The Ballads of Robin Hood
Scene
Five - Dark and dismal prison inside Nottingham
Cast
Robin
is behind bars and the Sheriff walks in, a little tipsy, with a wine bottle in
his hand and sits outside the cell.
Robin sings The Ballad of Robin Hood and the Butcher
Sheriff:
You'll be singing a different tune when the King receives news of your
capture and that'll be soon.
Robin:
I answer only to the King.
A
warder escorts in two heavily hooded men. The taller one hangs back a little in
the shadows.
Warder:
These two messengers have
come from the King for they bear a letter with his royal seal.
Much
steps forwards, bows featly offering a document. The Sheriff attempts to rise
but slumps back in his chair, a little the worse for drink.
Much:
From his Grace, the King, to the Sheriff of
The
Sheriff peers closely at the seal, is satisfied that it is genuine, and cuts the
silks fastening the document.
Sheriff:
Where is the monk that took my letter to the Prince?
Much:
His grace took a fancy to
him at once and chose to keep him at his side at Gloucester. He is to be made Abbot of Gloucester, I suppose.
Sheriff:
Is that so? Then he will be a great lord.
Much:
The Prince was so pleased to hear of Robin Hood's capture that he saw it fit to
reward the man who was the sole cause of it.
Sheriff:
Did the monk boast so
largely? It is I who should take the credit for taking Robin Hood . . . and my
men, partly.
The
Sheriff reads the letter.
Sheriff:
His Grace writes that I am to put the prisoner in your hands for you to escort
him back to
The
Sheriff reached for another glass of wine and offered his guests a glass too.
Much acts sociable.
Much:
It must be a difficult task apprehending an outlaw around here. You need a
strong arm and heart . . . and must know your law?
Sheriff: I make a fortune from the law.
The
Sheriff breaks into The Sheriff's Song
The
Sheriff then falls asleep. Little John relieves him of his keys and opens the
door to Robin's cell.
All
three creep out, leaving the Sheriff sleeping.
Scene
Closes