pray you spare me, Mr. Sandford.
And once for all believe, nothing can shake my purpose.

_Sand_. But what course have you thought on?

_Marg_. To seek Sir Walter in the forest of Sherwood.
I have letters from young Simon,
Acquainting me with all the circumstances
Of their concealment, place, and manner of life,
And the merry hours they spend in the green haunts
Of Sherwood, nigh which place they have ta'en a house
In the town of Nottingham, and pass for foreigners,
Wearing the dress of Frenchmen.--
All which I have perused with so attent
And child-like longings, that to my doting ears
Two sounds now seem like one,
One meaning in two words, Sherwood and Liberty.
And, gentle Mr. Sandford,
'Tis you that must provide now
The means of my departure, which for safety
Must be in boy's apparel.

_Sand_. Since you will have it so
(My careful age trembles at all may happen),
I will engage to furnish you.
I have the keys of the wardrobe, and can fit you
With garments to your size.
I know a suit
Of lively Lincoln green, that shall much grace you
In the wear, being glossy fresh, and worn but seldom.
Young Stephen Woodvil wore them while he lived.
I have the keys of all this house and passages,
And ere daybreak will rise and let you forth.
What things soe'er you have need of I can furnish you;
And will provide a horse and trusty guide,
To bear you on your way to Nottingham.

_Marg_. That once this day and night were fairly past!
For then I'll bid this house and love farewell;
Farewell, sweet Devon; farewell, lukewarm John;
For with the morning's light will Margaret be gone.
Thanks, courteous Mr. Sandford.--

[_Exeunt divers ways._

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE.--_An Apartment in Woodvil Hall._

JOHN WOODVIL--_alone_. (_Reading parts of a letter_).

"When Love grows cold, and indifference has usurped upon old Esteem,
it is no marvel if the world begin to account _that_ dependence,
which hitherto has been esteemed honorable shelter. The course I have
taken, (in leaving this house, not easily wrought thereunto,) seemed
to me best for the once-for-all releasing of yourself (who in times
past have deserved well of me) from the now daily, and
not-to-be-endured tribute of forced love, and ill-dissembled
reluctance of affection.
"MARGARET."

Gone! gone! my girl? so hasty, Margaret!
And never a kiss at parting? shallow loves