Maid Marian came with him. She waits without and asks--
Let her not come Near him till all is done. Let her not know Anything, or the old fever will awake. I'll lance his arm now!
[_The PRIORESS closes the door. ELINOR goes into the alcove. The chant from the chapel swells up again. QUEEN ELINOR comes out of the alcove, white and trembling. She speaks in a low whisper as she looks back._]
Now, trickle down, sweet blood. Grow white, fond lips That have kissed Marian--yet, she shall not boast You kissed her last; for I will have you wake To the fierce memory of this kiss in heaven Or burn with it in hell;
[_She kneels down as if to kiss the face of ROBIN, within. The chant from the chapel swells up more loudly. The door slowly opens. MARIAN steals in. ELINOR rises and confronts her._]
[_Laying a hand upon ROBIN'S bow beside her._]
[_As MARIAN advances towards the couch._]
He is asleep. Hush! Not a step further! Stay where you are! His life Hangs on a thread.
MARIAN Why do you stare upon me? What have you done? What's this that trickles down--
[_Stoops to the floor and leaps back with a scream._]
[_Seizes the bow and shoots. MARIAN falls._]
Follow him--down to hell. King John will find you there.
I am dying, Robin! O God, I cannot wake him! Robin! Robin! Give me one word to take into the dark! He will not wake! He will not wake! O God, Help him!
[_She falls back unconscious. SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF, a green spray in his hand, opens the casement and stands for a moment in the window against the last glow of sunset, then enters and runs to the side of ROBIN._]
Awake, awake, Robin, awake! The forest waits to help you! All the leaves Are listening for your bugle. Ah, where is it? Let but one echo sound and the wild flowers Will break thro' these grey walls and the green sprays Drag down these deadly towers. Wake, Robin, wake, And let the forest drown the priest's grey song With happy murmurs. Robin, the gates are open For you and Marian! All I had to give I have given to thrust them open, the dear gates Of fairyland which I shall never pass Again. I can no more, I am but a shadow, Dying as mortals die! It is not I That calls, not I, but Marian. Hear her voice! Robin, awake! O, master mine, farewell!