[Song.]

Knight, on the narrow way,
Where wouldst thou ride?
"Onward," I heard him say,
"Love, to thy side."

ROBIN

'Tis Blondel! Still vaunt-courier to the King,
As when he burst the bonds of Austria! Listen!

[Song nearer.]

"Nay," sang a bird above,
"Stay, for I see
Death, in the mask of love,
Waiting for thee."

MASKERS

[Resuming their masks and muttering to one another.]

Can the King live? Is this John's treachery? Look,
He is crushed with fear!

ROBIN
Listen! I'll go to meet him.