[_They gather round ROBIN. The OUTLAWS come back with the captive FORESTER, his pack upon his back._] FRIAR TUCK [_To the FORESTER._] Now, get you gone and quickly! What, what hath happened? [_FRIAR TUCK and the OUTLAWS join the throng round ROBIN. The FORESTER shakes his fist at them and goes across the glade muttering. The MESSENGER from Kirklee Priory comes out of the forest at the same moment and speaks to him, not knowing of his dismissal._] MESSENGER All's well! Robin can come To Kirklee. Our old friend the Prioress Is there, and faithful! They've all balms and simples To heal a wound. FORESTER [_Staring at him._] To Kirklee? MESSENGER Yes, at sunset, We'll take him to the borders of the wood All will be safe. Where he can steal in easily, alone. FORESTER The King's men are at hand! MESSENGER Oh, but if we can leave him there, all's safe; We'll dodge the King's men. FORESTER When is he to go? MESSENGER Almost at once; but he must not steal in Till sundown, when the nuns are all in chapel. How now? What's this? What's this? [_He goes across to the throng round ROBIN._] FORESTER [_Looking after him._] Alone, to Kirklee! [_Exit._] SCENE II. _A room in Kirklee Priory. A window on the right overlooks a cloister leading up to the chapel door. The forest is seen in the distance, the sun beginning to set behind it. The PRIORESS and a NOVICE are sitting in a window-seat engaged in broidery work._ NOVICE He must be a good man--this Robin Hood! I long to see him. Father used to say England had known none like him since the days Of Hereward the Wake. PRIORESS He will be here By vespers. You shall let him in. Who's that? Can that be he? It is not sundown yet. See who is there. [_Exit NOVICE. She returns excitedly._] NOVICE A lady asks to see you! She is robed like any nun and yet she spoke Like a great lady--one that is used to rule More than obey; and on her breast I saw A ruby smouldering like a secret fire Beneath her cloak. She bade me say she came On Robin Hood's behest. PRIORESS What? Bring her in Quickly. [_Exit NOVICE and returns with QUEEN ELINOR in a nun's garb. At the sign from the PRIORESS the NOVICE retires._] ELINOR Madam, I come to beg a favour. I am a friend of Robin Hood. I have heard-- One of his Foresters, this very noon Brought me the news--that he is sorely wounded; And purposes to seek your kindly help At Kirklee Priory. PRIORESS