Collected Poems Volume II Part 71

[_He tries to reach the door, but reels in a half faint on the way.

ELINOR supports him as he pauses, panting for breath._]

ELINOR

Robin, your heart is hard, Both to yourself and me. You cannot go, Rejecting the small help which I can give As if I were a leper. Ah, come back.

Are you so unforgiving? G.o.d forgives!

Did you not see me praying for your sake?

Think, if you think not of yourself, oh, think Of Marian--can you leave her clinging arms Yet, for the cold grave, Robin? I have risked Much, life itself, to bring you help this day!

I have some skill in wounds.

[_She holds him closer and brings her face near to his own, looking into his eyes._]

Ah, do you know How slowly, how insidiously this death Creeps, coil by tightening coil, around a man, When he is weak as you are? Do you know How the last subtle coil slips round your throat And the flat snake-like head lifts up and peers With cruel eyes of cold, keen inquisition, Rivetting your own, until the blunt mouth sucks Your breath out with one long, slow, poisonous kiss?

ROBIN HOOD

O G.o.d, that nightmare! Leave me! Let me go!

ELINOR

You stare at me as if you saw that snake.

Ha! Ha! Your nerves are shaken; you are so weak!

You cannot go! What! Fainting? Ah, rest here Upon this couch.

[_She half supports, half thrusts him back to a couch, in an alcove out of sight and draws a curtain. There is a knock at the door._]

ELINOR

Who's there?

PRIORESS

Madam, I came To know if I could help in anything.

ELINOR

Nothing! His blood runs languidly. It needs The p.r.i.c.king of a vein to make the heart Beat, and the sluggish rivers flow. I have brought A lance for it. I'll let a little blood.

Not over-much; enough, enough to set The pulses throbbing.

PRIORESS

Maid Marian came with him.

She waits without and asks--

ELINOR

Let her not come Near him till all is done. Let her not know Anything, or the old fever will awake.

I'll lance his arm now!

[_The PRIORESS closes the door. ELINOR goes into the alcove. The chant from the chapel swells up again. QUEEN ELINOR comes out of the alcove, white and trembling.

She speaks in a low whisper as she looks back._]

Now, trickle down, sweet blood. Grow white, fond lips That have kissed Marian--yet, she shall not boast You kissed her last; for I will have you wake To the fierce memory of this kiss in heaven Or burn with it in h.e.l.l;

[_She kneels down as if to kiss the face of ROBIN, within. The chant from the chapel swells up more loudly. The door slowly opens. MARIAN steals in. ELINOR rises and confronts her._]

ELINOR

[_Laying a hand upon ROBIN'S bow beside her._]

Hush! Do not wake him!

MARIAN

[_In a low voice._]

What have you done with him?

ELINOR

[_As MARIAN advances towards the couch._]

He is asleep.

Hush! Not a step further! Stay where you are! His life Hangs on a thread.

MARIAN Why do you stare upon me?

What have you done? What's this that trickles down--

[_Stoops to the floor and leaps back with a scream._]

It is blood. You have killed him!

ELINOR

[_Seizes the bow and shoots. MARIAN falls._]

Follow him--down to h.e.l.l.

King John will find you there.

[_Exit. The scene grows dark._]

MARIAN

[_Lifts her head with a groan._]

I am dying, Robin!

O G.o.d, I cannot wake him! Robin! Robin!

Give me one word to take into the dark!

He will not wake! He will not wake! O G.o.d, Help him!