. 
 
 Marian. The King has return,ed from the Crusades. If you can contrive 
 to gain a little time. His Majesty is sure to right your wrongs and 
 to give me to you instead of to that impostor, Guy of Gisborne. 
 
 Robin. Yes, I have sent one of my trusty comrades with a message to His 
 Majesty. If I know that you still love me, you may trust to me and 
 the valor of Robin Hood's band. Love will nerve our arms to outwit 
 the Sheriff and his henchmen. 
 
 Marian. My brave Robin. Come what may, I will be yours and yours 
 only. 
 
 {Robin exits Marian remains. Sheriff enters.) 
 
 Sheriff. What's this? Marian talking to a strange man when her wedding 
 is likely to happen at any minute. Your betrothed, the Earl, will 
 positively sizzle with jealousy. 
 
 Marian. It was only the Friar, who has been giving me wise counsel to 
 be obedient and dutiful. 
 
 Sheriff. And now to give Robin his invitation to your wedding. 
 
 Marian. What? Is he to be among the guests? 
 
 Sheriff. Certainly. It will add to my triumph if he stands by in his 
 chains and sees you wedded to his rival. (Opens the door of the jail.) 
 Ho, master outlaw, come forth. {Leaves the door open. Turns to talk 
 to Marian.) Now you shall see what a shamefaced fellow this Robin 
 is. This is my moment for gloating. You may want to gloat some, 
 time yourselT, so just watch me and you will pick up a few points. 
 
45 
 
 (Friar Tuck enters.) 
 
 Sheriff. So, so; you rascally bandit, you claim to be the rightful 
 Earl of Huntington, do you? (Sees (hat it is not Robin.) What's this? 
 Robin seems to have shrunk. He has grown short and fat. What 
 means this trick, sirrah? Robin Hood escaped! Ho, to the gallows 
 with this fellow! 
 
 Friar. T. Gallows? Don't you dare, impious rascal! I am a churchman, a 
 friar. Around myself I draw a magic circle. Touch me at your 
 peril, and I will curse you up hill and down dale. A gallows for a 
 friar, forsooth. Try it! 
 
 Sheriff. But where is Robin Hood? 
 
 Friar T. Oh, I take it you mean the wight who robbed me of my cowl 
 and gown and put his chains on me. I went to his cell to give him 
 kindly counsel when he overpowered me and escaped. Out upon 
 him, say I! 
 
 Marian. Since Robin has escaped, I suppose you will postpone the 
 weddings? 
 
 Sheriff. Postpone the weddings? Nonsense! Go and prepare yourself 
 at once. Then we will summon the King's archers and scour the 
 country for Robin Hood. Go, girl, and prepare. 
 
 Maiian. I must trust to Robin to find some means to defeat the Sheriffs 
 plans. • (She enters the house, Guy enters. Dame Burden comes on, drag- 
 ging Annabel.) 
 
 Dame. Come along, you foolish girl. Would you believe it, Master 
 Sheriff, this child is not eager to marry you. 
 
 Sheriff. Well, there's no accounting for tastes. 
 
 Guy. Strange to say, Marian is not yearning to marry me. 
 
 Fiiar T. Sensible girls, both of them. 
 
 Annabel. (To Sheriff.) You old villain — trying to steal a girl from her sweet- 
 heart. Oh, I'll get even with you, if I have to marry you to do it. 
 I'll make it warm for you. 
 
 Sheriff. My dear, I expect that. When a man gets married, he must 
 take his chances. But I am of a cheerful disposition. Make it warm 
 for me, if you can; but the more you scold, the more I will sing. I 
 have never seen the trials that I could not chase away by singing my 
 tooral-looral lay. 
 
 Quintette. Annabel, Dame Burden, Sheiiff, Friar and Guy. 
 
 I. 
 
 When life seems made of pains and pangs, 
 
 I sing my tooral-looral lay. 
 When bill collectors spout harangues, 
 
 I sing my tooral-looral lay. 
 No matter what care 
 
46 
 
 On us may bear, 
 What though our clothes be out of style 
 
 Though poverty's ills 
 
 Bring bitter pills, 
 We'll swallow them and smile 
 
 The while, 
 While songs our woes beguile. 
 As life is brief, let life be gay; 
 It only lasts a summer day; 
 So carking care pray chase away 
 By singing tiddy-fal-lay 
 
 When no one laughs at jokes I make, 
 
 I sing my tooral-looral lay; 
 And when I have a hard toothache, 
 I sing my tooral-looral lay; 
 When dinners are cold 
 And old wives scold, 
 I sing until my throat is sore; 
 When terrible gout 
 Doth make me shout, 
 I only sing the more, 
 
 Yes, more. 
 Than e'er I sang before. 
 As life is short, let life be gay, etc. 
 
 ^Scarlet, Allan and Little John appear "with outlaws. They cross the stage 
 stealthily, and enter the church from the rear. Little John and Scarlet, 
 still wearing monk' s gowns and cowls, remain at either side of the church 
 entrance. Wedding bells are heard again. Milkmaids and shepherds 
 enter. , During the country dance which follows, the Sheriff enters with 
 Annabel, Guy enters with Marian, Robin enters as the Friar?) 
 
 Sheriff. Come. To the church. As the Bishop of Hereford has been 
 captured by that villain Robin Hood, this worthy Friar will perform 
 the ceremony. 
 
 HMn. Yes, my Lord Sheriff, I am very much at vour service. 
 
 Guy. Come, let the wedding proceed at once. 
 
 Sheriff. Yes, to the church. 
 
 All. To the church. 
 
 Finale. 
 
 Sheriff. Now let each bonny bridegroom take his bride; 
 
 The doors of yonder church, pray open wide. 
 Friar T. To open those church doors there is no need; 
 
 For in that task will others take the lead. 
 
47 
 
 Allan. (Aside.) Yoj shall not wed these damsels; no; 
 
 Your plans we yet will overthrow. 
 Annabel. (Aside.) I will obey that fateful chime, 
 
 If Robin should not come in time. 
 (The doors of the church are thrown open. Robin stands in front of the doors, 
 throws his friar s gown aside and shows himself in a suit of green. The 
 church is filled with amied outlaws clad in Lincoln green.) 
 Outlaws. Vict'ry! We conquer at last. 
 
 ^larian. Danger is over and past. 
 
 Robin. Love, now we never more will part, 
 
 Whate'er betide. 
 Safe in my sheltering arms thou art, 
 Mv own sweet bride. 
 
 Sheriff. 
 Outlaws. 
 
 All. 
 
 Little J. 
 
 Robin. 
 
 Maiian. 
 
 Robin, 
 
 All. 
 
 With rage I burn. 
 
 We win the day. 
 
 Now away 
 
 To Sherwood Forest without delay. 
 
 ( Trumpets sound without.) 
 What is this? 
 
 (A messenger enters with a letter.) 
 A pardon from the King for Robin Hood. 
 My pardon! 
 Then he is free 
 To wed with me. 
 
 I came as a cavalier; 
 'Twas to seek my own and only love. 
 
 Tho' clouds were dark and drear, 
 Yet the sky is now blue above. 
 
 Farewell to old Sherwood gay, 
 And to all my gallant outlaw crew; 
 
 But many a match we yet may have 
 With my true bow of yew. 
 
 Danger's past, and at last 
 They'll be married; their love's steadfast. 
 May they ne'er know a care, 
 May their lives be always fair. 
 May they never have to sever, 
 Hail the happy pair. 
 
 END OF THE OPERA. 
 

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