Sherwood; A Play in Five Acts - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ... ACT IV Scene I. Garden of the Kings Palace. Enter John and Elinor. ELINOR You will be King the sooner! Not a month In England, and my good son Lion-Heart Must wander over-seas again. These two, Huntingdon and his bride, must bless the star Of errant knighthood. JOHN He stayed just long enough To let them pass one fearless honeymoon In the broad sunlight of his royal favour, Then, like a meteor off goes great King Richard, And leaves them but the shadow of his name To shelter them from my revenge. They know itl I have seen her shiver like a startled fawn And draw him closer, damn him, as I passed. ELINOR They would have flitted to the woods again But for my Lord Fitzwalter. JOHN That old fool Has wits enough to know I shall be king, And for his land's sake cheats himself to play Sir Pandarus of Troy. 4 'Tis wrong, dear daughter, To think such evil.' Pah, he makes me sick! ELINOR Better to laugh. He is useful. JOHN If I were king! If Richard were to perish over-seas! I'd--ELINOR You'd be king the sooner. Never fear: These wandering meteors flash into their graves Like lightning, and no thunder follows them To warn their foolish henchmen. JOHN Looking at her searchingly. Shall I risk The king's return? ELINOR What do you mean? JOHN I mean I cannot wait and watch this Robin Hood Dangle the fruit of Tantalus before me, Then eat it in my sight! I have borne enough! He gave me like a fairing to my brother In Sherwood Forest; and I now must watch him, A happy bridegroom with the happy bride, Whose lips I meant for mine. ELINOR And do you think I love to see it? JOHN Had it not been for you He would have died ere this! ELINOR Then let him die! JOHN Oh, ay, but do you mean it, mother? ELINOR God, I hate him, hate him! JOHN Mother, he goes at noon...