MAR. Robin, I think it is my aged father. [Aside.
ROB. H. Tell me, old man, tell me in courtesy,
Are you no other than you seem to be?
FITZ. I am a wretched aged man, you see,
If you will do me aught for charity:
Further than this, sweet, do not question me.
ROB. H. You shall have your desire. But what be these?
Enter FRIAR TUCK and JENNY_, like pedlars, singing.
What
lack ye? what lack ye?
What
is it you will buy?
Any
points, pins or laces,
Any
laces, points or pins?
Fine
gloves, fine glasses,
Any
busks or masks?
Or
any other pretty things?
Come,
cheap for love, or buy for money.
Any
coney, coney-skins?
For
laces, points or pins?
Fair
maids, come choose or buy.
I
have pretty poking-sticks,[207]
And
many other tricks,
Come,
choose for love, or buy for money_.
ROB. H. Pedlar, I prythee set thy pack down here:
Marian shall buy, if thou be not too dear.
TUCK. Jenny, unto thy mistress show thy pack.
Master, for you I have a pretty knack,
From far I brought, please you see to the same.
[Exeunt ROBIN HOOD, MARIAN, and FITZWATER.
Enter SIR DONCASTER and others, weaponed.[208]
FRIAR. Sir Doncaster, are not we pedlar-like?
DON. Yes, passing fit; and yonder is the bower.
I doubt not we shall have him in our power.
FRIAR. You and your company were best stand close.
DON. What shall the watchword be to bring us forth?
FRIAR. Take it, I pray, though it be much more
worth:
When I speak that aloud, be sure I serve
The execution presently on him.
DON. Friar, look to’t.
FRIAR. Now, Jenny, to your song. [Sings.
Enter MARIAN, ROBIN.
MAR. Pedlar, what pretty toys have you to sell?
FRIAR. Jenny, unto your mistress show your ware.
MAR. Come in, good woman. [Exeunt.
FRIAR. Master, look here,
And God
give ear,
So mote
I the[209],
To her and
me,
If ever
we,
Robin, to
thee,
That art
so free.
Mean treachery.
ROB. H. On, pedlar, to thy pack;
If thou love me, my love thou shalt not lack.
FRIAR. Master, in brief,
There is
a thief,
That seeks
your grief.
God send
relief
To you in
need.
For a foul
deed,
If not with
speed
You take
good heed,
There is
decreed.
In yonder
brake
There lies
a snake,
That means
to take
Out of this
wood
The yeoman
good,
Call’d
Robin Hood.