[_Wresting herself free._] You should not live! Were I a man and not a helpless girl You should not live! JOHN Come, now, that's very wicked. See how these murderous words affright your father. My good Fitzwalter, there's no need to look So ghastly. For your sake and hers and mine I have been trying to make your girl forget The name of Huntingdon. A few short months At our gay court would blot his memory out! I promise her a life of dazzling pleasures, And, in return she flies at me--a tigress-- Clamouring for my blood! Try to persuade her! FITZWALTER My lord, you are very good. She must decide Herself. JOHN [_Angrily._] I'll not be trifled with! I hold The hand of friendship out and you evade it, The moment I am gone, back comes your outlaw. You say you have no power with your own child! Well, then I'll take her back this very night; Back to the court with me. How do I know What treasons you are hatching here? I'll take her As hostage for yourself. FITZWALTER My lord, you jest! I have sworn to you. JOHN No more! If you be loyal, What cause have you to fear? FITZWALTER My lord, I'll give A hundred other pledges; but not this. JOHN By heaven, will you dictate your terms to me? I say that she shall come back to the court This very night! Ho, there, my men. [_Enter JOHN'S retainers._] Escort This lady back with us. FITZWALTER Back there, keep back. Prince or no prince, I say she shall not go! [_He draws his sword._] I'd rather see her Begging in rags with outlawed Huntingdon Than that one finger of yours should soil her glove. JOHN So here's an end of fawning, here's the truth, My old white-bearded hypocrite. Come, take her, Waste no more time. Let not the old fool daunt you With that great skewer. FITZWALTER [_As JOHN'S men advance._] By God, since you will have it, Since you will drive me to my last resort, Break down my walls, and hound me to the forest, This is the truth! Out of my gates! Ho, help! A Robin Hood! A Robin Hood! [_There is a clamour from the upper room. The doors are flung open and the FORESTERS appear at the head of the steps._] FRIAR TUCK [_Coming down into the hall and brandishing his quarter-staff._] A Robin? Who calls on Robin Hood? His men are here To answer. FITZWALTER Drive these villains out of my gates. FRIAR TUCK [_To PRINCE JOHN._]