UCK

Now, Robin, don't forget the grace, my son.

ROBIN

[_Standing up._]

It is our custom, sir, since our repast
Is borrowed from the King, to drain one cup
To him, and his return from the Crusade,
Before we dine. That same wine-bibbing friar
Calls it our 'grace'; and constitutes himself
Remembrancer--without a cause, for never
Have we forgotten, never while bugles ring
Thro' Sherwood, shall forget--Outlaws, the King!

[_All stand up except the KNIGHT._]

CRIES

The King and his return from the Crusade!

[_They drink and resume their seats._]

ROBIN

You did not drink the health, sir Knight. I hope
You hold with Lion-Heart.

KNIGHT

Yes; I hold with him.
You were too quick for me. I had not drawn
These gauntlets off.
But tell me, Lady Marian,
When is your bridal day with Robin Hood?

MARIAN

We shall be wedded when the King comes home
From the Crusade.

KNIGHT

Ah, when the King comes home!
That's music--all the birds of April sing
In those four words for me--the King comes home.

MARIAN

I am glad you love him, sir.

ROBIN

But you're not eating!
Your helmet's locked and barred! Will you not raise
Your visor?

KNIGHT

[_Laughs._]

Ha! ha! ha! You see I am trapped!
I did not wish to raise it! Hunger and thirst
Break down all masks and all disguises, Robin.

[_He rises and removes his helmet, revealing the face of RICHARD
COEUR DE LION._]

ROBIN

The King!

[_They all leap to their feet._]

OUTLAWS

The King! The King!

ROBIN

But oh, my liege,
I should have known, when we were hard beset
Around Will Scarlet by their swarming bands,
And when you rode out of the Eastern sky
And hurled our foemen down, I should have known
It was the King come home from the Crusade!
And when I was beset here in the wood
By treacherous hounds again, I should have known
Whose armour suddenly burned between the leaves!
I should have known, either it was St. George
Or else the King come home from the Crusade!

RICHARD

Indeed there is one thing that might have told you,
Robin--a lover's