, kind God, for I must say one word,
Only one word--good-bye--to Marian,
To Marian--Ah, too weak, too weak!

[_He sees the dark body of MARIAN and utters a cry, falling on his
knees beside her._]

O God,
Marian! Marian!
My bugle! Ah, my bugle!

[_He rises to his feet and, drowning the distant organ-music, he
blows a resounding forest-call. It is answered by several
in the forest. He falls on his knees by MARIAN and
takes her in his arms._]

O Marian, Marian, who hath used thee so?

MARIAN

Robin, it is my death-wound. Ah, come close.

ROBIN

Marian, Marian, what have they done to thee?

[_The OUTLAWS are heard thundering at the gates with cries._]

OUTLAWS

Robin! Robin! Robin! Break down the doors.

[_The terrified nuns stream past the window, out of the chapel.
The OUTLAWS rush into the room. The scene still
darkens._]

SCARLET

Robin and Marian!

LITTLE JOHN

Christ, what devil's hand
Hath played the butcher here? Quick, hunt them down,
They passed out yonder. Let them not outlive
Our murdered king and queen.

REYNOLD GREENLEAF

O Robin, Robin,
Who shot this bitter shaft into her breast?

[_Several stoop and kneel by the two lovers._]

ROBIN HOOD

Speak to me, Marian, speak to me, only speak!
Just one small word, one little loving word
Like those--do you remember?--you have breathed
So many a time and often, against my cheek,
Under the boughs of Sherwood, in the dark
At night, with nothing but the boughs and stars
Between us and the dear God up in heaven!
O God, why does a man's heart take so long
To break? It would break sooner if you spoke
A word to me, a word, one small kind word.

MARIAN

Sweetheart!

ROBIN

Sweetheart! You have broken it, broken it! Oh, kind,
Kind heart of Marian!

MARIAN

Robin, come soon!

[_Dies._]

ROBIN

Soon, sweetheart! Oh, her sweet brave soul is gone!
Marian, I follow quickly!

SCARLET

God, Kirklee
Shall burn for this!

LITTLE JOHN

Kirklee shall burn for this!
O master, master, you shall be avenged!

ROBIN

No;