[Prince John and another man appear advancing across the glade.]
JOHN
So here's my dainty tigress in her den,
And—Warman—there's a pretty scrap for you
Beside her. Now, sweet mistress, will you deign
To come with me, to change these cheerless woods
For something queenlier? If I be not mistaken,
You have had time to tire of that dark cave.
Was I not right, now? Surely you can see Those tresses were not meant to waste their gold
Upon this desert. Nay, but Marian, hear me.
I do not jest.
[At a sign from Marian, Jenny goes quickly inside the cave.]
That's well! Dismiss your maid!
Warman, remove a little.
[His man retires.]
I see you think
A little better of me! Out in the wood
There waits a palfrey for you, and the stirrup
Longs, as I long, to clasp your dainty foot.
I am very sure by this you must be tired
Of outlawry, a lovely maid like you.
[He draws nearer.]
MARIAN
Wait—I must think, must think.