Enter ROBIN, like a citizen.
ROB. H. Earl John[177] and Warman, two good friends of mine:
I think they knew me not, or if they did
I care not what can follow. I am sure
The sharpest end is death, and that will come.
But what of death or sorrow do I dream?
My Marian, my fair life, my beauteous love
Is coming, to give comfort to my grief,
And the sly queen, intending to deceive,
Hath taught us how we should her sleights receive.[178]
But who is this? God's pity! here's Prince John.
JOHN. Good even, sir. This clear evening should portend
Some frost, I think: how judge you, honest friend?
ROB. H. I am not weather-wise; but it may be
We shall have hard frost; for true charity,
Good dealing, faithful friendship, honesty,
Are chill-cold, dead with cold.
JOHN. O good sir, stay,
That frost hath lasted many a bitter day.
Know ye no frozen hearts that are belov'd?
ROB. H. Love is a flame, a fire, that being moved,
Still brighter grows. But say, are you beloved?
JOHN. I would be, if I be not: but pass that.
Are ye a dweller in this city, pray?
ROB. H. I am; and for a gentlewoman stay,
That rides some four or five mile in great haste.
Enter QUEEN and MARIAN.[179]
JOHN. I see your labour, sir, is not in waste,
For here come two; are either of these yours?