University of Virginia Library

Scene II.

Marian. Tuck. Iohn. Wood-men, &c.
Mar.
Know you, or can you guesse, my merry men,
What 'tis that keepes your Master Robin-hood
So long both from his Marian, and the Wood?

Tuc.
Forsooth, Madam, hee will be here by noone,
And prayes it of your bounty as a boone,
That you by then have kild him Venison some,
To feast his jolly friends, who hether come
In threaves to frolick with him, and make cheare;
Here's Little Iohn hath harbord you a Deere,
I see by his tackling.

Io.
And a Hart of ten,
I trow hee be, Madam, or blame your men:
For by his Slot, his Entries, and his Port,
His Frayings, Fewmets, he doth promise sport,
And standing 'fore the Dogs; hee beares a head,
Large, and well beam'd: with all rights somm'd, and spred.

Mar.
Let's rowse him quickly, and lay on the Hounds.

Io.
Scathlock is ready with them on the grounds;
So is his brother Scarlet: now they'ave found
His Layre, they have him sure within the pound.

Mor.
Away then, when my Robin bids a Feast,
'Twere sinne in Marian to defraud a Guest.