ML 50 1896 B M 337 5flM ROBIN HOOD, COMIC OPERA IN THREE ACTS. LIBRETTO BY REGINALD DeKOVEN, HARRY B. SMITH. Copyright, 1890, by HARRY B. SMITH. NEW YORK : BURR PRINTING HOUSE, 18 Jacob Street, MUSIC LIBRARY University of California Berkeley CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. Robert Earl of Huntington, afterward Robin Hood. Sir Tristram Testy Sheriff of Nottingham. Little John, >, , : Friar Tuck, I Allan-a-D ALE, y Outlaws, Will Scarlet, Guy of Gisborne. ^ Marian Daughter of Lord Fitzwalter, afterward called Maid Marian. Dame Durden Keeper of an Inn on the Border of Sherwood Forest. Annabel. . . Her Daughter. Mark o' the Mili A Villager. Outlaws, King's Foresters, Villagers, Sheriff's Henchmen, Village Musicians, Milkmaids, Shepherds, etc.. etc. MUSIC LIBRARY ROBIN HOOD. ACT I. Scene. The old to-wn of Nottingham. Early morning on' the day of the May Day fair. Villagers enter preparing for the fair. Villagers. 'Tis the morning of the fair, 'Tis a day of pastime rare ; Hail the gladsome day, The happy time of May. Springtime cometh over hill and vale. May Day bright Brings delight. Happy time, we sing to thee all hail. Birds so bright carol on ev'ry side ; Seem to sing To the spring, Welcoming with joy the svveet springtide. {A pedlar enters with his pack. Outlaws' horns are heard in the distance^ All. List to the gay hunter's horn Sound through the forest at morn. {Little John, Allan-a-Dale and Will Scarlet enter.) Little John. In Sherwood forest, the merriest of lives Is our life so fair and free. Scarlet, We roam and rove In Sherwood's grove Beneath the greenwood tree. Allan. Through all the glades And sylvan shades Our homes are found. We hunt the deer. Afar and near Our hunting horns resound. Tan-ta ra ! 188 The three. Cheerily, merrily, roaming e'er, Living like kings in the forest fair ; Never are we weary, ever we are gay. Free are we as birds the livelong summer day. Ail. Cheerily, merrily, etc. {Annabel enters from cottage R.) Annabel. Surely 'tis an acquisition To this goodly companie ; Outlaws of such high position Gladly at the fair we see. All. Come and join our dance ! Morris Dance. All. Fal-la, Fal-la Trip a morris dance hilarious. Lightly, brightly. Trip in measures multifarious. Dance so happily, so gaily, madly, Dance your prettiest, your lightest and best ; No court minuet is danced half so gladly, Dance your liveliest and don't stop to rest. Fal-la, Fal-la. Friar Tuck. {Outside siftging.) Who so gay as the jolly friar ! Little John. Here comes our jolly comrade, Friar Tuck. All. Hurrah ! {Enter Friar Tuck.) Little Johtt. How comes it that you are here at our fair, when you should be at home counting your beads and mumbling your orisons ? Ff-iar Tuck. Good, my son and merry master. I've had aright busy day. I've been selling goods. All. Goods ? Friar Tuck. Yes ! Our goods — goods we've confiscated—absorbed ; clothing, deer, and so forth. And our arch enemy, the high sheriff, was there, disguised as a mountebank. He bought goods of me — an old suit of homespun, ragged and torn, three crowns {all laugh), and an old starved deer for eight crowns. (All laugh.) Scarlet. A King's deer, I'll be sworn ! Friar Tuck. Better yet, from his own park. Scarlet. Did he pay for them ? Friar Tuck. No ! No ! {Little John snatches purse from Tuck . ) Little John. 'Well, as leader of the band, I propose that we go to the nearest hostelry and spend the proceeds. Friar Tuck. Agreed ! And if the tipple is good you'll find that I have a throat on me like a pelican. {^Exit Little John, Scarlet, Allan-a-Dale, and Friar Tuck, L. U. E.) Milkmaids' Chorus. Milkmaids. When chanticleer crowing Says night is a'going, And larks their nests are scorning-O, In rain or fair weather, We trip o'er the heather So early in the morning-O. Yes, when dawn's first blush we see Come we milkmaids o'er the lea, Singing tra-la-la. Plowboys haste o'er dell and hill, Whistling with a right good-will, Piping their tra-la-la. {Annabel comes forward.) Annabel, With a lissome figure and a laughing face An ideal milkmaid's a thing of grace. A creature whose laughing, dimpled face Is of lilies and roses the trysting place. The painters depict her a fairy thing ; The poets her praises delight to sing. She dresses in satins and finest silks. She sings sweet songs as she sits and milks. She insists upon wearing a Gainsborough hat. Her ankles are something to wonder at. Her hands are dainty and oh, so white ; Her curls are perfect, her eyes are bright. She's the manner and mien of my lady fine. While even her cows are idyllic kine. Such milkmaids do poets and painters find, And it's proper to add we are just that kind. Milkmaids. We're exceedingly glad We have nothing to add In the way of contradiction, For it's easy to see That such milkmaids as we Are not milkmaids of fact, but of fiction. Allan. But the kind of milkmaids that you describe Do not belong to the real tribe The real milkmaid in a homespun gown Has very few smiles but full many a frown ; Her hands are heavy and red and rough, And she rarely sings, for her voice is grufif. She is middle-aged, she is plain at that. And her figure is something to cavil at. Her life is a merry round, 'tis said. Of rising, working and going lo bed. Her joy is getting her work all done And going to rest at the set of sun. Of all her life, 'tis the saddest tale When a cow kicks over a brimming pail. Her hands are rough, and her gown homespun, And she only sings when her work is done. Milkmaids. We're exceedingly sure We could never endure Any life so fraught with friction ; And 'tis easy to see That it's nicer to be A milkmaid of fanciful fiction. Dame D. {To Annabel.) Thou pert minx ! Get thee within. {To Allan.) Young man, begone, unless thou hast a mind to buy butter or cheese from a lone widow and her daughter. Allan. Butter and cheese? peaches and cream ! {.4llan kisses Annabel.) Dame D. Eh ? What was that ? Allan. Twas nothing, gentle Dame. Dame D. Truly a loud nothing. This smacks of untruth. Allan {sympathetically). Is it true that you are a widow ? Datne D. {Aside.) Can he mean to propose (Sighs.) Alas! I know not for surety. My man has been at the Crusades for twelve years. Each year I have sent him a suit of homespun and a letter, but to the last I have received no answer. I fear the outlaws waylaid the mes- senger and stole the suit. Allan. Perhaps your good man may return this very day. Many bowmen from the Crusades will attend the fair to take part in the shooting match, and it is time for the archers to be here. {Horn sounds ivithout.) Allan. Yes, there is the signal for their coming. Dame D. (Looking of.) But who is the gallant leading them ? Surely he is not a forester. Allan. That is young Robert of Huntington. He comes into his title and estates this very day. Annabel. {Looking off".) Methinks he is a proper man. Allan. He is a fine fellow, and though he belongs to the nobility he is the finest bow-shot in all England. Oh, what a pity that he is not an out- law. {Horns heard. The archers enter headed by Robert, Little John, Allan-a-Dale, Scarlet — All armed with long bows.) Ensemble. Archers. Come the bowmen in Lincoln green, More skillful archers were never seen. Villagers. Bowmen they with eyes so keen, Gaily clad in Lincoln green. Robert. In the leafy shades Of the woodland glades, 'Neath old Sherwood's greenwood tree ; Where the red deer springs And the throstle sings Is the dearest spot to me ; For never a care r the world comes there, And never you hear a sigh ; As you love and laugh. As you quip and quaff. So gaily the days go by. Then hey for the merry greenwood ? say I, And give me a bow of yew ; Let mine be the life that is free from strife. Where friends are stanch and true. All. Then hey for the merry greenwood ! say I, etc. Robert. Oh, we hunt the stag Over hill and crag, Where the antlered monarch bounds; With a trusty bow We can lay him low. Then our ringing bugle sounds. All lovers who mourn Can find hope newborn If the life oi the woods they try ; There is sure relief For a lover's grief, So gaily the days go by. All. Then hey for the merry greenwood ! say I, etc. Annabel. Sir cavalier. You're welcome here To this our fair. 8 Robert. My thanks, my dear, A pretty girl You are, I swear. Allan. Just pardon me. My friend, but she Is my betrothed I must aver. Little J. {Aside to Robert.) Though all is fair In love and war. You'd better not make love to her. Robert. As all is fair In love or war, I'll make love to whome'er I will ; On May Day bright. When hearts are light, I scoff at him who takes it ill. Madrigal. Annabel, Allan, Robert, and Little John, All is fair in love and war, So they say, so they say. ( With a heigho and a lily gay.") And a wight can rightly win Any maid on May Day. (As the primrose spreads so sweetly.) Lily bells begin to ring, Fal la-la! 'Tis the matin time of spring, Fal-la la ! Maiden fancies love to stray, So they say, so they say. ( With a heigho and a lily gay. ) Birds all choose their mates in May, So they say, so they say. {As the primrose spreads so sweetly.) When the ringdoves are a'cooing. And the redbreasts are a'wooing. Then methinks, if ne'er before, All is fair in love and war. Fal-la-la, la-la. etc. Marian, dressed as a cavalier, enters, pursued by Friar {Commotion without. Tuck.) Little J. How now? What's the row ? Allan- Who is this youthful gallant, pray, With whom you seem to seek a fray ? 9 All. Yes, explain. Alarian. Yes, please explain to me for one, I'd like to know what I have done. He wants to fight, this priestly churl, Because I kissed a pretty girl. All. What girl ? Explain. Friar T. When I can get my breath I'll tell, Just what befell. I saw this little coxcomb here Make love unto a pretty dear. And give her a resounding kiss Upon the cheek — about like this. ( Tries to kiss Annabel.^ All. Down with him ! Robert. Nay ! Hold ! It seems to me extremely flat To fight about a little thing like that. Marian. I never offered such a kiss. 'Twas just a tiny one like this. {Offers a kiss to Annabel.) Allan. You seem to think it is a feat To kiss each pretty girl you meet. Solo. Marian. I come as a cavalier, And you must take it not amiss ; I do as a cavalier. Who is never loath to steal a kiss. And never a cavalier, Would be a gallant knight and true, Who wouldn't confer a kiss Upon a girl who wished him to. Cavaliers, I declare. Must be courteous to the fair. Cavaliers e'er must be In their manners slightly free. And if you had been by, You would have done just as I. Wrath pray stifle, 'Twas a trifle, She herself could not deny. All. Cavaliers, we declare, etc. {All march off excepting Robert and Marian.) Marian. {Aside.) So this is the future Earl of Huntington whom the King has commanded me to marry. Well, he's not so bad after all. {Addressing Robert.) Young fellow, can you tell one where one may find Robert who is to be Earl of Huntington ? 10 Robert. Yes, young fellow ; I can tell one, or, for that matter, I might tell two, for T am he. Marian. Well, I suppose you know that you are commanded to be mar- ried ? Robert. Commanded to be married ? Marian. Yes ; behold the King's command. {Produces parchment.) Robert, And what have you to do with it ? Marian. Oh, I am the page who brings the King's message to Lady Marian's guardian, the SherilT of Nottingham. Robert. Look ye, young sir, Robert, Earl of Huntington, is not the man to marry the first girl that is offered to him. / am rather particular. Marian. Oh, indeed. Well, you may as well understand that my cousin Marian is not the girl to marry off-hand. She's not easy to please, and I don't think you will suit. Robert. Oh, indeed ; and has she a high-born temper like her cousin's ? Marian. If you want to know what she looks like, you might take a glance at me. We are said to favor each other. Robert. Not a bad looking young fellow. So you favor each other, do you ? Well, suppose you favor me by telling your cousin that I am not ready to marry, and therefore I respectfully refuse her. Mariatt. What ! Such impudence ! You refuse my cousin who has had dozens of offers from the finest gallants in England ? You refuse her indeed ? She refuses you Robert. {Aside.) That was a regular feminine outburst. Why, this must be Lady Marian herself. Rather pretty — and clever, too. {To Marian.) Really, my dear boy, I was only teasing you. The fact is that I love your cousin, and I am delighted at the King's command. Oh, she is adorable. Marian. Why, where have you seen me ? {Recollects herself suddenly.) Robert. Aha ! Caught by your own confession. And did you suppose that I did not recognize you from the first ? Marian. It was only natural that I should want to see the kind of man that I am commanded to marry. I took the place of the page who was to bring the order to the SherifT, Sir Tristram Testy. He is the custodian of my fortune. Robert. Sir Tristram has charge of my estates as well. This Sir Tristram seems very fond of being custodian of estates. I mistrust him. Marian. And I suspect him, too. He has been pressing the suit of one Guy of Gisborne, whom he wishes me to marry. The two have some conspiracy afoot. Sir Tristram is likely to be here soon to attend the fair. I will dress as a village girl, take a place in yonder dairy booth, and try to learn his motive in wishing me to marry Guy of Gisborne. Robert. Marry another ! How can you speak of such a thing? Are you not plighted to me by the King's command ? Marian. But you refused me. 11 Robert. Marian, Robert. Marian. Robert. Marian. Robert. Refuse? No; never did King have subject who obeyed more willingly. {About to put his arm around her ) Marian. {Repulsing hivi.) Not so fast. (Imitating his manner in the early part of the scene.) Look ye, young sir, Lady Marian Fitzwalter is not the girl to marry the first man who is offered to her. I am rather par ticular. Robert. Believe me ; I spoke the truth when I told you that at the court tourneys I have seen you and seen only to dream of your beauty for days. But I never thought that I should have the happiness of calling you mine. Duet. Marian and Robert. Though it was within this hour we met, I have dreamed of such a face as thine, Dreams I love to think of even yet When I held thy little hand in mine- To wake was for that dreamland face to pine. Dreams we must by contraries divine. Will that dream come true ? No, no. Let me dream anew. Not so. Who knows what fate May thee await, If thy constancy time and distance prove. This hand of mine May yet be thine If fidelity dvvelleth with thy love. Long, long ago, Some time, I know. In dreamland fair we met. It may be so, but I forget. I needs must own That thou alone Art to me more than all beside. What joy to hear Those words so dear. Love ever will be our guide. Come dieam so bright, My heart delight. Dreaming anew, I find 'tis true. Fair dost thou seem, Beautiful dream. At last I see thee. My dream has come true. Robert. Marian. Robert. Both. 12 ( They exit. The Sheriff and Sir Guy enter attended hy guards, foresters and villagers.) Song. The Sheriff. I am the Sheriff of Nottingham, My eye is like an eagle's ; So sly and clever — in fact I am One of the law's best beagles. I'm a genius quite. Guy. He's a wonderful wight. Sheriff. I'm considered remarkably bright. If anyone fractures the slightest law, With a glance I can fill him with panic awe. All. Bow low ! Guy. Bow lowly as you can. All Bow low ! Sheriff, You should to such a man. You may search for aye But you never will descry Such a wondrous Sheriff as I. Such a brain All. He makes no error. Sheriff. Such an eye All, It striketh terror. Sheriff. I've a seething brain that can never go astray. I am sure to be right alway ; Such a Sheriff bold as you behold You don't see ev'ry day. I never yet made a mistake, I'd like to for variety's sake. In short, infallible I am, The Sheriff of Nottingham. All. He never yet made a mistake, etc. Sheriff. The merry Sheriff of Nottingham, Is always right and lawful ; If anyone hints he's a sham. His punishment is awful. I put him in jail. Gtty. He refuses all bail. Sheriff. 'Tis an argument ne'er known to fail ; If any plebeian my greatness mocks, I answer by putting him in the stocks. All, Bow low I Guy, Bow lowly as you can, etc. ( The chorus exit.) 13 Sheriff. All is well now, friend Guy. I have evidence enough to send all these outlaws to the gallows. A letter that I found in the pocket of that homespun coat I bought at the auction, proves that it was sent by one Dame Burden to her husband at the Crusades. The messenger must have been robbed by Little John's band. What do you think of that for a piece of detective work ' I fancy it was rather clever of me. Guy. Oh, I wish I had half your acuteness. I wish you would lend me your eagle eye for a few days. Sheriff. Patience, good Guy. At present you are a simple country lout. Guy. Quite right ; so I am. Sheriff. When you are a peer of England, you can be as loutish as you please. Guy. A peer of England ! Oh, I would do anything to be a peer of England. Sheriff. Leave it all to me, and you shall be the Earl of Huntington. Guy. The Earl of Huntington ! Why, there is one already. Sheriff. True, there is a person who thinks he is the Earl. He comes of age to-day. He has a fortune of a hundred thousand crowns, which I must deliver to him to-day. Now, if I should make you Earl of Hunt- ington, friend Guy, you would be satisfied with fifty thousand crowns, wouldn t you ? Guy. Yes ; or twenty-five. Why, I would be Earl of Huntington for my board and lodging. Sheriff. (Aside.) Well, then, if friend Guy is satisfied with twenty-five, I can worry along on seventy- five. Now, I fancy that was rather clever of me. Now I want you to marry my ward, Lady Marian Fitzwalter — — nice girl — rich, too. Guy. I would even do that to be a peer. Sheriff. And I suppose you would be satisfied with a dowry of ten thou- sand crowns ; wouldn't you, friend Guy ? Guy {doubtfully). How beautiful is she? Sheriff. Oh, her beauty shames the noon-day sun. Guy. Why, I would marry a young woman whose beauty shames the noon- day sun for almost nothing. Sheriff. So it is all arranged. I make you the Earl of Huntington, and you get twenty-five thousand crowns. (Aside.) I get seventy-five. (To Guy.) You marry Lady Marian and get ten thousand crowns' dowry with her. (Aside.) I get ninety thousand. Now I fancy that's . very clever of me. Guy. Oh, how can I ever thank you ? Sheriff. (Aside.) Now, that's what comes of having an eagle eye. (Marian enters dressed as a dairy maid. She crosses to the dairy booth unseen by Guy or the Sheriff.) Guy. But stop a minute. You say I am a simple country lout, and I have no doubt you are right. Now, it's just possible that this lady whose 14 beauty shames the noon-day sun may not fall in love with me at first sight. Sheriff. Wait a bit. My surging brain is a'vveary. I must have some refreshment. Aha, there is a dairy-maid. She can give me a glass of new-laid milk. {Goes to the booth.) My dear, a glass of milk. Marian. For two ? Sheriff. No ; for one. This young man has reformed. Alarian. Here you are, sir. Sheriff. Your health, my dear. Nice girl — very. Guy. Come, answer my question, Master Sheriff. How am I to win the heart of this Lady Marian with the ten thousand crowns ? Sheriff. Come, I will give you a lesson. You can practice on yon little dairy-maid. Guy. But is it proper for me — a future peer of England— to waste my time on that sort of people ? Sheriff. Tut ! tut ! that sort of people frequently waste time upon peers of England. Guy. Very well ; if you say so, I will do the best I can. Only you must freely criticise me. Sheriff. Criticise you, my boy ; I'll show you how it's all done. Trio. Marian, Sheriff and Gu Sheriff. When a peer makes love to a damsel fair. Before he begins to make his confession. He stands statuesquely to make an impression Well, something like this is the proper air. Do you think you could do like that, my lad ? That's very nice — pretty well — not bad. Guy. I'll follow your suggestion. And I'll ask the fateful question. Marian. {Churning.) Churning, churning. All the live-long day ; Earning, earning Wherewithal to pay, For a gown of satin rare, For a ribbon for my hair ; Colin surely will declare He will love for aye. Guy. Though like a peer I've stood and acted, The damsel's thoughts seem quite distracted. Sheriff. Oh, those are the means that the maids employ ; Before one begins to yield to his pleading She has to pretend that she gives little heeding. She does this kind of thing — with a mien so coy ; Do not mind little things like this, my boy. That's what they do when they think they're coy. Repeat now after me. {^Sheriff sings and Gity repeats each phrase.) Sweetheart, my own sweetheart, Lift up thy bonny eyes, And bid with love's fond art My drooping spirits rise ; Behold a peer who kneels Upon his peerless knee, {Both kneel^ And who distinctly feels A fiery fiame for thee. Well, if for love of me you burn, Suppose you help me churn. {Aside to Guy.) Consent. Of course. I'll illustrate the art By which to win her heart. This is the way to kneel ; It is the height of grace. How very dreary. 'Tis thus you try to steal A miniature embrace. {Illustrates.) He makes me weary. When you your love unfold, Smile pensively this wise. Oh, very fine indeed ! Hands o'er your heart you hold. And wildly roll your eyes. Such tactics must succeed. Burning, yearning All the live-long day ; Learning, learning Love's perplexing way. Love is darkest of despair. Love is radiance most rare ; Love is solace or a care. Changeable for aye. {All exit. Outlaws' horns heard at a distance. Robert, Little John, Scarlet, Allan-a-Dale, Outlaws, Dame Dtirden, Annabel and Villagers enter.) Dame. And who has won the prize, good masters ? Little J. Who, but young Robert of Huntington ? O, what a pity he is not one of us. Marian. Sheriff. Guy. Sheriff. Marian. Sheriff. Marian. Sheriff-. Marian Sheriff. Marian. All. 16 Allan. But nobody should grudge him his good luck. He made a bull's eye at every shot. Robert. Yes, fortune is kind to me to-day. It is on this day that I come into my title and estates. Little J. And who is the custodian of your property ? Robert. The Lord High Sheriff of Nottingham. In the absence of the King at the Crusades, this Sheriff's power is absolute ; but I shall make a demand on him at once, and, as I am of age to-day, I do not think he dare refuse. Little J. Refuse ? Let him try it. We'll stand by you ; won't we, boys ? All. Hurrah ! Robert. Come, then. Let's have him out, and as soon as I get possession of my fortune you shall all make merry at my expense. Friar T. Ah, that's the kind of a nobleman for you. And we're to make merry at his expense. A cheer for him. All. Hurrah ! {Robert goes to the door of the Sheriff's house and knocks at the door with the large iron knocker. ) Finale. Robert. What ho ! Within there ! All. Within there ! What ho ! Robert. For you, Lord Sheriff, we await. So of our call be heedful ; Produce my title and estate. Produce the cash so needful. {Rapping on the door.) Rat-tat-tat-tat. You hear me rap. Now come and join us soon, old chap. All. Rat-tat-tat-tat. You hear us rap — etc. {The Sheriff, Guy and Marian enter.) Sheriff. Come, come. What means this din so loud ? Disperse, disperse, you noisy crowd. All. Disperse ? Ho, ho. Women. Disperse ? Oh, no. Little J. A business errand brings us here ; And so forbear that haughty sneer. Scarlet. Just hearken to our friend's recital, And then confer on him his title. Robert. Declare me now as Earl. Sheriff. No Earl are you, in sooth. You vain, presumptuous youth. Sheriff. {Speaking through music.) I find that by your father's will you are not in it. Robert. Disinherited ? All. Disinherited ? 17 Sheriff. Before you were born your father was secretly married to a young peasant girl, who died when the Earl's first child was born. That first born was reared by me Behold him, the rightful Earl of Hunt- ington {aUlangh derisively), as these documents fully prove. Sheriff. This statement's true. You cannot move it ; Here are the documents to prove it. Robert. This is some trick mendacious. Sheriff. Not so ; it is veracious. Guy. Of course I am the real Earl. Sheriff. Those papers prove his title quite. (Aside). I made them all and know they're right. Marian (who holds the order of the Kiug J or her marriage to the Earl of Huntington. ) If this young churl uncouth, Is Huntington in truth, I will suppress the King's command ; I'll not accept his hand. (She hides the order of the King in her sun-bonnet .) Robert. Traitor ! In the absence of the King your will is law ! But when he returns from the Crusades. I know that he will see justice done. Little J. And now, friend Robert, take your bow of yew ; Come to old Sherwood ; join our jolly crew, Instead of Earl, a monarch you shall be ; The king of forest rovers, subjects free. Robert. I take you at your word. Your hand — Right gladly will I join your band. Outlaws. Come ! away ' We are most joyful this to see ; 'Tis plain an outlaw he will be. Robert. Farewell until we meet again. ( To Marian.) Farewell to thee ; Farewell. Although a king I reign ; Faithful I'll be. All. Then away let us go to the forest free and fair. There a king you may be, and a king who has not a care. Come away ' Come away ! For life is merry there. {Robert takes leave of Marian, and is carried off on the shoulders of several of the outlaws, who march off in procession, headed by Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet and Allan. Curtain.) End of Act I. w ACT II. Scene. — A hunter s lodge kept by Dante Durden on the borders of Sherwood Forest. Little John, Scarlet and Allan-a-Dale discovered playing at skittles. Friar Tuck is superintending the cooking. Outlaws discovered grouped about the stage, variously occupied. Time, early evening. Tenors. Basses. Choris. Oh, cheerily soundeth the huntsman's horn ! Its clarion blast so fine Through deeps of old Sherwood is clearly borne ; We hear it at eve and at break of morn ; Of Robin Hood's band the sign. A'hunting we will go ; (Tra-ra-ra, tra-ra.) {Imitating horns.) And chase the hart and roe ; (Tra-ra-ra, tra-ra.) O, where is band so jolly As Robin's band all in Lincoln green ? Their life is pleasant folly ; None's ever so gay, I ween. A tailor there dwelt near old Sherwood's edge, Who was deft with an old cross-bow ; One day, as he sat on his window ledge, That way came a jet black crow. He perched on an oak and to caw began — One could hear him a'near and far : " It takes nine tailors to make a man ; A ninth of a man, sir, you are." " It takes nine tailors" — etc. "Caw, caw, caw" — etc. The tailor, he waxed exceeding fierce, Crying : " Wife, bring my old crossbow." And a cloth yard shaft he dispatched to pierce The heart of that jet black crow. But he killed his fav'rite pig as it ran. While the crow screamed and flew afar : " It takes nine tailors to make a man ; A ninth of a man, sir, vou a,re. " 19 Tenors. \ "It takes nine tailors" — etc. Basses. S '' Caw. caw, caw, caw" — etc. {Annabel enters from the lodge.) Little J. A jolly good song and jolly well sung. Come, sweet Annabel, fill me a tankard of that brown, October ale. {Annabel presents him with a tankard which she has filled at the cask.) Here's to your bonny black eyes, my dear. Allan. Come away from him, Annabel You are getting so that you flirt with every man that comes to the lodge. It is intolerable. Annabel. And you are getting so that I believe you would be jealous of a marble statue. {A II la ugh . ) {Horn outside.) Scarlet. That must be our captain. Little J. Yes ! That is his trumpet. Friar T. {ruho has been cooking the soup). And he is just in time, for the soup is all ready. {Outlaws cheer ) {Robin enters -with a deer.) Little J. Welcome. Captain ! As usual, you do not return empty-handed. Robin. No fear of that while the King's preserves are so well stocked. Sweet Annabel, may I crave a bumper of humming ale from your fair hands ? Annabel. Here it is, all ready for you, brave Robin. Robin. And here's a kiss for your courtesy {Kisses her.) Allan. Will you never leave off making love to every new-comer? Do you think men were made for you to kiss ? Annabel. Partly for that, I'm sure. Robin. What, Allan ; are you jealous of Annabel again ? Nonsense, man ! Allan. It may be nonsense, but Annabel is a sad coquette, and I love her so that she keeps my temper at white heat. Robin. My regard for her is purely Platonic, and just to prove it, lovely Annabel, I will come to your window at moonrise this evening, and sing you a purely Platonic serenade. Annabel. And I will open ir\y lattice to listen with all the pleasure in life. Allan. And if you do, all is over between us. Annabel. It's little I care for that. Master Allan. Come as you say, Master Robin — just to plague this jealous fellow. Robin. Not I. I will come to please myself, not to plague him. Allan. You might not be so much at ease if you knew that the Sheriff of Nottingham had set forth with a party of foresters sworn to capture the outlaw, Robin Hood. Robin. Perhaps ; but the Sheriff does not know that the outlaw, Robin Hood, and the rightful Earl of Huntington, are one and the same per son. He thinks that I have gone to the Crusades and have peacefully yielded up my birthright. 20 Little J. I knew that such a merry fellow as you would be happier with us. Robin. Happy ? Yes, I am happy, except Little J. Excepting when you think of the Lady .Marian, eh? Take my advice, man, and don't waste a thought on her. Friar T. Banish thoughts of love, Captain, and join me in the soup. {All laugh.) Little J. Ho ! draw a mug of yonder nappy ale. When an outlaw prates of love and such-like evils, there's but one remedy — a flagon of brown, October ale. Sing the praises of bright eyes and ruddy lips, an ye will. I sing the praise of ale. The Song of Brown, October Ai.e. Little John. And it's will ye quaff with me, my lads, And it's will ye quaff with me ? It is a draught of nut-brown ale I offer unto ye. All humming in the tankard, lad?. It cheers the heart forlorn ; Oh, here's a friend to ev'ryone — 'Tis stout John Barleycorn. Chorus. So laugh, lads, and quaff, lads ; 'Twill make you stout and hale ; Through all my days, I'll sing the praise Of brown, October ale. Now, tapster, if in me you'd win A friend who will not fail. Fill up once more the cannikin With brown, October ale. Little John. Chorus. And it's will you love me true, my lass. And it's will you love me true ? If not, I'll drink one flagon more, And so farewell to you. If Joan or Moll, or Nan or Doll Should make your heart to mourn, I'll give a friend who will be stanch — 'Tis rare John Barleycorn. So laugh, lads, and quaff, lads. While flagons do not fail. We'll happy be with three times three Of brown, October ale. Now, you, good wife, and you, good man, Let not your mirth grow stale ; But round we'll pass the clinking can Of brown, October ale. Little John. By my troth, Robin, the cask is empty. I'll challenge you to shoot for a new one. Robin. I'm your man. Friar T. And I'll be the umpire Come on {Exit all singing re/rain.) Enter Allan, K. 3. Allan-a-Dak. Oh, my sweet little Annabel. If you would only promise to be faithful to your Allan, and assure me of your trust and constancy, how happy I should be ! Song. Oh, Promise Me. 1. Oh, promise me that some day you and I Will take our love together to some sky Where we can be alone, and faith renew. And find the hollows where those flowers grew. The first sweet violets of early spring, That come in whispers, fill our thoughts. And sing of love unspeakable that is to be. Oh, promise me, oh, promise me. Oh, promise me that you will take my hand. The most unworthy in this lonely land, And let me sit beside you — In your eyes behold the vision of a paradise. Hearing God's message, while the organ peals Its mighty music to my very soul. No love less perfect than a life with thee. Oh, promise me. oh, promise me. (^The Sheriff enters with Guy and six journeymen tinkers.^ Sheriff. Here we are on the borders of Sherwood Forest, where Robin Hood commits his fearful crimes. {Sir Guy trembles violently.) What is the matter with the Earl of Huntington ? If you tremble like that you'll shake down some of these trees You seem to think you have got to be shaken before Robin is taken. Guy. I'm not afraid of outlaws, but I don't believe in going up to them and asking them to cut your throat as a personal favor. Sheriff. Sir Guy, I'm afraid you've lost confidence in the massive brain that has brought you to your present rank — ]ust now you are as rank as anybody, and all because I fi.\ed it for you. Marian has fled to 22 Sherwood Forest. If we don't find her you can't get that ten thousand crowns, and 1 can't get the ninety thousand. The King has commanded her to marry the Earl of Huntington — that s you. You stick to me, and you will wallow in diamonds. Guy. But think of Robin Hood. Br-r-r-r {ti ciiibles). Sheriff {imitating him) What are you doing that for ? Guy {trembling). I am quaking at the dread name of Robin Hood. They say he sticks at nothing Sheriff. I don't care if he sticks at everything Robin Hood never robs from the poor— sensible man ; they have nothing worth taking. As journeymen tinkers we are too poor to attract his attention. Perhaps we will get a chance to capture this Robin, whoever he may be. You seem to forget that I have my eagle eye with me. Guy. Which is your eagle eye ? Sheriff. The left — and there's no hypermetropic blendicular conjunctivitis about it. Trust to my colossal intellect, friend Guy, and we will not only bring Marian back so you can marry her, but we will hang Robin on a highly ornate and commodious gallows. Gtiy. Yes ; but if we are journeymen tinkers, we had better attend to business. Sheriff. True, we must keep up our characters. Who knows but Robin Hood may be in this very lodge. Come, to work, my honest jour- neymen, and, like all true craftsmen, beguile your toil with blithe roundelay. Tinker's Song. 'Tis merry journeymen we are, All in the tinkering line, sirs : We tramp the roadways near and far, If weather it be fine, sirs. And if so be some churlish lout Should make us surly answers, We straightway drown his utterance out By tapping on our pans, sirs. Then we rap, rap, rap, And we tap, tap, tap. From the dawn till the dark of night, sirs ; We are men of mettle. And the can or kettle Doesn't live that we can't set right, sirs. Tink tank, clink clank — Hear our hammers ring ; When trade is brisk We frolic and we frisk As happy and gay as a king. 23 Your tinker is a blithesome blade, A cheerful soul I wot, sirs ; And gin enow he be not paid. He thieves what you have got, sirs. He tells the news from town to town, The tiue news and the lie, sirs ; You'll search the whole world up and down And find no wight so sly, sirs. O we rap, rap, rap — etc. {^Kobin, Little John, Friar Tuck, Scarlet and Annabel enter. Annabel sert'cs ale to the Sheriff.) Friar T. Don't run so fast down hill. Come ; what say you to a game of skittles ? Little J. I'll lay you a stoup of sack that I can beat you, my iat friar. Scarlet. How now. thou roystering boaster ! I'll cast a bowl with you right willingly. Now, what say you to this? {Bo-ing his monk's dress.) Rolnn. It is all prepared. The chapel will be filled with our brave fel- lows. I will be in the Bishop's place, with Little John and Scarlet at either hand. It will be strange indeed if we cannot carry off both girls and baffle the Sheriff. {Friar Tuck appears in the -,K'iiido7L' of the jail.) Friar T. What, ho ! Captain Robin Hood ' How much longer must 1 cool my heels in this box? These chains are a misfit. And I'm get- ing hungry. Can't you get one a tripe sandwich ? 43 Robin. Patience, my jovial Friar, you will soon be released. You must rattle your chains loudly. Then if the Sheriff hears them he will not imagine that I have escaped. (Friar Tuck rattles chains tondly.) Friar T. But begone. I see some one approaching from the Sheriff's house. Robin. Perhaps it may be Marian. I will stay and tell her of our plan. {Retires up stage. Marian enters from the house.) Marian. What ! It is Robin ! Robin Yes, my Marian — mine in spite of the King's command. Marian. But how have you managed to escape ? Robin. That I have not time to tell you now. I come to tell you that you must keep up a good heart, and at the very moment that this Guy of Gisborne thinks to make you his wife I will save you. Marian. The king has returned from the Crusades. If you can contrive to gain a little time, His Majesty is sure to right your wrongs and to give me to you instead of to that impostor, Guy of Gisborne. Robin. Yes, I have sent one of my trusty comrades with a message to His Majesty. If I know that you still love me, you may trust to me and the valor of Robin Hood's band. Marian. My brave Robin. Come what may, I will be yours and yours only. {Robin exits. Alarian retnains. Sheriff enters.) Sheriff. What's this ? Another monk monking ? Marian talking to a strange man on her wedding day. Your betrothed, the Earl, will posi- tively sizzle with jealousy. Marian. It was only the Friar, who has been giving me wise counsel to be obedient and dutiful. Sheriff, And now to give Robin his invitation to your wedding. Marian. What ? Is he to be among the guests ? Sheriff. Certainly. It will add to my triumph if he stands by in his chains and sees you wedded to his rival. {Opens the door of the jail.) Ho, master outlaw, come forth, {Leaves the door open. Turns to talk to Marian.) Now you shall see what a shamefaced fellow this Robin is. This is my moment for gloating. You may want to gloat some- time yourself, so just watch me and you will pick up a few points. Come forth, my bold outlaw. Now you shall see what a shamefaced fellow this Robin is. Come forth ! {Friar Ttick enters.) Sheriff. So, so ; you claim to be the rightful Earl of Huntington, do you ? {Sees that it is not Robin.) What's this ? Robin seems to have shrunk and grown fat. Little Robin Red vest. What means this trick, sirrah ? Robin Hood escaped ! Ho. to the gallows with this fellow ! Friar T. Gallows? Thou impious rascal ! I am a churchman, a friar. Around my form I draw the magic circle. Step but one foot within it. and I will curse you up hill and down dale. A gallows for a friar, for- sooth. Try it ! Sheriff. But where is Robin ? Friar T. Oh, you mean the wight who robbed me of my cowl and gown and put his chains on me. I went to his cell to give him kindly coun- sel, when he overpowered me and escaped. Out upon him, say I ! Marian. Since Robin has escaped, I suppose you will postpone the wed- dings ? Sheriff. Postpone the weddings ? Nonsense ! Go and prepare yourself at once. Then we will summon the King's archers and scour the coun- try for Robin Hood. Go, girl, and prepare. Marian. I must trust to Robin to find some means to defeat the Sheriff's plans. {She enters the house. Guy enters. Dame Burden comes on, dragging Atuiabel.) Dame. Come along, you foolish girl. Would you believe it, Master Sheriff, this child is not eager to marry you ? Sheriff. Well, there's no accounting for tastes. Guy. Strange to say, Marian is not yearning to marry me. Friar T. Sensible girls, both of them. Annabel. (To Sheriff.) You old villain, trying to steal a girl from her sweetheart. Oh, I'll get even with you, if I have to marry you to do it. I'll make it warm for you. Sheriff. My dear, I expect that. When a man gets married, he must take his chances. But I am of a cheerful disposition. Make it warm for me, if you can ; but the more you scold, the more I will sing. I have never seen the trials that I could not chase away by singing my tooral- looral lay. Quintette. Annabel, Dame Durden, Sheriff, Friar and Guy. When life seems made of pains and pangs, I sing my tooral-looral lay. When bill collectors spout harangues, I sing my tooral-looral lay. No matter what care On us may bear. What though our clothes be out of style, Though poverty's ills Bring bitter pills, We'll swallow them and smile The while. While songs our woes beguile. As life is brief, let life be gay. It only lasts a summer day ; 45 So carking care pray chase away By singing tiddy-fal-lay. When no one laughs at jokes I make, I sing my tooral-looral lay ; And when I have a hard toothache, I sing my tooral-looral lay ; When dinners are cold And old wives scold, I sing until my throat is sore ; When terrible gout Doth make me shout, I only sing the more. Yes, more. Than e'er I sang before. As life is short, let life be gay, etc. Sheriff. Come. To the church. As the Bishop of Hereford has been captured by that villain, Robin Hood, this worthy Friar will perform the ceremony. Robin. Yes, my Lord Sheriff, I am very much at your service. Guy. Come, let the wedding proceed at once. Sheriff. Yes, to the church. All. To the church. Finale. Sheriff. Now let each bonny bridegroom take his bride ; The doors of yonder church, pray open wide. Friar T. To open those church doors there is no need ; For in that task will others take the lead. Allan. {Aside.) You shall not wed these damsels ; no ; Your plans we yet will overthrow. Annabel. {Aside.) I will obey that fateful chime. If Robin should not come in time. ( The doors of the church are thrown open. Robin stands in front of the doors, throws his friar's gown aside and shows himself in a suit of green. The church is filled with armed outlaws clad in Lincoln green.) Outlaws. Vict'ry ! We conquer at last. Marian. Danger is over and past. Robin. Love, now we never more will part, Whate'er betide. Safe in my sheltering arms thou art, My own sweet bride. 46 Oiitlai All. With rage I burn. We win the day. Now away To Sherwood Forest without delay. ( Trumpets sound without.^ What is this ? (/4 7nessenger e7ite7-s zvitli a letter. ) Little J. A pardon from the King for Robin Hood, Robin. My pardon ! Marian. Then he is free To wed with me. Robin. You see, Master Sheriff, at last I play the King. Sheriff. Oh, promise me that some day you will die. Marian. I came as a cavalier ; 'Twas to seek my own and only love. Tho' clouds were dark and drear, Yet the skv is now blue above. Robin. All. Farewell to old Sherwood gay. And to all my gallant outlaw crew ; But many a match we yet may have With my true bow of yew. Danger's past, and at last They'll be married ; their love's steadfast. May they ne'er know a care. May their lives be always fair. May they never have to sever, Hail the happy pair. END OF THE OPERA. J NEW NATIONAL THEATRE W. H. RAPLEY MANAGER T. ARTHUR SMITH - Treasurer WEEK OF MOrSSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1898. SATURDAY MATINEE THE BOSTONIANS BARNABEE & IViACDONALD, Propri&tors. Direction FRANK L. PERLEY. IN THEIR MOST POPULAR OPERA, Robin Hood. By Reginald DeKoyen and Harky B. Smith. CAST OF CHARACTERS. Sheriff of Nottingham - - - Henry Clay Barnabee Little John - - - - - - W. H. MacDonaid Robin Hood ----- - Wil iam E. Philp Will Scarlet William McDonald Alan a-Dale Jessie Bartlett Davis Friar Tuck George Frothingham Guy of Gisborne W. H. Fitzgerald Maid Marion Helen Bertram Dame Durden ..... Josephine Bartlett Annabel Carolyn Daniels SYNOPSIS OF SCENES. ACT I. — Market Square, Nottingham, England. ACT II.— Sherwood Forest, England. ACT III. — Courtyard of the Sheriff's House. Friday Afternoon, November 4th, at 4 o'clock end Sunday Evening, November 6th, at 8.15 o'clock, Will deliver his unique lecture HOME SWEET HOME. week} Charles Frohman's Comedians PRESENTING WiLLIAM GILLETTE'5 Latest Comedy Hit, BECAUSE SHE LOVED HIM SO. Sunday Evening December 11th, 30 DAY USE KBTUKN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED MUSIC LIBRARY .u^uct flate stamped below, or ML50,D32,R6 1896 C037528712 U.C. BERKELEY LIBRARIES CD37Safl71S DATE DUE Music Library University of California at Berkeley