Queen (to Philosopher). Mayhap this is the lost maid. I will speak to her. Dear lady, who art thou, and why art thou astray in these woods?
Maid Marian. Fair Queen, I am called Maid Marian, but in truth I am the lawful wife of Robin Hood, of whom your Majesty may have heard. I was taking a stroll by myself in the woods, and missed my way, so that I could not return.
Queen. Thou art young to be a wife; but I counsel thee not to mourn. Enjoy thyself with us, and it is possible thy husband may find thee. Thou art our honored guest.
Maid Marian. Thanks, madam. Could I forget him whom I have lost here in your sweet company, I could be well content.
[The May-pole Dancers set up the pole, and, catching the streamers, dance around it.]
May-pole Dancers.
Merrily, merrily round and round
We dance for the purest pleasure;
Cheerily, cheerily o'er the ground
We tread to a joyful measure.
Happily, happily here we pass,
And the blue sky bending o'er us,
Tenderly, tenderly, clear as glass,
Lists to our lilting chorus.
Queen. That is well danced and sung. But here come our Maids of Honor, and with them pretty children.
Enter Maids of Honor, Titania, Calla-Lily, Rosemary, Sweet-William.