3543 M A lit* 1787 MacNally Robin Hood of Calif n Region Facilit; THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES FREDERIC THOMAS BLANCHARD ENDOWMENT FUND ROBIN HOOD; O R H E R W O O D FOREST: COMIC OPERA, AS IT IS PERFORMED AT THE THE AT R E - R O Y A L, I N COVENT-GARDEN. BY LEONARD MACNALLY, E The FIFTH EDITION, WITH ALTERATIONS, AND ADDITIONS; AS IT IS NOW PERFORMED. LONDON: Printed by J. A L M O N, at Na. 182, Fleet-Strert, I7 8 7 . [Price One Shilling and Sixpence,} DkAMATlS PERSONS. M E N, Refidents in the Foreft. 1784. 1787. Robin Hood, Captain of the Outlaw Archers, Mr. DAVIEJ. Mr. BowPtN, Little John, his Friend and Bow- beartr* Mr. QUICK. Mr. QtficK. Scarlet, , a principal Outlaw, Mr. BRETT. Mr; BROWN. ^Bowman, another Outlaw, Mr. CUBIT. Mr. CuatT. ,, A , rjn ,.. JMr. DARLBY. Mr. DARLZY. Outlaws ad Archers, $Mr. DOYL* Mr. Dorr... Allen-a-Dale, t'te Shepherd of the Foiefl, Mrs. JK.EN.NZC*. Mrs. KNNBBT< M E N, Vifitoys to the Foreft. Ruttekjn, aja hiMr'nt Tinker, Mr. EDWIN. Mr. EnwiNr Baroo Fitzherbert, difi/ifed 4t Friar Tuck, Mr. WjtsoN. Mr. BOOTH. fdwin, the Hermit of the Dale, Mr, JO.HNSTONI. Mr JOHNSTONI \V M A N, RefvJent in the Foreft. Stella, a ffkepherdoi',, "Mifs \Vizi if . Mrs. WKILS, ' W O M E N, not RefUent in the Foreft Clorinda, Huntiefs of Tiibury, Mrs. MARTYR. Mrs. MARTYR Annette, the tiny Fot Page, Mrs. WILSON. Mrs. BROWN. Angelina, a Pilgrim, Mrs, BAmsTJHt.' Mrs. BILLING toy The SCE.NJ tics in' Sherw,<&d Foreft.. ROBIN HOOD; O R, SHERWOOD FOREST. A C T I. Scene a deep wood terminating in vifto Several cots foaded ley trees: on one fide of the ft age, Archers making ar- rows: on tbe other fide, Stella and other women with dijlaffs 9 fitting at their federal doors. GLEE. IN Sherwood's grove, The fweets of love, We'll tafte and drink till we're mellow 5 With dimpled fmilcs, Sly winks and wiles, Each lafs will pleafe her fellow. Ranting, Planting, Gay gallanting, Such fporis the like ne'er ften O ! Hey down derry, derrv, Merry maids and archers, Tripping it on the green O. Bowman. Here comes Little John. Enter JOHN, carrying a large bow. John. Well fung and ftrongly, my blithe lads and hearty lafles like true out-laws who lighten the heavy purfes of the rich with clear consciences, fliare your B booty 6 ROBINHOOD booty with the poor, and wa(h down repentance with cups of nappy brown ale. Stella. Girls let us retire. L The women retire into the cots. Bowman. Why are we called out-laws, John? John. I'll tell you. Laws were made to punifh rogues; but we being honefl fellows, are put out of the law, Bowman. Then honefty and law arc not found to- gether. , John. True-, and therefore being honeft we live againft the law ; and yet, with due deference to the learned profeffion, we live honeflly as thofe who live by the law. Bowman. Right, John. John. Mark We kill the King's deer, and are called thieves i but who are the greateft thieves, we who feed on royal venifon, or thofe who prey upon his Majefty's liege fubjefts? Stand clofe and attend to me lads our captain, the brave Earl of Huntingdon, has a call upon our. fervice, therefore tvery man muft look to his arms ; let your quivers be well ftockt with arrows, and fee that your bow-ftrings are all found. This night we fally forth on an expedition. Bowman. What is the caufe ? John. Our Captain you all know was betrothed to the fair Clorinda, niece to Baron Fitz Herbert. You alfo know, that on the very ere of marriage he was or- dered from court. Jtowman. True. John. Now this waa all owing to the Biihop of Here- ford, who malicioufly poifoned the royal ear, and the inftant the noble Huntingdon became an object of the King's difpleafure, the whole court tribe, even the very caterpillars who fed upon his bounty avoided him as if he was contagious. Bowman. But we, John, ftuck to him and will while we have life. John. Give me your hand a man never truly knows his friends till misfortune overtakes him. But mark-^ Our ROBIN HOOD. 3 Our leader's heart is fixed upon the Lady Clorinda, and (he loves him with equal ardour; but the proud Baron, her uncle, keeps her locked up, and prevents all intercourfe between them. Bowman. Why not attack the Baron's caflle and car- ry her off by force John. That is the bufinefs you are to be employed on we will execute it this very night ; but not a word to Robin ; voluntary fervice is moft valuable, and to- morrow, I truft, we mall be able to prefent his miftrefs to him (A born found'} Hark! Scarlet's horn. Enter SCARLET, and Archers t with RUTTEKIN the Tin- ker, prifoner-, an Archer carrying his budget. John. Brave Scarlet, welcome! Who have we got here ? (Examining Ruttekin.} Scarlet. We difcovered a company of men, within the purlieus of the Foreft, on their way we fuppofe to the afiizesat Nottingham. John. On their way to the afiizes \ Othe unconfci- onable dogs ! with- intent no doubt to fue their honed debtors, Scarlet. They fled, and all efcaped but this fellow. John. What are you, iirrah ? Ruttekiti* A tinker and a fool, but no. knave, John. Well diftinguifhed ; for though all knaves are fools, all fools are not knaves. Where do you refide tinker ? Ruttekin^. Where I ftand. I carry my (hop on my back, as thefnail carries his houfe ; am always at home, yet am a traveller. John. A fool a traveller ; but that is no new cafe, many of our travellers having proved themfelves fool . Let the tinker be free. But lay, lads, what plunder have you brought in ? Scarlet. Not much. We met a monk, wbo denied .haying cam, but Robin forced him to pray to his titu- lar faint for fome, and after five minutes devotion, on fearching his reverence, we found twenty broad pieces B 2 in * ROBIN H[OOD. in his hood ; but the money did not remain long with us: falling in with one of the bifhop of Hereford's te- nants, who was flying from his habitation, being un- able to pay h ; s rent, Robin, with his accuftomed hu- manity made him a preient of the friar's tribute. Jchn. Perhaps this fellow is an impoftor, fo open his pack (pointing to Ruttekin) : A good heart may lie in a deformed body ; a diamond may br concealed in a dunghill, and why not gold or filver in this budget. \key open the budget and throw out a fowl, a bottle^ and a loaf; Ruttekin leaps into it.~$ Ruttekin. Spare my property ! my budget contains my ways and means ! J Scarlet. Out of the budget, or I'll knock you down. Ruttekin. What, ftrike a man in his own mop ? (Horn founds* Join. There goes Robin's blafl and calls me Away lads ; reinftate mafter Tinker in pofleffion of his fhop and moveables, and give the poor devil fome refrelh- ment. Ruttekin.. Lead away, my ferry folk, and I'll dance after you, AIR. I mend pottles and canns, Hoop juggs, patch kettles and pans, And over the country trudge it ; I fing without meafure, Norlear lofs of treafure, And carry my all in my budget, Here under the green leav'd bulhes, Oh how we'll firk it, Caper and jirk it, Singing as blithe as thrufhes, I'm not plagued with a wife, Live free rrom conteft and ftrife, Blow high, blow low Ruttekin never minds it. I eat ROBIN HOOD. 9 I eat vfhen I'm hungry, Drink when I'm dry, Join pleat u re Wherever I find it. Here under the green leav'd bufhes, Oh how we'll firk it, Caper and jirk it, Singing as blithe as thruflies. [Exeunt. Enter FRIAR 0#^J a vengeance ! To give the devil h : s due, this infernal divine rights with ChrifUan fort tU' e. The laft blow daggered my confcience. Bu will you live among us, prieft ? Friar. With all my heart, upon this condition, that if you need a chaplain, I may fcrve you and your rriends in that capacity. John. Will - ou be true ? Friar. To the laft moment I will be true to you will attend to mrive little Little John, even at the gallows. John. 1 thank your charity, reverend Sir ; and as one good turn deierves another, DC affured you lhail not want a friend to (hake hands with at the gibbet. Our chaplain you {hall be; a confcfibr, my hearts, will make us new men every day, b,v abf Jv.ng us in the morning for our trefi ailes over-night. But we muft not have too much devotion. Friar. Never fear Though I wear the habit of the church, I am no devotee; \ love my friends, pray for my enemies, and my principal ftudy is the art of living well with all mankind. John. io ROBINHOOD. Join. And women-kind I prcfume Friar. W ho ordained you aeon fcffor ? But in truth, though I have taken the vow of celibacy, I reprobate a fingle life among the hity, and think that were the fu- perfluous productions of nature to be pruned away, the bufintfs fhould commence by topping off old maids and fufty batchelors. Join. Right they are a malignant generation, and, like the rattlefnake, increafe in noile and venom with their years. To what monaftery do you belong ? Friar. To none; I am juft arrived from a crufade. John. I thought fo, for you laid on like a Turk, Enter BOWMAN, with afaeatbed Sword. Bowman. A ftranger has furrendered to one of our out-pofts, and is coming this way. He demands an audience with Robin Hood immediately, and fends his fword. ( Delivers bis fword to John. John. Conduct the ftranger before us and fee, Maf- ter Bowman, take care of this honeft Friar ; let him have liquor to moiften the chy, for I fee by liis ruby nofe, he is a wet foul with a dry liver. Friar. Go on, my lad; and remember your orders let me have liquor plenty to moiften the clay.- A I R. When the chill fcircco blows, And winter tells a heavy tale ; When pies, and daws, and rooks, and crows, Do fit and curfe the froft and fnows $ Then give me ale, Old brown ale, Nut brown ale, Srovt brown ale. O give me ftout brown ale Ale that the plowman's heart up keeps, And equals it to tyrant throrses ; That wipes the eye that ever weeps, And lulls in fweet and dainty flceps Th* o'er wearied bones Old brown ale, fcc. John. R O B .1 N H O O D. n Well chauntcd, and merrily; a goodly pfaliru linger; yet his notes would found better in a tavern than a cathedral. Enter EDWIN, guarded. Edwin. I have told you my bufinefs is with Robin Hood only (To the guard. John. That may be, but you cannot fee the great Robin, till firft examined by Little John. Who are you, Sir ? Edwin. A Gentleman, courteous Sir, who wilhes to be confideredj0#r humble fervant. John. Fairly fpoken An humble fervant is good, becaufe it is a rarity, moft fervants afiuming more im- pudence than their matters. Now Gentleman is bad, though it is a good title to travel with, or live by ; for every fellow, who has neither property nor profcffion, and is too lazy to work, begs or plunders under the character of a Gentleman. Edwin. I agree with you, Sir; and the country is over-run with fuch vermin. John. Here comes our leader Enter Robin. Noble Captain, this gentleman, who fays he is my humble fervant, defires to fpeak with you. Robin. I like his prefcnce. -You appear a foldier, Sir. Return him his fword. (To John) It is my way to meet every man on equal terms ; and if you come for a trial of fkill, my bow- bearer will fee fair play. John. Never deubt my honour; and if yon beat Robin to-day, John will indulge you with a bout to- morrow. Edwin. I would fpeak in private. John. Then I withdraw ; and, in truth, I am not in good fighting order Stella has run away with rny heart; and this Friar has raifed fo many knobs on my head, it feels like a bunch of grapes. [#/'/. Robin. Now, Sir, whac are your commands ? Edwin. ia ROBIN HOOD, Edwin. Courage and generofity arc congenial qua- lities : I am confident you poflefs the. firft, and doubt not but I fhall experience the latter. Robin. You fpeak from a brave and candid foul. Whatever my men have taken (hall be returned. Edtoin. I Only wifli them to reftore a hermit's gar- ment. You iee before you an unhappy man, fcorned by the woman he loVes, urged by defpair, yet doating on the caufe of his mifery. O heaven ! is there no comfort for me ? A I R, Ye pow'rs who make virtue your care, O bend from your bowers above ; Say, why {hould diftrefs and defpair _J Be the conftant attendants on love ? Should war with its wide fpreading force, Of nations the fcourge and the curfe, To ten-told its rage be encreas'd, The torments of lovers are worfe. Ye power's who make virtue your care, O bend from your bowers above ; Say, why mould diftrefs and defpair Be the conftant attendants on love ? Rolin. Your forrows breathing the genuine feelings of an injured mind, engage my friendlhip. Is it your intention to join our pa r ty ? You may command here every thing conducive to your eafe. Edwin. You have my thanks, but I muft refufe your generous offer. My mind, long labouring with grief, has determined upon retirement : underftanding there is a hermitage in the Foreft, lately- occupied by a holy man, now dead there, and loft to the world, I wifh to become his melancholy fucceflfor, and pine out a life of \vretchednefs. Robin. May I enquire who you are ? Edwin. My name is Edwin, fon to Sir Launcelot Barnard} I am juft arrived from Paleftine, where for three ROBINHOOD. 13 three years ferving under a borrowed name, J fought for death in battle. Robin. Command my fervices. I knew your father well, and often under him repelled my country's foes. The ingratitude of thofe I loved and ferved has driven me into this Foreft, an outlaw but no more of that- Though rough in manners, and poflefling afperity againft the proud, the avaricious, and the luxuriant, you mall find me not ungenerous to the diftrefled. Edwin. *Tis to your generofity 1 apply; the fimpli- city of your manners I admire, and defpife the fuper- ficial civilities of life; the mind of a fold ier, like his fword, is more valuable for its temper than its po- lifli. Robin. Henceforward we are friends ; but come let us in and drink a pledge to future amity. Edwin, your hand (takes Edwin's hand) I feel for you. AlasJ 1 am myfelf a lover, and though belov'd in return, furTer under all the excruciating pangs of abfence. D U E T. The (lag through the Foreft when rous'd by the horn, Sore frighted, high bounding, flies wretched, for- lorn ; Quick panting, heart burfting, the hounds now in view, Speed doubles, fpeed doubles, they eager pur,- fue. But 'fcaping the hunters, again through the groves. Forgetting paft evils, with freedom he roves. Not fo in his foul., who from tyrant love flies, The ftuft ftill remains, and defpairing he dies. ] [Exeunt. Enter ALLEN and STELLA. Allen. \ am certain fomething diftreffes you, tell me my dear fitter, what it is ? I your brother and friend, have i 4 ROBIN HOOD. have a right to question you : believe me, Stella, few women would fall into error, if they made confidants of their malt relations. Stella* I do believe you love me, brother ; and I hope you have no reafon to comphin of my wanting affeftion. Let me afk you a queftion ; what think you of Will Scarlet? Mm. That, in manners, he is a vain fop ; and in his heart a cunning deceiver. Like an overripe pear, fair without, but, bad within. Stella. You are rigr;t, brother, he is a fop ; for when he brings home pofies from the meadows, he always culls the fweeteft and prettieft to ornament himfelf! and he "s a deceiver, as poor Martha knows to her coflr. Oh ! poor Martha ! Ihe was once the very life of the Foreft. A I R. " The laughing pow'rs " That led the wanton hours, j. " When May was in her prime, " Open'd the cells of flow'rs (C To airy paramours. " -And bid the love-fick poet figh in rhyme." Oh ! fummer all too fair ; Oh ! blifles all too high! Oh ! might (he not have known, That fweejteft flow'r, the fooneft blown, Is iooneft gone- That cleared ftream beneath a fummer fky May foon be dry ! She never faid, Can my dear love fly, Till he was fled! But what think you of Little John ? JfXen* 1 think him a ruflctan, a goodly apple, with 4 plain outfide, but found core. ROBIN HOOD. 15 Stella. And I think fo too-, for he ftrews thyme un- der my window, when he thinks I do not fee hirrii and when he gathers wild itrawberrics, or filberts, or fii.ds honeycomb-, in the woods, he always prefents them co me untouched. Allen* There is as much difference between John and Scarlet, as between an honed man and a knave. I know they are both your admirers, but be cautious in beftow^g your affecYion ; you are very young, Stella ; and love, my girl, has its bitters as well as its fw^ts. Stella. I would tell you a fecrec bur you muft hear me without cenfure ; or if you reprove, remember the leflbns of affection make the deepeft impreffiwns when breathed in gentlenefs> Allen. Speak with freedom.- Something I fear has hurt you. Stella* Yes, I am hurt, yet I cannot tell where. I am pleafed too, yet I cannot tell why. 1 figh when I wilh to fmile. Nay more, 1 am warm in the cool made, a,nd freeze even in the fun. Heigaho! Allen* And how long have you had this complaint ? Stella* How long I It has been convng on me by de- grees at ieaft tbefe long, long two months. Let me whifper you a queftion ;, nay, turn your head, i cannot fpeak while you look me in the face. You muft know, Little John this day gave me ibme wild plumbs: La, I cannot fay a word more f Allen. Then the complaint lies there.. Stella. Where,, brother, where ? mercy r fliew me ! Sure I do not eat too many wild plumbs where does the complaint lie? I feel the pain, but cannot ciifcover the frat of it. Allen. Lay your hand upon your heart and pronounce the name of John. Stella. There John, John, John Blefs me! how it beats pit, pit, pit, pat Heigh ho i my complaint I find is the heart-burn and palpitation. Alien. The truth is you love John. Stella. Love a man ! O fie ! Yet, certainly I have a great friendlhip for John. You know, brother, when C a I fell 16 fc O B I N H O O B. I fell into the river, he plunged in and faved my life, \vhile Scarlet run for afliltance. Allen. I do not blame your gratitude ; but be cau- tious, John's fimplicity might prove as injurious as Scarlet's cunning. Stella. I'll follow your advice, for I have heard young girls often meet with ruin where they expect fecurity Alltn* And ever after fuffer under the pangs of (hame, repentance, and biiter grief. A I R. Hard beats her heart, her eyes poiir tears, Corroding grief confumes her years ; No more ihe fports with damfels gay, But mourns in penance night anji day. Love makes her happy for a while, And then, like thee, fhe'11 chearful fmile; But foon the willow binds her head She mourns a lover from her fted, [Exeunt* Scene changes to another part of ihe for eft. Enter CLO- RINDA in the drefs of a huntrefs, with bow and quiver ; ANGELINA as a male pilgrim-, ANNETTE as her page. Clorinda. Nay, let me perfuade you, my fweet cou- fin, do not depart till you fee the refult of my adven- ture. A/igelina. That is impoflible, my vow prohibits me: I will not reft till 1 have reached the coaft, nor will I return till I meet tidings of my love. Ckrinda. But we are now near the bower of my lover O Cupid ! thou tyrant of the pafftons, be mer- ciful to thy poor petitioner. Well, this love has fet you both mad ; but your madncf'a Madam, (to Clorinda) a think the rnoft defirable, Heaven defend me from the afflictions of my lady, my lord a mean ! Melancholy madnefs is horiibh 1 But let who will figh, I will laugh through life while I breathe. JLa ! 1 have had lovers of all pro: HOBINHOOD. i? profdlions, and played them off with equal indiffe- rence. A I R. When the men a courting came, Flattering with their prittle prattle , Of their fool'ries I made game, Rally'd with my tittle tattle. Cooing to me, Woeing to me, y Teafmg of me, Pleafing of me, i Offering pelf, Each filly elf Came wooing, cooing, bowing to me. The learn'd ferjeant of the law Shcw'd his paichments, britfs, and papers; In his deeds I found a flaw, So difmifs'd him in the vapours. Cooing to me, "Wooing to me, Teafmg of me, Pleafing of me, Off'ring pelf, Each fiily elf Came wooing, cooing, bowing to me. Phyfic old difphy'd his wealth, With his noftrums, but the fact is,. I fwore loud I'd keep my health, Nor die martyr to his practice. Cooing to n;e, Wooing to me, Tcafing of me, Pleafing of me, OfPring pelf, Each fiily .elf Came wooing, cooing, bowing to me f But i8 k O B I N II O O D. But at laft a Swain bow'd low, Candid, handibme, tall, and clever, Squeez'd my hand, 1 can't tell how, But he won my heart for ever. Cooing to me, "Wooing to me, Prefling of me, Bleffing of me, He's no pelf r Yet for himfelf Fll fend all other lovers from me. Angelina. Some one comes this way. Clorinda. One of the merry archers Hillo! hillo! tantivy! John, (within) Hillo! hillo! htlloaf Enter JOHN* B St. Dunftan's mrine a D:ana ! and with a voip- Ihrill as a lark ! Egad, fair nymph, ycu rrake the welk-n ring with your fhrill ">otes. But why fdute me with a tantivy -, I being a batchellor, and thai cong-atulation only due to married gentry, who ':ome und? r the de- icription of bucks ? (to Clurinda. Save your reve- rence, (bcizing to Angelina) I prefume you are a pal- mer, performing penance for the fins of your fathers* for thr.u art too young to havft tranfgrefled tJhyfelf. But mav I enquire, are you returning from, or going on a pilgrimage? Annette. "Why afk ? what is your reafon ? and what right has my mafter to anfwer you ? John. Here is a chatterer ! Pray, my little magpie, has your tongue been fplit with a filver gr.oat, that it wags fo glibly ? Annette. You mft know, my good friend, I and mv matter have traverfed France, crofled the Alps, vifited Jerufalem, made an excurfion into Turkey, and Join. Enough, enough Egad, my lad of wax, the hinges of your tongue want no oiling. But pray now, to R O B I N HOOD. 19 to what purpdfiT did you go throng chall this fa- tigue ? Annette. In truth, to little purpoft: our objects were beauty and virue, both of which we find flouriife better at home than in any other foil. Pray, Sir, give this inijuifitive fellow an account of your travels. Angelina. I wi 1 indulge him wiih all my heart, and then, fair coufin, without any further ceremony, or even a farewel, I mall depart (to Clarinda.) My page has told you beauty and virtue were the pbjefts of my fearch. BALLAD. I traversed Judah's barren fand, At Beauty's altar to adore; But there the Turk had fpoil'd the land, And Sion's daughters were no more. In Greece the bold imperious mein, The wanton look, the leering eye, Bade Love's devotion not be fen, Where conftancy is never nigh. From rhence to Italy's fair more, f I urg'd my never ceafing way, And to Loretta's temple bore A mind devoted ftill to pray. But there too Superftition's hand Had fickly'd every feature o'er, | And made me foon regain the land, Where beauty fills the weftcrn more ;' Where Hymen with Cceleftial power Connubial tranfport doth adorn, Where pureft virtue fports the hour, That ulhers in each happy morn. Ye daughters of old Albion'* Ifle, Where'er I go, where'er I ftrav, O, Charity's fweet children, fmile, To cheer a Pilorim on his way ! Clorind*. 20 R O B I N H O O t>. Qorinda. May chcerfulncfs be thy guide, and fafety thy attendant. ( 'Exeunt Angelina mid Annette. John. I fay Amen, from the depth of my heart. And now, you more than mortal, what is your buGnefs in the Foieft? Ckrlnda. I feek a known bold archer, who draws his bow with ikill, and can pierce an apk, or fplit a wand at tiireefcore yards diftance. John. Then you have hit the mark ; and though I fay it, who fhould not fay it, there is not a tighter fel- Jowof his inches in the Foreft, than your humble fer- vant, Little John. Clorinda. Art thou Little John ? John. The fame.lady But fee, I have no apprehen- fion from the quiver of your eyes; my affedtionf are engaged, and mv heart is proof againfl their arrows. But tor your comfort, there are charitable men enough in the Foreft, and you may fccure half a dozen firings to your bow. Clorinda. Half a dozen ! cry you, mercy Little John ; I have heard of your prowefs, it is true, but feek a man at leaft a foot taller. AIR. The tramp of fame your name has breath'd, Its praiie has founded far and near ; Stout Little John, with laurel wreath 'd, Hath reach'd each dame and damfel's ear. But 'ds not you ; bold Robin Hood I ccme to leek with bended bow, T hat man of might I fa; n would fight, And conquer with my oh, ho, oh ! Through froft and fnow, Though cold winds blow I never fail, In rain or hail, T} ough thunders roll Fr m pole to pole, . Te Conquer with my oh, ho, ho I With f ROB1NHOOD. 21 With bended bow, The buck or doe, I never fail, Through rain or hail, Though thunders roll Frorh pole to pole, To conquer with my oh, ho, ho ! Join. 'Fore George, damfel, you fmg a merry Have; but Robin will never fight you, fo there is confort for you and your oh, ho, ho ! But here he comes, and with him a poor love-fick devil, going to turn hermit Clorinda. It is, indeed, my dear Robin. John. Dear Robin ! Who are you ? Speak nymph, I begin to lulpedl Clorinda. Step afide and I will tell you. John. Your lily hand; (takes ber hand) for egad, damfel, I like you and your oh, ho, ho ! [Exeunt, Enter ROBIN and EDWIN. Robin. It grieves me, I cannot pefuade you to remain with us j time and reflection, with cheerful company and the fports of the chace, would alleviate your pain. Edwin. No, no I have tried every means in vain : three years abfence has not kfifcned, but encreafed my paffion and my grief even hope, that fweet'ning balm which attends the martyred wretch (trained en the rack in his lafi pangs of torture, is denied to me. Robin. Pray hear me. Edwin. Do not urge me my life I have devoted to heaven, and will perfevere permit one of your archers to conduct me to the herrn tage. Robin. You lhall be obliged ; and yet I hope for your afiiftance and advice in recovering my love, my dear Clorinda ! Edwin. You lhall have my prayers fuccefs attend your efforts. You venture for a woman who rccipro- D cates 22, R O B I N H O O D. crates your paffion, and will reward it ; I fufFcr for an unfeeling maid, whofe fcorn was inftant death, did not her beauty falve the wound it -gives. A I R. Her hair is Ike a golden clue, Drawn from M:n<-rva's loom ; Her lips carnations dropping dew, Her breath is a perfume. Her brow is like the mountain fnow, Gilt by the morning beam : Her cheeks like living rofes blow, Her eyes like azure ilream. Adieu, my friend, be me forgot, And from thy mind defac'd ; But may that happinefs be thine, Which I can never tafte. [Exit. Enter JOHN. John. Clear the clouds from your brow, and pre- pare for laughter j I have a merry tale to tickle your fancy with. Robin. Poftpone your merriment, good John : I am in a melancholy mood, and would indulge it. Job i, I bring fomething to rouze your fpirits A ch ^Ilengv, and there lies the gauntlet. - Robri. A woman's glove. (Takes up the glove. John. I know not whether man or woman; but the challenger is here in the Foreft, and fwears to beat you *uh an Oh, ho, ho ! [Exit. Robin. Perhaps fonie lover of my Clorinda 1 here comes the ftrangcr, Enter JOHN, leading CLORINDA, her lead turned from ROBIN. Robin. A woman \ John. ROBINHOOD. 23 John. I fay a goddefs but turn your head this way, pltafe your goddefsfliip ; for if you fight here it mult be face to face. Clorinda. (Looking towards Robin.) T^ot know me, Robin ! Robin. It is Clorinda, my life, my love ! [JLmlracc. John. Egad that is a CornHh hug ! Clorinda. O Robin I have ventured all for vou ! will you not think lightly of me ? am I not kfiened in your efte?m, for thus boldly ftepping btyond the bounds prefcribed my fex ? Robin. Say, how halt thou efcaped ?-~I had re- folved as foon as too-morrow's fun fet from the world, to force you from your tyrant. John. Then you had been difappointed, for I had refolved with the affiftance of Allen-a-Dale, and our merry mtn to have done the bufmefs this very night unknown to you. It is a great difappointment to me, fair lady, to be deprived the pleafure of knocking the old proud Baron, your Uncle, on the head. Clorinda. My uncle went yefterday to court, in con- fequence of an order from the king ; and it is rumour- ed the French have threatened an invafit.n. I availed myfc-lf of his abfence, and fled to you, my love. Robin. To live in this dreary Foieft; bui it is not dreary where you refide the fwtetelt violets blow- fpring fports around your walks ; and when you fmile, the coldeft hearts rejoice with fummer's warmth. AIR. Charming Clorinda ! ev'ry note You breathe thefe woods among Shall move my grateful tongue, Swelling my ardent throat, Homage devout to pay, Love harmonize the lay, And looth her with the fong ! :i - D 2 Should 24 ROBINHOCD. Should Ihc, bewilder'd, chance to dray, Ye fongfters, near your groves, To her your nores belong ; My foul its fenfe (ball prove, My, voice its powers difpiay, Love h.'rmoirze the lay, And footh her with the fong ! John. See the merry archers returning from the chacc. Enter STELLA, SCARLET, ALLEN, &V. Rcbix. My friends, congratulate me : I have reco- vered my Clorinda, and we will have a jovial day. Love has found his way into the ForeC, and to refufe him an hofpitablc reception, would be ungrateful. Joh.<. Stella, why fil^nt? Lady, this is the tender dove of' my affe !!ion, and you fnall folicit for me : (To Clorinda) But let's into the bower Old Splice'em the friar, who arrived this morning, came in pudding-time, and if I can prevail on Stella, he fhall fhortly lug ouc his horn-book. GLEE. By dark grove, fliade, or winding dell, We merry maids and archers dwell ; In quiet here, trom worldly ftnfe, We pafs a cheerful rural life ; And by the Moon's pale quivering beams, We frilk it near the chryftal ftrea:i.s. Our ftation's on the king's high-way, We rob .he rich the poor to pay : 1 he woe- \vorn wretch we ftill protecl, T'ic \vi 'ow, or; han ne'er neglecl : Fat churchmen proud \ve caufe to ftand, And whiftie for our iteady band. ACT ROBIN HOOP. 25 ACT II. SCENE, the outfde of ALLZN'S cot \ a view of fos'p fad- ing at a diftance-i a bench at the door ; ALLZN and STELLA difcovered fitting* ALLEN. I THANK you, my dear fitter, for your attention to my advice: but I mutt to my flocks ; farewel, and ever remember this, my dear girl, that though female virtue is an ineftimable diamond, it is delicacy which gives it polifti and br lliancy of the firft water. Stella. I mall remember your imtruclions. DUET. ALLEN. The vi'let nurs'd in woodland wild, Youn^ Zephyr's bride, Spring's firft-born child, Whofe veft in heaven's tint is dy'd j How fade it's beauties on the fight, " No more its perfume yields delight, When the rich rofe unfolds its pride ! S t E L L A. The feather'd tribes, who in the proves With fhriils inellifiuojs woo their loves, As Nature's fclf infpires the ftrain -, Thsir melting mufic fails to plcafe, Harfli and untuneful are their lays, When Philomel awakes the plain. BOTH. The maid endow'd with virtue's grace. Appears w.th ioul-fubduing face, And 26 R O B I N H O O D. And (bines in beauty's fphere fupreme; Each nymph that won the heart before, By her eclips'd, can charm no more, And all her fov'reign pow'r proclaim ! [Exit Allen. Stella. Here conies my butterfly lover : he fqumts his eye at me, though I am fure he admires his own face more than mine, or he would not fo often peep into the brook. He walks this way, fo I will flop and play the rogue with him. Blefs me ! where can it be ? {Searching her pockets') It muft have been fomewhere hereabouts. (Locks round) I would not have loft ic for- Enter SCARLET. Scarlet. What have you loft, my pretty Stella ? Stella. How cou'd you frighten me by coming fo fuddenly ? I have loft La 1 you cannot think what I have loft. Scarlet. And I have loft What do you think I have loft ? Stella. Not your fenfes, I hope ? Scarlet. Why, in truth, even them -, a man who has loft his heart, generally lofcs his fenfes. Stella. Loft your heart ! Why carry it fo loofe in your breaft? But fome filly girl will pick it up, and return it , fo farewcl, thou heartlefs man. [Going, Scarlet. Why fly me ? Stella. Bcrcaufe I fear you. Scarlet. And why fear me ? Stella. Becaufe you are a man, and, by your own confelfion, a heartlefs man ; now, a man without a heart mould always be avoided by a woman. Scarlet. Stella, I love you. Stella. Sa do I, moft fmccrely. & Scarlet. What, my charmr r > Stella. Lave myfelf to be fure. Scarlet. Be ferious : few men in the Foreft <:an boaflr better pretenfions to a maiden's regard than myfelf, and you may lofc me. Hear me, my fweet girl. Al R. R O 'B I N H O O D. 27 A I R. I love you by Heaven, what can I fay more ? Then fet not my paiTion a cooling ; If thou yield'ft not at once, I muft e'en give thce o'er, For I'm but a novice at fooling. What my love wanes in words, it fhall make up m deeds, Then why fhould we waHe time in fluff, child ? A performance, you know well, a promile exceeds, And a word to the wife is enough, child. Stella. But I am fuch a fool I fhall not take your hints ; fo farrwell. Scarlet. One word. Stella. Yes. [Running cff, hejlopsher. Scarlet. Yes that is one word indeed j but >ou muft not go. Enter RUTTEKIN. Ruttekin. No, you muft not go. Scirlet. Devil take this fool. Stella. Why curfe the fool, without including the knav? ? He i s the worft chat after of the two. Ruttek. My budget and tools againft your doublet, I know what you arc about. Scarlet. Are yoj a gambur ? Ruttek. You fay I am a fool ; and did you ever know a gambler who was not a fool, unkfs he was a rogue ? They are a'l either pigeons or rooks. Ste'la. Well, I am gone. Scarlet, And I follow. Stella. By theie h.tnds you fhall not. \Exit. Scarlet. By theie legs I will. [Exit. Ruttek. Ha, ha, ha ! Well run doe ! well run buck ! But, ha ! by the Mafs the buck has fallen into a toil. - Enter 2g ROBIN HOOD Enter JOHN and SCARLET. John. I fay, Scarlet, I am angry. Scarlet* Angry ! No, no ; you arc jealous, John, jealous. Joba. Jealous ! It is falfe. Except among fuch jack- a-dandies as you, jealoufy is not of this country's growth ; nor indeed of any country where the people can lay claim to manLood. I am angry. Scarlet. I was never better -pleated in my life : the {miles of a fine girl have raifed my fpirits. Job;/. But you muft refign all pretenfions to that fine girl, my fripperatv jay. She can have but one of us, and you are not the man. Scarlet. You muft refign all pretenfions to that fine , girlj my ruftic clown. She can have but one of us, and I am the man. Ruttck. Let me decide this difpute. What are your pretensions ? Scarlet. I love her. Ruttek. You love her. What do you fay ? John. I love her. Ruttck You love her too. So far your claims are equal. What would you do for her ? Scarlet. Die for her ? John. Then die and be (whiffles). 1 live for her, and her alone. Ruttek. You would die for her, (to Scarlet). You would live for her, (to John). John, you are the man ; for any woman, be fhe ever fo young, or ever fo foolifa, would prefer one living lover to a whole church-yard full of dead ones. John. See, Scarlet, we are both fond of the girl : I would make her my wife, but your defigns are knav- jfh. Your falfe-heartedncfs to girls is notorious; it riles v.ith the morning lark, and preys nightly with the owl. Scarlet. And what then ? John. R O B I N H O O D. 29 John. Mark my words if vou dare attempt any villainy againft the chaftity of Stella, may I never draw an arrow to the head, if I don't fplit you from the coxcomb to the waiftbarid. Scarlet. Ha ha, ha 1 John. Yes, and hang up your perfumed carcafe on one of thofe trees, to whittle and fwiug in the wind, like the fign of the Spread Eagle, Ruttek. What ! promote him to the office of fcare- crow, to frighten rooks from the Foreft ? Scarlet. If you are for that work, let us determine the conteft this inflant. (Draws his fzu or d. Ruttek. (Holding John.) Don't fplit him while I am here ! John. Let me at him, Tinker: Yet it kicks againft the grain of my manhood to ftaiu my fword with iplit- ting a fpliced plover ; a fellow who fmells iavory as a jack with a pudding in its belly ; who plaifters his face over-night with greafe and flour, and looks in the morning, for all the world, like a pigeon in pafte. Ruttek. Take a fool's advice in this bufmefs j court the girl openly, and let him who-wins her, wear her. Scarlet. There i-s wifdom in the fool's advice. John. And I agree to the fool's advice j he is a wife fool. Ruttek. Right, lads ! Riik your lives for a woman ! Ha, ha, ha 1 What woman would do fo for you, my dapper jack-afles, pigmies cf fourteen to the dozen ! It is more than I could expeci, who am a man of fize : but I never quarrel for my mitlrefies, though always fouled over head and ears in the tender paffion ; ena- moured with every landlady and tapftreis over the country, the Soldan of Perfia is not a greater Turk at the buiinefs. A I R. Margarita firft pofleft, 1 remember well, my breaft, With her row de dow dow de dow dow derrow, E With ROBIN. HOO IX With my reftlefs heart next play'd Martha, buxom floe-ey'd maid, With her tamarara row. ;'* She to Katharine gave place; Kate, to Betfy's am'rous face, With, &c. Mary then, and gentle Ann, Both to reign at once began, With their, See. Jenny next, * tyrant fhe, But Rebecca fet me free, With my, &c. In a week from her I fled, And took Judith in her ftead, With my, &c. She poflefs'd a wond'rous grace, But (he wanted Suian's face, With my, &c. Ifabella's rolling eye, Eclipfed Sufan's prefcntly. With her, &c. Brown-fkinn'd Btfs I next obey'd, 'fhcn lov'd Nanny, red-hair'd maidj With my, &c. None cou'd bind me, I am free, Yet ove ai; the fair I fee, With my tantarara row. With my row dc dovv dow de dew dow derrow, Tantarara row. {Exeunt. Enter fe- OB IN HOOD. 31 Enter FRIAR and CLORINDA. JPriar. Well niece, 1 f e you are furprized. Clorinda. Surprized ! 1 am aftonifhe'd, frighted to death. Friir, Niece, niece, tHou art the wildeft do* in the Foreft ; th'ou haft over-leaped the pale of prudence, and delicacy, and art a very outlaw O, I blufh at this tfranfgreffitin of duty and modefty ! Clor-inda. You mean my emancipation from tyranny. In truth, uncle, the very hour you fet 01 1 to Court, I eluded the eyes of the Argus placed '-ver rrie, and fled to the F-rt-ft. Is not Robin my betrothed Lord? and as fuch do I not owe him a duty that fuperqedes every ether. Bur tell me, what is your bufmefs here, difguifed thus in pe-rfon and manners ? Friar. Fifft, anlwer How is my daughter ? Thank heaven! in the delicacy of her conduct, I may place .confidence. Clorinda, When I parted from my coufin, fhe was well, but as ufual rathermdancholy. Now anfwer me ; what is your bufmefs here ? Friar. S'w*ar you will not betray me, Ckrinda. On my honour : I would perifh firft. Friar. I corne here by order of the King, a fpy upon your lover. Clorinda. A fpy ! O fhame, (hame ! how could you degenerate into fo mean an office? Friar. Remember \ our promife. His life is in my povver : by to-morrow's dawn, the Bilhop of Hereford^ with fwe hundred archers, will attack the Foreft. Clorinda. Five hundred archers ! a noble force j wor- thy my Robin's valour. Let come on: with, him I'll head his merry-men, cheer his courage, ana oppofe my boiom to the keeneft darts of his enemv. Uncle be affured of this, the woman who would live folely for the man Ihe loves, pofleffes fufficient courage to die for him* E 2 Friar. 12 ROBIN HOOD, Friar. On your duty grant me one requeft, and all (hall be well. Put off your marriage till morning call up every frriile and blandishment of love and beauty to aid your eloquence folicit, nay, you muft perfuade your lover to come within his Sovereign's grace. The enemy prepares to invade the land, and his power is ne- ceffary to his country. . Glorinda. The duty is pleafmg, and I will try my utmoft. Friar. His life depends on the event. He comes :. fo remember niece, you muft defer your nuptials, and you have pledged your honour not to give the moft diftant hint of who I am, or of my bufmefs here. Enter ROBIN, JOHN, and RUTTEKIN. Robin. What, father fhriving Clorindu ; but fhe has. no fins to anfwer for, except her love for me, and that (he has confeffed in plenitude of goodnefs. Take care, however, fanctimonious Sir, I mail' grow jealous, if I catch you thus alone with my love. Friar. A fig for love; my jug is my love, mv wife My ale my joy, my comfort A liberal miftrefs,. who, while in my polTellion, fhall never Eefufe to mare her favours with my friends, Robin. Nay,- father, vou fhould not confider drink as a miftrefs, but a chearful companion to drive away me ianchol 1 ; fome \vine. Friar. Give me fome wine- AIR. (ROBIN HOOD.) I. When generous wine expands the foul,. How pleafure hovers round the bowl ! A vaunt ye cares of Fancy's crew, And give the guilty wretch his due: But let the juice of fparkling wine My grcifer lenfe of love refine : As Jove his n^clar drinks above, I'll qu;tT whole goblets lull of love ' R O B I N H O O D. 33 II. Then why fhou*d I at life repine-, Bring me Venus, bring me wine, Fill the ever-flowing bowl, In circles gay and pleafures roll. Ever open, ever free, Hail, thou friend to jollity ? My brows with Bachus* chaplets crown'd, I'll live to love my cares are drown'd. Ruttekin. The Friar is mod porterly drunk. Jobn. True, tinker, and being porterly drunk, he is able to carry his liquor. Robin. To you, John, I mall leave the direction of cur nuptial fports and paftimes, . John. And I {hall take care to furnifh good amufe- ments. Ycu may expect, lady, fuch archery as Dianna or Apollo could never equal. Then we ihall have at lead half a dozen heads cracked at quarter-flarT and fingle-ftick; a few bones broken at foot-ball, and a back or neck fractur'd at wreftiing Oh . r we (hall hare rare fun ! Ckrmda. Not thofe who have their bones broken, John. John. Then we fhall have bull-baiting and morrice dancing O how I long to be capering ! Robin. Dance till you fall, John, but no bull-bait- ing -, man has no right to fport with the feel ings of thole creatures which heaven has beftowcd for our fuftenance. They die for our uie, and it is bafe in- gratitude to treat them with criulty. Clorinda. Thank you for tlut humane fentiment, my dear Robin. Robin. Do you go to the young hermit who left us this morning, tell him of my happinds, and that I requcft his prefence at onr feftival. cTo Ruttekin. John. Can you find the way, Tinker ? Ruttekin. I pafled the hermitage coming here, and will go forward upon^ the beaten path : never fear a fool finding his way through the world fools kfirp the 34 ROBIN HOOD. the high road, ir is your wife men who go afide and fall into the ditch. "John. You may truft him with the delivery of a meiVage ; he will be true to your word, though a liar and ?. ti'-ker. Rtittckin. No flur upon tinkers ; thev are found in every honourable profeffion. Your politician's a tinker, in mending the ilate-kettle, when he patches up one hole he makes two : your port's a tinker, he hammers out new works from other mens' old wit ; the lawyer's a tinker, he 'deals in brafs and optns mere flaws than he ftops ; and what'* your ph fici.in ? why a tinker too, a brazier of old battered conftiru-. ti.ns, and if he cures you of a gout, will take care to leave a rheuuiatifrh behind for a new job. [Exit. John. Well, Til to my duty men, women, a ; d children are bufy in their feveral vocations. The Pindar of Wakefield has brought in a b'ace of fat bucks, Arthur-a Bland has caught a dim of choice jacks, the maid Marian's preparing the paftry, and tiny Midge the miller is bolting flour for bread fare- wel every one to the-ir vocations ; -ou to amorous dalliance, I to fee pretty Stella twining flowers round the bridle garland. [ b.xit. C.ori;:da. Poor John's deeply (mitten Heigh ho ! Robin. That was a figh of grief Are \ou not well ? Chearly, chearly. Come .we will diipute on love, my fweet heart. . Ci(,r:ndf.. On love \ve mnft ever agree : But I would con'uk with you on your honour remind you of \(,ur own value. Your king has b?en intuited by an enemy ; and will you, my iwcet Robin, boafting the b'ooJ of Huntingdon and Warwick, endowed with thofe noble qualities, Courage and Gene-olity, negledt i he dutv you o\ve your country, co:. fuming lire and reputation within the fcqutftered (hades of a foreft. Roll*. You know the wiongs I have fufFered My fervicrs Overlooked; banilhed on a faiie accufadon ; with the imputation of a rebellious fpirit ; and ROBINHOOD. 35 and even you, my betrothed wife, forced from my arms. Clorinda. Confider, Robin, when our country is m danger, all offences (hould be abfolved ; the remem- brance of all injuries be forgotten ; all parties fliould unite ; every heart pant, and every arm act for her honour and detcnee. Robin, poftpone our nuptials till reconciled to your fovereign ; I would marry the leader of an army not the captain of an outlawed band. Robin. She makes mv foul I will put her heart to the teit (a fide). I am determined here to fpcnd my da^s here to live as I have done this you fear this has fhaken your conftancy. Clorinda. To doubt my truth is ungenerous. Your fate is mine. But hear me , Robin. Will you be ever ready, with bended bow, to watch an outlaw and defend his life ? Can you fup- port the viciflitudes of feaOns endure the fcorching heat and cramping cold ? Lodge on the chill ground, and depend for food upon the cafualties of the chace ? Clorinda. All this could I bear, and even more with thee ! but near me Robin. Suppofe my affection cooled to thee, and warmed by the beauty of another object could you with calmnefr fee her fuppiy your place ? Clorinda. O, Robin! the fight would wound my heart, but not decreaie my love ! Robin. Dearer than life ! what, fuffer this for me ? Command m , pride, my affections Oh ! thou haft foothed my refentmcnts conquered them hath roufcd my loyalty th / patriot flame now blazes in my bo- fom. Yes, Clorinda, I will join my country's arms, and head mv merry men. But what has my country to tear ? While Englim-women thus infpire fentiments of public virtue, loyalty, and honour, the number of our enemies will but increafe our victories. A I R; $6 ROBIN HOOD. A I R. As burns the charger when he hears The trumpet's martial found ; Eager to fco-jr the field he rears, And fpurns th' indented ground ; He (huffs the air, erects his flowing mane, ^Scents the big war, and (weeps along the plai*. Impatient thus my ardent foul Bounds forth, on wings of wind, " jAnd fpurns the moments as they roll With lagging pace behirul. [Exit. Clorinda. Poor Robin ! I touched him nearly but he made my heart bleed in return. Eater ALLEN and STELLA, Stella, well met, I hear terrible complaints of you, child. Stella. Of me, lady Clorinda. Yes, of you, lady." John fays you are cruel, flimy- hearted, and ill natured. Allen. And I know he loves her, though too modeft to urge his (uit. Stella. Lows met Then indeed he never told me fo ; and I rather think he fears me. He approaches me with a caut.ous itep, then looks at me with a cun- ning eye fo and when he gives me any thing, if his hand (hould but tonch mine, la, la, he trembles juil as if I was a wild beaft. But I will tell you a fee ret, Clorinda. A fecret \ O mercy, let us hear it. Stella. I fear i have done a wrong thing. Scarlet has been at our cottage, and he fwore fo much, I promifc'd to meet him here. - Allen. That was wrong indeed ! Never forget, my dear filler, that to preferve character, we mould avoid even the appearance of imprudence ; a wound on the character ol a young female, like an incifion on the bark of a free, expands with maturity. Clori:tda. ROBIN HOOD. 37 Qorinda* And I have hc;ird that this fame Scarlet, with all his foppery; is an insinuating, defigning fel- low ; and that more than one unhappy maid mourns his treachery. AlUn. It is true; Lady Martha, one of Stella's fairrft companions, is now a wanderer through the Foreft, lamenting and upbraiding, in all the horror of melancholy madnefs, her own weaknefs, and the? wicked nefs of her feducer. Take example by her, dear Stella. A I R. Onoe flie was, though now flie's fad, As the fpringing feafon glad, E'er beheld in its domain ; Or fair Summer in her train ; Or rich Autumn in his year : Sing (he could as fky lark clear, E'er, alas ! with grief to tell, Into ways of fhame Ihe fell. Now her burthens conftantly, *' Pity me, maids, pity me ; " Pity me, a ru'm'd maid, u Pining in the cyprcfs fhade." Woods that wave o'er mountain tops, O'er whofe mofs the titmoufe hops, Tell her tale to ruilling gales ; Fountains weep it through the vales ; And, v/ith her own forrow faint Sighing Echo joins the plaint. Martha fair, for ever fad, Wanders melancholy mad, And thus fings fhe bitterly : " Pity me, maids, pity me ; " Pity me, a ruin'd maid, '* Pining in the cyprefs made." [Exit. ' F Enter 3$ ROBIN HOOD. Enter JOHN. John. Robin fair Lady blefs me (Surprized at feeing STELLA ) Stella. You fee I told you truth He is always frightened at me. John. I am not frightened I do not know how it, is, but as I was going to tell you, one of our fcouts brings word that the bifhop of Hereford has raifed his men, and is now at Nottingham, with intention to at-. tack the foreft in the morn ; ng. Clorinda I'H to my Robin, John, I have been fpeak- ing to Stella. She has no diflike to you. What fay you, Stella, inftesd of being my bridernaid, will you be a bride yourfelf ? Stella. Heigh ho ! my poor heart ! John. Heigh ho-! O my poor heart ! Clorinda. Farewel, I leave you together ; and, John, take care, make the beft ufe of your time, you know you have a rival ; and this fame Jove is a fantaftical pafiion, a riddle which the wifeft cannot refolve. AIR. The. flame of love alTuages When once it is reveal'd ; But fiercer (till it rages The more it is conceaPd. Confenting makes it colder, W T h:n met it will retreat; Repulfes make it bolder, And dangers make it fweet. John. Hem. Stella. Heigh ho ! Margery, John. I have mot the firll arrow, Stella. Are you there, John ? John. Yes, Stella : - Courage. John, Courage Stella. .RQBINHOOD. 35 'Stella. Do you fpeak to me, John ? 'John. There is nobody die here, Stella: I, I, I would Stella. La ! what would you do ? John. I love you more than Stella. More than what? John. More than the ewe loves her lamb, the doe her fawn, or th* dove her mate ; I love thee a thouiand times better than I love myieif. Stella; A-d what then ? John. Love me in return. Stella. A.;d if I ihould, what follows ? John. We fhould do as our parents did before us marry. Stella. La ! that word marry, is enough to frighten poor iittle Cupid out of the Foreft : married folks fel- dom agree there is George- a-Green abufed his wire in the honey moon, and (truck her before the end of the year ; to be fure (he has a tongue, and a way of flinging things at his head. John. We Ihould have none of this work, Stella; though fuch domestic breezes are as neceiikry in foma families as thunder ftorms in hot weather ; the one clears the houfe of foul language, and the other frees the air of foul vapours. Stella. Then, John, my brother fays I am too young ; though I want only eleven months, one week and two days of eighteen. But how fhould we maintain our- felves ? * John. Prudent foul; how (he looks forward to a young family! I will maintain you by my wit, my girl; a means by which many great folks hold up their heads; betides, I have goods and chattels, all the furniture you have feen in my cottage (hall be yours ; and egad I will throw all you have not feen into the bargain. \ ftella. Thank you from my heart, John and m re- . ,turn, all I pofTcfs is at your iervice. F z John. 40 ROBINHOOD. John. Honeftl" fpoken ; fo thus I fieze upon the fruits of your father's induftry, and your mother's labour. -(Kiffes her. Friar. (fFitbiit) This way this way Stella. M-TCV! here are fome men coming. John. Who in the name of Old Nick are they ? LeC us Hand fide and fee. Enter FRIAR, SCARLET, and two ARCHERS; Friar. S?e, gentlemen, the biiliop of Hereford wil/ not come alone; the King's forces join him, snd you can have no chance from oppofition ; fo convey me to Nottingham, and I'll infure pardon to every man who accompanies me. Scarlet, What fay you> lads ? : i-ft. Archer. We will follow the fortunes of our Cap- tain. id. Archer. But can we in conference defert our Captain. Friar. No more about confciencc. But come, I'll put it to the trial, and here is the ordeal, (takes out a purfe) ; here is the general afyfolution that falves our confciences. This opens and ihuts the mouths of the moft vociferous orators, blinds the eyes of the church, deafens the cars of nngiftrates, obliterates the judgment of the law, arrefts the arm of jufticc, and dries up the fountains of mercy. How feels your confcience now ? Archer. It tells me I am in duty bound to obey my jpiritual paftor. P'iar^ Rcligioufly fpoken. Here, take the fuller'* earth that removes all ftains. [Gives money, Scarlet. Friar, I want no money ; my terms a~re thefe : This night I keep watch with my friends ; now. when our companv is alleep, we will feize upon Sidla, carry her off, and thus reward rnyfelf. John. I'll take care of that, you treacherous rafcal. Here's for you, fan&ified devil (Knocks down the Friar with his pcle, then draws lisfavrd , Scarlet filfo draws ; - the ROBIN HOOD. 41 the Archers mn off.) And now for you, good Matter Scarlet, whom 1 ihali in a few minutes cafe clofe as a hare Yes, I'll ikin and carbonade you, you dog. Scarlet. Come on. Stella. (Runs between them.) Help ! Murder ! Help ! Enter ALLEN and AR CHERS ; they feize SCARLET and the FRIAR. STELLA runs to JOHN. John. Is this the return for the hofpitable reception our Captain gave you ? [70 the Friar. Friar. Bring me before your Captain, that is all I defire. John. As for you, rafcal, you fliall die like a traitor. ITo Scarlet. Allen. Say, what is the matter ? John. This hypocritical Friar I hare difcovered ir* the very a dark arid dreary. Rutek. 4* ROBIN HOOD, Rut ek. It is a fafhionable fituation, your honour; moil of our great folks are bewildered, or in the dark. Angelina. Do yon live in the Foreft, Sir ? Ruttek. No; J ftarve in the Foreft, Sir. Annette. Are there any inhabitants to be found here. Matter Tinker-? Ruftek. Yes, bucks and does in- plenty ; as many horned cattle as any city can boaft. I am now in fearch of a hermit, with an invitation to Robm Hood's Wedding; which is to be celebrated in the morning. Annette. Yoyr coufm Ciorinda, you hear, has not flood upon punctilio. Angelina. Well, Sir, permit us to accompany you in fearch of this fame hermit. 1 am very weak, (Jeans on Annette) but feel mofl for you, my faithful companion j for myfelf no mifery is too great. (Nightingale fines.) Annette. Hark ! -I hear the harbinger of love ! A happy omen ! Angelina. It is indeed the'nightingale ! Ruttek. Yes,, and prefently you will- hear thefcreech- owl. (Bell tolls.} Annette. There goes the curfew of fome neighbour- ing town; the found comes from the left. Tinker^ lead on. Angelina. O my ruined love I Annette. You did not ruin him, he was very poor ! Angelina. Peace : He was rich in virtues ; wealth nor power were not his, it is true ; but he had wifdom, truth, and generofity- thofe ihould have been all to fne. Ruttek. Come, gentlefolks, I wait. Annette. We come, tinker. Pray do not weep. ( 1"o Angelina* Angelina. Yes, weep for ever, though in vain. Not ail the dew of heaven can revive the cropped violet. Ruttek. Pr'ythee, mend your pace-, this wood is haunted by the ghofis of gibbeted thieves, and mur- dered travellers. Blefs me! I heard a noife no; it was che wind. Robin Goodfellow and his brother fai- ries ROBIN HOOD, 45 rics have been often feen here ! Lift ! I bear a milling in the bufhes fome cut-throat, no doubt. Annette. Why tremble fo ? [Holding kirn Ruttek. I tremble, thu aguifh afpin ! (Shaking.}* Sir, do you not hear the devil, or fome evil fpirit > [To Angelina. Annette. Some one approaches and fee yonder a glimmering light fparkles in the dark, perhaps in fome cottage window. Rutttk. Yes, and it moves this way, houfe and all. EDWIN appears at the upper end of the Stage with a Lantern* Angelina. Heaven preferve us ! Ruttek. And forgive us our fins. O my poor con-' fcience ! The poultry I have ftolen are pecking at it, and the lambs baaing in my ears. Annette. Silence, coward ! Ruttek. I am dumb. But who ever looked on the devil without quaking ?< No, it is not the devil, buc a ghoft or hobgoblin. Nay, it is the devil too, for I his great faucer eyes blazing with blue fire ! Angelina* Peace, coward ! perhaps fome benighted traveller, like ourfelves. Ruttek. It is the devil, I fay ; look at his cloven feet, great horns, and monftrous noitrils ! I'll to prayers. [Kneels f Edwin. O my heart ! * Ruttek. It is a broken hearted poor devil too, Annette. Indeed that was a bitter figh. Angelina. I felt it in my bofom, Edwin. How dark and flill the night ! how fuited to the fuuation of my foul ! Oh Love, Love ! why prc- ftnt her image to my mind, whofe chilling breath froze jny fond youthful hopes, and funk me to defpair ? BAL- 4 5 ROBIN HOOIX BALLAD. Since all my hopes, dear maid, AK bl< -.n to air, d my fond heart's betrayed To fad defpair ; Here in this wildernefs M.y iortows Til rehearfe, And thy hard-heartednefsj Thou cruel fair. " Wild fruits IhaH be my meat > " I'll drink thefpring; " Cold earth (hall be my (eat; * f For covering " I'll have the ftarry fky *' My head to canopy, ** Until my foul on high " Doth take her wing." No bell, no fun'ral fire, No tears for me ; No grave do I defire, Nor obfequy. The gentle red-breaft, he With leaves will cover me, And fing my elegy Moft dolefully. Ruttek. You may fing, Oh be joyful ! this certainly is the Hermit. [Gses toward Edwin. Edwin. Stand off. Who are you ? Ruttek. Zounds . r it is not the Hermit ! Edwin* Speak, I fay 5 you have no injury to fear from me. Annette. We are two young Pilgrims, who have loft our way, and wander in the horrors of the Foreft. Bjittek. And a poor Tinker, almoft familhed to death. ROBIN HOOD. 47 Angelina. Who calls upon your compaffion to guide their wearied fteps to fome holpitable cottage ! Edwin. Your voice breathes gentlenefs your hand young man. The day already breaks my cell h near, where you may reft in fafety : fimple fare, and a couch of rufhes, are at your fervice. Rutteft. Poor fouls ! the lantern you carfy in your poop frightened them out of thtir whs ; they took you one time for a ghoft \ then for a "hobgoblin ; then for a Will -o'-th'-Wifp ; and a' Uit, for th. Devil himieif! Heaven blefs us! though I did all I couM to encoU" rage them, I fha' I never forget how they li.ook. Annette. Nor I how you confc-ifed fte.Uing the poul- try and lambs. Edwin. Come on, I'll lead the way, and if free from that tyrant pamon, Love, my habitation may cnfuro you a comfortable repofe. Angelina. Oh, my heart ! Edwin. Grief I perceive fit* heavy on your mind, and weighs your fpirits down \ you mourn a broken fortune, a falfe friendihip, or a deferted love. Angelina. Gentle hermit, broken fortune, nor falfc friendihip are not the caufes of my melancholy. (Exeunt Edwin and Angelina. Ruttekin. No, we mourn empty bellies -, my ribs ftick as clofe together as the two (hells of an oyfter. Come, out with your purfe, youngfter : the reward, the reward. Annette. Reward ! a found beating is the proper re- ward for a coward , befides, thou art a liar for deny- ing thy cowardice, and a rogue for demanding what you have no rjght to. Ruttekin. The very reafons why I fhould have my reward , you fee my garments are as feedy as a gin- gerbread cake j out at tht elbows like a poet ; fo (ince I am a rogue and a liar, and ragged withal, give me the money lad, that I may get out of m ' bad habits. Annette. Here, lirrah : (givss mc:^:.) Thii ciii pro- cure you every thing but that you want fooll, honefty. G 2 Ruttek. 48 R O B I N H O O D. Rutteken. Never mind that : heaven blefs him who makes me a rich rogue. O that I was now in Robw Hood's bower; it is there where plenty reigns, aitd good cheer keeps revel, and by this time the bridal breakfafl is preparing. A I R. Gently burns the greenwood fire, Lay the venifon down to roaft ; Drefs it quickly I defire, In the dripping put a toad : Hark ! 1 hear the jack go round ; O the venifon's nicely brown'd ! Green-geefe, ducklings, juicy meat; Capon, widgeon, partridge, quail ; Pies, tarts, dumplings, puddings fweet j Peas and beans, and butter'd kale j Spices hunger to create ; O ye Gods ! how I fhould eat ! On the table dinner lies, See the charming white and red ; Cut it up, the gravy flies, On the fvveetelt grafs it ted. Hark ! I hear the jack go round; Oh the venifon's nicely brown'd ! See they fpread the lilly cloth, Knives are fharp and forks are clean; Pickles crifp, and fallads both, Now appear fo frefh and green ; With ftrong beer, old ale and wine, O, ye Gods ! how I fhould dine I [Exit. SCENE, Outfide of the Huts. Enter JOHN, BOWMAN and ARCHERS. Bowman. Weil John, his reverence the Biihop of ^Hertford has not ventured to attack us. R O B I N H O O D. 4* John. No : he waits the return of our prifoner, the Curtle Friar, who 1 am convinced is his fpy ; but Ro- bin will trufs him up, *' and he is right, I have no no- tion of fpiritual paftors laying afide the keys of Saint Peter, to take up the fworcl of Saint Paul." Bowman. Right, John. John. But let me tell you, all our cares are at an end : Clorinda has perfuaded Robin to rrnke proper conceffions to the King, and join him in drubbing the enemy. He will be Earl of Huntingdon again : I'll be a Knight, Stella a Lady, and you a 'Squire ; but this is lofing time. Ltt the prifoners be brought forward : (Exit an Archer} we will firft difparch them, and then all get as mad as fo many March hares. Enter ARCHER, carrying a large Gothic Chair : Archers. Join. Fix the bench of juftice here, which is made of Yew, fignifying the bkternefs of judgment, We ihould have tried this wicked pricft and our treache- rous companion before day, but judicial proceedings ought never to be carried on in the dark. Bowman. Nor in twilight, John ; therefore we Eng- lifli hat* Star-chamber buiinels. But it is now broad light, lhall we proceed ? Jchn. Yes : but firft bring me in the robes and coif, we ftripped from the learned Serjeant of the law, on his way to the parvife. (Exit Arcler,} A judge might as well appear without his head as without his robe ; for profeflional wifdom confifts much in locking grave. Enter ARCHER with Robe and Coif. John. (Puts on the robes.) Great knowledge and focus pocus lie ckpofited under th:s coif. Now I am equipt in the uniform of the courts, and qualified to hear and determine caufes. (/j.) Do I look wife ? Bowman. Aye, as wife as an owl at midnight So wife, were you to appear in Weflminfter-haJl, on a call of Serjeants, the judges might cryo^t, " I fpy a bro- ther!" Jokn. 50 ROBIN HOOD. Join. Order in th^ prifoners and witncrTes. Though to be fure I am acquainted with the whole cafe myfelf ; but then, being a judge, I muft know nothing but what comes out in evidence. Bowman. Shall we impannel a jury ? John. A jury ! Pifh, no : where is the neceffity ? Juries follow the direction of the court: yet we may as well have one for form's fake. Range yourfelves Ar- chers for the jury. (The Archers range themfehes in a row.) Now bring in the profecu/