Three men at arms! Why then, he must ha' known That Robin's men would all be busy here! He's none so bold, he would not risk his skin! I think there'll be some scuffling after all. ROBIN Ay, tell 'em so--go, spread it thro' the crowd! [_He mutters to himself._] He'd take some time, to find her, but 'fore God We must be quick; 'fore God we must be quick! SECOND RUSTIC Why, father, one would never think to see thee Thou had'st so sound a heart! FIRST RUSTIC Ah, here they come! The Sheriff and his men; and, in the midst, There's poor Will Scarlet bound. THE CROWD MURMURS Ah, here they come! Look at the halberts shining! Can you see him? FIRST RUSTIC There, there he is. His face is white: but, Lord, He takes it bravely. SECOND RUSTIC He's a brave man, Will. SHERIFF Back with the crowd there, guards; delay no time! SOME WOMEN IN THE CROWD Ah, ah, poor lad! ROBIN [_Eagerly._] What are they doing now? I cannot see! FIRST RUSTIC The Sheriff's angered now! SECOND RUSTIC Ay, for they say a messenger has come From that same godless hangman whose lean neck I'd like to twist, saying he is delayed. 'Tis the first godly deed he has ever done. THIRD RUSTIC The Sheriff says he will not be delayed. But who will take the hangman's office? ROBIN Masters, I have a thought; make way; let me bespeak The Sheriff! RUSTICS How now, father, what's to do? ROBIN Make way, I tell you. Here's the man they want! SHERIFF What's this? ROBIN Good master Sheriff, I've a grudge Against Will Scarlet. Let me have the task Of sending him to heaven! CROWD Ah-h-h, the old devil! SHERIFF Come on, then, and be brief! ROBIN I'm not a hangman; But I can cleave your thinnest hazel wand At sixty yards. SHERIFF Shoot, then, and make an end. Make way there, clear the way! [_An opening is made in the crowd. ROBIN stands in the gap, WILL SCARLET is not seen by the audience._] CROWD Ah-h-h, the old devil! ROBIN I'll shoot him one on either side, just graze him, To show you how I love him; then the third Slick in his heart. [_He shoots. A murmur goes up from the crowd. The crowd hides WILL SCARLET during the shooting. But ROBIN remains in full view, in the opening._] SHERIFF [_Angrily._] Take care! You've cut the cord That bound him on that side! ROBIN