Your Playhouse of Favorites xxxxxx 49 Robin Hood

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Your Playhouse of Favorites xxxxxx 49 Robin Hood"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: January 3, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to England’s legendary Sherwood Forest, adapting the tales and ballads of Robin Hood as they may have sounded in the golden era of radio drama. With Court Benson starring as Robin Hood and Robert Anthony Dean as narrator, the broadcast brings to life adventures of justice, love, and cunning, as Robin and his Merry Men battle the Sheriff of Nottingham, protect the oppressed, and fight for Lady Marian. The performance is rooted in the ballad tradition, recapturing the spirit and chivalry of an era before television, when families gathered by the radio to share stories.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction and Setting the Scene

• Narrator (Robert Anthony Dean) introduces the legend of Robin Hood, noting his enduring fame and heroic status (00:52).
• The story is taken from the ballads set down in 1475, emphasizing Robin as the champion who "robbed the rich and greedy to help the poor and oppressed" (02:39).

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2. Robin Hood Helps Sir Richard of the Lea

• Scene: In Sherwood Forest, Robin and his Merry Men are introduced through banter and feasting (03:26).
• Sir Richard of the Lea arrives in distress; he's lost everything paying a debt to ransom his son (04:19).
• Robin orders Little John to pay Sir Richard's debt from the Merry Men's treasury, foiling the Sheriff’s plans (05:31).
• Notable Quote:
  • Robin Hood: "Sir Richard's debt will be paid this hour. My heart is full, good Robin. How can I speak my gratitude?" (05:31)

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3. The Trick on the Sheriff of Nottingham

• Robin (in disguise as a butcher) tricks the Sheriff into Sherwood Forest under the pretense of selling him cattle (06:09).
• The Sheriff realizes too late he's been led into Robin’s trap and is relieved of his valuables and dignity (08:47).
• Memorable Moment:
  • Lady Marian on the Sheriff’s return: "Look you, Sir Guy, coming through the castle gate. A comic figure clad in pilgrim's rags. Good sooth, I vow. 'Tis the proud Sheriff of Nottingham!" (09:26)
• The Sheriff and Sir Guy plot revenge, vowing to trap Robin using an archery contest (10:24).

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4. The Archery Contest

• The Sheriff sets a trap: a contest with a golden arrow as prize, hoping to catch Robin (10:51).
• Robin, disguised, wins the contest by splitting another archer’s arrow, then escapes.
• Notable Quote:
  • Sir Guy of Gisborne: "Sheriff, he has split Gilbert's arrow in twain." (12:52)
• Only after he’s won does the Sheriff realize he’s been tricked again; a scroll on the golden arrow reads:
  • "Rejoice to learn, O generous sheriff, that I shall treasure your prize arrow until the day I plant it in your black heart." (14:26)

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5. Robin and Marian’s Love

• Months pass; Robin is changed—distracted and lovelorn after meeting Lady Marian (17:31).
• Lady Marian, disguised as a squire, comes to Robin for help to escape forced marriage to Guy of Gisborne (18:47).
• They share a touching moment, revealing their childhood bond and growing love (19:44).
• Notable Exchange:
  • Lady Marian: "Somehow he [the Earl of Huntingdon] might have your look. Yes. He might be such a man as you."
  • Robin Hood: "Oh, my love. Then bide here with me. [...] For now, my lovely Marian, you belong to me. And I am the proudest man in all this glorious world." (19:44–20:17)

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6. The Final Confrontation & Rescue

• The Sheriff, Guy of Gisborne, and the Bishop press Marian to marry Gisborne. Robin and company devise a rescue plan involving disguises as monks (21:32).
• In a climactic scene at the chapel, Robin and his men interrupt the wedding, revealing their identities and the threats arrayed against them (25:14).
• Twist: King Richard reveals himself, pardons Robin and his band, and grants Marian’s hand to "the Earl of Huntingdon"—Robin Hood’s true identity (26:32).
• Memorable Moment:
  • King Richard: "The outlaw shall have full pardon. And now, fair Lady Marian, we shall soon wed you to your betrothed, the Earl of Huntingdon." (26:41)
  • Robin reveals: "My sweet lady, I, thy lover, am that Robert of Huntingdon whom men have called Robin Hood." (27:09)

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Robin promises justice:
  • "Little John. Go to our treasury and fetch some gold. Sir Richard's debt will be paid this hour." (05:31)
• Sheriff getting outwitted:
  • "A pox on them all. And that butcher fellow was none other than Robin Hood." (09:45)
• Robin’s archery triumph:
  • Sir Guy: "Sheriff, he has split Gilbert's arrow in twain." (12:52)
• Scroll left for the Sheriff:
  • "Rejoice to learn, O generous sheriff, that I shall treasure your prize arrow until the day I plant it in your black heart." (14:26)
• Marian and Robin’s confession:
  • Lady Marian: "You could love such a man?" Robin: "Yes, Robin, I think I might, very easily." (19:53)
• Rescue at the chapel:
  • Abbot: "Ay, look yonder, Sheriff. In every tree and on the walls, men in Lincoln green with long bows." (26:05)
• King Richard’s pardon:
  • "The outlaw shall have full pardon. And now, fair Lady Marian, we shall soon wed you to your betrothed, the Earl of Huntingdon." (26:41)
• Robin’s true identity revealed:
  • "I, thy lover, am that Robert of Huntingdon whom men have called Robin Hood." (27:09)

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Major Segments & Timestamps

• Intro & Setup: 00:52–03:26
• Sir Richard’s Debt Repaid: 03:26–06:09
• Sheriff Outwitted by Robin: 06:09–09:02
• Archery Contest Trap: 10:40–14:38
• Robin & Marian’s Reunion: 17:31–20:17
• Merry Men vs. the Sheriff & Sir Guy: 21:07–24:08
• Marian’s Forced Wedding and Rescue: 25:14–27:09
• Conclusion and Curtain: 27:31–28:44

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Tone & Atmosphere

The performance is lively, filled with witty exchanges, heartfelt declarations, and playful camaraderie amongst Robin Hood's band. The tone shifts seamlessly between high adventure, comedy (especially in outwitting the Sheriff), and generous romance, capturing the spirit of the source material and the era of radio drama.

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For New Listeners

This adaptation of “Robin Hood” delivers a concise and entertaining version of the legendary tale. It highlights the triumph of cleverness and justice, the enduring theme of love overcoming adversity, and offers plenty of nostalgic radio drama flavor. Even if you haven’t heard the episode, the characters’ personalities—Robin’s boldness, Marian’s courage, the Sheriff’s bluster, and the Merry Men’s humor—leap through the audio, making for a timeless story brought vividly to life.

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Transcript

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[Robert Anthony Dean (Narrator)]

Your Playhouse of Favorite. How do you do? This is Robert Anthony Dean inviting you to your playhouse of favorites. Our story today concerns a legendary hero whose love of fair play and bold deeds have been written down in ballads since the time of Chaucer. His fame is equal to that of Bluff King Hal or Bonnie Prince Charlie. In fact, as the first poet said, while England shall be England, Robin Hood will be well loved name. So in a moment, with Court Benson in the title role, your Playhouse of Favorites brings you Robin Hood. Taken from the old ballad set down in 1475 by Wynken de Word.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Sam.

[Robert Anthony Dean (Narrator)]

From its place on the shelf of immortal romantic classics, we now take down the ballads of Robin Hood. During the absence of Richard the Lionheart at the Crusades, the misrule of Prince John and his satellites had caused much misery in England. But there arose a champion of justice, an outlaw bold and true, who robbed the rich and greedy to help the poor and oppressed. Now come with me to Sherwood Forest and learn of Robin Hood and his men and of Lady Marian and the proud sheriff of Notting.

[Little John]

Some more of this good brown ale, Friar Tuck?

[Friar Tuck]

Some good red deer do me more good little Jen. We've fasted three long hours.

[Little John]

Ah, by Saint Crispin, a body rotund as yours has small need to die in jolly tuck. Besides, it is our master Robin's wish that we await his return.

[Friar Tuck]

I know, I know. Bringing some fat abbot to feast with us.

[Little John]

Ay, and to pay a goodly reckoning. Tis Robin Hood's horn. Methinks, fat friar, you will soon be feasting to your belly's content.

[Friar Tuck]

But look you, little John. Tis no fat Abbot. Who accompanies Robin?

[Little John]

Ay, as sad and sorrowful a knight as ever I looked upon. Who can he be? Will Skatelock Allen. A dale.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Little Much, Gather round.

[Little John]

The master brings a special guest.

[Robert Anthony Dean (Narrator)]

Yes.

[Little John]

Here he comes. Over here.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Hola, my merry men.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Ah.

[Little John]

This worthy knight is Sir Richard of the Lea. Make him welcome to our good cheer and feasting. You are timely. Come, sir knight.

[Friar Tuck]

Ay. Welcome to Robin Hood's band.

[Little John]

Thank you, sirs. God rest ye all. And now, Sir Richard, sit you here beside me and eat your fill of.

[Friar Tuck]

Venison and pheasant and plenty of bread and ale.

[Little John]

I, Friar Tuck, plenty of everything at Robin Hood's table for those who are deserving. Tis many a week since I have had such meat and drink, good Robin. But I cannot pay, for I have but 10 shillings to call my own. Ah, you can repay us, gentle knight, by telling us what brought you to these sorry straits. To save my son's life, he entered a tournament and by mischance slew the squire of Guy of Gisborne. He's a dangerous enemy. He's one of Prince John's jackals. I pledged my lands and castle to raise the ransom money. When must you repay the debt? This very day, at setting sun. Then there's no time to lose. How great is the sum you owe? With usury it has grown to 500 pounds. Usury?

[Abbot]

Ay.

[Little John]

The Sheriff of Nottingham.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

The Sheriff of Nottingham.

[Robert Anthony Dean (Narrator)]

Enough.

[Little John]

I'd expected as much. That scheming knave is a blight to our fair England. Little John. Ay, go to our treasury and fetch some gold. Sir Richard's debt will be paid this hour. My heart is full, good Robin. How can I speak my gratitude? Briar Tuck will gave Lock, clothe our guest in proper raiment and speed him on his way. I go to find the thieving Sheriff and little will he like the trick I mean to play on him.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Good morrow, good people. I butcher am I I flesh to sell. Who'll buy? You'll buy.

[Little John]

Who is he?

[Friar Tuck]

He's new to the town.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

He's deaf.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

But he's getting all the trade.

[Lady Marian]

He sells no meat for a penny, the other thing for free, and gives.

[Friar Tuck]

It free to poor widows.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

How come all ye lasses? A butcher am I. I flesh to sell. Who'll buy? Who'll buy?

[Little John]

Out of my path, you're lout.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Make way for his worship, the Sheriff of Nottingham.

[Lady Marian]

The sky of Gisborne.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Curse his black heart.

[Little John]

And the Lady Marian is with him.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Here, Sheriff, is the fellow who sells his Meat so cheap the other butchers complain.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

No doubt he's a thief or a fool. Butcher, I would speak with you.

[Lady Marian]

But, Sheriff, he means no harm. I like the twinkle in his eyes.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Ah, fair lady, Such beauty speaks in my behalf.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Silence, fellow. How dare you address the Lady Marian Fitzwalter?

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

So you are the Lady Marian Fitzwalter?

[Lady Marian]

Yes, butcher, so I am called.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

What can that possibly mean to you?

[Little John]

Only what she must mean to every.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Man that sees her.

[Little John]

The freshness of morning dew, the sweetness of a summer rose.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Enough. Lady Marian. Return to the castle at once with Sir Guy. I would speak with this amazing butcher alone.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Come, Lady Marian. This is no proper place for you.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Now, butcher, I'll make it worth your while if you tell me how you come by all this meat.

[Little John]

Your noble worship, I can show you great herds of horned beasts that you.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Will sell to me. To me alone?

[Little John]

Ay, all you care to buy, illustrious Sheriff.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

No one else need know. Where are these herds? Far from here.

[Little John]

My broad acres are but a few leagues away, Excellency.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Then I will have my palfrey saddled and ride with you straightway.

[Little John]

Remember, bring your money bags to seal the bargain.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Eh? What's that? I say bring plenty of gold. You'll have need of it. See here, butcher, I like not this forest road. He's dangerously close to that villain Robin Hood's lair.

[Little John]

Why should you fear, good Master Sheriff? Robin Hood has never yet harmed a just man. And surely your justice itself.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Of course, of course. But I wish I were far from here. By the saints, where are these beasts of yours?

[Little John]

In the glade ahead and through these trees.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

There.

[Little John]

Look yonder, Sheriff. There are my horned beasts.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

What?

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Those are the King's deer.

[Little John]

Ay, are they not fat and fair.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

And worth all your gold?

[Little John]

And behold my Broadacres. And our merry band to welcome you.

[Lady Marian]

Ah.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Hundred devils. I've been tricked. They are Robin Hood's men.

[Little John]

Ay, sweet Sheriff. And Robin himself to serve you.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Holloa.

[Little John]

Little John.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Merry men all gather round to greet our worshipful guest, the Sheriff of Nottingham. The Sheriff.

[Lady Marian]

Look you, Sir Guy, coming through the castle gate. A comic figure clad in pilgrim's rags. Good sooth, I vow. Tis the proud Sheriff of Nottingham.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Ay.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Tis indeed as sorry a sight as ever I saw.

[Friar Tuck]

Help me.

[Little John]

Help me to a bench before I swoon.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Your worship, what has befallen?

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

I fell among the outlaws.

[Little John]

A pox on them all.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

And that butcher fellow was none other than Robin Hood.

[Lady Marian]

The butcher Robin Hood, beshrew his heart.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

And they robbed you of your shoes. And velvet robes?

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Ay, and of my jewelled chain and rings they jested while I cursed their villainy. And taunted me with boast of their.

[Little John]

Prowess with a long bow.

[Lady Marian]

And then let you go after I.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Had paid them 500 pieces of gold?

[Lady Marian]

By your leave, Sheriff, I needs must laugh the majesty of law and order brought to such confusion.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Impudent danger.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

You forget yourself, Lady Marian. You'll speak with more sympathy, seemly tongue, when you're my bride.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Leave us.

[Lady Marian]

I never wed you, Guy of Gisborne. Never.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

By the breath of my body. Sir Guy, I crave to see this Robin Hood hung from the highest tree.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Let me ride in force to Sherwood Forest and seize that noisome whelp.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Ah, fool's errand to try to take him there. We must lure him to Nottingham.

[Little John]

But how?

[Abbot]

How?

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Wait, Sheriff. Did you not say that Robin Hood boasted of his prowess with the longbow? Ay, well, what better way to draw him from his den than a test of skill?

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Master thought, Sir Guy, Robin Hood could never resist so great a challenge.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

And with a golden arrow is the prize so rich a bait will surely tempt him.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

And proclaim this news, Sir Guy, to all the archers in the land. One week hence, the greatest shooting match the town of Nottingham has ever seen.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Hey. For the ragged stranger in red.

[Friar Tuck]

By Saint Crispin, we have seen noble shooting this day.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

There are but three archers left facing the bat.

[Little John]

Nay, two only, for old Clem o' the clough hath ceded the prize to the others. No man can best yon tattered fellow in red.

[Friar Tuck]

I'll lay you two score silver pennies on Gilbert of the White Hand.

[Little John]

Gilbert.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Oh, Gilbert of the White Hand.

[Little John]

Wait. A new target has been set. They take their places at the mark.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Hark ye. Hark ye. Hark ye. The judges will now decide between these final twain who shall win the arrow of fair gold. From seven score yards and ten ye shall shoot. And but one arrow.

[Friar Tuck]

One arrow.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Gilbert of the White Hand, fit your arrow to the bow.

[Robert Anthony Dean (Narrator)]

It is so done.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Then shoot ye for the golden shaft. It is in the clouds. Paul Gilbert. A perfect shout. It's lodged a finger's breadth from the center. Well done, Gilbert. Now let the rugged stranger try to better that shot. Honey, honey, stranger, whatever your name be, fit your arrow to the bow. Stand ready.

[Little John]

I am ready.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Then shoot now.

[Little John]

Speed thee well, my grey goose shaft.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Sheriff, he has split Gilbert's arrow in twain.

[Lady Marian]

Such a dangerous one.

[Little John]

A guide.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Never have I seen such still. Bring the fellow to me.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Make way. Make way.

[Friar Tuck]

Make Way for the ragged by all.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

The saints in paradise. That was a lovely shaft in. Very true. Here, come here, fellow. The prize is yours. Take the golden arrow from the hand of my ward, the Lady Marianne Fitzwalter.

[Little John]

I have carried the image of Lady Marian in my heart since first I saw her.

[Lady Marian]

Oh, it's you. How dared you. Come.

[Little John]

Have no fear, fair lady. Present the prize.

[Lady Marian]

I present this golden arrow as a prize fairly won. You did bravely, sir.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Not even the cowardly knave Robin Hood could have done so well. Now, what is your name, fellow?

[Little John]

Some call me Reynold Greenleaf.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Then Reynold, take service with me. I can use such a man.

[Little John]

Nay, that I will not. No man in all England save the King, shall be my master.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Get the hand.

[Little John]

I am a lord, and that rights speedily. Till we meet again, Lady Marian.

[Lady Marian]

Fare thee well, stranger. Fare thee well.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Sir Guy. There was something about that saucy knave that belied his tattered raiment.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

It is a great pity it was not Robin Hood himself.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

How did our plan fail? By me troth, I was sure that rogue would show his face at the games today. I thought him bold and not such a craven coward.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Where's this Whence hangs that arrow?

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

There's a scroll threaded on the shaft.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Read it. Read it, Sir Guy.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Rejoice to learn, O generous sheriff, that I shall treasure your prize arrow until the day I plant it in your black heart.

[Little John]

What's this?

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

What's this? Who sent this message?

[Abbot]

It's Siam.

[Lady Marian]

Give me that scroll. Yes. Tis as I thought. Robin Hood. Oh, Robin Hood.

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[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Hey, Sal.

[Little John]

Hank.

[Narrator/Advertiser 1]

What's going on?

[Little John]

We haven't worked a case in years.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

I just bought my car at Carvana.

[Little John]

And it was so easy.

[Narrator/Advertiser 1]

Too easy.

[Robert Anthony Dean (Narrator)]

Think something's up?

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

You tell me.

[Little John]

They got thousands of options. Found a great car at a great.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Price, and it got delivered the next day.

[Narrator/Advertiser 1]

It sounds like Carvana just makes it easy to buy your car, Hank.

[Little John]

Yeah, you're right. Case closed. Buy your car today on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply.

[Robert Anthony Dean (Narrator)]

And so the curtain falls on the first act of the story of Robin Hood, as the old ballads tell. And now back to the story of Robin Hood. As told in the old ballads presented by your playhouse of favorites and starring court Benson. Robin Hood, the merry outlaw of Sherwood Forest, through his love of fair play has gained a friend in Sir Richard of the League and made an enemy of the crafty Sheriff of Nottingham. The sheriff proclaimed an archery contest, but failed in his plan to capture the wily Robin, who, by dyeing his beard and disguising himself in rags, won the match and escaped to Sherwood Forest. The second half of our story takes us back to the greenwood tree. Some months have passed, but our brave outlaw is still dreaming of the lovely face of the Lady Marian. Little John and Friar Tuck are watching him. Little John speaks.

[Little John]

By thy ball paid. Friar Tuck. Our jolly Robin has greatly changed these months past.

[Friar Tuck]

Aye, since that archery match, he is wont to gaze into space and sigh like a love sick swain.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Ah.

[Little John]

I fear me it has robbed him of his daring, for it is over. Long since he has sought adventure.

[Friar Tuck]

Perhaps yonder horsemen crossing the glen may serve to cure his wool gathering. Look you, Little John. A squire rides with him.

[Little John]

Hola. Good Robin, bestir thyself. We have a guest, and I mistake not.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Holloa.

[Little John]

Robin Hood. Aha. Tis Richard of the Lee. Welcome, Sir Richard. Good morrow, friend Robin. Ah, Little John. And Holy Father.

[Friar Tuck]

Greetings, Sir Richard.

[Little John]

Greetings, you. All of ye, greetings. How now, sir. Methinks you're much gayer than when last in Sherwin. What brings you? Well, friend Robin, this is a happy day for me. For I am come to repay the great debt I owe you. But by your gold, brave knight. For have you not heard that the Sheriff himself paid your debt to us some time ago? Then if you will not accept my gold, my squire yonder bears a special gift. One you'll not refuse.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Your squire.

[Little John]

Well, bid him hither. Nay, Robin, for the lad is young and over shy. Shy? Why, then I'll go to him and teach him to be bold. So ho, young stripling. You have a word for the ear of Robin Hood?

[Lady Marian]

Yes, and it please you.

[Little John]

Merciful heaven. Tis the Lady Marian. O, my sweet. What dost thou here?

[Lady Marian]

I prevailed upon Sir Richard to bring me as his squire, for I so needed to seek your aid.

[Little John]

I would serve you to the death. If need be, my lady.

[Lady Marian]

Then save me from Guy of Gisborne. The Sheriff swears to make me marry him.

[Little John]

But. But you're the King's ward. He dare not do this.

[Lady Marian]

He dares anything. He has usurped the power of guardian and sent to London for the Bishop of Hereford.

[Little John]

Have you no Kinfolk? No, protector.

[Lady Marian]

When I was a child, our dear king betrothed me to the young Earl of Huntingdon.

[Little John]

Robert of Huntingdon. Do you know where he is now?

[Lady Marian]

Alas, I know not. Because he gave his revenues to the poor rather than to enrich Prince John's coffers, he was banished.

[Little John]

Did you love this young earl?

[Lady Marian]

We were but children.

[Little John]

Have you thought what he might be like today?

[Lady Marian]

Somehow he might have your look. Yes. He might be such a man as you.

[Little John]

And you could love such a man?

[Lady Marian]

Yes, Robin, I think I might, very easily.

[Little John]

Oh, my love. Then bide here with me. And you need never fear this Guy of Gisborne.

[Lady Marian]

Nay, Robin. I must, in honor, await the King's return.

[Little John]

Then ride back to Nottingham with Sir Richard. But swear by this kiss?

[Lady Marian]

I swear, dear Robin.

[Little John]

Send me instant word of the Bishop's arrival and I shall be at your side. For now, my lovely Marian, you belong to me. And I am the proudest man in all this glorious world.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Hey, but, ho, landlord.

[Abbot]

More tankards of this good English ale. Zounds, what a morning this was. What a merry chase we've had.

[Little John]

Ay, sir, but we've not yet run our fox to earth.

[Friar Tuck]

We will, we will.

[Abbot]

The day is yet young.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Here's your ale, gentlemen.

[Robert Anthony Dean (Narrator)]

Stay.

[Abbot]

Good landlord, perchance you may help us. The snow of the outlaw Robin Hood. Ay, sir, we seek this fellow. But for three hours we've ridden Sherwood Forest, End to end and vice and.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Withal all we found was silence and a few deer.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Simple gentry such as you could never find Robin Hood.

[Little John]

Simple gentry? What do you mean, fellow?

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Oh, no disrespect, gentlemen, but he will find you in the twink of an eye. And you take my advice.

[Abbot]

What advice, O wise landlord?

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Ride to yonder abbey and there clad yourself as a lord abbot and your company as monks.

[Abbot]

And that being done, you say he will find us?

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Ay, sirs, for Bold Robin can smell a Percy Abbot a league away.

[Little John]

To the Abbey, then.

[Abbot]

We'll try his plan. Here's your reckoning, landlord, and thank ye.

[Little John]

These monk's robes be hot and cumbersome.

[Abbot]

Yes, and this habit hood is stifling, but it serves to cover my countenance.

[Little John]

Wait, sir. There are men in Lincoln Green and yon covert.

[Abbot]

Hmm. The landlord's right. The fox hath nosed us out.

[Little John]

Hold, sir abbot, for these hands itch to feel the miser's gold in that fat.

[Friar Tuck]

An abbot with money bags. I have.

[Little John]

Ay. Set your arrows, lads, lest they prove troublesome. Dismount. I Say.

[Abbot]

What is this place? And who art thou, sirrah?

[Little John]

Robin Hood, host at the sign of the greenwood tree.

[Abbot]

So at last I found the traitor Robin Hood.

[Little John]

I cast that lie on your teeth, proud abbot. For each of us here would lay down his life for our dear king. We are honest yeomen who serve His Majesty well.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Honest?

[Abbot]

When you would rob a nabbit of his tithe?

[Little John]

Ay, to help the victims of smug priors and the fawning lick spits of Prince John.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Well spoken.

[Abbot]

It would seem there's more justice today in Sherwood than at Prince John's court.

[Little John]

Now, by since charity give over that purse, or must I take it?

[Abbot]

And what if I refuse so much as a cracked farthing?

[Little John]

Then that cowl of yours will taste a drubbing from my stout quarter staff.

[Abbot]

It ill befits my garb. Tis mighty omen. But if yon tall fellow will but hand me that cudgel he bears here.

[Little John]

Take little John staff, bold abbot, and woe betide ye.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Holloa man above and back and a trap for the abbot.

[Little John]

Take up your cudgel.

[Abbot]

Now look to yourself.

[Little John]

On my oath, you are a stranger stalwart prior. Here's a stroke to fell an ox.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Come then, smite more boldly. Are you faint hearted? Out upon it, abbot. Wilt cry a mercy? Ah, never. Now guard thy pate. Take that and that. How like you this love pat? Ay, I yield back.

[Little John]

Robin is stricken of the earth that'll take this, abbot. You'll not go free for that.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Come on, lads.

[Little John]

Nay, nay, Little John, forbear, for he's a stout fellow.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Hey.

[Little John]

Here will take my hand, abbot, and be my friend.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Robin Hood.

[Little John]

Ho.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Robin Hood.

[Little John]

A messenger.

[Friar Tuck]

I am hard ridden.

[Little John]

What, newsman?

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Speak, man, speak.

[Robert Anthony Dean (Narrator)]

I ride.

[Little John]

I ride for Lady Mariana.

[Abbot]

Nottingham.

[Little John]

The Bishop of Hereford has come from London town. The wedding takes place at sundown. My thanks, ladies.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Now hear ye, my true and loyal men.

[Little John]

By all your hopes of heaven, make haste with me to Nottingham to rescue the Lady Marian. But the Sheriff will have man at arms at all the gates. Their broadswords are no match for our clothyard shafts. Besides, there are other ways to enter the town.

[Abbot]

Other ways? In truth, friend Robin, they will not bar the gates to men in holy orders. My monks and I will ride into the town with you.

[Little John]

You will join us, Abbot? That I will.

[Abbot]

For do we not both love justice.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

And a good fight?

[Lady Marian]

Spare me this hateful marriage, Sheriff. Do not profane our holy chapel and.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Lose the gold that Guy of Gisborne has paid Me for your hand? You think me mad?

[Lady Marian]

Have you no pity in your heart? Give me a little while longer, sniveling girl.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Be quiet.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Enough of this delay. Sheriff. The lord bishop awaits us. Must I carry my bride to the altar?

[Lady Marian]

Do not touch me, Guy of Gisborne. I hate you.

[Abbot]

Peace. Peace, my child. A bride with tears on her bonnie.

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Lord Abbot, this is none of your affair. How passed you by, my man at arms?

[Abbot]

Surely a man in holy orders may visit a chapel.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Out of my way, abbot. Let this wedding proceed.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Come, Lady Marian, give me your hand.

[Abbot]

Nay, Guy of Gisborne. I think you will not dare to enter yon chapel.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

Who says me nay?

[Sheriff of Nottingham]

Robin Hood.

[Abbot]

Ay, look yonder, Sheriff. In every tree and on the walls, men in Lincoln green with long bows.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

No, men of the gods. A thousand devils. Where are the men at arms?

[Little John]

Oh, now, friend Sheriff, we meet again. Your men at arms will not serve you. They fear the arrows of my merry men. Oh, Marian. My lady, you are safe.

[Lady Marian]

Safe. Now with you, my dear one.

[Sir Guy of Gisborne]

A pretty picture. The King's outlaw and the King's ward. What would his wandering majesty say to that?

[Abbot]

His Majesty would say, we are pleased.

[Friar Tuck]

Indeed.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

King Richard, sire.

[Lady Marian]

Your Majesty.

[Little John]

Pardon for my men, sire.

[Abbot]

I know well your loyalty, Robin. The outlaw shall have full pardon. And now, fair Lady Marian, we shall soon wed you to your betrothed, the Earl of Huntingdon.

[Lady Marian]

Sire, from my heart, on my knee, I beg your royal leave to marry the man I love, Robin Hood, so well.

[Abbot]

Come then. Tis unchristian to keep the Lord Bishop waiting. We'll wed you to both of them.

[Lady Marian]

Your Majesty, I know not what you mean.

[Abbot]

Tell her, Robin.

[Little John]

Gladly. Siren. My sweet lady, I, thy lover, am that Robert of Huntingdon whom men have called Robin Hood.

[Robert Anthony Dean (Narrator)]

And so the curtain falls on the legend of Robin Hood, as brought to you by your playhouse of favorites and starting court. Benson.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Sam.

[Robert Anthony Dean (Narrator)]

This is Robert Anthony Dean reminding you that front row seats are reserved for you. The very next time our curtain rises on another romantic classic. Presented for your favorite listening pleasure by your playhouse of favorites.

[Court Benson (Robin Hood)]

Sa.