[Marian has succeeded in drawing her dagger and slightly wounding him. She wrests herself free.]
MARIAN
Keep back, I warn you!
JOHN
[Advancing slowly.]
Strike, now strike if you will. You will not like
To see the red blood spurting up your hand.
That's not maid's work. Come, strike!
[Robin Hood appears at the edge of the glade behind him]
You see, you cannot!
Your heart is tenderer than you think.
ROBIN
[Quietly.]