ROBIN

So be it, then....
When the great King comes home from the Crusade!...

FITZWALTER

Meanwhile for Marian's sake and mine, I pray
Do nothing rash.

[_Enter WIDOW SCARLET. She goes up to ROBIN HOOD._]

WIDOW SCARLET

Are you that Robin Hood
They call the poor man's friend?

ROBIN

I am.

WIDOW SCARLET

They told me,
They told me I should find you here. They told me!

ROBIN

Come, mother, what's the trouble?

WIDOW SCARLET

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 ...

ROBIN

[_To FITZWALTER, as he raises WIDOW SCARLET gently to her
feet._]

Sir, has not the King
Come home from the Crusade? Does not your heart
Fling open wide its gates to welcome him?

FITZWALTER

Robin, you set me riddles. Follow your conscience.
Do what seems best.

ROBIN

I hope there is a way,
Mother. I knew Will Scarlet. Better heart
There never beat beneath a leather jerkin.
He loved the forest and the forest loves him;
And if the lads that wear the forest's livery
Of living green should happen to break out
And save Will Scarlet (as on my soul I swear,
Mother, they shall!) why, that's a matter none
Shall answer for to prince, or king, or God,
But you and Robin Hood; and if the judgment
Strike harder upon us than the heavenly smile
Of sunshine thro' the greenwood, may it fall
Upon my head alone.

[_Enter the SHERIFF, with two of his men._]

SHERIFF

[_Reads._]

In the King's name!
Thou, Earl of Huntingdon, by virtue of this writ art hereby
attainted and deprived of thine earldom, thy lands and all thy
goods and chattels whatsoever and whereas thou hast at divers
times trespassed against the officers of the king by force of
arms, thou art hereby outlawed and banished the realm.

ROBIN

That's well.

[_He la