ere, keep back. Prince or no prince,
I say she shall not go!

[_He draws his sword._]

I'd rather see her
Begging in rags with outlawed Huntingdon
Than that one finger of yours should soil her glove.

JOHN

So here's an end of fawning, here's the truth,
My old white-bearded hypocrite. Come, take her,
Waste no more time. Let not the old fool daunt you
With that great skewer.

FITZWALTER

[_As JOHN'S men advance._]

By God, since you will have it,
Since you will drive me to my last resort,
Break down my walls, and hound me to the forest,
This is the truth! Out of my gates! Ho, help!
A Robin Hood! A Robin Hood!

[_There is a clamour from the upper room. The doors are flung
open and the FORESTERS appear at the head of the steps._]

FRIAR TUCK

[_Coming down into the hall and brandishing his quarter-staff._]

A Robin?
Who calls on Robin Hood? His men are here
To answer.

FITZWALTER

Drive these villains out of my gates.

FRIAR TUCK

[_To PRINCE JOHN._]

Sir, I perceive you are a man of wisdom,
So let me counsel you. There's not a lad
Up yonder, but at four-score yards can shoot
A swallow on the wing. They have drunken deep.
I cannot answer but their hands might loose
Their shafts before they know it. Now shall I give
The word? Ready, my lads!

[_The FORESTERS make ready to shoot. JOHN hesitates for a
moment._]

JOHN

My Lady Marian,
One word, and then I'll take my leave of you!

[_She pays no heed._]

Farewell, then! I have five-score men at hand!
And they shall be but lightning to the hell
Of my revenge, Fitzwalter. I will not leave
One stone upon another. From this night's work
Shall God Himself not save you.

[_Exeunt JOHN and his men._]

FRIAR TUCK

[_As they go out._]

My Lord Fitzwalter!
I have confessed him! Shall I bid 'em shoot?
'Twill save a world of trouble.

FITZWALTER

No; or the King
Himself will come against me. Follow them out,
Drive them out of my gates, then raise the drawbridge
And let none cross. Oh, I foresaw, foretold!
Robin has wrecked