Robin Hood: A Troubadour's Tale

MUSIC CUE - OVERTURE

PROLOGUE

MUSICAL NUMBER – A TROUBADOUR’S TALE

ALAN-A-DALE:

I COME THIS EVE TO TELL YOU A TALE

OF AN OUTLAW BRAVE AND BOLD

JUST LISTEN TO ME, ALAN-A-DALE

NO FALSEHOOD HERE WILL BE TOLD

FOR EV’RYONE KNOWS THAT A TROUBADOUR’S TALE

IS A VERY RELIABLE SOURCE

THOUGH SOMETIMES THE STORY WILL CHANGE WITH THE TELLING

IT’S BASIC’LY TRUE WITHOUT FAIL

IN EV’RY IMPORTANT DETAIL.

THIS TALE IS OF A SOLDIER

WHO WAS WOUNDED IN THE KING’S COMMAND

AND NOW HE’S COMING BACK

TO FIND ATROCITIES IN HIS HOMELAND.

I SING OF THE SORROWS OF ALL THE GOOD PEOPLE

OPPRESSED BY THE WICKED PRINCE JOHN

AS LONG AS KING RICHARD IS GONE

THE TAXES HE ENFORCES

MAKE A PAUPER OF A NORMAL MAN

THE SHERIFF AND HIS SOLDIERS RULE WITH

FEAR AND DEATH IN NOTTINGHAM

AND NO ONE IS LEFT TO PROSPER

NO HARD-WORKING HONEST MEN

WHILE EVIL AND DECADENT NOBLES

ARE THRIVING IN LIVES OF SIN

I SING OF THE SORROWS OF ALL THE GOOD PEOPLE

IN NEED OF A HERO TO RISE

TO ANSWER THEIR SUFFERING CRIES

segue

ACT I

Scene 1

(ROBIN is walking across the plains of England wearing common clothing as a disguise.)

MUSICAL NUMBER – IT’S BEEN SO LONG

ROBIN:

IT’S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I WALKED THIS LAND

I’D ALMOST FORGOTTEN THE WAY

I’VE SPENT SO LONG TREADING FOREIGN LAND

BUT NOW I’M RETURNING THIS DAY

AND I’LL NEVER FORGET ALL THE FRIENDS THAT I HAVE LOST

AND I’LL NEVER FORGET ALL THE FRIENDS I LEFT BEHIND

I WONDER IF THEY’LL REMEMBER ME

FOR THEY ALWAYS WERE ON MY MIND

(instrumental)

AND I WONDER IF SHE WILL RECALL THE VOW WE SPOKE

AND I WONDER IF SHE WOULD STILL LET ME TAKE HER HAND

FOR FIVE LONG YEARS WILL CHANGE MANY THINGS

I KNOW THIS FOR I HAVE BECOME A WOUNDED MAN

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – IT’S BEEN SO LONG

(MUCH, the miller’s son rushes in)

ROBIN:

Hold, young lad, where are you off to in such a hurry!

MUCH:

(frantic) Sir, I would think it’s quite obvious that I’m running for my life, so please either assist me or stand aside!

ROBIN:

I would know why you are in such haste to trample across my family’s land.

MUCH:

Your family’s land? Don’t you know that Prince John has claimed this estate as his own? Who are you anyway?

ROBIN:

I am Robin of Locksley and this land belonged to my father and my father’s father before that. No one may lay a rightful claim on this property but me!

MUCH:

Robin of Locksley? Is that really you? I’ve not seen you since I was a little child, and they said that you died in battle. Why are you wearing the clothes of a vagabond?

ROBIN:

Traveling alone, I found it wise to dress this way so that I would not attract attention. I can assure you that I am Robin of Locksley and when I see the Sheriff, he will have to answer for taking my land and property!

MUCH:

You’re welcome to try, but I should warn you now that the Sheriff has grown in power and has many powerful noble friends - I’m not so sure that your claim on the land will hold. But this is hardly the time for a debate - if you don’t let me flee, then we may both be hanged for killing the king’s deer!

ROBIN:

Killing a deer on my family’s land is no cause for hanging. Hold fast. If the Sheriff wishes to hang you, he will have to overcome me first.

MUCH:

Well, if it’s all the same to you, I think I’d prefer to run.

ROBIN:

I’m afraid it may be too late for that. Hold steady.

(The SHERIFF and two GUARDS enter the scene with swords drawn)

SHERIFF:

Men, there he is, seize him!

(The GUARDS take MUCH by the arms. MUCH begins to struggle.)

ROBIN:

Hold fast, my friend. (MUCH stops struggling). Excuse me, sir. May I ask who you are and why you have trespassed on my land and proceeded to harass an honored guest?

SHERIFF:

(Severely) Bold stranger, you are treading a dangerous line. You had best stand aside unless you want to be hanged along side this poacher as his accomplice.

ROBIN:

Accomplice? Indeed. How do you know that I am not a bounty hunter, and that I have not taken this man into custody and await my reward?

SHERIFF:

I warn you, stranger, not to play games with me. We are taking him away to be hanged and if you don’t wish to be strung up beside him, then I suggest you stand aside, immediately!

ROBIN:

What is the charge against this man?

SHERIFF:

As I said, his crime is poaching. He was caught on this land killing one of the king’s deer. Now I warn you, if you ask another question, I’ll answer you with the cutting edge of my sword!

ROBIN:

But how could he be poaching the king’s deer when the deer belongs to me?

SHERIFF:

I’m warning you stranger!

ROBIN:

If he killed a deer on this land then the deer belongs to the owner of this estate, and I Robin of Locksley do not hold charge against this man.

SHERIFF:

Robin of Locksley?! That imbecile was killed on King Richard’s damned fool crusade. (He examines ROBIN more closely). Yes, though you do resemble him somewhat, I imagine that the real Robin of Locksley is somewhere in Israel severed in half by a scimitar. But impostor or no, you will never live to reclaim your family’s land.

(The SHERIFF lunges at ROBIN with his sword. ROBIN draws his sword with lightning speed and parries.)

ROBIN:

Oh, a feisty one, I see.

SHERIFF:

For that I shall cut out your tongue.

ROBIN:

No, I’m afraid I shall be needing my tongue to curse your name several more times.

(ROBIN and the SHERIFF fence for a while at great speed. While the two blades are engaged the SHERIFF envelops ROBIN’s blade and disarms him, suddenly pulling out a dagger and slicing it towards ROBIN’s head. ROBIN ducks narrowly avoiding the slicing dagger.)

ROBIN:

Ah ah ah, now we’re playing dirty, are we?

SHERIFF:

For that I shall cut out your eyes.

ROBIN:

First you were going to cut out my tongue and now my eyes? Not very original, are we?

SHERIFF:

Guards, fall in! Kill this impostor!

(The GUARDS rush towards ROBIN from behind while the SHERIFF is still to his front)

ROBIN:

Three on one? Now we’re really not playing fair.

(The SHERIFF rushes ROBIN from the front while the two GUARDS rush from behind. At the last moment, ROBIN grabs both of the SHERIFF’s wrists and takes him to the ground, rolling under the feet of the advancing GUARDS, causing them to topple over. The GUARDS lay stunned for a moment, while ROBIN and the SHERIFF get up and struggle over the SHERIFF’s sword and dagger, while ROBIN still clutches the SHERIFF’s wrists.)

ROBIN:

I could use some help here!

(MUCH picks up a fallen tree branch and swings it at the SHERIFF’s hand containing the sword hitting both the SHERIFF’s and ROBIN’s hands).

ROBIN and SHERIFF:

(simultaneously) OW!!!

(They both shake their injured hands vigorously while still clutching the hand with the dagger).

MUCH:

Robin, here!

(MUCH throws the sword, handle-first, towards ROBIN. ROBIN releases the SHERIFF’s dagger hand, with which the SHERIFF immediately slices towards ROBIN. ROBIN ducks and catches the sword. ROBIN retreats a few steps. The GUARDS rush towards ROBIN while the SHERIFF goes to retrieve ROBIN’s sword from the ground. Both GUARDS slice vertically towards ROBIN and he parries them both simultaneously and pushes towards one while kicking the other to the ground. The GUARDS get back to their feet and begin to head towards ROBIN, while MUCH approaches the SHERIFF from behind and grabs his dagger, holding it to the SHERIFF’s neck).

MUCH:

Don’t move! Tell your guards to stand down!

SHERIFF:

Do what he says – stand down!

(The two GUARDS throw down their swords)

ROBIN:

Very good, now if you will both be so kind as to throw down your other weapons.

(The GUARDS throw down their daggers.)

SHERIFF:

I’m warning you. Locksley, you’ll pay for this with your head!

ROBIN:

Strong words from a man whose neck is in danger from a dagger in the hand of a miller. Now if you don’t mind, get off my land! Hyah, hyah!! (Says ROBIN as he slaps the two GUARDS from behind with the flat of his sword. MUCH releases the SHERIFF and they all hurry offstage.)

MUCH:

Master Locksley, I owe you my gratitude and my life.

ROBIN:

Think nothing of it. Besides, you saved my life, as well.

MUCH:

That is true, but you would not have been in such danger if you had not been defending me from the Sheriff and his men.

ROBIN:

So, then we are bound to each other.

(MUCH grabs ROBIN’s hand)

MUCH:

Agreed! I’ll watch your back, Locksley, and you’ll watch mine! Oh, it’s so wonderful to finally see someone stand up to the Sheriff and his men! You’re name shall surely reach the far ends of the land for what happened here today.

ROBIN:

(Apprehensively) Indeed . . . I fear you are right.

MUCH:

Fear not! What you’ve done will make you the hero of every oppressed man, woman, and child in all of England!

ROBIN:

Yes, but I fear I’ve set dreadful things in motion. I’ve just returned from battle on foreign soil. I didn’t expect to be welcomed home with war from my own countrymen. Furthermore, both of us are now outlaws to be hunted by every soldier and bounty hunter in the land.

MUCH:

That is true. I’ve survived thus far because I have not drawn too much attention to myself.

ROBIN:

Indeed, we must agree to remain silent about what has happened here today. If news of today’s deeds travel far and wide, then I am as good as dead and will be no hero to anyone.

MUCH:

Agreed. Now come, let us meet with the good Friar Tuck and share some wine and make merry. He lives near here in a cottage in Sherwood Forest.

ROBIN:

Sounds jolly, but I’ve never met a friar that indulged in wine and merry-making.

MUCH:

(Putting his arm around ROBIN and smiling) Well, then apparently you’ve never met Friar Tuck!

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – FRIAR TUCK’S THEME

(ROBIN and MUCH exit the stage)

Scene 2

(Outside of FRIAR TUCK’s cottage. MUCH knocks on the door while ROBIN lays his sword and dagger on the bench in front of the cottage.)

MUCH:

Good Friar, good Friar! Do bid us enter! We wish to share some wine with you and make merry!

TUCK:

Go away! I am a man of the cloth! I would not sink so low as to make merry with wine! My body is a temple!

MUCH:

Good Friar, you forget your servant Much, the miller’s son. I know better than to think that you would not make merry with wine, and if your body is a temple then you must be building an extra wing for a growing congregation.

(FRIAR TUCK sticks his head out the window)

TUCK:

Much, my son! I did not recognize your voice! It is good to see you – you are looking well fed. But who is this common outlaw that I find you with?

MUCH:

Well, Friar, I’m afraid I must tell you that we are both now outlaws. If Robin of Locksley had not shown up when he did, I would be hanging by the neck for poaching the king’s deer.

TUCK:

Poaching? Well, no wonder you appear so well fed. But Robin of Locksley, could it possibly be? You look more like a common vagabond, not the trained combatant of which stories have been told.

(TUCK exits the cottage doors with both hands concealed behind his back.)

MUCH:

It is all true and more. He bested the Sheriff and two of his men.

TUCK:

By himself?

MUCH:

Well, I did help a little, but everything they say about him is true. He is indeed a fierce combatant.

TUCK:

Is he? Well, we shall see.

(TUCK abruptly pulls a hidden cudgel from behind his back and slices it horizontally, beating ROBIN in the ribs.)

ROBIN:

Oooh! (shouts ROBIN in anguish as he topples over on the ground).

MUSICAL UNDERSCORING – FRIAR’S FIGHT

TUCK:

(sarcastically) Fierce combatant, indeed . . . and about to be finished off by an old Friar.

(TUCK lifts his cudgel and brings it down to crush ROBIN’s head. ROBIN rolls out of the way at the last moment.)

TUCK:

Oh, so the dirty outlaw knows how to get out of the way once in a while.

(ROBIN grabs a couple of frying pans that are hanging up outside and uses them to block TUCK’s quick consecutive blows. ROBIN ducks under TUCK’s final horizontal slice and TUCK loses his balance and topples forward. MUCH stands aside watching the whole affair, detached.)

TUCK:

Ah, blazes!

ROBIN:

Much, I could use some help here!

MUCH:

Sorry, Robin, but I think I’d best stay out of this one.

ROBIN:

But this man is crazy!

MUCH:

That he is, but if I don’t get some wine now while you’re distracting him, he might keep it all to himself.

(TUCK gets back up and swings another slicing blow, which is dodged by ROBIN).

ROBIN:

But I saved your life!

MUCH:

I saved yours, too, and besides I think you can handle a frail old man . . . you’ll be fine.

TUCK:

Frail old man? Indeed! After I handle this rotten little schoolboy, you’re next, young miller!

MUCH:

Good luck, Robin, I’ll drink a toast to you.

TUCK:

Young miller! You’d best stay away from that wine, for your soul’s sake!

MUCH:

Don’t worry, Friar, I’ll see you in confession soon enough.

TUCK:

Miller!

(While TUCK is distracted ROBIN grabs a friar’s robe from a hanging line and throws it on TUCK’s head. While TUCK’s head is covered, ROBIN tries to wrestle the cudgel from his hands but it is eventually thrown aside. TUCK then grabs ROBIN around the waist and they both go rolling across the ground. While they are still struggling ROBIN reaches for the dagger that is left on the bench and holds it to TUCK’s neck.)

ROBIN:

Do you yield, you ill-tempered friar?!

TUCK:

(Laughing jovially) Oh good Robin of Locksley, you have proven yourself to be the better man! What a joyous occasion this is that you have returned to England and you wish to make merry and share in my wine!

(ROBIN releases TUCK.)

ROBIN:

I was hoping you would feel that way. But was all of this really necessary?

TUCK:

Oh, Robin, you know an old hermit like me can never be too careful. There are all types of dangerous people lurking about, and it is difficult to tell by appearances.

ROBIN:

(ROBIN looks directly at TUCK) That much is for certain.

TUCK:

Oh, what a joyous new friendship has been made here today. Let us say a prayer towards our newfound friendship.

(ROBIN kneels and TUCK remains standing as he says his prayer)

MUSICAL NUMBER – FRIAR TUCK’S PRAYER

TUCK:

LORD, WE COME BEFORE YOU TODAY

TO THANK YOU FOR BRINGING YOUR CHILD UNTO ME.

PLEASE HELP US TO BE DISCERNERS OF EVIL

AND BEWARE OF THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING

AND LORD, I ASK YOUR FORGIVENESS –

FORGIVENESS FOR SINS I’VE COMMITTED

AND FOR THE SIN I’M ABOUT TO COMMIT

FOR THOU SAYEST VENGEANCE IS THINE

BUT I SAY THAT VENGEANCE IS MINE!

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – FRIAR TUCK’S PRAYER

segue

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – FRIAR’S FIGHT

(TUCK kicks ROBIN in the head, knocking him down. TUCK then jumps on him again and starts to pummel him with punches. This time MUCH intervenes and tries to pry TUCK away.)

ROBIN:

Get him off me, get him off me!

MUCH:

Friar, friar, that’s enough!

(Lights out)

Scene 3

(In Nottingham castle, DUKE HENRY is pacing back and forth in his chamber. His pageboy, LUCAS, enters the room in a hurry.)

LUCAS:

Sir Henry, you sent for me?

HENRY:

Lucas, thank God you are here. Do you remember what we spoke of a fortnight ago?

LUCAS:

Yes, sire.

HENRY:

Well, it would appear that the time for your departure is now at hand.

LUCAS:

I fear you are right, sire.

HENRY:

It will be a dangerous journey through foreign land. You realize that the risk is great?

LUCAS:

Yes, I would gladly give my life to tell the King what we have learned through Lady Ma–

HENRY:

(Whispered tone) Shhh, you must be careful of what you say. Prince John has eyes and ears in every corner.

LUCAS:

Right, my lord.

HENRY:

Now go, you must make preparations for your journey.

LUCAS:

Yes, my lord.

MUSICAL NUMBER – I REMEMBER

HENRY:

I REMEMBER WHEN THIS LAND

WAS A PLACE WHERE HONEST MEN COULD THRIVE

AND ONE COULD BREATHE THE MORNING AIR

AND BE GRATEFUL JUST TO BE ALIVE

EV’RYTHING WE HAD WAS OURS

NO ONE ELSE ON EARTH COULD TAKE IT AWAY

NOW THE ENEMY DRAWS NEAR

AND I’LL FIGHT TO THE DEATH TO KEEP ALL THE WOLVES AT BAY

I REMEMBER BETTER TIMES

WHEN A CHILD WAS NOT AFRAID TO LIVE

AND THE PEOPLE HAD ENOUGH

IF YOU NEEDED THEY WERE GLAD TO GIVE

NOW THE SHERIFF RULES WITH FEAR

AND PRINCE JOHN IS REIGNING WITH TYRANNY

NOW WE WEAR THE CHAINS OF SLAVES

BUT I’LL FIGHT TO THE DEATH TO KEEP ALL THE PEOPLE FREE

YES, I’LL FIGHT TO THE DEATH TO KEEP OUR PEOPLE FREE

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – I REMEMBER

segue

SCENE CHANGE – FRIAR TUCK THEME

Scene 4

(Lights come up on ROBIN, TUCK, and MUCH sitting around a campfire. ROBIN and TUCK are nursing bruises on their faces.)

MUCH:

Well, I’m glad you two got that out of your systems.

TUCK and ROBIN (simultaneously)

Shut up, Much!

MUCH:

Alright, alright.

ROBIN:

So tell me, Friar. What is a man of the cloth such as you doing living the life of a hermit out here in the forest?

TUCK:

Well, I haven’t always been a hermit. In fact, up until a few years ago I served in the abbey, until I found out about the Abbot’s corrupt dealings with the Sheriff of Nottingham.

ROBIN:

Oh, and what such dealings are these?

TUCK:

Well, every nobleman that has gone to war with King Richard has had his land usurped by Prince John. And every peasant is starving from the unfair taxation of the Sheriff of Nottingham and Guy of Gisborne. The Abbot made an unholy deal with the Sheriff, that the Church would remain powerful and strong as long as the Sheriff could collect a commission on all tithes and offerings. When I found out about this I went straightway to the Abbot to discuss the issue. Most of what happened next is a bit of a blur, but I remember that the discussion ended with several pieces of broken furniture and a dozen or so monks dragging me out and banishing me from the abbey.

ROBIN:

A sight to have seen, I’m sure. If only the King were here to see these injustices, they would all hang by their necks.

MUCH:

Begging your pardon, Master Robin, but I’m afraid that with Prince John’s influence and the reign of terror being carried out by the Sheriff, that King Richard may not even have a throne when he returns.

TUCK:

Yes, my child. The situation is grave, indeed. Prince John’s army is great and even if Richard brought his army home, many have already died, and the living are weary with the labors of war.

ROBIN:

This is sadly true. We don’t have a force strong enough to stand up against Prince John. And when force against force doesn’t suffice, then we must resort to other means.

MUCH:

And what means do we have?

ROBIN:

We must use our skills to outwit Prince John. If we play at his game and try to fight force against force, we will lose, but if we use subterfuge, we may have a chance.

MUCH:

But we will still need a great force of men. Who shall we find?

TUCK:

There is an outlaw camp near here, with dozens of men under the leadership of the man, John Little. With a fierce force of men like that, we may have a chance of launching an offensive against Prince John.

MUCH:

John Little? I’m not so sure about that. I’m afraid that John Little would not be very interested in taking orders from the likes of a fallen nobleman such as Master Robin.

TUCK:

Aye, that is true. We will have to be diplomatic so as not to arouse his anger.

ROBIN:

Indeed? Well, fear not, I will persuade him with words or with the blunt end of a quarterstaff if necessary. Besides, with a name like John Little how fierce can he be?

(TUCK and MUCH give each other a knowing glance but say nothing. The three of them exit)

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – I REMEMBER

Scene 5

(DUKE HENRY is sitting at a desk in his chamber writing on a scroll. When he finishes writing he rolls up the scroll and seals it with a wax seal. LUCAS enters with a sack for his journey.)

HENRY:

Are you are prepared to do what must be done

LUCAS:

Yes sire.

HENRY:

Then it is time to ride. Here is the message. Do not look back until the message is in the hands of our king.

LUCAS:

Yes sire, I will stop for nothing.

HENRY:

Go with God. You are a good and faithful servant, Lucas.

LUCAS:

And you are a good and faithful master, Sir Henry.

HENRY:

God speed to you in your journey, Lucas. Fare thee well.

(LUCAS walks towards the door and inexplicably collapses before he reaches it.)

HENRY:

Lucas! (HENRY rushes to where LUCAS lies). Lucas, what has happened to you? Lucas!

(The door opens to reveal the SHERIFF and GUY OF GISBORNE)

SHERIFF:

(With unnatural calmness). Duke Henry, what seems to be the problem?

HENRY:

It’s Lucas, my page! He’s collapsed! I don’t know what happened! I think he may be dead!

SHERIFF:

Oh dear, oh dear. What a tragedy, and to such a young man. It hardly seems fair, does it?

HENRY:

(With controlled rage) You . . . you did this!

SHERIFF:

Come now, I think you are in no position to make such accusations. Besides, such is the punishment for treason.

HENRY:

Treason or no, he had the right to a trial as an English citizen!

SHERIFF:

(picking up the scroll) Oh, I don’t think there’s any need for a trial. I have a feeling that I have all the evidence I need right here.

HENRY:

His blood is on your hands, by the name of God.

SHERIFF:

Do not bring God into this. Besides, you will find rather that it is I that giveth and taketh away.

(The SHERIFF makes a slight gesture with his hand and a dagger flies from an unseen source and strikes HENRY directly in the center of his chest. HENRY collapses to the floor, dead.)

GUY:

Impressive.

SHERIFF:

Indeed . . . Show yourself.

(A figure in a black robe emerges, preferably from a totally visible spot onstage, making his sudden emergence a complete shock to the audience.)

GUY:

Incredible.

SHERIFF:

He is known only as the Executioner. There is no known method for killing a man that he has not completely mastered through, shall we say, “hands-on” experience.

GUY:

Interesting.

SHERIFF:

Yes, he should be most helpful in tracking down the outlaw scum that has been irritating us lately. And as such, his first assignment will be doing away with Robin of Locksley.

GUY:

Indeed? I’m not sure that he is a target of much importance.

SHERIFF:

Really, may I ask why?

GUY:

(Contemplating his response) Well, he is a single man and therefore not as much of a threat as John Little’s Sherwood band.

SHERIFF:

(With controlled annoyance) Well, Guy, he may be a single man, but he is of noble birth, and as such, others of noble birth may sympathize with him, and even come down on us for treating him as a common outlaw.

GUY:

This may be true, but John Little and his men have been causing a lot of rabble-rousing, of late. I fear that if they become organized, they could be a threat to us.

SHERIFF:

(scoffing) John Little, eh . . . that great oaf and his blundering farm hands are no match for the Executioner. He could have that whole band of merry men falling dead inexplicably whilst the blunder heads go blaming each other.

GUY:

Hmm, he will indeed be a most valuable weapon for us, Sheriff.

(At the end of this sentence, the EXECUTIONER immediately grabs GUY by the throat and brings him to his knees. The SHERIFF watches with a detached and slightly irritated manner.)

EXECUTIONER:

(In a low, solemn tone) I am not your weapon. I am not a sword that you can use to clumsily strike down every man that offends you. I do not care about your Prince John and his usurping a meaningless throne. I am a masterful instrument of death, and expect to be well rewarded for my services.

SHERIFF:

(With controlled irritation) Yes, yes, you will be well rewarded. Now, please, release him.

(He releases GUY who collapses and grabs his throat.)

GUY:

By the devil, he certainly is touchy.

SHERIFF:

Yes, by the devil, indeed.

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – SHERWOOD CAMP THEME

Scene 6

(In the outlaw camp, several men are standing around the enormous JOHN LITTLE and WILL SCARLETT fighting a quarterstaff battle. The men are cheering vigorously with each blow until finally JOHN LITTLE delivers the final blow and WILL signals his yield. JOHN raises his quarterstaff in victory and the men burst out in applause. JOHN turns to see TUCK, MUCH, and ROBIN approaching.)

JOHN:

Friar Tuck! What brings a holy man like you to a cursed place like this?

TUCK:

John Little, I come to you today to introduce to you a warrior from the King’s army, one that may be able to help us fight Prince John.

ROBIN:

(To MUCH in a shocked undertone) That’s John Little?

JOHN:

I know that you are not speaking of Much, the miller’s son. Could you possibly be talking about this scrawny little runt standing next to him that looks like he hasn’t taken a bath since he left for the Holy land?

TUCK:

Appearances may be deceiving, as I myself have found out.

JOHN:

Aye, they can. Speaking of that, how do we know that he is not a spy for the bloody Sheriff of Nottingham?

TUCK:

Now, John Little, you know that I would never bring a man to your secret camp if I did not trust him implicitly.

JOHN:

Alright, what is it that you think you can offer us that we don’t already have.

ROBIN:

First of all, I can teach you some manners.

(The MEN of the outlaw camp let out a collective “OOOH” and shout things like “GET HIM, JOHN!”)

JOHN:

Is that right, you little runt?!

ROBIN:

That’s right. You should call no one a “little” man who has faced the dangers of battle that I have, and if you do so one more time then I shall henceforth call you “Little John.”

(The MEN react vocally again)

JOHN:

(With solemn anger) Alright, ye wee bastard. If you insist on pushing your luck, you’ll get a beating you won’t soon forget. But know this – while I love King Richard and the things he stands for, the battle that you tasted over there was nothing compared to the battle at home. Whole families starving to death because they can’t buy bread and being strung up by the neck for poaching the king’s deer. Meanwhile, Prince John and his men’s pockets are getting fuller and fuller and the abbey monks are getting fatter and fatter.

ROBIN:

And for that reason, I come to provide some much needed leadership to you and your motley band of woodsmen against Prince John.

(All the MEN and JOHN LITTLE laugh boisterously.)

JOHN:

Alright, since you seem to have a death wish, I’ll make a little deal with you. If you can best me at the quarterstaff, I’ll let you be our leader. (The MEN continue to laugh boisterously.) Hell! I’ll even be your right hand man if you like!

ROBIN:

John Little, you have yourself a deal.

(The MEN cheer at the prospect of another spectacle and hastily supply ROBIN with a quarterstaff.)

MUCH:

(To ROBIN, aside) You know what you said about using wits instead of brute force?

ROBIN:

Yes.

MUCH:

Well, just don’t let him hit you so hard in the head that he knocks the wits out of your brain, or you’ve had it.

ROBIN:

Thanks, Much.

(JOHN LITTLE advances towards ROBIN ready to battle)

JOHN:

Alright, brave soul, I hope you’ve said your prayers. Friar Tuck, if you’re ready to give the last rites?

(FRAIR TUCK signals for the fight to begin. The WOODSMEN cheer)

ROBIN:

I’m ready for anything you can deliver. Though, I think I’d probably get a better fight from that young boy over there.

(ROBIN gestures with his staff to a boy standing behind JOHN LITTLE. JOHN turns to see and ROBIN thrusts the staff towards JOHN’s chest. JOHN parries the staff at the last moment and smiles broadly, amused by the attempted ruse.)

JOHN:

Oh, going to fight like that, are you? Well, if that’s your best strategy, then this will be a short fight indeed!

ROBIN:

(Mumbling) Not my best strategy, but I figured it was worth a try.

(ROBIN and JOHN LITTLE engage in a long quarterstaff battle. Each occasionally gaining ground and losing it again, in a pretty even battle. After a while, they disengage for a moment.)

JOHN:

Aye, you are better than I expected. I thought you’d be eating dirt by now. Don’t worry, though, I’ll just have to take it up a notch.

MUCH:

(Shouting enthusiastically) You can do it, Robin!! . . . (mumbled) I hope.

(ROBIN turns and glares at MUCH who simply shrugs. While ROBIN’s head is turned JOHN LITTLE thrusts his quarterstaff into ROBIN’s chest and knocks him to the ground. ROBIN lies on the ground dazed as JOHN LITTLE and his men laugh boisterously).

JOHN:

How do you like a taste of your own medicine, you wee runt?!

ROBIN:

(Standing up and returning to attack position) I told you not to call me that, Little John!

JOHN:

Ah, the little brat wants another spanking, eh?

(ROBIN attacks LITTLE JOHN fiercely. JOHN laughs as he parries the blows).

JOHN:

Ah, so the wee little puppy has some bite in him after all!

(ROBIN keeps advancing as JOHN LITTLE slowly retreats backwards, still parrying each blow. JOHN LITTLE gets close to a stack of logs from a burnt out fire, that he is dangerously close to tripping over.)

WILL:

(Shouting) Watch your step, John!!

(JOHN LITTLE turns his head to see the logs, and ROBIN thrusts his staff in the middle of his stomach causing JOHN to double forward. ROBIN then beats the staff out of JOHN LITTLE’s hands, disarming him. ROBIN then sweeps his staff behind JOHN LITTLE’s knees, knocking him to the ground. ROBIN advances on JOHN and thrusts his quarterstaff to within an inch of JOHN’s neck and holds it there. There is dead silence.)

ROBIN:

Do you yield?!

JOHN:

(With stunned awe) By all that is holy . . . no one has ever disarmed me before, nor taken me to the ground like that.

ROBIN:

Do you yield?!

JOHN:

Aye, lad, I yield. (He laughs boisterously) Hell, that’s got to be the best show we’ve had around here in a long time! Hell, for that I’ll even let you call me “Little John!”

(ROBIN takes LITTLE JOHN by the hand and helps him up.)

ROBIN:

(smiling) Then “Little John” it is, but you still don’t have permission to call me a “wee little runt.”

JOHN:

As you wish, you sneaky little bastard! (The men laugh loudly). Let’s celebrate, men!

(All the men cheer loudly and gather around ROBIN and LITTLE JOHN).

MUSICAL NUMBER – A DAVID AND GOLIATH STORY

ALAN:

HE CAME TO US FROM WHO KNOWS WHERE

A SMALL AND UNASSUMING MAN

AGAINST OUR MIGHTY LEADER JOHN

HE CAME AND TOOK A STAND

WITH NO MORE THAN A QUARTERSTAFF

AND QUICK WITS TO RELY UPON

HE BEAT THE GIANT TO THE GROUND

AND NAMED HIM “LITTLE JOHN.”

(Music VAMPS under dialogue)

JOHN:

(spoken)

I don’t know how in the hell he can come up with these things so fast . . . I mean it just bloody happened, for heaven’s sake.

ALAN:

Let’s just say I have a great talent for improvisation.

MUCH:

Not to mention he only uses three chords and reuses the same melodies over and over.

ALAN:

Why you little . . .

JOHN:

Hush now, keep singing, troubadour.

ALAN:

Gladly.

ALAN:

A DAVID AND GOLIATH STORY

CLASSIC MATCH OF WITS AND MIGHT

HE WON THE DAY AND GAINED THE GLORY

WHAT A JOLLY SIGHT

ALL:

A DAVID AND GOLIATH STORY

CLASSIC MATCH OF WITS AND MIGHT

HE WON THE DAY AND GAINED THE GLORY

WHAT A JOLLY SIGHT

JOHN:

(to ROBIN) Alright, since it seems you’re bound to be staying with us for a while. I guess we should probably introduce ourselves. Troubadour, if you’ll do the honors.

ALAN:

Certainly.

ALAN:

MY NAME IS ALAN OF THE DALE

I SING THE UNSUNG HEROES HERE

I OFTEN MAKE THE LADIES SWOON

EACH TIME MY VOICE THEY HEAR

(laughter)

WILL:

Ha! You can tell he writes the lyrics, too, eh?

(laughter)

ALAN:

It’s true, every word of it.

WILL:

Right! If the ladies swoon when you sing, it must surely be from your foul breath.

(laughter)

ALAN:

Oh yeah? Just wait until I tell them about you!

ALAN:

WILL SCARLETT IS A FUNNY MAN

BUT LOOKS DON’T COUNT FOR EV’RYTHING

OF ALL THE CRASS, ILL-TEMPERED MEN

ON EARTH, HE IS THE KING

(laughter)

WILL:

I ought to strangle you with your lute-strings, you son of a . . .

(Some of the men hold him back, laughing)

ALAN:

You see, this just goes to prove my point.

WILL:

Ahhh!

(WILL throws away the arms of the men holding him and relents, going to fill his mug with ale. The men laugh.)

ALAN:

NOW MUCH THE MILLER CAME TO US

A LAD OF ONLY SEVENTEEN

HE’S STILL THE VERY BEST DEER HUNTER

WE HAVE EVER SEEN

TUCK:

Aye, this may be true, but hunting almost got you killed at the hands of the Sheriff’s men. I fear if you go deer hunting much more, the hunter will become the prey.

MUCH:

Ah, relax, Friar. I got out of it fine last time.

TUCK:

Only because Robin was there to help you!

MUCH:

So, I got lucky!

TUCK:

Aye, this time you did. But why do you insist on sticking your neck out so often.

MUCH:

Because, good Friar, you need someone to pray for, don’t you?

(laughter)

TUCK:

As if I don’t have enough to pray for already, you mischievous young buffoon!

(laughter)

ALAN:

NOW FRIAR TUCK’S A HOLY MAN

WHOSE THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS GREAT

MATCHED ONLY BY HIS APPETITE

PRAY DINNER WON’T BE LATE

(laughter)

TUCK:

Expect to spend a few days in purgatory for that, my son.

ALAN:

What do you mean, Friar? Surely you can admit that every word of it was true.

TUCK:

Not for that, I mean for singing offbeat and out of tune.

(laughter)

ALAN:

If only you weren’t a man of the cloth!

TUCK:

If only you weren’t an aspiring musician!

(laughter)

ALAN:

JOHN LITTLE IS A MIGHTY MAN

AND NOT ONE TO BE TRIFLED WITH

AMAZING STORIES OF HIS STRENGTH

YOU’D THINK WERE JUST A MYTH

WE NEVER THOUGHT WE’D SEE HIS MATCH

IN SPARRING, BUT WE’RE PROVEN WRONG

WE’LL SING FOREVER OF THE DAY

THAT ROBIN CAME ALONG

A DAVID AND GOLIATH STORY

CLASSIC MATCH OF WITS AND MIGHT

HE WON THE DAY AND GAINED THE GLORY

WHAT A JOLLY SIGHT

ALL:

A DAVID AND GOLIATH STORY

CLASSIC MATCH OF WITS AND MIGHT

HE WON THE DAY AND GAINED THE GLORY

WHAT A JOLLY SIGHT

ALAN:

One more time, men, so all the wood nymphs can hear!

ALL:

A DAVID AND GOLIATH STORY

CLASSIC MATCH OF WITS AND MIGHT

HE WON THE DAY AND GAINED THE GLORY

WHAT A JOLLY SIGHT

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – A DAVID AND GOLIATH STORY

(All the men cheer boisterously)

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – I REMEMBER

Scene 7

(MAID MARIAN is alone in her bedchamber and her lady in waiting, EMILY, enters the room.)

MARIAN:

What have you learned, Emily?

EMILY:

My Lady, I have unpleasant tidings.

MARIAN:

What is it?

EMILY:

Duke Henry and his page, Lucas, have gone missing.

MARIAN:

Missing?

EMILY:

Yes, my Lady. The Sheriff claims to be searching for them now, but there are terrible rumors going about, my Lady.

MARIAN:

What rumors?

EMILY:

It is rumored that the Sheriff and Guy of Gisborne were both visiting the Duke’s estate on the very night they disappeared. It is thought that they may be held captive.

MARIAN:

(fighting back emotion) Or killed.

EMILY:

(trying not to cry) I pray not, my Lady!

MARIAN:

I pray so, as well, Emily. But we must carry on with the assumption that they are now dead. We must succeed in our mission at all costs.

EMILY:

I have other news for you as well, of a rather perplexing nature.

MARIAN:

Oh, and what is that?

EMILY:

I overheard Sir Guy and the Sheriff speaking, and they said that Robin of Locksley has returned from King Richard’s crusade.

MARIAN:

Robin of Locksley? But he was killed in battle!

EMILY:

That’s what I thought, but by the way they spoke, it sounded as if they encountered him quite plainly, and not as a phantom or specter.

MARIAN:

I hear your words, and my mind comprehends them, but my heart will not accept it as true. I loved him, once, Emily.

EMILY:

I know.

MARIAN:

But he tore my heart out when he told me that he was going on that damned crusade.

EMILY:

(shocked) My Lady! How could you speak so of the King’s holy mission?

MARIAN:

Oh, Emily. I know I shouldn’t talk that way, but it pains me to see this country falling apart the way it is. All the evil oppression in our own land, while our King is off fighting in some foreign country for a hopeless and meaningless victory.

EMILY:

But my lady! King Richard wishes to reclaim the Holy land for all of Christendom.

MARIAN:

I know, but isn’t all land holy, since it was all created by God? Shouldn’t King Richard protect the land that the Lord entrusted to him? It matters not, what is important now is that we protect this land until its rightful King can be restored to his throne.

EMILY:

Yes, my lady.

MARIAN:

Right, now go, you must again be my ears and find out as much as you can about this so-called Robin of Locksley. I must see him for myself to find out whether he is true or simply an impostor. If it is truly him, then he may be a powerful ally and a great asset to us in our mission.

EMILY:

(mischievously) Oh, and is that the only reason you wish to see him, my Lady?

MARIAN:

(grinning slightly) Time is of the essence. Make haste, Emily, and God be with you.

EMILY:

At once, my lady.

(EMILY exits)

MUSICAL NUMBER – I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS

MARIAN:

I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS

I NEVER SEARCHED MY FEELINGS

I NEVER SPARED A MOMENT’S TIME

FOR DEALING WITH THE MATTERS OF THE HEART

I NEVER EVEN FOUND A PLACE TO START

BUT NOW IT HURTS SO MUCH THAT WE’RE APART

I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS

NOT ‘TIL THE DAY I MET YOU

I KNOW IT WONT BE POSSIBLE

TO FORGET YOU, AND HOW MY HEART MOURNED ONCE FOR YOU

THEY SAY YOU’RE STILL ALIVE

CAN IT BE TRUE? CAN IT BE TRUE?

NOW I’M AFRAID FOR MY HEART

I COULDN’T HANDLE THE PAIN

IF I WOULD HAVE TO BEAR TO LOSE YOU AGAIN

I’LL NEVER BE ONCE MORE COMPLETE

UNTIL THE DAY THAT YOU COME BACK TO ME.

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS

Scene 8

(In Sherwood, ROBIN, JOHN, TUCK, MUCH, and the other merry men gather around and discuss their plans.)

ROBIN:

It seems to me that this camp of outlaws needs to make plans for the future.

WILL:

Well, what’s wrong with the plans we’ve got?

ROBIN:

We need to let the Sheriff know that his injustices will not stand, that he cannot oppress the people.

JOHN:

Well, we’re doing that, ain’t we? We’ve got men all up and down Watling Street and through the forest robbing anyone they can, and stirring up enough trouble to keep the Sheriff and his men on their toes.

ROBIN:

Yes, but what I’ve come to understand is that you only steal from peasants and lowly working people.

JOHN:

Well, of course, if we start robbing noble people we’d be stirring up a hornet’s nest. Then our necks would be gettin’ stretched for certain.

ROBIN:

But don’t you understand, when you rob other peasants, you’re fighting against yourselves? The Sheriff taxes you until your only choice is to starve to death or become an outlaw. Picking the pockets of other peasants is not going to change things. If we want to make a difference, then it is time to start stoking the flame.

WILL:

And what will you do when that flame flies back in your face?

ROBIN:

Then we’ll meet it head on! Not as bunch of individuals fighting alone, but as a trained battalion fighting as a unit. If there is one thing that I learned from battle, it’s that a group of men working together is considerably stronger than the sum of the strength of each individual. And a group of fathers and brothers working to take back what rightfully belongs to us will be infinitely stronger.

(The men respond positively).

WILL:

This all sounds very poetic, but we’re just a bunch of simple folk with no real weapons, and no armor, how can we possibly stand up to the Sheriff’s men.

ROBIN:

It’s true, on a battlefield, we are no match for the Sheriff’s army, but in the forest, we have the advantage. I grew up among these woods, as I know many of you did. We will use the terrain to our advantage.

WILL:

But . . .

JOHN:

Ah, Will! Shut up, will ya! Robin’s right! We need to stop pussyfootin’ around and hit that Sheriff where it hurts.

(The men reply with loud cheers)

JOHN:

Do you all want to go back to your homes?

MEN:

Yeah!

JOHN:

And your families?

MEN:

Yeah!

JOHN:

And do you want to put a stop to the bloody God-forsaken taxes!

MEN:

Yeah!

ROBIN:

Then let’s get started!

MEN:

Yeah!

MUSICAL NUMBER – WE’LL STAND TOGETHER

ROBIN:

TIME HAS COME NOW TO MAKE OUR VOW

TO TAKE UP THE FIGHT TO STAND UP FOR RIGHT

TIME FOR MEN TO DEFEND ALL THE WEAK AND OPPRESSED
AND PRAY TO GOD FOR GUIDANCE AS WE SET OUT ON THIS HOLY QUEST

MEN:

WE WILL FIGHT UNTIL JUSTICE HAS BEEN DONE

ROBIN:

WE WILL NEVER BACK DOWN AGAINST THE WRONG

MEN:

UNTIL THE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM HAS BEEN WON

ROBIN:

WE WILL TAKE WHAT IS OURS BEFORE TOO LONG

MEN:

UNTIL OUR BANNER IS RAISED IN VICTORY

ROBIN:

SOMEDAY WE WILL JOIN IN THE VICTOR’S SONG

MEN:

WE’LL STAND TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR PEOPLE FREE

ROBIN:

TIME TO BEWARE AND TO PREPARE

FOR THE BATTLE AHEAD. BY OUR FAITH WE ARE LED.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE AT THE END OF THE RACE

AND PRAY TO GOD TO SAVE US FROM THE MANY DANGERS WE WILL FACE.

MEN:

WE WILL FIGHT UNTIL JUSTICE HAS BEEN DONE

ROBIN:

WE WILL NEVER BACK DOWN AGAINST THE WRONG

MEN:

UNTIL THE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM HAS BEEN WON

ROBIN:

WE WILL TAKE WHAT IS OURS BEFORE TOO LONG

MEN:

UNTIL OUR BANNER IS RAISED IN VICTORY

ROBIN:

SOMEDAY WE WILL JOIN IN THE VICTOR’S SONG

MEN:

WE’LL STAND TOGETHER

ROBIN AND MEN:

TO MAKE OUR PEOPLE FREE

WE’LL STAND TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR PEOPLE FREE

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – WE’LL STAND TOGETHER

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – TAX COLLECTION

Scene 9

(At a peasant village, ROBIN is disguised as an old woman hunched over with a hood that covers his face, and is fetching water in a bucket. The Sheriff and his men enter).

SHERIFF:

Old woman, it is time for the tax collection.

ROBIN:

(Speaking in an old woman voice). But Sheriff, you have already collected them thrice in the last month!

SHERIFF:

Do not argue with me, old hag! If you wish the honor of living in Nottinghamshire, then you must pay the taxes that are due!

ROBIN:

How dare you call me a hag! I lived in Nottingham while your father was still in diapers! I think I might need to bend you over my knee and teach you some manners!

SHERIFF:

This is no game, woman! If you don’t pay your taxes, then you’ll suffer a knife to your throat!

ROBIN:

Oh no, I don’t think so. Just try and put a knife to my throat, and it will be you who pays. Yes, and you will pay very dearly.

SHERIFF:

(severely) I warned you woman.

(The SHERIFF pulls out a knife and takes one step towards ROBIN when JOHN, WILL, MUCH, and several other woodsmen appear with bows drawn on the SHERIFF.)

JOHN:

(To the SHERIFF’s MEN) Drop your weapons, or your Sheriff will be so full of arrows that you can use him for a quiver.

(ROBIN drops his cloak to reveal his identity.)

ROBIN:

(Speaking in his normal voice, again) See, I told you that you should mind your manners. We have a toll in this village for naughty brats that bully old ladies.

(ROBIN’s men laugh derisively as ROBIN and some of the men take the bags of coins from the SHERIFF and his men.)

SHERIFF:

(Shaking with suppressed fury) Locksley, I’ll have you drawn and quartered for this!

ROBIN:

Drawn and quartered, eh? So the battle is escalating, is it? Last time, you only threatened my tongue, eyes, and head. Perhaps there is an ounce of bravery in you after all.

SHERIFF:

You shall pay dearly for your ridicule.

ROBIN:

Well, Sheriff, it would seem that this time it is you who has paid dearly. Now go, we look forward to your next collection round, for it will again be we who collect from you.

JOHN:

(Shouting) You heard him, now get the hell out of our forest!

(The men shout and jeer as they smack the rear ends of the SHERIFF and his MEN with the flats of their swords and with staffs and chase them out of Sherwood Forest).

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – THE MERRY CHASE FROM SHERWOOD

Scene 10

(SHERIFF and GUY are in a castle chamber, where the SHERIFF is in a fit of rage. GUY is listening half-heartedly while feasting on a turkey leg)

SHERIFF:

I’ll have his head! I’ll cut out his throat! He will be tortured until he is a shriveled heap of rotting flesh!

GUY:

Please, Sheriff, I’m trying to eat here.

(The SHERIFF grabs the turkey leg from GUY’s hand and flings it out the window. GUY looks stunned but is afraid to say anything.)

SHERIFF:

Your appetite may be endless, but it is nothing compared to the appetite of vengeance, that I have for that bloody Locksley!

GUY:

Indeed . . . It would appear that Locksley does pose quite a threat now that he seems to be leading John Little’s woodsmen.

SHERIFF:

John Little and his woodsmen?! Why are you so concerned about that blundering band of oafs?! I’m quite frankly amazed that they can tie the laces of their boots, much less manage an ambush.

GUY:

Yes, it would appear that Robin of Locksley has organized them. Because of him they have managed to ambush over a dozen of our tax collectors in the last week. If it weren’t for the offerings that the Abbot has collected from the church, we would be suffering greatly. This Robin of Locksley has become a dangerous foe, indeed.

SHERIFF:

That’s right – now you’re getting it through that thick head. We must eliminate Robin of Locksley, first, and then the woodsmen will stumble over their own two feet.

GUY:

Indeed, but there is still the problem of possible sympathy from the nobles.

SHERIFF:

Well, we simply must give Robin a new name and convince everyone that he is a mere imposter trying to usurp Locksley’s fortune by usurping his surname.

GUY:

Yes, but what shall we call him?

SHERIFF:

Well, all the stories of him are beginning to sound the same. My guards keep telling me that they were outsmarted by a bunch of common folk led by a “hooded man.” “The hooded man ambushed us,” “the hooded man robbed me as I slept.” Since he and his men are so fond of hiding behind disguises, perhaps we should call him “Robin of the Hood.” This name will accurately reflect his cowardice in the use of subterfuge and trickery.

GUY:

Hmm, “Robin of the Hood,” very well, then.

SHERIFF:

Send the bounty hunters in.

GUY:

Yes, sir. But first could you explain to me why you have even called upon the bounty hunters? Shouldn’t the Executioner be able to handle Robin by himself?

SHERIFF:

It’s simply a bit of tactical misdirection. We will use our bounty hunters as mere fodder. When the flash of a sword in front of his eyes blinds him, the Executioner will stick in his dagger from behind.

GUY:

I see. Very elegant strategy, Sheriff.

SHERIFF:

(The SHERIFF nods) Send them in.

(GUY opens the chamber doors and several BOUNTY HUNTERS enter wearing a variety of styles of clothing.)

SHERIFF:

I have called you all here today to aid in the capture of an outlaw. His name is “Robin of the Hood” and he is leading the outlaw band of Sherwood Forest. He would have you believe that he is Robin of Locksley, but he is not. He is merely an impostor that wishes to feast on the inheritance of a dead soldier.

EDWARD:

How do we know that he is not who he says he is? There are rumors that Locksley is not dead, and that his death was a lie told by those that wished to usurp his family estate.

SHERIFF:

(Getting very close to EDWARD’s face) That sounds incredibly close to an accusation, Edward. If another man were in your place, you would probably be dead right now. You only live now, because you have previously aided in the arrest of several other outlaws. But rest assured, Locksley is dead, and this Robin Hood is merely a blood-sucking fortune-seeker.

EDWARD:

I care little whether or not he is an impostor, as long as the reward is right.

SHERIFF:

The reward is 1000 marks.

(There is much bustling in the room at this figure)

EDWARD:

The reward could be 10,000 marks, but most of the men in this room would not even lift a finger to capture him. Since he has begun his campaign against you, he has aided many people. That quite likely includes many of the people in this room.

SHERIFF:

Would that include you, Edward?

EDWARD:

It would not, sir. I try to avoid the company of those whose mere company might get me hanged or get my house burned to the ground.

SHERIFF:

Wise thinking, indeed. But surely if no one else in this room even dares to attempt the capture of Robin Hood, then that will mean all the fewer to get in your way.

EDWARD:

True, but how is it even possible to get to Robin, when he is shielded by a band of experienced woodsmen?

SHERIFF:

This is so unlike you, Edward. Are you actually afraid?

EDWARD:

I fear none but the Lord Almighty.

SHERIFF:

(Quietly, to EDWARD) You should fear me. I know that you are the only one capable of finding and taking, Locksley. If you don’t capture him, then I’ll put the bounty on your head next. (Shouting) Now go, all of you!

(The BOUNTY HUNTERS exit)

MUSICAL NUMBER – EDWARD’S SOLILOQUY

EDWARD:

THEY TOOK MY HOME AWAY. THEY’VE TAKEN EV’RYTHING

AND NOW I HAVE TO FIGHT TO MAINTAIN ANYTHING

I’D BE CONTENT TO DIE BUT I HAVE TWO SONS

AND A WIFE WHO WOULD DIE IF I COULD NOT PROVIDE

PRIDE IS NOT AN OPTION NOR IS HONOR IN SUCH TIMES.

JUST TO SURVIVE TAKES ALL YOU HAVE AND YOU MUST MAKE SOME SACRIFICE

AND VIRTUE FALLS TO NEED

WHEN YOU HAVE THREE MOUTHS TO FEED.

I NEVER MET THIS MAN THAT THEY CALL ROBIN HOOD

AND I DON’T REALLY CARE IF HE IS BAD OR GOOD

TO ME HE’S WORTH THE PRICE THEY’VE SET ON HIS HEAD

AND MY PRIDE AND MY HONOR WON’T BUY ANY BREAD

EV’RYTHING THAT MADE ME WHAT I WAS HAS GONE TO ROT

WHAT IS THE MEASURE OF A MAN OR HAS IT ALL JUST GONE FOR NAUGHT?

I REMEMBER WHEN THIS LAND

WAS A PLACE WHERE HONEST MEN COULD THRIVE

BUT I’LL FIGHT TO THE DEATH TO KEEP WHAT BELONGS TO ME.

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – EDWARD’S SOLILOQUY

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – SHERWOOD CAMP THEME

Scene 11

(ROBIN is talking to one of the younger woodsmen and showing him how to aim a bow)

ROBIN:

You should always make sure that you string your arrow level. Good. Now look all the way down the shaft of the arrow as you take aim.

(WILL rushes in, shouting)

WILL:

Robin, Robin! A carriage with a noble woman and a pageboy is coming down Watling Street. They appear to have a bounty of gold sacks tied to the top of the coach.

ROBIN:

(to the young woodsman) Ah, good, you may have a chance to try it out now. Lie low!

(When the carriage approaches, ROBIN and his men jump out and siege it. MUCH stands next to the driver with his bow drawn. ROBIN opens it to find EMILY in a fine dress and jewelry, while MARIAN is disguised as a pageboy and speaking in a low pitch.)

ROBIN:

I’m afraid we must command you to halt in the name of the lord of this forest.

EMILY:

And who might that be.

ROBIN:

Well, apparently he is now being called “Robin Hood.”

(The men laugh)

MARIAN:

Where is this Robin Hood? I would like to have a word with him.

ROBIN:

Oh dear, I’m afraid he is simply too busy right now speak to a little pageboy. After all there is a beautiful lady in the carriage, whose gentle hands should not be burdened with such heavy stones.

(ROBIN kisses EMILY’s hands and removes her rings. The other woodsmen start untying the sacks on top of the carriage.)

MARIAN:

Well, it just so happens that I would like to join his band. I’m excellent with a broadsword.

ROBIN:

Broadsword? Indeed, I doubt you can even lift one.

(The men laugh again)

MARIAN:

I’m also a good hand-to-hand fighter.

ROBIN:

A scrawny little child such as yourself? I’m sure you would leave great warriors quaking in their boots.

WILL:

(Opening a bag on top of the carriage and releasing chicken feathers everywhere) Robin! There’s no gold in these sacks! Only chicken feathers!

ROBIN:

What? (ROBIN steps up to see over the top of the carriage)

(Just then, MARIAN punches ROBIN in the stomach. ROBIN doubles over clutching his stomach with one hand and grabbing onto the side of the carriage with his other hand. MARIAN kicks the hand that is holding the carriage and ROBIN falls to the ground. MARIAN jumps on top of him and they struggle on the ground, rolling over each other. ROBIN clutches MARIAN by the throat with one hand and slaps her across the face with the other hand several times. While she is stunned, he rips off her hat to reveal her long hair.)

ROBIN:

(In stunned recognition) Marian?

MARIAN:

Robin?

(They gaze into each other’s eyes for a moment and then MARIAN backhands ROBIN across the face with her fist and runs away. ROBIN clutches his face, stunned.)

ROBIN:

Ow! What was that for?

MARIAN:

How dare you strike a lady!

ROBIN:

But I thought you were just a boy!

MARIAN:

Oh, so it’s not alright to strike a lady, but it’s fine to bully a little boy?

ROBIN:

Of course not, but . . . well, you struck me first!

MARIAN:

Of course I did! You deserve it for wandering about the woods and robbing coaches! It’s hardly becoming for a man of noble birth!

ROBIN:

(Very seriously) Marian, my love. The things that I have seen in the last five years have led me to believe that no man is born noble. Nobleness can only be achieved through noble acts. Many of the noble born have sat at home and gotten fat and wealthy through the suffering of others, while the lowliest peasants have given their lives to free the Holy land. We stopped your coach, because we saw several bound leather sacks on top and assumed that you were transporting some of the Sheriff’s unjust taxes, and we sought to relieve you of them and return them to the poor people that desperately need them.

MARIAN:

Well, then Robin, I’m afraid I misjudged you. And I hope now that you see that we are not carrying the Sheriff’s taxes, that you will have a better opinion of us, as well.

ROBIN:

(in a moment of realization) That’s right, you’re not. But why were you transporting chicken feathers?

MARIAN:

(blushing, embarrassed) Oh . . . well . . . you see.

EMILY:

You see, when she heard that you were alive, she just had to rush into Sherwood to see if it were true.

MARIAN:

(completely embarrassed) Silence, Emily!

EMILY:

Sorry, my lady.

ROBIN:

My lady, Marian, I am pleased to know that you are still concerned for my well-being.

MARIAN:

(with resoluteness) Well, don’t read too much into it. A lady can change a lot in five years.

ROBIN:

As can a man, and a soldier.

MARIAN:

(Starting to cry) Indeed, but if your love was true, you would not have rushed fool-heartily into battle, when you knew you very well might die!

ROBIN:

(stumbling, looking for words) Indeed . . . I . . .

MARIAN:

Did you ever once think of me, of what was left for me, when you had gone to die for your King?

ROBIN:

My lady . . .

MARIAN:

I wept for you, Robin!

ROBIN:

(resolutely) And I dreamt of you every night! Every morning, noon, and evening, I prayed for your safety. And I implored God to let me see your face again, to feel your hair running through my hands once more. Every time I drew my sword or strung my bow, I knew what I was fighting for. I was fighting for the God that created you, and at one time showed me His love through yours, and I fought so that I could prove myself worthy of that love and that I might know that love again.

MARIAN:

(Showing mixed emotions – anger turning into passion) Oh Robin! (She rests her crying eyes on ROBIN’s chest and pounds on his shoulders with her fists, and then suddenly and passionately kisses him.)

(The woodsmen cough and casually turn their heads, ALAN whistles nonchalantly, while EMILY smiles and blushes.)

ROBIN:

Oh Marian, will you stay here in Sherwood with me?

MARIAN:

A lady, amongst all of these woodsmen?

(ALAN begins to smile and wave at EMILY who smiles and blushes and casually waves back).

ROBIN:

Of course, these are brethren of the woods and would treat you with the utmost chivalry at all times, I assure you. Right, gentlemen?

MEN (except for ALAN):

(each with a courteous bow towards MARIAN) Right, Robin.

ROBIN:

Alan!!

(ALAN stops flirting with EMILY and immediately perks up)

ALAN:

What? Oh . . . right, Robin! (ALAN bows respectfully towards EMILY.)

MARIAN:

Well, in that case, we shall gladly join your noble cause.

ROBIN:

Excellent, my heart has never been so full as in this moment! Now come, let me show you your new home.

(ROBIN, MARIAN, and EMILY walk into the forest followed by the woodsmen.)

ALAN:

Boys, I think I have found that woman to whom all my songs are devoted – my true love!

MUCH:

(annoyed and rolling his eyes) Uhhh . . . not again!

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS

Scene 12

(The woodsmen along with MARIAN and EMILY are gathered around the campfire. ROBIN is speaking and all are listening intently except for ALAN-A-DALE who is strumming a gentle romantic melody and EMILY who is watching ALAN-A-DALE intently.)

ROBIN:

I believe the time is drawing nigh. We must plan an offensive.

WILL:

An offensive? Are you serious? How can we win a direct attack, with our wood against their steel?

ROBIN:

Because we aren’t going to fight the battle on their terms. We are all woodsmen and hunters, so we should fight our battles in that manner. If you were hunting a deer, would you try to meet it head on? Of course not. The deer is much faster than you and would evade any blow that you intend to land. To kill a deer, you must lie in wait of him, and hit him with an arrow when he doesn’t see you coming.

WILL:

But we’re talking about armed soldiers, not wild animals.

ROBIN:

In warfare, there is very little difference. You are right in that we are no match in a frontal assault, but our abilities of stealth and surprise, are far superior to theirs. Physical strength is no match for clear thinking.

JOHN:

Then Robin, have you decided where we need to land this first strike?

ROBIN:

We need to deliver a lasting blow and we need to deliver it in the heart – Nottingham castle.

(There is much murmuring amongst the woodsmen).

ROBIN:

The danger will be great, but the result will be nothing short of a rallying cry for all of the oppressed people of England.

JOHN:

And when do you think we will be able to launch such an offensive?

ROBIN:

This is something that we must decide. We will place scouts around the four corners of the castle and spies within the castle if possible.

(Just then MUCH runs in the camp with EDWARD following, wearing a blindfold.)

MUCH:

Robin, Robin!

ROBIN:

Much, what is it?

MUCH:

I have met this man on Watling Street, and he claims to have valuable information regarding the Sheriff of Nottingham.

ROBIN:

Speak, good fellow, what is your name, and what brings you to this outlaw camp?

(MUCH removes the blindfold)

EDWARD:

My name is Edward, and I am a lowly servant who was until now working in the Sheriff’s house.

JOHN:

And what made you decide to leave your beloved master?

EDWARD:

Believe me, sir. I have no love for the Sheriff of Nottingham. I have hated him from the moment Richard left England and he showed his true colors.

ROBIN:

Indeed. Go on, then.

EDWARD:

So I have been working in his house, playing the mindful servant, and waiting for the right moment to betray him.

WILL:

Oh, a traitor, eh? And how can we be sure that you will not be a traitor to our cause as well?

(EDWARD thinks a moment and then draws his knife suddenly. Several of the merry men act instinctively in self-defense drawing their weapons. ROBIN raises his right hand to stop them.)

EDWARD:

I swear this blood oath. (EDWARD cuts his hand with the knife) I pledge to you my loyalty and allegiance. From now on, you are my one and only master, save God.

ROBIN:

With this oath, I bring you into our confidence and make you one of our band. It is not a comfortable life, but it is a righteous one.

EDWARD:

I seek no luxuries in this life. I have laid up my treasures in heaven.

ROBIN:

Well-spoken. Now as one who until now was a trusted servant of the Sheriff, you will be most valuable in helping us with our current plans. Thus far our tactics have been to lie in wait in the cover of the forest and waiting for our enemies to come to us. We now seek to launch an offensive on Nottingham castle. Your knowledge of the castle would be very useful in planning our strategy.

EDWARD:

An offensive on Nottingham Castle? This will be no simple task indeed. But with my knowledge of the secret passageways and the positions of the guards throughout, we should be able to plan such a surprise attack that we can be in and out before anyone can catch us.

ROBIN:

Excellent, and when would be a good time for this attack?

EDWARD:

The eve of two days hence, there will be great feast to celebrate the collection of the taxes.

TUCK:

Truly? With as many taxes as they collect, they must be eternally feasting.

MUCH:

While the peasants are eternally starving.

ALAN:

But with a great feast going on, won’t there be many nobles there, complete with armed entourage?

ROBIN:

But that’s precisely the point, Alan! We must cause the Sheriff as much shame as possible, in a way such as will be heard of throughout all of England. How better to make our point known, and to alert others to our cause?

ALAN:

I don’t know. I think I’d prefer to crash the party my usual way.

JOHN:

And how’s that?

ALAN:

I go through the back entrance with my lute and tell the guard that I’m with the band.

(Everyone groans)

JOHN:

Yeah, that’d be just fine until he asks you to sing something. And when he hears you screeching like a cat in heat, he’ll shoo you away with the flat of his blade.

ALAN:

How dare you! My voice is like a choir of angels!

JOHN:

(mumbled) Fallen angels, maybe.

ALAN:

Now listen here, you big oaf!

(JOHN stands up, offended)

ROBIN:

Hold steady, you two! We have a much more important battle to worry about right now.

EDWARD:

Indeed, it will be a most serious and perilous battle and will need to be planned very carefully.

ROBIN:

Most certainly, but now the eve draws near. We shall wake up in the morning with clear heads and discuss the matter more properly then. For now let us celebrate and make merry!

(The men cheer)

ROBIN:

Tonight we feast in our forest home. When two evenings come to pass, we shall feast with the Sheriff of Nottingham!

(All the men cheer and start to feast and make merry)

MUSICAL NUMBER – ACT I FINALE – THE TIME IS DRAWING NEAR

ROBIN:

THE TIME IS DRAWING NEAR

OUR CHANCE FOR REDEMPTION SHALL BE HERE

FOR ALL WHO WOULD WIELD THE SWORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

TO DEFEND THE WEAK, OUR LORD WILL BLESS.

ROBIN, ALAN, and MEN:

THE TIME IS DRAWING NEAR

TO FACE EVIL VILLAINS WITHOUT FEAR

WE’LL STRIKE THEM A BLOW THAT THEY WILL NOT FORGET

WE SHALL MAKE OUR STAND TOWARD THIS UNHOLY THREAT

ALAN and EMILY:

THE SEASONS COME AND SEASONS GO

BUT OUR LOVE WILL LAST THROUGH WIND AND SNOW

IT SHALL NEVER PASS AS SEASONS DO.

TIME WILL NEVER CHANGE MY LOVE FOR YOU.

(ALAN and EMILY repeat the first three lines during the next stanza)

ROBIN and MARIAN:

THE LOVE YOU’VE GIVEN ME

HAS RESCUED MY HEART AND SET IT FREE.

IT SHALL NEVER SUBSIDE THE WAY THE SEASONS DO.

ROBIN, MARIAN, ALAN, and EMILY:

TIME WILL NEVER CHANGE THE LOVE I HAVE FOR YOU.

EDWARD:

THE TIME IS COMING FAST

TO CAPTURE THIS OUTLAW NOW AT LAST,

ALTHOUGH HIS INTENTIONS MAY BE JUST AND GOOD

I MUST STILL DELIVER THIS ROBIN HOOD.

FOR EV’RYTHING A MAN BELIEVES IN IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

AND SOMETIMES DUTIES CAN CONFLICT WITH DEEDS

WHEN ONE MUST FIGHT TO SATISFY THE NEEDS

NOT OF MYSELF BUT MY FAMILY

(EDWARD makes his way out of sight and off stage)

ALL (excluding EDWARD throughout):

THE TIME IS DRAWING NEAR

OUR CHANCE FOR REDEMPTION SHALL BE HERE.

FOR ALL WHO WOULD WIELD THE SWORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

TO DEFEND THE WEAK, OUR LORD WILL BLESS.

FOR EV’RYMAN HAS ONLY BEEN BLESSED WITH ONE LIFE TO LIVE

IT MAY BE THAT WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO GIVE.

TO ENSURE OTHERS WILL BE SAFE FROM CRIME

AND DREAD OF DEATH OR FEAR

ALL (excluding ALAN, who sings the stanza below simultaneously):

THE TIME IS DRAWING NEAR

TO FACE EVIL VILLAINS WITHOUT FEAR

WE’LL STRIKE THEM A BLOW THAT THEY WILL NOT FORGET

WE SHALL MAKE OUR STAND TOWARD THIS UNHOLY THREAT

ALAN: (simultaneously with previous stanza)

THE TIME DRAWS NEAR TO FACE OUR FEAR

A FIGHT THEY WILL NOT FORGET

WE SHALL MAKE OUR STAND TOWARD THIS UNHOLY THREAT

ALL (excluding ROBIN until end):

WE WILL FIGHT UNTIL JUSTICE HAS BEEN DONE

ROBIN:

WE WILL NEVER BACK DOWN AGAINST THE WRONG

ALL:

UNTIL THE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM HAS BEEN WON

ROBIN:

WE WILL TAKE WHAT IS OURS BEFORE TOO LONG

ALL:

UNTIL OUR BANNER IS RAISED IN VICTORY

ROBIN:

SOMEDAY WE WILL JOIN IN THE VICTOR’S SONG

ALL:

WE’LL STAND TOGETHER

ALL including ROBIN:

TO MAKE OUR PEOPLE FREE

WE’LL STAND TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR PEOPLE FREE

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – ACT I FINALE – THE TIME IS DRAWING NEAR

END OF ACT I

-INTERMISSION-

MUSIC CUE - ENTRE’ACTE

ACT II

Scene 1

(In Nottingham castle, the SHERIFF and GUY are talking.)

GUY:

So have you heard back from our bounty hunter, yet?

SHERIFF:

Yes, I received this message from him early this morning.

GUY:

(taking the message and reading) “I have infiltrated the outlaw camp and will deliver Hood promptly.” A pretty vague message, it is.

SHERIFF:

Brief, but to the point. Robin Hood should no longer be any cause for alarm.

(The EXECUTIONER steps out of the shadow and behind GUY)

GUY:

Excellent, now where is the Executioner, we must inform him of our situation. Once Robin Hood is captured, John Little and his woodsmen are certain to attempt his rescue.

(The SHERIFF gestures behind GUY. GUY turns around and is visibly startled by the EXECUTIONER’s presence)

GUY:

By all that is holy! I wish he would stop doing that.

SHERIFF:

Indeed, but it just goes to prove his effectiveness at stealth.

GUY:

Aye, I just hope he finishes John Little and his woodmen before he startles me to death.

SHERIFF:

They will all be dead before they even see their executioner.

GUY:

‘Tis good that this shall soon come to end, but ‘tis a shame that it will cost us a good 1000 marks in reward money.

SHERIFF:

Good grief, Guy, did you really believe that I was willing to spend that much gold on a common outlaw?

GUY:

Well . . . uh . . . I just . . . you seemed to have such uncommon wrath towards this outlaw, that I thought anything possible.

SHERIFF:

You do not understand the agreement under which we have employed the Executioner. I am paying him daily to remain in our service. It is not important to him how many men he kills – he places no value on human life. So once Robin Hood has been taken care of, it would not be any more trouble to take care of our roughneck bounty hunter.

GUY:

I see Sheriff, very shrewd indeed.

SHERIFF:

Yes, very soon Robin Hood and his band of unwary woodsmen will be a threat to us no longer. And Prince John shall have his throne, and you and I will fare very well as his trusted servants.

GUY:

May Prince John ever reign as king!

SHERIFF:

Hail Prince John! In the meantime, we must ready everything for the coming feast.

GUY:

I will see that the necessary arrangements are made.

(GUY and the EXECUTIONER exit)

MUSICAL NUMBER – HIS REIGN HAS NOW BEGUN

SHERIFF:

FINALLY I CAN PLAINLY SEE

THE END OF IT ALL IS NEAR

NOW THAT IT SEEMS MY PLAN IS WORKING OUT

I’LL RULE NOTTINGHAM WITH FEAR

SOME MEN WERE BORN INTO NOBILITY

AND OTHERS MUST EARN IT ON THEIR OWN

SOON MY LABOR WILL BE REWARDED WHEN JOHN ASCENDS UPON HIS THRONE

AND YOU SHALL SEE

HOW I DELIVER HIS DECREE

BOW BEFORE KING JOHN

SERVE HIM EV’RYONE

BOW BEFORE KING JOHN

HIS REIGN HAS NOW BEGUN

SOON ROBIN HOOD WILL MEET HIS FATE

AND HIS DEATH WILL BE IN SHAME

NO LONGER WILL THE PEOPLE’S HERO RISE

NO MORE WILL THEY PRAISE HIS NAME

SOON I WILL HAVE MY WAY IN NOTTINGHAM

AND JUSTICE WILL FINALLY BE DONE

ALL THE LOYAL TO JOHN WILL BE REVERED IN THE HIGHEST ECHELON

AT HIS RIGHT HAND

AND I WILL ECHO HIS COMMAND

BOW BEFORE KING JOHN

SERVE HIM EV’RYONE

BOW BEFORE KING JOHN

HIS REIGN HAS NOW BEGUN

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – HIS REIGN HAS NOW BEGUN

Segue

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – HIS REIGN HAS NOW BEGUN/I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS

Scene 2

(Back in the outlaw camp in the evening, most of the outlaws are sleeping except for MAID MARIAN who is standing on a hill and looking at the stars, and ROBIN who comes to join her.)

ROBIN:

Looking for any star in particular.

MARIAN:

(turns, slightly startled, but regains her composure) Yes, as a matter of fact. Do you see that little one below the three bright ones?

ROBIN:

Yes.

MARIAN:

My father told me that star was there just for me, when I was a little girl. Seems rather silly now.

ROBIN:

Oh? And how do you know that it isn’t true?

MARIAN:

That what isn’t true?

ROBIN:

That this star wasn’t put in the sky just for you? There are countless stars in the sky – perhaps one for each person that lives and that has lived.

MARIAN:

Oh, but Robin, it is such a beautiful star, why should I think that such a star was created simply for me.

ROBIN:

It is indeed a beautiful star, but it pales in comparison to your beauty. Perhaps, it was you that was created for the star.

(They kiss)

MARIAN:

Oh Robin, how can you still speak such beautiful words in such treacherous times as these?

ROBIN:

These are treacherous times indeed Marian. When I was in Jerusalem, I thought the world had turned into total darkness and that I would never see the light of day again. But the grace of God has brought me back to you, and now there is a hope that floods my soul – a hope for tomorrow, a hope for the future – for us, and for our people.

MARIAN:

I never knew I had such an effect on you.

ROBIN:

You always have and you always will.

(MARIAN embraces ROBIN more closely)

MARIAN:

Oh, Robin, I wish that you would not go on this mission to Nottingham Castle. The Sheriff has such wrath for you; I fear that he may be ready for such an attack.

ROBIN:

But Marian, my men need me, now more than ever.

MARIAN:

I need you, Robin. If you were to be hurt . . .

ROBIN:

It would be a miracle, I know. But we know that miracles can occur. Indeed, it was a miracle that brought us together for this moment, here and now.

MUSICAL NUMBER – I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS (DUET)

ROBIN:

ALL MY DAYS APART FROM YOU

SO MANY WAYS I’VE THOUGHT OF YOU

AND NOW IT SEEMS THAT ALL MY DREAMS ARE COMING TRUE

I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS

NOT ‘TIL I SAW YOUR BEAUTY

I HOPE YOU NEVER THOUGHT THAT I

CHOSE MY DUTY OVER YOU, THAT ISN’T TRUE

I ONLY DID THE THINGS I HAD TO DO

UNTIL THE DAY I COULD RETURN TO YOU

MARIAN:

I NEVER KNEW THAT LOVE WAS

WHAT I WAS FEELING INSIDE

I REALIZE FOR CERTAIN NOW

BOTH:

THAT MY HEART WON’T BE WHOLE UNLESS

I’M HERE WITH YOU

NOW I BELIEVE AGAIN

LOVE CAN BE TRUE

NOW THAT WE’RE BACK TOGETHER

I’M SO AFRAID TO LOSE YOU

I FEAR THE THINGS THAT WE MUST DO

AND IF WE’RE DRAGGED THROUGH FIRES OF HELL BEFORE WE’RE THROUGH

I’LL STILL BE WAITING IN HEAVEN FOR YOU

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS (DUET)

segue

(The scene transitions to morning and ALAN and EMILY are walking together)

MUSICAL NUMBER – SOMEDAY WE WILL RUN

ALAN:

SOMEDAY WHEN THIS BATTLE ENDS

AND WHEN WE CAN BE MORE THAN FRIENDS

I’LL TALK WITH YOU.

EMILY:

IF THE ANGELS GUARDING O’ER WILL

GUIDE US IN THE PATH BEFORE

I’LL WALK WITH YOU.

ALAN AND EMILY:

SOMEDAY WE CAN BE TOGETHER

AND IT MAY EVEN LAST FOREVER

I CAN’T EXPLAIN WHAT I AM FEELING

BUT LOVE WILL GUIDE OUR WAY IN HEALING BROKEN HEARTS

SOMEDAY WE WILL RUN OUT IN THE ENGLISH SUN

AND DANCE THROUGH THE FIELDS SO FREELY

AND SOMEDAY WE WILL SEE WHAT WE ARE MEANT TO BE

A PEOPLE OF LIBERTY

BUT WE WILL FACE THE RAIN TO FIGHT THIS EVIL BANE

AND DRIVE BACK THE RAGING STORM

AND OUR CHILDREN SHALL LIVE IN FREEDOM FOREVERMORE.

EMILY:

SOMEDAY I WILL TAKE YOUR HAND

WHEN PEACE RETURNS UNTO OUR LAND

YOU’LL HAVE MY HEART

ALAN:

I KNOW THAT OUR LOVE IS TRUE

AND SO I’LL SAVE MY HEART FOR YOU

WHILE WE’RE APART.

ALAN AND EMILY:

WE WILL SHARE OUR LOVING SPIRIT

WITH ANY PERSON THAT WILL HEAR IT

WE’LL TEND THE FIELDS THAT WE’VE BEEN GIVEN

AND GUARD THE FLOCK THAT WE ARE DRIVEN TO DEFEND.

ALL:

SOMEDAY WE WILL RUN OUT IN THE ENGLISH SUN

AND DANCE THROUGH THE FIELDS SO FREELY

AND SOMEDAY WE WILL SEE WHAT WE ARE MEANT TO BE

A PEOPLE OF LIBERTY

BUT WE WILL FACE THE RAIN TO FIGHT THIS EVIL BANE

AND DRIVE BACK THE RAGING STORM

AND OUR CHILDREN SHALL LIVE IN FREEDOM FOREVERMORE.

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – SOMEDAY WE WILL RUN

segue

Scene 3

MUSICAL UNDERSCORING – FEAST MUSIC

(In Nottingham castle, the SHERIFF, GUY, and numerous NOBLES are feasting. There is the sudden sound of swords clashing and screams.)

END OF MUSICAL UNDERSCORING – FEAST MUSIC

SHERIFF:

(Standing) Guards! At the ready!

(GUY and several GUARDS position themselves strategically around the room. The Sherwood outlaws enter from all sides and after a battle, they overcome the guards, leaving them unconscious or captured and tied up with rope, and ROBIN stands before the SHERIFF.)

ROBIN:

So, Sheriff, you are feasting on the lifeblood of your own people, eh? Who would have thought that the peasants of England could be the founders of such a great feast?

(The SHERIFF meets ROBIN’s gaze and then gestures with his right hand to signal the EXECUTIONER. EDWARD, unseen by the SHERIFF and GUY, throws a goblet at ROBIN’s knee, which causes him to bend forward, narrowly missing the dagger thrown by the EXECUTIONER. The EXECUTIONER then pulls out a sword, beats ROBIN’s sword from his hand and starts slicing his sword at ROBIN with lightning speed. ROBIN, who is defenseless, evades the sword with every last bit of agility that he has. MUCH retrieves ROBIN’s sword from the ground)

MUCH:

Here, Robin! (MUCH throws ROBIN’s sword to him)

(ROBIN and the EXECUTIONER fence, while the other outlaws all try to engage the EXECUTIONER from other sides. The EXECUTIONER evades each attack and ripostes with great speed. Eventually, the EXECUTIONER steps on the goblet that was previously thrown at ROBIN and loses his footing, giving ROBIN just enough time to beat his blade, disarming him. ROBIN puts his sword at the EXECUTIONER’s throat while MUCH draws an arrow with his bow and points it at the EXECUTIONER. The three are at a standstill in a triangle formation.)

ROBIN:

Yield!

EXECUTIONER:

(In a low solemn tone) I yield to no mortal man.

ROBIN:

You are defeated! Yield or I shall test your mortality!

EXECUTIONER:

I am no mere mortal, but the son of the devil.

ROBIN:

I believe that may be true, but I am ready to send you to eternal hellfire if you do not yield!

(There is a moment of silence, and then all at once the EXECUTIONER, with blinding speed, snatches the arrow from MUCH’s bow, bends over backwards and kicks the sword from ROBIN’s hand. MUCH and ROBIN are both stunned momentarily as the EXECUTIONER, armed only with MUCH’s arrow, lunges towards ROBIN intending to stab him. LITTLE JOHN reacts and rushes in to beat him across the head with his quarterstaff. The EXECUTIONER goes to the ground in a daze, grabbing his head with both hands, he retreats, a bit unsteadily from dizziness, but still quickly.)

JOHN:

That’s right, run back to the netherworld, you foul demon!

ROBIN:

Well, Sheriff, I’m afraid we can’t stay around for the feast, but be sure to send us an invitation next time!

SHERIFF:

Burn in hell, Locksley!

ROBIN:

No, I’m afraid we’ll leave that to you and your . . . friends (motioning towards the door where the EXECUTIONER just exited)

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – FEAST MUSIC/SHERWOOD CAMP THEME

Scene 4

(Afterwards in the Sherwood outlaw camp)

MUCH:

That was absolutely incredible. I had my bow drawn with an arrow that had that devil’s name on it, and Robin had a sword at his throat. He should have been absolutely at our mercy. I would have never thought it possible that he could have snatched the arrow from my bow and disarmed your sword before we could even react. Do you think he really is the son of the devil?

ROBIN:

I don’t know, but he seems to be very well trained in a variety of fighting techniques. He knows English fencing techniques as well as some other martial arts that I have never seen before.

EDWARD:

Robin is right, he has learned from masters in Europe as well as in the Orient. He is an expert on killing, not only in theory but in practice.

ROBIN:

Indeed. (In a moment of realization) Say, when he first attacked me, why was your first reaction to throw a goblet at me? It seemed a rather unusual tactical decision on your part.

EDWARD:

(hiding the truth) Oh . . . yes, Robin, you are right. I suppose it simply caught me by such surprise that I reacted rather strangely.

ROBIN:

(calculating his response) Strangely, indeed.

JOHN:

Robin, I don’t mean to change the subject, but while we may have made an impression on the Sheriff, I’m afraid it’s only a matter of time before Prince John’s army mounts a siege on Sherwood Forest.

ROBIN:

You are right, John. We had our fun crashing the Sheriff’s party, but if we are to survive, we must send a messenger to King Richard. (Turning to MARIAN, and speaking in a softer tone.) Marian, my love, this is where we will need your help.

MARIAN:

Yes, Robin?

ROBIN:

We will need you to return to Nottingham and send your most able and trustworthy servant on a perilous mission.

MARIAN:

To find King Richard on the battlefield?

ROBIN:

Yes, Marian.

MARIAN:

A most dangerous mission indeed.

ROBIN:

Yes, but do you have a servant that is capable and loyal enough to do it?

MARIAN:

Yes, I can send the squire, William. He is most trustworthy, indeed, and he is a skilled swordsman. I will send him to the battlefield in disguise with your message.

ROBIN:

Thank you, Marian. You and your lady-in-waiting must go at once. May God go with you.

MARIAN:

And may He guide and protect you always.

(ROBIN and MARIAN kiss, ALAN and EMILY embrace, and then MARIAN and EMILY exit).

ROBIN:

And now, my good fellows, if you would all take your leave, I have matters that I wish to discuss with Edward.

(The men leave ROBIN and EDWARD alone.)

EDWARD:

Yes, Robin?

ROBIN:

You seem to know something about this cloaked nemesis of ours. Why did you not mention him before?

EDWARD:

I’m afraid I may have been a little too well trained as a servant in the Sheriff’s house. I’ve gotten into the habit of not proffering information, unless it is bidden of me.

ROBIN:

Certainly a habit which must be broken. (solemenly) This omission could have been deleterious to our plans. In fact, it could have been fatal. Some might have seen this omission as a deception on your part.

(EDWARD searches for something to say, can’t find the words, and abruptly pulls out a knife that he holds to ROBIN’s throat. ROBIN puts his hand on the handle of his dagger, but does not draw.)

EDWARD:

Throw it aside!

(ROBIN throws his dagger aside)

ROBIN:

So it’s true, you are a well-trained servant of the Sheriff indeed. My men warned me that they did not trust you, but I believed that you were not the kind of man to take a false oath. I thought you had honor.

EDWARD:

(Half angry and afraid) Honor? What is honor in this world? The despicable Sheriff of Nottingham and his beloved Prince John are two of the lowliest creatures on this earth, and yet they are honored above all others in this land.

ROBIN:

And yet you serve the Sheriff, and seek his pleasure?

EDWARD:

I do not seek to please the Sheriff, nor do I seek to please you with an honorable oath of allegiance. My service is to my family – a wife and two hungry boys. I was a successful woodsman with a comfortable living, until the Sheriff and his unjust taxes broke apart our way of life. Now I hardly have enough money for bread, let alone proper clothing and shelter.

ROBIN:

And do you think that by turning me in that your situation will change?

EDWARD:

For a while, perhaps.

ROBIN:

And then what? You know that I have done nothing wrong, but have only tried to bring to justice those who have wrongfully attained power. Would you deliver me and a hundred other souls to the hands of the Sheriff to try to get back a scrap of what was yours, or will you join me in fighting against Prince John and the Sheriff and bring them to their justice?

EDWARD:

As you said yourself, it is hopeless without an army, and unlike your naïve woodsmen, I do not believe that you will be able to successfully send a messenger to the King. Surely Prince John is keeping a close eye on anyone that is suspected of sympathizing with the King.

ROBIN:

Indeed, it is a dangerous mission, as I said. But I have one question to ask of you. Why is it that you did not allow me to be killed by the cloaked one before?

EDWARD:

It was wrong for you to be executed without a trial.

ROBIN:

Indeed? A bout with your conscience, then? And do you think that I will get a fair trial now?

EDWARD:

It matters not to me. I will deliver you to the magistrate and he will decide your sentence. It will be out of my hands, then, and my reward will go to feeding my family.

ROBIN:

A noble thing indeed . . . but I’m afraid that my arrest would be too detrimental to our mission at the present time.

(ROBIN whistles and several woodsmen appear out of hiding places with bows drawn with arrows)

ROBIN:

I’m sorry, Edward, but I’m afraid that my captivity would not suit our cause. Furthermore, it would appear that I will have to keep you as our prisoner for now.

(EDWARD throws the dagger to the ground in disgust.)

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – HIS REIGN HAS NOW BEGUN

Scene 5

(In a chamber in Nottingham castle, SHERIFF and GUY are again talking)

SHERIFF:

Damn, damn, damn! I’m going to skewer that bloody outlaw! He will suffer a long and painful demise!

GUY:

Sheriff, your wrath is understandable, but I must ask what we are to do now that the Executioner is no longer with us.

SHERIFF:

What do you mean?

GUY:

After the feast, he seems to have vanished. Has he not abandoned his duty?

SHERIFF:

Hardly. A warrior such as him will be shamed that he has been defeated in battle. If I’m not mistaken, his vengeance will have grown past duty or the need for monetary compensation, for that matter. Now it is a personal vendetta. When he strikes again it will be suddenly and fatally.

GUY:

Assuming he isn’t dead, that is.

SHERIFF:

Oh no, you can’t kill a demon that easily.

GUY:

Hmmm, so where has he gone, then?

SHERIFF:

No doubt he is lying in wait of his prey. He will hide until the moment is right to strike and this time he will not miss.

(The ABBOT enters)

ABBOT:

Sheriff, I have urgent news for you from the royal guard.

SHERIFF:

What is it, Abbot?

ABBOT:

It seems that a noble woman has been arrested for attempting to send a messenger to King Richard.

SHERIFF:

What noble woman?

ABBOT:

‘Twas the Lady Marian, sire.

SHERIFF:

(delighted) Lady Marian?! The one who is suspected of consorting with the outlaw Robin Hood?! What good news for us. What has become of the messenger?

ABBOT:

The messenger has escaped.

SHERIFF:

Escaped?!

(The SHERIFF slams his fist on the table and the ABBOT flinches)

ABBOT:

Yes sire, he was chased by soldiers on horseback, but he proved to be too swift to catch.

SHERIFF:

Hmmm, well, it matters not. He surely has no chance of reaching Richard. It is fortunate that we have caught the Lady Marian in the very act of treason.

GUY:

This is just the evidence that we needed to put her in prison.

SHERIFF:

No, Guy, I think not. I think that this is the perfect opportunity to draw Robin Hood into an ambush.

GUY:

Indeed? Go on.

SHERIFF:

I will show the Lady Marian amnesty for her crimes and take her as my wife.

ABBOT:

Sire?

SHERIFF:

That’s right. Marrying a woman of high birth will elevate my status, and will also infuriate that damned outlaw enough to do something sufficiently foolish to get himself hanged.

ABBOT:

But, Sire, such a thing would be . . .

SHERIFF:

(slamming down his fist) Would be what?! Don’t presume to preach to me, Abbot. You sold your soul to me long ago.

GUY:

‘Tis a good plan. It just might work. Now that we have Robin Hood where we want him, we should use the advantage to work out a battle strategy. If we can anticipate his different possible modes of attack, we can be prepared to counterattack and apprehend Robin Hood.

SHERIFF:

Oh, strategize if you must, but don’t waste too much time on it. If my guess is right, Robin Hood will fly in, in such a frenzy that we can simply wait like a cat ready to pounce on a bird. No, let’s simply pull in as many guards as we can. Our safety shall be in numbers.

GUY:

As you wish, Sheriff. All of my soldiers are at your disposal.

SHERIFF:

Thank you, Sir Guy.

(The SHERIFF exits)

MUSICAL NUMBER – GUY’S SOLILOQUY

GUY:

I WOULD PROCEED WITH CAUTION

BUT IT’S NOT MY DECISION

THE SHERIFF’S MAD DERISION

HE DOES THINGS I WOULD NOT DARE

I DON’T CARE MUCH FOR POWER

BUT I DON’T WANT TO LOSE IT

TIMES WHEN I WANT TO USE IT

I LIKE KNOWING THAT THE OPTION’S THERE

FOR MY TRUE NATURE IS NOT POLITICAL

I’M KNOWN FOR MY FLEXIBILITY

LAWS AND RULES ARE NOT OF MY CONCERN

I’VE NO AMBITION BUT PROTECTION OF MY OWN NOBILITY.

THIS PLAN WOULD SEEM IMPRUDENT

AND JUST A BIT SHORT-SIGHTED

ALTHOUGH I’D BE DELIGHTED

IF WE CAPTURED ROBIN HOOD

BUT I WOULD FEEL MUCH SAFER

IF WE WOULD PLAN FOR BATTLE

THEN HEAR THE OUTLAWS RATTLE

PRISON DOORS THAT LOCK THEM UP FOR GOOD

THE SHERIFF WANTS ROBIN HOOD FOR HIS REVENGE

YOU CAN’T JUST DECAPITATE THE HEAD

LAW AND ORDER CANNOT BE RESTORED

UNLESS WE FIGHT THESE WOODSMEN AND MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THEM ARE DEAD

BUT SOMETIMES I WONDER IF IT’S REALLY WORTH THE TROUBLE

MAYBE WE SHOULD GIVE THESE MEN THEIR DUES

MAYBE WE SHOULD CONSIDER LOWERING TAXES.

(picks up a pouch of gold from his table and examines it)

(spoken): . . . or maybe not.

STILL I THINK I’LL BE MORE COMFORT’BLE WHEN ROBIN’S HEAD IS IN A NOOSE!

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – GUY’S SOLILOQUY

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – GUY’S SOLILOQUY/SHERWOOD CAMP THEME

Scene 6

(In the Sherwood Forest camp, ROBIN, LITTLE JOHN, and FRIAR TUCK are having a private conversation.)

ROBIN:

How do things fare with our watchmen on Watling Street?

JOHN:

Well enough. However, Robin, I fear that with all the street robbing of ill gotten gain from the passing nobility, that the Sheriff will be planning a counterattack. And from what I know of the Sheriff, it will be a massive show of force and savagery.

ROBIN:

Indeed. We have enjoyed a merry way of life, but I also fear that it may not last much longer.

JOHN:

Furthermore, though I hate to admit it, I fear this cloaked enemy who seems to be under the Sheriff’s charge. The bounty hunter, Edward, was a crafty man indeed, but he seems as nothing compared to this cloaked assassin.

ROBIN:

Indeed, I have not seen his equal in all of my battles.

JOHN:

Oh . . . well, I’m disappointed to hear you say that.

ROBIN:

Oh? And why’s that?

JOHN:

Well, in a way, I was hoping that you’d say that you had some plan for defeating him. You know many people regard you as highly as we do this cloaked one. (smiling) I guess I knew better though – just a scrawny little bastard that gets lucky now and then when he can get in a cheap shot!

ROBIN:

(also smiling) Now what did I tell you about calling me “little”?!

JOHN:

Aye, you won the right to call me “Little John,” but I’m still waiting for my rematch!

ROBIN:

All in good time, my friend. Right now, we must turn our attention to more pressing matters. Friar Tuck, how are the coffers?

FRIAR:

We have enough for a while. We have enough to feed the men and some to spread around to the peasant villages, as well. Unfortunately, Robin, I’m afraid it will never be enough. There is so much need, and only so many coaches to rob.

ROBIN:

Indeed, Nottingham’s need is great. If we had enough to feed every family in the shire, then good people like Edward would not be forced to go to drastic measures.

JOHN:

“Good people like Edward?” Are you serious, Robin?

ROBIN:

Yes, John. I know he has acted despicably, but he also saved my life. There is more to him than meets the eye.

TUCK:

By the way, Robin, what has become of our prisoner?

ROBIN:

Currently, Will is putting him to good work making arrows. No use in putting two good hands to waste.

TUCK:

Indeed, the Lord blesses a hard-working man.

(MUCH enters running. The other OUTLAWS are alerted and run in to hear what he has to say.)

MUCH:

Robin! Robin! I have urgent news!

ROBIN:

What is it, Much?

MUCH:

It’s Marian!

ROBIN:

What has happened?

MUCH:

She was caught sending her messenger to King Richard. Apparently, her plans were overheard by one of Prince John’s spies.

TUCK:

And what of the messenger?

MUCH:

He barely escaped with his life, but he was not captured.

JOHN:

Then all hope is not lost. We shall mount a rescue mission, then. Where is she being held?

MUCH:

I do not know. Her location is being kept secret, but I have further bad news.

ROBIN:

Graver news yet?

MUCH:

I’m afraid so, Master Robin. The Sheriff has granted Marian amnesty, on the condition that they marry two Sundays hence.

JOHN:

A mere fortnight? We must work on a rescue plan with much haste.

(WILL runs in clutching a bloody bicep.)

WILL:

Robin! Robin!

ROBIN:

What happened, Will!

WILL:

Edward has escaped!

JOHN:

Escaped, Will! You were supposed to be watching him!

WILL:

I was!

JOHN:

And how did he bloody escape, then?!

WILL:

He was helping make arrows when I heard the sudden noise of a deer in the distance. Instinctively, I looked in the direction of the noise, and no sooner had I done that, and he stabs me with full force in the shoulder with one of his bloody arrows.

JOHN:

(supremely frustrated) And just like that, everything goes to hell!

TUCK:

(Looking upward) Good Lord, what other woes can befall us today?

ROBIN:

(Examining WILL’s shoulder) The wound doesn’t look very deep. You are fortunate. Go have Friar Tuck help you bandage it up.

WILL:

Yes, Robin.

(WILL leaves with FRIAR TUCK)

ROBIN:

Alright, men, it’s time to decide how we are going to go about this rescue.

JOHN:

Robin, I’m afraid that I must advise you to stay home on this one. Let us handle it this time.

ROBIN:

Are you mad?! How shall I stay at home while my true love’s life is at stake?!

MUCH:

Little John is right, Master Robin. The Sheriff’s got it in for you.

ROBIN:

Well, my wrath for the Sheriff is equally strong, I assure you!

JOHN:

Yes, but the Sheriff just happens to have a cloaked assassin and a skilled bounty hunter after you, and they are surely hoping to draw you out in the open with this wedding, just so they can get a clear shot at you.

ROBIN:

(With utmost anger edging his voice) I don’t care! I have had enough of Prince John and his puppet Sheriff, and their reign of terror! This ends here and now! Assassins, bounty hunters, be damned! If they want a battle, we’ll give them one hell of a battle! Are you with me, men?!

ALL: (Except JOHN and MUCH who appear concerned)

Yea!

ROBIN:

There will be no more unfair taxes, no more starvation, no more fear of injustice!

ALL:

Yea!

ROBIN:

In two weeks, we shall show Prince John and the Sheriff that Nottingham belongs to the people!

ALL:

Yea!

MUSICAL NUMBER – THIS IS A CALL

ROBIN:

THIS IS A CALL FOR ALL THE FREE

TO COME WITH ME AND JOIN THE FIGHT

THIS A CALL TO EVERY MAN

TO TAKE A STAND FOR WHAT IS RIGHT

THIS IS A CALL FOR THE STRONG AND THE WEAK

EV’RYONE THAT SUFFERS IN THIS LAND.

THIS IS A CALL FOR THE PROUD AND THE MEEK.

NOW’S THE TIME FOR US TO TAKE A STAND.

ROBIN AND MEN:

THIS IS A CALL FOR RIGHTEOUS MEN

TO MEET AGAIN IN BATTLE THRONG.

THIS IS A CALL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

TO JOIN THE FOLD, TO RIGHT THE WRONG.

THIS IS A CALL FOR THE STRONG AND THE WEAK

EV’RYONE THAT SUFFERS IN THIS LAND.

THIS IS A CALL FOR THE PROUD AND THE MEEK.

NOW’S THE TIME FOR US TO TAKE A STAND.

MEN:

WE WILL FIGHT UNTIL JUSTICE HAS BEEN DONE

ROBIN:

WE WILL NEVER BACK DOWN AGAINST THE WRONG

MEN:

UNTIL THE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM HAS BEEN WON

ROBIN:

WE WILL TAKE WHAT IS OURS BEFORE TOO LONG

MEN:

UNTIL OUR BANNER IS RAISED IN VICTORY

ROBIN:

SOMEDAY WE WILL JOIN IN THE VICTOR’S SONG

MEN:

WE’LL STAND TOGETHER

ROBIN AND MEN:

TO MAKE OUR PEOPLE FREE

WE’LL STAND TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR PEOPLE FREE

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – THIS IS A CALL

segue

Scene 7

MUSIC CUE – WEDDING PRELUDE

(There is a great crowd in Nottingham’s square waiting for the wedding to begin. The Abbot is up front waiting, while three MONKS are sitting at a table to one side selling indulgences. EDWARD enters the scene dressed as a soldier with a helmet covering his face. He momentarily takes off his helmet to observe the MONK at the indulgence table, revealing his face to the audience. Before the MONK finishes speaking EDWARD hides his face behind the helmet again.)

MONK:

Ladies and gentlemen! Purchase your indulgences, here! We all sin, and sin comes with a price! Small infractions may be purchased for a penny! Larger transgressions may cost as much as a shilling! Purchase your indulgences now, so that your sins may be forgiven!

(ROBIN and his men enter the scene in disguise, except for FRIAR TUCK who is wearing his friar’s robe.)

TUCK:

Indulgences? Indeed? Who do they think they are, selling forgiveness? And just to support Prince John’s unholy cause, and to use what’s left to fill their fat bellies.

ROBIN:

I know it’s utter blasphemy, my friend, but remember we must save Marian first. Hold your anger until there is an opportunity to strike.

TUCK:

(mumbling) Hold my anger? Wait until they feel the wrath of God.

(ABBOT, SHERIFF, and GUY approach the front of the crowd).

ROBIN:

Shhh, it’s about to begin.

ABBOT:

Children of the Lord, we gather here today to celebrate the union of two blessed souls in the bonds of holy matrimony. Please rise as the bride approaches the altar.

(All stand, while MARIAN enters)

MUSIC CUE – WEDDING PROCESSION

JOHN:

Robin, it’s now or never. We must strike and steal away with Marian.

ROBIN:

You’re right, John. We’ll need some sort of diversion.

TUCK:

Leave that to me!

(TUCK approaches the table at which the three MONKS are collecting money for indulgences)

TUCK:

Good morrow, brothers! Collecting money for the church by selling God’s forgiveness, are you?

(The procession continues, but several members of the audience begin to stare and mumble quietly to one another.)

MONK:

Pardon me, friar, but don’t you realize that a wedding is taking place?

TUCK:

Or don’t you realize, brother, that you can’t place a price on God’s forgiveness?! Especially if it is just to line the pockets of an Abbot and monks that are getting fat, while the poor people of Nottingham are starving!

MONK:

How dare you accuse us of . . . (suddenly recognizing TUCK, and responding disgustedly) Oh, it’s you!

SHERIFF:

What goes on here?

MONK:

Oh, just a ghost from the past that we thought we had disposed of . . .

TUCK:

Ghost from the past, indeed! More like a skeleton in your closet, of which you and your fellow vipers have many!

MONK:

(sternly) You have no place to speak to us like this! The outlaws’ priest!

TUCK:

(kicks over the table, sending the money flying everywhere, and causing gasps from the audience) And you have no place, turning the Abbey into a den of thieves!

MONK:

I warn you, Tuck, to control your temper!

TUCK:

And I warn you in the name of God to repent of your sins! Repent or feel the wrath of the Lord Almighty!

(TUCK picks up a broken table leg and starts beating the MONKS with it.)

SHERIFF:

Guards, seize him!

(The GUARDS rush through the crowd, which is now in pandemonium, all trying to flee the scene.)

ROBIN:

Now’s the time!

(ROBIN and his men throw off their cloaks. Two of the WOODSMEN grab a streaming banner and drag it around SHERIFF, GUY, and the ABBOT, causing them to stumble to the ground.)

SHERIFF:

Oh, bloody hell! Guards, attack! (to MARIAN) But you, my dear, are coming with me.

(MARIAN pushes the altar over on the Sheriff.)

MARIAN:

I wouldn’t count on it, you thieving tyrant!

(MARIAN flees and the SHERIFF does not pursue her, fighting through the woodsmen instead to get to ROBIN. ROBIN, JOHN, and MUCH fight their way up towards MARIAN. After a while the WOODSMEN chase the GUARDS out of the square, leaving ROBIN and the SHERIFF to duel.)

ROBIN:

I’m sorry, Sheriff, but I’m afraid I can’t allow this wedding to take place.

SHERIFF:

This is the second time that you’ve shown up on me uninvited. Rest assured it will be the last.

(ROBIN and the SHERIFF fence for a while. Eventually ROBIN thrusts his sword so that the tip penetrates the SHERIFF’s chest. The SHERIFF falls to his knees clutching ROBIN’s blade.)

SHERIFF:

(struggling to speak) So, this is it then. (The SHERIFF see’s the EXECUTIONER who suddenly appears out of nowhere just behind ROBIN, and creeps up behind him with a large battle axe.) But at least I will see you die before I go!

(The EXECUTIONER swiftly brings his battle-axe around).

MARIAN:

(Screaming) Look out, Robin!

(EDWARD abruptly appears from out of a hiding place and fires an arrow that hits the EXECUTIONER directly in the heart. ROBIN turns around to see the EXECUTIONER fall to the ground dead. The SHERIFF’s face drops to the ground in death, as well.)

MARIAN:

Oh, Robin. Oh, Robin. (In tears, MARIAN rushes to embrace ROBIN)

ROBIN:

Marian, my love, I have never seen a more beautiful bride. And I know this may be an unseemly time to ask, but will you marry me?

MARIAN:

(smiling and tearing) Of course, Robin, my love. (they embrace and kiss)

ROBIN:

(looking towards EDWARD) You, sir. I owe you my life.

EDWARD:

Think nothing of it, Master Robin. (EDWARD removes his helmet) I’m simply fulfilling my vow of allegiance to you.

ROBIN:

Consider it fulfilled.

EDWARD:

Now we must hurry back to Sherwood before more soldiers arrive.

ROBIN:

We will, but I have another task for you, good sir.

EDWARD:

You need but name it.

ROBIN:

Go home, Edward. End this personal crusade of yours. Go home and be with your family. The men of Sherwood will provide for your needs as long as we are able.

EDWARD:

But I fear a time will soon come in which you will need me to fight by your side again.

ROBIN:

You are probably quite right, and when the time comes I will call upon you. But for now, go – be the father you were called to be long before you pledged allegiance to me.

EDWARD:

I thank you, Robin. You are a good and just master.

ROBIN:

And you are a good and honorable man. Now let us flee while we still may.

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – TRIUMPHANT MUSIC

Scene 8

(The music broadens into a slower more melancholy tune. The men are gathered in the Sherwood camp with MARIAN and EMILY.)

ROBIN:

Men we have won a great victory today in the name of our King!

JOHN:

Indeed, we should be proud of what we have accomplished today.

ROBIN:

(with little emotion) The Sheriff of Nottingham, Prince John’s right hand man, is dead, and will torment us no more.

MUCH:

Why is everyone so glum? . . . we should be celebrating.

TUCK:

I’m afraid, my child, that it is not nearly so simple. I wish that it were.

ROBIN:

Friar Tuck is right. We have defeated the Sheriff of Nottingham. All this does is buy us time. Prince John will soon send another Sheriff to take his place.

JOHN:

How long do you think we have?

ROBIN:

It is hard to say. If we are fortunate, we may have a few months to lie low and prepare for the next battle. When Prince John’s next Sheriff arrives, we must expect him to arrive in full force. I fear that even in our greenwood home we will not be safe, but at least we will be fighting on home soil. We will have that advantage.

ALAN:

And yet you don’t sound very confident.

ROBIN:

Oh, we will no doubt give them a thrashing that Prince John will not soon forget, but we are six score woodsmen, and when the new Sheriff arrives, I’m afraid we may be up against a thousand armored soldiers.

WILL:

I think I speak for all of the men when I say that we would gladly die for our people and for our King.

(Many MEN acknowledge their agreement).

FRIAR:

Meanwhile, we should pray that our King returns in time to thwart this attack.

ROBIN:

Indeed. For now let us rest from our battle. Shall we feast and make merry?

MUCH:

Begging your pardon, Robin, but I’m not sure that even I have the stomach for a feast right now.

ROBIN:

Really. (with a slight grin) Then our morale must truly be suffering.

(MUCH returns a half-hearted grin)

ROBIN:

Troubadour, we need you now more than ever. Please, sing us a song that will make us forget our misery.

ALAN:

(somberly) Of course, Robin, I know just the song.

MUSICAL NUMBER – IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY

(contrary to the tone of the lyrics, this song is sung in a melancholy manner)

ALAN:

IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY

WHEN LADS AND LASSES PLAY

THE LUTE STRINGS ARE RINGING

WHILE CHILDREN ARE SINGING

IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY

ALL:

IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY

WHEN LADS AND LASSES PLAY

THE LUTE STRINGS ARE RINGING

WHILE CHILDREN ARE SINGING

IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY

MERRY MONTH OF MAY

IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY MERRY MONTH OF MAY

MERRY MONTH OF MAY

OUR TROUBLES ALL FLY AWAY MERRY MONTH OF MAY

TROUBLES FLY AWAY

THE MUSIC OF LAUGHTER MERRY MONTH OF MAY

SHALL RING EVER AFTER TROUBLES FLY AWAY

IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY MERRY MONTH OF MAY

MERRY MONTH OF MAY

IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY MERRY MONTH OF MAY

MERRY MONTH OF MAY

IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY MERRY MONTH OF MAY

MERRY MONTH OF MAY

MERRY MONTH OF MAY MERRY MONTH OF MAY

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY

segue

MUSICAL NUMBER – OUR LAST STAND

ALAN:

SEV’RAL LONG MONTHS WE SPENT WAITING IN HIDING.

IT FELT LIKE A LIFETIME WAS PASSING US BY.

BUT STILL WITH EXPECTANT HOPE WE WERE ABIDING

AND WAITING AND PRAYING TO OUR LORD ON HIGH.

SUCH COLD DARK NIGHTS WE SLEPT UNDER THE MOON

IN HOPE THAT THE KING WOULD COME SOON.

WITH EV’RY LONG DAY OUR DESPAIR WOULD KEEP GROWING

AND WE WOULD SING THIS DOLEFUL TUNE.

BUT TIME WAS RUNNING OUT

AND PRINCE JOHN’S FORCES WERE PREPARING

TO MARCH FORTH AND TO FULFILL

THE EVIL OATHS THAT HE WAS SWEARING.

THE MEN OF SHERWOOD ARE ALSO AT HAND

TO FIGHT TO THE VERY LAST MAN.

THOUGH NO ONE MAY EVER REMEMBER THIS BATTLE,

WE KNOW IT SHALL BE OUR LAST STAND.

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – OUR LAST STAND

Scene 9

(There is a loud blast from a battle horn. The WOODSMEN in the Sherwood camp are running around frantically).

WILL:

Robin, Robin!

ROBIN:

What is it, Will?

WILL:

There is a large force of soldiers coming this way!

ROBIN:

How close are they?

WILL:

A few hundred yards in every direction!

ROBIN:

You mean we’re surrounded?

WILL:

I’m sorry, Robin, they caught us by surprise!

ROBIN:

(regaining composure) Alright, Will, it is time to fetch your longbow and sword. It may be time to die for our King.

WILL:

Right, Robin . . . and Robin . . . thanks for everything you’ve done. You are an honorable man and a good leader.

ROBIN:

Thank you, Will. I’ll see you soon at the Lord’s throne.

(They grasp hands firmly and then run to grab their weapons. There is another blast on the horn and several men dressed in black armor appear around the perimeter of the forest camp armed with crossbows. There is a gasp from all of the WOODSMEN)

SOLDIER:

You are completely surrounded! Everyone put your hands on your heads!

JOHN:

Robin, it must be Prince John’s royal guard. What do we do?

ROBIN:

Everyone do as he says!

(Several SOLDIERS enter the scene with JOHN, MARIAN, EMILY, ALAN, and MUCH in custody. WILL and ROBIN drop their weapons and SOLDIERS apprehend WILL and ROBIN)

JOHN:

I’m sorry, Robin. They snuck up on us and attacked before we had the chance to respond.

ROBIN:

It’s alright John, we make our final stand here.

SOLDIER:

You! Are you the one they call Robin Hood?

ROBIN:

That is me, sir! (The SOLDIER makes a hand motion and the other SOLDIERS release ROBIN) And as the commanding officer of this battalion, I claim full responsibility for their actions.

SOLDIER:

(laughing) Battalion, indeed! This appears to be nothing more than a motley collection of simple woodsmen, millers, and peasant farmers!

ROBIN:

Indeed they are! And it was I who influenced and manipulated them into performing acts of treason! I beg you to take me and spare their lives!

MUCH:

Master Robin!

(ROBIN raises a hand to silence MUCH)

SOLDIER:

A noble sacrifice, indeed. But rather than make you a martyr, I would prefer to keep you in prison, where you can slowly rot away until no one remembers the name “Robin Hood.”

ROBIN:

If you will spare these innocent people, then I will gladly give you my life to do with as you please.

SOLDIER:

I will accept your life, then, in exchange for the lives of these peasants. And I am willing to offer you a deal, Robin Hood. Join us in the service of Prince John and you may retain your freedom and be well rewarded beside. And I will allow you to lead this disheveled battalion in the King John’s army.

ROBIN:

Never! I would rather die!

JOHN:

We would all rather die than serve that tyrant!

SOLDIER:

(to his soldier) Silence the large one! (to ROBIN) Ah, so you are too proud of your miniature rebellion to admit defeat and show allegiance to your true king?

ROBIN:

King Richard is our true king! Prince John is but a cowardly tyrant who used his Sheriff to do all of his dirty work.

SOLDIER:

(angrily) Very well, then! If you would continue to serve your King, would you give your life to defend his honor?

ROBIN:

Without hesitation!

SOLDIER:

(To one of the other SOLDIERS) Sword!

(One of the other SOLDIERS throws a sword that lands at ROBIN’s feet.)

SOLDIER:

I challenge you to a duel. If you defeat me, then my soldiers will withdraw and you will be allowed to freely serve your King Richard. En garde!

MUSIC CUE – ROBIN FIGHTS THE DARK STRANGER

(A great fencing duel begins. The following conversation occurs as they duel)

SOLDIER:

Why do you vow allegiance to an imbecilic King that leads a fool’s errand to the Holy land?

ROBIN:

My allegiance is to King Richard, whose allegiance is to the Lord!

SOLDIER:

But how do you know that the Lord smiles upon King Richard. How do you know that he hasn’t merely sent King Richard to die, so that by divine providence Prince John would be your true King?

ROBIN:

King Richard lives, and as long as he lives, I serve him!

SOLDIER:

You are wrong! I have just returned from Jerusalem with my battalion of elite soldiers, and I killed King Richard with my own sword. How very poetic that I should kill his most humble servant with the same sword!

ROBIN:

No!

(ROBIN fights more viciously than before. He attacks several times while the SOLDIER slowly retreats and struggles to parry each attack. When the SOLDIER is sufficiently off-balance, ROBIN kicks him in the middle of the chest, sending him tumbling backwards and losing his sword. ROBIN steps on his chest and puts his sword at the SOLDIER’s throat. At this instance, two of the BLACK SOLDIERS close in behind ROBIN and slam him to the ground on his back and hold him there.)

SOLDIER:

(quickly standing up) Release him! You have indeed proven yourself to be a worthy servant of the King.

(The SOLDIER removes his helmet revealing himself to be KING RICHARD. There is a gasp and all of the WOODSMEN, ROBIN, and MARIAN bow on their knees.)

ROBIN:

King Richard! I am your humble servant!

RICHARD:

Rise, my loyal subjects! Robin, I heard of your deeds even in Jerusalem. If it weren’t for you, I might not have a throne or a country to return to. But you must understand that when I received the call for help from Lady Marian’s messenger, I had to be sure that your actions were noble and not merely for personal gain. The answer to this question is now clear to me. And it is also clear what must now be done. Bow, Robin of Locksley, (He touches ROBIN’s shoulders with his sword) and rise Sir Robin of Locksley, with all of the rights and privileges thereunto appertaining, and with all of your family’s land and possessions returned to you.

(Everyone cheers)

ROBIN:

(Rising) Thank you, my liege!

(MARIAN approaches RICHARD)

RICHARD:

Ah, ‘tis the Lady Marian. You are certainly a sight for sore eyes. I have not seen such beauty since I left England.

MARIAN:

You flatter me, my lord. You certainly do know how to make an entrance.

RICHARD:

Pardon me for the theatrics, my Lady. But in times like these when I cannot trust my very own brother, I had to be sure for myself. You have done a great service for your country and your King, but I fear that the battle may continue a while longer. I may have need of your services once again.

MARIAN:

We shall serve you to the end, my lord.

ROBIN:

She speaks for all of us, my lord. Our continual devotion is to your just rule.

RICHARD:

I am deeply indebted to you, Sir Robin. Is there anything else that your heart desires?

ROBIN:

There is, my liege. I ask only that you bless my marriage to the Lady Marian. I have never known and will never know love without her.

(MARIAN comes over and puts her arms around ROBIN)

RICHARD:

And does this Lady return these feelings of love?

MARIAN:

I do, my King.

RICHARD:

Then you have my highest blessings, Robin and Marian.

(ROBIN and MARIAN kiss)

TUCK:

(Pulling them apart) All right, you two, I’d better tie this knot quickly before you go breaking the seventh commandment.

(All laugh)

MUSICAL NUMBER – ACT II FINALE – A SONG OF ROBIN HOOD

ALAN:

AND SO THIS ENDS THE STORY

FATEFUL TALE OF LOVE AND GLORY

OVER EVIL WE TRIUMPHED FOR THE GREATER GOOD

THIS SONG I’VE BEEN REPEATING

HUMAN HEARTS ARE ALWAYS BEATING

THROUGH THE AGES WE’LL SING A SONG OF ROBIN HOOD

ALAN, ROBIN, MARIAN, and EMILY:

NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO

SOME HEARTS ARE FULL OF LOVE

AND OTHERS FULL OF FEAR

AND SO WE’LL SHARE THIS STORY OF HOPE

WITH PEOPLE FAR AND NEAR.

ALL:

WE WILL PASS IT ALONG AND TELL IT FOR
GENERATIONS TO COME. EACH FATHER WILL

TELL THE TALE TO HIS SON. TOGETHER WE’LL

SING THE SONG OF THE RIGHTEOUS FIGHT OF THE BRAVE!

ROBIN:

SOMEWHERE BEYOND THIS FOREST

THERE’S A BRAND NEW WORLD BEFORE US

ALAN:

WE MUST GATHER TO TEND THE FIELDS AND WATCH THEM GROW

MARIAN and EMILY:

SOON THIS WILL BE BEHIND US

AND ANOTHER DAY WILL FIND US

ALAN, ROBIN, MARIAN, and EMILY:

TELLING TALES OF A TIME THAT WAS SO LONG AGO

ALL:

NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO

SOME HEARTS ARE FULL OF LOVE

AND OTHERS FULL OF FEAR

AND SO WE’LL SHARE THIS STORY OF HOPE

WITH PEOPLE FAR AND NEAR.

WE WILL PASS IT ALONG AND TELL IT FOR
GENERATIONS TO COME. EACH FATHER WILL

TELL THE TALE TO HIS SON. TOGETHER WE’LL

SING THE SONG OF THE RIGHTEOUS FIGHT OF THE BRAVE!

ALAN:

AND IF EVIL SHALL EVER PUT OUR FREEDOM IN DOUBT

RIGHTEOUS MEN AGAIN SHALL RISE AND SHOUT

MEN:

WE WILL FIGHT UNTIL JUSTICE HAS BEEN DONE

ROBIN:

WE WILL NEVER BACK DOWN AGAINST THE WRONG

MEN:

UNTIL THE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM HAS BEEN WON

ROBIN:

WE WILL TAKE WHAT IS OURS BEFORE TOO LONG

MEN:

UNTIL OUR BANNER IS RAISED IN VICTORY

ROBIN:

SOMEDAY WE WILL JOIN IN THE VICTOR’S SONG

MEN:

WE’LL STAND TOGETHER

ROBIN AND MEN:

TO MAKE OUR PEOPLE FREE

WE’LL STAND TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR PEOPLE FREE

WE’LL STAND TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR PEOPLE FREE. FREE. FREE.

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – ACT II FINALE – A SONG OF ROBIN HOOD

END OF ACT II

MUSIC CUE - CURTAIN CALL AND EXIT MUSIC

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2012 Samuel Stokes

Characters

MUSICAL NUMBER – A TROUBADOUR’S TALE

ACT I

Scene 1

MUSICAL NUMBER – IT’S BEEN SO LONG

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – IT’S BEEN SO LONG

Lucas, thank God you are here. Do you remember what we spoke of a fortnight ago?

MUSICAL NUMBER – I REMEMBER

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – I REMEMBER

Scene 4

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – I REMEMBER

Scene 5

Scene 6

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS

Scene 8

MUSICAL NUMBER – WE’LL STAND TOGETHER

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – WE’LL STAND TOGETHER

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – TAX COLLECTION

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE WAS

Scene 12

MUSICAL NUMBER – SOMEDAY WE WILL RUN

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – SOMEDAY WE WILL RUN

Scene 3

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – FEAST MUSIC/SHERWOOD CAMP THEME

Scene 4

MUSICAL NUMBER – GUY’S SOLILOQUY

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – GUY’S SOLILOQUY

SCENE CHANGE MUSIC – GUY’S SOLILOQUY/SHERWOOD CAMP THEME

Scene 6

MUSICAL NUMBER – THIS IS A CALL

END OF MUSICAL NUMBER – THIS IS A CALL

Scene 7

MUSIC CUE – WEDDING PRELUDE

MUSIC CUE – WEDDING PROCESSION