Enter Clerk of the Winds and Showers.
Clerk of the Winds and Showers. Hasten, Queen, and ye merry men and maidens all. The storm cometh. It is at my heels. I have tried, but could not keep it back. Lightning flashes, thunder rolls. The May-day merrymaking must cease.
Queen. Alas! where shall we fly for shelter?
Maid Marian. Are we so far from our house in the woods, Robin dear?
Robin Hood. No, not far. We may go thither and be safe. It is a rustic place, madam, but not a drop shall fall on thy fair head, so we reach it anon. Huntsmen, take your partners and lead the way. Bid prepare a supper for these friends, and we will follow.
[Exeunt Hunters and partners.]
Queen. So the hospitality is from thee, and not from us. Oh, fie! my Clerk of Winds and Showers! Why couldst thou not make the sun shine till we had finished our dance?
Philosopher. Grieve not for that which cannot be cured. Meet disappointment with a smiling face, and you turn it into good fortune.
First Maid of Honor. Will it not be in the way of pleasant adventure to visit the abode of Robin Hood?
Queen. You are right. It will make our day the merrier. And after the storm there may be time to tread another dance before we go to our homes. Follow, all, and let us run a race with the gathering clouds.