Ay, but you'll pardon A father's natural anger. Madam, I swear I was indeed provoked. But you'll assure him I've washed my hands of Huntingdon. MARIAN And yet His men are, even now, guarding your walls! Father, you cannot, you shall not-- FITZWALTER Oh, be silent! Who wrapt me in this tangle? Are you bent On driving me out in my old age to seek Shelter in caves and woods? ELINOR My good Fitzwalter, It has not come to that! If you will trust me All will be well; but I must speak a word With Robin Hood. FITZWALTER You! ELINOR Oh, I have a reason. Your daughter knows his hiding place. FITZWALTER She knows! ELINOR Oh, trust them both for that. I am risking much! To-morrow she shall guide me there. This bird Being flown, trust me to make your peace with John. FITZWALTER But--Marian! ELINOR She'll be safer far with Robin, Than loitering here until your roof-tree burns. I think you know it. Fitzwalter, I can save you, I swear it on this cross. FITZWALTER But--Marian! Marian! ELINOR Your castle wrapt in flame!... There's nought to fear, If she could--Marian, once, at a court masque, You wore a page's dress of Lincoln green, And a green hood that muffled half your face, I could have sworn 'twas Robin come again-- He was my page, you know-- Wear it to-morrow--go, child, bid your maid Make ready--we'll set out betimes. MARIAN [_Going up to her father._] I'll go, If you will let me, father. He may be wounded! Father, forgive me. Let me go to him. ELINOR Go, child, first do my bidding. He'll consent When you return. [_Exit MARIAN._] My dear good friend Fitzwalter, Trust me, _I_ have some power with Huntingdon. All shall be as you wish. I'll let her guide me, But--as for her--she shall not even see him Unless you wish. Trust me to wind them all Around my little finger. FITZWALTER It is dark here. Let us within. Madam, I think you are right. And you'll persuade Prince John? ELINOR [_As they go up the steps._] I swear by this, This holy cross, my mother's dying gift! FITZWALTER It's very sure he'd burn the castle down. [_Exeunt._] SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF [_Coming out into the moonlight and staring up after them._] The nun! The nun! They'll whip me if I speak, For I am only Shadow-of-a-Leaf, the Fool. [_Curtain._] ACT II