Well, when he draws the first big M of yours, He makes it like a bridge from earth to heaven, With white-winged angels passing up and down; And, underneath the bridge, in a black stream, He puts the drowning face of the bad Prince Holding his wicked hands out, while a devil Stands on the bank and with a pointed stake Keeps him from landing-- Ah, what's that? What's that?
I thought I saw that same face peering thro' the ferns Yonder--there--see, they are shaking still.
[_PRINCE JOHN and another man appear advancing across the glade._]
So here's my dainty tigress in her den, And--Warman--there's a pretty scrap for you Beside her. Now, sweet mistress, will you deign To come with me, to change these cheerless woods For something queenlier? If I be not mistaken, You have had time to tire of that dark cave. Was I not right, now? Surely you can see Those tresses were not meant to waste their gold Upon this desert. Nay, but Marian, hear me. I do not jest.
[_At a sign from MARIAN, JENNY goes quickly inside the cave._]
That's well! Dismiss your maid! Warman, remove a little.
I see you think A little better of me! Out in the wood There waits a palfrey for you, and the stirrup Longs, as I long, to clasp your dainty foot. I am very sure by this you must be tired Of outlawry, a lovely maid like you.
Give me your hand! Why do you shrink from me? If you could know The fire that burns me night and day, you would not Refuse to let me snatch one cooling kiss From that white hand of yours.
If you be prince, You will respect my loneliness and go.
How can I leave you, when by day and night I see that face of yours. I'll not pretend I do not love you, do not long for you, Desire and hunger for your kiss, your touch! I'll not pretend to be a saint, you see! I hunger and thirst for you. Marian, Marian.
Ay, mad for you. Body and soul I am broken up with love for you. Your eyes Flash like the eyes of a tigress, and I love them The better for it. Ah, do not shrink from me!
[_JENNY comes out of the cave and hands MARIAN a bow. She leaps back and aims it at JOHN._]
Back, you wild beast, or by the heaven above us, I'll kill you! Now, don't doubt me. I can shoot Truly as any forester. I swear, Prince or no prince, king or no king, I'll kill you If you should stir one step from where you stand.