ROBIN

Oh, with my last breath I will,
God helping me; but I must gain you time!
Quickly! Here comes the King!

MARIAN

Oh, follow soon!

[Exit.]

[Robin sits down again, steadying himself against the pillar. John appears at the doors of the palace, above the terrace, a scroll in his hand.]

JOHN

My friends, the King is dead!

MASKERS

[Taking off their masks, with a cry.]