In the next scene, we find Frier Tucke feignedly entering into a conspiracy with the prior and Sir Doncaster to serve an execution on Robin in disguise. Jinny, the widow Scarlet’s daughter, coming in on her way to Sherwood, is persuaded by the frier to accompany him, “disguised in habit like a pedler’s mort.” Fitzwater enters like an old man:—sees Robin sleeping on a green bank, Marian strewing flowers on him; pretends to be blind and hungry, and is regaled by them. In answer to a question why the fair Matilda (Fitzwater’s daughter) had changed her name, Robin tells him it is “Because she lives a spotlesse maiden life: And shall, till Robin’s outlawe life have ende, That he may lawfully take her to wife; Which, if King Richard come, will not be long.” “Enter Frier Tucke and Jinny like pedlers singing,” and afterward “Sir Doncaster and others weaponed.” The frier discovers the plot, and a fray ensues. The scene then changes to the court, where the prior is informed of six of his barns being destroyed by fire, and of the different execrations of all ranks upon him, as the undoer of “the good lord Robert, earle of Huntington;” that the convent of St. Mary’s had elected “Olde father Jerome” prior in his place; and lastly, a herald brings his sentence of banishment, which is confirmed by the entrance of the prior. Lester brings an account of the imprisonment of his gallant sovereign, King Richard, by the Duke of Austria, and requires his ransom to be sent. He then introduces a description of his matchless valour in the Holy Land. John not only refuses the ransom-money, but usurps the style of king; upon which Lester grows furious, {lix} and rates the whole company. The following is part of the dialogue: “_Joh._ (_to Lester_). Darest thou attempt thus proudly in our sight? _Lest._ What is’t a subject dares, that I dare not? _Sals._ Dare subjects dare, their soveraigne being by? _Lest._ O God, that my true soveraigne were ny! _Qu._ Lester, he is. _Lest._ Madame, by God, you ly. _Chest._ Unmanner’d man. _Lest._ A plague of reverence!” After this, and more on the same subject, the scene returns to the forest, where Ely, being taken by Much, “like a countryman with a basket,” is examined and detected by Robin, who promises him protection and service. On their departure: “_Joh._ Skelton, a worde or two beside the play. _Fri._ Now, Sir John Eltam, what ist you would say? _John._ Methinks I see no jeasts of Robin Hoode, No merry morices of Frier Tuck, No pleasant skippings up and downe the wodde, No hunting songs, no coursing of the bucke: Pray God this play of ours may have good lucke, And the king’s majestie mislike it not!