H. Love is a flame, a fire, that being moved,
Still brighter grows. But say, are you beloved?
JOHN. I would be, if I be not: but pass that.
Are ye a dweller in this city, pray?
ROB. H. I am; and for a gentlewoman stay,
That rides some four or five mile in great haste.
_Enter_ QUEEN _and_ MARIAN.[179]
JOHN. I see your labour, sir, is not in waste,
For here come two; are either of these yours?
ROB. H. Both are--one most.[180]
JOHN. Which do you most respect?
ROB. H. The youngest and the fairest I reject.
JOHN. Robin, I'll try you, whether ye say true. [_Aside_.
ROB. H. As you with me, so, John, I'll jest with you. [_Aside_.
QU. ELIN. Marian, let me go first to Robin Hood,
And I will tell him what we do intend.
MAR. Do what your highness please; your will is mine.
JOHN. My mother is with gentle Marian:
O, it doth grieve her to be left behind.
QU. ELIN. Shall we away, my Robin, lest the queen
Betray our purpose? sweet, let us away:
I have great will to go, no heart to stay.
ROB. H. Away with thee? No; get thee far away
From me, foul Marian, fair though thou be nam'd;
For thy bewitching eyes have raised storms,
That have my name and noblesse ever sham'd;
Prince John, my dear friend once, is now for thee
Become an unrelenting enemy.
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